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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President pro tempore of the Senate regarding the War Powers Report The White House 07 Dec 2023
• November 2023 Month in Review: The Defeat ISIS Mission in Iraq and Syria CENTCOM 07 Dec 2023 -- During the month of November 2023, U.S. Central Command, along with coalition and other partners, conducted a total of 40 D-ISIS operations resulting in 4 ISIS operatives killed and 33 detained.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Readout of Defense Policy Board Meeting DoD 07 Dec 2023
• Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing DoD 07 Dec 2023
• Pentagon, Services Coordinating on Operational Stand-Down of Osprey Fleet DoD News 07 Dec 2023 -- The Defense Department office that oversees the military's tiltrotor aircraft program is coordinating with the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps as they conduct an operational standdown of all CV-22 Osprey variants, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said today.
• Chiefs Discuss Military Recruiting Challenges at Committee Hearing DoD News 07 Dec 2023 -- The military's recruiting chiefs said they are making progress in meeting recruiting goals for fiscal 2024 even in the face of what one called "one of the toughest recruiting landscapes I've seen in over 33 years of service."
• Soldiers conduct pioneering communications demo at exercise Brave Partner EUCOM 07 Dec 2023 -- Soldiers with the 509th Strategic Signal Battalion, 2nd Theater Signal Brigade were the first in history to facilitate En route Mission Command outside of the U.S. while in flight with Stryker vehicles as a tactical command post aboard a military aircraft, which kicked off the U.S. Army Europe and Africa exercise, Brave Partner, Dec. 1, at Skopje International Airport.
• U.S. military grounds entire fleet of Ospery aircraft after mishap in Japan People's Daily 07 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. military said Wednesday that it is grounding its entire fleet of V-22 Osprey aircraft one week after an Air Force CV-22 crashed off the coast of Japan, killing eight U.S. airmen onboard.
• 26th MEU(SOC) and Hellenic 32rd Marine Brigade Strengthen Partnership through Integrated Training during a Greek Bi-Lateral Readiness Sustainment Training Exercise US Navy 07 Dec 2023 -- The Marines and Sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), embarked on the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), will be participating in an integrated Greek Bi-Lateral Exercise with the 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade, Mediterranean Sea, Dec. 1-3, 2023.
• SECNAV Delivers Remarks at the National Capital Council, Navy League of the United States Annual Meeting US Navy 07 Dec 2023
• Space Development Agency Providing Capability to Warfighters DoD News 07 Dec 2023 -- The development goal of the Defense Department's Joint All-Domain Command and Control, or JADC2, is to connect sensors to shooters to targets, as well as communications connecting Link 16 radios across the military services globally.
• More Nations Meet to Address Space Security DoD News 07 Dec 2023 -- The Defense Department participated in a meeting of the Combined Space Operations Initiative Principals Board, known as CSpO, in Berlin.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Saudi Minister of Defense, His Royal Highness Khalid bin Salman DoD 07 Dec 2023
• US Official Urges Approval of New Deals With Pacific Islands VOA 07 Dec 2023 -- A senior U.S. administration official said the United States needs to move ahead and fulfill its commitment under new arrangements with three Pacific Island nations as Washington faces fierce competition from Beijing in the region.
• Secretary General welcomes Luxembourg's NATO contributions, support to Ukraine NATO 07 Dec 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Luc Frieden, in Brussels on Thursday (7 December 2023).
• Commander-in-Chief of Navy Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov addresses International Arctic Forum in St. Petersburg Russia MoD 07 Dec 2023 -- Today the 13th International Forum Arctic: Present and Future began its work in St. Petersburg, bringing together more than 2,000 participants from Russia and abroad.
• Russia and Saudi Arabia Agree to Boost Defense Cooperation Sputnik 07 Dec 2023 -- On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a working visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and discussed bilateral, regional and international issues.
• US Lawmakers Running Out of Time to Pass Ukraine Aid, Border Security Funding VOA 07 Dec 2023 -- With just four working days left before its holiday recess, the U.S. Congress is no closer to passing the White House's $60 billion request for aid to Ukraine.
