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Defense Policy / Programs

• Senior Defense Officials Hold a Background Briefing in Brussels DoD 12 Oct 2023
• Senior Defense Official Holds a Background Briefing on Israel DoD 12 Oct 2023
• Assistant Secretary for Science & Technology Visits DOD Manufacturing Institutes DoD 12 Oct 2023 -- Dr. Steven Wax, performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology, recently concluded a visit to two of the Department of Defense's nine Manufacturing Innovation Institutes. The visit included both the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute/BioFabUSA and Advanced Functional Fabrics of America.
• Austin Says U.S. Will Supply Military Necessities to Israel, Ukraine DoD News 12 Oct 2023 -- The United States will supply Israel with the capabilities it needs to combat the Hamas terror group even as it supplies Ukraine with the weaponry needed to defeat Russia, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said today at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
• Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Visits Republic of Korea US Navy 12 Oct 2023 -- The U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) led Carrier Strike Group 5 to the Republic of Korea (ROK) for a port visit Oct. 12.
• 7th Fleet Aircraft Transits Taiwan Strait US Navy 12 Oct 2023 -- A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon transited the Taiwan Strait in international airspace on October 12 (local time).
• Readout of U.S. Under Secretary of the Navy Honorable Erik Raven, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti's Meeting with the Mayor of Yokosuka, the Honorable Katsuaki Kamiji US Navy Press Release 12 Oct 2023
• SECNAV Names Future U.S. Navy Ship After the City of Philadelphia US Navy Press Release 12 Oct 2023 -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro announced that a future San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock will be named USS Philadelphia (LPD 32) at Independence Hall, during Philadelphia Navy and Marine Corps Week, Oct. 12.
• ROGERS APPLAUDS WORK OF STRATEGIC POSTURE COMMISSION House Armed Services Committee 12 Oct 2023 -- U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, released a statement thanking the hard work of the Bipartisan Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States.
  
• Congressional panel: US must prepare for potential wars with both China, Russia Press TV 12 Oct 2023 -- The United States must be prepared for potential simultaneous wars with China and Russia, a new bipartisan Congressional report says, warning that the US is currently not ready for facing two nuclear powers for the first time.
• US 'Ill-Prepared' to Face Nuclear Challenges From China & Russia, Report Reveals Sputnik 12 Oct 2023 -- The United States is ill-prepared to deal with nuclear challenges from Russia and China, a congressional commission said in a report released on Thursday.
• NATO to Hold Its Annual Nuclear Drills Next Week - Stoltenberg Sputnik 12 Oct 2023 -- NATO will hold its annual nuclear drills in Italy, Croatia and the Mediterranean Sea next week, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday.
• NATO Defense Ministers Deal With Range of Alliance Issues DoD News 12 Oct 2023 -- While the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East dominated, NATO defense ministers dealt with a range of issues during their defense ministerial in Brussels today.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Holds a Press Conference Following a NATO Defense Ministers Meeting, Brussels, Belgium DoD 12 Oct 2023
• Government proposal on Finland's accession to NATO SOFA and Paris Protocol sent out for comments Finnish MoD 12 Oct 2023 -- A draft government proposal, prepared by a working group led by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, was sent out for comments on 12 October 2023.
• We have to implement Vilnius Summit decisions quickly, says A. Anušauskas at the NATO Defence Ministers meeting Lithuania MND 12 Oct 2023 -- Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas and his NATO counterparts discussed the decisions taken at the NATO Summit in Vilnius and underscored the necessity to put them into practice shortly at the NATO Defence Ministers meeting on October 11-12.
• Defence Ministers address deterrence and defence, NATO missions, situation in the Middle East NATO 12 Oct 2023 -- NATO Defence Ministers wrapped up two days of meetings in Brussels on Thursday (12 October 2023), addressing the Alliance's defence plans and operations, and meeting with their Israeli counterpart.
• Secretary General welcomes US Secretary of Defense to meeting of NATO Defence Ministers NATO 12 Oct 2023 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III to NATO Headquarters on Thursday (12 October 2023) for a second day of meetings of Allied Defence Ministers.
• NATO strengthens joint air power cooperation NATO 12 Oct 2023 -- Two initiatives were signed in the margins of the NATO Defence Ministers' meeting this week (11-12 October 2023), demonstrating Allies' commitment to work together to strengthen NATO's deterrence and defence in the air domain.
• What Is The Nuclear Test Ban Treaty And Why Is Russia Threatening To Pull Out? RFE/RL 12 Oct 2023 -- The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. The Treaty on Open Skies. New START.
