Vol.11 No 12 June 30, 2019 11 No 12 June 30, 2019.pdf · 1 Nuclear, Missile Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest & Space Digest Indian Pugwash Society No.1, Development Enclave, Rao Tula

Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest1 Nuclear, Missile&

Space Digest

Indian Pugwash Society

No.1, Development Enclave,Rao Tula Ram Marg, Near USI , Delhi-110010

Email: [email protected]

Tel. No (91-11) 2671-7983 Fax No. (91-11)2615-4192

Volume 11, Number 12 A Fortnightly Newsletter from the Indian Pugwash Society June 30, 2019

Editor

Dr. Rajiv Nayan

Executive Council

Prof Amitav Mallik

Prof Rajesh Rajagopalan

Shri M V Rappai

Prof Varun Sahni

A. INDIA� Shri Rajnath Singh Assumes Office of the Defence Minister� IAF AN-32 Aircraft Missing� Raksha Mantri Reviews Defence Cooperation Mechanism� Wreckage of Missing An-32 Aircraft Located� Dr. K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO briefs media in Bengaluru� DRDO launches Technology Demonstrator Vehicle� IAF to buy 100 more Balakot bombs, signs Rs 300 cr deal with Israel� India sees new deals with Moscow on nuclear energy, space & high tech as a

priority - ambassador� BHEL secures Kudankulam contract� India-Iran bilateral talks at sidelines of SCO summit to discuss way forward

on US oil sanctions� India set to launch second lunar mission; land rover on the moon� ISRO's top milestones in recent years� DRDO conducts maiden test of hypersonic technology demonstrator� Pompeo woos India with 'secure' 5G, arms sales & nuke project after recent

tensions� SCO?Summit 2019 Live Updates: PM Modi to meet Iran president Hassan

Rouhani� Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviews DRDO projects, was present at Balasore

launch on 12 June

B. CHINA� China's national supercomputing center launches AI testbed� China says U.S. actions on Taiwan, South China Sea threaten stability� China rebuts U.S. acting defense secretary's remarks on Taiwan, South

China Sea� China makes 3-point proposal on enhancing defense cooperation in Asia-

Pacific� China reiterates support for Iran's nuclear deal: Xinhua� Do you believe in UFOs? China hints at test of new missile� Carrier rocket's sea launch safer, cheaper: experts� China launches rocket from ship at sea for first time� China's Xi says Iran tensions worrying, calls for restraint� Xi expounds China's position on Syrian conflict, Venezuelan crisis, Iran's

nuclear issue� BeiDou satellite expo opens in East China� China showcases cluster of 'aircraft carrier killer' missiles� China completes first offshore rocket launch

Volume 11, Number 12 June 30, 20192

� PLA Army holds first competition for border and coastal ship-and-boat troops� China to complete BeiDou-3 satellite system by 2020� Most cyber attacks from the US: report� Xi, Putin meet in St. Petersburg� China's 'artificial sun' to challenge 200 million degrees Celsius� Air-defense missile system fires at targets in desert� China's lunar rover travels over 212 meters on moon's far side� New radar system immune to 'radar killer' missiles� Private space companies draw inspiration from successful rocket launch at sea� China rolls out rules for commercial space sector� Shanghai plans to build hydrogen fuel cells center� China strengthens technological cooperation with central Asian countries� Korean Peninsula issue still within the framework of political solution:

spokesperson� International projects set for space station� China's envoy calls for return to JCPOA track� US gift to China questions enforcement of N. Korea sanctions� Newly-launched 'Jilin-1' satellite sends back images� Heads of Chinese and Foreign Ground Force Academies exchange on military

education� Beijing ready to join Tehran for steadfast comprehensive strategic partnership� SCO Bishkek declaration calls for enhanced cooperation to promote peace,

development� 'One country, two systems' in Taiwan 'over my dead body:' Han Kuo-yu� Global AI chip market to grow tenfold in next five years: white paper� CCTV to dedicate channel to military affairs to promote national defense education

C. PAKISTAN� H.E Mr Mohamed Karmoune, Ambassador of Morocco called on General

Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chairman JCS Committee.� US urges Pakistan to improve ties with India� Musharraf pressured me to read statement on nuclear proliferation, claims

Dr Qadeer

D. USA� Trump Administration Says It Will Negotiate With Iran With 'No Preconditions'� US 2018 uranium purchase figures released� Supposedly executed former North Korean nuclear envoy is alive: CNN� U.S. shared nuclear power info with Saudi Arabia after Khashoggi killed� Trump prepared to talk to Iran but says always a chance of military action� US intel shows Saudi Arabia escalated its missile program with help from China� Trump 'prepared' to handle responsibility of launching nukes� Exclusive: U.S. pursues sale of over $2 billion in weapons to Taiwan, sources

say, angering China� U.S. sanctions target Iran petrochemicals, analysts see modest effect� US DOE changes waste interpretation� Got $50 million for a vacation? NASA to open space station to private citizens� New U.S. sanctions show offer of talks with Iran not genuine: Foreign Ministry� Trump criticizes NASA moon mission after promoting it earlier� U.S. And Russia Train Together in Arctic, Where They Both Want to Be Top Power� U.S. says Iran is in breach of nuclear deal but repeats offer of talks� Third U.S.-North Korea summit possible, up to Kim - Bolton� Factbox: The ups and downs since Trump first met North Korea's Kim

Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest3

� Rocket firm Relativity signs lease with NASA for new robotic 3D printing factory� U.S. sanctions Iraq-based company, says it backs Iran's IRGC� Trump says he is 'in no rush' to make a nuclear deal with North Korea� U.S. military intelligence steps up accusation against Russia over nuclear testing� Trump says neither Iran nor U.S. ready to make a deal� Trump says 'Iran did do it,' as U.S. seeks support on Gulf oil tanker attacks� Trump says ready to hold talks with Iran despite tanker attacks� U.S. allows Iraq to import Iranian energy for three more months� U.S. Escalates Online Attacks on Russia's Power Grid� Trump's consistent criticism of Iran pushes U.S. to point of potential conflict

E. EUROPE� French weapons sales to Saudi jumped 50 percent last year� German FM traveling to Iran to salvage nuclear accord� German minister lands in Iran in bid to save nuclear pact� Non-nuclear states discuss weapons proliferation in Sweden� European officials frustrated over faltering Iran nuke pact� Bulgaria ready to protect North Macedonia's airspace with F-16 jets� British opposition leader questions Iran accusations� EU warns against blaming Iran for oil tanker attack

F. RUSSIA� Russia & Argentina Expand Nuclear Energy Cooperation� Three Russian nuclear-powered subs surface through Arctic ice in drills� Russia's Mideast Nuclear Projects Help Build Trust With Allies - Energy Corp.� Russia Tests New Missile Defense System, Military Says� Putin's Media Struggle to Deal With HBO's Chernobyl� China and Russia sign general contract for two Xudabao units� Russia Keeps Asking U.S. To Agree to No Nuclear Weapons Use, But It's Not

Getting Any Answer� NPT signatories must return nuclear weapons to their land - Russian, Chinese

leaders� Russia and China reiterate Iran SUPPORT as Tehran works on nuclear weapons� Putin says Russia has most advanced weapons for its security, even if New

START is nixed� Russia's Putin warns nuclear arms control system risks breaking down� Putin: Moscow, Beijing agree on building several more Russia-designed nuclear

power units� Rosatom opens a branch in Saudi Arabia� Russia plans to deliver missiles to Turkey in July; U.S. takes dim view� Lavrov urges Russia, US to adopt joint declaration on avoiding nuclear war� US provokes Iran's radical steps on nuclear deal - Russian diplomat� Russia says US troop build-up in Poland 'undermines stability in Europe'� Russia's VVER-TOI reactor certified by European utilities� No unanimity among US intelligence community over claims of nuclear test in

Russia -expert

WEST ASIAG. IRAN

� Iranian envoy: S. Arabia, Israel, Egypt, and UAE have been developingmissiles with long ranges

� IAEA report proves Iran's support for multilateralism: envoy� Iran's Rouhani says U.S. 'should return to normal state' for talks': official website


� Iran's defense power absolutely non-negotiable, admiral says� Iran calls U.S. sanctions 'economic war', says no talks until they are lifted� Iran's Khamenei: Tehran will not abandon its missile programme� Iran rejects French call for wider talks beyond nuclear deal: state TV� Heinonen: Iran's nuclear scientists are 'the best of the best'� 'U.S., Israel won't allow the likes of Saudis to acquire atomic bomb'� Zarif lambasts 'conceited interpretation' of Resolution 2231� Iran's Zarif says nuclear deal talks with Germany were frank, serious� Iran has accelerated production of enriched uranium, IAEA says� IAEA chief worried about rising tension over Iran nuclear issue� Iran to unveil phase II of stable isotopes on June 22� Tehran says placed no order for Russian S400� Zarif: Anyone who starts war on Iran will not be the one who ends it� UN atomic watchdog chief worried about tensions over Iran's nuclear issue� UN watchdog confirms Iran's promised uranium enrichment hike� All nuclear deal parties must 'equally' honor their commitments: Iran� Rouhani: Sanctions and pressure are starting to lose their effectiveness� IAEA should see all aspect and be unbiased: Iranian diplomat� New Chinese envoy submits credentials to Zarif� Iran's Rouhani says security in the Gulf is highly important to Iran� Iran calls for regional cooperation to protect strategic waterways - Fars� Rouhani says Iran, China's resistance against U.S. unilateralism benefits world� U.S. bullying has brought Iran, China, Russia closer together: Rouhani aide� Iran months from hitting enriched uranium cap despite acceleration� Iran fast-boats preventing towing of damaged Altair tanker: source� Iran renews nuclear pact ultimatum amid tensions with U.S� Everyone is concerned about fate of nuclear deal, Putin says� INSTEX remains non-operational, Larijani says� Iran cannot stick to nuclear deal unilaterally: Rouhani� Iran urges U.S., allies to stop 'false flag operations' in region

H. ISRAEL� Netanyahu tells Japan's Abe to pressure Iran as he prepares for Tehran visit� Netanyahu: Zarif Is Lying; We Won't Allow Iran To Develop Nuclear

Weapons� Radioactive material leaked from Israel's nuclear reactor several times

I. SAUDI ARABIA� Saudi Arabia, UAE, Norway tell UN Security Council tanker attacker 'most

likely a state actor'� Nuclear power the best solution for Saudi Arabia� Saudi air defence intercepts two Houthi drones - SPA� Stop Iran from expanding nuclear program: Saudi Arabia� Riyadh meeting reviews enhancing Saudi-French nuclear cooperation� Royal Saudi and US air forces carry out exercise over Arabian Gulf� Crown Prince calls for decisive international position against Iran

J. QATAR� Qatar seeks thaw in US-Iran row� Qatar urges de-escalation in U.S.-Iran row

K. UAE� Understanding The Saudi, Uae Arms Deals And Iran� Frontline oil tanker struck by torpedo off UAE coast - Tradewinds


� State sponsor behind May tanker attacks, says UAE minister

L. TURKEY� US gives Turkey July 31 deadline to scrap Russian S-400 missile defence

system deal� Turkish F-35 pilots no longer flying at U.S. base - Pentagon� U.S. has not taken up offer to create S-400 working group, Turkey says� Frontline oil tanker struck by torpedo off UAE coast - Tradewinds� Erdogan spokesman Kalin says discussed F-35 letter with Bolton on phone� Turkey says would retaliate against U.S. sanctions over Russian S-400s

EAST ASIAM. JAPAN

� Pro-nuclear incumbent Shingo Mimura wins fifth term in Aomorigubernatorial election

� Japan plans carbon emission cuts, more nuclear energy� Abe pushing idea that Fukushima nuclear disaster is 'under control'� Japan premier hopes to ease US-Iran tensions in Tehran visit� Japan premier warns US, Iran 'accidental conflict' possible� Tighter rules for drones spark fears about the right to know� Abe to Khamenei: Trump does not want to escalate tensions� Sendai reactor to stop due to delay in anti-terror upgrade work� NRA safety license for Sendai reactors legal, Fukuoka court finds, dismissing

volcano risk lawsuit

N. SOUTH KOREA� President Moon pushes for summits with Xi, Abe Posted� US state department aims for one-time solution to denuclearize North Korea� Moon suggests trust-based denuclearization, peace� Moon back in Korea after Northern Europe trip

O. NORTH KOREA� North Korea's Kim visits factories linked to missile launches� North Korea's former top nuclear envoy seen with Kim Jong Un - KCNA� Exclusive: U.N. bid to curb North Korean missile tests, revive air traffic,

delayed amid U.S. concerns - sources� US urged to change its approach towards DPRK

P. CENTRAL, SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA� Kazakhstan's chairmanship of the nuclear suppliers group in 2019-2020

Q. MISC� We Can Tell You All of the Ways to Kill a Hypersonic Missile� Slovenské elektrárne signs Russian fuel supply deal� 5 Submarines That Could Kill Billions of People in Minutes� Research funding awarded for fast reactor support� IAEA focus on verification and development

R. OP-EDINDIA

� A blueprint for national security for Modi 2.0 govt� The New India Versus The Nuclear Revolution: The Future Of Crises Among

Nuclear Powers


� Imran needs a change in strategy and new pair of spectacles to read Modi'sIndiaPAKISTAN

� Pakistan & Sino-US cold war� Eyes on the prize

USA

� Could Trump Trash The Nuclear Test Ban Treaty?� Will Arms Control Foes Take Aim at Another Treaty?� In Face-Off With Iran, Escalation May Depend on Who Prevails Inside

Washington and TehranRUSSIA

� Russia vs. Israel: The War That Could Become a Nuclear DisasterWEST ASIA

� Iran's isolation on the international stage is growing� Iran rejects French call for wider talks beyond nuclear deal� Qatar admits having different 'assessment' to US on Iran threat� Germany must respond to its approach� Post-JCPOA talks and the Deal of Century: Two sides of the same coin� Nuclear Iran: Europe should get behind Trump� Is It Too Late To Stop Iran's Permanent Presence In Syria?� Stop Iran!� Hezbollah's Most Devastating Threat to Israel? Not Its Missiles� Washington Watch: Is Trump Helping The Saudis Go Nuclear?� Syrian WMD Proliferation Could Set the Middle East on Fire� Introducing Nuclear Weapons to the Middle East

EAST ASIA

� Abe needs to convince Trump to ease tensions with IranSOUTH KOREA

� From nukes toward democracyNORTH KOREA

� Third NK-US summit is possible despite lack of progress on denuclearization:analysts

� 'North Korea unlikely to change position on denuclearization'

S. THINK TANKS� Nuclear Newcomers: Getting Organized for Success� Important for Iran to Implement its JCPOA Commitments, IAEA Director

General Says� Wider Implementation of IAEA Code of Conduct to Enhance Safety and

Security: Review Meeting Concludes� Decision to keep nuclear weapons data classified hurts US national security� Senior Operators, Regulators and Managers Discuss Best Practices at Beijing

Meeting� Trump Arms Control Plans Draw Criticism� Despite Threat to Breach Limits, Iran Remains Below the Nuclear Deal's Caps

T. STATEMENTS� DIA Statement on Lt. Gen. Ashley's Remarks at Hudson Institute� U.S. military intelligence steps up accusation against Russia over nuclear testing

U. INTERVIEWS/REPORTS� The drama and the facts about Chernobyl� Full Text of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's Interview


A. India

Shri Rajnath Singh Assumes Officeof the Defence Minister

PIB Delhi, June 1, 2019

Shri Rajnath Singh took over theresponsibility as the Defence Minister, today.On his arrival at the Ministry of Defence inSouth Block, Shri Rajnath Singh wasreceived by the Minister of State for DefenceShri Shripad Yesso Naik, three Services’Chiefs, Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra,Chairman DRDO Dr G. Satheesh Reddy,Secretary (Defence Production) Dr. AjayKumar and Mrs S Kutty, Secretary ESW.Shri Rajnath Singh was Minister of HomeAffairs since May 27, 2014.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh was givena brief presentation on the functioning of theMoD and all the four Departments of theMoD namely Department of Defence,Department of Defence Production,Department of Ex-serviceman Welfare andDepartment of Research and DevelopmentOrganization.

http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1573089

IAF AN-32 Aircraft Missing


An AN-32 got airborne today from Jorhatat 1227 hrs for Mechuka Advanced LandingGround. The aircraft last contacted groundagencies at 1300 hrs (approx). Thereafter,there was no contact with the aircraft. Sincethe aircraft did not reach the destination,overdue actions were initiated by Indian AirForce. A total of eight aircrew and fivepassengers were onboard the aircraft. C-130, AN-32 aircraft, two Mi-17 of IAF andIndian Army ALH helicopters werelaunched to locate the missing aircraft. Someground reports were received on possiblelocation of a crash site. Helicopters wererouted to the location, however, nowreckage has been sighted so far. IAF iscoordinating with Indian Army as well asvarious government and civil agencies tolocate the missing aircraft. The searchoperations from air and by ground parties

of Indian Army are planned to continuethrough the night.


Raksha Mantri Reviews DefenceCooperation Mechanism


Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singhreviewed activities of the Ministry ofDefence. The RM was briefed regardingDefence Cooperation activities withFriendly Foreign Countries (FFCs). He wasalso briefed about planning activities of theArmed Forces including Tri-Servicesagencies viz. HQ IDS and Defence CyberAgency, Defence Space Agency andArmed Forces Special Forces Divisionwhich were approved by the CCS in 2019.He was also briefed about the DefencePlanning Committee setup in 2018.

Raksha Mantri reviewed the policy matterspertaining to defence diplomacy includingbilateral/multilateral exercises, capacitybuilding, training, material assistance toFFCs, etc. Raksha Rajya Mantri ShriShripad Yesso Naik, Defence SecretaryShri Sanjay Mitra and other senior officialsof MoD were also present on the occasion.


Wreckage of Missing An-32Aircraft Located


An An-32 of the Indian Air Force wentmissing on 03 Jun 2019 after getting airbornefrom Air Force Station, Jorhat Assam. Thewreckage of the aircraft was spotted today16 Kms North of Lipo, North East of Tatoat an approximate elevation of 12000 ftby the IAF Mi-17 Helicopter undertakingsearch in the expanded search zone.

Efforts are now continuing to establish thestatus of occupants and establish survivors.Further details will be communicated asthe recovery actions progress.



Dr. K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO briefsmedia in Bengaluru


A Press Meet was organized today, at ISROHeadquarters, Bengaluru on the occasion ofthe forthcoming launch of India’sChandrayaan-2 mission to Moon. Dr KSivan, Chairman, ISRO addressed andinteracted with regional, national andinternational media persons during the meet.

Dr Sivan outlined ISRO’s vision on spacescience and interplanetary missions.

Understanding the secrets of the inner solarsystem is an aspiration of both national andinternational scientific community.Specifically talking about Chandrayaan-2,he announced “The launch ofChandrayaan-2 onboard GSLV MkIII-M1 isplanned on July 15, 2019 at 02.51 Hrs fromSriharikota”. Further, he said the softlanding of the Vikram lander ofChandrayaan-2 on the Moon’s surface islikely to be on September 06, 2019. Thebriefing included the scientific objectives,challenges and benefits of the mission.


DRDO launches TechnologyDemonstrator Vehicle


Defence Research and DevelopmentOrganisation (DRDO) Today launched aTechnology Demonstrator Vehicle to provea number of critical technologies forfuturistic missions from Dr Abdul KalamIsland off the coast of Odisha.

The missile was successfully launched at1127 Hours. Various radars, telemetrystations and electro optical tracking sensorstracked the vehicle through its course. Thedata has been collected and will be analysedto validate the critical technologies.