• U.S. provides additional weapons to Ukraine as Biden urges Congress to approve more funding People's Daily 07 Dec 2023 -- The United States on Wednesday announced an additional package of military aid to Ukraine to support the country amid its conflict with Russia, as President Joe Biden urged Congress to approve his supplemental budget request containing further funding for Kiev.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 07 Dec 2023 -- Germany provides support for Ukraine by supplying equipment and weapons, these come from supplies of the Federal Arms Forces and from deliveries from industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for security capacity building. An overview.
• US' hype on normal China-Cambodia naval cooperation exposes 'hegemonic mentality' Global Times 07 Dec 2023 -- The US has again hyped the alleged Chinese control of Cambodia's Ream Naval Base amid reports saying Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warships recently visited the Ream port for the first time since a China-assisted renovation project there started in 2022.
• Papua New Guinea, Australia sign security pact aimed at regional stability Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2023 -- Australia will give new support to volatile Papua New Guinea's overtaxed police force as part of a broad security agreement that reinforces Australia's status as the main security benefactor for many of the Pacific's island nations.
• Opening remarks - Parliament House, Canberra Prime Minister of Australia 07 Dec 2023
• Joint Leaders Statement on the Australia-Papua New Guinea Bilateral Security Agreement Prime Minister of Australia 07 Dec 2023
• Press conference - Parliament House, Canberra Prime Minister of Australia 07 Dec 2023
• Australia, Papua New Guinea Sign Bilateral Security Agreement Sputnik 07 Dec 2023 -- Australia and Papua New Guinea have signed a bilateral security framework agreement to strengthen military partnership and response to potential threats, the Australian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
• Regional network grows to support Navy fleet Australia DOD 07 Dec 2023 -- Australia's maritime capability has received a major boost as the third and fourth Regional Maintenance Providers (RMPs) in the network of Regional Maintenance Centres (RMCs) were announced recently.
• Targeting the next big battle space threat Australia DOD 07 Dec 2023 -- The booming sound of Browning .50-calibre machineguns echoed across the range at Puckapunyal as a platoon of M113AS4 gun cars opened fire on two closing drones nearly 200 metres away.
• Exercise strengthens Australia-India bond Australia DOD 07 Dec 2023 -- Army's 13th Brigade hosted the Indian Armed Forces in Perth and other locations in Western Australia during Exercise Austrahind, an army-to-army collective infantry training activity.
• Germany - MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes DSCA 07 Dec 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Germany of MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes and related equipment for an estimated cost of $300 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• German enhanced Vigilance Activity Brigade with HQ personnel at Rukla changed over Lithuania MND 07 Dec 2023 -- The 41st Armored Infantry Brigade of the German Bundeswehr assigned to Lithuania as enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA) Brigade has transferred the mission to the 21st Armored Brigade. Respectively, Commander Brig Gen Christian Nawrat handed over to Commander Col Marco Eggert to ensure continued deterrence and defence.
• Successful training launch of Short-Range Ballistic Missile 'Agni-1' India PIB 07 Dec 2023 -- Training launch of Short-Range Ballistic Missile 'Agni-1' was carried out successfully from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha on December 07, 2023
• U.S.-Japan Extended Deterrence Dialogue US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2023 -- Japan hosted the Government of the United States for an Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) in Japan on December 5-7, 2023.
• Aspen Security Forum 2023 DC Edition: Foreign Secretary's speech UK FCDO 07 Dec 2023 -- Foreign Secretary David Cameron gave a speech at the Aspen Security Forum in Washington DC.
