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• Helicopter pilots throughout Europe appreciate Storck Barracks facility Army News 20 Dec 2023 -- Storck Barracks in Illesheim, Germany, is home to the only helicopter flight simulator operated by the U.S. Army in Europe. The facility, located within the United States Army Garrison (USAG) Ansbach footprint, is well known and appreciated by pilots from NATO partners and allied countries and provides critical training to helicopter pilots of the U.S. Army and other nations.
• Statement from Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Senate's Confirmation of 11 Four-Star Generals and Admirals DoD 20 Dec 2023 -- "I am grateful that the Senate has finally confirmed 11 of our military's most senior general and flag officers."
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Holds a Media Availability Aboard the USS Ford DoD 20 Dec 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Call with Cypriot Minister of Defense Michalis Giorgallas DoD 20 Dec 2023
• Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Sasha Baker Announces Middle East Policy Leadership Transition DoD 20 Dec 2023
• Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Sasha Baker Announces Recent European and NATO Policy Leadership Transition DoD 20 Dec 2023
• Defense Department Taking Action With Warfighter Brain Health Initiative DoD News 20 Dec 2023 -- The Defense Department is committed to focusing on warfighter brain health. Some DOD actions include monitoring service members, instituting injury prevention safety measures, and continuing to provide innovative brain injury treatments.
• Powering the Mission: MCAS Miramar Microgrid Brightens the Future During Steel Knight USMC News 20 Dec 2023 -- Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is not only a bustling hub of fighter jets, helicopters, and Marines always on the alert, it is a game-changer in energy security. Its cutting-edge microgrid played a pivotal role during exercise Steel Knight 23.2, a 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing aviation training exercise, by providing power to the air station during a simulated blackout at the air station Nov. 30.
• Red Hawk readies for climate chamber testing US Air Force 20 Dec 2023 -- The Air Force's new bird of prey, the T-7 Red Hawk, arrived at Eglin Air Force Base Dec. 15 to begin a series of climate testing at Eglin AFB's McKinley Climatic Lab.
• 6th Fleet Oiler Empowers NATO Allied Navies US Navy 20 Dec 2023 -- The Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship, USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), conducted a replenishment-at-sea (RAS) with the Italian Carlo Bergamini-class frigates, Carlo Bergamini (F 590) and Virginio Fasan (F 591), Dec. 14, 2023.
• USS Colorado Returns from Deployment US Navy 20 Dec 2023 -- The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Colorado (SSN 788), under the command of Cmdr. David Beam, returned to Naval Submarine Base New London on Tuesday, December 19, after completing a six-month deployment to the European area of operations.
• Nepali Army, U.S. Navy SEALS Strengthen Joint Partnership US Navy 20 Dec 2023 -- A U.S. Navy SEAL Team conducted a joint training exchange alongside the Nepali Army and members of the Nepali Army Special Operations Force (SOF) Brigade near Kathmandu, Nepal from October 30 to November 6, 2023.
• Estonia and the United States signed a defence cooperation agreement for the next few years in Washington, D.C. Estonia MoD 20 Dec 2023 -- Tuuli Duneton, Undersecretary for Defence Policy, and Celeste Wallander, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense, signed a bilateral Security Cooperation Plan for 2024-2028 in Washington, D.C.
• US Returns Military Base Camp Market to South Korea - Reports Sputnik 20 Dec 2023 -- The United States has fully returned its former military base, Camp Market, located near the capital city of Seoul, to South Korea, the Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday, citing the South Korean Defense Ministry.
• U.S. troops on Danish soil "breakthrough" in defense policy: PM People's Daily 20 Dec 2023 -- The United States will be allowed to permanently station soldiers on Danish soil as part of the country's new defense cooperation agreement with Washington, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said here on Tuesday.
• US upgrades to military infrastructure in Papua New Guinea to span several years Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. military's transportation command has assessed port and airport infrastructure in Papua New Guinea for upgrade over several years under a defense cooperation agreement between the superpower and the most populous Pacific island nation, its commanding general said.
• Russia's 'Granat' Strike Recon Drone: What is Known About It? Sputnik 20 Dec 2023 -- The Israeli occupation carried out, on Tuesday night through Wednesday early morning, wide-scale raids in the occupied West Bank.
• Negotiations Over US Aid to Ukraine Expected to Stretch Past Christmas VOA 20 Dec 2023 -- U.S. lawmakers will work into the Christmas holiday next week, seeking to negotiate a deal on border security in return for Republican votes to send more aid to Ukraine.
