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• Retiring Leader Says US Military Will Defend Constitution, not a 'Wannabe Dictator' VOA 29 Sep 2023 -- Retiring U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley forcefully defended American democracy and the Constitution on Friday, as he handed the reins of the military's top post to his successor, General Charles Q. Brown Jr.
• Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute in Honor of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (As Delivered) DoD 29 Sep 2023
• U.S. Constitution at Center of Military Transfer of Responsibility Ceremony DoD News 29 Sep 2023 -- Officials emphasized the importance of the U.S. Constitution to the military as Army Gen. Mark A. Milley transferred responsibility as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.
• Brown's tenure as CSAF leaves lasting imprint on the service, its evolution US Air Force 29 Sep 2023 -- As Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. closes out his three-year tenure as the Air Force's highest-ranking officer and braces for a new, even more challenging assignment as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, it's worth recalling advice he got from his father as a teen in the 1970s.
• USS Paul Ignatius Arrives in Stockholm US Navy 29 Sep 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) arrived in Stockholm, Sweden September 29, 2023 for a scheduled port visit, to enhance U.S.-Sweden relations and build NATO partner cohesion.
• USS Florida (SSGN 728) Completes Joint Exercise with Norwegian Forces US Navy 29 Sep 2023 -- The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) completed a successful joint exercise with Norwegian Forces in August and September 2023.
• Navy to Commission Future Littoral Combat Ship Augusta US Navy Press Release 29 Sep 2023 -- The Navy will commission the future USS Augusta (LCS 34) as the newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) during a 10:00 a.m. EST ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 30, in Eastport, Maine.
• HIMARS crews demonstrate capabilities and cross-train with NATO allies in Estonia Army News 29 Sep 2023 -- A U.S. Army-led High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire exercise demonstrated the weapons system's capabilities and enhanced allied interoperability with NATO allies in Estonia, Sept. 27.
• Department of Defense and Small Business Administration Roll Out the Small Business Investment Company Critical Technologies (SBICCT) Initiative DoD 29 Sep 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced the rollout of the Small Business Investment Company Critical Technology (SBICCT) Initiative, a joint effort between the SBA and the Department of Defense (DoD) to increase private capital investment in critical technologies that strengthen our economic and national security.
• Military Service Leaders Address Deficiencies in Barracks DoD News 29 Sep 2023 -- Recent reports in the private media have detailed conditions in the barracks which house single service members. Included in those reports are revelations of exposed raw sewage, extensive mold and other non-functioning systems such as HVAC and fire detection.
• Defense Official Says U.S. Will Continue to Lead in Chemical Weapons Disarmament DoD News 29 Sep 2023 -- The Defense Department remains committed to upholding global norms against the use of chemical weapons after fulfilling its decades-long pledge to destroy the last vestiges of the United States' noxious ammunition stockpile, a top Pentagon official said today.
• U.S. Official Says Allies Acting Together to Deter China DoD News 29 Sep 2023 -- U.S. defense officials are encouraged by the way allies and partners are increasingly acting together to counter Chinese attempts to claim vast areas of the South China Sea and to deter China from military action in the region, said Lindsey Ford, deputy assistant secretary of defense for South and Southeast Asia.
• 100th Missile Defense Brigade: Defending America for 20 Years Army News 29 Sep 2023 -- Who would the nation call upon if attacked by long-range ballistic missiles armed with nuclear warheads? For 20 years, the Colorado National Guard's 100th Missile Defense Brigade has been prepared to defend against such a threat.
• America's Ears in Space: NRO Declassified NRL-Developed Electronic Intelligence Satellite Program US Navy 29 Sep 2023 -- During a Centennial Exhibition, held at the Pentagon on Sept. 28, to commemorate the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) 100 years of operations, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) declassified an NRL-developed electronic intelligence satellite program called Parcae.
• NATO Secretary General calls for creation of a transatlantic quantum community, welcomes Denmark's leadership NATO 29 Sep 2023 -- In a visit to Copenhagen on Friday (29 September 2023), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called for the development of a transatlantic quantum community, harnessing the power of this critical technology for our security.
• NATO Secretary General addresses first International Defence Industry Forum in Kyiv: there is no defence without industry NATO 29 Sep 2023 -- Addressing the first meeting of the International Defence Industry Forum in Kyiv on Friday (29 September 2023), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg payed tribute to the Ukrainian people and armed forces, whose courage and heroism have inspired the world as they continue to push back on Russia's brutal war of aggression.
