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News Reports

Current Operations

• Rockets hit US embassy in Baghdad amid rage over its support for Israel Press TV 08 Dec 2023 -- The US embassy in Baghdad has been targeted with rockets as anti-US sentiments run high in the country over Washington's staunch support for the ongoing Israeli genocide against Gazans.
• US Embassy in Baghdad Comes Under Missile Fire - Reports Sputnik 08 Dec 2023 -- Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said on Thursday that 66 US military personnel have been injured in a spree of attacks on bases in Iraq and Syria.
• Iran Aligned Militias in Iraq US Dept. of State 08 Dec 2023 -- The United States strongly condemns last night's rocket attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and today's attacks against facilities hosting U.S. personnel.

Defense Policy / Programs

• NSA Focuses on Talent as Pace of Technology Quickens DoD News 08 Dec 2023 -- The National Security Agency's ability to recruit and retain top talent is key to meeting the demands of the future, agency Director Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone, said today.
• Army announces first Precision Strike Missiles delivery US Army 08 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. Army announced today the initial delivery of its next-generation Long Range Precision Fires missile.
• USAG Ansbach welcomes the "Big Red One" back to Storck Barracks Army News 08 Dec 2023 -- In late October, U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Ansbach welcomed the 601st Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade (601st ASB) for their nine-month rotation from Fort Riley, Kansas at Storck Barracks.
• U.S., Japan ships complete bilateral exercise in Gulf of Aden CENTCOM 08 Dec 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Murasame-class destroyer FS Akebono (DD 108) conducted bilateral exercise in the Gulf of Aden, Nov. 25.
• Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks' Meeting With Guam Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero DoD 08 Dec 2023
• DOD, Singapore Ministry of Defence Enter Into Security of Supply Arrangement DoD 08 Dec 2023 -- The Department of Defense has entered into a bilateral, non-binding Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) with the Republic of Singapore.
• USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), JS Amagiri (DD 154) Participate in Sister Ship Tree Exchange US Navy 08 Dec 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) participated in the annual Sister Ship Tree Exchange with Asagiri-class destroyer JS Amagiri (DD 154) aboard Amagiri December 7th, 2023.
• USS Mount Whitney Returns to Homeport US Navy 08 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. 6th Fleet Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) returned to homeport in Gaeta, Italy, Dec. 8, following support of U.S. operations in the eastern Mediterranean Sea since October.
• SECNAV Delivers Remarks at Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony US Navy 08 Dec 2023
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani DoD 08 Dec 2023
• U.S. Army security forces support multinational, tactical training in Bosnia and Herzegovina EUCOM 08 Dec 2023 -- Members of the 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade joined the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the U.K. during joint training events at several locations across Bosnia and Herzegovina from Oct. 23 to Nov. 26, 2023.
• Presentation of Gold Star medals to Heroes of Russia President of Russia 08 Dec 2023 -- On the eve of Heroes of the Fatherland Day, the ceremony to present Gold Star medals to Heroes of Russia took place in the Grand Kremlin Palace's St George Hall.
• Black Sea Fleet frigate Admiral Grigorovich joins Algerian Navy ships in naval drills in Mediterranean Sea Russia MoD 08 Dec 2023 -- The crew of the frigate Admiral Grigorovich of the Black Sea Fleet of the permanent group of the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean Sea takes part in the Joint Naval Drills 2023 with ships of the Navy of the Algerian People's National Army.
• West Doubts Ukraine's Ability to Conduct Major Counteroffensive Until 2025 - Reports Sputnik 08 Dec 2023 -- The West believes Kiev will most likely fail to launch another significant counteroffensive until 2025, as the Ukrainian forces need time to recover after this year's failed military campaign, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing Western diplomats and military strategists.
• New Ukrainian Brigades Lack Needed Vehicles, Have Obsolete Equipment - Report Sputnik 08 Dec 2023 -- According to a recent report by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Western military aid to Ukraine has plummeted by 87% year-on-year from August to October, reaching its lowest since January 2022 of $2.3 billion.