• White House official urges Senate to ratify Law of the Sea Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. Senate should ratify the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea to pressure China to comply with its rules in the South China Sea, senior White House official Kurt Campbell said Thursday.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Human Rights Leaders Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 7, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 7 December 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 07 Dec 2023

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 7th, 20:15 Israel Defense Forces 07 Dec 2023
• Hamas launches rockets from within humanitarian zones Israel Defense Forces 07 Dec 2023
• PM Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi hold Assessment at IDF Northern Command HQ Israel - Prime Minister 07 Dec 2023
• Prime Minister's Office Announcement Israel - Prime Minister 07 Dec 2023 -- The Security Cabinet, this evening, approved the recommendation of the War Cabinet to allow a minimal supplement of fuel - necessary to prevent a humanitarian collapse and the outbreak of epidemics - into the southern Gaza Strip.
• Israel, Hamas Engage in Fierce Battles in Gaza's Biggest Cities VOA 07 Dec 2023 -- Israel attacked Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip's biggest cities on Thursday, leaving 350 people dead and thousands of Palestinian civilians searching for shelter to escape the ravages of the war.
• Death toll of Zionist regime's aggression in Gaza mounts to 17,177 IRNA 07 Dec 2023 -- As many as 17,177 Palestinians have been martyred in the Zionist attacks on the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the Zionist regime's invasion of the area in October 7, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry spokesperson.
• Israel, Hamas fighters engage in fierce face-to-face battles in Gaza People's Daily 07 Dec 2023 -- Israeli troops and Hamas militants engaged in face-to-face battles on Wednesday for control of Khan Younis, Gaza's second-largest city, amidst heavy fighting across the Strip, impeding the desperately needed distribution of aid.
• Last hospital in northern Gaza halts operation: health official People's Daily 07 Dec 2023 -- The only operating hospital in the conflict-ravaged northern Gaza Strip halted services on Wednesday due to fuel shortages and heavy Israeli strikes, according to a Palestinian health official.
• UNRWA Situation Report #46 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (Information is valid as of 4 December 2023 at 22:30 local time) Day 59-60 of Hostilities (Published 7 December 2023) UNRWA 07 Dec 2023
• Gaza fighting continues amid 'apocalyptic' conditions; Security Council to meet Friday UN News 07 Dec 2023 -- Two months to the day since Hamas' terror attacks in Israel prompted a massive Israeli military retaliation in Gaza, the situation in the war-torn enclave is becoming "apocalyptic" with hostilities making meaningful humanitarian efforts "nearly impossible", UN humanitarians warned on Thursday.
• UN Aid Operation in Gaza in Tatters VOA 07 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations humanitarian chief said Thursday that Israel's military offensive in the southern Gaza Strip is "a repeat" of the assault on northern Gaza and has left no place safe for civilians while crippling humanitarian operations.
• UN chief invoking rare clause shows 'dissatisfaction' toward Security Council failure to address intensifying Gaza crisis Global Times 07 Dec 2023 -- With Israel's intensifying fighting in the Gaza Strip raising concerns over a worsening humanitarian crisis, UN chief Antonio Guterres invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter for the first time in his tenure, warning of severe risk of collapse of the humanitarian system. Some experts believed that invoking a rarely used clause in the UN charter hinted that the UN Security Council has not met its responsibilities in promoting a cease-fire due to the interference of the US, which has not exerted sufficient pressure on Israel.
• Palestinian envoy to UN: Security Council will vote on resolution of Arab and Islamic countries for immediate ceasefire in Gaza. IRNA 07 Dec 2023 -- The Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations announced that the UN Security Council will vote on the draft resolution submitted by the Arab and Islamic countries regarding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on Friday.
• UN chief asks Security Council to act to avert humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza People's Daily 07 Dec 2023 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday asked the Security Council to act to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, said his spokesman.
• Senior UN official slams Israel for leaving no safe place for civilians in Gaza, not even UN shelters Press TV 07 Dec 2023 -- A senior United Nations official says Israel has left no safe place for civilians in the Gaza Strip, denouncing Tel Aviv for its "blatant disregard" for human life in the war-torn Palestinians territory, after the occupying entity even hit UN shelters there.