• UK and partners form The Tallinn Mechanism for cyber security UK FCDO 20 Dec 2023 -- UK and partners join together to establish The Tallinn Mechanism to bolster Ukraine's cyber security
• Canada joins Tallinn Mechanism to support Ukraine in cyberspace Canada 20 Dec 2023
• Estonia and allies establish the Tallinn Mechanism to provide cyber assistance to Ukraine Estonia MFA 20 Dec 2023 -- Today 20 December, the Tallinn Mechanism is launched, created by Estonia and its allies to amplify the cyber support of donor countries to Ukraine in the civilian domain.
• MFA statement on the announcement of the establishment of the Tallinn Mechanism Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Dec 2023 -- As endorsed by the Foreign Ministries of Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States on 20 December 2023, the Tallinn Mechanism officially formalized.
• Lithuania donated field facility equipment and MREs to Ukraine Lithuania MND 20 Dec 2023 -- On December 20 yet another shipment of Lithuania's military assistance was delivered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces have taken to Ukraine field facility equipment vital for the military and several thousand MRE packages.
• N Korea's military provocations boost S Korea's nuclear arsenal push Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2023 -- When South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol suggested the potential of Seoul acquiring nuclear capabilities, the United States promptly set up the Nuclear Consultation Group, or NCG. This initiative is aimed at addressing Seoul's security concerns, in the hopes of preventing them from developing into a significant security dilemma for Washington, namely a nuclear domino effect across Asia.
• INS KADMATT IN BANGKOK, THAILAND India PIB 20 Dec 2023 -- As part of her Long Range Operational Deployment to the North Pacific Ocean and South China Sea, INS Kadmatt arrived at Bangkok, Thailand, on 19 Dec 23
• Ministry of Defence signs Rs 1,614.89 crore contract with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Ltd for procurement of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard India PIB 20 Dec 2023 -- The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with
• IAF AND USI CONDUCT THE FIRST MARSHAL OF AIR FORCE ARJAN SINGH ANNUAL LECTURE India PIB 20 Dec 2023 -- Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United Services Institution of India (USI) jointly conducted the first Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Annual Lecture at USI, Shankar Vihar today
• IRGC Navy vessels equipped with indigenous missiles guided by artificial intelligence Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- The commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy says his force has furnished its vessels with long-range homegrown naval cruise missiles that use artificial intelligence (AI) and enjoy high controllability after launch.
• ADF strengthens cyber security Australia DOD 20 Dec 2023 -- ADF cyber experts joined with US and international counterparts in a worldwide search for malware, aiming to improve processes, readiness and coordination between countries involved.
• Ottawa Announces $1.2Bln Investment in Technology Network for Canadian Army Sputnik 20 Dec 2023 -- The Canadian government will invest C$1.68 (US$1.26 billion) to modernize the country's military technological network, Parliamentary Secretary to National Defense Minister Marie-France Lalonde said on Wednesday.
• A look at the Defence news 11 - 17 December Netherlands Ministry of Defence 20 Dec 2023
• Joint Statement on The United States-Mongolia Annual Bilateral Consultations US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2023 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Mongolia on the occasion of the Annual Bilateral Consultations
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2023
• Remarks by President Biden After Air Force One Arrival | Milwaukee, WI The White House 20 Dec 2023
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 20 Dec 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a U.S. National Space Council Meeting US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2023
• Remarks by Vice President Harris at a Meeting of the U.S. National Space Council The White House 20 Dec 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 20, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 20 December 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 Dec 2023

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 20th, 20:15 Israel Defense Forces 20 Dec 2023
• 24h Recap: December 20th, 2023, 12:00 Israel Defense Forces 20 Dec 2023
• Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 20 Dec 2023 -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today , on the continuation of fighting against Hamas:
• Gaza death toll reaches 20,000 IRNA 20 Dec 2023 -- The death toll from Israel's war on Gaza has reached 20,000 as the regime presses ahead with its indiscriminate air attacks on the Palestinian territory for 75 days now.
• Israeli airstrikes kill dozens more civilians in Gaza Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- The Israeli military kills dozens more civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank as the regime comes under more pressure to end its genocidal war and accept a new temporary ceasefire in the besieged Palestinian territory.
• 'Barely a drop to drink': children in the Gaza Strip do not access 90 per cent of their normal water use UNICEF 20 Dec 2023 -- Recently displaced children in the southern Gaza Strip are accessing only 1.5 to 2 litres of water each day, well below the recommended requirements just for survival, according to UNICEF estimates.
• Barely a drop of safe water to drink in Gaza, UN aid agency warns UN News 20 Dec 2023 -- As the UN Security Council was slated to meet for a third consecutive day on Wednesday in a new push for consensus to pause the fighting in Gaza, the head of the UN Children's Fund UNICEF warned that without safe water, "many more children" will soon die from disease.
