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• Report: World Powers Building New Facilities at Nuclear Test Sites VOA 22 Sep 2023 -- China, Russia and the United States have all built new facilities and dug new tunnels at their nuclear test sites in the last few years, reports CNN, citing satellite images that show the new construction and increased vehicle traffic coming in and out of the sites.
• U.S. and PRC Hold Working Level Meeting on DOD 2023 Cyber Strategy Summary and Related Cyber Issues DoD 22 Sep 2023 -- U.S. defense officials held a hybrid in-person and virtual meeting today with People's Republic of China (PRC) defense officials at the invitation of the Department of Defense to discuss its recently released Cyber Strategy Summary, in accordance with the 2014 U.S.-PRC Memorandum of Understanding on Notification of Major Military Activities Confidence Building Measure Mechanism.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming the President of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi DoD 22 Sep 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Bilateral Meeting With President of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi DoD 22 Sep 2023
• Department of Defense Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs) DoD 22 Sep 2023 -- The Department of Defense (DoD) has transmitted the President's Budget 2024 comprehensive annual Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs) to Congress.
• Interoperability Experimentation at Bold Quest/Island Marauder Strengthens Collaboration With Allies and Partners DoD 22 Sep 2023 -- The Joint Staff-sponsored Bold Quest joint and multinational demonstration and assessment concluded today in Southern California. Military participants and observers from 17 allies and partner nations gathered to demonstrate and assess technical and procedural means of working together at strategic, operational, and tactical levels across all domains.
• Department of Defense Approves $100 Million in Grants Under the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program DoD 22 Sep 2023 -- Today, the Department of Defense awarded seventeen Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program (DCIP) grants from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, totaling approximately $100 million.
• Austin Lauds Mozambique's Leadership on Regional Security DoD News 22 Sep 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today thanked Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi for his leadership in promoting the role of women in security during an enhanced honor cordon and meeting at the Pentagon.
• Gen. Michael Langley's Libya Visit Highlights USAID Humanitarian Aid Efforts and Bilateral Cooperation AFRICOM 22 Sep 2023 -- U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, traveled to Libya, September 20-21, to further cooperation between the United States and Libya, and highlight the robust U.S. humanitarian response to the devastating floods.
• Armenian medics take training to the next level as part of Saber Junction 23 Army News 22 Sep 2023 -- Doctors and other medical personnel participated in the training exercise Saber Junction 23, which started Sept. 6 and ended Sept. 16, in Hohenfels, Germany, testing their capability to provide NATO-equivalent Role II medical services in a simulated combat environment. The hospital provided medical coverage to the U.S. Army's 2nd Cavalry Regiment, and other participating units, along with 14 Allied and Partner nations.
• USARCENT Deploys CCP to Jordan for Exercise Lucky Strike 23.2 CENTCOM 22 Sep 2023 -- U.S. Army Central deployed its contingency command post Sept. 5-8 to Exercise Lucky Strike 23.2 at the Joint Training Center in Zarqa, Jordan.
• Koa Moana Marines Host Puma Training for Palau Maritime Law Enforcement USMC News 22 Sep 2023 -- U.S. Marines with Task Force Koa Moana 23 concluded the Task Force Koa Moana RQ-20B Puma Training Course with a graduation ceremony at the Palau Joint Operations Center, Bureau of Maritime Security and Fish & Wildlife Protection, Koror, Palau, Sept. 14, 2023.
• U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) held a Women, Peace and Security Symposium (WPS), Sept. 18-21, as part of Continuing Promise 2023 on board the USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) and at Grenada's National Cricket Stadium in St. George's, Grenada US Navy 22 Sep 2023 -- U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) held a Women, Peace and Security Symposium (WPS), Sept. 18-21, as part of Continuing Promise 2023 on board the USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) and at Grenada's National Cricket Stadium in St. George's, Grenada.
• Women, Peace, and Security Symposium Held in St. George's, Grenada US Navy 22 Sep 2023 -- U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) held a Women, Peace and Security Symposium (WPS), Sept. 18-21, as part of Continuing Promise 2023 on board the USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) and at Grenada's National Cricket Stadium in St. George's, Grenada.
