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News Reports

Current Operations

• May 22 U.S. Central Command Update CENTCOM 22 May 2024 -- At approximately 3:16 p.m. (Sanaa time) on May 22, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully engaged four uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in an Iranian-backed Houthi controlled area of Yemen.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Readout of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict Christopher Maier Meeting With Director General at the Defense Policy Department of the Ministry of Defense of Finland Janne Kuusela DoD 22 May 2024
• Joint Statement: U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council Defense Working Groups on Integrated Air and Missile Defense and Maritime Security DoD 22 May 2024 -- The United States and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held a meeting of U.S.-GCC Defense Working Groups on Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) and Maritime Security in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 22, 2024.
• Joint Statement for the 15th U.S.-Kuwaiti Joint Military Commission DoD 22 May 2024 -- The United States and Kuwait held the 15th U.S.-Kuwaiti Joint Military Commission (JMC) in Kuwait City from May 20-21, 2024.
• At Gulf Cooperation Council, U.S. Participates in Maritime, Missile Defense Working Groups DoD News 22 May 2024 -- Defense Department representatives will sit down today with partners in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting to discuss ongoing and mutual security concerns in the Middle East, including those posed by Iran.
• Chairman Discusses Challenge Posed by Russia, Great Power Competition DoD News 22 May 2024 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff discussed threats emanating from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and why alliances matter in an era of Great Power competition.
• DOD's AI Chief Aims to Build on Long Strides in Delivering Capabilities to Warfighter DoD News 22 May 2024 -- The Pentagon's Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office is focused on maturing and sustaining its progress in delivering key capabilities to the warfighter, CDAO's top official said today.
• Top DOD Info Systems Officer Says Battlespace Awareness Is Job One DoD News 22 May 2024 -- The Defense Department's top information systems officer emphasized the importance of protecting the joint force by being vigilant within DOD's cyber battlespace during remarks today at a gathering of high-level military and civilian leaders from the defense and government technology communities.
• African Lion 2024 starts in Senegal Army News 22 May 2024 -- African Lion 2024 (AL24) has officially started in Senegal. The Senegal portion of the exercise began on May 20 and will run through May 31.
• Celebrating 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations USMC News 22 May 2024 -- The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps began Exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Indonesia 2024 with the Indonesian Navy and Marine Corps in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, May 13.
• B-21 Raider continues flight test, production US Air Force 22 May 2024 -- Following its formal unveiling, Dec. 2, 2022, the B-21 Raider began flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base where it continues to make progress toward becoming the backbone of the U.S. Air Force bomber fleet.
• Combined Maritime Forces' Combined Task Force 154 Marks Productive First Year US Navy 22 May 2024 -- Combined Maritime Forces' Combined Task Force (CTF) 154 marked one year as the partnership's multinational maritime training task force, May 22.
• USS Higgins Departs Shimoda, Black Ship Festival US Navy 22 May 2024 -- The forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) departed Shimoda, Japan after a port visit, May 20, during the city's Black Ship Festival.
• U.S. Pacific Fleet Announces 29th RIMPAC Exercise US Navy 22 May 2024 -- Approximately 29 nations, 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise scheduled June 26 to Aug. 2, in and around the Hawaiian Islands.
• U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and U.S. Sixth Fleet Standup All-Domain Task Force US Navy 22 May 2024 -- U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and U.S. Sixth Fleet announced the integration of the U.S. Navy's first all-domain task force into theater-wide fleet operations, May 21, 2024.
• SECNAV Del Toro Delivers Remarks at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD) National Maritime Day Ceremony US Navy 22 May 2024
• SECNAV Del Toro Announces Names of DDGs 143 and 144 at U.S. Naval Academy Naval Academy Commissioning Week Ceremony US Navy 22 May 2024
• SECNAV Del Toro Names Two Future Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG 143) and (DDG 144) US Navy Press Release 22 May 2024 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the names of the Navy's newest Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyers, the future USS Richard J. Danzig (DDG 143) and the future USS Michael G. Mullen (DDG 144) during a U.S. Naval Academy Commencement Week ceremony, May 22.
• SECNAV Del Toro Discusses Building Comprehensive U.S. and Allied Maritime Power at National Maritime Day Ceremony US Navy Press Release 22 May 2024 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro today reiterated his commitment to restoring the Nation's vital strategic shipping and shipbuilding industry.
