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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• May 2 Red Sea Update CENTCOM 02 May 2024 -- At approximately 2:00 p.m. (Sanaa time) on May 2, 2024, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully engaged and destroyed three uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in an Iranian-backed Houthi controlled area of Yemen.
• Houthi: Yemen preparing for 'fourth phase' of Red Sea operations Press TV 02 May 2024 -- The leader of Yemen's Ansarullah movement has vowed to escalate operations in the Red Sea until Israel ends its war in Gaza and the US stops attacking his country.
• May 3, 2023 Investigation Findings CENTCOM 02 May 2024 -- On May 3, 2023, the United States conducted a unilateral counterterrorism air strike in Northwest Syria targeting a senior Al Qaeda leader. Soon after the air strike, reports surfaced the strike may have resulted in a civilian casualty.

Defense Policy / Programs

• US defense secretary meeting with Pacific allies in Hawaii VOA 02 May 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was in Hawaii on Thursday to meet with leaders from Australia, Japan and the Philippines amid increasing concerns about Chinese military aggression in the Pacific.
• 44th U.S.-Jordan Joint Military Commission DoD 02 May 2024
• R&E Detachment Leverages Reservists' Civilian Expertise, Military Experience for S&T Innovation DoD 02 May 2024 -- The Joint Reserve Directorate (JRD) hosted its inaugural executive session April 9 - 11 at the Pentagon. The session focused on defining specific objectives for the directorate to more effectively support the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) and other department organizations.
• Commandant Underscores Priorities, Praises Marines During State of the Corps Speech DoD News 02 May 2024 -- The Marine Corps' most senior officer stated his key priorities and praised his fighting force during a state of the Marine Corps speech closing out a three-day defense industry exposition today in Washington.
• DOD Looks Outside Bureaucracy for Novel Talent Management Concepts DoD News 02 May 2024 -- Across the globe, the Defense Department employs over three million people — including civilians and uniformed military personnel. A challenge for the department has been both competing with the private sector for talent, but also finding the best way to manage the talent it has and that it brings on, in terms of ensuring the best people, with the right skills, are in the most appropriate jobs.
• APS-2 grid set in Czechia for DEFENDER 24, ready for issue to WV Army National Guard Army News 02 May 2024 -- An Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 staging grid is set at Libava, ready to issue an entire cavalry APS-2 equipment set to the 1st Squadron, 150th Cavalry Regiment from the West Virginia Army National Guard for DEFENDER 24.
• Air Force researchers design, build, fly autonomous aircraft in 24 hours US Air Force 02 May 2024 -- In an open area of the Eglin Air Force Base range known as B-70, a group of Air Force field grade officers and black-shirted innovators huddled together above an eight-pound model aircraft as they raced against their deadline to build it.
• Landing Craft, Air Cushion Incident During Training US Navy 02 May 2024 -- On the evening of May 1, an incident occurred involving two landing craft, air cushions (LCAC) from USS Wasp (LHD 1) and USS New York (LPD 21) off the coast of Jacksonville, Fla.
• Partners, Allies Mark Conclusion of First AMFS/NILS-A Combined Event in Accra, Ghana US Navy 02 May 2024 -- Military and governmental leaders from 41 nations marked the conclusion of the first combined African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) and Naval Infantry Leaders Symposium-Africa (NILS-A) in a closing ceremony in Accra, Ghana, May 2, 2024.
• USS Stout Provides Medical Assistance to Merchant Vessel at Sea US Navy 02 May 2024 -- While underway in the Atlantic Ocean during routine operations with Carrier Strike Group Eight (CSG-8), the guided missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) responded to a notification of a cargo ship requiring medical assistance, April 29, 2024. Stout is currently operating as part of CSG-8 for Group Sail, a weeklong exercise combining multiple Navy ships, led by the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier.
• U.S., Pakistan Forces Complete Exercise Inspired Union 2024 US Navy 02 May 2024 -- Naval forces from Pakistan and the United States completed a four-day bilateral training exercise, Inspired Union 2024, in Karachi, Pakistan, May 2.
• SECNAV Del Toro Delivers Keynote Address at Modern Day Marine 2024 US Navy 02 May 2024
• USS Carney transits the Strait of Gibraltar US Navy Press Release 02 May 2024 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) transited the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Atlantic Ocean, Apr. 30, 2024.
