Daily National Security News Briefing

Hot Documents

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• Defeating the Battalion Tactical Group by CPT Nic Fiore ARMOR Spring 2017
• The Russian Way of War - Force Structure, Tactics, and Modernization of the Russian Ground Forces by Dr. Lester W. Grau Charles K. Bartles FMSO Jul 2017

Russo-Ukraine War

Ukraine Conflict News

31 May 2023

Defense Policy / Programs

• Department of the Air Force announces preferred locations for STARCOM HQ, 3 Deltas US Air Force 31 May 2023 -- The Department of the Air Force selected Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, as the preferred location to hostthe Space Training and Readiness Command Headquarters, along with Space Delta 10. Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, is the preferred location for Space Delta 11 and Schriever SFB, Colorado, is the preferred location for Space Delta 12.
• Colorado Springs to host DEL 15, 2 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance squadrons US Air Force 31 May 2023 -- The U.S. Space Force's Space Delta 15, activated in March 2023, is expected to be permanently based at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, along with the new 75th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Squadron. Additionally, the service expects the 74th ISR Squadron, activated in November 2022, to be based at Peterson SFB, Colorado.
• CLB-15: Helicopter Support Team USMC News 31 May 2023 -- The helicopter support team is responsible for the rapid transportation of cargo via helicopter when it cannot be transported by ground or needs to be transported from ship to shore. In this exercise, the HST partnered with a CH-53E Super Stallion attached to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 to test a new lift operation method utilizing wheel-nets to carry a Polaris MRZR, an ultra-light turbo diesel combat vehicle.
• Seeing into the future: AF looks to AI for data analysis US Air Force 31 May 2023 -- In an effort to digest and rapidly analyze the process of decision making, Headquarters Air Force Digital Operations Directorate (A3X) developed an artificial intelligence-based software that can be applied to all Air Force specialty codes to better examine and predict operational outcomes.
• NATO AWACS planes secure Moldova Summit airspace NATO 31 May 2023 -- NATO AWACS surveillance flights will contribute to the protection of the European Political Community Summit in Moldova. Flying over Allied airspace, NATO AWACS will guard the skies over the Summit venue from 31 May to 2 June.
• Informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in Oslo: getting ready for the summit in Vilnius Germany Federal Foreign Office 31 May 2023 -- On 31 May and 1 June, the NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs will be meeting in Oslo. Their agenda will focus on getting ready for the summit in Vilnius in early July. This, however, is no ordinary ministerial meeting.
• Statement by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock prior to her departure for the Informal Meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in Oslo Germany Federal Foreign Office 31 May 2023
• NATO Secretary General, Allies commemorate victims of 22 July terrorist attacks NATO 31 May 2023 -- In a tribute to the victims and survivors of the 22 July 2011 terrorist attacks in Norway, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised the resilience of the Norwegian people and the strength of democracy on Wednesday (31 May 2023).
• Minsk Believes Deploying Russian Tactical Nuclear Arms to Cool Down War-Like Rhetoric Sputnik 31 May 2023 -- Minsk expects that agreements with Russia on the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in the republic will cool down the war-like rhetoric of neighboring Western countries and Ukraine and will not allow a more global military confrontation, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said on Wednesday.
• Ukrainian Official Discusses Timetable for Deploying Fighter Jets VOA 31 May 2023 -- Earlier this month the White House changed its stance on providing F-16 warplanes to Ukraine, agreeing to allow the jets to be sent to the country to better help it defend itself from Russian attacks.
• US Providing $300 Million in More Aid for Ukraine VOA 31 May 2023 -- The United States will provide another $300 million in new military aid for Ukraine in a package that is expected to include munitions for Ukraine's Patriot missile defense system, defense officials tell VOA.
• Memorandum on Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 31 May 2023
• Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 31 May 2023 -- Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This authorization is the Biden Administration's thirty-ninth drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.
• DOD Announces New Security Assistance Package for Ukraine DoD News 31 May 2023 -- The Defense Department announced an additional security assistance package for Ukraine today that contains key capabilities to arm against Russian airstrikes targeting critical infrastructure across the country.
• U.S. Announces More Military Aid For Ukraine Amid Uptick In Attacks Inside Russia RFE/RL 31 May 2023 -- The United States on May 31 announced an aid package for Ukraine that includes Patriot air-defense batteries, ammunition, and other defense equipment as Ukrainian authorities said attacks by Russian troops killed one person in Ukraine's Donetsk region and one person in the Kherson region.
• US Has Gotten Ukraine's 'Assurances' F-16s Won't Be Used on Russian Land - Kirby Sputnik 31 May 2023 -- The United States has repeatedly ignored any terrorist attacks committed by Ukraine against Russian civilians, with the latest being drone strikes Kiev attempted to execute against Moscow.
• White House: US 'Does Not Encourage Attacks on Russia' Sputnik 31 May 2023 -- The United States does not encourage Ukraine to attack Russia and does not want to see the military conflict escalate, White House Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said on Wednesday, following the recent drone attacks on Moscow.
• Additional U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine US Dept. of State 31 May 2023 -- Russia is continuing to wage a brutal and unprovoked war against Ukraine. In the month of May alone, Russia launched 17 air assaults against Kyiv, threatening Ukrainian families and devastating civilian areas.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 31 May 2023 -- 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.
• US Warns 'Alarming Increase' in Aggressive Chinese Intercepts VOA 31 May 2023 -- U.S. defense officials are warning of an "alarming increase" in aggressive intercepts from Chinese military aircraft and vessels following a close encounter between a Chinese fighter jet and a U.S. military plane in international airspace over the South China Sea last week.