• China, Vietnam coast guards hold high-level working meeting, consolidating traditional friendship and promoting maritime cooperation Global Times 08 Dec 2023 -- The China Coast Guard (CCG) and the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) held the 7th high-level work meeting in South China's Guangzhou from December 4 to 8, with both sides vowing to jointly crack down on maritime crimes to further consolidate the traditional friendship between the two countries and deepen practical maritime cooperation.
• Court upholds 7.5-year sentence for ex-colonel in China allegiance case CNA 08 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan's Supreme Court upheld a seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence Thursday for a retired Army colonel found guilty of corruption and taking money in return for declaring his allegiance to China.
• Taiwan relaxes rules to accelerate declassification of state secrets CNA 08 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan's Legislative Yuan passed amendments Friday to abolish rules allowing some national security information to remain permanently classified, which could lead to more political archives from Taiwan's authoritarian past being made available.
• U.S. defense spending bill authorizes training program for Taiwan CNA 08 Dec 2023 -- The finalized draft of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the United States authorizes the U.S. secretary of defense to "establish a comprehensive training, advising, and institutional capacity building program" for Taiwan's military.
• Indo-Pacific Minister's speech to Western Australia defence conference: 8 December 2023 UK FCDO 08 Dec 2023 -- UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, gave a keynote speech on AUKUS at a conference on "The Future of Defence in Western Australia" in Perth.
• INDIAN ARMY CONDUCTS TABLE-TOP EXERCISE (TTX) FOR ASEAN WOMEN PEACEKEEPERS India PIB 08 Dec 2023 -- In a landmark initiative to promote gender inclusivity and enhancing the capabilities of women military personnel in peacekeeping operations, the Indian Army conducted a Table-Top Exercise (TTX) for the Women Officers of Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi from 4th to 8th December 2023
• Ministry of Defence inks contract worth Rs 588.68 Cr with Telecommunications Consultants India Limited for Digital Coast Guard project India PIB 08 Dec 2023 -- In alignment with the Government of India's strategic vision for Digital Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) on 8 December 2023, at a total cost of Rs 588
• NON-LAPSABLE FUND FOR DEFENCE MODERNISATION India PIB 08 Dec 2023 -- Articles 112-114 & 266 of the Constitution provide that no money can be spent by the Government from Consolidated Fund of India without authorisation through an Annual Budget presented before the Parliament
• TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT FUND India PIB 08 Dec 2023 -- The Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme is a flagship programme of Ministry of Defence executed by DRDO under 'Make in India' initiative
• KEEL LAYING OF FOURTH SHIP (BY 526, MALPE) AND FIFTH SHIP (BY 527, MULKI) OF ASW SWC PROJECT AT CSL, KOCHI ON 08 DEC 23 India PIB 08 Dec 2023 -- Keel Laying of the fourth ship (BY 526, Malpe) and fifth ship (BY 527, Mulki) of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) (CSL) project was presided by RAdm Jaswinder Singh, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command and RAdm Subir Mukherjee, Admiral Superintendent, NSRY(Koc) respectively on 08 Dec 23, in the presence of Shri Madhu S Nair, CMD, Cochin Shipyard Limited and other senior officials of Indian Navy and shipyard at CSL, Kochi
• JOINT FACT SHEET: Launching the U.S.-ROK Next Generation Critical and Emerging Technologies Dialogue The White House 08 Dec 2023
• Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Travel of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to the Republic of Korea The White House 08 Dec 2023
• Norway, Finland and South Korea have all signed an agreement to enhance Norwegian defence capabilities. Government of Norway 08 Dec 2023 -- Both Norway and Finland have purchased the K9 artillery system from South Korea.
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Trilateral Meeting with the National Security Advisors of Japan and the Republic of Korea The White House 08 Dec 2023
• Treasury Designates Perpetrators of Human Rights Abuse and Commemorates the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights US Treasury 08 Dec 2023 -- December 10, 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the landmark document enshrining human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals. Ahead of this historic anniversary and Human Rights Day, the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) reaffirms its steadfast commitment to promoting respect for human rights and accountability for perpetrators of human rights abuse.
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby En Route Las Vegas, NV The White House 08 Dec 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby, December 7, 2023 The White House 08 Dec 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 8, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 8 December 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 08 Dec 2023

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 8th, 20:15 Israel Defense Forces 08 Dec 2023
• Israel: Newly Discovered Hamas Tunnels Under Gaza Justify Expanded Attacks VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- Israel said Friday it has discovered a new tunnel, weapons and Hamas facilities under Gaza — evidence, it says, that Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror group carries out military operations through an extensive network running underneath civilian infrastructure.