• SECNAV Names Future America-class Amphibious Assault Ship USS Helmand Province US Navy Press Release 02 May 2024 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced that a future America-class amphibious assault ship will be named USS Helmand Province (LHA 10). Secretary Del Toro made the announcement, today, during the final day of Modern Day Marine 2024 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
• Good Cyber Hygiene Can Impede Adversary Meddling in U.S. Infrastructure DoD News 02 May 2024 -- Good cyber hygiene, which includes things like regularly changing passwords or applying software security patches, plays an outsized role in preventing America's adversaries from hacking into and crippling U.S. infrastructure systems, such as power, water or gas.
• MRF-D 24.3 U.S. Marines, Sailors arrive in C-40A to Papua New Guinea for HADR exercise USMC News 02 May 2024 -- In a demonstration of readiness and commitment to regional partnerships, U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 24.3 (MRF-D 24.3), reinforced by Marine Transport Squadron 1 (VMR-1), Marine Aircraft Group 41 (MAG-41), 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW), arrived in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, April 30.
• Deployment of Western troops to Ukraine not ruled out in case front lines breached, Macron says Press TV 02 May 2024 -- French President Emmanuel Macron says he does not rule out the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine in case Russia breaks through the Ukrainian front lines and if Kiev makes such a request.
• Zelenskiy Discusses Ukraine's Readiness To Receive Promised Weapons Deliveries RFE/RL 02 May 2024 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he discussed a schedule for receiving weapons shipments from Kyiv's allies at a meeting of Ukraine's military commanders on May 2 after a Russian missile strike on the Black Sea port of Odesa wounded 14 people and damaged critical civilian infrastructure in the third missile attack on the city in as many days.
• China puts third aircraft carrier on sea trial Radio Free Asia 02 May 2024 -- China has begun sea trials for its third aircraft carrier, Fujian , a big step towards realizing its naval ambitions amid increased regional tensions, defense analysts said.
• Latest contract a big deal for air defence Australia DOD 02 May 2024 -- In a significant collaboration with Australian industry, Defence has formally engaged Lockheed Martin Australia through a head contract to advance the multi-million-dollar Joint Air Battle Management System under Project AIR6500.
• Squadron reformation marks milestone Australia DOD 02 May 2024 -- In a significant move for allied air capability, the Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Air Force have reformed their respective 80 Squadrons.
• Defence Forces to join US National Guard Partnership Program Finnish MoD 02 May 2024 -- On 2 May 2024, Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen and Governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin signed a Letter of Intent in Helsinki on Finland's accession to the United States National Guard Partnership Program (State Partnership Program, SPP).
• Germany Signs CAVS Research and Development Agreement Finnish MoD 02 May 2024 -- Germany has signed the Research and Development Agreement of the multinational Common Armoured Vehicles System (CAVS) programme. The agreement is currently between Finland, Sweden and Latvia, with Patria Land Oy as the supplier. Germany joined the CAVS programme led by Finland in 2023.
• Minister of National Defence L. Kasčiūnas to meet with Minister of Defence of the Netherlands K. Ollongren Lithuania MND 02 May 2024 -- On May 6 Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas will receive Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Kajsa Ollongren at the Ministry of National Defence.
• We invite U.S. defence contractors to invest in Lithuania, says L. Kasčiūnas Lithuania MND 02 May 2024 -- As Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas proceeds with the agenda of his official visit to the United States, he had a meeting with Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 2, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 2 May 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 02 May 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Announcement Regarding New Appointments to the General Staff Forum Israel Defense Forces 02 May 2024
• PM Netanyahu to the Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes' Remembrance Day Torchlighters: "If we need to stand alone - we will stand alone." Israel - Prime Minister 02 May 2024
• May 1: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 02 May 2024
• Israeli forces' intensified attacks on Gaza claim more civilian lives as war enters its 209th day Press TV 02 May 2024 -- The Israeli regime continues its attacks on Palestinians through relentless airstrikes and artillery fire, killing several and injuring many others across the Gaza Strip as the war enters its 209th day.