• US Says Chinese Fighter Jet Conducted 'Unnecessarily Aggressive Maneuver' Near US Reconnaissance Plane VOA 31 May 2023 -- The U.S. military says a Chinese fighter jet flew close to one of its reconnaissance aircraft during a patrol mission over the South China Sea last week.
• US accusation of Chinese intercept of US spy plane aims to hype 'China threat' theory at Shangri-La Dialogue: experts Global Times 31 May 2023 -- The US military on Tuesday accused China of conducting an "unprofessional" intercept of a US spy plane over the South China Sea, however it is the US that should reflect on its own provocative military operations near China in the first place, Chinese experts said on Wednesday.
• US recon aircraft spies on Chinese aircraft carrier, professionally dealt with by PLA: PLA Southern Theater Command spokesperson Global Times 31 May 2023 -- The US reconnaissance aircraft that was intercepted by a Chinese fighter jet was spying on and disturbing a routine exercise by the Shandong aircraft carrier group in the South China Sea, and the US' accusation calling the Chinese interception "unprofessional" is a false countercharge as the US is the one to blame, experts said on Wednesday.
• US hypes on 'China threat' ahead of Shangri-La Dialogue Global Times 31 May 2023 -- Ahead of the 20th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue toward which there has been growing speculation about the meeting between the Chinese and US defense ministers, the US, following its commonly-used tactics, hyped again China's "unprofessional" intercept of a US spy plane over the South China Sea, aiming to peddle the "China threat" theory and create some "sensational topics" for the defense summit.
• Xi urges accelerated efforts to modernize national security system, capacity Global Times 31 May 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for accelerated efforts to modernize the country's national security system and capacity.
• Xi urges accelerated efforts to modernize national security system, capacity People's Daily 31 May 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for accelerated efforts to modernize the country's national security system and capacity.
• DPRK/North Korea: Statement by the Spokesperson on the attempted satellite launch European External Action Service (EEAS) 31 May 2023 -- The EU strongly condemns the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) launch using ballistic military technology that occurred on 31 May.
• NATO Secretary General condemns North Korea military satellite launch NATO 31 May 2023
• North Korea vows to try again after failed satellite launch Radio Free Asia 31 May 2023 -- On the heels of a failed spy satellite launch on Wednesday, North Korea vowed that a second launch would come soon, state media reported.
• UN chief strongly condemns DPRK spy satellite launch UN News 31 May 2023 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the latest satellite launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), his spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.
• US Condemns North Korean Attempted Spy Satellite Launch VOA 31 May 2023 -- Washington strongly condemned the attempted launch of North Korea's first military spy satellite, a device that Pyongyang says it needs to monitor joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea.
• KCNA Report KCNA 31 May 2023 -- The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) made public the following report on Wednesday as regards an accident occurred during the launch of military reconnaissance satellite:
• North Korea's reconnaissance satellite crashes into sea after rocket failure Press TV 31 May 2023 -- North Korea's first military reconnaissance satellite launch has ended in failure after the rocket's newly developed second-stage thruster malfunctioned, state media said.
• Shelter Warnings Startle Seoul After North Korea Attempts Satellite Launch VOA 31 May 2023 -- South Koreans, who typically shrug off North Korean missile launches, were awakened Wednesday by air raid sirens and shelter warnings following an attempted North Korean satellite launch.
• Iran ready to export defense equipment to friendly countries: Top general Press TV 31 May 2023 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri says the Islamic Republic stands ready to export in wholesale its defense equipment to friendly countries and share its military expertise with them.
• Partnership takes flight over northern waters Australia DOD 31 May 2023 -- Flying together over Australia's northern oceans, aircrew from the Royal Australian Air Force's 11 Squadron and 5 Squadron from Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara (TNI-AU) conducted maritime surveillance missions as part of Exercise Albatross AusIndo.
• 3rd India-Vietnam Maritime Security Dialogue India MEA 31 May 2023 -- The 3rd India-Vietnam Maritime Security Dialogue was held on 31 May 2023 at New Delhi.
• Government endorses procurement of 246 infantry fighting vehicles Czech Republic Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces 31 May 2023 -- The Government of the Czech Republic authorised the procurement of 246 CV90 infantry fighting vehicles for CZK 59.7 billion and on the very same day, the Director General of the MoD Armaments and Acquisition Division Lubor Koudelka signed an agreement with the Swedish party.
• A look at Defence news 22 - 28 May Netherlands Ministry of Defence 31 May 2023 -- The EU Defence Ministers met in Brussels this week. The topics discussed included military support to Ukraine, scaling up production capacity and new defence projects.
• UAE rejects Western media's 'mischaracterization' of talks with US over Persian Gulf security Press TV 31 May 2023 -- The United Arab Emirates has rejected the Western media's "mischaracterization" of the country's talks with the United States over the Persian Gulf's security, and announced its withdrawal from a US-led maritime coalition in the region.
• UAE Withdraws From American-Led Naval Coalition, Dealing Blow to US Military Prestige Sputnik 31 May 2023 -- US officials are rushing to downplay the withdrawal as a temporary state of affairs, but the United Arab Emirate's recent diplomatic overtures to Iran suggest otherwise.
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with Spanish State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs Moreno Bau US Dept. of State 31 May 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre After Their Meeting US Dept. of State 31 May 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council Ministerial Co-Chairs at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 31 May 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Fourth U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council Stakeholders Engagement US Dept. of State 31 May 2023
• Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Verma's Meeting with Comorian President Azali US Dept. of State 31 May 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 31 May 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 31, 2023