• Death toll of Zionist regime's invasion in Gaza tops 17,487 IRNA 08 Dec 2023 -- Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra has announced that the number of Palestinian martyrs in Gaza has risen to 17,487 since the beginning of the Zionist regime's invasion of the enclave on October 7.
• Hamas, Israeli army intensify fighting in Gaza as conflict enters 3rd month People's Daily 08 Dec 2023 -- The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) has intensified its battle against the Israeli army as the deadly conflict enters the third month on Thursday.
• UN Chief Resorts to Rare Article 99 in Bid to Stop Israel, Hamas Fighting VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday invoked Article 99, a rarely used clause in the U.N. Charter, to warn the Security Council that the situation between Israel and Hamas could negatively affect international peace and security.
• WHO: Gaza Cut Off From Food, Water, 'Anything Which Is Necessary for Any Sort of Life' VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- As Israel's bombing campaign against Hamas in Gaza takes an ever-heavier toll in lives lost and as basic survival commodities become ever scarcer, the international drumbeat for a cessation of hostilities in the beleaguered Palestinian territory is getting louder.
• US vetoes resolution on Gaza which called for 'immediate humanitarian ceasefire' UN News 08 Dec 2023 -- The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting Friday morning New York time to discuss the catastrophic situation in Gaza. This follows Wednesday's urgent letter by Secretary-General António Guterres - one of the most powerful tools at his disposal - urging the body to help end carnage in the war-battered enclave through a lasting humanitarian ceasefire. A resolution tabled late afternoon in the chamber calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire was vetoed by the United States.
• Gaza humanitarian disaster heralds 'breakdown' of society UN News 08 Dec 2023 -- As intense Israeli bombardment of Gaza and fighting with Palestinian armed groups continued to impede aid operations, reports on the ground of children begging for water and people cutting down telephone poles for firewood indicated that "society is about to break down", UN humanitarians said on Friday.
• Letter From UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini to the UN General Assembly President Mr. Dennis Francis UNRWA 08 Dec 2023
• UNRWA Situation Report #47 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (Information is valid as of 6 December 2023 at 22:30 local time) Day 61 of Hostilities (Published 8 December 2023) UNRWA 08 Dec 2023
• Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council - on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question UN Secretary-General 08 Dec 2023
• Statement by WFP Deputy Executive Director after visit to Gaza WFP 08 Dec 2023
• UN official raises alarm as humanitarian crisis in Gaza keeps worsening People's Daily 08 Dec 2023 -- The current humanitarian program in Gaza "is no longer functioning well," said the head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) at a press conference here on Thursday.
• UN school attacked by Israeli army in Gaza: UN agency People's Daily 08 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on Thursday accused the Israeli army of directly targeting a UN school-converted shelter in the Gaza Strip.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Al Thani US Dept. of State 08 Dec 2023
• White House Seeks Congressional Approval to Sell Tank Shells to Israel VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- The Biden administration has asked Congress to approve the sale of 45,000 shells for Israel's Merkava tanks in the offensive against Hamas in Gaza, according to a current U.S. official and a former U.S. official.
• US Vetoes UN Chief's Appeal for Gaza Cease-Fire VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council Friday that two months into Israel's war with Hamas "we are at a breaking point," and urged them to push for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire, but the United States used its veto to prevent the council from demanding one.
• US blocks UN Security Council demand for ceasefire in Israel's genocidal war Press TV 08 Dec 2023 -- The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Israel's genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip despite mounting calls to stop the regime's atrocities.
• Iran's FM, Islamic Jihad chief discuss Gaza over phone IRNA 08 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and Ziad Nakhale, the Secretary General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement, discussed the latest developments in Palestine in a telephone conversation.
• Amirabdollahian, Ismail Haniyeh talk about Palestine IRNA 08 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and Head of Political Bureau of Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas Ismail Haniyeh in a telephone conversation discussed the latest political and field developments in Palestine, as well as the continuation of the Zionist regime's barbaric attack on the Gaza Strip, were discussed.
