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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Iraqi resistance targets two US military bases in Syria in solidarity with Gaza Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- Amid rising anti-American sentiments over Washington's unconditional support for Israel's onslaught on the Gaza Strip and in a show of strong solidarity with Palestinians, two US military bases in the eastern Syrian province of Dayr al-Zawr have been targeted by barrages of rockets.
• US Warship Shoots Down Suspected Houthi Drone in Red Sea - Reports Sputnik 13 Dec 2023 -- A US warship shot down a drone in the Red Sea as it was responding to reports that the Houthis were attacking a commercial vessel by using skiffs and firing missiles, ABC News reported on Wednesday, citing US officials.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. DoD 13 Dec 2023
• DOD Addresses Recruiting Shortfall Challenges DoD News 13 Dec 2023 -- The Defense Department's acting undersecretary for personnel and readiness and senior manpower officials today testified about shortfalls in Army, Navy and Air Force recruiting in the fiscal year that ended in September at a hearing of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee.
• Georgia Guard Field Artillery Unit Conducts Deployment Ceremony Army News 13 Dec 2023 -- The Savannah-based 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment "cased" their unit colors in Fort Stewart Dec. 12 in a symbolic ceremony before mobilizing overseas.
• Airborne Soldiers drop test new Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport Army News 13 Dec 2023 -- Airborne Soldiers here executed low-velocity airdrop tests of a new remote controlled equipment transport system.
• Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin's counterpart visit with Royal Thai Air Force Commander in Chief Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul US Air Force 13 Dec 2023 -- U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin hosted Royal Thai Air Force Commander in Chief Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul for an official counterpart visit Dec. 11 to strengthen the U.S.-Thailand alliance and advance shared security interests in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
• Naval Special Warfare Enhances Allied Defense with Romanian Special Operations Forces US Navy 13 Dec 2023 -- East-Coast based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) and the 164th Romanian Naval Special Operations Forces (ROUSOF) conducted training on maritime interdiction operations, special reconnaissance, and special operations tactics to enhance allied defense throughout the European region. The joint effort was conducted November 4-17, and enhanced mar

• Secretary General sets out vision for deeper NATO-Saudi Arabia cooperation in historic first visit to Riyadh NATO 13 Dec 2023 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg set out his vision for deeper cooperation between NATO and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in an historic visit to Riyadh - the first ever by a sitting Secretary General of NATO.
• NATO agrees 2024 budgets, demonstrating Allied solidarity in addressing shared security challenges NATO 13 Dec 2023 -- Allies agreed NATO's civil and military budgets for 2024 at a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on Wednesday (13 December 2023). The civil budget is set at €438.1 million, and the military budget is set at €2.03 billion, representing a 18.2% and 12% increase respectively over 2023.
• NATO's new Defence Industrial Production Board meets to boost defence industrial capacity NATO 13 Dec 2023 -- On Wednesday 13 December, senior representatives from across the Alliance gathered at NATO Headquarters in Brussels to hold the first meeting of the Defence Industrial Production Board.
• NATO and Iraq continue to strengthen their cooperation through defence education activities NATO 13 Dec 2023 -- Representatives from eight Iraqi professional military education institutions, led by Staff Lieutenant General Aqeel Mustafa Mahdi Al Rammah, President of the Iraqi Defence University for Military Studies, visited NATO Headquarters on 12 and 13 December 2023.
• Setting Transatlantic Defence up for Success: A Military Strategy for Ukraine's Victory and Russia's Defeat Estonia MoD 13 Dec 2023 -- In 1989, the fall of the Berlin Wall paved the way for a Europe 'whole, free, and at peace' - a vision set forth by President George H. W. Bush a few months earlier. The prospect that had been denied to generations before has thereafter evolved into the greatest success story for hundreds of millions of Europeans. Today, this very aspiration is at stake in Ukraine.
• Norway donates additional air defence systems to Ukraine Government of Norway 13 Dec 2023 -- Norway will donate additional NASAMS air defence systems to Ukraine to the sum of 335 million NOK. Some will be donated from Norway´s own storage in order to ensure fast delivery to Ukraine, while additional systems will be ordered from the industry for later delivery.
• US Unable to Fight 'One-Front War' After Ukraine Supplies Deplete Weapon Stocks Sputnik 13 Dec 2023 -- While US lawmakers are yet to agree on the next funding package for Ukraine, the powers that be in the United States now mull how much more money their country can provide to the regime.
• PLA Air Force utilizes mixed reality in aircraft maintenance Global Times 13 Dec 2023 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force has started to utilize mixed reality in aircraft maintenance, a move experts said on Wednesday can improve training for ground maintenance crews and lead to higher combat capabilities.