• Palestinian rocket attack hits key Gaza corridor used by Israel IRNA 02 May 2024 -- Palestinian resistance fighters have launched rocket attacks on a key corridor used by the Israeli regime's military through the Gaza Strip.
• Palestine's economy in ruins, as Gaza war sets development back two decades UN News 02 May 2024 -- The relentless Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip has set back Palestine's overall socio-economic development by more than 20 years, according to a new UN report released on Thursday.
• 10,000 people feared buried under the rubble in Gaza UN News 02 May 2024 -- More than 10,000 people are believed buried under the rubble in Gaza after nearly seven months of devastating conflict, UN humanitarians said on Thursday, citing the enclave's health authorities.
• UN: Reconstructing Gaza could cost $50 billion VOA 02 May 2024 -- The United Nations said Thursday that the war in the Gaza Strip has set back development there by 40 years, and that rebuilding will cost billions of dollars over many years.
• Gaza conflict exacts devastating toll on children in Lebanon as regional war looms VOA 02 May 2024 -- UNICEF warns the conflict in Gaza and mounting violence between Israel and Hezbollah are increasing the suffering of tens of thousands of children in Lebanon caught in the crosshairs of this escalating regional crisis.
• UN: 7,500 tons of unexploded ammunition left across Gaza Strip IRNA 02 May 2024 -- The United Nations announced that, at the same time as the Zionist regime continued its invasion of the Gaza Strip, there are about 7,500 tons of unexploded ordnance throughout this strip of Palestinian territory, and it will take about 14 years to clear it.
• Biden: 'Order must prevail' alongside free speech in campus protests over war in Gaza VOA 02 May 2024 -- After weeks of pro-Palestinian protests escalating in universities across the United States, President Joe Biden addressed the nation Thursday, underscoring that the right to free speech and the rule of law must both be upheld.
• International aid flotilla searches for new flags to sail from Turkey to Gaza VOA 02 May 2024 -- Activists from an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid are applying for new maritime flags to sail to Gaza from Turkey after the flags of two of their ships were removed by Guinea-Bissau authorities last week.
• Turkey moves to suspend all trade with Israel over war on Gaza: Report Press TV 02 May 2024 -- Turkey has reportedly stopped all trade with Israel in the wake of months-long incessant military campaign against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Turkish Ministry of Trade Confirms Trade Relations With Israel Fully Suspended Sputnik 02 May 2024 -- Turkiye has fully suspended trading with Israel, and the decision will be in force until uninterrupted delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip is ensured, the Ministry of Trade confirmed on Thursday.
• Turkiye Suspends All Trade With Israel - Reports Sputnik 02 May 2024 -- Turkiye has suspended all trade relations with Israel, with all imports and exports halted as of Thursday, Bloomberg reported, citing two Turkish officials familiar with the matter.
• Russia: US has held UNSC 'hostage', does not represent body's position on Israel's Gaza war Press TV 02 May 2024 -- Russia says the United States has taken the United Nations Security Council "hostage," stressing that Washington does not reflect the body's stance on the current Israeli war on the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Russia Calls for Independent International Investigation of Mass Graves in Gaza - Russian Envoy Sputnik 02 May 2024 -- Russia calls for an independent international investigation to bring to justice the perpetrators in relation to the reported mass graves in the Gaza Strip, Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzia said.
• Hamas chief: Group considering cease-fire proposal with 'positive spirit' VOA 02 May 2024 -- Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said Thursday that the Palestinian militant group was studying a proposal for a temporary cease-fire with Israel with a "positive spirit."
• Israel to face multiple shocks if it attacks Rafah: Hamas envoy IRNA 02 May 2024 -- Ahmad Abdul Hadi, representative of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas in Lebanon, has warned that the Israeli regime will face multiple surprises if it attacks Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip.
• Hamas welcomes Colombia decision to sever ties with Israel IRNA 02 May 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, has welcomed a decision by Colombia to sever diplomatic relations with the Israeli regime, and called on other countries to follow suit.
• Bahraini resistance group launches drone attack on occupied Palestine for first time IRNA 02 May 2024 -- Bahrain's Islamic resistance group known as "Saraya Al-Ashtar" (Al-Ashtar groups) announced a drone attack on the occupied Palestine.