• Iran FM warns about genocide, killing children in Gaza IRNA 08 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has warned about committing genocide and killing children in the Gaza enclave by the Zionist regime.
• Iran, Russia urge immediate cessation of genocide in Gaza: FM IRNA 08 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that Iran and Russia called for immediate cessation of war and genocide in Gaza and the West Bank.
• Iran hails Guterres' invocation of Article 99 of UN Charter over Israel war on Gaza Press TV 08 Dec 2023 -- Iran has hailed the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' recent invocation of Article 99 of the UN Charter as a means of pushing for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which has come under an unrelenting and genocidal Israeli war.
• Norway urges the Security Council to act in Gaza Government of Norway 08 Dec 2023 -- Yesterday, the UN Secretary-General sent a letter to the Security Council in which he explicitly invokes Article 99 of the UN Charter.
• The UK supports Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas but Israel must be targeted in achieving that goal: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 08 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.
  
• We call for further and longer pauses to get aid to Palestinians: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 08 Dec 2023 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.
• EU announces €125 million in initial humanitarian aid for Palestinians for 2024 European Commission 08 Dec 2023 -- As the humanitarian situation continues to worsen in the Middle East, the Commission will provide €125 million in humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in 2024. This new funding will support humanitarian organisations working in both Gaza and the West Bank.
• Saudi Foreign Minister Rules Out Arab Military Intervention in Palestine-Israel Conflict Sputnik 08 Dec 2023 -- Arab nations will not consider military intervention in the Gaza conflict as a means to persuade Israel to end its military operation, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Friday.
• "Those who remain silent to the killings of journalists in Gaza have no right to talk about any other issue" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 08 Dec 2023 -- Addressing the TRT World Forum, President Erdoğan said: "Global media cartels seek to disregard the atrocity in Gaza and to legitimize the journalist massacre under the pretext of Hamas. We reject this unconscientious attitude that destroys the human dignity, let alone press freedom and media ethics. Those, who remain silent, today, to the killings of journalists in Gaza, can have no right to talk about any other issue, tomorrow."
• Hamas recounts gains: Rocket barrage on Tel Aviv, killing Israeli minister's son Press TV 08 Dec 2023 -- Hamas has recounted its most recent battleground gains against the Israeli military, which has brought the Gaza Strip, where the Palestinian resistance movement is headquartered, under a ferocious war.
• Al-Aqsa Storm continuation of Intifada, to result in liberation of Palestine: Hamas Press TV 08 Dec 2023 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says Operation al-Aqsa Storm is the continuation of a heroic Intifada (uprising) that was initiated more than three decades ago and will result in the full liberation of Palestine and the end of Israeli occupation.
• Hamas: At least 79 Israeli armored vehicles destroyed in 72 hours Press TV 08 Dec 2023 -- A senior official of Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right cabinet won't be able to reap any benefits out of the ongoing onslaught against the Gaza Strip, stressing that fighters from his group are engaged in "fierce battles" with Israeli troops across the territory.
• Lebanon's Hezbollah says staged fresh anti-Israel attacks in support of Gaza Press TV 08 Dec 2023 -- Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah said it continued anti-Israel operations in support of Gaza on Friday, launching missiles and other weapons at eight Israeli military positions.
• US attempts to protect Israeli vessels in Red Sea have failed: Yemen Press TV 08 Dec 2023 -- Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement says the United States has failed in its plans to protect Israeli vessels cruising through the Red Sea waters, stating that the commercial ships have no option but to redirect their routes and avoid getting struck by Yemeni attacks in retaliation for the bloody war on the Gaza Strip.
• Simultaneous resistance attacks on occupied Golan and Al-Jalil IRNA 08 Dec 2023 -- News sources reported on Thursday night that the alarm was sirened in the occupied Golan and Al-Jalil.

Other Conflicts

• IHL seeks to limit the humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts ICRC 08 Dec 2023 -- A statement by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delivered by Laëtitia Courtois, Permanent Observer and Head of Delegation to the UN, to the United Nations General Assembly, 78th session, plenary meeting of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance.
• International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime: Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell European External Action Service (EEAS) 08 Dec 2023 -- On 9 December 1948, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the Genocide Convention. Seventy-five years later, despite numerous efforts to address the root causes of this tremendous crime, we continue to witness expressions of exacerbated nationalism, hate speech, xenophobia, and racial and ethnic profiling worldwide.