• In rare move, UN chief invokes Article 99 of Charter over Israel's war on Gaza Press TV 07 Dec 2023 -- United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter not used in decades, in a rare move to formally warn the UN Security Council of global danger from Israel's brutal war on the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Readout of President Biden's Call with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan The White House 07 Dec 2023
• Readout of White House Meeting with Israel's Chair of the Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children The White House 07 Dec 2023
• Readout of National Security Advisor to the Vice President Phil Gordon's Meeting with Families of Hostages Held in Gaza The White House 07 Dec 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant DoD 07 Dec 2023
• Readout of President Biden's Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel The White House 07 Dec 2023
• President Raisi calls for urgent solution to stop war in Gaza IRNA 07 Dec 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has called for an urgent solution to stop the war in Gaza.
• Iran FM says terrible days awaiting Israeli regime amid powerful Palestinian response IRNA 07 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that Palestinian resistance fighters have so far given a powerful response to Israel's aggression on Gaza, and such a trend would make the coming days for the regime terrible.
• Iran president says Palestine, swift end to Israel's Gaza war top of agenda of Russia visit Press TV 07 Dec 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says the Palestinian issue and the brutal Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip will be top on the agenda of his official visit to Russia.
• Israel poses 'greater than ever' threat to global security: Iran Press TV 07 Dec 2023 -- Iran has warned that the threat posed by Israel to global peace and security is now "greater than ever" amid the regime's bloody aggression against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
• Iran FM urges Egypt to unconditionally open Rafah crossing to allow Gazans access to basic needs Press TV 07 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has urged Egypt to "unconditionally" open the Rafah crossing to allow the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip immediate access of to medicine, food, and fuel.
• Norway increasing support for forgotten crises Government of Norway 07 Dec 2023 -- 'The UN Central Emergency Response Fund saves lives and alleviates suffering in connection with forgotten humanitarian crises as well. Norway is now providing an additional NOK 55 million to the Fund,' said Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim.
• Defence Secretary visits Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories to explore options to boost humanitarian aid UK FCDO 07 Dec 2023 -- As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, the Defence Secretary travels to the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) and Israel this week.
• Israeli forces kill 4 Palestinians across West Bank: Health Ministry Press TV 07 Dec 2023 -- Israeli forces have killed four Palestinians, including two teenagers, during violent attacks across the occupied West Bank, amid the occupying regime's continuous bombardment of the Gaza Strip.
• Hezbollah launches strikes against Israeli, occupied sites in support of Gaza Press TV 07 Dec 2023 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has carried out many strikes against Israeli-occupied sites in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have come under an unrelenting war by the occupying regime.
• Reuters, AFP Say Israeli Tank Responsible for Deadly Attack on Journalists VOA 07 Dec 2023 -- Reuters and Agence France-Presse have each published an investigation into an October attack in southern Lebanon that killed a journalist and injured six others, saying their findings indicate the group was hit by Israeli tank rounds.
• Moment of Truth for Israel's Government: Either Heed Biden Administration Limits Or Lose U.S. Support for Military Operation J Street 07 Dec 2023 -- Today marks two months since the October 7 attacks, each day filled with pain and grief as J Street remembers the victims of Hamas' barbaric attack - including family, friends and colleagues.

Other Conflicts

• U.S. Targets Financial Network Backing Huthis In Yemen Through Sales Of Iranian Commodities RFE/RL 07 Dec 2023 -- The United States has issued sanctions against 13 individuals and entities in Yemen and other countries that the Treasury Department says are responsible for providing millions of dollars' worth of funding to Huthi rebels in Yemen from the sale of Iranian commodities.
• Taking Actions in Response to Houthi Regional Attacks US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2023 -- The United States is today designating 13 individuals and entities responsible for providing funds generated from the sale and shipment of Iranian commodities to the Houthis in Yemen through a complex network of exchange houses and companies in multiple jurisdictions.
• Treasury Targets Network Financing Houthi Regional Aggression US Treasury 07 Dec 2023 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned 13 individuals and entities responsible for providing tens of millions of dollars' worth of foreign currency generated from the sale and shipment of Iranian commodities, backed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), to the Houthis in Yemen. Through a complex network of exchange houses and companies in multiple jurisdictions, these persons, under the auspices of U.S.-sanctioned Houthi and IRGC-QF financial facilitator Sa'id al-Jamal, serve as an important conduit through which Iranian money reaches the country's militant partners in Yemen.