• Secretary General statement on the situation in Kosovo NATO 29 Sep 2023 -- The North Atlantic Council met today (29 September 2023) to discuss the situation in Kosovo. Allies expressed their deep concern about the increasing tensions in northern Kosovo.
• NATO and Denmark are opening a Center for Quantum Technologies in Copenhagen Danish Ministry of Defence 29 Sep 2023 -- The Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, cut the red ribbon to a center for quantum technologies, the Deep Tech Lab - Quantum, in Copenhagen. The Secretary General was joined by the Danish Minister of Defence, the Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs and the Minister of Higher Education and Science.
• Spanish national flag raised at NATO Force Integration Unit Slovakia (NFIU SVK)'s HQ building at Vajnory Barracks in Bratislava Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 29 Sep 2023 -- The NATO Force Integration Unit Slovakia (NFIU SVK) has been joined by Spain, represented by Lt Col Adolfo Leña Pajares, with effect from 1 September 2023. The Spanish national flag was raised at the NFIU HQ's building during today's flag raising ceremony.
• Kremlin Tasks Senior Ex-Wagner Commander With Forming Volunteer Corps RFE/RL 29 Sep 2023 -- The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Andrei Troshev, the former chief of staff of the Wagner mercenary group, and handed him the responsibility for establishing new volunteer fighting units.
• Russia Drafts 130,000 Conscripts, Increases Age Limit to 30 VOA 29 Sep 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is calling up 130,000 conscripts for military service this fall, increasing the age limit of conscripts from 27 to 30, according to a document posted on the Russian government website on Friday.
• Meeting with participants in the special military operation President of Russia 29 Sep 2023 -- In the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin met with participants in the special military operation who were awarded state decorations for a military feat.
• Sergei Shoigu meets with counterpart from the Republic of South Sudan Russia MoD 29 Sep 2023 -- Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General of the Army Sergei Shoigu has held a meeting with Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Gen. Chol Thon Balok.
• Delegation heads of CIS defence departments visit defence industry enterprise in Tula Russia MoD 29 Sep 2023 -- The Shipunov Design Bureau presented combat equipment that has proved its effectiveness in the Strategic Defence Forces.
• ADMM Plus joint anti-terrorist exercise closes at Sergeevsky training range, Primorsky Krai Russia MoD 29 Sep 2023 -- During the ceremony, servicemen who had distinguished themselves in the performance of combat training tasks were awarded.
• ADMM Plus Exercise: active comes to an end in Primorye Russia MoD 29 Sep 2023 -- At that stage, military contingents making up a multinational group of troops practised joint actions in an anti-terrorist operation at the Sergeevsky training range of the Eastern Military District.
• Russia is always open to cooperation with partners on military-technical cooperation - General of the Army General Sergei Shoigu Russia MoD 29 Sep 2023 -- Military-technical cooperation is one of the central issues in relations between the CIS defence agencies, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Friday.
• Council of CIS Defence Ministers to discuss global military and political situation Russia MoD 29 Sep 2023 -- Delegation heads of defence ministries from eight countries have arrived in Tula to participate in a meeting of the Council of CIS Defence Ministers.
• Not only thanks to the strength of our weapons but also thanks to the strength of our spirit and humanity, evil will never prevail in Ukraine - address of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 29 Sep 2023
• US Reportedly Watching, Learning from Russian Performance in Ukraine Special Military Operation Sputnik 29 Sep 2023 -- An online report noted Ukraine's difficulties in penetrating Russian defensive lines, stressing the continued importance of training and coordination in a world of technologically advanced warfare.
• US Has Funds To Continue Providing Kiev Aid For Coming Weeks: Kirby on Potential Shutdown Sputnik 29 Sep 2023 -- White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby said on Friday commenting on a possible government shutdown that the United States has enough appropriated funds to keep providing assistance to Ukraine for the coming weeks.
• Lawmakers call for investigation into indigenous submarine controversy CNA 29 Sep 2023 -- Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators on Friday urged prosecutors to look into a controversy involving the construction of Taiwan's first Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS), which was unveiled Thursday amid the country's goal to strengthen its deterrence against the Chinese navy.