• SECNAV Delivers Remarks at the International Seapower Symposium 25 US Navy 22 Sep 2023
• Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti Delivers Closing Remarks at the International Seapower Symposium US Navy 22 Sep 2023
• SECNAV Delivers Remarks at the Inaugural DON STB Meeting US Navy 22 Sep 2023
• SECNAV Del Toro Statement on the Swearing-In of Gen Eric Smith as 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps US Navy 22 Sep 2023
• VCNO Hosts 25th International Seapower Symposium in Newport US Navy Press Release 22 Sep 2023 -- Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti welcomed international heads of Navy and Coast Guard from nearly 100 nations at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, September 19-22, for the 25th International Seapower Symposium (ISS).
• USS Bunker Hill Decommissions US Navy 22 Sep 2023 -- USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), the 11th ship of the Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser, recognized more than 37 years of naval service during a decommissioning ceremony at Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 22.
• VRC-30 Flies its Last C-2A Greyhound to Norfolk US Navy 22 Sep 2023 -- As taps played in the distant background the last C-2A Greyhound aircraft assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 arrived at Naval Station (NS) Norfolk, Sept. 20, after flying its final flight.
• Swapping patches: Two Iowa Guard units redesignated under 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls" Army News 22 Sep 2023 -- Two Iowa Army National Guard units were redesignated and assigned under a new division to enhance the capabilities and readiness of the organization this month. Both units currently fall under the 734th Regional Support Group based at Camp Dodge.
• Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final National Security Guardrails for CHIPS for America Incentives Program US Dept. of Commerce 22 Sep 2023 -- Guardrails Finalized by the Department of Commerce Will Ensure Manufacturing and Technology Investments Under the CHIPS Act Bolster Technological and National Security of America, Allies, and Partners
• US F-16 jets arrive in Romania for NATO air policing NATO 22 Sep 2023 -- Four U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets arrived at Fetesti Air Base in Romania on September 22, 2023 to further enhance NATO air policing in the Black Sea region.
• NATO tests counter-drone technologies during exercise NATO 22 Sep 2023 -- From 12 to 22 September 2023, over 300 participants from 15 Allied and three partner nations, the European Union and the private sector gathered in the Netherlands to increase their ability to counter potential threats posed by the malign use of small drones.
• Russia Reportedly Plans To Ramp Up Military Spending in 2024 RFE/RL 22 Sep 2023 -- Russia plans to significantly ramp up military spending next year as its invasion of Ukraine falters and a presidential election looms, Bloomberg reported, citing a draft budget submitted to parliament on September 22.
• Canada reaffirms our unwavering support for Ukraine for as long as it takes Prime Minister of Canada 22 Sep 2023 -- The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to Canada to showcase Canada's ongoing solidarity and unwavering support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia's war of aggression.
• Canada Pledges More Military Aid As Kyiv Confirms Hitting Russian Black Sea Fleet HQ RFE/RL 22 Sep 2023 -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged an additional C$650 million (US$482 million) for Ukraine during a visit by President Volodymyr Zelensky to Ottawa as Kyiv announced a successful strike on Russia's Black Sea fleet headquarters in occupied Crimea.
• Canada Commits $482Mln in Military Assistance to Ukraine, to Send F-16 Pilot Trainers Sputnik 22 Sep 2023 -- Canada will be providing Ukraine with C$650 million ($482 million) in military assistance over the next three years and will be sending F-16 trainers for Ukrainian pilots, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.
• Biden announces new military aid for Ukraine amid Congress budget deadlock People's Daily 22 Sep 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday announced a new military aid package worth 325 million U.S. dollars for Ukraine, including more air defense, while the U.S. Congress is struggling to reach a compromise to avert a federal government shutdown.
• First US Abrams tanks to arrive in Ukraine next week: Biden Press TV 22 Sep 2023 -- US President Joe Biden has announced that the first US Abrams tanks allocated for Ukraine will arrive there next week.