Other Conflicts


Ukraine Conflict News
• 31 May 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 31 May 2023
• UN vessel arrives at moored oil tanker off Yemeni coast for rescue preparation People's Daily 31 May 2023 -- A United Nations (UN) ship arrived on Tuesday at the site of the floating storage and offloading (FSO) Safer vessel, a decaying super oil tanker, off the coast of Ras Issa, Hodeidah in western Yemen.
• Anti-Refugee Rhetoric, Forced Deportations of Syrians Increase in Lebanon VOA 31 May 2023 -- As many as 1.5 million Syrian refugees have fled death and destruction engulfing their homeland by crossing into Lebanon. Their presence has drawn more hostility from Lebanese since the country's economic crisis came to a head in 2019.
• Sudanese Army Quits Cease-Fire Talks With Paramilitary Forces VOA 31 May 2023 -- Sudan's military Wednesday broke off negotiations with the country's paramilitary forces over extending a cease-fire agreement, accusing their rivals of repeatedly violating the U.S.-Saudi-brokered truce.
• Sudan army suspends participation in ceasefire talks Press TV 31 May 2023 -- Sudan's army has suspended its participation in the Saudi-backed talks with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces to end months of fighting.
• Artillery Strikes Reported on Paramilitary Bases as Sudanese Army Leaves Ceasefire Talks Sputnik 31 May 2023 -- Sudan has sat on the verge of open civil war since April 25, when a powerful paramilitary group revolted against an attempt to integrate it into the Sudanese military. However, the violence has flared for years as the military attempts to hold onto power amid a swelling civilian movement for democracy.
• Myanmar troops torch Sagaing region village a second time Radio Free Asia 31 May 2023 -- Disaster has once again hit a community in northwestern Myanmar's war-torn Sagaing region.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement on incidents in Northern Kosovo Republic of Poland 31 May 2023 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its serious concern about the increase of tensions in Northern Kosovo and strongly condemns the unprovoked attacks on NATO troops taking part in the KFOR operation, which resulted in several dozen of Allied soldiers being wounded.
• EU Intensifies Effort To Calm Crisis In North Kosovo As Serb Protesters Rally RFE/RL 31 May 2023 -- European Union officials met on May 31 with Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti in Bratislava as part of international efforts to end a crisis in Kosovo that for days has drawn ethnic-Serb demonstrators into the streets of northern towns in the former province of Serbia.
• 'Z' Marks The Trouble Spot: Russia's Symbol Of War Appears In Northern Kosovo RFE/RL 31 May 2023 -- As ethnic trouble brewed and the latest confrontations erupted this week in northern Kosovo, a powerful symbol of Russian expansionism emerged alongside the Serbian flags denoting resistance to Pristina's authority.
• Hague Panel Rejects Appeal By Milosevic Spymasters, Lengthens Prison Sentences RFE/RL 31 May 2023 -- A panel of United Nations judges on May 31 have rejected the appeals by two former Serbian intelligence officers against their convictions two years ago for murder, crimes against humanity, and other offenses in western Bosnia during the 1992-95 war there, and expanded their sentences in the process.
• UN commends Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia, as final judgement is delivered UN News 31 May 2023 -- The UN chief on Wednesday commended the work of the judges and staff of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), as its final judgement was delivered, increasing the prison sentences on appeal of two former top Serbian security officials.
• Explosion kills five at Palestinian base in Lebanon: Lebanese security source Press TV 31 May 2023 -- Five members of a Palestinian resistance group have been killed in an accidental blast overnight at a base near Lebanon's border with Syria, according to a Lebanese security source.
• 27th Meeting of the Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border affairs (WMCC) India MEA 31 May 2023 -- The 27th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border affairs (WMCC) was held on 31st May 2023 in person in New Delhi.
• 27th Meeting of the Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border affairs (WMCC) India MEA 31 May 2023 -- The 27th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border affairs (WMCC) was held on 31st May 2023 in person in New Delhi.
• Cameroon Asks for More Border Troops after New Boko Haram Attacks VOA 31 May 2023 -- Officials in northern Cameroon have in a crisis meeting on Wednesday requested more troops from Cameroon, Nigeria and Chad to be deployed to their common border after fresh Boko Haran attacks killed at least 12 people including six soldiers on Tuesday. The officials say several hundred heavily armed Islamist extremists have infiltrated the volatile Lake Chad region attacking, looting and causing panic.