IAF to buy 100 more Balakotbombs, signs Rs 300 cr deal withIsrael

Manjeet Singh Negi, India Today, June 6,2019

The Indian Air Force on Thursday signeda deal worth around Rs 300 crore forbuying more than 100 SPICE bombs fromIsrael.

SPICE bomb has a standoff range of 60kilometres and approaches the target asits unique scene-matching algorithmcompares the electro-optical imagereceived in real-time via the weapon seekerwith mission reference data stored in theweapon computer memory and adjuststhe flight path accordingly. SPICE 2000consists of an add-on kit for warheads suchas the MK-84, BLU-109, APW and RAP-2000.

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/iaf-to-buy-100-more-balakot-bombs-signs-rs-300-cr-deal-with-israel-1544063-2019-06-06

India sees new deals with Moscowon nuclear energy, space & hightech as a priority – ambassador

Anushree Fadnavis, Russian Times, June 7,2019

India is set to diversify economic ties withRussia as new deals on the digitaleconomy, nuclear energy, and space areexpected to be sealed in September duringPrime Minister Modi’s visit, India’sambassador to Russia told RT.

The diplomat made the remarks during amajor Russian economic forum, currentlybeing held in Saint Petersburg. In aninterview with RT, Bala Venkatesh Varma,who was appointed India’s ambassadorto Russia in August 2018, hailed ”time-tested historically friendly relations” betweenthe countries but insisted that bothnations ”can do more.”

https://www.rt.com/news/461308-india-russia-deals-ambassador/


BHEL secures Kudankulam contract

World Nuclear News, June 11, 2019

Indian company Bharat Heavy ElectricalsLtd (BHEL) has secured an INR440 crore(USD64 million) order from Nuclear PowerCorporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) to erectthe turbine generator islands forKudankulam units 3 and 4.

The Russian-designed AES-92 VVERreactors are being built with Russiantechnical assistance as the first stage of phase2 at the site in Tamil Nadu, which is alreadyhome to two operating AES-92 units. BHELperformed a similar role at Kudankulam 1and 2, which the company says“showcased” its capability in installingequipment designed and supplied by othermanufacturers. The turbines for the first twoKudankulam units were made by Silmashin St Petersburg.

http://world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/BHEL-secures-Kudankulam-contract

India-Iran bilateral talks atsidelines of SCO summit to discussway forward on US oil sanctions

Geeta Mohan, India Today, June 12, 2019

India and Iran will hold a bilateral meetingon the sidelines of the SCO summit inBishkek to be held on June 13-14.

This would be the first meeting between theleadership of the two countries after PrimeMinister Modi resumed office. Earlier, duringthe thick of elections, then External AffairsMinister Sushma Swaraj had said that anydecision on Iran and its oil import to Indiawould be taken after the elections.

With tough US sanctions and no elbow roomfor a compromise on the ‘zero oil from Iran’policy of Washington, India did not placean order for oil since June. This is an issuethat has severely concerned Tehran.

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/exclusive-india-iran-bilateral-talks-at-sidelines-of-sco-summit-to-discuss-way-forward-on-us-oil-sanctions-1547710-2019-06-12

India set to launch second lunarmission; land rover on the moon

Chris Thomas, Nivedita Bhattacharjee,Reuters, June 13, 2019

India said on Wednesday it will launch itssecond lunar mission in mid-July, as itmoves to consolidate its status as a leaderin space technology by achieving acontrolled landing on the moon.

The mission, if successful, would makeIndia only the fourth country behind theUnited States, Russia and China toperform a “soft” landing on the moon andput a rover on it. China successfully landeda lunar rover in January.

The mission is scheduled to launch on July15 aboard ISRO’s GeosynchronousSatellite Launch Vehicle Mark III. It willcost about 10 billion rupees ($144 million),ISRO said. After a journey of more than50 days, ISRO’s lander will attempt a“soft”, controlled landing on the lunarsurface on around Sept. 6.

“The last 15 minutes to the landing aregoing to be the most terrifying momentsfor us,” ISRO Chairman K. Sivan toldmedia on Wednesday. The agency saidvariations in lunar gravity, terrain and dustcould all cause problems.

https://in.reuters.com/article/space-exploration-india-moon/india-set-to-launch-second-lunar-mission-land-rover-on-the-moon-idINKCN1TE08O

ISRO’s top milestones in recentyears

Deccan Herald, June 12, 2019

The Indian Space Research Organisationannounced that Chandrayaan-2, its mostcomplex mission ever, will be launched onJuly 15, according to Chairman KSivan. The landing on the moon near theSouth Pole, an uncharted territory so far,would be on September 6 or 7, Sivan toldreporters. ISRO has launched 104spacecraft missions, including 3 nano-Satellites, 1 micro Satellite. They also have


completed 74 launch missions Including Scramjet-TD & RLV-TD.

https://www.deccanherald.com/national/isros-top-milestones-in-recent-years-739800.html

DRDO conducts maiden test ofhypersonic technology demonstrator

The Hindu, June 12, 2019

The Defence Research and DevelopmentOrganisation (DRDO) on Wednesdayconducted the maiden test of anindigenously developed HypersonicTechnology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV)along with several technologies onWednesday morning.

“The DRDO launched a technologydemonstrator vehicle to prove a number ofcritical technologies for futuristic missionsfrom Dr Abdul Kalam Island off the coastof Odisha,” the Ministry of Defence (MoD)said without identifying what thetechnology demonstrator was or if it met theobjectives. Defence Minister Rajnath Singhwitnessed the launch.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-conducts-maiden-test-of-hypersonic-technology-demonstrator/article27890922.ece

Pompeo woos India with ‘secure’5G, arms sales & nuke project afterrecent tensions

Nicholas Kamm, Russian Times, June 13,2019

As the US warns India against buyingRussian anti-air systems, Secretary of StateMike Pompeo is gearing up for a trip to NewDelhi, where he will try to sell American 5Gtech, LNG gas, and arms to Narendra Modi’sgovernment.

Adamant that India and the US share acommon vision ”throughout the Indo-Pacific,” Washington wants New Delhi toprove its commitment to US interests bypurchasing an entire lineup of US productsand services, Mike Pompeo hinted onWednesday ahead of his trip to the countryon June 25.

Pompeo also wants India to end its relianceon Venezuelan and Iranian crude bypurchasing Liquefied Natural Gas andconstructing six US-made nuclear powerplants.

https://www.rt.com/news/461750-pompeo-india-trip-offers/

SCO Summit 2019 Live Updates:PM Modi to meet Iran presidentHassan Rouhani

Hindustan Times, June 14, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set tomeet president of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev today and hold bilateralmeeting with Iranian President HassanRouhani. PM Modi yesterday met Chinesepresident Xi Jinping and said that Pakistanis yet to take “concrete action” on India’sconcerns and create an atmosphere freeof terrorism, which is necessary tofacilitate any possible engagementbetween the two sides.

PM Modi is scheduled to meet presidentAlexander Lukashenko of Belarus andpresident Khaltmaagiin Battulga ofMongolia today.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pm-modi-at-sco-summit-2019-live-updates/story-tMyi4mIvznTtq6bxX0nseL.html

Defence Minister Rajnath Singhreviews DRDO projects, waspresent at Balasore launch on 12June

Firstpost, June 14, 2019

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Fridayreviewed the ongoing and future projectsof the Defence Research and DevelopmentOrganisation (DRDO).

The defence minister had, on 12 June,witnessed the launch of TechnologyDemonstrator missile vehicle in Balasoreconducted by premier defence researchagency. Besides Rajnath, Secretary(Defence Production) Ajay Kumar wasalso present at the test firing range.


“The missile was launched successfully.Various sensors have been placed on themissile, through which a large number ofdata has been gathered for various missilesubsystems. That data will be analyzed tovalidate the critical technologies for thepurpose the said vehicle was launched,”DRDO sources said.

https://www.firstpost.com/india/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-reviews-drdo-projects-was-present-at-balasore-launch-on-12-june-6813761.html

B. China

China’s national supercomputingcenter launches AI testbed

Xinhua, June 1, 2019

China’s National Supercomputing Center inthe south China city of Shenzhen on Fridaylaunched a testbed for artificial intelligence(AI) experiments. The AI testbed, named Tai,provides the basic environment of AI chipsand systems for the research, developmentand application tests of AI inventions.

Tai is capable of dealing with large-scale andcomplex scenarios. Scientists have built anEB-level intelligent data management andanalysis system for high-energy physics, aswell as simulation of AI scenarios in realbusiness situations and an AI-poweredweather forecast platform.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-06/01/c_138108243.htm

China says U.S. actions on Taiwan,South China Sea threaten stability

Reuters, June 1, 2019

The United States’ actions on Taiwan andthe South China Sea are hardly conduciveto maintaining stability in the region, asenior Chinese military official said onSaturday, responding to comments by actingU.S. Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan.

“He (Shanahan) has been expressinginaccurate views and repeating old tunesabout the issues of Taiwan and the SouthChina Sea,” Shao Yuanming, a senior officialof the People’s Liberation Army, toldreporters after Shanahan’s speech. “This is

harming regional peace and stability.”

China translates the Chinese word “tongyi” as “reunification”, but it can also betranslated as “unification”, a term inEnglish preferred by Taiwanindependence supporters who say theCommunist government has never ruledthe island, so it cannot be “reunified”.

https://in.reuters.com/article/asia-security-china/china-says-u-s-actions-on-taiwan-south-china-sea-threaten-stability-idINKCN1T230M

China rebuts U.S. acting defensesecretary’s remarks on Taiwan,South China Sea

Xinhua, June 1,2019

China firmly objected to the U.S. side’sremarks on Taiwan and the South ChinaSea while welcoming the U.S. statementof continuing to develop and stabilize thebilateral military relationship, a seniorChinese military official said hereSaturday. Taiwan has been an inseparablepart of China since ancient times.

He reiterated that China must and willcertainly realize unification. If someonedesires to separate Taiwan from China, theChinese military will steadfastly safeguardthe unity of the motherland at all costs.Commenting on Shanahan’s remarks ofaccusing China of sabotaging freedom ofnavigation and pushing forward themilitarization of islands and reefs in theSouth China Sea, Shao said that China hasindisputable sovereignty over the islandsand reefs and their neighboring waters inthe South China Sea, based on sufficienthistorical and legal facts.


China makes 3-point proposal onenhancing defense cooperation inAsia-Pacific


China on Saturday made a three-pointproposal on enhancing defensecooperation in the Asia-Pacific region atthe Shangri-La Dialogue being held here.


Addressing a special session on “New Modelof defense cooperation” during the dialogue,Major General Ci Guowei, chief of the Officefor International Military Cooperation ofChina’s Ministry of National Defense, saidChina is fully aware that its peacefuldevelopment is closely linked with the futureof the Asia-Pacific. “We advocate activebilateral and multilateral security dialogueand cooperation, and strive to facilitateregional cooperation in both economy andsecurity,” Ci said. “China adopts a holisticapproach to security governance thataddresses both symptoms and root causes.China’s proposals on the Asia-Pacificsecurity architecture are meant to completeand improve the existing mechanisms ratherthan overturn them and start all over again,”he said. To this end, China proposes threepoints in enhancing defense cooperation inthe region, he said.


China reiterates support for Iran’snuclear deal: Xinhua


China has reiterated its support for Iran’s2015 nuclear deal with world powers andsaid that implementing it is the only way toresolve the Iran nuclear issue, official Xinhuanews agency said on Monday, citing aChinese foreign ministry spokesperson.

In May 2018 President Donald Trumppulled the United States out of the accordbetween Iran and six powers includingBritain, France, Germany, Russia and China,then reimposed tough U.S. sanctions on Iran,saying the deal was flawed.

Under the agreement, reached before Trumptook office, Iran reined in its uraniumenrichment programme in exchange for alifting of most international sanctionsimposed on the Islamic Republic.

https://in.reuters.com/article/iran-nuclear-china/china-reiterates-support-for-irans-nuclear-deal-xinhua-idINKCN1T42D5

Do you believe in UFOs? Chinahints at test of new missile


With a cryptic message about UFOs and apicture of a missile launcher, China’smilitary has hinted that it has carried outa test of a new missile, after images of anobject streaking towards the sky circulatedon Chinese social media.

The People’s Liberation Army typicallydoes not announce new missile tests, butoccasionally drops hints about what it isup to, amid a massive modernisation pushchampioned by President Xi Jinping toramp up combat capabilities.

On Sunday, footage circulated on China’sWeibo microblogging service of an objecttravelling up into the sky, leaving a whitetrail behind it, over the Bohai Sea, partlyclosed at the time for military drills. Thatcaused some Chinese internet users towonder if it was a UFO, though mostthought it was probably the test of a newunderwater launched ballistic missile. “Doyou believe in this world there are UFOs?”it wrote in the caption, without offeringfurther explanation.

https://in.reuters.com/article/china-defence-missiles/do-you-believe-in-ufos-china-hints-at-test-of-new-missile-idINKCN1T50Q3

Carrier rocket’s sea launch safer,cheaper: experts

Xu Keyue, Global Times, June 5, 2019

Despite a complicated marineenvironment, China successfully launcheda Long March-11 carrier rocket at sea forthe first time on Wednesday, whichexperts hailed as a safer and moreeconomical way of rocket launch.

The rocket blasted off from a platform ona large semi-submersible barge in theYellow Sea, media reported, noting that italso successfully sent two technologyexperiment satellites and five commercialsatellites into a preset orbit. This launchmarks the first time for China to combineaerospace and marine technology,


achieving a breakthrough in the safety,stability and reliability of launching at sea.The rocket was named “CZ-11 WEY” by theChina Academy of Launch VehicleTechnology, China Space Foundation anda Chinese automobile producer, the XinhuaNews Agency reported.

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1153209.shtml

China launches rocket from ship atsea for first time


China successfully launched a rocket froma ship at sea for the first time on Wednesday,state media reported, the latest step forwardin its ambitious space program. The LongMarch 11 rocket blasted off from a platformon a large semi-submersible barge in theYellow Sea just after midday (0400 GMT),state media said. The small rocket, designedto be deployed quickly and from mobilelaunch sites such as a ship, carried sevensatellites, including one that measures sea-surface winds to forecast typhoons. Chinahas made its space program a top priorityin recent years as it races to catch up withthe United States and become a major spacepower by 2030. Beijing plans to beginconstruction of its own manned spacestation next year.

https://in.reuters.com/article/us-china-space/china-launches-rocket-from-ship-at-sea-for-first-time-idINKCN1T60GW

China’s Xi says Iran tensionsworrying, calls for restraint


A rise in tensions in the Middle East owingto U.S. pressure on Iran is worrying and allparties need to exercise restraint, ChinesePresident Xi Jinping told Russian mediaahead of a visit to the country.

Tensions between Iran and the United Stateshave escalated in the past month, a yearafter the United States pulled out of a dealbetween Iran and global powers to curbTehran’s nuclear programme in return forlifting sanctions.

Xi told TASS news agency andRossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper thatbecause of the “extreme pressure”Washington has put on Tehran and theunilateral sanctions, tensions havecontinued to rise in the Middle East.

https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-iran-china/chinas-xi-says-iran-tensions-worrying-calls-for-restraint-idINKCN1T603P

Xi expounds China’s position onSyrian conflict, Venezuelan crisis,Iran’s nuclear issue


Chinese President Xi Jinping expoundedChina’s position on the Syrian conflict, theVenezuelan crisis and Iran’s nuclear issueduring a joint interview with Russianmedia. Syria is a country home to one ofthe most ancient civilizations with a longhistory, and it is also an important countryin the Middle East. In recent years, thesituation in Syria continued to beturbulent, with its infrastructure seriouslydamaged and people suffering deeply,which was very saddening, he said. As theprocess of finding a political solution to theconflict is forging ahead and the Syriangovernment and people are starting torebuild their homeland, China standsready to participate in Syria’sreconstruction within its own ability anddo the best to help the Syrian peopleresume their normal life and productionsoon, the Chinese president said.

On the Venezuelan crisis, Xi said Chinaholds that relevant issues should be solvedby the ruling party and the oppositionthrough inclusive political dialogue andconsultation within the framework ofVenezuela’s constitution. China opposesforeign intervention and unilateralsanctions and is against using force orthreats of force, he said. China is willingto make joint efforts with the internationalcommunity to play a positive andconstructive role in the Venezuelan crisis,make more endeavors to promotereconciliation and dialogue, jointly defendinternational equity and justice, safeguardthe tenor and principles of the UN Charter,


and help Venezuela return to the normaltrack of development soon, he said.

While talking about Iran’s nuclear issue, Xisaid the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action(JCPOA) is a fruit of multilateralism whichis critical to the international nuclearnonproliferation system as well as peace andstability in the Middle East, and should berespected and implemented fully andeffectively. He said China holds a highlyconsistent view and position with Russia onthe Iranian nuclear issue, expecting relevantparties to keep rational and restraint,increase dialogue and consultation and cooldown the tensions for the moment.


BeiDou satellite expo opens in EastChina


A satellite exposition opened Tuesday inNanjing, capital city of East China’s Jiangsuprovince, displaying the latest navigationtechnologies and products of BeiDousatellites. The three-day exposition, thesecond China (Nanjing) BeiDou SatelliteNavigation Application Expo, will attract200 exhibitors and 5,000 visitors, accordingto its organizer.


China showcases cluster of ‘aircraftcarrier killer’ missiles

Global Times, June 5, 2019

In a rare move, the People’s Liberation Army(PLA) Rocket Force displayed 10 DF-21Danti-ship ballistic missiles in a recent video,as China reaffirmed the weapon’s capabilityof attacking medium- to large-sized vessels.The 10 DF-21D missiles can be seen erectedinto launch positions in a promotional videoof the PLA Rocket Force, Weihutang, acolumn on the military affiliated with ChinaCentral Television. This type of weapon canserve as a trump card in naval asymmetricalcombat, as it is capable of attackingmedium- to large-sized vessels from land,the report said.

It is rare to see so many DF-21Ds gatheredtogether, and 10 could be enough to doserious damage to a hostile aircraft carrier,military observers said. Together with theDF-21D, China’s DF-26 ballistic missilecan reach targets even further at sea,according to reports. Analysts said thatboth events are demonstrations of China’sstrategic deterrence capability anddetermination to safeguard territorialintegrity amid recent US militaryprovocations in the Taiwan Straits and theSouth China Sea.


China completes first offshorerocket launch


A Long March-11 solid propellant carrierrocket is launched from a mobile launchplatform in the Yellow Sea off east China’sShangdong Province, June 5, 2019. Chinasuccessfully launched a rocket from amobile launch platform in the Yellow Seaoff Shandong Province on Wednesday,sending two technology experimentsatellites and five commercial satellites intospace. A Long March-11 solid propellantcarrier rocket blasted off at 12:06 p.m.from the mobile platform. It is China’s firstspace launch from a sea-based platformand the 306th mission of the Long Marchcarrier rocket series.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-06/05/c_138118602_2.htm

PLA Army holds first competitionfor border and coastal ship-and-boat troops

Liu Xiaohong, Zhang Wei, China Military

Online, June 5, 2019

The Army’s “Crossing Rivers and Seas2019” Competition organized by theChinese PLA Military TransportationAcademy kicked off on June 4 inZhenjiang, east China’s Jiangsu Province.More than 100 competitors from theborder and coastal defense troops of thePLA Ground Force attended the


competition including more than 20 itemswithin4 subjects.

http://english.chinamil.com.cn/view/2019-06/05/content_9523964.htm

China to complete BeiDou-3satellite system by 2020


China’s BeiDou-3 system, a globalgeolocation network, is expected to becompleted in 2020, with a total of 35satellites, researchers at a conference on theBeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS)said. China has deployed three systems,BDS-1, BDS-2 and BDS-3, to provideaccurate positioning and navigation servicesto the world, said Jin Shuanggen, aresearcher at Shanghai AstronomicalObservatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences,at the second China (Nanjing) BeiDouSatellite Navigation Application Expo andBeidou Summit Forum.