• Northern Fleet ships detachment completes tasks of long-distance campaign in Arctic and returns to base Russia MoD 12 Oct 2023 -- Today, the main base of the Northern Fleet - Severomorsk - hosted a meeting of a detachment of ships and support vessels of the Northern Fleet, which completed the implementation of the next, 12th Arctic campaign on the seas of the Arctic Ocean and acted as part of the Arctic expeditionary ship grouping.
• Official event marking the 20th anniversary of establishing a Russian air base in Kyrgyzstan President of Russia 12 Oct 2023 -- Vladimir Putin and Sadyr Japarov spoke at an official event marking the 20th anniversary of establishing a Russian air base in the Kyrgyz Republic.
• Putin: Russia to Continue Delivering Modern Weapons to Its Military Base in Kyrgyzstan Sputnik 12 Oct 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a two-day official visit to Kyrgyzstan, to take part in a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State, and hold a number of bilateral meetings, including with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
• Defence Minister: Latvia will actively facilitate Ukraine's NATO integration Latvia MOD 12 Oct 2023 -- On Wednesday, 11 October, Defence Minister Andris Sprūds attended the NATO defence ministers' meeting in Brussels, which also included NATO-Ukraine Council work session that focused on the next steps Ukraine needs to take to become a member of the Alliance.
• Zelensky visits NATO headquarters to secure military assistance Global Times 12 Oct 2023 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly made a surprise visit to the NATO headquarters in the hope of securing aid from the military alliance on Wednesday local time. Chinese analysts commented on Thursday that Zelensky's NATO headquarters visit, his first since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in early 2022, was an obvious sign of his growing concern over NATO diverting assistance from Ukraine to Israel.
• Taiwan creates task force to study Israel-Hamas war as part of defense prep CNA 12 Oct 2023 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) has appointed a task force to examine the war between Israel and Hamas that erupted on Oct. 7, Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) said Thursday.
• Minister of National Defence Bill Blair concludes productive visit to Belgium for Ukraine Defense Contact Group and NATO Defence Ministers' Meetings Canada 12 Oct 2023 -- Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, concluded a productive visit to Brussels, Belgium, where he participated in the 16th United States-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministers' Meeting (DMM).
• DRDO's oceanographic research vessel 'INS Sagardhwani' embarks on Sagar Maitri Mission-4 to establish long-term scientific partnerships with Indian Ocean Rim countries in 'Ocean Research & Development' India PIB 12 Oct 2023 -- INS Sagardhwani, an oceanographic research vessel of Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) of DRDO, embarked on a two-month long Sagar Maitri (SM) Mission-4 from South Jetty, Southern Naval Command (SNC), Kochi on October 12, 2023
• Lithuania's Foreign Minister Landsbergis: "The war in Ukraine has a huge global impact" Lithuania MFA 12 Oct 2023 -- On 12 October, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis is visiting Cairo, where he met with the Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. At the meeting, Landsbergis said that Lithuania and Egypt, Europe and the Arab world were interested in maintaining a rules-based order that would help ensure peace and stability.
• Minister Sklenár in Brussels: "Slovakia is a responsible and stable element of NATO's modernised collective defence system" Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 12 Oct 2023 -- On Day 2 of his working trip to Brussels, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár continued with the meetings on the programme of the NATO Defence Ministerial.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Press Availability US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Moroccan Foreign Minister Bourita US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2023
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong The White House 12 Oct 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 12 Oct 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant DoD 12 Oct 2023
• Meeting with Jewish Leaders on Biden-Administration's Commitment to Supporting Israel and Countering Antisemitism The White House 12 Oct 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Norah O'Donnell of CBS Evening News US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Lester Holt of NBC Nightly News US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken with David Muir of World News Tonight US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Oct. 12, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 12 October 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Oct 2023

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• The IDF Targeted the Hamas' Nukhba Elite Forces Israel Defense Forces 12 Oct 2023
• IDF Daily Recap: October 12th, 2023 (16:00) Israel Defense Forces 12 Oct 2023
• Excerpt from PM Netanyahu's Knesset Speech on the Occasion of the Swearing-in of the National Emergency Government Israel - Prime Minister 12 Oct 2023
• Prime Minister's Office - Coordinator for the Captives and Missing: National Control Center for the Families of the Captive and Missing Opens, *6754 Israel - Prime Minister 12 Oct 2023
• Prime Minister's Office: Coordinator for the Captives and Missing Brig.-Gen. (Ret.) Gal Hirsch Meets with Deputy US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Steven Gillen Israel - Prime Minister 12 Oct 2023
• PM Netanyahu Visits the IDF 98th Division Israel - Prime Minister 12 Oct 2023 -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Thursday, 12 October 2023), visited the IDF 98th Division and heard about the stubborn and daring combat of the paratroop and commando soldiers and officers - conscripts and reservists - in the area around the Gaza Strip, under the command of 98th Division Commander Brig.-Gen. Dan Goldfus, who was among the first commanders who went to the sector and directed the combat from its first minutes until the decision.