• AFRICOM Leader Focuses on African Maritime Security in the West Indian Ocean AFRICOM 22 May 2024 -- Ambassador Robert Scott, deputy commander for civil-military engagement at U.S. Africa Command, visited Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles May 11-18 to meet with partner nation government officials and discuss the countries' regional efforts to address maritime security challenges.
• Virginia Guard, Tajik Partners Conduct Mountain Warfare Exchange Army News 22 May 2024 -- Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group, conducted a mountain warfare exchange with Tajik military forces Apr. 29 to May 3 in Romit.
• Deputy Secretary General reaffirms importance of NATO's partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina NATO 22 May 2024 -- Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană met with the Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zukan Helez, on Wednesday (22 May 2024) at NATO Headquarters.
• Foreign Minister Baiba Braže to meet with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the NATO Headquarters Latvia MFA 22 May 2024 -- On 23 May 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, will be visiting the NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
• Sweden providing Ukraine with military support totaling $7 billion VOA 22 May 2024 -- Sweden is providing Ukraine with additional military support, totaling $7 billion, over three years.
• Zelensky urges NATO to shoot down Russian missiles, give more weapons to Ukraine Press TV 22 May 2024 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the US-led NATO military alliance to shoot down Russian missiles over his country and to provide Kiev with more weapons against Moscow.
• Ukraine Needs Improved Defense Against Russian Aerial Bombs, Zelenskiy Says RFE/RL 22 May 2024 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made a plea on May 22 for upgraded defense systems to protect Ukrainian cities against guided bombs, which have been used by Russian forces to hit Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
• Ukraine Urges US to Lift Ban on Striking Russia as Chances for Breakthrough 'Slim' - Reports Sputnik 22 May 2024 -- The secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, Oleksandr Lytvynenko, has urged the United States to lift the ban on the use of US-supplied long-range weapons for the Ukrainian army to strike targets inside Russia and help thwart Moscow's possible new offensive, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.
• US House speaker to VOA: Ukraine should be able to fight war as 'they see fit' VOA 22 May 2024 -- U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson said Wednesday that the United States needs "to allow Ukraine to prosecute the war in the way they see fit," when it comes to how Ukraine uses U.S.-provided weapons in its war against Russia.
• War in Ukraine - The arms and military equipment Germany is sending to Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 22 May 2024 -- Germany provides support for Ukraine by supplying equipment and weapons, these come from supplies of the Federal Arms Forces and from deliveries from industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for security capacity building. An overview.
• Baltics Criticize Russian Proposal On Maritime Borders; Moscow Withdraws Draft RFE/RL 22 May 2024 -- Russia has withdrawn without explanation a Defense Ministry draft that proposed revising Moscow's maritime border in the eastern Baltic Sea and expanding its territorial waters that raised the ire of littoral NATO members Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, and Estonia.
• Position on media reports about legislative amendments planned in Russia, related to state maritime boundaries Lithuania MFA 22 May 2024 -- Russia's actions are seen as a deliberate, targeted, escalatory provocation to intimidate neighbouring countries and their societies. This is further proof that Russia's aggressive and revisionist policy is a threat to the security of neighbouring countries and Europe as a whole.
• Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna's comment about Russia's plan regarding sea borders Estonia MFA 22 May 2024 -- Through media reports, we have received information on Russia's alleged plans to unilaterally shift the borders of sea areas in the Baltic Sea.
• 'Not Violating Anything': Kremlin Hits Back at US Claim Russia Launched Anti-Satellite Arms Sputnik 22 May 2024 -- Russia does not violate international law, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday, commenting on the Pentagon's statement that Russia allegedly launched a satellite carrying a counterspace weapon.
• Russia Dismisses US Claims of Counterspace Weapon Satellite as Misinformation Sputnik 22 May 2024 -- The recent statement by the US Department of Defense alleging that Russia launched a satellite carrying a counterspace weapon is misinformation and Moscow will not respond to it, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Wednesday.
• U.S. Says Russia 'Likely' Deployed Anti-Satellite Weapon In Space; Moscow Rejects Claim RFE/RL 22 May 2024 -- The Pentagon has said Russia "likely" deployed an anti-satellite weapon in space earlier this month, a claim quickly rejected by Moscow.
• Britain Accuses China Of Working To Provide Russia With 'Lethal Aid' RFE/RL 22 May 2024 -- Britain has accused China of preparing to or already providing 'lethal aid' to Russia for its ongoing full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine.