• Taiwan test fires Patriot missiles in joint exercise with U.S.: Source CNA 29 Sep 2023 -- Taiwan's military test fired Patriot missiles as part of a joint training exercise with the United States conducted near the Pacific island country of Palau in August, a source familiar with the matter told CNA Friday.
• Taiwan's new submarine boosts nation's defensive capabilities: scholar CNA 29 Sep 2023 -- A Taiwanese defense expert said Thursday that the newly unveiled Taiwanese 'Narwhal' submarine will boost Taiwan's defense capabilities and could deter Chinese aircraft carriers and amphibious landing groups in eastern Taiwan when it goes into active service at the end of 2024.
• Royal Australian Navy sets sail for regional presence deployment Australia DOD 29 Sep 2023 -- The Australian Defence Force is continuing to contribute to regional security, with three Royal Australian Navy ships to conduct a regional presence deployment throughout Southeast and Northeast Asia.
• Hoisting for success Australia DOD 29 Sep 2023 -- It's been a busy program for Frigate HMAS Toowoomba during a transit north from her homeport of Fleet Base West, Western Australia.
• Taipans withdrawn from service Australia DOD 29 Sep 2023 -- The Australian Defence Force's MRH-90 Taipan helicopters will not return to flying operations before their planned withdrawal date of December 2024.
• Combat in the outback Australia DOD 29 Sep 2023 -- Standards were high as soldiers from South Australia's 9th Brigade completed a major live-fire warfighting exercise at Cultana Training Area.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar DoD 29 Sep 2023
• INDIA ENHANCES MILITARY DIPLOMACY WITH INAUGURAL FEMALE MILITARY OFFICERS COURSE FOR ASEAN NATIONS India PIB 29 Sep 2023 -- Marking a significant milestone in its military diplomacy, India proudly concludes its premier Female Military Officers Course for officers from ASEAN countries and the Indian Army today
• NAUGURAL PANEL DISCUSSION CONDUCTED UNDER PROJECT UDBHAV- AN INDIAN ARMY INITIATIVE TO REDISCOVER THE INDIC HERITAGE OF STATECRAFT AND STRATEGIC THOUGHTS India PIB 29 Sep 2023 -- The Indian Army in collaboration with the United Service Institution of India (USI), concluded a hybrid-panel discussion today under Project Udbhav on the topic "Evolution of Indian Military Systems, War fighting and Strategic Thought- Current Research in the Field and Way Forward"
• Raksha Rajya Mantri inaugurates DRDO conference on 'Millets for Military Ration & Specific Nutritional Requirements' in Mysuru India PIB 29 Sep 2023 -- A two-day National Conference on 'Millets for Military Ration and Specific Nutritional Requirements' was inaugurated by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in Mysuru, Karnataka on September 29, 2023
• FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON VISIT TO PHUKET, THAILAND India PIB 29 Sep 2023 -- The ships of First Training Squadron (1TS) comprising INS Tir, INS Sujata, INS Sudarshini and ICGS Sarathi visited Phuket, Thailand from 25-28 Sep 23 as part of long range training deployment
• Iran's army air defense the most powerful in region: Commander IRNA 29 Sep 2023 -- The commander of the Iranian Army's Air Defense Force, Brigadier General Alireza Sabahifard, has said that the country possesses the most powerful air defense across the region.
• Iran's Air Defense Force 'absolute power' in region: Top commander Press TV 29 Sep 2023 -- The commander of the Iranian Army's Air Defense Force has underlined the unit's remarkable military capabilities as an irrefutable fact, saying the force is an "absolute power" in the West Asia region.
• Qatar calls for Israeli nuclear facilities to be subjected to IAEA safeguards Press TV 29 Sep 2023 -- Qatar has called for the Israeli regime's nuclear facilities to be subjected to the International Atomic Energy Agency's safeguards amid Tel Aviv's ongoing snub of international nuclear regulations.
• "We have carried Türkiye from success to success in every field, particularly in defense industry" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 29 Sep 2023 -- Making a speech at the TEKNOFEST Aviation, Space and Technology Festival in İzmir, President Erdoğan said: "We have carried Türkiye from success to success in every field, particularly in defense industry. Along with our moves in defense industry, our exports also increase exponentially. Our target for this year's exports is to surpass 6 billion dollars."