• Taliban Reportedly Dismantled Islamic State Bases in Western Afghanistan VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- Taliban security forces in Afghanistan have reportedly killed an Islamic State operative and captured several others during overnight raids on the militant group's bases near the border with Iran.
• The Azadi Briefing: Concerns Mount For Women In Taliban Detention RFE/RL 08 Dec 2023
• Facing An Uncertain Future, Afghan Girls Finishing Sixth Grade Leave School In Tears RFE/RL 08 Dec 2023 -- Hundreds of thousands of sixth-grade girls in Afghanistan attended the last day of the school year, many with tears in their eyes as they face an uncertain future because of Taliban policies that forbid them from further schooling and restrict their basic human rights.
• G7 hyping of South China Sea issue part of anti-China cognitive warfare: expert Global Times 08 Dec 2023 -- Hyping of the South China Sea issue by the Group of Seven (G7) is just the same old tune, which has become a part of the carefully planned cognitive warfare against China, an expert said on Thursday in response to the G7's latest statement on China's military activities in the South China Sea.
• U.S. Welcomes the Kyrgyz Republic's Continued Repatriation of its Nationals US Dept. of State 08 Dec 2023 -- The Kyrgyz Republic's repatriation of 96 women and children from the al-Hol displaced persons camp in northeast Syria, the fourth such return of its nationals this year alone, demonstrates the Republic's tremendous commitment to both its nationals and to alleviating a security and humanitarian crisis, the only durable solution to which is repatriation.
• Junta bombing kills 5, including a child, in northern Myanmar Radio Free Asia 08 Dec 2023 -- A heavy aerial attack in northeastern Myanmar killed five civilians, an official from an anti-junta women's organization told Radio Free Asia on Friday.
• Fighting engulfs over two-thirds of Myanmar, fuelling humanitarian needs UN News 08 Dec 2023 -- Over half a million people have been displaced in Myanmar amid a surge in fighting between the military and armed groups that stated in late October and has spread to over two-thirds of the country, the UN humanitarian affairs office reported on Friday.
• UN urges South Sudan to prioritize polls, humanitarian crisis in 2024 People's Daily 08 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday called on the government of South Sudan to quickly address issues related to elections, security concerns and humanitarian crises in 2024.
• Panchen Rinpoche concludes six-month tour of SW China's Xizang People's Daily 08 Dec 2023 -- Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po on Wednesday completed a six-month tour of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region that involved Buddhist and social activities.
• Canada welcomes the news of a joint statement by Armenia and Azerbaijan Canada 08 Dec 2023
• Secretary General makes official visit to Azerbaijan Council of Europe 08 Dec 2023 -- Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the President of Azerbaijan and other key personalities during an official visit to the country.
• No: 311, 8 December 2023, Press Release Regarding Adoption of Some Confidence Building Measures Between Azerbaijan and Armenia Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 08 Dec 2023
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on the Joint Statement by the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia confirming the mutual intention to normalise relations and conclude a peace treaty Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 08 Dec 2023
• Democratic Republic of the Congo: Council renews EU restrictive measures for one year EC/CEU 08 Dec 2023 -- The Council today renewed its restrictive measures in view of the gravity of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for an additional year, until 12 December 2024.
• Varying Accounts of Nigerian Village Bombing Spark Debate About Cover-up VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- The governor of Nigeria's Kaduna state criticized Nigerian defense officials Friday after they said terrorists had embedded themselves in the village that was hit by a drone strike Sunday, killing at least 87 people.

News Reports

• Kremlin Propaganda on Uptick in Latin America VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- Javier Vrox, the host of a political program on a YouTube channel in Chile who constantly monitors social networks in his country, recently noticed an uptick in pro-Russian political messaging, which had already been common in the country.
• Australian statement on Russian cyber targeting of democratic processes Australia MFA 08 Dec 2023 -- The Australian Government joins the United Kingdom and other international partners in expressing serious concerns about attempts to use cyber operations to interfere with democratic processes.
• Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna condemns Russia's cyberattacks against the United Kingdom Estonia MFA 08 Dec 2023
• US Deals with Allies Signal Concerns Over China's Disinformation Campaign VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- Western foreign policy experts are welcoming recent U.S. agreements to jointly tackle foreign disinformation with Seoul and Tokyo, saying they are needed to counter Chinese efforts to undermine liberal democracies through the spread of fake news.
• Joint Statement on the United States-European Union 9th Cyber Dialogue in Brussels US Dept. of State 08 Dec 2023 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Government of the United States of America and the European Union on the occasion of the 9th U.S.-EU Cyber Dialogue.
• Fight against terrorism: Council adds two individuals to the EU terrorist list in response to the 7 October attacks EC/CEU 08 Dec 2023 -- The Council decided to add two individuals to the EU terrorist list. This decision comes as part of European Union's response to the threat posed by Hamas and its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023. These sanctions are effective as of today.
• Putin Says 'I Will Run' When Asked About Russia's Presidential Election In March RFE/RL 08 Dec 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said he will run again for office in Russia's March presidential election in which he is expected to easily win a new six-year term and extend the longest rule of a Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin.
• Putin Confirms Run for Reelection VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Friday he is running for another six-year term, one day after lawmakers in Russia's upper house of parliament set the date for the next presidential election for March 17, 2024.
• Vladimir Putin Announces 2024 Presidential Run Sputnik 08 Dec 2023 -- Russians will go to the polls for presidential elections in March 2024, with the incumbent presently enjoying overwhelming public support, according to polling by a number of Russian public opinion institutes.
• Russian President Putin says he will run for president in 2024 Press TV 08 Dec 2023 -- President Vladimir Putin of Russia has confirmed he will run for re-election next year, a move that can secure his leadership until at least 2030.
• Offhand Remark Or Political Theater? Putin's Announcement Belies Kremlin's Penchant For Pageantry RFE/RL 08 Dec 2023 -- For a Kremlin that has raised the production of meticulously orchestrated, pomp-filled, televised political spectacles to an art form of sorts, how Vladimir Putin went about announcing he would in fact be seeking another term as Russian president was a head-scratcher.
• The Week In Russia: Blaming The People For The 'Regime's Ideology' RFE/RL 08 Dec 2023 -- The Russian state ratchets up what Human Rights Watch calls its "perverse persecution" of LGBT people. The Kremlin gets a wartime "gift" from a divided U.S. Congress. And a new presidential election draws closer.
• Chinese cities begin administering COVID-19 vaccines targeting XBB variant Global Times 08 Dec 2023 -- Multiple cities across China have announced that local residents can receive COVID-19 vaccines targeting the XBB variant, and experts said eligible individuals should get the vaccine in a timely manner to enhance their protection against the virus.
• Top CPC meeting charts China's policymaking for 2024; sends strong signal of strengthening economic vitality and confidence Global Times 08 Dec 2023 -- A meeting attended by China's top leaders on Friday called for strengthening economic vitality, containing risks and improving social expectations so as to cement and strengthen the positive momentum of economic upturn, as part of the economic assessment and policymaking for 2024.
• CPC leadership holds meeting on 2024 economic work, anti-corruption work, Party discipline People's Daily 08 Dec 2023 -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Friday held a meeting to analyze and study the economic work of 2024, arrange Party conduct and anti-corruption work, and review regulations on the CPC's disciplinary action.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on December 8, 2023 PRC MofA 08 Dec 2023
• China expects EU to relax restrictions on exports of high-tech products: FM Global Times 08 Dec 2023 -- The Chinese market will continue to open to Europe, and it is hoped that the EU will relax its restrictions on the exports of high-tech products to China, said Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry on Friday, one day after the 24th China-EU Summit was held in Beijing.
• China opposes attempts to 'smear,' 'sabotage' Belt and Road Initiative Radio Free Asia 08 Dec 2023 -- China has defended its Belt and Road Initiative after Italy formally informed Beijing of its decision to leave the infrastructure project.
• China's Xi to Visit Vietnam as Hanoi-US Relations Warm VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Vietnam next week, his third to Hanoi after a six-year break and as Beijing and Washington jostle for influence.
• Hong Kong To Hold 'Patriots Only' Election Amid Efforts To Tighten Control VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- Hong Kong will hold a "patriots only" district council election Sunday, with 399 candidates running for 88 directly elected seats. The city's authorities will appoint the rest of the 382 district councilors.