• COMMISSIONING OF INS TARMUGLI India PIB 13 Dec 2023 -- The Indian Navy will be inducting a Fast Attack Craft, INS Tarmugli on 14 Dec 23 in a ceremonial commissioning ceremony at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Meeting With Pakistan Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir DoD 13 Dec 2023
• Pakistan Seeks US Help Against Pakistani Taliban in Afghanistan VOA 13 Dec 2023 -- Pakistan's army chief is in Washington this week seeking U.S. assistance against what Islamabad alleges are terrorist havens in neighboring Afghanistan.
• Poland - Communications Equipment DSCA 13 Dec 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Poland of Communications Equipment and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $255 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• The Norwegian government will increase the production capacity of ammunition and missiles with one billion Norwegian kroner (NOK) Government of Norway 13 Dec 2023 -- The Norwegian government aims to strengthen the production capabilities of Norwegian ammunition and missiles and is increasing the state sponsored financing of the ASAP applications.
• MoD proposes formation of a Commission to coordinate a smooth preparation for stationing the German brigade Lithuania MND 13 Dec 2023 -- The Ministry of National Defence has put forward a proposal to form a Commission headed by Prime Minister in order to ensure coordination of preparations for the stationing of a German brigade in Lithuania. The Commission would comprise the majority of the Ministers' Cabinet.
• The perfect gift for PNG Australia DOD 13 Dec 2023 -- Australia has gifted two new PAC-750XL aircraft to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), continuing to deepen its defence partnership.
• A look at the Defence news 4 - 10 December Netherlands Ministry of Defence 13 Dec 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld and Production and Trade Minister Sonsoles García US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2023
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with the National Security Advisors of Japan and the Philippines The White House 13 Dec 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 13 Dec 2023
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman The White House 13 Dec 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 13, 2023
• KNDS and LEONARDO form strategic alliance LEONARDO 13 Dec 2023 -- Under the auspices of the Italian Ministry of Defense, Leonardo and KNDS have signed an agreement for further development of a more intensive cooperation. The aim is to create a truly European Defense Group and, in addition, to cooperate more closely in the field of land based electronics.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 13 December 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Dec 2023

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• English Briefing by Major (Res.) Keren Hajioff Israel Defense Forces 13 Dec 2023
• Battling Terrorists Fighting From Civilian and Underground Infrastructure: The Golani Brigade is Operating in Shejaiya Israel Defense Forces 13 Dec 2023
• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 13th, 20:15 Israel Defense Forces 13 Dec 2023
• PM Netanyahu Holds Assessment at the ISA Israel - Prime Minister 13 Dec 2023
• PM Netanyahu - via Radio - to the Armored Corps 460 Brigade CO in the fighting in Gaza Israel - Prime Minister 13 Dec 2023
• Gaza death toll tops 18,600 on 68th day of war IRNA 13 Dec 2023 -- The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza says the death toll from Israel's air and artillery strikes in the besieged territory has risen to 18,608.
• Palestinian resistance destroys 7 tanks, 3 APC, 5 vehicles belonging to Israel IRNA 13 Dec 2023 -- Palestinian resistance fighters have succeeded in destroying 7 tanks, 3 armored personnel carriers (APC), and 5 military vehicles of the Israeli regime's army, forcing their tanks to retreat.
• 5 officers, 3 soldiers of elite Israeli units killed in Gaza ISNA 13 Dec 2023 -- The Israeli army spokesperson announces that another three soldiers were critically injured.
• Israeli colonel, commanders among 10 forces killed in Gaza war over past day Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- The Israeli military says ten of its troopers were killed on Tuesday during the aggression against the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Palestinian death toll in Gaza surpasses 18,400 People's Daily 13 Dec 2023 -- The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip announced on Tuesday that the Palestinian death toll in the Palestinian enclave has exceeded 18,400 since the eruption of the Hamas-Israel conflict on Oct. 7.
• Gaza ceasefire 'in everybody's interest': UN humanitarian coordinator UN News 13 Dec 2023 -- A ceasefire in Gaza is "the only way forward" and "in the interest of everybody" as the war there threatens peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis for years or even decades to come, the UN's top humanitarian official in the Occupied Palestinian Territory said on Wednesday.
• UNRWA Situation Report #51 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (all information is valid as of 12 December 2023 at 22:30) UNRWA 13 Dec 2023
• Remarks of UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini at the Global Refugee Forum, 13 December 2023 UNRWA 13 Dec 2023
• Gaza facing 'public health disaster' as Israeli army besieges hospitals: UN Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations humanitarian office has said that people in the Gaza Strip are facing a "public health disaster" as the Israeli regime presses ahead with its brutal assault against Palestinians.