• In first, Bahraini resistance group strikes Israeli target in Port of Eilat Press TV 02 May 2024 -- A Bahraini resistance group has announced staging an unprecedented pro-Palestinian strike against the Port of Eilat in the southern part of the occupied territories.

Other Conflicts

• DFA STATEMENT Philippines DFA 02 May 2024 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs today summoned Chinese Embassy of Manila Deputy Chief of Mission Zhou Zhiyong over the 30 April 2024 harassment of Philippine vessels conducting a routine and regular humanitarian mission to Bajo de Masinloc.
• UN observes reduction in Taliban's enforcement of hijab on Afghan women VOA 02 May 2024 -- A new United Nations report suggested Thursday that the hardline Taliban government in Afghanistan has eased its drive to enforce an Islamic dress code or hijab on women.
• Sudan: Under siege, El Fasher teeters on the brink of famine UN News 02 May 2024 -- The ongoing year-long war in Sudan continues to spread across the country, and now El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, is surrounded by armed fighters amid the systematic burning of entire villages, escalating air strikes and blocked aid deliveries.
• Myanmar junta bans all men from working abroad Radio Free Asia 02 May 2024 -- Myanmar's junta has banned all men from working abroad amid widespread public concern over the implementation of a military draft law.
• Landmine toll set to surpass previous years in eastern Myanmar Radio Free Asia 02 May 2024 -- Thirty people have been injured or killed by landmines in an eastern Myanmar state this year, officials there said, highlighting a problem that the U.N. children's agency says has made Myanmar one of the world's most heavily mined countries.
• Draft Resolution On Srebrenica Genocide Sent To UN General Assembly RFE/RL 02 May 2024 -- A draft resolution to establish an international day to commemorate the Srebrenica genocide has been sent to the UN General Assembly for a vote, Bosnia-Herzegovina's permanent representative to the UN said.
• UK statement to the OSCE on developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, May 2024 UK FCDO 02 May 2024 -- The UK expresses concern about recent developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and underlines the important role of the OSCE Mission in strengthening inter-ethnic relations.
• Security Council Sanctions Committee Concerning Democratic Republic of Congo Issues Clarification UN Security Council 02 May 2024
• 2 Nigerian military officers to face court martial over drone strike that killed civilians VOA 02 May 2024 -- Two Nigerian military officers will face a court martial over a December drone strike that killed at least 85 civilians, the Defense Headquarters said on Thursday.

News Reports

• Designating Facilitators of Hizballah Financial Advisor US Dept. of State 02 May 2024 -- The United States is today designating five individuals and two entities in connection with sanctions evasion by U.S.-designated Hizballah financial advisor Hassan Moukalled.
• Treasury Targets Sanctions Evaders Supporting Key Hizballah Financial Advisor US Treasury 02 May 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated five individuals for helping U.S.-designated Hizballah money exchanger Hassan Moukalled (Moukalled) and his company, CTEX Exchange, evade sanctions and facilitate illicit activities in support of Hizballah.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy on Cyprus Maria Angela Holguin Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 May 2024
• New Measures in Response to Russia's Full-Scale War and Use of Chemical Weapons Against Ukraine US Dept. of State 02 May 2024 -- Since February 2022, the United States and its Allies and partners have imposed unprecedented restrictive economic measures on Russia to deprive the Kremlin of the revenue, technology, and materiel needed to resource its continuing invasion of Ukraine.
• US journalist held in Russian prison for 400 days VOA 02 May 2024 -- Four hundred days.
• China vows 'necessary measures' in response to new US sanctions Press TV 02 May 2024 -- China has announced that it would respond appropriately after the United States imposed new sanctions designed to weaken Russia's military and industrial strength, and also targeted Chinese firms.
• 4 in 5 Americans have a negative view of China: survey Radio Free Asia 02 May 2024 -- Four in five Americans say they have an unfavorable opinion of China, according to a new survey, with clear majorities across each age group but older people the most likely to report negative views.
• Uyghurs have highest rate of imprisonment in world: report Radio Free Asia 02 May 2024 -- An estimated one in 26 Uyghurs in China's far-western Xinjiang region are behind bars, the world's highest rate of incarceration, according to a report by a Uyghur advocacy group.