• UK says China is supplying 'lethal aid' to Russia for use in Ukraine VOA 22 May 2024 -- British Secretary of State for Defense Grant Shapps accused Russia and China on Wednesday of collaborating on combat equipment for use in the two-year-long war in Ukraine.
• PLA Navy's first female carrier-based aircraft pilots aim high Global Times 22 May 2024 -- After the first group of female pilot trainees from the carrier-based aircraft of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy completed their inaugural solo flights in April, one of the female pilots told the Global Times that becoming a female cadet pilot is her quest. "I want to get on the best ship and fly the best aircraft," she said.
• Intelligent tech for the future Australia DOD 22 May 2024 -- Artificial intelligence (AI) predicting and countering undersea threats, and AI-enabled drones conducting surface and sub-surface missions, are happening now through the work of Navy's AI team.
• France Conducts Test Launch of Updated Supersonic ASMPA Missile - Defense Minister Sputnik 22 May 2024 -- France conducted the first test launch of an updated supersonic air-to-ground ASMPA missile, which is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Wednesday.
• CDS Gen Anil Chauhan attends Exercise Cyber Suraksha - 2024 India PIB 22 May 2024 -- Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan attended 'Exercise Cyber Suraksha - 2024', on May 22, 2024, and underscored the importance of strengthening India's cyber defence capabilities
• UK to Offer Indo-Pacific Countries Closer Military Partnership - Defense Secretary Sputnik 22 May 2024 -- The United Kingdom will propose to the countries in the Indo-Pacific to expand their military partnerships with London amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said on Wednesday.
• A look at the Defence news 13 - 19 May Netherlands Ministry of Defence 22 May 2024
• Polish Army Ready to Increase Number of Troops on Eastern Border Sputnik 22 May 2024 -- Poland is ready to increase the number of troops at it eastern border and provide them with better equipment amid increased tensions in the country's relations with Belarus and Russia, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said on Wednesday.
• Remarks by President Biden and President William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya During Arrival Welcome The White House 22 May 2024
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan The White House 22 May 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Democratic Republic of the Congo President Tshisekedi US Dept. of State 22 May 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 22, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 22 May 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 May 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 22 May 2024 -- "The intention of several European countries to recognize a Palestinian state is a reward for terrorism."
• May 21: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 22 May 2024
• Gaza Health Ministry: Israel kills 62 Palestinians in 24 hours Press TV 22 May 2024 -- The Gaza Health Ministry says Israel has killed at least 62 Palestinians in the besieged territory in 24 hours.
• Gaza: Rafah aid situation increasingly desperate, UN teams warn UN News 22 May 2024 -- Hostilities across Gaza reportedly continued on Wednesday, fuelling already alarming aid access problems and dire food insecurity as the main entrance routes for relief convoys remained closed or too dangerous to access, UN aid workers warned.
• Israel has forced 75% of Gaza population from homes: UNRWA Press TV 22 May 2024 -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) says 75 percent of the Gaza population has been forcibly displaced by Israel since October.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant DoD 22 May 2024
• Ireland, Norway and Spain to recognize Palestinian statehood VOA 22 May 2024 -- Ireland, Norway and Spain each announced their intention Wednesday to recognize Palestinian statehood, citing the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and a need to achieve a two-state solution for lasting peace in the region.
• Ireland, Norway, Spain formally recognize Palestinian state Press TV 22 May 2024 -- Ireland, Norway and Spain have formally recognized the Palestinian state, angering the Israeli regime that recalled its ambassadors from the two European states.
• Norway, Ireland and Spain Recognize Palestinian State Sputnik 22 May 2024 -- In late March, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that Madrid had reached an agreement with Ireland, Slovenia and Malta to take the first steps toward recognizing the State of Palestine to promote the peace process.
• European Trio's Recognition of Palestine Constitutes 'Big Failure' for US, Israeli Diplomacy Sputnik 22 May 2024 -- Norway, Ireland and Spain have announced plans to join the growing bloc of European countries which recognize Palestinian statehood. Sputnik asked a pair of respected experts in Mideast politics and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict what happens next.
• Tánaiste Micheal Martin's remarks on Palestinian Statehood Government of Ireland 22 May 2024 -- "The decision yesterday by Government to recognise the State of Palestine, which will formally take effect on 28 May, is a historic moment for Ireland."