• PM Netanyahu Currently Meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Israel - Prime Minister 12 Oct 2023 -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Kirya in Tel Aviv,
• National Security Council-Ministry of Foreign Affairs Joint Statement Israel - Prime Minister 12 Oct 2023 -- nst the background of Operation Swords of Iron, the Hamas leadership has called on all of its supporters around the world to hold a 'Day or Rage' tomorrow and attack Israelis and Jews.
• Prime Minister's Office Socio-Economic Directorate Statement Israel - Prime Minister 12 Oct 2023 -- Since the start of the war, Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Director General Yossi Shelley has, on a daily basis, convened the forum of government ministry directors general to assess the situation in order to coordinate all actions by the various government ministries and assist with the bureaucracy and hasten government processes.
• Israel's war-time cabinet vows to "smash" Hamas People's Daily 12 Oct 2023 -- Israel's new wartime cabinet vowed on Wednesday to continue the military operation in the Gaza Strip until "Hamas is toppled and destroyed."
• Israel forms unity govt' as battles with Hamas escalate People's Daily 12 Oct 2023 -- Israel formed a unity government and a war cabinet on Wednesday to oversee the deadly conflict triggered by Hamas' weekend surprise attack as it continued to launch airstrikes on the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip.
• Israel Vows No End to Siege of Gaza Until Hostages Released VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- Israel on Thursday launched new attacks on Gaza, vowing there would be no letup in its bombardment of the Hamas-controlled territory until the militants release the estimated 150 hostages they are holding.
• Islamic Jihad commander, hundreds of civilians killed in Israeli air raids on Gaza Press TV 12 Oct 2023 -- A senior commander of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement and his family have been martyred in the latest round of Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, as the regime's relentless onslaught on the besieged enclave enters its sixth consecutive day.
• Israel strikes Gaza Strip using white phosphorus munitions: Monitor Press TV 12 Oct 2023 -- Israel is using banned white phosphorus munitions against desperate people in the tightly-besieged Gaza Strip, a human rights monitor says, as the impoverished small territory has been under ceaseless bombardment by the occupying regime for the past five days.
• Islamic Jihad calls on West Bank resistance to join operation against Israel Press TV 12 Oct 2023 -- The Islamic Jihad resistance movement says the ongoing operation against Israel is no longer limited to the Gaza Strip and other fronts, including the resistance groups in the occupied West Bank, may soon join the large-scale battle.
• Israel kills dozens more Palestinians in Gaza Strip in overnight airstrikes Press TV 12 Oct 2023 -- Over 50 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's overnight airstrikes on the tightly-besieged Gaza Strip, which has been under ceaseless bombardment by the occupying regime for the past five days.
• Israeli death toll reaches 1,300 in Hamas attack: media People's Daily 12 Oct 2023 -- The number of fatalities in Israel since the beginning of Hamas' surprise attack has reached at least 1,300, Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported on Thursday.
• Humanitarian crisis looms as Israel poised for ground operation Global Times 12 Oct 2023 -- As the casualties keep climbing in the Gaza Strip, Chinese observers warned a humanitarian crisis in the region is unavoidable if the fighting between Hamas and Israel doesn't stop. The observers also said such a crisis, if caused by atrocities, could trigger a public opinion explosion and reverse the political situation at certain tipping point. At this juncture, the US, which can exert real influence on Israel, is urged to pressure Israel to cool down its offensive in Gaza, instead of further stoking tension in the Middle East.
• U.S. Government to Assist U.S. Citizens in Departing Israel US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2023 -- The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu After Their Meeting US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Israeli President Isaac Herzog Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2023
• Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement Following Meeting with President Biden and National Security Team on Terrorist Attacks in Israel US Dept. of Justice 12 Oct 2023 -- The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland after his meeting with the President and members of his national security team regarding the terrorist attacks on Israel:
• Austin's Upcoming Trip to Israel Underscores U.S. Commitment Following Attacks DoD News 12 Oct 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will travel to Israel on Friday to meet with Israeli leaders and underscore the United States' unwavering commitment to support Israel following the recent deadly attacks by Hamas terrorists, Defense Department officials announced today.