• China to hold long-delayed plenary meeting to boost embattled economy Radio Free Asia 02 May 2024 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party has announced it will hold a top-level plenary session on the economy several months later than usual, suggesting it is struggling to come up with a workable plan to stimulate growth and boost investor confidence in its handling of the economy, analysts said in recent interviews with Radio Free Asia.
• Islanders on small Philippine chain worry a China-Taiwan conflict could spill over Radio Free Asia 02 May 2024 -- Basco, the capital of the island-chain province of Batanes, is a small town of narrow alleys, green hills and, in spring, bright pink blossoms of bougainvillea. Surrounded by the broad waters where the Pacific Ocean blends into the South China Sea, things tend to move slowly here.
• Taipei, Washington think Taiwan Relations Act adequate: Minister CNA 02 May 2024 -- Taiwan and the United States have been looking at piece of legislation that has guided their unofficial relations over the past 45 years, and they both think it is adequate for their current needs, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said Thursday.
• U.S. 'strongly encourages' invitation for Taiwan's return to WHA as observer CNA 02 May 2024 -- American Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that the United States was "strongly" encouraging the World Health Organization (WHO) to reinstate an invitation to Taiwan to participate as an observer in the World Health Assembly (WHA).
• China advised to forego inflammatory actions in Taiwan Strait: U.S. CNA 02 May 2024 -- China should refrain from taking any actions that could "escalate tensions and undermine peace and stability" in the Taiwan Strait in the lead-up to the inauguration of Taiwan's President-elect Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on May 20, a senior American State Department official said Wednesday.
• Experts call for Taiwan's inclusion in WHO Pandemic Agreement CNA 02 May 2024 -- Taiwan should be included in the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement and be able to participate as a "health or economic entity," or attend as an observer, experts said at a seminar on Thursday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's Statement on the Participation of China's Taiwan Region in the World Health Assembly PRC MofA 02 May 2024
• 10 PLA aircraft cross Taiwan Strait median line: Defense ministry CNA 02 May 2024 -- A total of 15 Chinese military aircraft and an unspecified number of naval ships were detected in areas around Taiwan on Thursday afternoon, with 10 warplanes and drones crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 2, 2024 ROC MND 02 May 2024
• U.S. Government Cybersecurity Alert: Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Using New Tactic in Social Engineering Operations US Dept. of State 02 May 2024 -- Today the Department of State, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Security Agency are releasing a Cybersecurity Advisory on a new tactic the DPRK cyber group known as Kimsuky is deploying to enhance its social engineering and hacking efforts targeting think tanks, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and members of the media.
• US remains committed to diplomacy despite North Korea's nuclear escalation VOA 02 May 2024 -- The U.S. says it has been trying to engage North Korea by sending messages repeatedly despite Pyongyang's apparent lack of interest in dialogue and its escalation of threats in the region.
• 5th National Conference of Heads of Branch Public Security Stations Held in DPRK KCNA 02 May 2024 -- The 5th national conference of heads of branch public security stations was held at the April 25 House of Culture from April 30 to May 1.
• South Korea raises terror alert following reported North Korea threat VOA 02 May 2024 -- South Korea's government raised its terror alert level for five diplomatic missions Thursday, warning North Korea could attack South Korean diplomats overseas.
• Operation True Promise: IRGC general says Iran employed only 20% of its military resources to punish Israel Press TV 02 May 2024 -- A top commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says only a fraction of Iran's available military resources were used in the retaliatory airstrikes against Israel last month.
• Iran announces sanctions on US, UK for supporting Israeli crimes against Palestinians IRNA 02 May 2024 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry has announced sanctions on more than two dozen American and British individuals and entities over their support for the Israeli regime in its terrorist acts and human rights violations against the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza.
• Iran's Foreign Ministry slaps sanctions on US, UK individuals, entities for complicity in Israel's crimes Press TV 02 May 2024 -- Iran has imposed sanctions on some American and British individuals and institutions involved in terrorism and human rights violations through supporting Israel's barbaric acts against Palestinians, especially those in the Gaza strip.
• Iran Hits U.S., U.K. Targets With Sanctions Over Israel Support RFE/RL 02 May 2024 -- Tehran has imposed a round of sanctions on a group of American and British companies and individuals, including British Defense Minister Grant Shapps, over their support for Israel in its war in the Gaza Strip.