• WFP delivers first aid convoy from Jordan to Gaza. WFP 20 Dec 2023 -- A 46-truck convoy, organized by WFP and the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO), on Wednesday carried more than 750 metric tons of life-saving food into Gaza, marking the first time a direct aid convoy from Jordan has reached the Strip since the upsurge in hostilities began on 7 October.
• Acute water shortages in war-torn Gaza pose deadly risks for children, UNICEF warns Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations children's agency has warned that acute water shortages in the war-torn Gaza, triggered by Israel's ongoing war, pose deadly risks for children in the Palestinian territory with large-scale disease outbreaks looming.
• Aid Enters Through Jordan for First Time Since October VOA 20 Dec 2023 -- The World Food Program said a 46-truck convoy organized with a Jordanian charity arrived in Gaza on Wednesday with 750 metric tons of food.
• UN Security Council Delays Vote on Aid Resolution in Bid for US Support VOA 20 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations Security Council postponed a vote Wednesday in a bid to get U.S. support on a resolution that seeks to facilitate scaled up aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip, where the World Food Program says half the population is starving amid Israeli military strikes.
• INTERVIEW: Destruction, displacement, and grief. Senior UNRWA official reflects on 'unprecedented' conflict in Gaza UN News 20 Dec 2023 -- The scale of the conflict in Gaza is having an "unprecedented" effect on UNRWA, with staff operating under fierce bombardments, whilst grieving for colleagues killed in the fighting. Juliette Touma, Director of Communications at UNRWA, tells UN News that the agency, whose staff in Gaza are operating under fierce bombardments, whilst grieving for colleagues killed in the fighting.
• Iran says US must ensure any deal on Gaza ceasefire is 'durable' IRNA 20 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian says a truce agreement for Gaza appears within reach, calling on the United States -- as the main ally and supporter of the Israeli regime -- to ensure that any ceasefire is durable and leads to lifting of the humanitarian siege on the Palestinian territory.
• Iran says made great diplomatic efforts in support of Palestine IRNA 20 Dec 2023 -- Iran has made extensive diplomatic efforts at regional and international levels in support of the oppressed Palestinian people and to end the Zionist regime's criminal war against Gaza, says the Foreign Ministry spokesman.
• Iran FM, Hamas chief discuss latest developments in Gaza IRNA 20 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and the Palestinian Resistance movement's (Hamas) head of political bureau Ismail Hanieh have held talks in the Qatari capital on the latest developments in Gaza.
• Iran and Syria top diplomats discuss Israeli crimes against Palestinians ISNA 20 Dec 2023 -- Iran Foreign Minister and his Syrian counterpart discussed bilateral relations and regional developments.
• Diplomatic negotiations show region gradually moving toward ceasefire in Palestine: Iran FM Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says diplomatic efforts have intensified in the Western Asia region for a renewed ceasefire in Gaza where the Israeli regime has been pounding the Palestinians for 75 days.
• Gaza war not only rights violation, but obliteration of mankind; US rights claims bogus: Iran's deputy FM Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- What is happening in Gaza is an "annihilation of human existence" enabled by Washington despite its claim to champion human rights across the globe, says Iran's deputy foreign minister for political affairs.
• Minister Geoffrey van Leeuwen announces extra €25 million in emergency aid for Gaza during visit to Rafah border crossing Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Dec 2023 -- The Netherlands is making an extra €25 millionavailable for humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.
• Syrian, Iranian FMs condemn ongoing Israeli military operation in Gaza People's Daily 20 Dec 2023 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Tuesday condemned the intensifying Israeli military operation in Gaza, the state news agency SANA reported.
• 'External forces' seeking to turn Gaza war into regional conflict: Russia Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- Russia says some "external forces" are trying to exploit the Israeli war on the besieged Gaza Strip to ignite hostilities in the Middle East.
• Western Countries Plotting Against Establishment of Palestinian State - Lavrov Sputnik 20 Dec 2023 -- The de-escalation efforts of Western countries in the Middle East are aimed at preventing the Gaza Strip from uniting with other Palestinian territories into a single political entity, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday.
• Israeli-based ships to be banned from anchoring at Malaysia waters IRNA 20 Dec 2023 -- Malaysia has said that it will not let the Israel-based integrated shipping services ZIM be berthed at any of its ports, media outlets reported.
• Malaysia imposes docking ban on Israeli cargo ships in solidarity with Gaza Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- The Malaysian government has imposed an indefinite ban on vessels owned by an Israeli shipping cargo company from docking at its ports in response to the bloody Israeli onslaught against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
• Israeli military raids cities, towns all over the West Bank ISNA 20 Dec 2023 -- Sources told Al Mayadeen that the occupation forces raided the town of Beit Ummar north of al-Khalil in the occupied West Bank. Palestinian media outlets also announced that a young man was injured by Israeli occupation forces' gunfire during their invasion of the town of Tammun, further to the north.