• Norway recognises Palestine as a state Government of Norway 22 May 2024 -- 'The Norwegian Government has decided that Norway will recognise Palestine as a state. In the midst of a war, with tens of thousands killed and injured, we must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike: Two states, living side by side, in peace and security,' said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
• Three European nations to recognize Palestinian state; 'two-State solution only way out of conflict' Global Times 22 May 2024 -- In a historic move expected to quell the flames of war in the Middle East, Ireland, Norway and Spain announced the recognition of a Palestinian state on Wednesday. The move is hailed by Chinese experts as representing an overdue correction of "a previously skewed balance," while bringing the Palestinian question, which had intentionally been obscured before, back to the center stage.
• Ireland, Norway, Spain 'on right side of history,' Arab world hails trio for recognizing Palestine Press TV 22 May 2024 -- Arab counties have praised the decision by three European Union nations to formally recognize a Palestinian state.
• Comment from the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the application of the ICC prosecutor to issue arrest warrants for the leaders of Hamas and Israeli prime minister and defence minister Estonia MFA 22 May 2024
• "We are making every effort to ensure perpetrators of the crimes against humanity in Palestine are brought to justice" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 22 May 2024 -- Addressing the International Benevolence Awards Ceremony, President Erdoğan said: "We are making every effort to ensure that perpetrators of the crimes against humanity committed in Gaza and Palestine are brought to justice. We have decided to intervene in the genocide case filed by our South African friends against Israel at the International Court of Justice."
• No: 93, 22 May 2024, Regarding the Announcements by Ireland, Norway and Spain on the Recognition of the State of Palestine Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 May 2024
• Palestinian presidency slams U.S. for supporting Israel in attacks on Gaza, West Bank People's Daily 22 May 2024 -- The Palestinian presidency on Tuesday slammed the U.S. administration for its support of Israel amid the latter's ongoing attacks on Palestinians in both the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
• Hamas welcomes recognition of Palestine by 3 EU states; Israel furious IRNA 22 May 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has welcomed a decision by Norway, Ireland, and Spain to recognize the independent Palestinian state and its UN membership simultaneously on Wednesday.

Other Conflicts

• Netherlands, U.S. naval forces conduct South China Sea operations US Navy 22 May 2024 -- The Netherlands and United States' navies conducted bilateral operations in the South China Sea, May 22.
• US, Netherlands Conduct Bilateral Operations in South China Sea - US Navy Sputnik 22 May 2024 -- The US and Dutch navies conducted joint naval operations in the South China Sea to increase interoperability and readiness in the Indo-Pacific, the US Navy said on Wednesday.
• PLA Navy hospital ship visits islands and reefs in South China Sea Global Times 22 May 2024 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy recently deployed a hospital ship on a mission to support troops stationed on islands and reefs in the South China Sea, with experts saying on Wednesday that physical and mental health is vital to combat capabilities particularly under challenging natural environment in the region.
• Pakistan claims killing dozens of Afghan-based 'terrorists' in recent operations VOA 22 May 2024 -- Pakistan's military said Wednesday that its operations against a recent surge in terrorist attacks from Afghanistan, and cross-border militant infiltration attempts, have resulted in the killings of nearly 30 "terrorists" in the last month.
• Myanmar rebels capture junta camp near capital of Kachin State Radio Free Asia 22 May 2024 -- Ethnic minority Kachin insurgents have captured a junta military camp near the state capital of Myitkyina, in northern Myanmar, which has also given them control of a main trade route to the border with China, a spokesman for the rebel group told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday.
• Central African Republic: UN expert urges State cooperation for execution of arrest warrant against ex-president François Bozize Yangouvonda OHCHR 22 May 2024 -- Prompt execution of the arrest warrant against former President François Bozize Yangouvonda is crucial to bring justice to the victims of his heinous crimes and serious human rights violations, a UN expert on human rights in the Central African Republic (CAR) said today.
• UN General Assembly To Vote On Resolution To Commemorate Srebrenica Genocide RFE/RL 22 May 2024 -- The UN General Assembly has scheduled a debate on a UN resolution to establish an annual day to commemorate the 1995 genocide of more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslims by Bosnian Serbs on May 23 to be followed by a vote.
• China accelerates forced relocation of rural Tibetans to urban areas, report says VOA 22 May 2024 -- In a newly released report, Human Rights Watch says China has been accelerating the forced relocation of Tibetan villagers and herders in the name of "poverty alleviation" and environmental protection since 2016.