• Blinken Starts Middle East Tour in Israel, Calls for 'Moral Clarity' in Condemning Hamas VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- Secretary of State Antony Blinken has completed an emotional visit to Israel, where he said American support for the Jewish state will never falter, following attacks by Hamas militants that killed hundreds of Israelis.
• US Sees No 'Specific or Credible' Threat Linked to Calls for Day of Rage VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- U.S. Homeland Security officials have yet to see indications that calls for a day of anger on Friday by a former leader of the Hamas militant group will spark violence across the United States, though they remain worried that a torrent of images and propaganda could quickly change the threat landscape.
• White House: Humanitarian Corridor for Gaza Is 'Right Thing to Do' VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- The White House echoed calls for humanitarian assistance and a corridor out of Gaza as Israel intensifies its military response to a stunning weekend attack by Palestinian militants, with the top U.S. diplomat landing in the region Thursday for a lightning round of shuttle diplomacy.
• Humanitarians call for urgent aid access to Gaza UN News 12 Oct 2023 -- Gaza is on the brink of running out of food, water, electricity and critical supplies, UN humanitarians warned on Thursday.
• UN chief warns against spillover of Israeli-Palestinian conflict People's Daily 12 Oct 2023 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday warned against the spillover of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Israel killing Palestinian women, children over defeat to resistance: Raeisi Press TV 12 Oct 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi said on Thursday that the Israeli regime is dropping bombs on defenseless Palestinian civilians due to its failure to face off resistance fighters.
• Iran FM, Iraqi PM discuss Palestine situation IRNA 12 Oct 2023 -- Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amirabdullahian has discussed the latest developments in Palestine with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani.
• Raisi, bin Salman discuss Palestine developments over phone IRNA 12 Oct 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have held their first telephone conversation to discuss the latest developments in Palestine.
• Raeisi: No new order will take hold in region until Palestinian rights upheld Press TV 12 Oct 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says no new order will take hold in the region until the rights of the Palestinian people are upheld.
• Israel cutting off Gaza's water, electricity amounts to collective punishment, systematic war crime: FM Amir-Abdollahian Press TV 12 Oct 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Israel's move to cut off water and electricity supplies to the already besieged Gaza Strip amounts to collective punishment and systematic war crime.
• NATO Secretary General: "Israel does not stand alone" NATO 12 Oct 2023 -- NATO Allies condemned the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel in a meeting of Defence Ministers on Thursday (12 October 2023).
• Government statement by the Federal Chancellor on Israel "In deep solidarity and friendship with the Jewish state of Israel" Germany - Federal Government 12 Oct 2023 -- Germany shares the sorrow and fears of the citizens of Israel. "Our hearts are heavy," emphasised Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the Bundestag on Thursday in his government statement on the situation in Israel. At the same time, he promised Israel that Germany would provide practical support.
• Government of Canada provides funding for humanitarian assistance in response to worsening conditions in Israel, West Bank and Gaza Strip Canada 12 Oct 2023 -- Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced that Canada is providing an initial $10 million in funding for humanitarian assistance in response to recent appeals from experienced and trusted humanitarian partners to address urgent needs stemming from the crisis in Israel, West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
• Escalation of violence in the Middle East: PACE holds current affairs debate Council of Europe 12 Oct 2023
• Oman: EU - GCC Joint Council and informal EU Foreign Affairs Council focus on the latest developments in the Middle East European External Action Service (EEAS) 12 Oct 2023 -- The recent terrorist attack of Hamas against Israel, the resulting escalation between Israel and Hamas, the international efforts to prevent further spill-over of the conflict, as well as closer cooperation between the European Union and the Gulf countries, were at the centre of three days visit by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell to Oman.
• China has no self-interest in the Palestinian issue, always standing on the side of peace, fairness, and justice Global Times 12 Oct 2023 -- China has no self-interest in the Palestinian issue and has always stood on the side of peace, fairness, and justice, said Zhai Jun, the Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue, during a phone call with Rafi Harpaz, the Deputy Director General in charge of Asia-Pacific affairs of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
• FM confirms three Chinese nationals killed, two missing in Palestine-Israel conflict Global Times 12 Oct 2023 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday confirmed that three Chinese nationals have been killed, two are missing and several others have been injured during the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict, in response to the question raised by the Global Times on casualties of Chinese nationals.