• Manila embarks on 'name and shame' strategy to counter Beijing Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2023 -- The Philippines has been leading a campaign of "assertive transparency" in dealing with China in the South China Sea, deemed successful by analysts and officials.
• "We want to turn the Aegean into a sea of peace and cooperation" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 07 Dec 2023 -- Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Mitsotakis of Greece, President Erdoğan said: "We want to turn the Aegean into a sea of peace and cooperation. We aspire to set an example to the world with the joint steps we will take as Türkiye and Greece."
• Leaders of Turkey and Greece Agree to Increase Cooperation VOA 07 Dec 2023 -- Greece and Turkey made significant progress toward mending relations Thursday, as leaders of the neighboring countries agreed to several cooperative measures after years of tension.
• Vietnam repatriates more than 1,000 of its citizens from Myanmar Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2023 -- Vietnam this week flew home just over 1,000 of its citizens who were stranded in wartorn Myanmar, Hanoi's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Thursday.
• Civilian death toll jumps 7-fold in Myanmar in November Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2023 -- The civilian death toll in wartorn states in Myanmar jumped seven-fold in November, largely due to airstrikes by the junta in populated areas as part of fighting with ethnic rebel groups and People's Defense Force units, data compiled by Radio Free Asia shows.
• Myanmar junta recruiting former resistance fighters to bolster numbers Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2023 -- Resistance fighters who surrendered to the junta in southwestern Myanmar are now being enlisted by the regime's military, anti-junta militia members told Radio Free Asia.
• Azerbaijan, Armenia Agree To Several Goodwill Steps, Including Mutual Release Of Prisoners RFE/RL 07 Dec 2023 -- Azerbaijan released 32 Armenian servicemen on December 7, while Armenia released two Azerbaijanis, according to a joint statement from the two countries that outlined other "tangible steps" toward building trust.
• Welcoming the Release of Armenian and Azerbaijani Soldiers US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2023 -- The United States welcomes the announcement by Armenia and Azerbaijan of the release of two Azerbaijani and thirty-two Armenian detainees.

News Reports

• United States and the United Kingdom Sanction Members of Russian State Intelligence-Sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat Group US Treasury 07 Dec 2023 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), in coordination with the United Kingdom, designated two individuals associated with an advanced persistent threat (APT) group that is sponsored by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and has targeted individuals and entities in the United States, United Kingdom, and other allied and partner countries.
• Two Russian Nationals Working with Russia's Federal Security Service Charged with Global Computer Intrusion Campaign US Dept. of Justice 07 Dec 2023 -- Indictment Alleges the So-Called "Callisto Group" Hacked Computers in the United States and Allied Countries, and Stole Information Used in Foreign Malign Influence Operations Designed to Influence the U.K.'s 2019 Elections
• U.S. Takes Action to Further Disrupt Russian Cyber Activities US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2023 -- The United States government is taking a series of actions today against cyber actors Callisto Group, Star Blizzard, and COLDRIVER, which are connected to Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) Center 18 for long-running cyber espionage campaigns that targeted numerous U.S.-based entities and individuals.
• U.K., U.S. Sanction Two Russians Accused Of Cyber Spying On British Politicians, Journalists RFE/RL 07 Dec 2023 -- The British Foreign Office and the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on December 7 against two Russians for their ties to a group of cybercriminals sponsored by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) that Britain and the United States say has targeted people and entities in the two countries and other partner countries.
• US, UK Act Against Russian Hacker Group VOA 07 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. government on Thursday unveiled measures to combat Russian hackers accused of targeting U.S-based entities and individuals and meddling in a British election.
• Russian FSB Cyber Actor Star Blizzard Continues Worldwide Spear-phishing Campaigns CISA 07 Dec 2023 -- The Russia-based actor is targeting organizations and individuals in the UK and other geographical areas of interest.