• Britain's largest warship - HMS Prince of Wales - makes Virginia temporary homeport during East Coast deployment US Navy 29 Sep 2023 -- The United Kingdom's largest aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales (R09), will make Naval Station Norfolk its temporary homeport this fall beginning Sept. 30 as it pushes the boundaries of Naval Aviation with F-35 Lightning advancement and drone launches off the East Coast over the next few months.
• President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discuss topical NATO matters and participation in EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine Finnish Government 29 Sep 2023 -- On Friday 29 September, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed topical NATO matters and the upcoming meeting of NATO Ministers of Defence.
• Finland: Newest NATO Member Strikes Land Deals to Build Fortifications Near Russian Border - Reports Sputnik 29 Sep 2023 -- According to Finland's largest newspaper, the Finnish Defense Forces have initiated the signing of agreements with landowners along the Russian border. These agreements grant permission for the construction of fortifications on these territories with only a day's notice.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Mexican Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Mexican Secretary of Economy Raquel Buenrostro, and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 29 Sep 2023
• Senior Administration Officials Previewing the U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue and High-Level Security Dialogue US Dept. of State 29 Sep 2023
• The United States of America and the Federated States of Micronesia Signed the 2023 Federal Programs and Services Agreement US Dept. of State 29 Sep 2023 -- Yesterday, the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia signed the 2023 Federal Programs and Services Agreement on the continuation of essential programs and services provided by U.S. agencies to the Federated States of Micronesia.
• US Pacific Security Deal With Marshall Islands at Risk Over Nuclear Payments Description VOA 29 Sep 2023 -- The United States struck security agreements this week with Pacific Island nations seen as a key part of U.S. plans to counter China's territorial expansion. But after three years of negotiations, one of those Pacific nations — the Marshall Islands — still has not reached a deal with Washington.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 29, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 29 September 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 Sep 2023
• Press release on a meeting of the Moscow format of consultations on Afghanistan held in Kazan Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Sep 2023
• UN General Assembly president urges Afghan authorities to allow girls back to school People's Daily 29 Sep 2023 -- UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis on Thursday urged the Afghan authorities to reconsider their decision to ban women and girls from proper education.
• The Azadi Briefing: Iran And Pakistan Plan To Deport Millions Of Undocumented Afghan Migrants RFE/RL 29 Sep 2023
• UN's Afghan Mission Condemns Arrest Of Women's Rights Activists By Taliban RFE/RL 29 Sep 2023 -- The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) called on the Taliban on September 29 to cease "arbitrary arrests and detentions" as it highlighted the recent apprehension of two women's rights activists in Kabul.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's greetings to participants in the 5th meeting of the Moscow Format of Consultations on Afghanistan Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Sep 2023
• Appointment of Ambassador Signals China's Ambition in Afghanistan, Experts Say VOA 29 Sep 2023 -- Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi attended talks Friday in the Russian city of Kazan, where he praised China for sending a new ambassador to Afghanistan and urged other countries to follow China's example.
• Report: Kuwait withdraws forces from Saudi Arabia's southern border with Yemen Press TV 29 Sep 2023 -- Kuwait, which is part of a Saudi-led military coalition waging a military onslaught and enforcing a tight blockade against Yemen, has reportedly withdrawn forces from areas on the southern border of Saudi Arabia with the war-torn Arab country.
• Suicide Bombings, Militant Raid Kill 62 in Pakistan VOA 29 Sep 2023 -- Pakistani officials said Friday that a series of attacks, including suicide bombings and a militant raid, killed at least 62 people and injured many more, marking one of the deadliest days the nation has witnessed in recent months.
• More Than 50 Killed In Blasts At Two Pakistan Mosques RFE/RL 29 Sep 2023 -- An explosion at a religious gathering in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan on September 29 killed at least 52 people and dozens more wounded, police and hospital officials told RFE/RL.
• Scores killed in two separate blasts targeting mosques in Pakistan Press TV 29 Sep 2023 -- At least 52 people have been killed and more than 80 people injured in an explosion in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan, according to local officials.
• Humanitarian Operations in Armenia Gather Speed as Exodus Continues VOA 29 Sep 2023 -- Emergency aid efforts for tens of thousands of refugees who have fled to Armenia from the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave in Azerbaijan are gathering speed as the exodus from the disputed region shows no signs of letting up.