• China calls for return to 'two-state solution' to end cycle of conflict between Palestine, Israel Global Times 12 Oct 2023 -- To end the cycle of conflict between Palestine and Israel, there must be a return to the "two-state solution," and resumption of peace talks aimed at establishing an independent state of Palestine to achieve peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel, said Zhai Jun, special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue, in a phone call with Amal Jadou, first deputy minister of foreign affairs of Palestine, on Wednesday, according to China's Foreign Ministry.
• Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt on the situation in Israel and Palestine Government of Norway 12 Oct 2023
• UK government to arrange flights to get British nationals out of Israel UK FCDO 12 Oct 2023 -- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announces that the UK will facilitate flights to help British citizens wanting to leave Israel.
• Thailand Pledges to Repatriate Its Nationals From Israel VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- The first groups of Thais who were evacuated from Israel following the onslaught by Hamas in southern Israel have landed in Bangkok.
• Arab FMs call for immediate halt of Palestinian-Israeli conflict, revival of peace process People's Daily 12 Oct 2023 -- Arab foreign ministers on Wednesday called for an immediate halt of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict and the revival of the stalled Palestinian-Israeli peace process.
• Beijing calls for restoring dialogue People's Daily 12 Oct 2023 -- China's call for cease-fire and dialogue for final resolution of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is in line with UN resolutions, and aims to break the cycle of destruction and disaster in the Middle East, experts say.
• PM call with President el-Sisi of Egypt: 12 October 2023 Gov.UK 12 Oct 2023
• Israel: White Phosphorus Used in Gaza, Lebanon Human Rights Watch 12 Oct 2023 -- Israel's use of white phosphorus in military operations in Gaza and Lebanon puts civilians at risk of serious and long-term injuries, Human Rights Watch said today in releasing a question and answer document on white phosphorus. Human Rights Watch verified videos taken in Lebanon and Gaza on October 10 and 11, 2023, respectively, showing multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus over the Gaza City port and two rural locations along the Israel-Lebanon border, and interviewed two people who described an attack in Gaza.

Other Conflicts

• Taliban Decline Pakistan's Quake-Related Aid Over Controversial Tweet VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- Afghanistan's Taliban have blocked earthquake-related relief assistance from Pakistan over a controversial social media post by the country's prime minister amid an already strained bilateral relationship, VOA learned Thursday from highly placed official sources.
• Afghan Officials Lower Earthquakes' Death Toll VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- Afghanistan's Taliban government Thursday lowered the death toll from a series of recent earthquakes that struck western districts to about 1,000, revising the previous figure of more than 2,000 fatalities.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with UN Special Envoy for Yemen Grundberg US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2023
• Israeli airstrikes target Syria's Damascus, Aleppo airports Press TV 12 Oct 2023 -- Israel has carried out aerial assaults on Syria's two main airports in the cities of Damascus and Aleppo, putting both facilities out of service.
• Press release on Israeli air strikes on Syria Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Oct 2023
• QA-11, 12 October 2023, Statement of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tanju Bilgiç, in Response to a Question Regarding the Renewal of the US Presidential Executive Order Titled "National Emergency" with Respect to Syria Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Oct 2023
• Letters to the Speaker pro tempore of the House and the President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Situation in and in Relation to Syria The White House 12 Oct 2023
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Situation in and in Relation to Syria The White House 12 Oct 2023
• Child killed, 8 civilians injured in shell attack in Myanmar's Bago Radio Free Asia 12 Oct 2023 -- One child was killed and several others were injured after a series of attacks throughout Bago division's Nyaunglebin district, according to the Karen National Union. The ethnic armed group controlling the area reported that two children are among the eight people hurt by heavy artillery fired by junta troops.
• China, India agree to maintain peace at border in 20th corps commander level meeting Global Times 12 Oct 2023 -- China and India are effectively managing the risk of another border conflict, experts said on Thursday, after the two countries held, earlier this week, the 20th round of corps commander level meetings where they agreed to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas as the two sides continue to work out a mutually acceptable solution on the issue.
• Government to increase humanitarian assistance to Armenia Government Offices of Sweden 12 Oct 2023 -- The Government is allocating SEK 15 million to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to support refugee reception in Armenia. This targeted assistance is being provided in light of the developments in Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Armenia Ask UN Court To Force Baku To Protect From 'Ethnic Cleansing' In Nagorno-Karabakh RFE/RL 12 Oct 2023 -- Armenia has asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to take measures to protect the rights of ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh to ensure Azerbaijan does not "ethnically cleanse" the breakaway region after Baku launched a lightning offensive last month that triggered most residents to flee the area.
• China replaces 'Tibet' with 'Xizang' in latest diplomatic documents Radio Free Asia 12 Oct 2023 -- China has replaced the use of the term "Tibet" with "Xizang" as the romanized Chinese name on official diplomatic documents, a recent speech by the Foreign Minister Wang Yi shows.