• UN General Assembly adopts resolution demanding immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza People's Daily 13 Dec 2023 -- The UN General Assembly on Tuesday afternoon adopted a resolution demanding an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in Gaza.
• White House Downplays Biden's Remarks on Israel's 'Indiscriminate Bombing' VOA 13 Dec 2023 -- The White House appears to be walking back President Joe Biden's harshest public rebuke so far of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and what he described as Israel's "indiscriminate bombing" in Gaza.
• Isolated Internationally on Gaza, Biden Delivers Rebuke to Netanyahu VOA 13 Dec 2023 -- In a sign that the United States is getting increasingly concerned over the scale of civilian casualties from Israel's military campaign in Gaza, President Joe Biden delivered a public rebuke to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, even as he maintains staunch support for Israel.
• Pentagon Says Not Conducting Formal Review of Israel's Use of White Phosphorous Shells Sputnik 13 Dec 2023 -- The US Department of Defense (DoD) is not conducting a formal review of the Amnesty International report about Israel's use of white phosphorous munitions in the conflict in Gaza, Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said on Wednesday.
• US Looking Into Reports of Israeli Use of US-Made White Phosphorus Shells in Lebanon Sputnik 13 Dec 2023 -- The United States is looking into reports confirmed by The Washington Post and two human rights groups that Israel attacked southern Lebanon with US-made white phosphorus shells, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant DoD 13 Dec 2023
• Biden administration has no plans to restrict military aid to Israel, officials say Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- US officials have revealed that the administration of President Joe Biden has no plans to withhold military aid from Israel despite the aggravating humanitarian situation caused by the regime's relentless war in Palestine's Gaza.
• US Reportedly Delaying Sale of M16 Rifles to Israel Over West Bank Settler Violence Sputnik 13 Dec 2023 -- The United States is reportedly delaying the sale of M16 assault rifles to Israel due to Israeli settler violence in the West Bank.
• Designating Hamas Officials and Supporters US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2023 -- The United States is imposing sanctions today on eight Hamas officials and facilitators for their actions representing the group's interests abroad and managing its finances. This is the fourth round of sanctions that we have imposed since Hamas's October 7 horrible attack.
• U.S. And UK Target Additional Hamas Finance Officials and Representatives US Treasury 13 Dec 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed a fourth round of sanctions on Hamas since the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel. Today's action targets key officials who perpetuate Hamas's violent agenda by representing the group's interests abroad and managing its finances. OFAC closely coordinated with the United Kingdom to concurrently designate several key Hamas officials.
• UK and US target Hamas with new sanctions to isolate terror group UK FCDO 13 Dec 2023 -- The UK and US have announced new sanctions on the leaders and financiers of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).
• Iran, Lebanon FMs meet in Geneva to discuss Palestine IRNA 13 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has met with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib on the sidelines of his visit to Geneva, a meeting held by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
• US enabling Israeli massacre in Gaza by opposing ceasefire: Iran's UN envoy IRNA 13 Dec 2023 -- Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations Amir Saeed Iravani says that the US is blatantly opposing a ceasefire in Palestine, which means prescribing war, violence, and eventually more death for children and women in Gaza.
• Iran: US opposing cease-fire in Gaza means prescribing more death for children ISNA 13 Dec 2023 -- Iran mission to United Nations stressed that The United States blatantly opposing a cease fire, which means prescribing war, violence and eventually more death for children and women in Gaza.
• Iran, Lebanon and Tunisia FMs discuss Palestine issue in Geneva ISNA 13 Dec 2023 -- Amirabdollahian who has travelled to Geneva to attend the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) separately met with Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib and Tunisian Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar at his residence.
• Region, world to be grappling with Israeli war crimes' aftermath for years: Iran FM to Press TV Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has said the region and the world are going to be grappling with the aftermath of the Israeli regime's ongoing war crimes across the Palestinian territories for years to come.
• Israel cannot continue onslaught against Gaza without US support, says Iranian FM Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has highlighted the United States' direct role in the massacre of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, stressing that the regime is unable to continue its bloody onslaught against the territory without Washington's full support.
• Iran, Saudi Arabia call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza, delivery of humanitarian aid Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, have underlined the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.
• Licence to kill: Iran says US enables Israel's genocide by opposing Gaza truce Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations says the United States' opposition to a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip enables Israel to continue the genocide of civilians in the blockaded Palestinian territory.