• UNHCR seeking urgent support for humanitarian emergency in Armenia UNHCR 29 Sep 2023 -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is deeply concerned by the rapidly evolving humanitarian emergency in Armenia, with over 88,700 refugee arrivals in less than a week. Refugees are mainly arriving to the Syunik region in Southern Armenia.
• Karabakh emergency escalates, thousands still pouring into Armenia: UN agencies UN News 29 Sep 2023 -- Over 88,000 refugees from the Karabakh region have fled to Armenia in less than a week and humanitarian needs are surging, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Friday.
• UN To Send Humanitarian Mission To Nagorno-Karabakh As Exodus Of Ethnic Armenians Continues RFE/RL 29 Sep 2023 -- The United Nations will send a mission to Nagorno-Karabakh this weekend, a UN spokesman said after Azerbaijan invited UN agencies to visit the region to monitor the situation there as an exodus of ethnic Armenians continued on September 29.
• Azerbaijan: Statement by the Spokesperson on the displacement of people from Nagorno-Karabakh European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 Sep 2023 -- A mass exodus of Karabakh Armenians is currently taking place, as a result of Azerbaijan's military operation of 19 and 20 September and of the previous months-long blockage of the Lachin corridor. People are fleeing their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh and are finding refuge in Armenia.
• Russian peacekeepers deliver 12 tonnes of humanitarian cargo to Stepanakert for civilians of Nagorno-Karabakh Russia MoD 29 Sep 2023 -- The humanitarian aid delivered included food, medicines and basic necessities.
• Russia to Discuss Extension of Karabakh Peacekeeping Mission With Baku - Kremlin Sputnik 29 Sep 2023 -- The possibility of extension of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh will be discussed with Azerbaijan, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday.
• UK funding for humanitarian response to events in Nagorno-Karabakh UK FCDO 29 Sep 2023 -- The UK will give £1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support the humanitarian response to the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Sudan: WHO supports battle against cholera in the east UN News 29 Sep 2023 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) is scaling up support in Sudan, where authorities have declared a cholera outbreak in Gedaref state amid the ongoing brutal conflict between opposing militaries.
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with Prime Minister Kurti of Kosovo The White House 29 Sep 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Serbian President Vucic US Dept. of State 29 Sep 2023
• U.S. Urges Serbia To Pull Back Large Military Deployment Along Border With Kosovo RFE/RL 29 Sep 2023 -- The White House has urged Serbia to pull back what it said is a large military deployment from its border with Kosovo amid rising tensions after deadly clashes this week in a Kosovar village.
• Suicide Bomber Hits Tea Shop in Mogadishu, Killing 5 VOA 29 Sep 2023 -- A suicide bomber wearing an explosives vest hit a busy tea shop in Mogadishu on Friday, killing at least five people, a police spokesman told VOA.
• East African Countries Request Delay of Troop Withdrawal From Somalia VOA 29 Sep 2023 -- The five nations contributing troops to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, or ATMIS, are urging the U.N. Security Council to allow a 90-day pause in the drawdown of some 3,000 peacekeepers stationed in the East African country.
• Somalia Arrests Suspected Al-Shabab Arms Dealer VOA 29 Sep 2023 -- Somali security forces on Friday arrested a man believed to be one of the country's main illegal arms dealers suspected of supplying weapons to al-Shabab militants.
• Almost a quarter of the population in the DRC continue to face acute food insecurity as humanitarian needs grow to record levels WFP 29 Sep 2023 -- More than 25 million people continue to face crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report released today. The country continues to be one of the world's largest food crises.

News Reports

• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on the anti-Russia resolution adopted at the 67th regular session of the IAEA General Conference Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Sep 2023
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question regarding the ongoing blatant Russophobia in Sweden Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Sep 2023
• Kazan Declaration of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, Kazan, September 29, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Sep 2023
• Press release on the exchange of greetings between the foreign ministers of Russia and Saint Kitts and Nevis on the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Sep 2023
• US Senators Call on Russia to Free American Captives VOA 29 Sep 2023 -- The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee announced Friday a bipartisan resolution calling for the immediate release by Russia of two American detainees, Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan.
• Meeting with Yunus-Bek Yevkurov and Andrei Troshev President of Russia 29 Sep 2023 -- Yesterday evening, the President held a meeting with Deputy Defence Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov and Andrei Troshev.