• Pentagon: Ukraine Aid Operations Will Remain Despite Potential US Government Shutdown Sputnik 22 Sep 2023 -- The Pentagon's efforts to assist Ukraine will not be affected by a potential US government shut down should lawmakers on Capitol Hill not reach a deal on a spending budget by the end of the month, Defense Department (DoD) spokesperson Chris Sherwood said in a statement to Sputnik.
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy on strengthening Ukraine's long-range capabilities: The moment will come - we will all see it President of Ukraine 22 Sep 2023
• We will work together for Ukraine to produce the necessary weapons together with America - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 22 Sep 2023
• Poland stops sending weapons to Ukraine: PM People's Daily 22 Sep 2023 -- Poland will not send weapons to Ukraine anymore, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Wednesday night.
• Poland to send older weapons to Ukraine to fulfill existing agreements: President Press TV 22 Sep 2023 -- Poland's president says his country will fulfill existing arms supply agreements with Kiev but it may only send more of its older weapons to the country.
• Heavy Metal: The Radioactive Ammunition Headed For Ukraine RFE/RL 22 Sep 2023 -- After U.S. President Joe Biden told his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, on September 21 that a new shipment of arms would arrive in Ukraine "next week," Zelenskiy replied that the package has "exactly what our soldiers need now."
• "Canada will continue providing extensive military aid to Ukraine!": Rustem Umerov met with his Canadian counterpart Bill Blair Ukraine MOD 22 Sep 2023
• The discussion of the promising areas for the capabilities implementation in corruption detecting took place at the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine Ukraine MOD 22 Sep 2023
• INDIAN NAVAL SHIP SAHYADRI PARTICIPATES IN THE MAIDEN INDIA-INDONESIA-AUSTRALIA TRILATERAL MARITIME EXERCISE India PIB 22 Sep 2023 -- Indian Navy's indigenously built warship INS Sahyadri, mission deployed in Indo-Pacific, participated in the maiden trilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise with the ships and aircraft from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Indonesian Navy from 20 - 21 Sep 2023
• INS NIREEKSHAK DEPARTS TRINCOMALEE India PIB 22 Sep 2023 -- Indian Navy's Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, INS Nireekshak departed Trincomalee on 21 Sep 23 after a week long Dive Training exercise with the Sri Lanka Navy
• Iran's Armed Forces stage military parade in Sacred Defense Week IRNA 22 Sep 2023 -- The Iranian Armed Forces on Friday have started massive military parades across the country to mark the Sacred Defense Week.
• Iran parades hypersonic, cruise missiles, 'longest-range' drone Press TV 22 Sep 2023 -- Iran has paraded its military hardware on the anniversary of a Western-backed war on the Islamic Republic in the 1980s, including "the longest-range drone in the world" along with ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
• 'Important visit': Iran's Quds Force commander in Syria for joint drill Press TV 22 Sep 2023 -- The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' Quds Force has visited Syria on an "important" trip and supervised a joint drill, according to Iranian media reports.
• MILEX23: EU launches crisis management military exercise European External Action Service (EEAS) 22 Sep 2023 -- The European Union is conducting its Crisis Management Military Exercise 23 (MILEX 23) which started on 18 September and will continue until 22 October.
• Cooperation in the Barents Euro-Arctic Council continues without Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 22 Sep 2023 -- Russia announced its decision to withdraw from the Barents Euro-Arctic Council on 18 September. The Barents cooperation will now continue between Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and the European Union, as it has continued since the Barents partners condemned Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine in March 2022.
• Investments in civil defence and crisis preparedness in the autumn budget Government Offices of Sweden 22 Sep 2023 -- In light of the serious security environment, the Government has proposed a number of investments in civil defence and crisis preparedness in the Budget Bill for 2024 and the autumn amending budget for 2023.
• Ministry of Defence military budget initiatives for 2024 Government Offices of Sweden 22 Sep 2023 -- Sweden is currently facing the most serious security situation since the Second World War. This places new demands on military defence.
• Defence Minister Sklenár in talks with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) in Munich over possibility of repairing and servicing Slovak Army's Leopard 2A4 MTBs in Slovakia Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 22 Sep 2023 -- As part of his working trip to Germany today, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár visited Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW)'s headquarters in Munich. KMW is a world-renowned manufacturer of artillery, wheeled and tracked armoured platforms, including Leopard 1 and 2 main battle tanks.