• Russia's Top Diplomat Lavrov: West Not Eager to Establish Palestinian State Sputnik 13 Dec 2023 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that neither Israel nor its Western allies want Palestinians to establish an independent state in the occupied territories of Gaza and the West Bank on Wednesday.
• Russia: West does not want Palestinians to establish independent state Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- Russia says Israel and its Western allies do not want Palestinians to establish an independent state in the occupied territories of the West Bank and the besieged Gaza Strip, which has been under intense bombardment by the Tel Aviv regime for more than two months.
• Dutch PM Calls on Netanyahu to 'Take Tougher Approach to Settler Violence' in West Bank Sputnik 13 Dec 2023 -- Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has urged his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, to "take a tougher approach to settler violence" in the West Bank.
• UN General Assembly: 153 vote for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza IRNA 13 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly voted for a resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
• UNGA adopts resolution demanding immediate ceasefire in Gaza ISNA 13 Dec 2023 -- A total of 153 countries voted in favor of the resolution proposed by Egypt and Mauritania, while 10 members, including the United States and the Israeli occupation, voted against the measure and 23 abstained.
• UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passes resolution urging ceasefire in Israel's war on Gaza Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly passed a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israeli regime's months-long genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.
• Palestinian poll shows a rise in Hamas support, increase in anti-US sentiments Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- A wartime opinion poll among Palestinians shows a rise in support for the resistance movement Hamas, which appears to have ticked up even in the Israeli-bombarded Gaza Strip.
• Hamas: Jenin attacks part of occupiers' all-out war against Palestinians IRNA 13 Dec 2023 -- The Palestinian Resistance Movement, Hamas, has said that the latest Israeli attacks in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin are part of an all-out war by the regime's fascist cabinet against the Palestinian nation.
• 'No sign of Hamas defeat' as ground battles rage in Gaza: Israeli media IRNA 13 Dec 2023 -- Zionist media outlets say there is no sign of defeat of the Hamas resistance movement as the Israeli army is engaged in intense ground battles with Palestinian fighters in northern Gaza.
• No Israeli captives to be released before Gaza ceasefire: Hamas ISNA 13 Dec 2023 -- In a press conference held by Hamas in Beirut, Lebanon, regarding the developments of the aggression on Gaza, Hamdan said the occupation's arrest of a group of displaced persons in UNRWA schools was "a crime reminiscent of the Nazis' crimes against the Jews and the violations of the Abu Ghraib prison."
• Gaza's brave battle against Israel nearing a bright end: Hamas leader Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- The leader of the Hamas resistance movement says the Palestinians' brave battle with the Israeli regime is approaching a bright end thanks to the heroic resistance of fighters and the nation.
• Hamas on Yemeni strikes against Israel-bound ships: West must end Gaza carnage Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- A senior Hamas member says Yemeni strikes against ships heading to the Israeli-occupied territories in retaliation for the onslaught against the Gaza Strip send a message to the West that they should stop the ongoing carnage in the territory or expect the crisis to expand across the region.
• Hamas welcomes UN General Assembly vote for immediate ceasefire in Gaza Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has welcomed a United Nation General Assembly resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian truce in the Gaza Strip, urging the international community to sustain pressure on the occupying regime to stop its atrocities in the territory.
• Lebanon's Hezbollah attacks 4 Israeli military bases IRNA 13 Dec 2023 -- Lebanon's resistance movement has issued separate statements, announcing strikes on four military positions of the Israeli regime in northern occupied territories.
• Lebanon front open as long as Gaza aggression continues: Sheikh Qassem ISNA 13 Dec 2023 -- During his speech at the memorial service for the three Hezbollah fighters who were martyred in Syria on Tuesday, Sheikh Qassem pointed out that "since the beginning, we, as Hezbollah, declared that the Lebanese front is a supporting one," stressing that, "this support is a duty and not optional, and it is in the interest of Lebanon and Palestine."
• Hezbollah warning: Strikes on Israel to continue as long as Gaza genocidal war rages Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- A high-ranking official with Hezbollah says the Lebanese resistance movement will continue retaliatory strikes on the Israeli-occupied territories as long as the Tel Aviv regime presses ahead with its brutal assault against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
• Shipping cost for Zionist regime rising after Yemen army attacks in Red Sea IRNA 13 Dec 2023 -- The Israeli regime's media outlets have reported that the regime is facing a surge in maritime transport expenditures due to the Yemen army operations against Israeli vessels and pushing them to take a long way around Africa.
• Yemen warns Israel regime's allies: We have 'painful leverages' in Red Sea IRNA 13 Dec 2023 -- A member of the political bureau of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement says the Arab country has "painful leverages" in the Red Sea that can be used against the Zionist regime's allies for assisting the regime in its war on Gaza.