• Lebanon's Hezbollah conducts missile attacks on Israeli positions IRNA 20 Dec 2023 -- Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah has targeted an Israeli military base and an artillery position in the northern occupied territories of Palestine.
• Hezbollah official terms repeated Zionist threats to Lebanon as boring, empty IRNA 20 Dec 2023 -- Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council of the Lebanese Hezbollah Sheikh Ali Damoush has stressed that "the repeated Zionist threats to Lebanon have become boring and empty, and they reflect the reality of this confusing enemy and the anxiety and fear of Hezbollah."
• Resistance strikes down US plot to secure Israel's control over region: Islamic Jihad Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- A senior official of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement says the United States is leading Israel's brutal war on the besieged Gaza Strip in an attempt to "uproot" the resistance, which has scuppered Washington's plans to secure the occupying regime's control over the region.
• Hamas Leader in Egypt for Talks as Gaza War Sides Consider Pause in Fighting VOA 20 Dec 2023 -- Hamas said its top leader Ismail Haniyeh is in Cairo Wednesday to discuss the war in Gaza with Egyptian officials.
• Hamas leader Haniyeh visits Egypt to discuss new Gaza truce Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- The head of Hamas' political bureau has traveled to Egypt to discuss a potential new Gaza truce involving an exchange of prisoners and the entry of more aid to Gaza.
• Hamas official says resistance movement ready for all-for-all prisoner exchange with Israeli regime Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- A senior Hamas official says the Palestinian movement is ready to release all Israeli captives in Gaza in return for Israel freeing Palestinian abductees, stressing however that the regime has so far blocked an exchange deal.
• Haniyeh: Resistance stands strong on the battlefield ISNA 20 Dec 2023 -- The head of Hamas' political bureau says the Palestinian resistance stands "firm on the battlefield" despite two and a half months of Israeli war crimes in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Haniyeh says resistance stands 'strong, resolute' as Israel says ready for ceasefire Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- The head of Hamas' political bureau says the Palestinian resistance stands "firm on the battlefield" despite two and a half months of Israeli war crimes in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• US, allies mull striking Yemen; UAE, Saudis divided over support Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- The United States and its Western allies are reportedly mulling over military strikes against Yemen, after the Arab nation's armed forces struck merchant vessels owned by Israel or bound for the occupied territories in support of Palestinians in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
• US-led coalition in the Red Sea only 'band-aid solution'; an immediate cease-fire in urgent need to avoid spillovers Global Times 20 Dec 2023 -- As the world's shipping and trade might be further disrupted by attacks on ships along the main Red Sea shipping route, worries among multinational companies - including Chinese ones that are entering the busiest export season - have grown.
• Yemen's Houthis say new U.S.-led coalition won't stop their attacks on ships People's Daily 20 Dec 2023 -- Yemen's Houthi rebels on Tuesday said the new U.S.-led military coalition in the Red Sea would not stop their attacks on Israel-bound commercial ships.
• US to face 'Vietnam scenario' if Yemen attacked: Ansarullah IRNA 20 Dec 2023 -- The leader of Yemen's Ansarullah movement, Seyyed Abdulmalik al-Houthi, has warned that the United States will experience a "scenario worse than Afghanistan and Vietnam" if the Yemeni armed forces come under attack.
• Houthi: Armed Forces to target US warships in Red Sea in case of strike on Yemen Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- The leader of the Yemeni Ansarullah resistance movement says the country's armed forces will not hesitate to target US military warships in the Red Sea if Washington and its allies carry out military strikes against Yemen.
• Yemen's Houthis Reveal General Mobilization Action to Send Soldiers to Gaza Sputnik 20 Dec 2023 -- A general mobilization is being carried out in northern Yemen to send soldiers to the Gaza Strip if such an opportunity arises, member of the political office of Yemen's Ansar Allah rebel movement, also known as the Houthis, Houtham Assad told Sputnik on Wednesday.
• 71% of Gazans suffer from extreme hunger as Israel wields 'weapon of starvation': Rights group Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- A Geneva-based rights group has found that 71 percent of people in the Gaza Strip suffer from extreme hunger due to Israel's devastating war on the Palestinian territory and the regime's method of using starvation as a weapon.

Other Conflicts

• UN Calls for More, Direct Engagement With Taliban VOA 20 Dec 2023 -- A top United Nations official has called for more frequent and direct engagements with de facto Taliban authorities both inside and outside Afghanistan to address the country's challenging relations with the international community.
• US Dismisses as 'Farce' Claims of Abandoning Arms in Afghanistan VOA 20 Dec 2023 -- The United States has again denied leaving any weapons in Afghanistan during the American military's withdrawal from the country in August 2021, dismissing such allegations as "farce."