• Coordination between the African Union, UN, and sub-regional organisations is critical to ending conflict: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 12 Oct 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the African Union.
• DR Congo: UN peacekeepers suspended over serious misconduct charges UN News 12 Oct 2023 -- The UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUSCO, has suspended some of its peacekeepers following reports of serious misconduct.
• Kenyan Court Temporarily Suspends Deployment of Police Force to Haiti VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- A Nairobi court this week temporarily suspended a Kenyan government plan to deploy 1,000 police officers to Haiti. The case was brought to court by three petitioners, including opposition politician and constitutional lawyer Ekuru Aukot, who told VOA the proposed deployment was unconstitutional. Analysts say there may be a way for the government to argue its case.

News Reports

• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Oct 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's participation in a regular meeting of the CIS Foreign Ministers Council Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Oct 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions following the CIS Foreign Ministers Council Meeting, Bishkek, October 12, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Oct 2023
• Signing of joint documents and media statements by Vladimir Putin and Sadyr Japarov President of Russia 12 Oct 2023 -- Vladimir Putin and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov took part in a ceremony to sign joint documents as part of the President's official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic and made statements to the media.
• Russia-Kyrgyzstan talks President of Russia 12 Oct 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held talks with President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov at the Ala Archa State Residence in Bishkek.
• Meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev President of Russia 12 Oct 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a meeting with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
• US, Allies Pressure UN Members to Prevent Russia's Return to Human Rights Council Sputnik 12 Oct 2023 -- The United States and allies put pressure on countries during elections to the UN Human Rights Council so that Russia would not return to the UN body, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
• UN rights body extends mandate of Special Rapporteur on Russia UN News 12 Oct 2023 -- The United Nations premier human rights body on Thursday extended the mandate of the independent expert on the situation of human rights in Russia for a further year.
• U.S. Sanctions Owners Of Two Vessels For Carrying Russian Oil Priced Above Cap RFE/RL 12 Oct 2023 -- The U.S. Treasury Department has announced sanctions on two companies for allegedly violating a price cap on Russian oil agreed last year by Western countries.
• Designating Entities Transporting Oil Sold Above the Price Cap US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2023 -- Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on two entities that own vessels which used Price Cap Coalition service providers while carrying Russian crude oil traded above the price cap.
• Treasury Sanctions Entities for Transporting Oil Sold Above the Coalition Price Cap to Restrict Russia's War Machine US Treasury 12 Oct 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is imposing sanctions on two entities and identifying as blocked property two vessels that used Price Cap Coalition service providers while carrying Russian crude oil above the Coalition-agreed price cap.
• Statement of the G7 and Australia on Actions Taken to Enforce Price Caps for Seaborne Russian-Origin Oil and Petroleum Products US Treasury 12 Oct 2023
• Price Cap Coalition Advisory for the Maritime Oil Industry and Related Sectors US Treasury 12 Oct 2023 -- The Price Cap Coalition is issuing this advisory to provide recommendations concerning specific best practices in the maritime oil industry.
• Putin Instructs Cabinet to Consider Formation of Central Eurasian Transport Corridor Sputnik 12 Oct 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the government to submit proposals for the formation of a Central Eurasian transport corridor through Mongolia and Western China, according to a document published by the Kremlin on Thursday.
• Russia's Reserves of Gold, Yuan Sufficient to Curb Financial Stability Risks - Regulator Sputnik 12 Oct 2023 -- The Russian Central Bank has been diversifying its gold and currency reserves since 2014, and the amount of gold and Chinese yuan is now sufficient to contain risks to the country's financial stability, Russian Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina said on Thursday.
• IOC Bans Russian Olympic Committee Effective Immediately VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- The International Olympic Committee, or IOC, on Thursday banned the Russian Olympic Committee after the ROC recognized regional organizations from four annexed Ukrainian territories. The ban takes effect immediately.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's article for International Life magazine, October 12, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Oct 2023
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on October 12, 2023 PRC MofA 12 Oct 2023
• Activists slam China's election to UN Human Rights Council Radio Free Asia 12 Oct 2023 -- Rights groups and overseas activists slammed China's re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council, saying Beijing is 'demonstrably unfit' to be a member because it actively seeks to undermine the protection of human rights.
• Borrell Arrives in China for EU-China Strategic Dialogue Sputnik 12 Oct 2023 -- EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell Fontelles said Thursday that he has landed in China to co-chair the EU-China Strategic Dialogue with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.