• In conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister, Krišjānis Kariņš expresses interest in early ratification of Sweden's NATO Accession Protocol at Parliament of Türkiye Latvia MFA 22 Sep 2023 -- On 21 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 Türkiye, Hakan Fidan.
• Krišjānis Kariņš in New York highlights the need for UN reform in order to address present-day challenges Latvia MFA 22 Sep 2023 -- On 21 September 2023, during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Krišjānis Kariņš, took part in the ministerial level meeting for the preparation of the UN Summit of the Future, at which he underlined the need for reform of the multilateral system so that it could respond more effectively to emerging challenges.
• US Eyes Closer Ties to Central Asia After New York Summit VOA 22 Sep 2023 -- Senior U.S. officials are upbeat about the prospects for improved relations with Central Asia's five republics following a first-of-its-kind summit between the region's leaders and President Joe Biden in New York this week.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2023
• Joint Statement on the Partners in the Blue Pacific Foreign Ministers Meeting US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2023 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Japan, Germany, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom on the occasion of the Partners in the Blue Pacific Foreign Ministers Meeting September 22, 2023.
• Acting Deputy Secretary of State and Under Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols After the Addressing the Urgent Security Situation in Haiti UN General Assembly Side Event US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa And Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Manalo US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with West African Partners on the Situation in Niger US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2023
• Joint Readout of the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New York US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2023 -- The following is the joint readout released by the Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Ministers of the Governments of Australia, India, and Japan. The Quad is a diplomatic network of four democracies committed to supporting a free and open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Representative Lucy McBath The White House 22 Sep 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 22, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 22 September 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 Sep 2023
• The Azadi Briefing: Afghanistan Receives Much-Needed Humanitarian Funding RFE/RL 22 Sep 2023
• Taliban Pledge To 'Neutralize' Activities of Afghan-Based Pakistani Militants VOA 22 Sep 2023 -- Afghanistan's Taliban have pledged "concrete steps" to "neutralize" activities of militants plotting terrorist attacks against neighboring Pakistan, diplomatic sources told VOA on Friday.
• Negotiators: No Agreement in 1st Day of Nagorno-Karabakh Talks VOA 22 Sep 2023 -- Negotiators said Friday there were no results to report after the first day of talks between representatives for ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan's government to discuss the future of the breakaway region.
• With Victory Assured, Azerbaijan Now Seeks 'Reintegration' Of Karabakh Armenians RFE/RL 22 Sep 2023 -- As Azerbaijan moves swiftly toward retaking full control of the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, the territory's ethnic Armenian population is facing a deeply precarious future.
• Azerbaijan: Address by the High Representative Josep Borrell to UN Security Council on Nagorno-Karabakh European External Action Service (EEAS) 22 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023
• Iran gives Iraq several days to fully enforce deal on disarming terrorists: Top commander Press TV 22 Sep 2023 -- A top Iranian military commander said the country has given Iraq several more days to fully implement a March agreement to relocate and disarm anti-Iran groups operating from the Arab country's Kurdistan region, stressing that all terrorist groups in the region must be disarmed.
• Rohingyas face prison-like conditions in Bangladesh camps: report Radio Free Asia 22 Sep 2023 -- Nearly two-thirds of Rohingya respondents have reported that moving around in Bangladesh refugee camps is more difficult than what they encountered in Myanmar, the country they were forced to flee, a youth advocacy group said in a study released Friday.
• Troops arrest more than 100 villagers in Myanmar's Magway region Radio Free Asia 22 Sep 2023 -- Junta troops arrested and interrogated more than 100 villagers in Magway region's Gangaw township after anti-junta militias captured weapons in a raid on an arms depot, local People's Defense Forces said this week.
• Open letter by Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, to the members of the Republika Srpska National Assembly OSCE 22 Sep 2023
• Fleeing Militants Pose Challenge to Somalia's Security VOA 22 Sep 2023 -- As Somalia's army and allied clan militias continue to drive al-Shabab fighters out of locales in central Somalia, analysts warn the country could still face security threats from Islamist militants on the run.