• Yemen: Statement by the Spokesperson on Houthi attacks on ships in Red Sea European External Action Service (EEAS) 13 Dec 2023 -- The European Union strongly condemns the latest Houthi missile attacks, including the one targeting the Norwegian tanker "Strinda". The numerous attacks originating from Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen threaten international navigation and maritime security, in grave contravention of international law.
• Ansarullah dismisses US plan to establish maritime task force in Red Sea Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement has dismissed US plans to establish a maritime task force in the Red Sea to protect the passage of Israel-bound merchant vessels, stressing that the group has numerous "stinging" pressure leverages that can be activated in the strategic body of water.

Other Conflicts

• 13 December 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Dec 2023
• UN Security Council condemns terrorist attack in Pakistan People's Daily 14 Dec 2023 -- The Security Council on Wednesday condemned Tuesday's terrorist attack on Pakistani security forces' post in Dera Ismail Khan district of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
• Myanmar shadow govt claims hundreds of junta surrenders since end October Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2023 -- Hundreds of junta security personnel have surrendered to or been arrested by Myanmar's armed resistance since the start of an offensive by ethnic armed groups last month, according to the country's shadow government.
• Junta kills 3 during raid in central Myanmar while torching a village Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2023 -- Three people are dead and nearly 30 houses have been burned down following a junta raid, residents told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday.
• Indonesia asks UNHCR to persuade countries to accept Rohingya refugees Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2023 -- Indonesia is urging the United Nations refugee agency to find third countries for resettling Rohingya refugees who have sought shelter in the Southeast Asian nation, the foreign minister said Wednesday.
• Man Pleads Guilty to Concealing War Crime Charge in Croatia US Dept. of Justice 13 Dec 2023 -- An Ohio man pleaded guilty today to possessing a green card he illegally obtained by concealing that he had been charged with a war crime in Croatia prior to emigrating to the United States.
• Foreign Minister Tsahkna in Armenia: Peace in the region is important for the security of Europe Estonia MFA 13 Dec 2023 -- Today 13 December, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna was on a visit to Armenia, where he met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Speaker of the Parliament Alen Simonyan, and opened an office of the Estonian Refugee Council.
• Tsahkna: Estonia should recognise the Armenian genocide Estonia MFA 13 Dec 2023 -- At today's meeting with the Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasised that Estonia should recognise the Armenian genocide.
• Extradition To Kosovo Of Monastery Attack Suspect 'Impossible,' Serbian FM Says RFE/RL 13 Dec 2023 -- Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic on December 13 ruled out the extradition to Kosovo of Milan Radoicic, a Kosovar Serb politician who has claimed he is the sole mastermind of an armed attack on a monastery in Kosovo in September that left several people dead.
• Kyrgyz, Tajik Security Officials Say 90 Percent Of Border Agreed Upon RFE/RL 13 Dec 2023 -- The security chiefs of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan say the two Central Asian nations have preliminarily agreed on more than 90 percent of the border between the two former Soviet republics during negotiations held in Kyrgyzstan's southern region of Batken.
• The Ceasefire in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2023 -- "We commend all parties to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that have shown restraint and reiterate our call for further steps to reduce tensions and demonstrate a commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflict."
• WFP Warns of 'Looming Hunger Catastrophe' in Sudan VOA 13 Dec 2023 -- The World Food Program warned Wednesday about a "looming hunger catastrophe" in Sudan, where months of conflict, high food prices and lower crop yields have left an increasing number of people at emergency levels of hunger.
• 'Hunger catastrophe' looming in war-ravaged Sudan, UN agency warns UN News 13 Dec 2023 -- Civilians in Sudan - where rival militaries are waging a bloody war, with devastating consequences - are at a high risk of falling into catastrophic levels of hunger by May next year, the UN emergency food relief agency warned on Wednesday.
• WFP warns that hunger catastrophe looms in conflict-hit Sudan without urgent food assistance WFP 13 Dec 2023 -- Parts of war-ravaged Sudan are at a high risk of slipping into catastrophic hunger conditions by next year's lean season if the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is unable to expand access and regularly deliver food assistance to people trapped in conflict hotspots such as Khartoum, the Darfurs, and the Kordofans, warns the UN food agency today.

News Reports

• Defence of Democracy - Commission proposes to shed light on covert foreign influence European Commission 13 Dec 2023 -- Today, the European Commission adopted a Defence of Democracy package, ahead of the 2024 European elections.