News Reports

• Moldova: Press remarks by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the handover of EPF financed equipment European External Action Service (EEAS) 31 May 2023
• Moldova: Press remarks by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the launch of the EU Partnership Mission in Chisinau European External Action Service (EEAS) 31 May 2023
• Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Moldovan President Sandu European Commission 31 May 2023
• EU Places Sanctions On Seven For Destabilizing Moldova, Doubles Macroeconomic Support RFE/RL 31 May 2023 -- The European Union has announced sanctions on seven individuals accused of destabilizing actions against Moldova and that it was doubling its grant of macroeconomic support to 290 million euros ($310 million).
• Meeting with President of Eritrea Isaias Afwerki President of Russia 31 May 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a meeting with President of the State of Eritrea Isaias Afwerki at the Kremlin.
• Moscow decries Germany's 'ill-thought-out' move after Berlin closes Russian consulates Press TV 31 May 2023 -- Berlin has closed four of Russia's five consulates in Germany as bilateral ties between the two countries have hit a new low over the Ukraine war. Moscow has denounced the decision as an "ill-thought-out" move and vowed a response.
• Medvedev: UK waging an 'undeclared war' against Russia Press TV 31 May 2023 -- The United Kingdom is waging an "undeclared war" against Russia, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said.
• Medvedev Bashes 'Goofy' UK Officials for 'Leading De Facto Undeclared War' on Russia Sputnik 31 May 2023 -- On May 30, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly evaded a question about Kiev's involvement in Tuesday morning's drone attacks on Moscow, but said that Ukraine has the right to project force beyond its borders.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 31, 2023 PRC MofA 31 May 2023
• China In Eurasia Briefing: What Beijing Is Learning From The Western Response To Ukraine RFE/RL 31 May 2023
• China urges U.S. to right wrongs, show sincerity in military dialogue People's Daily 31 May 2023 -- Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Tuesday urged the U.S. side to immediately correct wrong practices and show sincerity for dialogue and communication between the two militaries.
• Chinese Embassy in US strongly condemns US sanctions on 13 Chinese entities, individuals Global Times 31 May 2023 -- The Chinese Embassy in the US on Wednesday strongly condemned US sanctions on 13 China-based entities and individuals, vowing to do what is necessary to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals.
• HKSAR establishes Chief Executive Policy Unit, showing increasing priority of integrating into national development plan Global Times 31 May 2023 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government announced on Tuesday the establishment of the Chief Executive Policy Unit (CEPU) Expert Group and the appointment of 56 members, with a one-year term of appointment. The CEPU Expert Group comprises members of different backgrounds including high-level experts and scholars from the Chinese mainland, showing the increasing priority of integrating into the national development plan in the HKSAR government's work agenda.
• Shenzhou-16 crew enter space station, complete handover in five days People's Daily 31 May 2023 -- The three astronauts aboard China's Shenzhou-16 spaceship entered the country's space station and met with another astronaut trio on Tuesday, starting a new round of in-orbit crew handover.
• Journalists Expelled in China-India Visa Fight VOA 31 May 2023 -- China said on Wednesday it had taken "appropriate" action in response to what it called India's "unfair and discriminatory" treatment of Chinese journalists, in the latest move that underscores rising tensions between the Asian countries.
• Chinese mainland respects Taiwan-funded companies to independently choose their listing place: Taiwan Affairs Office of State Council Global Times 31 May 2023 -- The Chinese mainland respects Taiwan-funded companies to independently choose their listing place, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council told a press conference on Wednesday.
• Chinese mainland blasts US-DPP collusion as escalating tension shows Washington's 'bankrupt credibility' Global Times 31 May 2023 -- The Chinese mainland on Wednesday lashed out at a series of recent moves by Taiwan's secessionists Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities and the US over arms sales, trade deals, political visits to the US and attempts to obstruct cross-Straits exchanges, adding that such collusions would only push Taiwan island into a more dangerous situation.
• Taiwan's DPP slammed for fabricating, spreading disinformation People's Daily 31 May 2023 -- A mainland spokesperson said Wednesday that Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have fabricated and continued to spread false information, thereby smearing the mainland since it came to power seven years ago.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 31, 2023 ROC MND 31 May 2023
• Biden aide visited Oman to seek mediation with Iran: Report IRNA 31 May 2023 -- US President Joe Biden's senior West Asia adviser took a low-profile trip to Oman earlier this month for talks with Omani officials on "possible diplomatic outreach" to Iran over its nuclear program, according to a report.
• Iranian FM: Tehran, Washington communicate through mediators/ Iran in touch with EU ISNA 31 May 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that there is a direct interaction between Iran and European Union and also communication with the US over nuclear deal is made through mediators.
• IAEA confirms resolution of two outstanding issues with Iran: Report IRNA 31 May 2023 -- Iran has resolved two outstanding inquiries of the International Atomic Energy Agency, according to a report by the Associated Press citing documents from the United Nations agency.
• IAEA chief confirms progress between Iran, nuclear watchdog IRNA 31 May 2023 -- Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi confirms that Iran and the agency have made progress on certain issues.
• IAEA closes Iran nuclear site file after false claims are debunked Press TV 31 May 2023 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has decided to close the file on traces of what is claimed to be nuclear material at one of the alleged "undetected" sites in Iran following progress in cooperation between Tehran and the nuclear watchdog.
• The Farda Briefing: Journalists Who Broke Mahsa Amini Story Stand Trial Behind Closed Doors RFE/RL 31 May 2023
• Iranian Judiciary Chief Defends Executions Of Protesters RFE/RL 31 May 2023 -- The head of Iran's judiciary has staunchly defended issuing death sentences for several demonstrators involved in nationwide protests that erupted in September 2022 following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini soon after she was detained by morality police for allegedly violating the mandatory hijab law.
• Ayatollah Khamenei: Iran determined to complete key transit corridor Press TV 31 May 2023 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has expressed Iran's determination to complete a key transit corridor, which travels through the Islamic Republic linking the countries lying to its north to the Sea of Oman.
• Iran to double gas imports from Turkmenistan Press TV 31 May 2023 -- Iran will soon double its gas imports from Turkmenistan as the two energy-rich nations seek to rebuild ties that were once affected by arrears.
• Junta clamps down on displaying photos of Aung San Suu Kyi Radio Free Asia 31 May 2023 -- Military junta authorities are threatening - and sometimes arresting - people who display photos of Myanmar's former leader Aung San Suu Kyi in their homes, residents in Yangon, Mandalay and the Ayeyarwaddy region told Radio Free Asia.
• Pakistan Urged to Desist from Trying Civilians in Military Courts VOA 31 May 2023 -- Global and local human rights campaigners in Pakistan asked the government Wednesday to transfer political activists who are set to be prosecuted in military courts for arson to the civilian justice system.
• Spacecraft Carrying Saudi Astronauts Splashes Down Successfully in Atlantic Ocean SPA 31 May 2023 -- The Saudi Space Commission (SSC) said the spacecraft carrying astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Alqarni, and the crew of the "Ax-2" mission to Earth has returned, marking the end of the two Saudi astronauts' distinguished scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station.
• Brazil's Lula pushes for common currency in South America IRNA 31 May 2023 -- Brazilian President has stressed the need for agreeing on the use of a common regional currency to replace it with the US dollar.
• Brazil's Lula calls for instituting common S American currency Press TV 31 May 2023 -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called for the establishment of a common currency for the South American region in efforts to reduce its reliance on the US dollar.
• Palau says Chinese vessel slowed over undersea cable during incursion into waters Radio Free Asia 31 May 2023 -- A Chinese research vessel appeared to show interest in Palau's undersea fiber optic cable during a days-long foray into the Pacific island country's waters, a government official said.
• Minister of Foreign Affairs Tsahkna to British colleague: grey areas in Europe only exacerbate instability Estonia MFA 31 May 2023 -- Yesterday, on 30 May, Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna met with UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in Tallinn to discuss continued support for Ukraine, the security situation in Europe, and deepening bilateral cooperation.
• Press briefing by Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt Government of Norway 31 May 2023
• Polish-Bosnian political consultations in Warsaw Republic of Poland 31 May 2023 -- The Russian aggression against Ukraine, the EU's enlargement process, and compensation for losses suffered as a result of World War II—these were the central themes of the talks Secretary of State Arkadiusz Mularczyk held with Deputy Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina Josip Brkić.