• Haiti's health system nears collapse, UNICEF says VOA 22 May 2024 -- Haiti's health care system is on the verge of collapse, the United Nations Children's Fund warned in a statement this week.
• Violence sending shocks around Haiti's collapsing health system UNICEF 22 May 2024 -- An alarming six out of ten hospitals in Haiti are barely operational as recent escalating violence in Port-Au-Prince has continued to deprive children of critical health supplies and medicine, UNICEF warned today. Every hospital in the country has reported difficulties in acquiring and maintaining essential medical supplies, as international and domestic cargo flights from and to Port-Au-Prince airports returned to be operational only recently, with limited capacity and a significant backlog, as did the main seaport, which was previously in the hands of armed groups.
• Haiti's health system pushed to breaking point: UNICEF UN News 22 May 2024 -- Haiti's health system is now "on the verge of collapse" UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Haiti Bruno Maes warned on Wednesday, amidst an alarming decrease in the number of hospitals still functioning in the violence-wracked Caribbean nation.

News Reports

• Former British Marine accused in Hong Kong spy case found dead Radio Free Asia 22 May 2024 -- A former British Marine charged with spying for the Hong Kong government has been found dead in an English park, with police treating his death as "unexplained," prompting calls for a review of economic and trade links with the city.
• Two Alleged Members of a Transnational Money Laundering Organization Arrested for Laundering Millions of Dollars in Drug Proceeds US Dept. of Justice 22 May 2024 -- Two alleged members of a transnational money laundering organization were arrested on criminal charges related to their alleged involvement in a scheme to launder millions of dollars in illegal drug proceeds for Mexican drug trafficking organizations, including the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels (also known as CJNG).
• Russia Not Planning to Revise Border in Baltic Waters Sputnik 22 May 2024 -- Russia has never had any intention whatsoever to revise its state border, economic zone and continental shelf in the Baltic, a military-diplomatic source said.
• 'Expropriation': Kremlin Blasts EU Decision to Use Income From Russian Assets Sputnik 22 May 2024 -- Moscow has castigated the decision by the EU to use income from frozen Russian sovereign assets to help Ukraine as expropriation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.
• NDRC says nation will consolidate recovery trend People's Daily 22 May 2024 -- China is set to take further actions, including speeding up the issuance of local government special bonds and expediting the promotion of large-scale equipment renewal and trade-in deals for consumer goods, as it seeks to consolidate the recovery trend, the country's top economic regulator said on Tuesday.
• Taiwan donates frigates to Tuvalu CNA 22 May 2024 -- Taiwan donated two frigates to Tuvalu on Tuesday in southern Taiwan as part of a cooperation plan to strengthen the Pacific island country's ability to patrol its waters, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Wednesday.
• Beijing warns Chinese Taipei of reprisals after 'dangerous' inauguration speech Press TV 22 May 2024 -- Beijing has warned of reprisals against Chinese Taipei after Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te sent "dangerous signals" with a pro-independence speech during his inauguration ceremony.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 22, 2024 ROC MND 22 May 2024
• Tsai Ing-wen elevated Taiwan internationally, despite China challenge VOA 22 May 2024 -- Former President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen left office May 20, passing the baton to her Democratic Progress Party's (DPP) successor, Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai.
• Leaders of many countries and intl organizations reaffirm commitment of upholding one-China principle: FM Global Times 22 May 2024 -- Over the past few weeks, leaders of many countries and international organizations have reaffirmed the commitment to the just cause of upholding the one-China principle, which shows that upholding the one-China principle is where global opinion trends, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Tuesday during a regular press conference.
• Mainland says Lai takes more radical "Taiwan independence" stance People's Daily 22 May 2024 -- Lai Ching-te has taken a more radical stance seeking "Taiwan independence" in his speech upon assuming the role of Taiwan region's new leader, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said Tuesday.
• China urges U.S. to stop using Taiwan as tool to contain China People's Daily 22 May 2024 -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Tuesday urged the United States to earnestly abide by its commitments of not using Taiwan as a tool to contain China, and stop hollowing out the one-China principle.
• Highest Institute for Training Party Cadres in New Era Ensuring Steady Continuity and Development of Revolutionary Cause of Juche Inauguration Ceremony of Newly Built Central Cadres Training School of WPK Held with Splendor Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Makes Important Speech and Cuts Inauguration Tape KCNA 22 May 2024 -- Directly initiated and wisely guided by the Central Committee of the great Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), the Central Cadres Training School of the WPK, the highest institute for training Party cadres, was built in the time-honored Kumsusan area as a symbol of the absolute prestige of our Party and the invincibility of our cause to greet the day of inauguration.