• Brothers Sentenced to More Than 35 Years Combined for Manufacturing and Distributing Machineguns Intended for ISIS US Dept. of Justice 13 Dec 2023 -- Moyad Dannon, 25, of Fishers, Indiana, was sentenced today to 200 months, equivalent to 16 years and eight months, in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to attempting to provide material support or resources, namely, firearms, to a designated foreign terrorist organization. His brother, Mahde Dannon, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in October 2021, after pleading guilty to the same charges.
• Western Balkans: High Representative Borrell announces new support to Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia to counter cybersecurity threats European External Action Service (EEAS) 13 Dec 2023 -- The EU is stepping up its support to Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia to fend off increasing levels of threats in the cyberspace with a new €1.8 million support package announced today by High Representative/ Vice-President Josep Borrell ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit.
• Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Global Illicit Drug Trade The White House 13 Dec 2023
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Global Illicit Drug Trade The White House 13 Dec 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to questions following the Government Hour in the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Moscow, December 13, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Dec 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to questions during the Government Hour in the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Moscow, December 13, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Dec 2023
• U.S. Sanctions Target Russian Firm That Received Dual-Use Tech From Kazakhstan RFE/RL 13 Dec 2023 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on a Russian firm that RFE/RL found had received hundreds of shipments from Kazakhstan of dual-use technology that Western governments say Russia is using in weapons it is deploying in its war against Ukraine.
• Russian assets: Federal Council continues to follow international developments closely Federal Council - Swiss Government 13 Dec 2023 -- The Federal Council continues to closely monitor international discussions on the status of sanctioned Russian assets, and in particular legislative developments within the European Union (EU). It instructed the EAER and the FDFA to finalise the analysis of two EU directives once the final texts were published, and to submit the results to it.
• Why Should You Pay Attention To Putin's Q&A? Here Are Six Reasons. RFE/RL 13 Dec 2023 -- Vladimir Putin is running for a fifth term as Russia's president. This we now know for sure, though it's been widely assumed for months or even years.
• Russian governor visit points to more worker exports Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2023 -- A visit by a Russian governor to North Korea suggests that Pyongyang will likely send more farmers and construction workers to Russia, which appears to be suffering from a manpower shortage amid its war in Ukraine, experts told Radio Free Asia.
• Associate Says No Sign Of Navalny In Moscow Detention Centers RFE/RL 13 Dec 2023 -- The former head of Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, Ivan Zhdanov, said on December 13 that associates of the Russian opposition leader were unable to find him in Moscow pretrial detention centers and his whereabouts remain unknown.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on December 13, 2023 PRC MofA 13 Dec 2023
• Beijing blasts US report accusing China of economic aggression Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2023 -- Beijing on Wednesday blasted a U.S. congressional committee report accusing the Chinese Communist Party of pursuing a multi-decade campaign of economic aggression aimed at hollowing out the American economy, calling it "dedicated to attacking and smearing China."
• Vietnam joins China-led vision of foreign policy Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2023 -- Vietnam has become the latest country in Southeast Asia to have agreed to the China-led "Community with a Shared Future," Beijing's vision for a new global order.
• China's Xi Continues His Hanoi Trip, Meeting With Vietnam Leaders VOA 13 Dec 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Vietnamese leaders on the second day of his trip to Hanoi, following Vietnam's move to bolster relations with the United States and Japan.
• Xi's fruitful visit consolidates China-Vietnam relations Global Times 13 Dec 2023 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, concluded his successful visit to Vietnam on Wednesday with fruitful achievements as China and Vietnam on Tuesday agreed to build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Analysts said that the latest improvement of the bilateral ties will make the two socialist countries further boost cooperation comprehensively, and jointly prevent interruption from external forces that attempt to mess up regional peace and stability.
• Xi says China-Vietnam friendship's foundation lies among two peoples, future to be created by young people People's Daily 13 Dec 2023 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, said here on Wednesday that the foundation of China-Vietnam friendship lies among their two peoples and the future of this friendship will be created by the young people.
• China 'ready to work with' new government of Argentina for sustained and steady partnership Global Times 13 Dec 2023 -- China stands ready to work with the new government of Argentina for the sustained and steady development of the China-Argentina comprehensive strategic partnership, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular press conference on Wednesday.
• On eve of trial, UK 'stands by' jailed media mogul Jimmy Lai Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2023 -- On the eve of pro-democracy media magnate and British citizen Jimmy Lai's national security trial, which begins in Hong Kong on Dec. 18, the British government has said it opposes the city's draconian National Security Law, but stopped short of calling for his release.