• 'Messianic' Putin Fell Victim To His Own Propaganda, Says Veteran Journalist RFE/RL 29 Sep 2023 -- Susan Glasser is a veteran U.S. journalist and editor and co-author of the 2005 book Kremlin Rising: Vladimir Putin's Russia And The End Of Revolution. Her work abroad has included coverage of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and four years co-leading the Moscow bureau for The Washington Post.
• Controversial New Russian History Textbook Opens Old Wounds In North Caucasus RFE/RL 29 Sep 2023 -- Russian Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov, during a visit to the region of Karachai-Cherkessia this month, agreed to revise a section of a new high-school history textbook that had provoked a stormy reaction across the North Caucasus, the head of the region, Rashid Temrezov, wrote in a September 23 post on Telegram.
• Recent China-US frequent interactions helpful to manage complicated ties; US concrete moves urged to create benign atmosphere for higher-level meeting: analysts Global Times 29 Sep 2023 -- The recent frequent interactions and exchanges between China and the US are helpful in managing the current complicated situation of bilateral relations and more efforts and actions from the US side have been called to help create friendly environment for higher level talks, Chinese analysts said after the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday released a readout from the latest meeting of senior diplomats from China and the US.
• Condemning the Life Sentence of Professor Rahile Dawut US Dept. of State 29 Sep 2023 -- "We condemn the reported life sentence handed down by the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) following secret court proceedings of Professor Rahile Dawut, an anthropologist and expert on Uyghur folklore and traditions."
• Short changed: Can China pay the bills? Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2023 -- Amid reports and rumors of starving zoo animals and retirees not being paid their pensions, the chair of financially distressed China Evergrande Group, the world's most indebted property developer, is now under "residential surveillance."
• Chinese defense spokesperson refutes U.S. "cyberspace threat" narrative People's Daily 29 Sep 2023 -- A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday denounced the so-called "cyberspace threat" fabricated by the United States, urging the U.S. side to end its groundless smear against China and stop militarizing cyberspace.
• Xi says confidence "more valuable than gold" in march toward rejuvenation People's Daily 29 Sep 2023 -- President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the nation to firm up confidence and strive in unity in the relentless endeavor toward building a strong China and realizing national rejuvenation.
• China's national political advisory body holds leadership meeting People's Daily 29 Sep 2023 -- The 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's national political advisory body, held its ninth Chairperson's Council meeting in Beijing on Thursday.
• China opposes U.S. suppression of Chinese firms over "forced labor prevention" People's Daily 29 Sep 2023 -- China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday said it is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes the United States' recent addition of three Chinese firms to the so-called Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List.
• China welcomes foreign talents in continued development participation: premier People's Daily 29 Sep 2023 -- China welcomes talents from all over the world and expects foreign experts to continue their in-depth participation in China's development, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Thursday.
• Avoiding war top priority for any Taiwan leader: KMT's Hou CNA 29 Sep 2023 -- The top priority for a leader of Taiwan is avoiding war with China at a time of escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait, said Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜), the presidential candidate of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT).
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Sep. 29, 2023 ROC MND 29 Sep 2023
• Qualifications of Epidemic-Prevention Workers Improved in DPRK KCNA 29 Sep 2023 -- True to the Workers' Party of Korea's policy on the epidemic-prevention work, efforts are being made in different parts of the DPRK to improve the scientific and theoretical skills of epidemic-prevention workers and their professionalism.
• 'Iran foils assassination plots aimed at fueling ethnic unrest' IRNA 29 Sep 2023 -- Iran's minister of intelligence Esmaeil Khatib has announced that enemy's plots to assassinate several judges, members of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and Sunni clerics have been foiled.
• Iran launches 2nd phase of project to bring water from Sea of Oman to Isfahan Press TV 29 Sep 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has visited the central province of Isfahan and launched the second phase of a large-scale national project that transfers water from the Sea of Oman to the drought-prone province.
• Official: Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement has deep-seated, strategic ties with Iran Press TV 29 Sep 2023 -- A high-ranking member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement has commended his group's relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, terming the ties as "deep-seated and strategic."
• Court in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady region sentences 3 to death Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2023 -- A court in Myanmar's southwestern Ayeyarwady region sentenced three men to death, sources close to their families told Radio Free Asia on Friday.