• EU top diplomat visits China; trip to 'seek common ground' Global Times 12 Oct 2023 -- EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell started his visit to China on Thursday, and was scheduled to meet some business representatives and Chinese academics in Shanghai, with the focus on issues such as the EU's strategic autonomy, trade tensions between the EU and China, the escalating Israel-Palestine conflict and the Ukraine crisis.
• US calls for China to 'confirm' location of rights lawyer Radio Free Asia 12 Oct 2023 -- The United States has condemned last month's "forced repatriation" of rights lawyer Lu Siwei and called for China to identify his location.
• China Frees Australian Journalist After Over 3 Years' Detention VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- A possible visit to Vietnam by Chinese President Xi Jinping would be likely to test Hanoi's balancing act between Beijing and China has released Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who had been in detention for over three years. The announcement was made by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who added that Lei was already back home in Melbourne. Lei, who was accused of spying, worked for China Central Television's English-language channel.
• US Looms Large Over Possible Vietnam-China Summit VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- A possible visit to Vietnam by Chinese President Xi Jinping would be likely to test Hanoi's balancing act between Beijing and Washington, analysts say.
• BRI paves way for common development, prosperity for all countries: FM Global Times 12 Oct 2023 -- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has paved the way for common development and prosperity for all countries in the world, demonstrating China's sense of responsibility as a major country, Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry, told a press conference on Thursday.
• Central Asians Balance Benefits, Risks of China's BRI VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- Although weary of Beijing's political ambitions and concerned about over-reliance on China, some Central Asians tell VOA they also see the benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative, or BRI, launched in 2013 as China's global infrastructure endeavor.
• Another brick wobbles in China's Great Wall of debt Radio Free Asia 12 Oct 2023 -- As China's economic miracle has unraveled over the past several years, property giant Country Garden Holdings appeared to be an unassailable fortress redoubt.
• Third-child ratio rises among China's 2022 newborns, showing effect of policy Global Times 12 Oct 2023 -- The ratio of third children among Chinese newborns in 2022 was 15 percent, 0.5 percentage points higher than in 2021, a statistical bulletin released by China's top health authority on Thursday showed. Experts said the increase shows China's third-child policy has had an impact and that the government should keep boosting childbirth-supporting policies.
• China Refuses 'Sustained Conversation' with US on Fentanyl Crisis, Ambassador Says VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- The Biden administration's top diplomat to China on Wednesday predicted an increase in tourism, commercial flights, and people-to-people ties between the world's two largest economies but said talks to form a working group on the fentanyl crisis have stalled.
• Key takeaways from BRI white paper People's Daily 12 Oct 2023 -- China's State Council Information Office on Tuesday released a white paper titled "The Belt and Road Initiative: A Key Pillar of the Global Community of Shared Future."
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Oct. 12, 2023 ROC MND 12 Oct 2023
• Mainland slams DPP for double-dealing on cross-Strait relations People's Daily 12 Oct 2023 -- A mainland official on Wednesday criticized Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for their double-dealing on relations across the Taiwan Strait, saying their attempts to achieve "a peaceful secession" are wishful thinking.
• Activists Slam China After Alleged Forced Repatriation of North Koreans VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- Human rights activists are criticizing China after reports that Beijing forcibly returned more than 500 North Korean defectors.
• China repatriates N Korean escapees after Asian Games: source Radio Free Asia 12 Oct 2023 -- China has repatriated more than 500 North Koreans shortly after the Hangzhou Asian Games, multiple sources working to rescue North Koreans in China told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday.
• Putin Congratulates Kim Jong Un on Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Sputnik 12 Oct 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday congratulated North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and North Korea, adding that ties between nations are developing in all areas.
• Greetings to Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un President of Russia 12 Oct 2023 -- Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
• Minju Joson on Ever-Developing Strategic DPRK-Russia Friendly Relations KCNA 12 Oct 2023 -- Minju Joson in an article on Thursday says that the peoples of the DPRK and Russia are significantly celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations at a time when the history of the bilateral relations witnesses a new heyday of friendship, solidarity and cooperation.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Sends Greetings to Russian President KCNA 12 Oct 2023 -- Kim Jong Un , president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Thursday sent a message of greeting to Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Receives Greetings from Russian President KCNA 12 Oct 2023 -- Kim Jong Un , president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Thursday received a message of greeting from Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation.
• Iran determined to continue activities related to space launch vehicles IRNA 12 Oct 2023 -- The ambassador and permanent representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations has said Tehran is determined to continue its "activities related to ballistic missiles and space launch vehicles."