The BDS system, independently constructedand operated by China, currently has 38 in-orbit satellites including 18 BDS-2 and 20BDS-3. As a space infrastructure of nationalsignificance, the BDS provides all-time, all-weather and high-accuracy positioning,navigation and timing services to global users,according to a white paper on the system.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201906/06/WS5cf8a75ea31017657722fe05.html

Most cyber attacks from the US:report

Sun Haoran and Zhao Yusha, Global Times,June 6, 2019

A Chinese report warned on Monday thatmost cyber attacks against Chinese networksin 2018 came from the US, which Chineseexperts predicted that the latter is preparingto wage a large-scale “cyber war” but Chinais prepared to launch a strong counterattack.The information came from an annual reportreleased by China’s National ComputerNetwork Emergency Response TechnicalTeam (CNCERT) on Monday. The CNCERTsaid that in 2018, 14,000 servers in the USinfected by a Trojan virus or botnet

controlled 3.34 million host computers inChina; and the number of serversincreased 90.8 percent year-on-year, theXinhua News Agency reported.

The Cyberspace Administration of China(CAC) drafted a new regulation in May,which states that if acquisitions ofproducts and services disrupt keyinformation infrastructure, or lead tomajor losses of personal information andimportant data, or pose other security risks,they must be reported to the CAC’scybersecurity review office. China haslikewise issued cryptosecurity policies,such as banning the use of US-madeterminal equipment on certain occasionsand places, the expert noted.


Xi, Putin meet in St. Petersburg

Xinhuanet, June 7, 2019

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with hisRussian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, onThursday here in the latter’s hometown.Putin invited Xi to a cruise tour on the NevaRiver. Welcoming Xi to his hometownagain, Putin introduced to the guest localcustoms as well as the buildings on bothsides of the river. The two presidents talkedabout the history and current situation ofthe ancient city along the sightseeing tour,pledging to promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the Chineseand Russian people so as to enhancemutual understanding and friendship.


China’s ‘artificial sun’ tochallenge 200 million degreesCelsius


The coil system in China’s largest Tokamak,also known as the fusion device, is readyfor service, China National NuclearCorporation (CNNC) announced onWednesday. As one of the majorcomponents, the settled coil system has


paved the way for the wrap-up constructionof the next-generation “artificial sun,”known as HL-2M. The new apparatus canreach an electron temperature of over 200million degrees Celsius and an iontemperature of 150 million Celsius in its coreplasma, according to its developerSouthwestern Institute of Physics (affiliatedto CNNC).

The device is expected to be finished by theend of the year, Duan Xuru, an official atthe China National Nuclear Corporation,announced during this year’s Two Sessions.Like most stars, the sun is made up mostlyof hydrogen and helium atoms in a plasmastate. It generates power from a processcalled nuclear fusion, which is also theearliest fusion reaction scientists have everdiscovered. “Artificial sun” is simply acontrollable fusion reactor apparatusdesigned to generate energy by mimickingthe nuclear fusion process of our real sun.The project aims to use magnetic force tocombine atoms, which in turn release thetremendous energy in a safe, controllablemanner.


Air-defense missile system fires attargets in desert

China Military Online, June 7, 2019

Artillerymen assigned to an air-defensebrigade under the PLA 72nd Group Armyrush to their positions after erecting HQ-16medium-range air defense missiles during alive-fire operation at a depopulated area innorthwest China’s Gobi desert

http://english.chinamil.com.cn/view/2019-06/12/

content_9528767_3.htm

China’s lunar rover travels over212 meters on moon’s far side


China’s lunar rover Yutu-2 has driven212.99 meters on the far side of the moonto conduct scientific exploration on thevirgin territory. Both the lander and therover of the Chang’e-4 probe switched toits dormant mode for the lunar night lateon Sunday (Beijing time), according to theLunar Exploration and Space ProgramCenter of the China National SpaceAdministration.

A lunar day equals 14 days on Earth, alunar night the same length. The Chang’e-4 probe switches to dormant mode duringthe lunar night due to lack of solar power.During the sixth lunar day of the probeon the moon, the scientific instruments onthe lander and rover worked well, andabout 1,654 MB of scientific detection datawere sent to the core research team foranalysis. As a result of the tidal lockingeffect, the moon’s revolution cycle is thesame as its rotation cycle, and the sameside always faces Earth. The far side of themoon has unique features, and scientistsexpect Chang’e-4 could bringbreakthrough findings.


New radar system immune to‘radar killer’ missiles

Liu Xuanzun, Global Times, June 10, 2019

China’s maritime early warning radarsystem is immune to “radar killer” missilesand is capable of detecting stealth aircraft,according to its developer in a recentinterview with media. The maritime radarsystem, developed by a team led byChinese academician Liu Yongtan, candetect naval and aerial hostiles hundredsof kilometers away under any weathercondition. It features high frequencyelectromagnetic waves that have longwavelengths and wide beams, Liu said inan interview with the Naval andMerchant Ships magazine published thismonth. While electromagnetic waves


emitted by a normal radar travel in straightlines and, since the Earth is round, cannothelp see what is beyond the horizon, the highfrequency ones used by Liu’s radar travelalong the sea surface, and he said this makesit possible to detect and monitor vessels andaircraft beyond visual range.


Private space companies drawinspiration from successful rocketlaunch at sea

China Daily, June 11, 2019

China’s “CZ-11 WEY” rocket wassuccessfully launched at sea for the first timeon Wednesday, giving a much needed boostto the country’s space industry. Althoughthe rocket was designed and built by theChina Academy of Launch VehicleTechnology - part of a state-owned spaceconglomerate - the country’s private rocketcompanies enthusiastically cheered itssuccessful launch.

After two failed attempts to send satellitesinto targeted orbits, the Chinese privatespace sector is waiting for a successfulcarrier rocket launch. This has resulted in agreat deal of attention being paid to iSpace,also known as Beijing Interstellar GlorySpace Technology, a pioneer in the domesticprivate rocket sector, which is expected tolaunch its first carrier rocket in mid or lateJune. “We really hope iSpace can succeedthis time to help bolster confidence in theentire sector,” Shu Chang, CEO of anotherprivate rocket maker, OneSpaceTechnology, told the Global Times in anexclusive interview in late April, after thecompany failed in its attempt to send asatellite into orbit.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/chongqing/liangjiang/2019-06/11/content_37479304.htm

China rolls out rules for commercialspace sector

Zhang Hongpei, Global Times, June 11, 2019

China rolled out rules for the first time toregulate commercial rocket manufacturing,test flights and launches, a move to boost

the commercial space sector’s sounddevelopment, industry representativestold the Global Times on Tuesday. It alsoencourages private rocket companies totake full advantage of national resourcesin terms of rich technology research,production equipment and facilities, andlaunch sites. “The specifics give a cleardirection for China’s commercial spaceindustry, clarifying the qualifications,operational boundaries and nationalguarantees, which will be conducive to thesector’s healthy and orderly development,”Shu Chang, CEO of Beijing-basedcommercial rocket pioneer OneSpaceTechnology, told the Global Times onTuesday. “Meanwhile, we hope regulatorscan strengthen guidance over us and jointlybuild a more open, flexible and efficientcooperation mechanism for the sector’ssustainable development,” said Shu.


Shanghai plans to build hydrogenfuel cells center


Shanghai plans to build a world-class“hydrogen energy harbor” in its Jiadingdistrict, the center of its automobileindustry, to cultivate a sound industrialchain for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles(HFCV), the Xinhua News Agencyreported Tuesday. The hydrogen energyharbor will form an industrial cluster witha planned area of 2.15 square kilometers.The district has set a target that its wholeHFCV industrial chain will exceed 50billion yuan ($7.23 billion) in annualproduction by 2025, according to Xinhua.


China strengthens technologicalcooperation with central Asiancountries


China’s technological cooperation withcentral Asian countries includingKyrgyzstan and Tajikistan has yieldedfruitful results, according to the Chinese


Academy of Sciences (CAS). CAS ResearchCenter for Ecology and Environment ofCentral Asia has cooperated with localgovernments in Kyrgyzstan to conductdemonstration projects in improvingdrinking water safety. They introduced newwater purification equipment to tackleexcessive heavy metals and microorganismsin drinking water, benefiting local residents.

Researchers from both China and Tajikistanhave jointly conducted remote sensingmonitoring of lakes. They also stepped upcooperation in glacier survey, hydrology andwater resources utilization, biodiversity andecosystem change, disaster warning and theapplication of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV).


Korean Peninsula issue still withinthe framework of political solution:spokesperson


China called on related countries tocontinue making efforts to realizedenuclearization and sustained peace on theKorean Peninsula through negotiations, aForeign Ministry spokesperson. In response,spokesperson Geng Shuang said the meetingbetween the leaders of DPRK and theUnited States in Singapore made importantprogress in the political settlement of theKorean Peninsula issue.It is China’s hopethat all parties concerned will keep contacts,meet each other half way, and address thelegitimate concerns of all parties, toultimately realize denuclearization andlasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, Gengsaid. China will continue to work with theinternational community and play aconstructive in the process, he added.


International projects set for spacestation

Zhang Yangfei And Chen Weihua, ChinaDaily, June 12, 2019

The China Space Station is set to welcome

aboard nine international scientificprojects from 17 countries covering a widerange of research areas, including spacelife sciences and biotechnology,microgravity physics and astronomy, theChina Manned Space Agency and theUnited Nations Office for Outer SpaceAffairs announced on Wednesday inVienna. It is the first time that a Chinaspace mission has invited all members ofthe United Nations to conductexperiments, and is a milestone in theadvancement of China’s manned spaceprogram from independent developmentto global cooperation, said Lin Xiqiang, theagency’s deputy director.

The space station will provide externalplatforms for experimental payloads and16 experiment racks inside the cabin thatcan support 11 disciplines, such as spacemedicine, life science, microgravity physicsand material science. The selectedapplicants also are welcome to bring theirown experimental facilities or payloadseither inside or outside the station, andChina will help transport and assemble thefacilities in orbit, Lyu said.

http://europe.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201906/12/WS5d0106d9a310176577230d2c.html

China’s envoy calls for return toJCPOA track


H. E. Mr. Wang Qun, PermanentRepresentative and AmbassadorPlenipotentiary and Extraordinary of thePermanent Mission of the People’sRepublic of China(PRC) to the UnitedNations(UN) and other InternationalOrganizations in Vienna, called on partiesrelated to return to the track of fullimplementation of the JointComprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)Amb. Wang said that the Iran nuclear dealis a multilateral agreement approved bythe UN Security Council and should beimplemented steadily andcomprehensively. Regrettably, due to theUS extreme pressure and unilateralsanctions, the implementation of theagreement is facing severe challenges, andtensions continue in the Middle East.


The IAEA’s latest quarterly report confirmedfor the 15th time that Iran has fulfilled itsnuclear obligations stipulated in theagreement. The Chinese side highlyappreciates the efforts of the IAEA and Iran.Amb. Wang pointed out that under thecurrent situation, China expects Iran tocontinue to fully fulfill its nuclearobligations, and also expects the IAEA tocontinue to conduct supervision andverification in an objective, fair andprofessional manner.


US gift to China questionsenforcement of N. Korea sanctions

Lolita C. Baldor, AP News, June 12, 2019

The meeting between acting DefenseSecretary Patrick Shanahan and his Chinesecounterpart began with all the hallmarks of aroutine staged and scripted session betweentwo uneasy rivals. Shanahan presentedChinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe with agift. But what at first glance looked like acoffee table book was actually 32 pages ofphotographs and satellite images of NorthKorean ships getting and delivering shipmentsof oil. Many of the photos are stamped withdates, times, locations and descriptions, and,according to officials, represent proof thatPyongyang is violating punishing economicsanctions right off China’s coast.

“I gave him this beautiful book,” Shanahansaid a day after his meeting with Wei andhis top staff at a national security conferencein Singapore. “I said this is an area whereyou and I can cooperate.” The pointedmessage from the acting Pentagon chiefcomes as the Trump administration is at oddswith China over a wide range of issues,including trade, Chinese theft of Americantechnology, the possible sale of U.S. weaponsto Taiwan and how to pressure North Koreainto giving up its nuclear weapons program.China agreed to the U.N. sanctions againstits ally and neighbor North Korea, but, asthe photo book illustrates, appears to beallowing violations to take place.

https://www.apnews.com/b64e8c8048da4f1f81463c1d08b63b23

Newly-launched ‘Jilin-1’ satellitesends back images

China Daily, June 14, 2019

High-resolution satellite “Jilin-1” 03A sentback its first images on June 6, after beinglaunched into space on the Long March11 rocket over the Yellow Sea at 12:06 onJune 5. The satellite, independentlydeveloped by Changchun-based ChangGuang Satellite Technology Co Ltd, is partof the “Jilin-1” satellite family, of which12 others are currently in orbit. It is ableto take detailed photographs and provideremote sensing information services forChinese government and industries, aswell as countries involved in the Belt andRoad Initiative.

Satellite image of a thermal power plantin Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomousregion taken by “Jilin-1” 03A

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/m/2016jilin/2019-06/14/content_37480838.htm

Heads of Chinese and ForeignGround Force Academiesexchange on military education


Under the theme of “Cultivating theArmy’s Growing Officers in a ChangingEra”, the 2019 Symposium for Presidentsof Army Academies was opened at thePLA Ground Force Engineering Universityin Nanjing, the provincial capital ofChina’s east Province of Jiangsu. Leadersof 7 foreign military academies, includingthe Black Needle Military Academy ofBrazil, the Military Science andTechnology College of Egypt, the NationalDefense Academy of Japan, the MexicanArmy and Air Force University, theNigerian National Defense Academy, the


South African Military Academy, and theThai Chulachomklao Royal MilitaryAcademy, as well as 12 PLA’s Ground ForceAcademies attended the exchange activities.

The President of PLA Ground ForceEngineering University, organizer of theforum, said that in the new era featuring ever-emerging new knowledge, new technologiesand new theories, the ground force wouldaccelerate its development towardsinformationization, intellectualization andunmanned operation.


Beijing ready to join Tehran forsteadfast comprehensive strategicpartnership


Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Fridaythat Beijing is ready to join efforts withTehran in promoting a steady developmentof bilateral comprehensive strategicpartnership. Xi noted that he exchanged in-depth views with Rouhani on the China-Iran relationship, as well as regional andinternational issues of common concernduring the SCO summit in China’s easternport city of Qingdao last year, and they havereached important consensus.

The Chinese president called on the two sidesto strengthen strategic communication andsupport each other on issues concerningtheir respective core interests, adding thatthe two countries also need to step upcoordination and conduct practicalcooperation properly. He also urged the twosides to enhance cooperation in such areasas anti-terrorism and combating cross-border crimes, and jointly clamp down the“three forces” of terrorism, separatism andextremism, including East Turkistan IslamicMovement. China supports maintaining theIran nuclear deal, said Xi, and is willing tostep up coordination with Iran within suchmultilateral frameworks as the UnitedNations and the SCO to jointly safeguardbasic norms of the international relationsand multilateralism and preserve sharedinterests of developing countries, includingChina and Iran.

For his part, Rouhani said the Iran-Chinarelationship carries a long-term andstrategic significance. Iran is willing toparticipate in the Belt and Road Initiativeand tap potential of cooperation in variousfields, he said. Rouhani expressed Iran’sresolute opposition to the unilateralwithdrawal of the United States from theIran nuclear deal, calling it “a wrongaction.” He praised China’s active role inthe international affairs, and said his countryis ready to strengthen communication andcoordination with China.


SCO Bishkek declaration calls forenhanced cooperation to promotepeace, development


Leaders of the Shanghai CooperationOrganization (SCO) member states issueda declaration here on Friday at an annualsummit, calling for enhanced cooperationto promote peace and development. Newdevelopment centers are emerging in Asiaand the global balance of forces is goingthrough a reconfiguration, said thedocument. The situation in global politicsand economy remains tense, and theprocess of economic globalization is beinghindered by the growing unilateralism andprotectionism, and other challenges ininternational trade, it read.

The member states also pledge tostrengthen exchange in the scientific,technical, cultural and tourism areas,promote interactions among youngpeople, contribute to the furtherstrengthening of neighborliness, friendshipand cooperation.


‘One country, two systems’ inTaiwan ‘over my dead body:’ HanKuo-yu

Taiwan News, June 16, 2019

“‘One country, two systems’ can never be


implemented in Taiwan. Taiwanese peoplecan never accept it, unless, unless, unless it’sover my dead body,” Han told tens ofthousands of supporters at a rally in Douliuin Yunlin County, saying “over my deadbody” in English. At the rally, Han of theopposition Kuomintang (KMT) led the crowdin chanting “reject ‘one country, twosystems’” and asked his supporters to havefaith in him. “If I am given the opportunity tolead the Republic of China and become thepresident of the Republic of China, I promisethat ‘one country, two systems’ will never becarried out on the land of Taiwan,” Han said.

https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3725072

Global AI chip market to growtenfold in next five years: whitepaper


The global market for mobile artificialintelligence (AI) chips is expected to reach$3.8 billion in 2022, a tenfold growth fromthe 2017 figure, said a white paper. Themarket expansion is driven by the fastdevelopment of AI industry, as AI chips sawrapid penetration into the terminal sector,said the white paper on mobile AItechnologies and application released by theChina Academy of Information andCommunications Technology (CAICT). AIdevelopment will also drive innovation ofthe mobile chip industry, said the whitepaper, citing Strategic Analytics data, whichshowed that the market share ofsmartphone apps processors with on-deviceAI in the first quarter of 2018 grew threefoldfrom the same period of previous year.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201906/17/WS5d07064aa3103dbf143289e1.html

CCTV to dedicate channel tomilitary affairs to promote nationaldefense education

Hu Yuwei, Global Times, June 16, 2019

China Central Television (CCTV) Channel7 is to refocus its coverage solely on militaryaffairs in a move to expand national defensepublicity and education. Currently, thechannel specializes in both military and

agricultural reporting. From August 1, theCCTV-7 Military and AgriculturalChannel will become the CCTV-7National Defense and Military Channel. Aninsider at CCTV told the Global Times thatthe Chinese national broadcaster is settingup an agricultural and rural channel.


C. Pakistan

H.E Mr Mohamed Karmoune,Ambassador of Morocco called onGeneral Zubair Mahmood Hayat,Chairman JCS Committee.

ISPR, No PR-114/2019-ISPR, June 1, 2019

H.E Mr Mohamed Karmoune,Ambassador of Morocco called on GeneralZubair Mahmood Hayat, Chairman JCSCommittee. Matters of bilateral securityand defence cooperation between both thecountries were discussed during themeeting.

https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5324

US urges Pakistan to improve tieswith India

Dawn, June 10, 2019

The United States has urged Pakistan totake “sustained and irreversible steps” toimprove ties with India by enhancing itsefforts to eradicate militancy from theregion.

A White House official made theseremarks while talking to Indian journalistsin Washington this week, as Pakistanrenewed its efforts to engage India indirect talks for reducing tensions with itseastern neighbour.

Since the re-election of Narendra Modi asIndia’s prime minister last month, PrimeMinister Imran Khan has sent two lettersto New Delhi, underlining Islamabad’sdesire for better relations between SouthAsia’s two nuclear-armed neighbours.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1487238


Musharraf pressured me to readstatement on nuclear proliferation,claims Dr Qadeer

Rana Yasif, The Express tribune, June 15, 2019

In a letter written to the Lahore High Courtchief justice, the pioneer of Pakistan’snuclear programme Dr Abdul Qadeer Khanclaimed that former president General (retd)Pervez Musharraf, under the influence ofthe United States, had pressured on him toread a statement written by him [Musharraf]on the television.