30 May 2023

Defense Policy / Programs

• Eagle Resolve 23 Exercise with Saudi Arabia CENTCOM 30 May 2023 -- Today, U.S. Central Command, Saudi Armed Forces, and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) partner nations begin exercise Eagle Resolve 23 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• U.S. Marines Conduct Exercise Judicious Activation 23 in Gabon USMC News 30 May 2023 -- U.S. Marines and Sailors from Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team, Europe, operating under Task Force 61/2, U.S. Sixth Fleet, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, and U.S. Africa Command, conducted Judicious Activation - Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team 2023, April 24-28, 2023.
• AFIMSC disaster response team deploys to help recover Guam after Typhoon Mawar US Air Force 30 May 2023 -- In the wake of Category 4 Typhoon Mawar, a team of Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center disaster recovery experts departed for Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, May 26 to assist with storm damage recovery at the vital Pacific installation.
• USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Holds Reception During Oslo Port Visit US Navy 30 May 2023 -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Allied Joint Forces Command Naples, Adm. Stuart Munsch, and the U.S. Ambassador to Norway, Marc Nathanson, co-hosted a reception aboard the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) while anchored off the coast of Oslo, Norway, May 26, 2023.
• U.S. Navy Forces Participate in Malaysia's LIMA 2023 US Navy 30 May 2023 -- U.S. Navy ships, aircraft and Sailors participated in the biennial Langkawi International Maritime Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 23, from May 23-27.
• U.S. Sixth Fleet, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO to Kick Off BALTOPS 2023 US Navy 30 May 2023 -- The 52nd iteration of Baltic Operations 2023 (BALTOPS 23), NATO's premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, is set to begin from Tallinn, Estonia, June 4-16.
• U.S. Sixth Fleet, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO Mark Conclusion of Exercise Formidable Shield 2023 US Navy 30 May 2023 -- U.S. Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) concluded Europe's largest integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) exercise, Formidable Shield 2023, May 26, 2023.
• NATO Secretary General meets with Norwegian Prime Minister in Oslo NATO 30 May 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo on Tuesday (30 May 2023), ahead of the informal meeting of Allied Foreign Ministers, which will take place on Wednesday and Thursday.
• Deputy Secretary General: Montenegro is stronger and safer as part of NATO NATO 30 May 2023
• NATO Secretary General: what we choose to do now will determine what the world looks like in future decades NATO 30 May 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke in Oslo on Tuesday (30/05/2023) at an event co-organised by the Norwegian Atlantic Committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway.
• Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu holds special teleconference Russia MoD 30 May 2023 -- Today, the National Centre for State Defence Control has hosted a special teleconference with leadership of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation chaired by Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu.
• Ukraine pressing South Korea for weapons supplies IRNA 30 May 2023 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged South Korea to provide military equipment such as anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine amid a conflict with Russia.
• We continue consolidating partners to make Ukrainian air defense as effective as possible - address by the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 30 May 2023
• US Providing $300 Million in More Aid for Ukraine VOA 30 May 2023 -- The United States will provide another $300 million in new military aid for Ukraine in a package that is expected to include munitions for Ukraine's Patriot missile defense system, defense officials tell VOA.
• US Still Considering Supplying Ukraine With ATACMS Missile Systems Sputnik 30 May 2023 -- The United States is still considering supplying Ukraine with Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), US President Joe Biden said.
• China plans 6-nation drills with Southeast Asian countries Radio Free Asia 30 May 2023 -- China is planning a large six-nation military exercise later this year to boost engagement and build mutual confidence with Southeast Asian partners, the Chinese military has said.
• Taiwan-U.S. review team declares Han Kuang tabletop war game a success CNA 30 May 2023 -- A joint Taiwan-U.S. After Action Review (AAR) team has declared the recently concluded five-day tabletop war game phase of Taiwan's annual Han Kuang military exercises a success, a senior military official said Tuesday.
• Taiwan Says China Sees Invasion Of Ukraine As 'Test Case' For Its Own Designs RFE/RL 30 May 2023 -- Since Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Taiwan has kept a close eye on the war and how Kyiv has fared.
• Iran's home-made Simorgh aircraft undergoes test flight IRNA 30 May 2023 -- Iran has successfully conducted flight test for a domestically-developed transit aircraft, the country's defense minister has announced.
• Iran-made transport plane makes maiden flight Press TV 30 May 2023 -- Iran's home-made transport plane Simorgh has made its maiden flight one year after it was unveiled by authorities in the country.
• Future of Missile Defense Lies in Lasers, Beams, Not in Warheads - Israeli Official Sputnik 30 May 2023 -- The future of missile defense lies in laser and other beam systems and not in kinetic, or missile-delivered, physical interception warheads, Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) Director Moshe Patel said on Tuesday.
• North Korea botches firing 'space launch vehicle,' South Korean military says Radio Free Asia 30 May 2023 -- North Korea launched what it called a "space launch vehicle," but after an "abnormal" flight it fell into the Yellow Sea, South Korea's military said.
• North Korea Launches Alleged 'Space Launch Vehicle' to Counter Regional Threats Sputnik 30 May 2023 -- Japan previously warned that any launch from North Korea that violates its territory would be met with "destructive measures," with Japanese Prime Minister urging global leaders that any launch by Pyongyang is a "serious violation" to UN resolutions and a threat to Japan.
• Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adam Hodge on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's Space Launch The White House 30 May 2023
• Ankara Could Get F16s but US-Turkey Ties Remain Fraught VOA 30 May 2023 -- Aiming to secure support for Sweden's bid to join NATO, U.S. President Joe Biden signaled a transactional approach in his engagement with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The newly reelected Turkish leader has been one of the most consequential yet complicated members of the transatlantic military alliance.
• Chief of Defence Intelligence RUSI webinar May 2023 UK MOD 30 May 2023 -- Chief of Defence Intelligence, Adrian Bird, delivered a speech to members of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) on Reappraising UK Defence Intelligence Priorities
• 4th Polish-Lithuanian Council of Defense Ministers. Poland and Lithuania strengthen defense cooperation Republic of Poland 30 May 2023 -- On May 30, Mariusz Blaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of National Defense, and Arvydas Anušauskas, Minister of Defense of Lithuania, met in Warsaw as part of the Fourth Polish-Lithuanian Council of Defense Ministers.
• Top MOD leaders highlight the importance of the transatlantic alliance at GLOBSEC Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 30 May 2023 -- Over the past few days, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár and Deputy Defence Minister Marian Majer have participated in the GLOBSEC 2023 Bratislava Forum, engaging in panel discussions on topical defence and security issues in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine driving a change in the security environment.
• Ministers of National Defence of Lithuania and Poland agreed on stronger cooperation: intensified bilateral exercises, Lithuania will conduct an additional GROM air defence system procurement Lithuania MND 30 May 202
• United States Leads in Space with Diplomacy US Dept. of State 30 May 2023 -- Today the Department of State is releasing our first-ever Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy, a groundbreaking initiative to advance U.S. global space leadership.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 30 May 2023
• Deputy Secretary Verma's Meeting with IORA Secretary General Al Farisi US Dept. of State 30 May 2023
• Deputy Secretary Verma's Meeting with Mauritian Prime Minister Jugnauth US Dept. of State 30 May 2023
• Deputy Secretary Verma's Meeting with Mauritian President Roopun US Dept. of State 30 May 2023
• Deputy Secretary Verma's Meeting with Mauritian Leader of the Opposition Duval US Dept. of State 30 May 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 30, 2023