• UK exposes attempted Russian cyber interference in politics and democratic processes UK FCDO 07 Dec 2023 -- The UK condemns Russia's sustained attempts at political interference in the UK and globally.
• Statement on Russia's malicious cyber activity affecting the United Kingdom Canada 07 Dec 2023 -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, today issued the following statement:
• Statement on cyberattacks targeting electoral processes in the United Kingdom Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Dec 2023 -- Poland is deeply concerned about the information provided by the United Kingdom regarding Russian cyberattacks directed against the UK's democratic institutions and electoral processes.
• Cyber: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the protection of democratic processes against malicious cyber activities EC/CEU 07 Dec 2023 -- The European Union and its Member States strongly condemn malicious cyber activities targeting democratic institutions and electoral processes.
• Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council - on Transnational Organized Crime, Growing Challenges and New Threats UN Secretary-General 07 Dec 2023
• Global cooperation critical to combat transnational organized crime UN News 07 Dec 2023 -- The UN Secretary-General called for stronger action to fight the growing challenge of transnational organized crime in an address to the Security Council on Thursday.
• Governments continue discussions on pandemic agreement negotiating text WHO 07 Dec 2023
• Spain expels two US embassy staff accused of bribing intelligence agents: Report Press TV 07 Dec 2023 -- Spain has expelled two American embassy diplomats accused of infiltrating the Spanish intelligence agency (CNI) through alleged bribing local officers, a report says.
• Former UK PM Johnson admits COVID mistakes People's Daily 07 Dec 2023 -- Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) Boris Johnson admitted on Wednesday that he made mistakes during the COVID-19 pandemic and was "deeply sorry," but he insisted the mistakes were inevitable.
• Australian Laser Technology to Help Future NASA Missions to Mars VOA 07 Dec 2023 -- A new optical ground station has been built by the Australian National University to help the U.S. space agency, NASA, and others explore space and safely reach Mars.
• US Backs Guyana as Tensions Rise Over Contested Essequibo Region VOA 07 Dec 2023 -- The United States reaffirmed its support of Guyana amid a growing dispute with neighboring Venezuela over the oil-rich Essequibo region.
• US wades into Guyana-Venezuela dispute over Essequibo with drills Press TV 07 Dec 2023 -- The US is holding military drills in Guyana following a referendum in Venezuela where voters overwhelmingly supported their country's claim to the oil-rich Essequibo region.
• G7 Leaders Agree To Restrictions On Imports Of Russian Diamonds RFE/RL 07 Dec 2023 -- The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries have agreed to restrict imports of Russian diamonds in another tightening of sanctions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
• While Russia is isolated the international community is united: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 07 Dec 2023 -- Ambassador Neil Holland says that the UK and partners will stand alongside Ukraine to protect its future, as well as protecting the OSCE.
• Tsahkna: Estonia is terminating its legal assistance agreement with Russia Estonia MFA 07 Dec 2023 -- The government decided to terminate the legal assistance agreement with Russia and tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with drafting a relevant bill and submitting it to the Riigikogu.
• Russia Calling! Investment Forum President of Russia 07 Dec 2023 -- Vladimir Putin took part in the plenary session of the Russia Calling! forum.
• Russian-Iranian talks President of Russia 07 Dec 2023 -- The Kremlin hosted talks between Vladimir Putin and President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi, who arrived in Russia on a working visit.
• Russia-Iran Relations Developing Very Well - Putin Sputnik 07 Dec 2023 -- Relations between Russia and Iran are developing very well, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated.
• Russian Presidential Election Set For March 17; Navalny Says Putin Victory Could 'Destroy' Country RFE/RL 07 Dec 2023 -- Russia's upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, has set March 17 for a presidential election in which President Vladimir Putin is widely expected to run for another term, paving the way for him to stay in power until at least 2030.
• Russian Upper House Schedules Presidential Election For March 17, 2024 Sputnik 07 Dec 2023 -- According to Article 102 of the Russian Constitution, the Russian Federation Council has the exclusive right to determine the date of presidential elections.