• Thousands Of Afghans Deported From Pakistani, Iranian Prisons RFE/RL 20 Dec 2023 -- Thousands of Afghans who were detained in Pakistani and Iranian prisons have been sent back to Afghanistan as Islamabad and Tehran ramp up the expulsion of Afghan citizens.
• The international community must maintain its advocacy on women's rights in Afghanistan: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 20 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.
• Afghanistan: Taliban's return to 'international norms' is non-negotiable says UN mission chief UN News 20 Dec 2023 -- Lack of progress in resolving human rights issues is a key factor behind the current impasse between Afghanistan and the international community, the UN Special Representative for the country said on Wednesday in a briefing to the Security Council in New York.
• 'Iran remains committed to help promote stability in Afghanistan' IRNA 20 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani has said that his country remains steadfast in its commitment to help promote lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
• China, Philippines to Hold Talks Over Disputed Islands in South China Sea Sputnik 20 Dec 2023 -- China and the Philippines have agreed to hold a round of consultations in light of recent tensions over disputed islands in the South China Sea, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
• China, Philippines Highlight Dialogue Amid South China Sea Tensions VOA 20 Dec 2023 -- Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo of the Philippines said in a statement Thursday that he had a "frank and candid exchange" with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and that the two sides have a "clearer understanding of our respective positions on a number of issues."
• In Sudan, Health Care Crisis Looms for Unborn, Newborn as Conflict Escalates VOA 20 Dec 2023 -- According to the British charity Save the Children, some 30,000 children will be born in war-torn Sudan over the next three months without access to proper medical care, such as through doctors, hospitals and medicines. The group says the lack of basic health care endangers both mothers and unborn children, heightening the risk of long-term and deadly complications.
• WFP warns of major setback to aid efforts as fighting spreads in Sudan WFP 20 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has been forced to temporarily suspend food assistance in some parts of Gezira State, as fighting spreads south and east of Sudan's capital Khartoum. This is a major setback to humanitarian efforts in the country's breadbasket, where WFP had been regularly providing aid to over 800,000 people, including many who escaped the fighting in Khartoum.
• Food, supplies run low at large prison in Myanmar's Kayah State Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2023 -- Food and medicine shortages are putting nearly 500 prisoners in eastern Myanmar's Kayah State at risk as fighting between the military junta and resistance forces has hindered the transport of supplies into the capital of Loikaw, aid workers said.
• Unanimous Adoption of Pakistan-Sponsored Resolution on Universal Realization of the Right of the People to Self-Determination by the UN General Assembly Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations General Assembly has adopted the Pakistan-sponsored flagship resolution on the "Universal Realization of the Right of the People to Self-determination". Adopted by consensus, the resolution was supported and co-sponsorsed by a large number of countries from different regions around the world.
• Allocation of the Humanitarian Fund for Central African Republic, 20 December 2023 UNOCHA 20 Dec 2023 -- The Humanitarian Coordinator for the Central African Republic (CAR), Mr. Mohamed Ag Ayoya, has allocated 13 million US dollars from the Humanitarian Fund to address the most urgent humanitarian needs of approximately 150,000 internally displaced, returnees, and their host communities in the southeast region of the country and other hard-to-reach and underserved areas.

News Reports

• Colorado Court Bars Trump from Presidential Primary VOA 20 Dec 2023 -- Former U.S. President Donald Trump will not appear on the primary ballot in the state of Colorado, the state's top court ruled Tuesday in a decision closely watched amid similar efforts in other states to disqualify him from a re-election bid.
• Justice Department Announces Terrorism Charges Against High-Ranking Hezbollah Member Who Helped Plan 1994 Bombing in Buenos Aires, Argentina US Dept. of Justice 20 Dec 2023 -- A Manhattan federal court today unsealed terrorism charges against Samuel Salman El Reda, aka Samuel Salman El Reda El Reda, Salman Raouf Salman, Sulayman Rammal, Salman Ramal, Salman Raouf Salman, and Hajj, 58, a dual Colombian-Lebanese citizen and member of Hezbollah's Islamic Jihad Organization (IJO), in connection with El Reda's alleged role leading decades of terrorist activity on behalf of Hezbollah and the IJO.
• Fourteen Members of Major Drug Organization That Trafficked Hundreds of Kilograms of Cocaine and Fentanyl Sentenced US Dept. of Justice 20 Dec 2023 -- Fourteen members of a major drug organization that trafficked hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area and illegally possessed firearms in support of that operation, were sentenced today, following a two-year investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
• COVID-19: WHO designates JN.1 'variant of interest' amid sharp rise in global spread UN News 20 Dec 2023 -- The UN World Health Organization (WHO) has said it is continuously monitoring the global spread of JN.1, a COVID-19 variant of interest, adding that current vaccines continue to offer protection against severe disease and death from this and other variants in circulation.