Other Conflicts


Ukraine Conflict News
• 30 May 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 30 May 2023
• Taliban Call for Stop to Afghan Brain Drain VOA 30 May 2023 -- The Taliban have called on Western countries to stop evacuating and resettling educated and skilled Afghans abroad, saying the practice hurts Afghanistan.
• Iran And Afghanistan's Taliban Clash As Water Dispute Boils Over RFE/RL 30 May 2023 -- Water has exposed cracks in the Taliban's fragile relationship with Tehran, with both sides exchanging pointed barbs over scarce supplies before coming to deadly blows along the Afghan-Iranian border.
• Chinese and US jets tangle over South China Sea Radio Free Asia 30 May 2023 -- A Chinese J-16 fighter jet last week carried out "an unnecessarily aggressive maneuver" near an American reconnaissance plane that was flying above the South China Sea, the U.S. military said on Tuesday.
• Why the Philippines is deploying navigation buoys in the South China Sea Radio Free Asia 30 May 2023 -- Earlier this month, the Philippine Coast Guard deployed five 30-foot navigational buoys near islands and reefs within its territory in the South China Sea, saying the move highlighted the nation's "unwavering resolve to protect its maritime borders."
• UN envoy calls for 'serious steps' to bring peace to war-torn Yemen Press TV 30 May 2023 -- The UN special envoy for Yemen has urged both parties of the war to take "serious steps" toward lasting peace amid intensified mediation efforts to resolve the eight-year conflict.
• Fresh diplomatic gains must match action on the ground in Syria to end war UN News 30 May 2023 -- Action on the ground must match diplomacy's steadily advancing gains towards ending the 12-year-old war in Syria, where violence is once again, killing a growing numbers of civilians, the top UN official in the country said on Tuesday.
• Predictable aid access is essential to ensure the Syrian people have their basic needs met: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 30 May 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.
• UN humanitarians complete first food distribution in Khartoum as hunger, threats to children, intensify UN News 30 May 2023 -- For the first time since fighting broke out in Sudan on 15 April, humanitarians have been able to reach desperate families trapped in the conflict's epicentre, Khartoum, with food assistance, the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) said on Tuesday.
• Conflict, chaos, and neglect prove lethal for Sudan's children - UNICEF Geneva Palais briefing note on the situation for children in Sudan UNICEF 30 May 2023 -- "On the back of conflict, chaos and neglect, more children in Sudan today require lifesaving support than ever before. A staggering - a sobering - 13.6 million children urgently require assistance. That's more than the entire population of Sweden or Rwanda or Portugal. All children. And the number is growing.
• Sudan army, rival force agree to 5-day extension of cease-fire People's Daily 30 May 2023 -- The Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces on Monday agreed to a five-day extension of a cease-fire agreement they signed on May 20 after negotiations in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah, Al Arabiya News reported.
• China Seeks Stronger Ties With Sudan Amid Regional, International Tug-of-War VOA 30 May 2023 -- China has been a major investment partner in Sudan's energy, agriculture and transport sectors in recent years, pumping nearly $6 billion in investments into the country since 2005.
• Humanitarian groups say storm aid still not reaching parts of Myanmar's Rakhine state Radio Free Asia 30 May 2023 -- More than two weeks after Cyclone Mocha damaged much of Myanmar's Rakhine state, many people still haven't received aid, and humanitarian groups are asking the military junta to relax restrictions on road transport so that food and supplies can reach affected areas.
• Intense clashes in Myanmar's Chin, Shan states leave 19 dead Radio Free Asia 30 May 2023 -- Intense fighting between the military and anti-junta forces in Myanmar's Chin and Shan states since the weekend left 19 dead, including four civilians, RFA Burmese has learned.
• Kosovo: Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell on the ongoing confrontations European External Action Service (EEAS) 30 May 2023 -- The European Union condemns in the strongest terms the violence in the north of Kosovo that we have seen in the last few days. Violent acts against citizens, against media, against law enforcement and the KFOR troops are absolutely unacceptable and bring to a very dangerous situation.
• NATO To Send More Troops To Kosovo As U.S. Says Pristina Suspended From Military Exercises RFE/RL 30 May 2023 -- NATO has decided to deploy 700 more troops to Kosovo to help stop violent protests in the north of the country and the United States canceled Kosovo's participation in ongoing NATO exercises after clashes broke out between ethnic Albanian authorities and local ethnic Serbs.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova's comment on the escalation of anti-Serb violence in Kosovo Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 May 2023
• Decisive Steps Needed to Ease Tensions in Kosovo, Not West's 'Half-Measures' - Moscow Sputnik 30 May 2023 -- Decisive steps are necessary to deescalate tensions between Serbs and Kosovars, and not "half-measures" proposed by Western countries, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday.
• EU Foreign Policy Chief Borrell Condemns Violence in Kosovo Sputnik 30 May 2023 -- EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned violence in Kosovo and called for dialogue.
• Condemning Violence Against KFOR and Escalatory Actions in Northern Kosovo US Dept. of State 30 May 2023 -- "Both Poland and Lithuania view Russia as a long-term threat to the security of the West and democratic values, as well as the stability of the international system based on mutual trust," said Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas after meeting with Polish counterpart Mariusz Błaszczak in Poland earlier today.
• Kosovo 'Tactical Game' Is A Strategic Blunder, Security Expert Charles Kupchan Warns Amid Balkan Violence RFE/RL 30 May 2023 -- Charles Kupchan is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and is a former director and adviser on the National Security Council in two White House administrations. He is also a professor of international affairs at Georgetown University and the author of the books Isolationism: A History Of America's Efforts To Shield Itself From The World and Nationalism And Nationalities In The New Europe.
• Russia to West: Stop 'deceitful propaganda' about 'desperate' Serbs in Kosovo Press TV 30 May 2023 -- Russia has asked the West to stop "deceitful propaganda" about "desperate" Serbs in Kosovo as NATO has deployed troops in the Balkan country.
• China supports Serbia's efforts to safeguard sovereignty, territorial integrity Global Times 30 May 2023 -- With renewed tensions in Kosovo continuing to worry Europe, China said on Tuesday that it supports Serbia's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and urged NATO to respect relevant country's sovereignty and territorial integrity and do things that are conducive to regional peace.
• Conflict drives acute hunger in the Democratic Republic of Congo - IPC report WFP 30 May 2023 -- UN agencies warn that record hunger levels in the DRC require livelihood support and long-term investment. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) call for more support to improve livelihoods while responding to emergencies.
• Continued Peace Talks Between Armenia and Azerbaijan US Dept. of State 30 May 2023
• Armenia/Azerbaijan: Statement by the Spokesperson on the normalisation process European External Action Service (EEAS) 30 May 2023 -- The Armenia-Azerbaijan normalisation process has, during the past month, seen an intensification, which the European Union welcomes. The EU believes that it is important to keep this historic momentum and avoid steps, including hostile rhetoric, that could put the peace process at risk.
• Armenia, Azerbaijan trade hostile rhetoric over Karabakh ahead of peace talks Press TV 30 May 2023 -- Armenia and Azerbaijan have traded fresh accusations over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region just ahead of new peace talks aimed at reaching a long-lasting resolution to the decades-old conflict.
• Deadly Battle Underway in Central Somalia After Al-Shabab Attack VOA 30 May 2023 -- Heavy fighting has been reported in central Somalia after al-Shabab militants stormed a government military camp in the town of Masagaway on Tuesday, the second attack in days.
• UNICEF Geneva Palais Briefing note on the impact of flooding in Somalia on children and families and UNICEF's response UNICEF 30 May 2023 -- "In September last year, I appeared here to brief you on the devastating impact that the drought in Somalia was having on children and families. Somalia had gone through five consecutive seasons of failed rains and was facing a sixth season.
• Tibetans in western China ordered to vacate land for hydropower dam construction Radio Free Asia 30 May 2023 -- Chinese authorities have ordered Tibetans living in Rebgong county, in western China, to vacate their land for the construction of a hydropower dam, forcing them off the farmlands they need to make a living, two Tibetans with knowledge of the situation said.