• With Wagner In Disarray, A Russian Diplomat With Spy Links Surfaces In The Central African Republic RFE/RL 07 Dec 2023 -- A former Kremlin envoy to the EU whom European diplomats link to Russian intelligence has been dispatched to the Central African Republic (CAR) to oversee coordination between the Wagner mercenary group and local security forces, a new RFE/RL investigation has found.
• Moscow Court Extends Pretrial Detention Of Nationalist Putin Critic Girkin RFE/RL 07 Dec 2023 -- The Moscow City Court on December 7 extended the pretrial detention of Igor Girkin (aka Strelkov), once a leader of Russia-backed separatists in Ukraine's east, who was arrested in July after he criticized President Vladimir Putin for "badly" handling the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on December 7, 2023 PRC MofA 07 Dec 2023
• China wants end to 'confrontation' but EU in no mood for compromise Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2023 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party dialed up its bid to shore up economic ties with the European Union during the China-EU summit in Beijing on Thursday, though analysts said the bloc was in no mood for concessions over Beijing's support for Russia and a growing trade deficit.
• EU Presses China on Trade and Ukraine at Summit in Beijing VOA 07 Dec 2023 -- European Union leaders urged China on Thursday to fix the country's trade imbalance with Europe and press Russia for an end to the war in Ukraine.
• 24th EU-China Summit: engaging to promote our values and defend our interests EC/CEU 07 Dec 2023 -- The European Union (EU) and China held their 24th Summit in Beijing on 7 December 2023. President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, met with China's President, Xi Jinping, followed by an exchange with China's Premier, Li Qiang.
• Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel following the EU-China Summit European Commission 07 Dec 2023
• Statement by President von der Leyen at the meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping European Commission 07 Dec 2023
• Italy Tells China It's Leaving Belt and Road Initiative VOA 07 Dec 2023 -- Italy officially told China that it will leave the Belt and Road Initiative, or BRI, the first country to do so since the project was launched a decade ago. Despite the decision, Rome still plans to maintain good relations with Beijing, government sources said on Wednesday.
• China opposes smearing, undermining cooperation under BRI, after Italy exits: spokesperson Global Times 07 Dec 2023 -- China firmly opposes smearing and undermining cooperation in jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and opposes camps confrontation, China's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, in a response made after Italy informed the Chinese government of its decision to withdraw from the BRI.
• Memorandum on the Delegation of Certain Functions and Authorities Under the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 and Public Law 117-78 The White House 07 Dec 2023
• Volkswagen under fire after audit finds no evidence of Uyghur forced labor Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2023 -- Volkswagen said a self-commissioned audit turned up no evidence that its joint venture plant in Xinjiang had used Uyghur forced labor, but experts on the region cast doubt on the results, saying official documents show Uyghur detainees from re-education camps were funneled to the factory.
• Macao disagrees with Moody's cutting its credit outlook to 'negative' Global Times 07 Dec 2023 -- The Macao SAR government said it disagrees with Moody's decision to downgrade the region's credit outlook from "stable" to "negative" on Wednesday.
• China says Counter-Espionage Law won't impact normal business operation, opposing politicizing national security concept Global Times 07 Dec 2023 -- China's ministry of state security has issued two consecutive statements refuting malicious smears about the country's newly revised Counter-Espionage Law, stressing that China firmly opposes "politicizing and weaponizing the concept of national security."
• China capable of defusing debt risks, experts say People's Daily 07 Dec 2023 -- China is expected to completely defuse hidden local government debt risks in around four to five years, and the debt stress is unlikely to trigger systematic financial risks that would derail China's economic recovery, a source close to the matter told China Daily.
• KMT presidential nominee Hou pledges better ties with both U.S., China CNA 07 Dec 2023 -- Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) said Thursday that if elected, he will seek to maintain friendly relations with both China and the United States, while criticizing the current government's China policy as leading to zero formal bilateral communication.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 7, 2023 ROC MND 07 Dec 2023
• Rodong Sinmun Discloses U.S. Attempt to Carry out Preemptive Nuclear Attack KCNA 07 Dec 2023 -- The Bloomberg News of the U.S. reported that the first test flight of the new-generation stealth strategic bomber B-21 Raider was conducted recently.