• No: 237, 29 September 2023, Press Release Regarding the Vile Demonstration Targeting H.E. President Erdoğan Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Sep 2023
• Turkey: Statement by the Spokesperson on the court decisions in the Gezi Park case European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 Sep 2023 -- We regret the decision of Turkish Court of Cassation to uphold the convictions of five of the defendants in the Gezi Park case, including the aggravated life imprisonment sentence given to Osman Kavala. It further increases the concerns of the European Union regarding the Turkish judiciary's adherence to international and European standards.
• Türkiye's 2023 general elections: ODIHR election observation mission final report OSCE 29 Sep 2023 -- Türkiye's 2023 general elections offered voters a choice between genuine political alternatives and voter participation was high, but the incumbent president and the ruling parties enjoyed an unjustified advantage, including through biased media coverage.
• Federal Council presents draft Foreign Policy Strategy 2024-27 Federal Council - Swiss Government 29 Sep 2023 -- At its meeting on 29 September 2023, the Federal Council adopted the draft Foreign Policy Strategy 2024-27. This strategy outlines Switzerland's stance in a rapidly evolving global landscape and establishes key foreign policy priorities and objectives for the upcoming legislative period. The draft will be submitted to the cantons and the foreign affairs committees of the National Council and Council of States for consultation before the final version is adopted in early 2024.
• Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Together we can help Ukraine win the war Estonia MFA 29 Sep 2023 -- Today 28 September, Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland Thórdís Kolbrún R. Gylfadóttir who is on a visit to Estonia.
• Albania's 2023 local elections: ODIHR election observation mission final report OSCE 29 Sep 2023 -- The May 2023 local elections in Albania were generally well-administered, competitive and held with the participation of the key political forces, but the process was characterized by continued polarization between the main political parties and deep division within the opposition.
• BRICS to create competitor to SWIFT international payment system Press TV 29 Sep 2023 -- BRICS nations plan to create a money-transferring network competing with the SWIFT international payment system, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov says.
• Moldova: High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell met with President Maia Sandu European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 Sep 2023 -- High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, met with President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu in Chisinau on Friday.
• Laos: Belt and Road poster child - or problem child? Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2023 -- The high-speed train streaks above bright green rice fields and zips through tunnels in mountains of rural Laos. It cuts what is normally a days-long journey by car from Yunnan province in southern China across Laos to the Thai border to just three hours - and allows travel in comfort.
• Swiss Accuse Late Uzbek President's Daughter Of Running Criminal Organization RFE/RL 29 Sep 2023 -- Switzerland's federal prosecutor has filed an indictment against the imprisoned daughter of Uzbekistan's former president, accusing her of taking bribes and running an elaborate criminal organization known as "The Office."
• German Chancellor Scholz, Five Central Asian Leaders Meet As Berlin Looks To Blunt Moscow's Influence RFE/RL 29 Sep 2023 -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and five Central Asian nations' leaders have discussed cooperation and ties as Berlin looks to gain influence in the region that has been traditionally a sphere of dominance for Russia.
• Promoting Accountability for Nicaraguan Officials for Restricting Freedoms US Dept. of State 29 Sep 2023 -- The Department of State is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on 100 Nicaraguan municipal officials for their role in supporting the Ortega regime's attacks on human rights and fundamental freedoms and repression of civil society organizations.
• World News in Brief: Aid workers under attack, DR Congo food crisis, Niger floods UN News 29 Sep 2023 -- South Sudan and Sudan are the world's most dangerous countries for aid workers today, the UN humanitarian affairs coordination office (OCHA) said on Friday.
• Gabonese Press for Change as Military Junta Asks for Patience VOA 29 Sep 2023 -- September 30 marks exactly 30 days since Gabon's military seized power and ended the nearly 60-year rule of the Bongo family. But the military junta is dealing with daily protests from disgruntled trade unions, workers and students who are now demanding better living conditions in the oil-producing West African country.
• Activists Worried About Uganda's China-Backed Oil Pipeline VOA 29 Sep 2023 -- Thousands of families displaced, wildlife habitats — home to vulnerable species such as elephants and chimpanzees — threatened, and carbon emissions increased. These are some of the risks from a planned oil pipeline stretching from Uganda's Lake Albert to Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast, environmentalists say.