• Hong Kong prepares for first District Council election under reformed electoral system Global Times 08 Dec 2023 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is preparing to hold the first District Council election since its reform of the electoral system. From the arrival area of the airport to bus stops, parking lots, overpasses, and exhibition halls in urban areas, posters promoting the elections and encouraging people to vote are visible everywhere, the Global Times reporters found on Friday.
• DHS Designates Three Additional PRC-Based Companies to the UFLPA Entity List DHS 08 Dec 2023 -- Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the addition of three People's Republic of China (PRC)-based companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List.
• US sanctions Chinese officials over Uyghur abuse Radio Free Asia 08 Dec 2023 -- Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday announced new sanctions against two Chinese officials for "serious human rights abuses" against Uyghurs in Xinjiang, as the United States also moved to block imports from three additional Chinese companies due to allegations of forced labor.
• China opposes U.S. export control abuse, mutual investment restrictions People's Daily 08 Dec 2023 -- China firmly opposes U.S. moves to abuse export controls against China and restrict mutual investment, Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson He Yadong said Thursday.
• China-EU ties essential to global peace, stability and prosperity: Xi Global Times 08 Dec 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday met with top EU officials in Beijing and stressed that China and the EU should be partners for mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen two-way political trust, build strategic consensus, cement the bonds of shared interest, eliminate various kinds of interference, and jointly tackle global challenges.
• Xi urges enhanced China-EU political mutual trust, dialogue, cooperation People's Daily 08 Dec 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on China and the European Union (EU) to be partners for mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen two-way political trust, build strategic consensus, cement the bonds of shared interest, steer clear of various kinds of interference, and step up dialogue and cooperation for the good of their people.
• China balloon crosses Taiwan Strait median line before 'disappearing' CNA 08 Dec 2023 -- A Chinese surveillance balloon traveling eastward crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait before "disappearing" around 1 p.m. Thursday, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a statement released Friday.
• US 'shows anxiety' in countering China with Taiwan provision listed in defense budget bill Global Times 08 Dec 2023 -- Lawmakers from the US Congress have finalized an $874.2 billion fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes parts that require a defense training program for troops on the island of Taiwan and enhanced cybersecurity cooperation.
• The Fourth U.S.-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue US Dept. of State 08 Dec 2023 -- Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez led the fourth U.S.-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue (EPPD), conducted under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO), on December 7, 2023.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 8, 2023 ROC MND 08 Dec 2023
• North Korean factory workers in China to lose pay for product flaws Radio Free Asia 08 Dec 2023 -- North Koreans working in clothing factories in China must be nearly flawless under new punitive regulations that dock workers' pay if they produce too many defective garments, residents in China told Radio Free Asia.
• Iran's need for assertive policy over rights in Arash field Press TV 08 Dec 2023 -- Arash in the north of the Persian Gulf in Bushehr province is one of Iran's joint gas fields with Kuwait. Records of bilateral talks over the past 60 years show that the two countries have always recognized the right of the other side to have a share in the huge resources.
• Iranian Opposition Figure Says Student Crackdown 'Unprecedented,' But Will Fail RFE/RL 08 Dec 2023 -- Prominent Iranian opposition figure Zahra Rahnavard says the government crackdown on students angry over a lack of freedoms and enforcement of rules such as a dress code is "unprecedented" but ultimately will fail to stifle the dissent.
• First Strategic Dialogue between the United States and the Belarusian Democratic Movement and Civil Society US Dept. of State 08 Dec 2023 -- The Department of State hosted the first Strategic Dialogue between the United States Government and the Belarusian democratic movement and civil society on December 6-8.
• Former Kazakh President's Son-In-Law Resigns As Chairman of KazEnergy Association RFE/RL 08 Dec 2023 -- Kazakhstan's KazEnergy group - an association of almost 60 oil and gas companies - said on December 8 that former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev's son-in-law, Timur Kulibaev, has resigned as chairman of the group after leading it since it was established in 2005.
• Space traffic management: Council adopts conclusions on the current state of play EC/CEU 08 Dec 2023 -- The Council has today adopted conclusions on 'Space traffic management: state of play'. The conclusions address the challenges of an increasingly congested orbital space and the need for a common approach to ensure a safe and sustainable European space policy.