News Reports

• Sanctioning PRC and Mexico Based Individuals and Entities for Enabling Illicit Drug Production US Dept. of State 30 May 2023 -- The United States is a leader in the global effort to stop the illicit manufacture and trafficking of illicit fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, a major cause of death among adults ages 18 to 45 in the United States.
• Treasury Sanctions China- and Mexico-Based Enablers of Counterfeit, Fentanyl-Laced Pill Production US Treasury 30 May 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned 17 individuals and entities involved in the international proliferation of equipment used to produce illicit drugs.
• US Sanctions 17 Chinese, Mexican Targets Over Fentanyl Production VOA 30 May 2023 -- The United States hit 17 individuals and entities in China and Mexico with sanctions on Tuesday, accusing them of supplying equipment that Mexican drug cartels use to manufacture fentanyl-spiked fake pills for the U.S. market.
• MFA statement on our allies' opinions and remarks regarding our national legislation Republic of Poland 30 May 2023 -- Poland appreciates our allies' opinions and remarks regarding our national legislation. Underlining strongly that this legislation remains within sovereign national competence of the Polish parliament, we are always ready to clarify and explain all potential misinterpretations and doubts about it.
• Statement by the European Commission on the Polish law establishing a State Committee for the Examination of Russian Impacts on internal Security European Commission 30 May 2023 -- The European Commission is very concerned by the adoption of a new law in Poland creating a special committee to investigate Russian influence on the internal security of Poland between 2007 and 2022.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions following his visit to the Republic of Burundi, Bujumbura, May 30, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 May 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answer to a media question during a joint news conference with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi Albert Shingiro following talks, Bujumbura, May 30, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 May 2023
• Russia issues arrest warrant for Sen.Graham over celebrating Russian deaths Press TV 30 May 2023 -- Russia has issued an arrest warrant for Lindsey Graham after the US senator was caught on tape celebrating the deaths of Russian soldiers in the Ukraine war.
• Lithuania blacklists 15 law enforcement officers of the Russian Federation Lithuania MFA 30 May 2023 -- Following the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis, the Ministry of the Interior has blacklisted 15 law enforcement officers of the Russian Federation, who are responsible for the sentence of Russia's opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza.
• Private Firms Obtain Kyrgyz Citizenship For Russians Desperate To Escape Homeland RFE/RL 30 May 2023 -- As Moscow's brutal war in Ukraine drags on, ordinary Russians continue to leave their homeland to escape worsening economic conditions and evade military service.
• South Africa grants BRICS leaders immunity for August summit Press TV 30 May 2023 -- South Africa says it will provide diplomatic immunity to all leaders attending a summit of the BRICS group in August, in a move to protect the conference.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 30, 2023 PRC MofA 30 May 2023
• The US is clear about the reason why China-US military dialogue faces difficulties: Chinese FM Global Times 30 May 2023 -- The US is clear about the reason why China-US military dialogue faces difficulties, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday in response to US media hype over China "rebuffing" a possible meeting between Chinese and US defense chiefs.
• China rejects US call for meeting between defense chiefs, as tensions rise between two countries Press TV 30 May 2023 -- China has rejected a request by the United States for a meeting between the two countries' defense chiefs, as tensions continue to rise between Beijing and Washington.
• China Declines US Offer for Defense Talks in Singapore this Week VOA 30 May 2023 -- The Pentagon says China has declined a request by the U.S. for a meeting between their defense chiefs at an annual security forum in Singapore this weekend.
• Hui Muslims and police clash in China's Yunnan over mosque dome demolition Radio Free Asia 30 May 2023 -- Police in the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan have detained more than 30 people following clashes over the weekend between hundreds of armed police and Hui Muslims trying to prevent the demolition of a dome on a major mosque.
• PLA Navy Type 071 amphibious landing ships spotted east of Taiwan island Global Times 30 May 2023 -- Two amphibious landing ships of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy were recently spotted in waters off the eastern side of the island of Taiwan, sending a strong warning to "Taiwan independence" forces and external interference, after the US delivered Stinger missiles to the island, experts said on Tuesday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 30, 2023 ROC MND 30 May 2023
• Rodong Sinmun Lauds Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un as Outstanding Leader KCNA 30 May 2023 -- Rodong Sinmun Tuesday in an article says that the far-reaching plan of the Juche revolution is the most invaluable aggregate of the self-sacrificing efforts of the respected General Secretary
• Iran, IAEA resolve two major disputes: Sources IRNA 30 May 2023 -- Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have resolved two important issues raised against Tehran's peaceful nuclear program, informed sources have said.
• Reports: Iran Resolves IAEA Concerns About Nuclear Site VOA 30 May 2023 -- Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency have resolved questions about one of three sites where inspectors found previously undeclared nuclear material, Iranian state media said Tuesday.
• Iran, IAEA clear air on agency's unfounded claims about nuclear sites: Report Press TV 30 May 2023 -- Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog have resolved issues arising from false, unproven allegations against Tehran's peaceful nuclear program, according to a report.