According to Dr Qadeer, Musharraf hadpromised him that the nuclear scientistwould be restored after a few days of thespeech but Musharraf did not abide by hispromise. Former prime minister ChaudhryShujaat Hussain and lawyer SM Zafar werealso witnesses in this matter, he added.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1993014/1-musharraf-pressured-read-statement-nuclear-profileration-claims-dr-qadeer/

D. USA

Trump Administration Says It WillNegotiate With Iran With ‘NoPreconditions’

Edward Wong, The New York Times, June 2,2019

In a second major softening of Americanpolicy toward Iran in recent days, Secretaryof State Mike Pompeo said Sunday that theTrump administration was ready tonegotiate with the country’s clerical leaderswith “no preconditions.”

The statement followed PresidentTrump’s comment last week that he wasready to talk to Iranian leaders and was notseeking regime change, overruling alongtime goal of his national security adviser.Mr. Pompeo’s statement also recalibrated hisearlier position that the United States wouldnot lift sanctions on Iran unless it compliedwith a dozen sweeping demands,suggesting that those demands could be partof negotiations instead of preconditions.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/02/world/middleeast/us-iran-mike-pompeo.html

US 2018 uranium purchase figuresreleased


Owners and operators of US civiliannuclear power reactors purchased a totalof 40 million pounds U3O8 equivalent(U3O8e) (15,386 tU) of deliveries during2018, according to the latest uraniummarketing report from the US EnergyInformation Administration (EIA). Nearly10% of that was US-origin uranium.

Total deliveries were 6% lower than 2017’sfigure of 43 million pounds U3O8e, theEIA’s Uranium Marketing Annual Reportfound. Canada, at 9.6 million pounds, wasthe largest single country supplier to theUSA in 2018, followed by Kazakhstan at8.2 million pounds and Australia, at 7.2million pounds. The remainder came fromRussia (5.4 million pounds), Uzbekistan(2.5 million pounds) and Namibia (2.2million pounds). US-origin purchaseswere 3.9 million pounds.

http://world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/US-2018-uranium-purchase-figures-released

Supposedly executed former NorthKorean nuclear envoy is alive:CNN


North Korea’s nuclear envoy, who a SouthKorean newspaper said last week hadbeen executed, is alive but in custody andunder investigation for his role in a failedsummit with the United States, CNNreported on Tuesday.

There has been a series of conflictingreports over the past five days aboutshakeups in the North’s team that steerednegotiations with the United States aftera failed summit between North Koreanleader Kim Jong Un and U.S. PresidentDonald Trump in Hanoi in February.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-usa-purge/supposedly-executed-former-north-korean-nuclear-envoy-is-alive-cnn-idUSKCN1T50FL


U.S. shared nuclear power info withSaudi Arabia after Khashoggi killed

Timothy Gardner, Reuters, June 4, 2019

The Trump administration granted twoauthorizations to U.S. companies to sharesensitive nuclear power information withSaudi Arabia shortly after the killing ofjournalist Jamal Khashoggi in October, aU.S. senator who saw the approvals said onTuesday.

The timing of the approvals is likely to heappressure on the administration of PresidentDonald Trump from lawmakers who havebecome increasingly critical of U.S. supportfor Saudi Arabia since Khashoggi was killedin the Saudi consulate in Istanbul inOctober.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-nuclear-saudi/u-s-shared-nuclear-power-info-with-saudi-arabia-after-khashoggi-killed-idUSKCN1T52ER

Trump prepared to talk to Iran butsays always a chance of militaryaction


U.S. President Donald Trump said he wasprepared to talk to Iranian President HassanRouhani but that there was always a chanceof U.S. military action against the IslamicRepublic.

“So Iran is a place that was extremely hostilewhen I first came into office,” Trump toldBritish television station ITV. “They were aterrorist nation number one in the world atthat time and probably maybe are today.”

When asked if he thought he would need totake military action, he said: “There’s alwaysa chance. Do I want to? No. I’d rather not.But there’s always a chance.”

He said, when asked, that he was preparedto talk to Rouhani: “Yeah of course. I wouldmuch rather talk.”

https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-trump-britain-iran/trump-prepared-to-talk-to-iran-but-says-always-a-chance-of-military-action-idINKCN1T60JI

US intel shows Saudi Arabiaescalated its missile program withhelp from China

Phil Mattingly, Zachary Cohen and JeremyHerb, CNN, June 5, 2019

The US government has obtainedintelligence that Saudi Arabia hassignificantly escalated its ballistic missileprogram with the help of China, threesources with direct knowledge of thematter said, a development that threatensdecades of US efforts to limit missileproliferation in the Middle East.

The Trump administration did not initiallydisclose its knowledge of this classifieddevelopment to key members of Congress,the sources said, infuriating Democratswho discovered it outside of regular USgovernment channels and concluded ithad been deliberately left out of a series ofbriefings where they say it should havebeen presented.

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/05/politics/us-intelligence-saudi-arabia-ballistic-missile-china/index.html

Trump ‘prepared’ to handleresponsibility of launching nukes

Russia Times, June 5, 2019

If and when the time comes, DonaldTrump is prepared for the “tremendousresponsibility” of pressing the nuclearbutton, the US president has said asWashington locks horns with a growingnumber of states.

The president made the comments duringan interview with Piers Morgan on ITV’sGood Morning Britain program onWednesday.

When asked about the worst-case scenarioof potentially using nuclear weapons in atime of war, Trump noted that it isa ”tremendous responsibility.” However, heis ready for the task.

https://www.rt.com/usa/461104-trump-prepared-responsibility-nukes/


Exclusive: U.S. pursues sale of over$2 billion in weapons to Taiwan,sources say, angering China

Mike Stone, Patricia Zengerle, Reuters, June6, 2019

The United States is pursuing the sale ofmore than $2 billion worth of tanks andweapons to Taiwan, four people familiarwith the negotiations said, sparking angerfrom Beijing which is already involved in anescalating trade war with Washington.

An informal notification of the proposedsale has been sent to the U.S. Congress, thefour sources said on condition of anonymitybecause they were not authorized to speakabout the possible deal.

The potential sale included 108 GeneralDynamics Corp M1A2 Abrams tanks wortharound $2 billion as well as anti-tank andanti-aircraft munitions, three of the sourcessaid. Taiwan has been interested inrefreshing its existing U.S.-made battle tankinventory, which includes M60 Patton tanks.

The United States is the main arms supplierto Taiwan, which China deems its own andhas never renounced the use of force to bringthe self-ruled island under its control.

https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-taiwan/exclu-sive-u-s-pursues-sale-of-over-2-billion-in-weap-ons-to-taiwan-sources-say-angering-china-idINKCN1T62CK

U.S. sanctions target Iranpetrochemicals, analysts see modesteffect

Doina Chiacu, Arshad Mohammed, Reuters,June 7, 2019

The United States sanctioned Iran’s largestpetrochemical holding group on Friday forindirectly supporting the IslamicRevolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a stepit said aimed to dry up revenues to theIranian military unit but that analysts calledlargely symbolic.

The United States sanctioned Iran’s largestpetrochemical holding group on Friday forindirectly supporting the IslamicRevolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a step

it said aimed to dry up revenues to theIranian military unit but that analystscalled largely symbolic.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran-sanctions/u-s-sanctions-target-iran-petrochemi-cals-analysts-see-modest-effect-idUSKCN1T81RU

US DOE changes wasteinterpretation


The US Department of Energy (DOE) haspublished a new interpretation of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) in whichreprocessing waste streams are defined bytheir radiological characteristics ratherthan solely on how they were made.

Up to now the DOE has managed nearlyall reprocessing waste streams as HLWregardless of radioactivity in a one- size-fits-all approach. This, it says, has led todecades of delay, cost billions of dollars,and left the waste ‘trapped’ in DOEfacilities in Idaho, South Carolina andWashington without a permanent disposalsolution.

https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/US-DOE-changes-waste-interpretation

Got $50 million for a vacation?NASA to open space station toprivate citizens

Makini Brice, Eric M. Johnson, Reuters,June 8, 2019

NASA will allow private citizens to stayat the International Space Station (ISS) formonth-long getaways at a cost of about$35,000 per night, the U.S. space agencysaid on Friday.

The shift reverses a long-standingprohibition against tourists and privateinterests at the orbiting research lab, andreflects a broader push to expandcommercial activities at the ISS and inspace more generally.

It paves the way for private citizens totravel to the ISS aboard rocket-and-capsulelaunch systems being developed by Boeing


Co and Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The twocompanies are set to ferry astronauts to theISS from U.S. soil for the first time in nearlya decade.

https://in.reuters.com/article/space-exploration-nasa/got-50-million-for-a-vacation-nasa-to-open-space-station-to-private-citizens-idINKCN1T820J

New U.S. sanctions show offer oftalks with Iran not genuine: ForeignMinistry


Additional sanctions imposed on Iran by theUnited States show that Washington’s offerof talks is not genuine, Iranian ForeignMinistry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said onSaturday.

Tensions have risen between Iran and theUnited States in recent weeks afterWashington sent more military forces to theMiddle East, including an aircraft carrier,B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles, in a showof force against what U.S. officials callIranian threats to U.S. troops and interestsin the region.

Iranian Defence Minister Amir Hataminoted the presence of American warshipsin the region on Saturday and said that theIslamic Republic’s enemies are afraid ofconflict because of the country’s advancedoffensive and defensive power, according tothe Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA).

https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-iran-sanctions/new-u-s-sanctions-show-offer-of-talks-with-iran-not-genuine-foreign-ministry-idINKCN1T909E

Trump criticizes NASA moonmission after promoting it earlier

Joey Roulette, Reuters, June 8, 2019

U.S. President Donald Trump on Fridaycriticized NASA for aiming to put astronautsback on the moon by 2024 and urged thespace agency to focus instead on “muchbigger” initiatives like going to Mars,undercutting his previous support for thelunar initiative.

“For all of the money we are spending,NASA should NOT be talking about going

to the Moon - We did that 50 years ago,”the president wrote on Twitter. “Theyshould be focused on the much biggerthings we are doing, including Mars (ofwhich the Moon is a part), Defense andScience!”

Trump’s statement, tweeted from AirForce One as he returned from Europe,appeared at odds with his administration’srecent push to return humans to the lunarsurface by 2024 “by any meansnecessary,” five years sooner than theprevious goal of 2028.

NASA plans to build a space outpost inlunar orbit that can relay astronauts to thelunar surface by 2024, part of a broaderinitiative to use the moon as a stagingground for eventual missions to Mars.NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine saidTrump was only reaffirming NASA’sspace plan.

https://in.reuters.com/article/us-space-explora-tion-moon-trump/trump-criticizes-nasa-moon-mission-after-promoting-it-earlier-idINKCN1T82L1

U.S. And Russia Train Together inArctic, Where They Both Want toBe Top Power

Tom O’Connor, Newsweek, June 11, 2019

Forces from the United States and Russiatrained side-by-side in the Arctic, one ofthe many regions of the world where thepair have been engaged in a competitionfor influence.

The Russian Federal Security Services’(FSB) patrol ship Sakhalin and the U.S.Coast Guard cutter Alex Haley conducteda joint patrol Tuesday in the icy waters ofthe Bering Sea that separates the twonations’ territorial limits. The FSB’s EastArctic directorate said the two enhancedtheir communication and kept an eye outfor illegal maritime activities.

“Radio communications issues wereworked out, including with a deckhelicopter and a training session wasconducted on the use of the InternationalCode of Signals (ICS-65) when


maneuvering together,” the directorate’spress service said.

https://www.newsweek.com/us-russia-train-together-arctic-1443438

U.S. says Iran is in breach of nucleardeal but repeats offer of talks


The United States said on Tuesday thatIran’s work with advanced centrifuges is abreach of the nuclear deal Washington hasalready pulled out of, expressing its concernwhile repeating that it is open to holdingtalks with Tehran.

In a statement to a quarterly meeting of theU.N. nuclear watchdog’s 35-nation Boardof Governors, the United States also saidTehran’s acceleration of uranium enrichmentwould not lead to Washington backingdown in its policy of trying to isolate Iran.

“Attempting to generate negotiatingleverage 1 kg of uranium at a time will notbring sanctions relief,” U.S. AmbassadorJackie Wolcott said in her statement to theboard.

The landmark 2015 deal between Iran andmajor powers allows Tehran to operatethousands of first-generation IR-1centrifuges - machines that enrich uranium- but puts much stricter limits on moreadvanced models.

A quarterly report by the InternationalAtomic Energy Agency, which is policingthe deal, last month said Iran had installedup to 33 IR-6 centrifuges, although only 10had been tested with uranium hexafluoridefeedstock so far.

https://in.reuters.com/article/iran-nuclear-iaea/u-s-says-iran-is-in-breach-of-nuclear-deal-but-repeats-offer-of-talks-idINKCN1TC289

Third U.S.-North Korea summitpossible, up to Kim – Bolton


A third summit between President DonaldTrump and North Korean leader Kim JongUn is possible but the ball is in Pyongyang’s

court, White House national securityadviser John Bolton said on Tuesday.

While North Korea had kept pledges notto conduct nuclear or intercontinentalrange ballistic missile tests, Bolton said theUnited States was continuing its“maximum pressure campaign” becauseKim still appeared not to have made “astrategic decision to give up the pursuit ofdeliverable nuclear weapons.”

Bolton, speaking at a conference hosted bythe Wall Street Journal, said it was“entirely possible” there could be a thirdTrump-Kim summit following their earliermeetings in Singapore and Vietnam. “KimJong Un holds the key,” he said. “We areready when they are, so it’s - any time thatthey want to schedule it,” Bolton said.

https://in.reuters.com/article/northkorea-usa-bolton/third-u-s-north-korea-summit-possible-up-to-kim-bolton-idINKCN1TC1PK

Factbox: The ups and downs sinceTrump first met North Korea’s Kim

Hyonhee Shin, Reuters, June 12, 2019

U.S. President Donald Trump met NorthKorean leader Kim Jong Un for the firsttime at a historic summit in Singapore onJune 12 last year and there have been upsand downs in the North’s foreign relationssince then. Progress has been made, suchas the return of some remains of Americansoldiers killed during the 1950-53 KoreanWar. But even that has stalled since thesecond summit between Trump and Kimbroke down in Vietnam in February.

The two sides now appear as far apart asthey were going into the Singapore summit.

North Korea has conducted short-rangemissile tests and complained of U.S.pressure, while the United States hasdoubled down on its enforcement ofsanctions on North Korea.

Here are some of the major events sinceKim and Trump shook hands a year ago.

https://in.reuters.com/article/northkorea-usa-factbox/factbox-the-ups-and-downs-since-trump-first-met-north-koreas-kim-idINKCN1TD034


Rocket firm Relativity signs leasewith NASA for new robotic 3Dprinting factory

Joey Roulette, Reuters, June 12, 2019

Relativity Space, a venture-backed rocketmaker, said on Tuesday it will lease spacefrom NASA in Mississippi, where its gigantic3D printers will produce low-cost rockets tobe used to launch small-payload satellitesinto orbit.

The lease, for 220,000 square feet (20,000square meters) at NASA’s Stennis SpaceCenter rocket-testing facility, is the latest stepfor the Los Angeles-based company in itsultimate mission to 3D print rockets on Mars,a goal Relativity’s chief executive, Tim Ellis,says is a prerequisite for space colonization.

First the company must perfect a systemwhere machine-learning robots canmanufacture and assemble its flagshipTerran 1 rocket in space without help fromhumans, a target that Relativity hopes willbe reached with cash generated fromlaunching small satellites on its rockets builtat the Stennis facility.

https://in.reuters.com/article/us-space-exploration-relativity/rocket-firm-relativity-signs-lease-with-nasa-for-new-robotic-3d-printing-factory-idINKCN1TC2IS

U.S. sanctions Iraq-based company,says it backs Iran’s IRGC


The United States on Wednesday sanctionedan Iraqi company and two of its associates,which it said had helped Iran’s IslamicRevolutionary Guard Corps-Quds forceevade sanctions by smuggling hundreds ofmillions of dollars worth of weapons.

“The Iraqi financial sector and the broaderinternational financial system must hardentheir defenses against the continueddeceptive tactics emanating from Tehran inorder to avoid complicity in the IRGC’songoing sanctions evasion schemes andother malign activities,” Mnuchin added.

https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-iran-sanctions/u-s-sanctions-iraq-based-company-says-it-backs-irans-irgc-idINKCN1TD1SW

Trump says he is ‘in no rush’ tomake a nuclear deal with NorthKorea


U.S. President Donald Trump said onWednesday he was “in no rush” to make adeal with North Korea to get it to dismantleits nuclear weapons program, and toutedwhat he called his positive relationship withNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

“I think we’re going to do very well withNorth Korea over a period of time. I’m inno rush. The sanctions are on,” Trumpsaid during a news conference with PolishPresident Andrzej Duda.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-usa-trump/trump-says-he-is-in-no-rush-to-make-a-nuclear-deal-with-north-korea-idUSKCN1TD2H8

U.S. military intelligence steps upaccusation against Russia overnuclear testing

Paul Sonne, Washington Post, June 13, 2019

The U.S. military intelligence agencystepped up its accusations against Russiaover low-yield nuclear testing onThursday, saying that the country hasconducted nuclear weapons tests thatresulted in nuclear yield. The newstatement from the Defense IntelligenceAgency amounted to a more directaccusation against Russia, compared tohedged comments about Russian nucleartesting that DIA Director Lt. Gen. RobertP. Ashley Jr. made in a speech inWashington in late May.

“The U.S. Government, including theIntelligence Community, has assessed thatRussia has conducted nuclear weaponstests that have created nuclear yield,” theDIA statement released Thursday said.The agency didn’t give any details aboutthe alleged tests or release any evidencebacking the accusation.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-military-intelligence-steps-up-accusation-against-russia-over-nuclear-testing/2019/06/13/2dadf2e2-8e26-11e9-b162-8f6f41ec3c04_story.html?utm_term=.561fcf259537


Trump says neither Iran nor U.S.ready to make a deal


U.S. President Donald Trump said onThursday that he appreciated the recent visitby Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe toIran to meet leaders, but that he believed itis “too soon to even think about” the UnitedStates making a deal with Tehran. “They arenot ready, and neither are we!” Trump saidin a tweet.

https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-iran-trump/trump-says-neither-iran-nor-u-s-ready-to-make-a-deal-idINKCN1TE2UY

Trump says ‘Iran did do it,’ as U.S.seeks support on Gulf oil tankerattacks

Parisa Hafezi, Makini Brice, Reuters, June 14,2019

The United States on Friday blamed Iran forattacks on two oil tankers at the entrance tothe Gulf and said it was seekinginternational consensus about the threat toshipping, despite Tehran denyinginvolvement in the explosions at sea.

Thursday’s attacks raised fears of aconfrontation in the vital oil shipping routeat a time of increased tension between Iranand the United States over U.S. sanctionsand military moves in the Middle East,Tehran’s proxy groups in the region and itsnuclear programme.

“Iran did do it and you know they did itbecause you saw the boat,” U.S. PresidentDonald Trump told Fox News. He wasreferring to a video released on Thursdayby the U.S. military which said it showedIran’s Revolutionary Guards were behindthe blasts that struck the Norwegian-ownedFront Altair and the Japanese-ownedKokuka Courageous in the Gulf of Oman,at the mouth of the Gulf.

https://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-attacks/trump-says-iran-did-do-it-as-u-s-seeks-support-on-gulf-oil-tanker-attacks-idINKCN1TF0DP

Trump says ready to hold talkswith Iran despite tanker attacks


U.S. President Donald Trump said onFriday he was ready to launch talks withIran whenever it was ready, even as heblamed Tehran for attacks on two oiltankers in the Gulf of Oman.