• Somalia Seeks Delay of AU Peacekeepers' Drawdown VOA 22 Sep 2023 -- Somalia is facing a dilemma over plans to continue a drawdown of peacekeepers from the country by a deadline of the end of 2024 because it's not known whether the country's poorly equipped security forces can put down al-Shabab militants' security threat to the government by that time.
• Uncertainty Casts Shadow on Engagement With Military in Sahel VOA 22 Sep 2023 -- The European Union and its Western partners are grappling with how to maintain diplomatic relations in the Sahel region following recent putsches in Africa.

News Reports

• At UN, Horn of Africa nations urge global solidarity and real reform UN News 22 Sep 2023 -- To make multilateralism work in this age of insecurity we need to ensure that a much wider group of voices are heard - in this United Nations, and around the globe, the Prime Minister of Malta said on Friday.
• Shun path of confrontation and work together for the SDGs, urges Bangladesh leader UN News 22 Sep 2023 -- The Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Friday appealed to world leaders gathered at the UN "to shun the path of war and confrontation, and to work collectively for enduring peace ... and economic prosperity for our people and future generations."
• Iraqi Prime Minister highlights national priorities focused on people UN News 22 Sep 2023 -- A spirit of consensus prevails in Iraq, with a broad political coalition now governing the nation, encompassing all aspects of society, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al Sudani said on Friday.
• We can't keep putting the interest of the few before the lives of many, Mia Mottley says at UN UN News 22 Sep 2023 -- "Are we going to be too late for the SDGs?" Mia Mottley asked world leaders at the UN General Assembly on Friday, challenging them to "summon the determination to make the fundamental governance changes" that will turn the vision of sustainable development for all into a 21st century reality.
• UN calls for 'clear-eyed' vision for peace and security, as peacebuilders meet in New York UN News 22 Sep 2023 -- Following the UN chief's appeal this week for a fresh approach to global peace and security, UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) countries convened on Friday to discuss the best way forward.
• At critical moment for peacekeeping in Africa, Ghana steps up to host key summit UN News 22 Sep 2023 -- The UN and Ghana jointly announced on Friday that December's UN Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting will be hosted in Accra, at a time when some African nations are questioning the value of having 'blue helmets' on their soil.
• Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden's speech to the UN General Assembly: 22 September 2023 UK FCDO 23 Sep 2023 -- Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden's speech to the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
• Statement by the Prime Minister of Pakistan General debate of the 78th Session of UN General Assembly (22 September 2023) Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023 -- BISMILLAHI AR-RAHMAN AR-RAHIM
• 'The world cannot afford Cold War 2.0,' Pakistan leader tells UN Assembly UN News 22 Sep 2023 -- As tensions between global powers continue to escalate with the rise of new and old military and political blocs, "geo-politics is resurging when geo-economics should be at the top of the international agenda, the Prime Minister of Pakistan told the UN General Assembly on Friday.
• World must pass 'AI stress test', UK Deputy PM says, announcing summit UN News 22 Sep 2023 -- The United Kingdom will be holding a summit on artificial intelligence (AI) so that nations can come together to "understand it, govern it, harness its potential and contain its risks", Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden told the UN General Assembly on Friday.
• U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, His Wife, And Three New Jersey Businessmen Charged With Bribery Offenses US Attorney for the Southern District of New York 23 Sep 2023 -- Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), announced that an Indictment was unsealed this morning charging U.S. Senator ROBERT MENENDEZ, his wife NADINE MENENDEZ, a/k/a "Nadine Arslanian," and three New Jersey businessmen, WAEL HANA, a/k/a "Will Hana," JOSE URIBE, and FRED DAIBES, with participating in a years-long bribery scheme.
• New Jersey Senator Menendez Stands Accused of Bribery, Corruption VOA 22 Sep 2023 -- New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez and his wife, Nadine, have been charged with several counts of bribery, according to a corruption indictment unsealed Friday.
• Menendez 'Temporarily' Resigns as US Foreign Relations Panel Chair Amid Bribery Probe Sputnik 22 Sep 2023 -- US Senator Bob Menendez is temporarily resigning as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee following an indictment for crimes including bribery and conspiracy to commit extortion, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Friday.