• Iran says to continue space program under international law Press TV 12 Oct 2023 -- Iran's permanent ambassador to the United Nations says the Islamic Republic is determined to keep up with its activities related to ballistic missiles and space-launch vehicles within the framework of international law.
• Iran, Russia discuss strengthening energy ties IRNA 12 Oct 2023 -- Iran's Oil Minister, Javad Owji, and the Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee of Russia, Alexey Miller, have held discussions in Moscow to strengthen bilateral energy ties.
• US Appears to Consider Blocking Iran's Access to $6 Billion VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- Under pressure from Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Congress to block Iran from accessing $6 billion in oil revenues made available as part of a recent prisoner exchange deal, the Biden administration signaled Thursday it is considering refreezing the funds.
• Iran says has access to unfrozen funds in Qatar, rejects reports otherwise Press TV 12 Oct 2023 -- Iran has rejected a report that says the country had been barred from accessing its $6 billion funds recently unfrozen and transferred to Qatari banks.
• Mahsa Amini And Iran's Women, Life, Freedom Movement Short-Listed For EU's Sakharov Prize RFE/RL 12 Oct 2023 -- Mahsa Amini and the Women, Life, Freedom movement in Iran that was triggered by the death of the 22-year-old are among the three shortlisted nominees for this year's Sakharov Prize, the European Parliament's top rights award.
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (October 12, 2023) India MEA 12 Oct 2023
• Debate Over Kazakh President's Father Highlights Cult Of Personality Sensitivities RFE/RL 12 Oct 2023 -- Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev appeared to pour cold water on the culture of over-the-top praise from officials that had defined the personality cult of his predecessor, Nursultan Nazarbaev.
• Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by Spokesperson Thursday 12 October 2023 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Oct 2023
• Russian, Pakistani Energy Heads Discuss Supplies of Hydrocarbons to Pakistan - Moscow Sputnik 12 Oct 2023 -- Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov and Pakistani Energy Minister Muhammad Ali discussed prospects for increasing supplies of Russian hydrocarbons to Pakistan during the Russian Energy Week, the Russian Energy Ministry said on Thursday.
• Khan Alleges Treason Trial Designed to Protect Pakistan's Ex-Army Chief and US Diplomat VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- Jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has alleged that he is being prosecuted on "bogus" charges of exposing state secrets to protect Pakistan's former military chief and a U.S. diplomat.
• Joint Statement on U.S.-Singapore Space Dialogue US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2023 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Singapore at the U.S. - Singapore Space Dialogue.
• Turkiye, Gazprom Agree to Draft Roadmap for Gas Hub in Near Future - Energy Minister Sputnik 12 Oct 2023 -- Turkiye and Russia's Gazprom have agreed to draft a roadmap for a gas hub in near future, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said on Thursday.
• Lao president visits village for residents displaced by rail project Radio Free Asia 12 Oct 2023 -- Laos' president urged local officials to help villagers with jobs and subsistence farming during a visit to a newly built community where 400 residents displaced by the US$5.9 billion China-Laos railway project have recently moved.
• Former Fiji prime minister not guilty in abuse of power case Radio Free Asia 12 Oct 2023 -- A Fiji court on Thursday found former strongman prime minister Frank Bainimarama not guilty of perverting the course of justice, cauterizing a potentially divisive case in a Pacific island country that has suffered four coups since the late 1980s.
• Bulgarian Government Faces No-Confidence Vote Over Green Transition Plans RFE/RL 12 Oct 2023 -- The Bulgarian government faces a vote of no-confidence in parliament on October 13 over plans for a transition to cleaner energy and other policies in the energy sector that have sparked angry protests from miners and other workers.
• Blinken Says US Supports Finland, Estonia's Probe Into Balticconnector Gas Pipeline Damage Sputnik 12 Oct 2023 -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that the United States supports the investigation of Finland and Estonia into the causes of the damage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline, which runs from Finland to Estonia under the Baltic Sea.
• World News in Brief: Reducing disaster risk for persons with disabilities, Afghan quake latest, global aid funding off track UN News 12 Oct 2023 -- The world must act on "unacceptable failures" to protect persons with disabilities from the damaging impact of living through a natural disaster, the UN office dealing with disaster risk said on Thursday.
• Election Results Trickle in as Voting in Liberia Continues on Day 2 VOA 12 Oct 2023 -- Liberia's National Elections Commission, NEC, on Wednesday announced the first batch of provisional results from Tuesday's presidential and legislative poll. While the figures represent only a fraction of the total votes cast, the commission says some people are yet to vote.