• N Korean ambassador in Geneva recalled over smuggling allegations: Report Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2023 -- North Korea has decided to recall its ambassador to Switzerland, Han Tae Song, amidst claims he is involved in elephant tusk smuggling.
• Moon govt covered up, distorted 2020 official's death by North: Audit Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2023 -- South Korea's state audit agency on Thursday released the final results of its inspection into the 2020 death of a South Korean fisheries official at the hands of North Korea, concluding that the then Moon Jae-in administration did little to save him and covered up and distorted facts related to the case.
• Raisi says visits Russia to pursue immediate halt to Gaza bombardment IRNA 07 Dec 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said here on Thursday that he is to be in Moscow, Russia, today to follow up efforts to immediate halt to bombardment of Gaza and the siege of the people in the Strip.
• President Raeisi urges 'immediate' stop to Israeli genocide on Russia visit Press TV 07 Dec 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has called for an immediate stop to the Israeli "genocide and crimes against humanity" in the besieged Gaza Strip as he met his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday.
• Pariahs in arms: Russia finds an ally in military-run Myanmar Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2023 -- A month after the February 2021 coup that plunged Myanmar into a bloody civil war, military leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing gave a rare interview with a Russian newspaper. In it, he declared his countrymen's Buddhist appreciation for "tranquility and peace." He also spoke of his love for "old and true friends" like Russia.
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (December 07, 2023) India MEA 07 Dec 2023
• Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by Spokesperson Thursday 07 December 2023 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Dec 2023
• Japan PM Kishida to quit as ruling party faction leader People's Daily 07 Dec 2023 -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will step down as chief of his faction in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) amid a growing slush funds scandal, local media reported on Thursday.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Cameron at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2023
• PM meeting with Prime Minister Rutte of the Netherlands: 7 December 2023 Gov.UK 07 Dec 2023
• Alarm bells ignored as Africa continues to face deepening food crisis FAO 07 Dec 2023 -- Africa is confronting an unprecedented food crisis, according to a new report launched today by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the African Union Commission (AUC), the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the World Food Programme (WFP).
• Eight Asia-Pacific nations 'closed' to democratic freedoms: CIVICUS Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2023 -- Civil society organizations, journalists and protesters in many Asia-Pacific nations are facing increasing repression, according to a new report by the CIVICUS Monitor.
• Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City push ahead with controversial development plan Radio Free Asia 07 Dec 2023 -- Nearly half the householders evicted from land set for redevelopment in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City have not yet received compensation, one of them told Radio Free Asia.
• World News in Brief: Russia's LGBT ban condemned, unprecedented Africa malnutrition crisis, health after childbirth UN News 07 Dec 2023 -- UN independent human rights experts on Thursday raised concerns about the "dangerous precedent and far-reaching negative consequences" of Russia's Supreme Court decision declaring the "international LGBT movement and its structural units" as "extremist".
• Regional West African Court Dismisses Niger's Challenge to ECOWAS Sanctions VOA 07 Dec 2023 -- A court for the West African regional bloc ECOWAS has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Niger's transitional leaders and some corporations over sanctions imposed on Niger by ECOWAS following the July ouster of President Mohammed Bazoum.
• Europe Fears Surge in African Migration as Niger Repeals Trafficking Law VOA 07 Dec 2023 -- The European Union has voiced concerns of a surge in migrants from Africa, after the ruling military junta in Niger repealed a law that had previously criminalized the transport of migrants in the country.
• Zimbabwe Says It Has Discovered Gas Deposits VOA 07 Dec 2023 -- Energy companies have discovered natural gas in northern Zimbabwe, near the country's northern border with Mozambique and Zambia. The Zimbabwean government hopes the discovery, if it can be exploited, will help reduce the need for expensive imported energy.