• Retired FBI Special Agent in Charge Pleads Guilty to Concealing Information from the FBI US Dept. of Justice 22 Sep 2023 -- Charles F. McGonigal, 54, a former FBI Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office, pleaded guilty today to concealment of material facts for his undisclosed receipt of $225,000 in cash from an individual who had business interests in Europe while McGonigal was supervising counterintelligence efforts.
• Independent Intelligence Review Prime Minister of Australia 22 Sep 2023 -- The Australian Government has commissioned an Independent Review into Australia's intelligence agencies.
• Research Warns White Supremacists Are Building a Shadow Militia VOA 22 Sep 2023 -- White supremacists appear to have settled on a new strategy to grow their numbers and ready capable fighting forces across the United States, Canada and Europe while avoiding the scrutiny of law enforcement.
• Australia to Examine National COVID-19 Response VOA 22 Sep 2023 -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Thursday announced the government will conduct a yearlong inquiry into the country's approach to COVID-19, but opposition politicians say the limited scope and powers of the inquiry will make it "a complete waste of time."
• Telephone conversation with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov President of Russia 22 Sep 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Governor of the Novgorod Region Andrei Nikitin.
• Press release on Sergey Lavrov's meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic, Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023
• Press release on Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin's participation in the 13th Conference on Facilitating Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023
• Russia Calls Bulgaria's Decision To Expel Cleric 'Blasphemous,' Summons Ambassador RFE/RL 22 Sep 2023 -- Moscow has reacted angrily to Bulgaria's decision to expel the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in Sofia, calling the move "blasphemous" and an "unfriendly" act as it closed the Russian Church in the Bulgarian capital in response.
• UN HRC54: UK Statement on Russia UK FCDO 22 Sep 2023 -- Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the Russian Federation. As delivered by the UK's Ambassador to the WTO and the UN, Simon Manley.
• The Week In Russia: Limited Leverage In The 'Near Abroad' RFE/RL 22 Sep 2023 -- Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward.
• UN Report: Russian Repression of Dissidents, Civil Society Reaches Unprecedented Levels VOA 22 Sep 2023 -- A U.N. human rights expert says repression against dissidents and civil and political rights in the Russian Federation has reached unprecedented levels since the country's invasion of Ukraine.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023
• Press release on Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin attending the second round of Informal Interactive Dialogue on Cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023
• Press release on Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of Bolivia Rogelio Mayta Mayta Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023
• Press release on Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023
• Press release on Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of Nicaragua Denis Moncada Colindres Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's participation in the ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Jalil Abbas Jilani Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic of Sudan Abdel Fattah al-Burhan Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso Olivia Rouamba Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of Brazil Mauro Vieira Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Sep 2023
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on September 22, 2023 PRC MofA 22 Sep 2023
• Treasury Department Announces Launch of Economic and Financial Working Groups with the People's Republic of China US Treasury 22 Sep 2023 -- Today, the United States and the People's Republic of China launched an Economic Working Group and a Financial Working Group under the direction of Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen and Vice Premier He Lifeng.
• China sends clear signal at UNGA, upholding true multilateralism Global Times 22 Sep 2023 -- While the US has been hijacking the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and turning it into a platform for touting its so-called leadership and peddle its "multilateral approach," Chinese Vice President Han Zheng sent out a clear signal upholding true multilateralism and elaborated in a comprehensive way on how to work together in building an open and inclusive world with lasting peace and prosperity.
• China, US set up working groups for economic issues Global Times 22 Sep 2023 -- China and the US have agreed to set up two working groups for economic and financial matters in a major step that experts say could help put the brakes on a downward spiral in bilateral ties following a slew of recent high-level exchanges between officials.
• China's Lending to Africa Hits a Low, Study Shows VOA 22 Sep 2023 -- As China marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of its global infrastructure project, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), new data show lending to Africa has fallen to its lowest level in almost two decades.
• China's ill-defined spy law dampens foreign investor confidence Radio Free Asia 22 Sep 2023 -- Investor confidence in China is at its lowest ebb in decades amid fears that the Counterespionage Law and other legislation could be used to target foreign companies, according to two reports from the European and American Chambers of Commerce and a high-ranking E.U. official.