• In a first, Kim Jong Un's portrait is displayed next to his predecessors Radio Free Asia 22 May 2024 -- For the first time, a large portrait of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was placed alongside portraits of his father and grandfather in a public place in what experts say is a move to boost the cult of personality surrounding him.
• Supreme Leader receives senior officials from Qatar, Tunisia, Lebanon IRNA 22 May 2024 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei met the Emir of Qatar, Prime Minister of Tunisia, and Speaker of the Parliament of Lebanon here in Tehran on Wednesday.
• Supreme Leader meets Iraqi, Armenian PMs, Hamas leader IRNA 22 May 2024 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei met prime ministers of Iraq and Armeniaو as well as the Hamas chief here in Tehran on Wednesday.
• Prime Minister of Pakistan Meets the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 May 2024 -- Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today visited the Islamic Republic of Iran to attend the funeral ceremony of President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and their companions, who embraced martyrdom in a tragic helicopter accident in the Eastern Azerbaijan province of Iran on 19 May 2024. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
• Egypt's Foreign Minister Pays 1st Visit to Iran Since 1980 to Attend Raisi's Funeral Sputnik 22 May 2024 -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry went to Tehran on Wednesday to attend the funeral ceremony for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and other officials who died in a helicopter crash over the weekend.
• Leader: Iran to keep on path of regional unity despite loss of President Raeisi Press TV 22 May 2024 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Iran will continue to strengthen bonds of friendship with regional states despite the "difficult" loss of President Ebrahim Raeisi.
• Supreme Leader performs prayers over bodies of president Raisi, companions IRNA 22 May 2024 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said prayers over the bodies of late President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage.
• Khamenei Prays Over Coffins At Funeral For Raisi, Others Killed In Helicopter Crash RFE/RL 22 May 2024 -- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led prayers in Tehran at the funeral of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on May 22 as thousands attended a procession for Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials killed in a helicopter crash over the weekend.
• Ayatollah Khamenei leads prayers as millions of mourners gather for Raeisi funeral Press TV 22 May 2024 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has led prayers over the bodies of President Ebrahim Raeisi and his companions in Tehran as millions of people gathered to hold funeral procession.
• Tehran holds mass funeral for President Raisi, companions IRNA 22 May 2024 -- A glamorous funeral procession for the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his accompanying delegation, martyred in a chopper crash on Sunday, was held in the capital city.
• Dignitaries from over 50 countries in Tehran for funeral of Raeisi, companions Press TV 22 May 2024 -- Dignitaries from dozens of countries have arrived in the Iranian capital Tehran to take part in funeral ceremonies held for late President Ebrahim Raeisi and companions who were martyred in a helicopter crash northwest of the country over the weekend.
• Iran committed to all agreements with Armenia: Acting president Press TV 22 May 2024 -- Iran's Acting President Mohammad Mokhber says the country will remain committed to all agreements with neighboring Armenia despite an upcoming change of administration that has been required by law because of the death of President Ebrahim Raeisi in a helicopter crash on May 19.
• Ali Bagheri Kani appointed as Iran's acting foreign minister IRNA 22 May 2024 -- Iran's acting president Mohammad Mokhber has issued a decree appointing Ali Baghri Kani as the country's acting foreign minister.
• Iranian President Raisi's death a great loss: Putin IRNA 22 May 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued yet another statement, expressing grief over the passing of his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi and calling it "a great loss".
• Putin calls Raeisi martyrdom 'a great loss', says will continue to boost Iran ties Press TV 22 May 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raeisi, calling it "a great loss".
• Turkish drone failed to detect Iranian copter after crash: General Staff IRNA 22 May 2024 -- Iran says that a Turkish Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that helped domestic teams during a massive search operation for President Ebrahim Raisi's crashed helicopter over the weekend had failed to spot its location despite reports suggesting that it was the Turkish drone that first detected the wreckage of helicopter in mountainous regions in northwest Iran.
• Turkey Claims Its Drone Was Instrumental In Finding Wreckage Of Iranian Helicopter RFE/RL 22 May 2024 -- Turkey says its Akinci drone deserves more credit for helping to locate the wreckage of the Iranian helicopter that crashed in a remote and mountainous area of Iran on May 19, killing President Ebrahim Raisi and other top Iranian officials, according to Turkish media reports on May 22.