• Iran Imposes Sanctions Against UK Defense Head for Supporting Israel - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 02 May 2024 -- Iran has added UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, other military officials, as well as three UK companies to its sanctions list due to their support for Israel's actions against Palestine, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
• Why Are U.S. Sanctions Against Iran's Oil Exports Ineffective? RFE/RL 02 May 2024 -- Iran is one of the most sanctioned countries in the world. But restrictions imposed by the United States have largely failed to stymie Iran's oil exports, the backbone of its flailing economy.
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (May 02, 2024) India MEA 02 May 2024
• India criticizes 2024 religious freedom report from US agency VOA 02 May 2024 -- India on Thursday condemned a U.S. report released this week on religious freedom, which advised the U.S. State Department to designate India and 16 others as Countries of Particular Concern.
• Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar's Meeting with the Secretary General of OIC Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 May 2024 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Hissein Brahim Taha, on the sidelines of the 15th Islamic Summit, held in Banjul, The Gambia today. During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister congratulated the Secretary General on successfully holding the 15th OIC Islamic Summit.
• Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday, 2 May 2024 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 May 2024
• UN human rights chief urges Georgia to withdraw 'foreign agents' bill VOA 02 May 2024 -- The U.N. human rights chief on Thursday asked Georgia to withdraw a controversial draft "foreign agents" bill that has been met with large protests in the capital, Tbilisi.
• Georgian Police Crack Down On Protesters Against 'Foreign Agents' Law RFE/RL 02 May 2024 -- Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Georgia on May 2 to protest against the government's push to approve a controversial "foreign agents" bill a day after a violent protest that eyewitnesses say police attempted to disperse using rubber bullets.
• UN rights chief urges Georgia to scrap 'foreign influence' bill UN News 02 May 2024 -- As protests continue in Georgia over a proposed draft law on curbing foreign influence, UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk on Thursday urged the authorities to shelve the controversial bill and engage in dialogue.
• Situation in Georgia: Statement by the Secretary General Council of Europe 02 May 2024 -- Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić today made the following statement: "I am deeply concerned by the developments unfolding in Georgia and regret Parliament's adoption in second reading of the draft law 'on transparency of foreign influence', despite calls by Georgia's international partners to withdraw it.
• Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström Government Offices of Sweden 02 May 2024
• President von der Leyen reaffirms EU's strong support for Lebanon and its people and announces a €1 billion package of EU funding European Commission 02 May 2024 -- During her visit to Beirut today, European Commission President Ursulavon der Leyen, accompanied by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, discussed the significant domestic and regional challenges faced by Lebanon, and how best the EU could support the country and its people.
• President von der Leyen reaffirms EU's strong support for Lebanon and its people and announces a €1 billion package of EU funding European Commission 02 May 2024
• Ministers' Meeting Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark 02 May 2024 -- Twenty-six African and five Nordic countries are meeting today and tomorrow in Copenhagen, where Denmark hosts the Nordic-African Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
• Jeremiah Manele is new Solomon Islands PM, vows action on economy Radio Free Asia 02 May 2024 -- The Solomon Islands' new prime minister, Jeremiah Manele, has promised an aggressive approach to improving the economy after a national election last month showed widespread frustration with falling living standards.
• Congratulations to Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele US Dept. of State 02 May 2024 -- "The United States congratulates Jeremiah Manele on his election as the prime minister of Solomon Islands, as confirmed by the vote results certified on May 2."
• Vietnam's National Assembly approves removal of its leader Radio Free Asia 02 May 2024 -- Vietnam's National Assembly approved the removal of Vuong Dinh Hue as its chairman and delegate at an extraordinary meeting of its standing committee in Hanoi on Thursday, state media reported.
• Serbian Parliament Overwhelmingly Approves New Government RFE/RL 02 May 2024 -- The new government of Serbia, which includes two politicians who have been on the U.S. sanctions list since last year, has been overwhelmingly approved by parliament.
• World News in Brief: Palestinian journalists win top press freedom prize, child migrant detention, Niger meningitis epidemic UN News 02 May 2024 -- The Palestinian journalists who have been covering the devastating war in Gaza were named winners of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize on Thursday.