“We want to get them back to the table,”Trump told Fox News in an interview.“I’m ready when they are,” adding thathe was in “no rush.” Asked how to heplanned to address Tehran and stop anyfurther incidents, Trump said: “We’ll seewhat happens.”

https://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-tanker-trump/trump-says-ready-to-hold-talks-with-iran-despite-tanker-attacks-idINKCN1TF1JX

U.S. allows Iraq to import Iranianenergy for three more months


The United States has allowed Iraq toimport Iranian gas for its power grid foranother three months by extending awaiver to sanctions - but insists thatBaghdad seek alternative sources. Iraq hashad several extensions to the waiver firstgranted last year after Washingtonreimposed sanctions on Tehran’s oil sectorforbidding countries from purchasingIranian energy.

“An additional 120-day waiver wasgranted to allow Iraq to continue to payfor electricity imports from Iran,” the U.S.State Department said in an emailedstatement. An Iraqi government sourcesaid the extension was given during aphone call between Prime Minister AdelAbdul Mahdi and U.S. Secretary of StateMike Pompeo. The State Department saidthe United States continued to insist on“diversifying energy imports away fromIran,” however.

President Donald Trump’s administrationhas said oil-rich Iraq must become moreself-reliant for its electricity, including by


harnessing gas energy and reducing flaringat oil production sites.

https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-iran-iraq/u-s-allows-iraq-to-import-iranian-energy-for-three-more-months-idINKCN1TG09Q

U.S. Escalates Online Attacks onRussia’s Power Grid

David E. Sanger and Nicole Perlroth, NewYork Times, June 15, 2019

The United States is stepping up digitalincursions into Russia’s electric power gridin a warning to President Vladimir V. Putinand a demonstration of how the Trumpadministration is using new authorities todeploy cybertools more aggressively, currentand former government officials said.

In interviews over the past three months, theofficials described the previously unreporteddeployment of American computer codeinside Russia’s grid and other targets as aclassified companion to more publiclydiscussed action directed at Moscow’sdisinformation and hacking units aroundthe 2018 midterm elections.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/15/us/politics/trump-cyber-russia-grid.html

Trump’s consistent criticism of Iranpushes U.S. to point of potentialconflict

Anne Gearan and Carol Morello, WashingtonPost, June 15, 2019

One constant in President Trump’s malleableforeign policy has been his fierce criticismof Iran and what he described as a weakand dangerous nuclear compact the UnitedStates and other countries negotiated withTehran. Threats and sanctions, and lots ofthem, have been his go-to response, latelyleavened with vague offers of futurenegotiations.

Trump’s reaction to attacks on twocommercial tankers near the Strait ofHormuz on Thursday fits the pattern, but itmay also reveal the limits of hisadministration’s strategy of squeezing Iran’s

oil-dependent economy even if it meanspunishing U.S. allies in the process.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trumps-consistent-criticism-of-iran-pushes-us-to-point-of-potential-conflict/2019/06/15/be997678-8ecb-11e9-b08e-cfd89bd36d4e_story.html?utm_term=.1c78845d61e5

E. Europe

French weapons sales to Saudijumped 50 percent last year

John Irish, Reuters, June 5, 2019

France’s weapons sales to Saudi Arabiarose 50 pct in 2018 despite the governmentcalling for an end to the “dirty war” inYemen, figures released on Tuesdayshowed. An annual government reportshowed that total arms sales rose 30percent to 9.1 billion euros in 2018, drivenby a sharp increase in sales to Europeanallies.

France sold about 1 billion euros worth ofarms to Saudi Arabia, with the main itembeing patrol boats. A partial navalblockade of ports controlled by the Houthimovement is one of the tactics used by aSaudi-led coalition in Yemen that has beencriticised by campaigners for worsening ahumanitarian crisis.

https://in.reuters.com/article/france-defence-arms/french-weapons-sales-to-saudi-jumped-50-percent-last-year-idINKCN1T51EZ

German FM traveling to Iran tosalvage nuclear accord

AP News, June 6, 2019

Germany’s foreign minister is traveling toIran next week to discuss the falteringnuclear accord between Tehran andleading world powers, his office saidThursday. Heiko Maas’ visit to Iran willbe part of a broader trip to the Middle Eaststarting Friday, with stops in Jordan andthe United Arab Emirates, ForeignMinistry spokeswoman Maria Adebahrsaid. Maas plans to meet his Iraniancounterpart Mohammed Javad Zarif on


Monday to discuss Tehran’s role in therestive region and the 2015 nuclear accord.

https://www.apnews.com/3065dbce90ed416eb4468ab1d2472a5d

German minister lands in Iran inbid to save nuclear pact

Sabine Siebold, Reuters, June 9, 2019

Germany’s foreign minister has arrived inTehran to hold talks with President HassanRouhani on Monday, as part of a concertedEuropean effort to preserve Iran’s nuclearpact with world powers and defuse risingU.S.-Iranian tensions.

West European signatories, includingGermany, want to try to keep the nuclearaccord alive although they share the Trumpadministration’s disquiet about Iran’sballistic missile programme and its role inconflicts around in the Middle East.

Germany, France and Britain maintain thatthe nuclear pact remains the best way to limitIran’s enrichment of uranium, a potentialpathway to the development of nuclearweapons.

A German diplomatic source confirmed thatForeign Minister Heiko Maas would meet hiscounterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif andRouhani on Monday.

https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-iran-germany/german-minister-lands-in-iran-in-bid-to-save-nuclear-pact-idINKCN1TA0JY

Non-nuclear states discuss weaponsproliferation in Sweden

DW, June 11, 2019

Diplomats from 16 countries have convenedin Stockholm to focus on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Their aim is toprevent the spread of atomic weapons,calling it “a danger to world peace.” Russianmilitary test of a Burevestnik nuclear cruisemissile (picture-alliance/dpa) Foreignministers from 16 non-nuclear countriesgathered in Stockholm, Sweden, Tuesday todiscuss the state of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), urging nuclearpowers “to shoulder their responsibilities fordisarmament.”

As German Foreign Minister Heiko Maasadded, “at the same time we need toprevent further countries from obtainingnuclear weapons.” Maas called the spreadof nuclear weapons: “a danger to worldpeace. We must counteract this negativedevelopment.” Maas also said Germanywas willing to hold a follow-up meetingin Berlin next year.

https://www.dw.com/en/non-nuclear-states-discuss-weapons-proliferation-in-sweden/a-49138715

European officials frustrated overfaltering Iran nuke pact

David Keyton, AP News, June 11, 2019

The foreign ministers of Germany andSweden expressed frustration Tuesdayover the possible demise of the Iran nucleardeal, warning Tehran that withdrawingwould bring “international isolation” andcriticizing the United States forjeopardizing a decade of diplomaticefforts. Speaking at a nuclear disarmamentmeeting in Stockholm, Swedish ForeignMinister Margot Wallstrom saidWashington’s abandonment of the 2015accord had been “very counterproductive”— threatening not just the Iran deal butthe credibility of world powers innegotiating with North Korea.

The European Union and some countriesin Europe have been working to salvagethe agreement intended to curb Iran’sability to develop nuclear weapons sinceU.S. President Donald Trump withdrewfrom it last year and reinstated sanctionsagainst Iran. Tehran has threatened to alsowalk away from the deal on July 7 andresume enriching uranium closer toweapons-grade level unless the remainingsignatories — China, Russia, France,Germany and Britain — find a way toneutralize the effect of U.S. sanctions. “Maas said. “If Iran were to withdraw fromthis agreement, it would go intointernational isolation; it would be backwhere it was before the agreement,including all the sanctions,” he added.“That cannot be in Iran’s interest.”

https://www.apnews.com/a78f567097ef4a7aaaa9501df811ce7c


Bulgaria ready to protect NorthMacedonia’s airspace with F-16 jets


NATO member Bulgaria could help protectits southwestern neighbour NorthMacedonia’s airspace if it completes a dealfor the purchase of eight F-16 aircraft fromthe United States, Prime Minister BoykoBorissov said on Wednesday.

Bulgaria, which is also a member of theEuropean Union, is looking to replace itsageing Soviet-made MiG-29s and improvecompliance with NATO standards.

A Pentagon agency said on Monday thatthe U.S. State Department had approved thepossible sale of eight F-16 aircraft and relatedequipment to Bulgaria at an estimated costof $1.67 billion.

However, Bulgaria expects the United Statesto offer to sell the jets for its air force at adiscounted price of $1.2 billion. “We spokewith (my) colleague (North MacedonianPrime Minister Zoran) Zaev last week... toguard North Macedonia’s airspace when weacquire the new jets,” Borissov told reporters.

https://in.reuters.com/article/bulgaria-macedonia-defence-jets/bulgaria-ready-to-protect-north-macedonias-airspace-with-f-16-jets-idINKCN1TD1O3

British opposition leader questionsIran accusations


The leader of Britain’s main opposition partyhas questioned whether the government hadevidence to back up its accusations that Iranwas behind attacks on oil tankers in theentrance to the Gulf, and warned againstescalating tensions.

Britain on Friday joined the United Statesin blaming Iran for attacks on two tankers,raising fears of a broader militaryconfrontation in a vital passageway for theworld’s oil industry.

Iran has denied any involvement. “Withoutcredible evidence about the tanker attacks,the government’s rhetoric will only increasethe threat of war,” Labour leader JeremyCorbyn wrote on Twitter late on Friday.

“Britain should act to ease tensions in theGulf, not fuel a military escalation thatbegan with US withdrawal from the Irannuclear agreement,” he added,” he said,referring to Washington’s withdrawalfrom a 2015 pact to curb Tehran’s nuclearplans.

https://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-attacks-britain-corbyn/british-opposition-leader-questions-iran-accusations-idINKCN1TG069

EU warns against blaming Iran foroil tanker attacks

DW, June 16, 2019

European foreign ministers have urgedrestraint in directing blame over an allegedattack on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman.The US has pointed the finger at Iran, butEuropean diplomats say they need moreevidence.

Top EU diplomats meeting in Luxembourgon Monday said they were still seekinginformation about who may havelaunched attacks against two oil tankersin the Strait of Hormuz. The gatheringcomes amid escalating tensions betweenthe US and Iran. It also follows Tehran’sannouncement that it plans to breach a2015 nuclear deal struck withinternational powers.

EU foreign policy chief FedericaMogherini urged diplomats ahead of themonthly meeting not to jump toconclusions: “The maximum restraint andwisdom should be applied,” she said.German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas saidhis country hasn’t yet made up its mindyet about who was behind the allegedattacks in the Gulf. “With a decision of thiskind the utmost care is required and we’lltake our time for this.” He said US andBritish intelligence needed to be comparedto material from allies, adding thatGermany was still in the process ofcollecting information and the evidenceprovided so far “comes from one side inparticular.”

https://www.dw.com/en/eu-warns-against-blaming-iran-for-oil-tanker-attacks/a-49237206


F. Russia

Russia & Argentina Expand NuclearEnergy Cooperation

Vusala Abbasova, Caspian News, June 1,2019

High ranking officials from Russia andArgentina met in Buenos Aires from May27-28 to reaffirm interest in joint nuclearpower projects in the South Americancountry. “The working group is tasked withspecifying all matters pertaining to thisproject,” RIA Novosti quoted SergeyDankvert, head of the Russian agriculturalwatchdog Rosselkhoznadzor and chairmanof the Russian-Argentine inter-governmental commission, as saying onTuesday after the commission’s session. “Wethink that we may see a very seriousbreakthrough in this sphere.”

In 2018, Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachevand Argentine Energy Minister Javier Iguacelsigned a strategic document on the sidelinesof the G20 summit in Buenos Aires thatpaved the way for Russian construction ofa nuclear power plant in Argentina. Thedocument envisages the joint developmentof various execution strategies to be appliedto nuclear power projects.

https://caspiannews.com/news-detail/russia-argentina-expand-nuclear-energy-cooperation-2019-5-31-50/

Three Russian nuclear-powered subssurface through Arctic ice in drills

TASS News Agency, June 3, 2019

The Project 885 lead multirole nuclear-powered submarine and two Project667BDRM strategic subs practiced surfacingin open water patches amid Arctic ice duringdrills in May, the press office of Russia’sNorthern Fleet reported on Monday.

“The underwater nuclear-powered missilecruisers Tula, Novomoskovsk andSeverodvinsk were involved in performingmissions under the Arctic Ocean’s ice. Thesubmariners practiced a whole range ofunder-ice sailing tasks, including the searchfor an open water patch in the designatedarea and surfacing through ice,” the press

office said in a statement.

https://tass.com/defense/1061451

Russia’s Mideast Nuclear ProjectsHelp Build Trust With Allies –Energy Corp.

Sputnik News, June 3, 2019

Sharing Russia’s long-running expertise inharnessing nuclear power for peacefulpurposes with allies in the Middle East andNorth Africa is important for building trustwith regional countries, the state atomicenergy corporation Rosatom told Sputnik.

“We continue to closely cooperate with ourregional partners. Nuclear power plantconstruction projects have entered the activephase in four countries in the region, threeof them are run by Rosatom. It is a show oftrust in us and of dynamic intergovernmentalties [in the sphere of] peaceful use of nuclearenergy. That is why delivering on ourcommitments on nuclear power projectsis our absolute priority,” Alexei Likhachev,director general of the state atomic energycorporation Rosatom said.

https://sputniknews.com/world/201906031075578578-russia-mideast-nuclear-project/

Russia Tests New MissileDefense System, Military Says

The Moscow Times, June 4, 2019

Russia has tested a new unidentifiedmissile at a launch site where the countryhad previously test-launched missilesdesigned to protect Moscow’s airspace, theRussian military said.

The Russian Defense Ministry test-launched its anti-ballistic missile at theSary-Shagan missile testing site inKazakhstan at least twice in 2018. Thosetested missiles had been deployed toprotect Moscow — whose missile defensecapability consists of the A-135 systemarmed with nuclear-tipped short-rangeinterceptors — from potential air attacks.

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/06/04/russia-tests-new-missile-defense-system-military-says-a65860


Putin’s Media Struggle to Deal WithHBO’s Chernobyl

Ilya Shepelin, The Moscow Times, June 4, 2019

It seems every major Russian media outlethad to chime in about the “Chernobyl” TVseries by HBO. Although the foreignprogram airs only online to paying viewers,the show has become something of anational sensation in Russia where the pro-Kremlin media have launched a mini-crusade against it.

Komsomolskaya Pravda (KP), Russia’s mostpopular newspaper, raised suspicions thatcompetitors of state-atomic center Rosatomwere using the series to tarnish thiscountry’s image as a nuclear power.

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/06/04/putins-media-struggle-to-deal-with-hbos-chernobyl-a65866

China and Russia sign generalcontract for two Xudabao units


The general contract for Russian-designedVVER-1200 reactors for units 3 & 4 of theXudabao nuclear power plant in China’sLiaoning province was signed yesterday inMoscow in the presence of the countries’heads of state.

The contract was signed by representativesof Rosatom’s engineering subsidiary ASEand China National Nuclear Corporation(CNNC).

Alexey Likhachov, general director of theRussian state nuclear corporation, said:“Today, we have moved a Russian-designedNPP construction project on a new site tothe practical stage of its implementation.Taking into account the previously signedcontract for the Tianwan NPP, together withour Ñhinese partners we will build four ofthe latest Generation 3+ power units by2028.”

https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/China-and-Russian-sign-general-contract-for-two-Xu

Russia Keeps Asking U.S. ToAgree to No Nuclear WeaponsUse, But It’s Not Getting AnyAnswer

Tom O’Connor, Newsweek, June 6, 2019

Moscow’s top diplomat has againpetitioned Washington to join anagreement to mutually forego the use ofnuclear weapons, an effort that has so farproduced no response.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovmade the latest call Tuesday at theinternational Primakov Readings summitin Moscow, urging that Russian PresidentVladimir Putin and President DonaldTrump come together to reassure theinternational community that nuclearwarfare was not an option as historic non-proliferation measures between them fellvictim to geopolitical tensions. Shouldsuch weapons of mass destruction ever beused, Lavrov warned everyone would lose.

https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ask-us-no-nuclear-weapons-1443464

NPT signatories must returnnuclear weapons to their land —Russian, Chinese leaders


Russia and China have called on allmember states of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)to return all nuclear weapons kept abroadto their territory, reads a joint statementby Russian President Vladimir Putin andChinese President Xi Jinping on theoutcomes of their talks in Moscow.

“The sides find the irresponsible approachof some states to fulfilling their obligationsunder the NPT unacceptable,” thestatement says. “These states mustabandon the practice of ‘joint nuclearmissions’ and return all nuclear weaponsplaced outside the borders of nuclear statesback to their national territory.”

https://tass.com/politics/1061929


Russia and China reiterate IranSUPPORT as Tehran works onnuclear weapons

Kumail Jaffer, The Express, June 6, 2019

The two superpowers were meeting at theKremlin as both sought to agree a coherentgeopolitical strategy. As Vladimir Putin andXi Jinping showered praise on one another,talks over North Korea, Venezuela and Iranwere held. And while the Trumpadministration is ramping up pressure onTehran, both China and Russia have restatedtheir support for the under-pressure state.

A joint statement read: “The partiesemphasise the need to protect their mutuallybeneficial commercial and economiccooperation with Iran and firmly oppose theimposition of unilateral sanctions by anystates under the pretence of their ownnational legislation.”

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1137137/world-war-3-russia-china-iran-nuclear-weapons-us-washington-tehran-spt

Putin says Russia has mostadvanced weapons for its security,even if New START is nixed


In case that the New START Treaty isterminated in 2021, “there will generally beno instruments limiting the arms race,”Putin said. Russia’s most advancedhypersonic weapons will be capable ofdefending the country, even if the Treaty onMeasures for the Further Reduction andLimitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (theNew START Treaty) is terminated, RussianPresident Vladimir Putin said at a meetingwith the heads of international newsagencies on Thursday.


Russia’s Putin warns nuclear armscontrol system risks breaking down


Russian President Vladimir Putin warnedon Thursday there was a significant risk thatthe international system for nuclear arms

control could break down, saying talkswith Washington on extending the NewSTART nuclear arms treaty had yet tobegin. Speaking in televised commentsfrom St Petersburg, Putin said his mostrecent phone conversation with U.S.Donald Trump had, however, give himsome cause for optimism.

https://in.reuters.com/article/russia-usa-nuclear-putin/russias-putin-warns-nuclear-arms-control-system-risks-breaking-down-idINKCN1T71FA

Putin: Moscow, Beijing agree onbuilding several more Russia-designed nuclear power units


Moscow and Beijing have agreed onbuilding four more Russia-designednuclear power units in China, RussianPresident Vladimir Putin said at the St.Petersburg International Economic Forum(SPIEF-2019) on Friday.

“Four units of the Tianwan NPP have beenbuilt in China with Russia’s participation,”Putin said at a meeting with theparticipants of the Russian-Chineseenergy forum within the SPIEF.

“Agreements have been reached on buildingseveral more Russia-designed nuclearpower units,” the Russian leader said.

https://tass.com/economy/1062602

Rosatom opens a branch in SaudiArabia

Saudi Gazette, June 11, 2019

During the 6th session of the Russian-Saudi Arabian intergovernmentalcommission on trade, economic, scientificand technological cooperation, RussianEnergy Minister Alexander Novakconfirmed Russia’s plans to develop activepartnership with Saudi Arabia in thepeaceful use of nuclear technologies andannounced the opening of a RusatomOverseas branch in Riyadh.