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on Venezuela-Guyana dispute over Essequibo's status Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 08 Dec 2023
• The UK is investing $1.2 billion in effective humanitarian systems: UK statement at the UN General Assembly UK FCDO 08 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN General Assembly meeting on humanitarian aid.
• US Treasury Sanctions People in 9 Countries for Human Rights Abuses VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. Treasury's 's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Friday announced sanctions against 20 individuals in nine countries for human rights abuses.
• Canada announces sanctions in response to long-standing human rights violations Canada 08 Dec 2023 -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing sanctions against seven individuals under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Regulations for human rights violations.
• Backgrounder: Sanctions in response to long-standing human rights violations in Russia, Iran and Myanmar Canada 08 Dec 2023 -- Effective immediately, Canada is imposing sanctions against seven individuals who are responsible for, or complicit in, various human rights violations in Russia, Iran and Myanmar.
• Explainer: How the UN is promoting a 'global commitment to fight corruption' UN News 08 Dec 2023 -- Countries across the world need to work together to ensure there is a "global commitment to fight corruption" according to the head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
• Majority in Danish Parliament adopts ban on Quran burnings: We must protect the security of Danes Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark 08 Dec 2023 -- On December 7th, a majority in the Danish Parliament (Social Democrats, Liberals, Moderates, Social Liberals and Jon Stephensen) adopted a bill, which will criminalise improper treatment of scriptures of significant religious importance to a recognised religious community.
• Guatemala: Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell on the latest developments in Guatemala European External Action Service (EEAS) 08 Dec 2023 -- The European Union unequivocally condemns today's attempts to nullify the results of the general and presidential elections in Guatemala, based on spurious allegations of fraud.
• Finland to re-establish Permanent Representation to Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 08 Dec 2023 -- Finland is currently preparing for its chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2025. As part of the preparations, Finland will reinstate the OSCE delegation, which operates in conjunction with the Embassy of Finland in Vienna, as Permanent Representation as of 1 January 2024.
• The President expressed Lithuania's strong support for Moldova's Euro-integration President of the Republic of Lithuania 08 Dec 2023 -- On Friday, President Gitanas Nausėda had a telephone conversation with President Maia Sandu of Moldova to discuss Moldova's Euro-integration process.
• Lao PM introduces new measures to tackle inflation Radio Free Asia 08 Dec 2023 -- Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone announced to the National Assembly that his government will introduce new measures to address the nation's prolonged economic woes, including imposing exchange rate controls and regulating food prices.
• World News in Brief: Haiti's humanitarian crisis, disease outbreaks in Sudan, UK sentencing reform UN News 08 Dec 2023 -- As Haiti faces a situation of "absolute brutal violence", the deployment of a multi-national security support mission is awaited with hope, the UN's top humanitarian official in the country said on Friday.
• Rights Group Claims Company Intimidates Communities Along Tanzania-Uganda Oil Pipeline VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- The French oil company TotalEnergies coerces and intimidates communities affected by the $5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline project in Tanzania and Uganda, a human rights organization said this week.
• Central Asian Trade Corridor Gains Interest Amid Regional Tensions VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- The emergence of a Middle Corridor — a transit network linking Asia with European markets by way of Central Asia, the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus — is rapidly gaining momentum as an alternative to Russia-controlled routes.
• OPEC Urges Members to Reject Any COP28 Deal Targeting Fossil Fuels VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- In a letter leaked to news organizations this week, OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais urged member nations to reject any agreement from the U.N. climate summit targeting fossil fuels rather than emissions.
• China stagnates as Indonesia, Malaysia slip in climate ranking Radio Free Asia 08 Dec 2023 -- The world's biggest greenhouse gas emitter, China, lags among the "low" performing countries despite growth in renewables, while Indonesia and Malaysia dropped in ranking tackling climate change, according to a new report released Friday at COP28 in Dubai.
• Why Opposition Parties in Bangladesh Are Boycotting Next Month's Elections VOA 08 Dec 2023 -- Bangladesh's largest opposition party has decided to boycott next month's general elections, saying that it cannot participate in a "sham vote."