• China property faces further ratings downgrades Radio Free Asia 22 Sep 2023 -- Moody's has put two of China's leading developers on review for possible downgrades in the wake of downgrading the country's entire property sector to negative territory last week.
• In speech at UN, Chinese VP calls on world to stay true to multilateralism, improve global governance People's Daily 22 Sep 2023 -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Thursday called on the world to stay true to multilateralism and improve global governance, in a wide-ranging speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
• China declares 'strategic partnership' with Syria as Xi, Assad meet in Beijing Press TV 22 Sep 2023 -- China's President Xi Jinping and his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad have met in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, unveiling a strategic cooperation agreement between the two nations.
• Banquet Given to Celebrate Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un's Successful Visit to Russia KCNA 22 Sep 2023 -- The Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) gave a banquet on Wednesday evening, in congratulation of the successful visit of 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, to the Russian Federation.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Has Photo Session with Members of Delegation Who Accompanied Him on Russia Visit KCNA 22 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, on Wednesday had a photo session with the members of the DPRK delegation who accompanied him on a visit to the Russian Federation.
• Iran summons Swiss envoy to protest 'baseless' GCC-US claims Press TV 22 Sep 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has summoned the chargé d'affaires of Switzerland, which represents Washington's interests in Tehran, to protest "baseless" allegations leveled by the United States and the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council.
• Iran, Djibouti decide to resume diplomatic relations IRNA 22 Sep 2023 -- Iranian and Djibouti's foreign ministers in a meeting decided to re-establish their diplomatic relations in line with the interests and ideals of their two nations.
• Iran holds 'very good' talks with Egypt, restores ties with Djibouti Press TV 22 Sep 2023 -- A high-ranking Iranian diplomat has lauded the recent meeting between foreign ministers of Iran and Egypt as "very good and positive," amid reports that the two regional heavyweights are engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations to restore full diplomatic relations.
• Iran will not allow any separatists to approach near borders: Raisi IRNA 22 Sep 2023 -- Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi has emphasized that Iran will not allow any separatist groups to approach its borders.
• Raeisi: Iran will not allow any separatist sedition near its borders Press TV 22 Sep 2023 -- President Ebrahim Raeisi says Iran will not allow any separatist group to have weapons and stir sedition against the Islamic Republic near its borders.
• Government Reportedly Ratcheting Up Pressure On Families Of Dead Iranian Protesters RFE/RL 22 Sep 2023 -- Iranian security forces are reported to have escalated their actions against the families of protesters killed during widespread protests last year as the government continues to try and put a lid on unrest triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, the biggest challenge to the Islamic regime since the 1979 revolution.
• Rights Group Says Iran's Security Forces 'Intentionally' Shot Protesters In The Eyes RFE/RL 22 Sep 2023 -- The Iran Human Rights group (IHRNGO) said the Islamic nation's security forces "intentionally targeted" the eyes and faces of protesters during a violent crackdown on demonstrations last year sparkled by the death of a young woman in police custody for allegedly violating the country's hijab law.
• Iran Human Rights Highlights Targeting of Protesters' Eyes VOA 22 Sep 2023 -- Iran Human Rights on Friday released its statistical analysis of eye injuries sustained during the crackdown on the 2022 protests. After cross-referencing the injuries with the list of protest-related fatalities, the organization concluded: "The firing upon women's faces and eyes by repressive forces has been highly systematic and deliberate."
• UN: New Iranian Dress Code Law Further Represses Women VOA 22 Sep 2023 -- The U.N.'s human rights office Friday assailed a new law passed by Iran's parliament which increases jail terms and fines for female citizens who do not comply with the nation's strict Islamic dress code on head coverings and modest clothing.
• Israel on the cusp of historic peace with Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu announces at UN UN News 22 Sep 2023 -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that Israel is at the cusp of a "dramatic breakthrough": a historic peace deal between his country and Saudi Arabia.
• Over 1,000 Myanmar workers entering China daily under new permit Radio Free Asia 22 Sep 2023 -- About 1,400 migrant workers are entering China from Myanmar every day from the northern Shan state trading hub of Muse after a seven-day permit was recently authorized by Beijing, local residents told Radio Free Asia.