JSC Rusatom Overseas is a company ofRosatom State Corporation responsible for


promotion of the integrated offer for largeand small capacity NPPs and Centers ofNuclear Science and Technologies (CNST)construction projects in the internationalmarket.

“The opening of the Russian company’sbranch in Riyadh is a significant step inRussian-Saudi relations in the field of nuclearenergy. Rosatom’s presence in the Kingdomwill ensure efficient interaction with Saudistate bodies and private-owned companieswithin the competitive dialogue for SaudiArabia’s first nuclear power plant project”,said Alexander Novak.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/568660

Russia plans to deliver missiles toTurkey in July; U.S. takes dim view

Daren Butler, Maria Tsvetkova, Reuters, June11, 2019

Russia said on Tuesday it plans to deliver itsS-400 missile defence systems to Turkey inJuly, setting the clock ticking on a U.S. threatto hit Ankara with sanctions if it goes aheadwith a deal that has strained ties betweenthe NATO allies.

Turkey and the United States have sparredpublicly for months over Ankara’s order forthe S-400s, which are not compatible withthe transatlantic alliance’s systems.

Washington has threatened to removeTurkey from its F-35 fighter jet programmeunless it drops the deal, and has set its owndeadline of July 31. If Ankara acceptsdelivery of the S-400s, that would triggerU.S. sanctions that could prolong Turkey’seconomic recession and prompt a re-evaluationof its 67-year membership of NATO.

https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-turkey-security/russia-plans-to-deliver-missiles-to-turkey-in-july-u-s-takes-dim-view-idINKCN1TC1TR

Lavrov urges Russia, US to adoptjoint declaration on avoidingnuclear war


Moscow submitted proposals on the entirerange of strategic stability issues, but has not

so far received the response, says Russia’stop diplomat

The presidents of Russia and the UnitedStates should jointly declare that the useof nuclear weapons is unacceptable,Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovtold an international forum, the PrimakovReadings, on Tuesday. “From a politicalperspective, it’s of principal importancethat Russia and the US calm the rest ofthe world and pass a joint statement at ahigh level that there can be no victory in anuclear war and therefore it is unacceptableand inadmissible,” Lavrov said.


US provokes Iran’s radical stepson nuclear deal - Russian diplomat


Washington is inciting Tehran to takeradical steps on the Iranian nuclear deal,Russia’s Permanent Representative toInternational Organizations in ViennaMikhail Ulyanov said in a statement,published on the Russian ForeignMinistry’s website.

The diplomat noted that the US has notjust pulled out from the JointComprehensive Plan of Action on theIranian nuclear program, but it seeks toundermine it by blocking theimplementation of this agreement’seconomic part.


Russia says US troop build-up inPoland ‘undermines stability inEurope’

Henry Foy, Demetri Sevastopulo and JamesShotter, Financial Times, June 13, 2019

Russia has accused the US of striking a“severe blow” to European stability afterDonald Trump announced he wouldsend 1,000 troops to Poland, raising fearsof a new arms race between the twomilitary superpowers.

Mr Trump’s decision to boost the USmilitary in Poland, which has long sought


a bigger Nato presence to deter any threatfrom Russia, comes just months after hisadministration pulled out of a landmarkCold War nuclear missile treaty drawn upto protect Europe from attack.

https://www.ft.com/content/e20908a8-8dcc-11e9-a1c1-51bf8f989972

Russia’s VVER-TOI reactor certified by European utilities


The Russian-designed VVER-TOI nuclearpower reactor design - developed from theVVER-1200 - has been formally certified ascompliant by the European UtilityRequirements (EUR) organisation.

Atomenergoproekt, a subsidiary of Russianstate nuclear corporation Rosatom,announced the VVER-TOI (typicaloptimised, with enhanced information)design in 2010, developed using technicalresults from the VVER-1200 project. Thisdesign has an upgraded pressure vessel,increased power to 3300 MWt and 1255-1300 MWe gross (nominally 1300 MWe),improved core design to increase coolingreliability, further development of passivesafety with 72-hour grace period requiringno operator intervention after shutdown,lower construction and operating costs, and40-month construction time. It will use alow-speed turbine-generator.

https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Russia-s-VVER-VOI-reactor-certified-by-European-ut

No unanimity among USintelligence community over claimsof nuclear test in Russia —expert


The US intelligence community apparentlyhas no single opinion on Pentagon’s claimsthat Russia carried out nuclear tests in recentyears, in breach of its internationalcommitments and domestic moratorium, asenior international non-proliferation experttold TASS on Friday.

“The DIA director received some push-backagainst his original statement, so this secondstatement appears intended to strengthen

his claim by saying it’s supported by theIntelligence Community,” said HansKristensen, the Director of the NuclearInformation Project at the Federation ofAmerican Scientists (FAS) and an AssociateSenior Fellow with the Stockholm-basedSIPRI Disarmament, Arms Control andNon-proliferation Programme.

https://tass.com/defense/1063930

WEST ASIA

G. Iran

Iranian envoy: S. Arabia, Israel,Egypt, and UAE have beendeveloping missiles with longranges

Tehran Times, June 1, 2019

Hamid Baeidinejad, Tehran’s ambassadorto London, has said Iran’s missile programis not the only one in the region, IRNAreported on Friday. In a post on hisInstagram page, the ambassador saidinformation from missile programs bycertain regional countries indicates thatdespite the propaganda campaignslaunched against Iran’s missile program,Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, and even theUAE have devised large-scale missileprograms in collaboration with othercountries for decades and producedmissiles with long ranges.

He said since the Iraqi war against Iran inthe 1980s, Saudi Arabia has beendeveloping four or five missile submarinesunder the management of the strategicmissile forces by purchasing technology ofChinese rocket, Dong Feng. In addition toshort-range missiles of up to 1,000kilometers, Saudi Arabia also has a varietyof mid-range ballistic missiles, theambassador explained. He added that Israelhas designed and implemented a large-scale missile program to support its nuclearweapons program and conventionalweapons program. The diplomat also saidthe concerns expressed about Iran by theU.S., Israel and their allies are becauseIran’s high deterrence power.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436539/Iranian-envoy-S-Arabia-Israel-Egypt-and-UAE-have-been-developing


IAEA report proves Iran’s supportfor multilateralism: envoy


Iran’s ambassador and permanentrepresentative to the Vienna-basedinternational organizations said on Fridaynight that the International Atomic EnergyAgency’s latest report shows Tehran’sgoodwill in preserving multilateralism ininternational relations. The remarks byKazem Gharibabadi came immediately afterthe IAEA issued its quarterly reportconfirming that Iran has stayed within themain restrictions of the JCPOA and wasabiding by the main terms of the accord,including the most sensitive issues of itsstockpile of enriched uranium and level ofenrichment.

Gharibabadi said the IAEA’s fifteenthconsecutive report which confirmed Iran’scompliance with the 2015 nuclearagreement (JCPOA) signifies that theIslamic Republic has honored itsinternational commitments, Tasnimreported. He stated that the report hasexplicitly mentioned the order by Iran’sSupreme National Security Council (SNSC)to stop implementing certain JCPOAcommitments under the clauses 26 and 36of the accord, and has also cited theresumption of heavy water production atIran’s Arak nuclear facility after a two-month hiatus for preventive maintenance.The envoy added that Iran’s cooperationwith the IAEA is in a “constructive course”despite the developments surrounding theJCPOA.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436560/IAEA-report-proves-Iran-s-support-for-multilateralism-envoy

Iran’s Rouhani says U.S. ‘shouldreturn to normal state’ for talks’:official website


Reacting to a U.S. offer to talk with Iranwithout pre-conditions, Iranian PresidentHassan Rouhani said on Sunday it wasWashington that had left the negotiating

table, and it “should return to normalstate”.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saidon Sunday the United States is preparedto engage with Iran without pre-conditions about its nuclear program, butneeds to see the country behaving like “anormal nation”.

Rouhani was quoted by the government’sofficial website as saying: “The other sidethat left the negotiating table and breacheda treaty should return to normal state.Until then, we do not have a choice butresistance.”

https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-iran-rouhani/irans-rouhani-says-u-s-should-return-to-normal-state-for-talks-official-website-idINKCN1T30QD

Iran’s defense power absolutelynon-negotiable, admiral says

June 2, 2019

“We declare explicitly that Iran’s defenseand missile power is absolutely non-negotiable,” Sayyari told Tasnim newsagency. He said nobody would everbargain over Tehran’s defense capabilities.On Europe’s willingness to hold newrounds of talks with Iran with the aim ofcompleting the 2015 nuclear deal, theadmiral said, “Europeans may have manywishes and dreams, but we won’t let themachieve the dream of missile talks withIran.” He pointed to the recent remarksby the Leader of the Islamic RevolutionAyatollah Ali Khamenei about theimpossibility of talks on Iran’s defense andmissile capabilities, saying the Leader’sremarks were crystal clear and describednegotiations with the U.S. as a lethalpoison.

In comments last month, AyatollahKhamenei categorically dismissed thenotion of talks with the U.S., saying,“Negotiation is poison. As long as the U.S.continues to be what it is now - as Imamonce said, ‘as long as he does not act like adecent human being’: this is how heworded it - our negotiation with the U.S.


is poison, even more so with the currentadministration.” Ayatollah Khamenei hasreiterated on various occasions that Iran’sdefense capabilities and power are notsubject to negotiations.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436606/Iran-s-defense-power-absolutely-non-negotiable-admiral-says

Iran calls U.S. sanctions ‘economicwar’, says no talks until they arelifted


Iran called U.S. sanctions “economic war”on Monday, and said there could be no talkswith the United States until sanctions arelifted, a day after Washington suggested itcould hold talks without pre-conditions ifIran changed its behaviour.

“#EconomicTerrorism against Iran targetsinnocent civilians. Like this little boy, whoseheartbroken mother can’t get him prostheticlegs as he grows. They’re sanctioned,”Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zariftweeted on Monday, with a video clip of awoman saying the prosthetic leg her sonneeds is sanctioned. “This is@realDonaldTrump’s ‘economic war’. Andwar and talks - with or withoutpreconditions - don’t go together,” Zarifadded in the tweet.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saidon Sunday that the United States wasprepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions about its nuclear programme butneeds to see the country behaving like “anormal nation” first.

https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-iran/iran-calls-u-s-sanctions-economic-war-says-no-talks-until-they-are-lifted-idINKCN1T42GG

Iran’s Khamenei: Tehran will notabandon its missile programme


Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah AliKhamenei said on Tuesday that Tehranwould not be “deceived” by U.S. PresidentDonald Trump’s offer of negotiations and

would not give up its missile programme.

Iran and the United States have beendrawn into starker confrontation in thepast month, a year after Washingtonpulled out of a deal between Iran andglobal powers to curb Tehran’s nuclearprogramme in return for liftinginternational sanctions.

Trump said last week that Iran “has achance to be a great country, with thesame leadership. We’re not looking forregime change. I just want to make thatclear. We’re looking for no nuclearweapons.”

https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-iran-khamenei/irans-khamenei-tehran-will-not-abandon-its-missile-programme-idINKCN1T523F

Iran rejects French call for widertalks beyond nuclear deal: stateTV

Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, June 7, 2019

Iran rejected French calls for widerinternational talks over its nuclear andmilitary ambitions, saying on Friday itwould only discuss its existing 2015 atomicpact with world powers, state TVreported.

French President Emmanuel Macron hadsaid a day earlier that Paris andWashington both wanted to stop Tehrangetting nuclear arms and new talks shouldfocus on curbing its ballistic missilesprogramme and on other issues.

But Iran’s foreign ministry said it wouldnot hold any discussions beyond the 2015pact which U.S. President Donald Trumpabandoned last year as he pressed fortougher restrictions.

“Under this circumstances, talking aboutissues beyond the deal ... will lead tofurther mistrust among the remainingsignatories of the deal,” foreign ministryspokesman Abbas Mousavi said in astatement.

https://in.reuters.com/article/iran-nuclear-france/iran-rejects-french-call-for-wider-talks-beyond-nuclear-deal-state-tv-idINKCN1T80YIz


Heinonen: Iran’s nuclear scientistsare ‘the best of the best’


Iran’s nuclear scientists are exceedinglysavvy and they are talented engineers, saidHeinonen, who played a key role at theIAEA almost two decades ago. “They haveenormous resources. They went to the bestuniversities in the world. And when youlook at the technicians who work in thosefacilities, they are very different from thoseI have seen who work in othermanufacturing industries, producing tanksor cars. They are the best of the best,”explained Heinonen who served as theIAEA deputy director-general for safeguards.Elsewhere in his remarks, he said that thereare “strong indications” that Iran is in breachof its obligations under the JointComprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), theofficial name for the nuclear 2015 deal.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436675/Heinonen-Iran-s-nuclear-scientists-are-the-best-of-the-best

‘U.S., Israel won’t allow the likes ofSaudis to acquire atomic bomb’


“I am certain that neither the U.S. nor theZionist regime would ever allow any othercountry to reach nuclear weapons,” SeyyedHadi Seyyed Afghahi said in an interviewwith the Tehran Times. “The Zionist regimewants to be the only superpower andnuclear power in the region. Hence, I highlydoubt that the U.S. and the Zionist regimewould allow Saudi Arabia or any otherArab country to acquire nuclear weapons.”He cited Washington’s constant pressure onNorth Korea over its nuclear weapons as anexample that the U.S. would never allowother countries, “let alone Arab ones”, tobuild atomic bombs.

Seyyed Afghahi also referred to Israel’sbombardment of Iraq’s nuclear facilities asyet another example. “The reason Israelwould not attack Iran is that firstly it is afraidof doing so, and secondly we have broughtour nuclear activities under the law,” hereasoned. He was asked about mediaspeculations about disagreements between

Tehran and Moscow on Syria, SeyyedAfghahi said, “These are merely rumorsand psychological warfare.” “I’m notsaying that our relations with the Russiansare ideal. At the strategic level, the twocountries’ goals are identical, and the twocountries share similar views. But at thetactical level, sometimes there aredisagreements between Iran, Russia andSyria,” he remarked.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436721/U-S-Israel-won-t-allow-the-likes-of-Saudis-to-acquire-atomic

Zarif lambasts ‘conceitedinterpretation’ of Resolution 2231


“Our missiles are not ‘designed’ for nukes,which we’re not developing,” Iran’s chiefdiplomat said in a tweet he posted onFriday. Zarif stated that the U.S. and itsallies are in no position to criticize theIslamic Republic’s missile program andlashed out at the West for making armsdeals with the countries that are killing theYemeni people. Zarif emphasized that theUN Security Council resolution does notenforces any prohibition on Iran’sconventional missiles. French PresidentEmmanuel Macron also on Thursdayaccused Tehran of making efforts toachieve nuclear arms, saying France andthe U.S. both wanted to stop Tehran gettingnuclear arms and new talks should focuson curbing its ballistic missiles programand on other issues. Macron listed fourcommon priorities of the U.S. and Francein addressing “Iranian behavior”:preventing Iran from getting a nuclearweapon, reducing Iran’s

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436697/Zarif-lambasts-conceited-interpretation-of-Resolution-2231

Iran’s Zarif says nuclear deal talkswith Germany were frank, serious


Iran and Germany held “frank andserious” talks on saving the 2015 nucleardeal with world powers, Foreign MinisterMohammad Javad Zarif said.


“We had frank and serious talks with(visiting German Foreign Minister Heiko)Maas ... Tehran will cooperate with EUsignatories of the deal to save it,” Zarif tolda joint news conference in Tehran.

U.S. President Donald Trump withdrewfrom the pact last year and reimposedsanctions on Iran.

https://in.reuters.com/article/iran-nuclear-zarif/irans-zarif-says-nuclear-deal-talks-with-germany-were-frank-serious-idINKCN1TB0Y7

Iran has accelerated production ofenriched uranium, IAEA says


Iran has followed through on its threat tooaccelerate its production of enricheduranium, the U.N. nuclear watchdog’s chiefYukiya Amano said on Monday.

Iran’s nuclear deal with major powers capsthe amount of low-enriched uranium Irancan produce. Given fluctuations inproduction, it was not clear when Iran mightreach that limit, Amano told a newsconference, declining to elaborate further onthe production rate.

https://in.reuters.com/article/iran-nuclear-iaea-enrichment/iran-has-accelerated-production-of-enriched-uranium-iaea-says-idINKCN1TB1LN

IAEA chief worried about risingtension over Iran nuclear issue


The U.N. atomic watchdog’s chief said onMonday he was worried about risingtensions over Iran’s nuclear programme andcalled for de-escalation through dialogue,departing from his usual guarded languageon the country.

“I am worried about increasing tensions overthe Iranian nuclear issue,” InternationalAtomic Energy Agency chief Yukiya Amanosaid in a speech to a meeting of the IAEA’s35-nation Board of Governors, one of itsmain decision-making bodies.

https://in.reuters.com/article/iran-nuclear-iaea/iaea-chief-worried-about-rising-tension-over-iran-nuclear-issue-idINKCN1TB0YH

Iran to unveil phase II of stableisotopes on June 22


Iran is the 12th country that possesses thistechnology which has various medical andagricultural applications, he explained.Stable isotopes are non-radioactive formsof atoms. Although they do not emitradiation, their unique properties enablethem to be used in a broad variety ofapplications, including water and soilmanagement, environmental studies,nutrition assessment studies, and forensics.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436816/Iran-to-unveil-phase-II-of-stable-isotopes-on-June-22

Tehran says placed no order forRussian S400


Foreign Ministry spokesman AbbasMousavi said in his weekly pressconference on Monday that Iran does notneed S-400 anti-missile defense system.“Iranian experts have devised one systemthat is nothing short of the S-400 missilesystem,” Mousavi explained.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436819/Tehran-says-placed-no-order-for-Russian-S400

Zarif: Anyone who starts war onIran will not be the one who endsit


During a joint press conference withGerman Foreign Minister Heiko Maas inTehran, Zarif insisted on Tehran’s long-held position that Iran has not initiated andwill not initiate a war with a country. Henoted that no one can take a militaryaction against the Iranian people withoutreceiving a “firm response”. “The onlyway to reduce tension is stopping theeconomic war. One cannot expect thatthose who have launched economic warand those who support it can be safe whenthere is an economic war against theIranian ordinary people,” the chiefdiplomat remarked.


Zarif added, “This war is very dangerousfor the region and the world. The UnitedStates’ actions after quitting the JCPOA [the2015 nuclear deal] have targeted the Iranianpeople who were supposed to enjoy thebenefits of this deal more than anyone else.”He noted that Iran has remained committedto its obligations under the JointComprehensive Plan of Action and this hasbeen confirmed by the International AtomicEnergy Agency for 15 times.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436799/Zarif-Anyone-who-starts-war-on-Iran-will-not-be-the-one-who

UN atomic watchdog chief worriedabout tensions over Iran’s nuclearissue


“I am worried about increasing tensions overthe Iranian nuclear issue. As I haveconstantly emphasized, the nuclear-relatedcommitments entered into by Iran under theJCPOA [the 2015 nuclear deal, known asthe Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action]represent a significant gain for nuclearverification. I therefore hope that ways canbe found to reduce current tensions throughdialogue. It is essential that Iran fullyimplements its nuclear-related commitmentsunder the JCPOA,” he said on Monday inan introductory statement to the board ofgovernors of the International AtomicEnergy Agency.