• New Details Emerge on Iranian President's Deadly Chopper Crash Sputnik 22 May 2024 -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and his delegation, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, died in a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran on May 19. The delegation was on its way back from a visit to the Azerbaijan border.
• Britain's prime minister calls snap election for July 4 VOA 22 May 2024 -- Britain's prime minister called Wednesday for a snap general election on July 4.
• Sunak Announces Snap General Election in UK on July 4 Sputnik 22 May 2024 -- UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed on Wednesday that the next general election in the country will take place on July 4.
• Readout of White House Meetings on the U.S.-UK Atlantic Declaration The White House 22 May 2024
• 16th Meeting of India-UK Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism India MEA 22 May 2024 -- The 16th meeting of the India-United Kingdom Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism was held in New Delhi on 21 May 2024.
• Meeting of Weimar Triangle foreign ministers Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 May 2024 -- On 22 May, Minister Radosław Sikorski met in Weimar with his counterparts from France and Germany, Stéphane Séjourné and Annalena Baerbock, to discuss how far their declaration has been implemented since its adoption on 12 February 2024 in La Celle-Saint-Cloud and to speak about a number of current topics on the international agenda.
• Working together for Europe - Foreign Minister Baerbock welcomes her French and Polish counterparts for the Weimar Triangle meeting Germany Federal Foreign Office 22 May 2024
• A Weimar Agenda for a strong, geopolitical EU Germany Federal Foreign Office 22 May 2024 -- Our security is under threat. We live in an age of systemic rivalry in which certain autocratic regimes are using their power to undermine and destroy the international order that is based on the Charter of the United Nations. Russia is waging an illegal war of aggression against one of our neighbours, is openly rejecting and actively undermining the European security architecture and has already engaged in malign and hybrid operations against our countries.
• AI, deepfakes, social media influencers - India's mammoth election sees it all VOA 22 May 2024 -- From deep fake videos created by artificial intelligence to social media influencers who hold sway with young people, political parties in India are using all the tools of the digital age to expand their outreach to voters as the country holds its mammoth general election.
• New U.S. Legislation To Target Democratic Backsliding In Georgia RFE/RL 22 May 2024 -- U.S. lawmakers are set to unveil a bill this week that seeks to persuade Georgia's government to kill a controversial "foreign agent" law widely viewed as rolling back democratic achievements.
• Some EU States Mulling Sanctions Against Georgia Over Foreign Agents Bill - Reports Sputnik 22 May 2024 -- Some EU member states are considering imposing sanctions on Georgia, including the suspension of visa-free travel regime, over the foreign agents bill, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the situation.
• Georgia should repeal the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence in its current form, says Venice Commission Council of Europe 22 May 2024 -- In an urgent opinion published on 21 May 2024, the Council of Europe's Venice Commission strongly recommends repealing the Law of Georgia on Transparency of Foreign Influence in its current form, as its fundamental flaws will involve significant negative consequences for freedoms of association and expression, the right to privacy, the right to participate in public affairs as well as the prohibition of discrimination.
• Bulgarian Prosecutor Seeks Closure Of 2 Pro-Russian Paramilitary Groups RFE/RL 22 May 2024 -- Two pro-Russian paramilitary organizations operating in Bulgaria should be closed because their activities violate the constitution, a district prosecutor's office said on May 22.
• 6 Kyrgyz, 4 Foreign Nationals Detained Over Mob Attacks In Bishkek That Triggered Exodus RFE/RL 22 May 2024 -- The Kyrgyz Interior Ministry said on May 22 that six Kyrgyz and four foreign citizens had been detained on suspicion of being involved in a brawl that sparked mob attacks on foreign students in Bishkek, triggering a mass exodus of Pakistani students from the Central Asian nation.
• Droughts and floods threaten 'humanitarian catastrophe' across southern Africa UN News 22 May 2024 -- Droughts and floods in southern Africa stemming from El Niño have left millions of people food insecure, warns World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Cindy McCain during a recent visit to Zambia - the epicentre of the crisis.
• Finland debates measure to block asylum-seekers at border with Russia VOA 22 May 2024 -- Finland's parliament is debating a bill that would allow border agents to block asylum-seekers at the Finnish-Russian border.
• Vietnam's security chief elected president by parliament VOA 22 May 2024 -- Vietnam's National Assembly elected General To Lam, the country's top public security official, as its new president Wednesday.