• Biden Administration Makes High-Stakes Prisoner Swap With Venezuela VOA 20 Dec 2023 -- The United States has secured the freedom of 10 Americans from Venezuelan prisons in exchange for the release of a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
• Release of U.S. Nationals and Electoral Roadmap Implementation in Venezuela US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2023 -- The United States welcomes the release today of all six wrongfully detained U.S. nationals from Venezuela — Joseph Cristella, Eyvin Hernandez, Jerrel Kenemore, Savoi Wright, and two individuals who wish to remain private — as well as the release of four additional U.S. nationals.
• Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on Venezuela The White House 20 Dec 2023
• Statement from President Joe Biden on Securing the Release of Americans Detained in Venezuela The White House 20 Dec 2023
• US Releases Maduro's 'Close Ally' in Exchange for Jailed Americans - Reports Sputnik 20 Dec 2023 -- The Biden administration has agreed to free a "close ally" of President Nicolas Maduro in exchange for jailed Americans, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.
• Excerpts from the briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, December 20, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Dec 2023
• Meeting of the Council of Legislators President of Russia 20 Dec 2023 -- Vladimir Putin took part in the ceremonial meeting of the Council of Legislators dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.
• Slovak Leader Confirms EU Extended Exemption on Selling Fuels From Russian Oil to Czechia Sputnik 20 Dec 2023 -- Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed on Wednesday that his country would continue refining Russian crude and exporting fuels to the Czech Republic, after the European Union extended its exemption as part of the bloc's 12th package of Russia sanctions.
• Slovakia Will Not Freeze Russia's Real Estate - Prime Minister Sputnik 20 Dec 2023 -- Slovakia will not follow example of the countries that have decided to freeze Russia's real estate, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Wednesday.
• Greetings to Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait President of Russia 20 Dec 2023 -- Vladimir Putin sent greetings to Emir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on the occasion of his enthronement.
• U.S. Issues New Sanctions On Russia-Related Oil Sales RFE/RL 20 Dec 2023 -- The United States on December 20 issued new Russia-related sanctions against entities in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates that the Treasury Department said have transported Russian crude oil sold above a price cap set last year by Group of Seven (G7) countries.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a joint news conference following talks with Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco Nasser Bourita, Marrakech, December 20, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Dec 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at the plenary meeting of the 6th session of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum, Marrakesh, December 20, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Dec 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt Sameh Shoukry Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Dec 2023
• Taking Further Actions in Support of the Coalition Price Cap Policy US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2023 -- The United States is designating a Government of Russia-owned ship manager as well as three oil traders involved in the seaborne export of Russian crude oil. Today's designations follow similar actions by our partners in the Price Cap Coalition to degrade Russia's ability to fund its illegal war against Ukraine while keeping oil markets stable.
• Treasury Tightens the Price Cap with New Sanctions and Updated Guidance US Treasury 20 Dec 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) continued to tighten enforcement of the price cap on Russian oil by building on previous actions targeting shipowners and vessels implicated in transporting Russian crude oil above the cap. In line with actions previously taken by partners in the Price Cap Coalition, OFAC is designating a Government of Russia-owned ship manager as well as several obscure oil traders who have emerged as frequent participants in the seaborne transportation of Russian-origin oil following the imposition of the price cap.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on December 20, 2023 PRC MofA 20 Dec 2023
• US urged to take action for win-win cooperation as Washington adds 13 Chinese firms to Unverified List Global Times 20 Dec 2023 -- The US on Tuesday put another 13 companies in China on its Unverified List, in the latest move to deliberately create obstacles to China-US economic and trade cooperation. Chinese analysts said the groundless and unilateral US restrictions on Chinese tech firms harm the legitimate rights and interests of those companies as well as the interests and reputation of the US itself.
• China, Russia hail bilateral ties as strategic choice, stabilizer of intl relations amid Russian PM's China visit Global Times 20 Dec 2023 -- Maintaining and developing China-Russia relations is a strategic choice made by both sides based on the fundamental interests of the two peoples, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in his meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Wednesday, following the Russian high-ranking official's meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, chairing the 28th regular meeting between the Chinese and Russian heads of government.
• Hong Kong plummets in freedom index, descends 'into tyranny' Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2023 -- Hong Kong has plummeted in the Cato Institute's Human Freedom Index, with the annual rights report describing China's crackdown in the city as a "descent into tyranny."