He said, “On May 8th, Iran’s SupremeNational Security Council announced thatit had ‘issued an order to stop some of Iran’smeasures under the JCPOA from today’.”“The Agency continues to verify the non-diversion of nuclear material declared byIran under its Safeguards Agreement.Evaluations regarding the absence ofundeclared nuclear material and activitiesin Iran continue,” he noted. On May 31,Amano reaffirmed Iran’s complying with theJCPOA.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436817/UN-atomic-watchdog-chief-worried-about-tensions-over-Iran-s-nuclear

UN watchdog confirms Iran’spromised uranium enrichmenthike


The assessment comes at a time of sharplyincreased U.S.-Iranian confrontation, ayear after Washington abandoned aninternational agreement that imposedcurbs on Tehran’s nuclear program inexchange for the lifting of financialsanctions. Washington tightened sanctionson Iran from the start of May, ordering allcountries and companies to halt anyimports of Iranian oil or be banished fromthe global financial system. It alsodispatched extra troops to the region tocounter unspecified threats from Iran.

Iran responded with a threat to increaseits enrichment of uranium, saying it wasup to European countries who still supportthe nuclear deal to save it by finding waysto ensure Tehran receives the economicbenefits it was promised.

“Yes, production rate is increasing,” hetold a news conference on Monday whenasked if enriched uranium production hadaccelerated since the agency’s lastquarterly report, which found Irancompliant with the nuclear deal as of May20. He declined to quantify the increase.Iran said last month it was still abiding bythe deal but would quadruple itsproduction of enriched uranium - a movethat could take it out of compliance ifstockpiles rise too far.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436856/UN-watchdog-confirms-Iran-s-promised-uranium-enrichment-hike

All nuclear deal parties must‘equally’ honor theircommitments: Iran

Tehran Times June 12, 2019

“All sides to the JCPOA must fulfil theircommitments equally. If they cannot doso, they should understand that we canreview the JCPOA and our obligations byusing the mechanisms that the JCPOA hasprovided us,” Foreign Ministry spokesman


Abbas Mousavi said. His comments came asGerman Foreign Minister Heiko Maas saidin a meeting with Swedish Foreign MinisterMargot Wallstrom that if Iran quits theJCPOA, it will be isolated. Maas warnedthat Iran’s withdrawal from the JCPOA willbe harmful to both Europe and Iran.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436890/All-nuclear-deal-parties-must-equally-honor-their-commitments

Rouhani: Sanctions and pressure arestarting to lose their effectiveness


“The Iranian people should know that theU.S. pressure against our country hasreached its climax and actually it is losingits effect,” Rouhani told a cabinet session.The Trump administration has used itsexcessive force to squeeze Iran economically.It has threatened to punish any country orcompany that buys oil from Iran. It has alsoslapped sanctions on Iran’s petrochemicaland steel industries. Analysts say the onlything that the United States has not startedagainst Iran so far is military war, althoughIranian Foreign Minister Mohammad JavadZarif has said there is no difference between“economic war” and “military war”.

Rouhani said, “Undoubtedly, what the U.S.has done against the Iranian people is a clearexample of economic terrorism. This will berecorded in history as what the‘executioners’ do against the Iranian people.However, the Iranian people have resisteddespite all the pressures.” Referring toremarks made by German Foreign MinisterHeiko Maas, Rouhani said other countrieshave acknowledged the Iranian people’s“greatness” and know that the U.S. is onthe “wrong path”.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436891/Rouhani-Sanctions-and-pressure-are-starting-to-lose-their-effectiveness

IAEA should see all aspect and beunbiased: Iranian diplomat


“In the current situation, the Agency [theIAEA] is duty bound to see all the aspects

and prepare reports unbiasedly,” he saidduring a meeting with Yukiya Amano,head of the UN nuclear watchdog.Dehghani also said Iran attaches greatimportance to practical actions by theremaining signatories to the 2015 nucleardeal to preserve the pact, officially knownas the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action(JCPOA).

Amano said that the JCPOA is a greatachievement for verification. In anintroductory statement to the IAEA boardof governors on Monday, Amano said heis worried about increasing tensions overthe Iranian nuclear issue.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436889/IAEA-should-see-all-aspect-and-be-unbiased-Iranian-diplomat

New Chinese envoy submitscredentials to Zarif


During the meeting, the two weighedplans to implement the agreements signedrecently between Iran and China amongother things, Tasnim reported. The twosides also discussed developments in Iran-China ties and their cooperation onvarious issues, including the 2015 nuclearpact, transportation, energy industry andterror fight. In May last year, Zarif hailedthe “serious and friendly” negotiationswith Chinese officials during a short tripto Beijing, saying the two countries enjoystrategic relations that are not influencedby outsiders. He also described China asIran’s major trade partner and a party tothe Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action(JCPOA) that could play a major role instrengthening the international consensuson saving the accord.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436904/New-Chinese-envoy-submits-credentials-to-Zarif

Iran’s Rouhani says security in theGulf is highly important to Iran


Security in the Gulf is of high importanceto Iran, President Hassan Rouhani said on


Thursday, hours after two tankers in theGulf of Oman were evacuated followingsuspected attacks.

“Security is of high importance to Iran inthe sensitive region of the Persian Gulf, inthe Middle East, in Asia and in the wholeworld. We have always tried to secure peaceand stability in the region,” Rouhani said ina speech broadcast live on state television.

https://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-tanker-iran-rouhani/irans-rouhani-says-security-in-the-gulf-is-highly-important-to-iran-idINKCN1TE1XG

Iran calls for regional cooperation toprotect strategic waterways - Fars


Iran’s government spokesman voicedconcern on Thursday over suspected attackson tankers in the Gulf of Oman and saidTehran was ready for regional securitycooperation to protect strategic waterways.

“All countries in the region should be carefulnot to fall in the trap of those who benefitfrom regional insecurity,” Ali Rabei wasquoted as saying by the Fars news agency.

https://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-tanker-iran-rabei/iran-calls-for-regional-cooperation-to-protect-strategic-waterways-fars-idINKCN1TE1D2

Rouhani says Iran, China’sresistance against U.S.unilateralism benefits world


During a meeting with Chinese President XiJinping on the sidelines of the ShanghaiCooperation Organization summit inBishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Rouhani said, “TheIranian people have shown that theybecome more united and strong against theexternal pressure and they do not becomeweak.” He noted that the U.S.administration’s pressure against Iran andChina aimed at dominating the world.

Elsewhere, Rouhani said that Iran’s relationswith China are “strategic”. The twocountries have many capacities to expandties, he added. He said, “Iran is interestedin continuing cooperation with China in

spheres of energy, development ofinfrastructures for sustainable, strategicrelations with China in providing Chinawith energy.” Rouhani also said Iranwelcomes “China’s investment” inprojects in “southern regions and ports”.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436956/Rouhani-says-Iran-China-s-resistance-against-U-S-unilateralism

U.S. bullying has brought Iran,China, Russia closer together:Rouhani aide


“America’s maximum pressure [policy]has changed the strategic analyses ofChina and Russia about the near future,”Ashna said on his Twitter account onFriday. Ashena, who was accompanyingRouhani to the Shanghai CooperationOrganization summit in Bishkek onThursday Friday where leaders of Chinaand Russia were present, described U.S.sanctions and pressures as a “paper tiger”which will not withstand against “commonresistance” of the three countries.

“If anyone had intended to strengthen thisaxis, they should be regarded as close totheir success,” the advisor added. RussianPresident Vladimir Putin said in aninterview published on Thursday that thecurrent U.S. administration had imposeddozens of sanctions on Russia, andcontrasted Moscow’s troubled relationshipwith Washington with what he describedas its blossoming ties with China.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436954/U-S-bullying-has-brought-Iran-China-Russia-closer-together

Iran months from hitting enricheduranium cap despite acceleration


Iran has multiplied the speed at which itenriches uranium but it is still far from themaximum rate possible under its nucleardeal with major powers, meaning it wouldbe months before production ceilings arehit, diplomats who follow it say.


Since it withdrew from the deal, Washingtonhas reinstated its sanctions against Tehranand added new ones in a bid to isolate theIslamic Republic - an effort Iran calls“economic terrorism”. Iran’s response hasincluded accelerating uranium enrichment,which is allowed under the deal but shortensthe time in which it will reach the deal’s capon its stock of enriched uranium.

Inspectors from the U.N. atomic watchdog,which is policing the deal’s nuclearrestrictions, told member states last weekthat Iran has accelerated its uraniumenrichment to around 12 kg a month,roughly three times the previous rate,diplomats who attended the quarterlytechnical briefing said.

https://in.reuters.com/article/iran-nuclear-enrichment/iran-months-from-hitting-enriched-uranium-cap-despite-acceleration-idINKCN1TF2DK

Iran fast-boats preventing towing ofdamaged Altair tanker: source


Iranian military fast-boats in the Gulf ofOman are preventing two privately ownedtug boats from towing away an oil tankerdamaged in attacks on Thursday, a U.S.official said on Friday, speaking on conditionof anonymity.

The U.S. official did not say how the UnitedStates knew of the reported standoffbetween the Iranian fast-boats and the tugboats, which were trying to tie up and towaway the Norwegian-owned Front Altair.The United States blames Iran for Thursday’sattacks against the Altair and the Japanese-owned Kokuka Courageous. Tehran deniesthe accusations.

https://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-attacks-usa-tugboats/iran-fast-boats-preventing-towing-of-damaged-altair-tanker-source-idINKCN1TF2AX

Iran renews nuclear pact ultimatumamid tensions with U.S


Iran will continue scaling back compliancewith a nuclear deal unless other signatories

to the pact show “positive signals”, theIranian president said on Saturday astensions with the United States escalatedover tanker attacks in the Gulf region. Iranstopped complying in May with somecommitments in the 2015 nuclear deal thatwas agreed with global powers, after theUnited States unilaterally withdrew fromthe accord in 2018 and ratcheted upsanctions on Tehran.

“Obviously, Iran cannot stick to thisagreement unilaterally,” President HassanRouhani told Russian, Chinese and otherAsian leaders at a conference in Tajikistan.“Obviously, Iran cannot stick to thisagreement unilaterally,” President HassanRouhani told Russian, Chinese and otherAsian leaders at a conference in Tajikistan.His comments follow rising tensions withWashington, which has accused Tehranof carrying out Thursday’s attacks on twooil tankers in a vital oil shipping route atthe mouth of the Gulf. Tehran has deniedhaving any role.

https://in.reuters.com/article/iran-nuclear/iran-renews-nuclear-pact-ultimatum-amid-tensions-with-u-s-idINKCN1TG04Q

Everyone is concerned about fateof nuclear deal, Putin says


Addressing the Conference on Interactionand Confidence-Building Measures in Asia(CICA) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Putinsaid, “The United States’ withdrawal fromthe agreement has significantly impededits implementation, and has had a negativeeffect on the overall situation in nuclearnon-proliferation.” “We believe that theonly reasonable solution is for allsignatories to continue honoring theircommitments under the Plan, and this iswhat Russia is set to do,” he said. Putinand Chinese President Xi Jinping issued astatement on June 7 denouncing theunilateral sanctions imposed by the U.S.against Iran.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/437017/Everyone-is-concerned-about-fate-of-nuclear-deal-Putin-says


INSTEX remains non-operational,Larijani says


“Despite various talks, the Frenchpresident’s promise to the Iranian presidentfor preserving Barjam (nuclear deal) has notbeen met and it should be actually said thatthe INSTEX mechanism has remained on thepaper,” Larijani said, according to the Mehrnews agency. European countriesestablished INSTEX in January to help shieldtrade with Iran from U.S. sanctions imposedafter President Donald Trump withdrewfrom the multinational nuclear deal in May2018. On March 20, Iran’s central bankgovernor Abdolnaser Hemmati announcedthat a mechanism similar to INSTEX hasbeen registered in Iran, officially called theSpecial Trade and Finance Institute (STFI).

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/437007/INSTEX-remains-non-operational-Larijani-says

Iran cannot stick to nuclear dealunilaterally: Rouhani


“It is obvious that Iran cannot unilaterallyremain committed to the JCPOA, and it isnecessary that the other countries contributeto the survival of this important agreement,”he said during a speech at the Conferenceon Interaction and Confidence-BuildingMeasures in Asia (CICA) in Dushanbe,Tajikistan. Rouhani also said that Iran hasacted as a powerful barrier against Takfiriterrorism.

He emphasized that, in today’s world, acountry cannot cope with the challenges andtake advantage of opportunities alone, andachieving an acceptable level of peace,stability and development requires thedevelopment of regional cooperation anddialogue aimed at strengtheningunderstanding. The foreign policy of theIslamic Republic of Iran is based oncooperation, and finding ways to achievecommon interests, mutual benefit and, in aword, win-win policy. In this context, weconsider cooperation with the countries ofthe region and the use of the mechanism ofmultilateral dialogue in the form of CICA

summits extremely useful, necessary andeffective.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/437013/Iran-cannot-stick-to-nuclear-deal-unilaterally-Rouhani

Iran urges U.S., allies to stop ‘falseflag operations’ in region


“The inflammatory remarks by the U.S.representative against Iran at the UNSecurity Council on 13 June 2019 wasanother Iranophobic campaign. Irancategorically rejects the U.S.’ unfoundedclaim with regard to 13 June oil tankerincidents and condemns it in the strongestpossible terms,” the mission said in astatement on Thursday.

“Neither fabrications and disinformationcampaigns nor shamelessly blaming otherscan change the realities. The U.S. and itsregional allies must stop warmongeringand put an end to mischievous plots aswell as false flag operations in the region.Warning, once again, about all of the U.S.coercion, intimidation, and malignbehavior, Iran expresses concern oversuspicious incidents for the oil tankers thatoccurred today,” the statement added.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436981/Iran-urges-U-S-allies-to-stop-false-flag-opera-tions-in-region

H. Israel

Netanyahu tells Japan’s Abe topressure Iran as he prepares forTehran visit

The Times of Isreal, June 8, 2019

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spokeFriday with Japanese Prime MinisterShinzo Abe ahead of the latter’s upcomingvisit to Iran.

Netanyahu said he told Abe that it wasnecessary to maintain pressure on Tehranto counter Iranian expansion in the MiddleEast.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-tells-japans-abe-to-pressure-iran-as-he-prepares-for-tehran-visit/


Netanyahu: Zarif Is Lying; WeWon’t Allow Iran To DevelopNuclear Weapons

The Jerusalem Post, June 11, 2019

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuslammed Iranian Minister of Foreign AffairsMohammad Javad Zarif in a video releasedon Monday, calling him a serial liar.Netanyahu said that it is “Iran who is openlythreatening to destroy [Israel].”

https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Netanyahu-Zarif-is-lying-we-wont-allow-Iran-to-develop-Nuclear-weapons-592060

Radioactive material leaked fromIsrael’s nuclear reactor severaltimes

Middle East Monitor, June 12, 2019

A Israeli court heard yesterday thatradioactive material has leaked from theDimona nuclear reactor several times sinceit was built, Arab48 reported.

This was revealed during a case against thereactor filed by a former worker who isbattling cancer.

According to the Israeli general radio, thereactor recognised the leaks after workerscomplained; no further details were given.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190612-radioactive-material-leaked-from-israels-nuclear-reactor-several-times/

I. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Norway tell UNSecurity Council tanker attacker‘most likely a state actor’

Arab News, June 7, 2019

The United Arab Emirates told UnitedNations Security Council members onThursday that attacks on four tankers offits coast on May 12 bore the hallmarks of a“sophisticated and coordinated operation,”most likely by a state actor. In a documenton the briefing to Security Council members,the UAE, joined by Norway and SaudiArabia, did not say who it believed was

behind the attacks and did not mentionIran, which has been accused by theUnited States of being directly responsible.The attacks required expert navigation offast boats and trained divers who likelyplaced limpet mines with a high degree ofprecision on the vessels under thewaterline to incapacitate but not sinkthem, according to the preliminary findingsof the countries’ joint investigation.

The May 12 attacks targeted two Sauditankers, an Emirati vessel and aNorwegian tanker, causing no casualtiesbut fueling tensions between the UnitedStates and Iran during weeks of escalatingrhetoric. US national security adviser JohnBolton said on May 29 that the attackswere the work of “naval mines almostcertainly from Iran.” Tehran denied theaccusations.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1507351/middle-east

Nuclear power the best solutionfor Saudi Arabia

Ellen R. Wald, Arab News,June 10, 2019

Serious power outages in Saudi Arabia lastweekend once again highlighted theimportance of power generation in themodernized, urbanized Kingdom. In theheat of June and at the end of Ramadan,cities in Saudi Arabia simply cannot gowithout electricity. This is why it isimperative for the Kingdom to buildnuclear power plants. However, the worldgets nervous whenever a new countryenters the nuclear power community. Toalleviate this global anxiety, there are stepsSaudi Arabia can and should take. Itwould be easy to reassure the naysayersand set an example for peaceful nuclearstewardship.

Saudi Arabia is the only G-20 country thatburns large amounts of oil for electricitygeneration. In 2016, 40 percent of itselectricity still came from oil. Almost all ofthe rest of its electricity comes from naturalgas. Nuclear power plants can be boughtfrom South Korea, Russia, the US andothers. South Korean and Russiancompanies already presented ideas to the


Kingdom in 2018, and a French firmparticipated in sight plans. Once plants arebuilt, the management can be handled bySaudis, with specific contracts to foreignfirms. There is no need for Saudi Arabia totry to develop the project itself or to mine orenrich its own uranium. The best thing todo is tell the world this and show the worldthis is not about weapons. Saudi Arabiashould go above and beyond what the worldasks, sign any agreement and welcome anynuclear inspectors. Show the world that thisis not about war but about averting anypotential domestic economic andhumanitarian crisis.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1508851

Saudi air defence intercepts twoHouthi drones - SPA


Saudi Arabia’s air defence forces interceptedtwo drones launched by Yemen’s Houthisand targeting the city of Khamis Mushait, aSaudi led coalition spokesman said instatement released by Saudi Press Agencyearly on Tuesday.

The Statement gave no further details.

Houthi-run Masirah TV reported earlier onMonday that the Iran-aligned movementhad carried out attacks on King Khalidairbase near Khamis Mushait insouthwestern Saudi Arabia.

https://in.reuters.com/article/yemen-security-saudi-attacks/saudi-air-defence-intercepts-two-houthi-drones-spa-idINKCN1TB2PJ

Stop Iran from expanding nuclearprogram: Saudi Arabia


Saudi Arabia urged the internationalcommunity and inspectors of InternationalAtomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to increasepressure on Iran to halt expanding itsnuclear program by publicizing furtherinformation related to Iran’s nuclearactivities.

Shraheli called for intensifying inspectionwithin Iran to identify any sites likely to be

used by the outlawed country to carry outundeclared nuclear activities, that maytarget the security of the states in theregion, and to take the necessary measuresto ensure that Iran is not able to developtechniques that may be used for militarypurposes. “The peoples of the region donot need nuclear weapons to achievesecurity, stability, peace and development.Instead of this, they need enhancing ofcooperation and building of confidenceand good-neighborliness as well as to usetheir resources for the well-being anddevelopment of their peoples.”

Shraheli stressed that the internationalcommunity cannot ignore the true natureof Iran’s intentions, which is evident byits aggressive behavior towards thecountries in the region, in view of itshostile policy and tendency towardsexpansion and hegemony, with testing ofballistic missiles and developing othermilitary devices.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/568786/SAUDI-ARABIA/Stop-Iran-from-expanding-nuclear-program-Saudi-Arabia

Riyadh meeting reviewsenhancing Saudi-French nuclearcooperation


The fourth joint meeting of the Saudi-French Nuclear Committee reviewed theexisting cooperation in the field of peacefuluses of atomic energy between theKingdom and France and ways to furtherenhancing it in a way supportive to theSaudi National Atomic Energy Project.