• Amir-Abdollahian: Iran, Saudi to develop economic and commercial relations Press TV 30 May 2023 -- The Iranian foreign minister has said that the rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia is not merely "a tactical agreement," adding that both countries have agreed to develop bilateral economic and commercial relations.
• Iran pursues neighborliness policy, seeks deeper regional ties: FM Amir-Abdollahian Press TV 30 May 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the Raeisi administration is seriously pursuing its good neighborliness policy and seeks to cement ties with the states in the region.
• Iranian Retirees Join Workers In Fresh Wave Of Protests Over Pensions, Living Conditions RFE/RL 30 May 2023 -- A new wave of protests is sweeping across Iran as retirees and workers demonstrate against harsh living conditions and skyrocketing inflation in the country, which has been hit hard by international sanctions over the government's nuclear program and its suppression of human rights.
• 2 Iranian Female Journalists Who Reported on Mahsa Amini's Death Go on Trial VOA 30 May 2023 -- Two jailed female Iranian journalists, who helped break the story of the case of a 22-year-old woman who died in police custody last September, have gone on trial in Iran.
• Imposing Sanctions on Syrian Financial Facilitators US Dept. of State 30 May 2023 -- Today, the United States is designating under Caesar Act authorities two Syrian money service businesses and affiliated three individuals that provide financial support to the Assad regime.
• Treasury Sanctions Syrian Financial Facilitators Under the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act US Treasury 30 May 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two Syrian money service businesses that have secretly helped the Syrian regime under Bashar al-Assad and its Hizballah and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) allies maintain access to the international financial system in violation of international sanctions.
• Belarus: 'Unprecedented level of repression' must end, say UN rights experts UN News 30 May 2023 -- A large group of UN-appointed independent human rights experts on Tuesday called on the Belarusian authorities to immediately release all those being held on "spurious charges", simply for exercising their fundamental rights to peaceful assembly, association and expression, to be released without delay.
• In Türkiye's presidential runoff, a competitive campaign continued to be marked by lack of level playing field and media bias, say international observers Council of Europe 30 May 2023 -- The second round of Türkiye's presidential election was well run and gave voters the opportunity to choose between real political alternatives, but was characterized by increasingly inflammatory and discriminatory language during the campaign period.
• Turkey to Investigate Media Outlets Over Election Coverage VOA 30 May 2023 -- Turkey's broadcasting watchdog on Tuesday announced it is investigating six opposition TV channels for "insulting the public" through coverage of Sunday's presidential election runoff.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu US Dept. of State 30 May 2023
• Brazilian President Calls for Creation of Common Currency for South American Trade Sputnik 30 May 2023 -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday put forward a proposition to create a common currency for trade between the South American states during his speech at the regional leaders' summit.
• Council nearly doubles the EU's financial assistance to Moldova to a total of €295 million EC/CEU 30 May 2023 -- The Council today decided to nearly double the amount of macro-financial assistance to Moldova which it had agreed to provide a year ago. In April 2022, it had adopted legislation which enables the EU to help Moldova financially with €150 million.
• Montenegro: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell before his meeting with President Jakov Milatović European External Action Service (EEAS) 30 May 2023
• Nigeria's new president Tinubu takes office People's Daily 30 May 2023 -- Nigeria's new leader Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sworn in Monday as the 16th president of the most populous African nation, after taking the oath of office at a ceremony in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.
• Spanish PM calls early general election after local elections defeat People's Daily 30 May 2023 -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday called a general election for the country on July 23.
• Maduro, Lula announce 'new era' in Brazil-Venezuela ties, slam US sanctions Press TV 30 May 2023 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has visited Brazil on a formal invitation to take part in a South American leaders' summit, marking a new thaw in bilateral ties despite persisting US efforts to isolate the country.
• Outlawed church group makes comeback in Vietnam Radio Free Asia 30 May 2023 -- A church outlawed in Vietnam has reappeared in the country's northern Thanh Hoa province after many years with no presence or activities in the area, Vietnamese police said Tuesday.
• Japarov Says Former Kyrgyz Leader Bakiev To Be Arrested If He Returns RFE/RL 30 May 2023 -- Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov says the government has no plans to invite former President Kurmanbek Bakiev to the country, but if he does try to come back he will be arrested given there is an outstanding criminal case against him.
• Nearly half of Haiti going hungry, new food security report warns UN News 30 May 2023 -- A total of 4.9 million people in Haiti - nearly half of the country's population - are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, according to a new UN-supported report.
• Zimbabwe Summons US Diplomat About Social Media Ads Urging Voter Registration VOA 30 May 2023 -- The Zimbabwe government said it summoned the acting U.S. ambassador to Zimbabwe over an ad urging citizens in the southern African nation to register to vote.