• Exclusive: Hong Kong, Singapore engaged in healthy competition, can cooperate for benefit of region: HK official Global Times 20 Dec 2023 -- Although some overseas companies have left Hong Kong due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more companies have chosen to come back this year, Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau told the Global Times in a recent exclusive interview.
• Macao celebrates 24th anniversary of its return to motherland Global Times 20 Dec 2023 -- China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Wednesday held a flag-raising ceremony and a reception to celebrate the 24th anniversary of its return to the motherland, the SAR government announced Wednesday.
• China vows to build itself into an agricultural powerhouse, with food security, all-round rural revitalization prioritized Global Times 20 Dec 2023 -- China has laid out the priorities for the country's rural work in 2024 at a key meeting held from Tuesday to Wednesday, stressing the target to build China into an agricultural powerhouse and the importance of advancing rural revitalization across the board.
• In 2023, China Struggled With Zero-COVID Aftermath, Slowing Economy VOA 20 Dec 2023 -- The year 2023 should have been the beginning of a new era for China, as Xi Jinping cemented his unprecedented third term as the country's leader. While Xi consolidated his control over the world's second-largest economy, China faced many challenges, including a rapid surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths, a historically high youth unemployment rate, and the abrupt removal of two top-level officials.
• China continues to reduce its holdings of US Treasuries in October Global Times 20 Dec 2023 -- Chinese holdings of US Treasury bonds fell further to $769.6 billion in October, marking a seventh consecutive monthly drop, according to data released by the US Department of the Treasury on Tuesday.
• Taiwan amends law to fight Chinese illegal sand dredging Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2023 -- Taiwanese lawmakers have passed amendments to seize sand dredging equipment, mostly on Chinese ships operating illegally.
• Xi Tells Biden Taiwan Will Reunify With China, But Timing Not Yet Set Sputnik 20 Dec 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Joe Biden during their November summit in San Francisco that Taiwan would eventually reunify with China, but on a schedule yet to be determined, NBC reported on Wednesday, citing three current and former US officials.
• Chinese balloon detected flying over Taiwan Strait median line: MND CNA 20 Dec 2023 -- A Chinese balloon was detected flying across the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait late Tuesday night before continuing eastward and disappearing early Wednesday, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a statement.
• Taiwan reports sightings of Chinese balloons Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2023 -- The Taiwanese defense ministry said another Chinese balloon has been detected crossing the median line in the Taiwan Strait, the fifth balloon sighting this month.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 20, 2023 ROC MND 20 Dec 2023
• Presidential candidates dig in their heels over policy toward China CNA 20 Dec 2023 -- All three presidential contenders stood firm on their respective cross-Taiwan Strait policy at the first televised policy presentation Wednesday, each arguing that they are best positioned to safeguard the country while dealing with China.
• Defense authority on Taiwan island hypes drifting mainland weather balloons, attempting to stir panic: expert Global Times 20 Dec 2023 -- Despite admitting the balloons were for meteorological purposes and were drifting due to monsoon, the defense authority on the island of Taiwan repeatedly announced the presence of mainland balloons near the island over recent days to hype the "threat" of the mainland, analysts said on Wednesday.
• N Korean leader, powerful sister issue nuclear threat to US, S Korea Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2023 -- North Korean leader and his powerful sister have made a nuclear threat against the United States and South Korea, with both declaring that Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal will be practically deployed in retaliation to any actions that they consider to be "provocations."
• Joint Statement by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko, and Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2023 -- The text of the following joint statement was released by the Governments of the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
• Speech of DPRK Representative to UN at Open Meeting of UNSC KCNA 20 Dec 2023 -- The representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the United Nations made a speech at an open meeting of the UNSC, which was held at the UN headquarters on Dec. 20 (Dec. 19 in U.S. local time) as regards the DPRK's launch drill of ICBM conducted on Dec. 18.
• Swedish Chargé d'affaires summoned by Iran's foreign ministry IRNA 20 Dec 2023 -- The charge d'affaires of the Swedish embassy was summoned to Iran's foreign ministry by the Director General of Western Europe following the measure by a Swedish court against Hamid Nouri, and the strong protest of the Islamic Republic of Iran was communicated to him.
• 'Blatant act of injustice': Iran slams upholding of Nouri's sentence IRNA 20 Dec 2023 -- Iran says the upholding of a Swedish court's sentence against Hamid Nouri is a blatant act of injustice and cruelty against the former Iranian judiciary official who has been illegally incarcerated in Sweden since 2019.
• Iran condemns verdict by primary and appeal courts on Hamid Nouri IRNA 20 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani in response to the Swedish court's verdict on Hamid Nouri's dossier, stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran considers the verdict of the primary and appeal courts regarding Mr. Hamid Nouri, an Iranian citizen, to be fundamentally unacceptable and strongly condemns it.