• China opposes UK foreign secretary's meeting with Jimmy Lai's son, saying it exposes double standards, malicious intentions Global Times 13 Dec 2023 -- China expressed strong opposition on Wednesday to the latest meeting between UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and the son of notorious media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who is also considered as "modern-day traitor" for his acts and deeds in instigating violent riots in Hong Kong back in 2019. The latest remarks and deeds of the UK expose its blatant double standards and malicious intentions, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
• Key meeting's emphasis on China's high-quality development portends strong efforts, lifts expectations Global Times 13 Dec 2023 -- High-quality development is "the absolute principle in the new era," promoting Chinese modernization is "the greatest political task," economic construction is "the central task." These are unmistakable signals from a key conference that high-quality economic development is at the front and center of Chinese policymaking for 2024 and beyond, analysts said on Wednesday.
• Ministry to support developers having short-term cash flow issues Global Times 13 Dec 2023 -- A Chinese official on Wednesday vowed to implement policies to meet the reasonable financing needs of real estate firms of different ownerships equally and support those having temporary short-term cash flow troubles.
• Millions of Chinese Blacklisted for Debt as Loan Defaults Hit Record High VOA 13 Dec 2023 -- Zhang Congzhi started borrowing money two or three years ago when online loans were easy to get. Now, the Changsha businessman has no money to repay those loans.
• China In Eurasia Briefing: Is The Wind Now At Xi and Putin's Backs? RFE/RL 13 Dec 2023
• China, Vietnam agree to build community with shared future that carries strategic significance People's Daily 13 Dec 2023 -- China and Vietnam on Tuesday agreed to build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
• Lists of appointed members, ex-officio members of new-term District Councils announced in HKSAR People's Daily 13 Dec 2023 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government announced on Tuesday that the chief executive has, in accordance with the District Councils Ordinance, appointed 179 persons as members of the seventh-term District Councils for a term of office of four years starting from Jan. 1, 2024.
• TPP's Ko asks Lai to clarify Taiwan independence stance CNA 13 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) on Wednesday called on Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to clarify his stance on Taiwan independence, which Ko said had left many confused.
• China's intimidation will not help cross-strait dialogue: DPP's Lai CNA 13 Dec 2023 -- China's intimidation will not facilitate cross-Taiwan Strait dialogue, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) campaign office said Wednesday after Beijing accused Lai of supporting Taiwan independence.
• Taiwan government releases long-awaited white paper on foreign aid policy CNA 13 Dec 2023 -- The Taiwan government last week released a long-awaited foreign aid policy white paper highlighting the efforts and achievements of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) since it came into power in May 2016.
• Mainland slams Lai Ching-te's election slogan seeking "Taiwan independence" People's Daily 13 Dec 2023 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday denounced Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te's election slogan as one suggestive of his intention to seek "Taiwan independence."
• China Says US Must Stop Interfering in Upcoming Elections in Taiwan Sputnik 13 Dec 2023 -- The United States must refrain from interfering in Taiwan's presidential election, scheduled for January 2024, as it is an internal affair of China, Zhu Fenglian, the spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Chinese State Council, said Wednesday.
• US, Taiwan Discuss Broadening Taiwan's International Participation VOA 13 Dec 2023 -- The United States and Taiwan are exploring ways to expand Taiwan's participation in the United Nations system and other international forums, as well as addressing a range of global challenges, including public health, aviation safety and climate change.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 13, 2023 ROC MND 13 Dec 2023
• Rodong Sinmun Comments on U.S. Military Moves KCNA 13 Dec 2023 -- Rodong Sinmun Wednesday in a commentary lashes out at the U.S. moves for strengthening military nexus with Japan and Australia.
• Talks Held between DPRK Minister of External Economic Relations and Russian Governor of Maritime Territory KCNA 13 Dec 2023 -- Talks between Yun Jong Ho, minister of External Economic Relations of the DPRK, and Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of the Maritime Territory Administration of the Russian Federation, took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Tuesday.
• Seoul beefs up efforts to diversity supply chain amid China concerns Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2023 -- South Korea is intensifying its efforts to diversify the supply chain for its semiconductor industry, among others, in a move to reduce its reliance on China for importing crucial materials necessary for its key sectors.
• 'Allegations on IAEA inspectors' visit to Iran propaganda campaign' IRNA 13 Dec 2023 -- The vice president and head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran has said that inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have not recently visited Iran, and the country is entitled to accept or reject inspectors and that all comments in this respect are propaganda campaign.
• Enemies failed to hinder Iran's nuclear progress through sanctions: Nuclear chief Press TV 13 Dec 2023 -- The enemies have failed to hinder the progress of Iran's peaceful nuclear energy program through illegal sanctions, says the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).