• Lithuania's Foreign Minister Landsbergis in New York urged the international community to help Belarus' democratic forces more actively Lithuania MFA 22 Sep 2023 -- On 21 September in New York, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis spoke at the side event in the margins of the UN General Assembly high-level week: "The Threat to Belarus' Independence and the International Response".
• Indian gov't seeks reduction in Canadian diplomats in India People's Daily 22 Sep 2023 -- The Indian government on Thursday said it had asked Canada to reduce the number of its diplomats posted in India amid a diplomatic row, according to official sources.
• India suspends visa for Canadians, fueling diplomatic row People's Daily 22 Sep 2023 -- India on Thursday suspended visa services in Canada, scaling up its diplomatic tension with Ottawa over the killing of a Canadian Sikh leader.
• India Passes Landmark Law Giving Women Quota in Parliament VOA 22 Sep 2023 -- More than a quarter century after a proposal to give greater representation to women in the lower house of India's parliament, the world's largest democracy is on course to bolster the number of female lawmakers. They will still have to wait for several years, though, before playing a more prominent political role in a country with a low position in global rankings in gender parity in legislatures.
• Scores Of Detentions Reported In Yerevan As Protesters Aim To Oust Armenian Prime Minister RFE/RL 22 Sep 2023 -- Dozens of people have been detained as anti-government protests continued in the Armenian capital on September 22.
• Germany and the Indo-Pacific - three years of enhanced engagement in a key region in international politics Germany Federal Foreign Office 22 Sep 2023 -- Although far away, the Indo-Pacific is hugely important to Europe - many global issues of the 21st century will be decided there. You can find out here and in the German Government's recently published progress report what Germany is doing to raise its profile in the Indo-Pacific.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2023
• Turkey Targets LGBTQ Community as Erdogan Touts Family Values VOA 22 Sep 2023 -- As the Turkish government has stepped up its pledges to protect family values, members of the LGBTQ community in the country say they increasingly feel targeted.
• Hun Manet tells UN Cambodia's elections were fair Radio Free Asia 22 Sep 2023 -- A month after he succeeded his father as Cambodia's prime minister in the wake of the country's latest election without an opposition, Hun Manet falsely told the U.N. General Assembly on Friday that the July 23 ballot was "free and fair" and "credible and just."
• Vietnamese NGOs shy from UN engagement fearing government reprisal Radio Free Asia 22 Sep 2023 -- Vietnamese humanitarian and non-governmental organizations are increasingly less inclined to work with the United Nations due to fear of reprisal from their government, according to a new report by the global body's human rights agency.
• Lao PM visits China's Guangxi to boost farm exports Radio Free Asia 22 Sep 2023 -- Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has pledged to increase agricultural trade and investment with southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which borders Vietnam, state media reported.
• Haitian Prime Minister calls for urgent deployment of multinational force to quash gang violence UN News 22 Sep 2023 -- Addressing the UN General Assembly on Friday, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry again appealed for international support to combat rampant gang violence - one element of the multi-dimensional crisis affecting his country.
• Actions to Impose Visa Restrictions on Haitians Involved in Street Gangs and Other Haitian Criminal Organizations US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2023 -- The United States is taking steps today to impose visa restrictions on an additional five individuals under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the Addressing the Urgent Security Situation in Haiti Meeting US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2023
• United States Hosts UNGA Side Event: Addressing the Urgent Security Situation in Haiti US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2023 -- On Friday, September 22, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken hosted an event on the margins of the 78th UN General Assembly to generate support for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti.
• Taking Steps to Impose Visa Restrictions on Individuals Involved in Undermining the Democratic Election Process in Bangladesh US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2023 -- Today, the Department of State is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
• World News in Brief: Healthcare crisis in DRC, Türk slams Iran hijab law, welcomes new India bill boosting women UN News 22 Sep 2023 -- In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), increasing armed violence, forced displacement and devastating floods have fuelled deadly disease outbreaks and jeopardized healthcare, the UN health agency (WHO) said on Friday.