• Tehran condemns Swedish courts ruling against Iranian citizen ISNA 20 Dec 2023 -- Tehran considers the verdict issued by the initial and appellate courts against Hamid Nouri to be fundamentally unacceptable and therefore strongly condemns it.
• Iran summons Sweden's envoy to protest life sentence for ex-official Hamid Nouri Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- Iran's foreign ministry has summoned Sweden's charge d'affaires to protest the life sentence handed down to a former Iranian official over his alleged role in the execution of some MKO members in Iran in the 1980s.
• Sweden's verdict on Nouri 'unfair', only acquittal acceptable: Iran Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Judiciary says a Swedish court's verdict against Hamid Nouri, a former Iranian Judiciary official who has been illegally imprisoned in Sweden, is unfair and that no ruling but the exoneration of the 62-year-old will be acceptable.
• Iran condemns Swedish verdict against Nouri as 'fundamentally unacceptable' Press TV 20 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has vehemently condemned as "fundamentally unacceptable" a Swedish court's verdict against Hamid Nouri, a former Iranian judiciary official who has been illegally incarcerated in Sweden.
• Raisi says hopes ties with Kuwait are further promoted under new ruler IRNA 20 Dec 2023 -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi has talked to the new emir of Kuwait on the phone, expressing hope that relations between the two countries are expanded further under his rule.
• Australia Sets Out Vision for Middle Power Influence VOA 20 Dec 2023 -- In a wide-ranging foreign policy speech, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke of stabilizing fractured ties with China and the transformational benefits of a nuclear-powered submarine deal with the United States.
• Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya reviews COVID-19 Situation and Preparedness of public health system for Surveillance, Containment and Management in view of rising COVID-19 Cases in some parts of the country India PIB 20 Dec 2023 -- Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare today chaired a high-level meeting to review the COVID-19 situation in India and preparedness of public health system for surveillance, containment and management of COVID-19 in view of the recent spike in cases of COVID-19 in some states.
• India launched 396 foreign and 70 domestic satellites during the period 2014-23 as compared to 33 and 31 satellites respectively during 2003-14, says Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh India PIB 20 Dec 2023 -- The number of foreign and domestic satellites launched by India during period 2014-23 were 396 and 70 respectively, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said today, while the number of foreign and domestic satellites launched by India during period 2003-13 were 33 and 31 respectively
• March To Protest Excessive Arrests Of Baluchi Men Ends Violently In Islamabad RFE/RL 20 Dec 2023 -- Police in Islamabad used force to disperse a protest by Baluchis in the early hours of December 21 after the protesters marched hundreds of kilometers to draw attention to excessive arrests of Baluchi men and their mistreatment by police.
• Kazakh Ex-President Holds 'Private Talks' With Putin In Moscow RFE/RL 20 Dec 2023 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on December 20 confirmed media reports about former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev holding talks with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow this week, telling journalists that the talks were "absolutely private."
• Council of Europe Congress concerned about the local elections in Serbia Council of Europe 20 Dec 2023 -- The Congress spokesperson on observation of local and regional elections, Stewart Dickson, has expressed grave concern about the serious irregularities reported by the Congress' partners in their joint International Election Observation Mission of the early parliamentary elections which took place in Serbia on 17 December 2023.
• Suriname: Statement by the Spokesperson on the December Trials European External Action Service (EEAS) 20 Dec 2023 -- The European Union takes note of the verdict in the 'December Trials' in Suriname, regarding the killing of political opponents in 1982 in the country.
• Outspoken lawmaker expelled from Communist Party Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2023 -- A former lawmaker widely known for speaking out against law enforcement agencies has been expelled from Vietnam's ruling Communist Party, state media reported.
• Concern with Hungary's Sovereign Defense Authority Law US Dept. of State 20 Dec 2023 -- The United States is concerned by the Hungarian government's decision today to enact a new law which equips the Hungarian government with draconian tools that can be used to intimidate and punish those with views not shared by the ruling party.
• World News in Brief: WFP forced to halt some food aid in Sudan, DR Congo elections, peacekeeping chief visits CAR UN News 20 Dec 2023 -- The World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Wednesday that it has temporarily suspended assistance in some parts of Al Jazirah State in Sudan as conflict has spread south and east of the capital, Khartoum.
• Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, Head and Representative of OCHA in Geneva and Director of the Coordination Division, on behalf of Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Martin Griffiths UNOCHA 20 Dec 2023
• Cambodia Tries to Reassure Vietnam That Proposed Canal Won't Affect Mekong River VOA 20 Dec 2023 -- Cambodia is seeking to play down concerns from Vietnam about a Chinese-funded canal project that would connect the Gulf of Thailand with inland tributaries of the Mekong River.