• Iran Says Powerful Cleric's Killer Executed RFE/RL 13 Dec 2023 -- The Iranian judiciary has confirmed the execution of the person responsible for the April killing of Ayatollah Abbas Ali Soleimani, a powerful cleric and member of the Assembly of Experts.
• Iran's Climate Migration Crisis Could Turn Into National 'Disaster' RFE/RL 13 Dec 2023 -- Record temperatures, prolonged droughts, and the drying up of rivers and lakes are displacing tens of thousands of Iranians each year, experts say.
• Is Thailand Changing its Role on Myanmar? VOA 13 Dec 2023 -- As fighting between rebel groups and the military junta intensifies in Myanmar, experts say Thailand is shifting its approach toward its neighbor and putting more emphasis on playing a humanitarian role.
• WFP's Rohingya Refugee Operation in Bangladesh Receives Major Funding Boost of US$87 Million from the United States WFP 13 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomes a new contribution of US$87 million from the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance of the United States Agency for International Development. This timely funding will significantly bolster WFP's efforts in providing lifesaving food and nutrition assistance to the Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar and on Bhasan Char Island, where nearly 1 million people are facing daily hardships, without an immediate prospect of a safe return to Myanmar. Ration to be increased from US$8 to US$10 and fortified rice added to food basket in Cox's Bazar in 2024.
• Pakistan's Ex-Leader Indicted Over Revealing US-Tied State Secrets VOA 13 Dec 2023 -- A special Pakistani court Wednesday indicted former Prime Minister Imran Khan on unprecedented and disputed charges of disclosing classified information involving the United States while in office.
• Voting ends in Egypt's presidential election People's Daily 13 Dec 2023 -- Egypt concluded on Tuesday the three-day voting in the presidential election as the vote-counting process started immediately, according to the National Election Authority (NEA).
• Joint Statement Against Islamophobia and Religious Intolerance at the Reconvened 32nd session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, Vienna, December 8, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Dec 2023
• Western Balkans: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit European External Action Service (EEAS) 13 Dec 2023 -- Check against delivery!
• Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel following the EU-Western Balkans Summit European Commission 13 Dec 2023
• Donald Tusk sworn in as new Polish PM People's Daily 13 Dec 2023 -- Donald Tusk was sworn in as Polish prime minister at the Presidential Palace here on Wednesday.
• Rwanda gears up for presidential, lower chamber elections next year People's Daily 13 Dec 2023 -- The upcoming presidential and lower chamber of deputies elections in Rwanda have been officially scheduled for July 15, 2024.
• Secretary-General's statement at the closing of the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 UN Secretary-General 13 Dec 2023
• COP28 agrees to 'transition away from,' not 'phase out' fossil fuels Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2023 -- In the end, Abu Dhabi oil boss Sultan Al Jaber got what he wanted: a deal on fossil fuel language at the COP28 climate summit, which he has been presiding over for the past 13 days.
• COP28 ends with call to 'transition away' from fossil fuels; UN's Guterres says phaseout is inevitable UN News 13 Dec 2023 -- Nations at COP28 in Dubai approved earlier on Wednesday a roadmap for "transitioning away from fossil fuels" - a first for a UN climate conference - but the deal still stopped short of a long-demanded call for a "phaseout" of oil, coal and gas.
• India, China Break Ranks at COP28 on Target for Renewables VOA 13 Dec 2023 -- Widespread satisfaction over a pledge for the world to transition away from fossil fuels was tempered at COP28 by the failure of China and India — the world's most populous nations — to endorse a related promise to triple their sources of renewable energy by 2030.
• In Nigeria, a Mixed Reception for COP28 Deal to 'Transition Away' From Fossil Fuels VOA 13 Dec 2023 -- A deal struck at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to "transition away" from fossil fuels received a less-than-hearty welcome Wednesday in Nigeria, which depends on crude oil sales for most of its budget.
• The UK encourages the Central African region to commit to inclusive political transitional processes: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 13 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on the Central African region.
• World News in Brief: Kyiv under attack, Sudan peace talks, progress on hunger in Europe UN News 13 Dec 2023 -- Humanitarians in Ukraine mobilized emergency assistance for citizens of Kyiv on Wednesday morning following the third attack in less than a week by Russia forces which left dozens injured, including children.
• Somalia Granted $4.5 Billion in Debt Forgiveness VOA 13 Dec 2023 -- The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank approved $4.5 billion in debt forgiveness for Somalia Wednesday after the Horn of Africa nation completed years of financial reforms under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, or HIPC.