Dr. Khalid Al-Sultan, president of the KingAbdullah City for Atomic and RenewableEnergy (KACARE) and the FrenchAmbassador to the Kingdom FrançoisGouyette co-chaired the meeting held atthe headquarters of KACARE in Riyadh.During the meeting, the two sidesdiscussed joint activities to develop humancapacities in the field of atomic energy.

The meeting reviewed the National EnergyPolicy and the Nuclear Energy Industryof France and their main partners. The two


sides also discussed the developments madeby joint working groups regardingcooperation in research fields of atomicenergy, as well as development of humancapacities and competencies in the fields ofnuclear energy and radioactive wastemanagement. The discussions also figuredcooperation in the field of nuclear legislativecontrol (safety and security) in coordinationwith the Saudi Arabian Atomic RegulatoryAuthority.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/568845/SAUDI-ARABIA/Riyadh-meeting-reviews-enhancing-Saudi-French-nuclear-cooperation

Royal Saudi and US air forces carryout exercise over Arabian Gulf


Royal Saudi Air Force aircraft and F-15CEagle fighter jets belonging to the US AirForce flew in formation over the ArabianGulf Sunday, supported by both Saudi andUS air-to-air refueling aircraft. The aim ofthe exercise was to continue to strengthenmilitary relations between the two countries.

US officials have recently said that there hasbeen a surge in intelligence pointing toIranian preparations for attacks against USforces and interests in the Gulf region. Inresponse to those intelligence warnings, theUS on May 5 announced it was acceleratingthe deployment of the USS Abraham Lincolnaircraft carrier battle group to the Gulfregion. It also sent four nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to Qatar and has beefed up itsdefenses in the region by deploying morePatriot air defense systems.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1511556/saudi-arabia

Crown Prince calls for decisiveinternational position against Iran


Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman,Deputy Prime Minister and Minister ofDefense, said that Saudi Arabia does notwant a war in the region, but stressed thatit “will not hesitate in dealing with anythreat against our people, sovereignty and

vital interests.” In an interview withAsharq Al-Awsat, the Crown Prince saidthat the Kingdom “supported the re-imposition of US sanctions on Iran out ofour belief that the international communityneeded to take a decisive stance againstIran.”

He hoped that the Iranian regime “wouldopt to become a normal state and cease itshostile policy.” The Crown Prince toldAsharq Al-Awsat that attacks on oiltankers in the Gulf, oil facilities in theKingdom and Abha airport “underscorethe importance of our demand before theinternational community to take a decisivestance against an expansionist regime thathas supported terrorism and spread deathand destruction over the past decades notonly in the region, but the whole world.”He criticized Iran for using the nucleardeal’s economic benefits “to support itshostile acts in the region.”

http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/568996/SAUDI-ARABIA/Crown-Prince-calls-for-decisive-international-position-against-Iran

J. Qatar

Qatar seeks thaw in US-Iran row

TRT World, June 9, 2019

Qatari FM Sheikh Mohammed binAbdulrahman al Thani urges both sidesto find a compromise and beginnegotiations, warns against imposing US-led “deal of the century” on thePalestinians.

Qatar has been talking to both Iran andthe United States about de-escalation,Qatari Foreign Minister SheikhMohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thanitold reporters in London on Sunday,urging both sides to meet and find acompromise.

Tensions have risen between Iran and theUnited States in recent weeks afterWashington reimposed economicsanctions on Iran after unilaterallywithdrawing out of a big-power nucleardeal, and sending forces to the Middle Eastin a show of force to counter what US


officials called Iranian threats to US troopsand regional interests.

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/qatar-seeks-thaw-in-us-iran-row-27351

Qatar urges de-escalation in U.S.-Iran row


Qatar and other countries have been talkingto both Iran and the United States about de-escalation, Qatari Foreign Minister SheikhMohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani saidon Sunday, urging both sides to meet andfind a compromise.

“We believe that at one point there shouldan engagement – it cannot last forever likethis,” he told reporters in London onSunday. “Since they are not willing toengage in further escalation, they shouldcome up with ideas that open the doors.”

Sheikh Mohammed said several countriesincluding Qatar, Oman Iraq and Japan hadbeen urging de-escalation with the two sides.

“All these countries are concerned whatescalation could lead to,” he said. “Therewere attempts by Qatar and by othercountries in the region to de-escalate thesituation: we have been speaking to the U.S.and we have been talking to the Iranians aswell.”

“What we are trying to do is really to bridgethe gap and create a conversation betweenthe two parties as escalation is not going tobenefit anyone in the region,” he said.

https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-iran-qatar/qatar-urges-de-escalation-in-u-s-iran-row-idINKCN1TA0OO

K. UAE

Understanding The Saudi, UaeArms Deals And Iran

Seth J. Frantzman, The Jerusalem Post, June10, 2019

In May 2017 US President Donald Trumpand Saudi Arabia inked a $110 billion arms

deal. Two years later, news that Riyadhwas seeking to extend its missilecapabilities has resurrected claims that theKingdom is involved in an “arms race”with other countries in the region.However, there has always been an armsrace in the Middle East between rivalpowers and it’s not clear that the currentexpansion is different than past build-upsof military equipment. What might makeit different is if Iran actually tried to builda nuclear weapon. CNN reported on June5 that the US government “has obtainedintelligence that Saudi Arabia hassignificantly escalated its ballistic missileprogram with the help of China.” Thiswas despite US efforts to prevent missileproliferation in the Middle East, the articlenoted. “Discovery of the Saudi efforts hasheightened concerns among members ofCongress over a potential arms race in theMiddle East.” A subsequent article notedthat “exactly the White House’s decisionto bend itself out of shape to suit theSaudi’s current thirst for more and betterweapons, in a region already exhaustedby conflict, will lead in the years ahead isunclear.” The controversy with SaudiArabia involves its interest in developingnuclear technology and allegations thatthe missiles it might be seeking could goagainst three decades of US policy thatseek to prevent the acquisition of weaponsthat could include payloads of weaponsof mass destruction. The logic is that if youadd up Riyadh’s nuclear ambitions and itsmissile ambitions, it points in thatdirection. Add in the billions of arms sales,and that the Kingdom has become a 21stcentury military version of 18th centuryPrussia, so the argument goes. In MayTrump approved $8 billion in weaponssales to Saudi Arabia, the United ArabEmirates and Jordan, maneuveringaround Congressional concerns. This cameamid rising tensions with Iran. Theproblem with the arms race narrative isthat there is no new arms race in theMiddle East.

https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Under-standing-the-Saudi-UAE-arms-deals-and-Iran-591895


Frontline oil tanker struck bytorpedo off UAE coast - Tradewinds


An oil tanker owned by Norway’s Frontlinehas been struck by a torpedo off the coast ofFujairah in the United Arab Emirates,shipping newspaper Tradewinds reported onThursday, citing unnamed industry sources.

Frontline was not immediately available forcomment.

The United Kingdom Maritime TradeOperations, which is part of the Royal Navy,had said on Thursday it was aware of anincident in the Gulf of Oman, near theIranian coast.

https://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-tanker-frontline/frontline-oil-tanker-struck-by-torpedo-off-uae-coast-tradewinds-idINKCN1TE0PO

State sponsor behind May tankerattacks, says UAE minister


The UAE’s foreign minister said on Saturdaya “state sponsor” was involved in a May 12attack on oil tankers in the Gulf, but did notname any particular country.

He did not mention attacks on two othertankers this week in the same area. TheUnited States has said Iran was involved inboth the May and the June incidents -accusations dismissed by Tehran.

“Our conclusion is this has only been possibleby a state-sponsored attack,” Al Nahyan toldreporters after meeting his Cypriotcounterpart in Nicosia, referring to the Mayattack. “We haven’t named the state, but wehope that we can further work with ourfriends and partners in preventing suchescalations from moving forward,” he added.

The May 12 attacks targeted two Sauditankers, an Emirati vessel and a Norwegiantanker, causing no casualties but fuelingtensions between the United States and Iranduring weeks of escalating rhetoric.

https://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-attacks-emirates/state-sponsor-behind-may-tanker-attacks-says-uae-minister-idINKCN1TG07F

L. Turkey

US gives Turkey July 31 deadlineto scrap Russian S-400 missiledefence system deal

South China Morning Post, June 8, 2019

The Pentagon has warned Turkey that itwill suspend training of its pilots on theadvanced F-35 fighter jet at the end of Julyand terminate Turkey’s participation in thefighter jet programme if it buys Russia’sS-400 missile defence system.

The Pentagon has warned Turkey that itwill suspend training of its pilots on theadvanced F-35 fighter jet at the end of Julyand terminate Turkey’s participation in thefighter jet programme if it buys Russia’sS-400 missile defence system.

https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3013653/us-sets-deadline-july-31-turkey-backtrack-russian-s-400

Turkish F-35 pilots no longerflying at U.S. base - Pentagon

Phil Stewart, Reuters, June 11, 2019

Training by Turkish pilots on F-35 fighterjets has come to a faster-than-expected haltat a U.S. air base in Arizona, U.S. officialssaid on Monday, as the United Stateswinds down Ankara’s involvement in theprogram over Turkey’s plans to buy aRussian air defence system. The UnitedStates says Turkey’s acquisition of Russia’sS-400 air defences poses a threat to theLockheed Martin Corp’s F-35 stealthyfighters, which Turkey also plans to buy.Washington says Ankara cannot have both.

The move to halt training at Luke Air ForceBase, first reported by Reuters, came justdays after acting U.S. Defence SecretaryPatrick Shanahan told his Turkishcounterpart that Turkish pilots already inthe United States could remain there untilthe end of July. That would have allowedtime for more training and for Turkey torethink its plans.

https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-turkey-f35/turkish-f-35-pilots-no-longer-flying-at-u-s-base-pentagon-idINKCN1TB2LE


U.S. has not taken up offer to createS-400 working group, Turkey says

Tuvan Gumrukcu, Reuters, June 11, 2019

The United States has not yet taken upTurkey’s suggestion of creating a jointworking group to try to defuse tensions overAnkara’s purchase of the Russian S-400missile defence systems, a senior Turkishdefence official said on Monday.

The two NATO allies have sparred publiclyfor months over Turkey’s order for the S-400s, which are not compatible with thetransatlantic alliance’s systems. Washingtonsays the S-400s pose a threat to the LockheedMartin Corp F-35 fighters and has warnedof potential U.S. sanctions if Ankara presseson with the deal.

Turkey, one of the core partners in the F-35programme and a prospective buyer, hassaid the S-400s will not impact the jets andhas proposed to Washington forming a jointworking group to assess U.S. concerns.

https://in.reuters.com/article/turkey-usa-defense/u-s-has-not-taken-up-offer-to-create-s-400-working-group-turkey-says-idINKCN1TB1XA

Frontline oil tanker struck bytorpedo off UAE coast - Tradewinds


An oil tanker owned by Norway’s Frontlinehas been struck by a torpedo off the coast ofFujairah in the United Arab Emirates,shipping newspaper Tradewinds reportedon Thursday, citing unnamed industrysources.

Frontline was not immediately available forcomment.

The United Kingdom Maritime TradeOperations, which is part of the Royal Navy,had said on Thursday it was aware of anincident in the Gulf of Oman, near theIranian coast.

https://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-tanker-frontline/frontline-oil-tanker-struck-by-torpedo-off-uae-coast-tradewinds-idINKCN1TE0PO

Erdogan spokesman Kalin saysdiscussed F-35 letter with Boltonon phone


Turkey’s presidential spokesman IbrahimKalin said on Thursday he spoke on thephone with President Donald Trump’snational security advisor John Bolton todiscuss a letter sent by the Pentagon aboutAnkara’s removal from the F-35 jetsprogram.

Washington has warned Turkey againstbuying and installing Russian S-400 missiledefence systems. Speaking at a pressconference in Ankara following a cabinetmeeting, Kalin said he hoped the Pentagonwould abandon its current attitudetowards Turkey, which he said couldpermanently damage ties between the twoNATO allies.

U.S. Acting Secretary of Defence PatrickShanahan last week sent his Turkishcounterpart a letter warning that Ankarawould be pulled out of the F-35 jetprogramme unless it changes course fromits plans to install the S-400 defences. Kalinalso said Erdogan was set to meet withRussian President Vladimir Putin at the endof June during the G20 meeting in Japan.

Turkey says would retaliateagainst U.S. sanctions overRussian S-400s


Turkey will “take reciprocal steps” if theUnited States imposes sanctions over itspurchase of Russian S-400 defences, theTurkish foreign minister said on Friday,marking the latest step toward a standoffbetween the NATO allies.

“If the United States takes any negativeactions towards us, we will also takereciprocal steps,” Mevlut Cavusoglu, theminister, said when asked about possibleU.S. sanctions in an interview broadcaston Turkish TV.

Ankara and Washington have sparredpublicly for months over Turkey’s


purchase of the S-400 missile systems,expected to be delivered as early as nextmonth. Washington has said that wouldtrigger U.S. sanctions and sent a letterwarning that Ankara would be pulled outof the F-35 jet programme.

The Turkish lira weakened to as far as 5.93against U.S. dollar after the comment, to itsweakest level in two weeks.

https://in.reuters.com/article/turkey-usa-sanc-tions/turkey-says-would-retaliate-against-u-s-sanctions-over-russian-s-400s-idINKCN1TF0QR

EAST ASIA

M. Japan

Pro-nuclear incumbent ShingoMimura wins fifth term in Aomorigubernatorial election

Japan Times, June 3, 2019

Shingo Mimura, a pro-nuclear incumbent,won his fifth term in the Aomorigubernatorial election on Sunday, stressinghis past achievements and focusing awayfrom the area’s involvement in the country’snuclear fuel recycling policy duringcampaigning. The incumbent garnered329,048 votes, against 105,466 votescollected by Sahara. Voter turnout stood at40.08 percent.

The prefecture hosts a cluster of nuclearfacilities, including an incomplete plant inRokkasho where spent uranium fuel will bereprocessed for recycling. During the 17-dayofficial campaigning, Mimura touted his rolein having expanded agricultural exports andpromoted administrative reforms, whilemostly avoiding discussion of thecontroversial nuclear policy. AomoriPrefecture received about ¥20 billion innuclear fuel tax income from nuclear facilityoperators in fiscal 2017, accounting forabout 11 percent of the prefecture’s annualtax revenue. A person involved in Mimura’scampaign said there were many residentsin Aomori Prefecture who did not want thenuclear issue to be the focus of the electionas they financially benefit from having thefuel recycling facilities there. Sahara, whoopposes nuclear power generation,

criticized Mimura for promoting thecentral government’s nuclear powerpolicy, but was unable to gain broadsupport from voters.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/06/03/national/politics-diplomacy/pro-nuclear-incumbent-shingo-mimura-wins-fifth-term-aomori-gubernatorial-election/#.XQifdNQza00

Japan plans carbon emission cuts,more nuclear energy

Mari Yamaguchi, AP News, June 7, 2019

Japan is calling for further efforts to cutits carbon emissions by promotingrenewable energy while also pushingnuclear power despite its 2011 Fukushimanuclear plant disaster. An energy policypaper, adopted by the Cabinet on Friday,said Japan faces the urgent task ofreducing carbon emissions by utilities thatrely heavily on fossil fuel plants to makeup for shortages of cleaner nuclear energy.The call comes as nuclear reactors aroundJapan are slowly being restarted — despitelingering anti-nuclear sentiment since theFukushima crisis — after being shut downto meet tougher safety standards.

Japan wants renewable energy’s share in2030 to grow to 22-24% of the country’spower supply from 16%, while pushingnuclear energy to 20-22% from just 3% in2017. The report said the cost ofrenewables also needs to be reduced.

https://www.apnews.com/3d2a01a254f940d79f8101ea0809f1a7

Abe pushing idea that Fukushimanuclear disaster is ‘under control’

The Asahi Shimbun, June 11, 2019

Without special protection againstradiation, Prime Minister Shinzo Abestood on elevated ground about 100 metersfrom the three melted-down reactors at theFukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. “Iwas finally able to see the view justwearing a normal suit without having towear protective clothing and a mask (forradiation),” he said on April 14 afterhearing explanations from Tokyo Electric


Power Co. officials. “The decommissioningwork has been making progress in earnest.”

An act of bravado, perhaps. But it was morelikely one of the ways Abe and hisgovernment want to show that theFukushima disaster is, as he famously said,“under control.” Progress has been made,albeit slowly, for the monumental task ofdecommissioning TEPCO’s crippled nuclearplant. But radiation levels in certain areasof the plant are still lethal with extendedexposure. The problem of storing watercontaminated in the reactors continues.

http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201906110001.html

Japan premier hopes to ease US-Iran tensions in Tehran visit

Jon Gambrell And Mari Yamaguchi, APNews, June 11, 2019

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s tripto Tehran represents the highest-level effortyet to de-escalate tensions between the U.S.and Iran as the country appears poised tobreak the 2015 nuclear deal it struck withworld powers that America earlierabandoned. But while Abe’s trip to Iranmarks the first visit of a sitting Japanesepremier in the 40 years since the IslamicRevolution, it remains unclear if he’ll endup going home with any success. Iran isthreatening to resume enriching uraniumcloser to weapons-grade level on July 7 ifEuropean allies fail to offer it new terms.While President Donald Trump says hewants to talk to Tehran, the U.S. has piledon sanctions that have seen Iran’s rialcurrency plummet along with its crucial oilexports.

“Just going to Iran doesn’t resolve anyproblem,” said Kazuo Takahashi, an OpenUniversity of Japan professor ofinternational politics and expert on theMiddle East. “He would have to help opena path of dialogue between the U.S. andIran, and that could be a major risk.”

https://apnews.com/101028de68644291ac7a368c9f1e736e

Japan premier warns US, Iran‘accidental conflict’ possible

Amir Vahdat, Aya Batrawy And JonGambrell, AP News, June 12, 2019

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abetraveled to Tehran on Wednesday to warnthat an “accidental conflict” could besparked amid heightened tensionsbetween Iran and the U.S., a message thatcame hours after Yemen’s Iranian-backedHouthi rebels attacked a Saudi airport,wounding 26 people. Abe’s trip is thehighest-level effort yet to de-escalate thecrisis as Tehran appears poised to breakthe 2015 nuclear deal it struck with worldpowers, an accord that the Trumpadministration pulled out of last year. It’salso the first visit of a sitting Japanesepremier in the 40 years since the IslamicRevolution.

But success may prove difficult for Abe,as the Houthi rebel attack on SaudiArabia’s Abha regional airportunderscored. The attack is just the latestin a wave of rebel drone and missile attackstargeting the kingdom, which has beenmired in a yearslong war in Yemen thathas killed an estimated 60,000 people andpushed the Arab world’s poorest nationto the brink of famine.

https://apnews.com/3b7344d750fa48a7a104adf73bc59456

Tighter rules for drones sparkfears about the right to know

Shinichi Fujiwara, The Asahi Shimbun,June 13, 2019

Tighter but somewhat vague regulationson operating drones took effect June 13,igniting concerns that limits on where thedevices can fly could infringe on thepublic’s right to know. Under the reviseddrone regulation law, the unmannedaircraft cannot operate over U.S. militaryor Japanese Self-Defense Forces facilitiesunless prior permission is granted. The banincludes surrounding areas extending to300 meters. The government says therestrictions are necessary to thwartterrorist attacks.


While standards on consent remain unclear,it appears likely that wide areas will bedeclared off-limits to drones. This hassparked fears that the public’s right to knowcould be infringed, for example, in the eventof an aircraft crash at a military base ortrying to gauge the impact of environmentalpollution in a construction project.


Abe to Khamenei: Trump does notwant to escalate tensions


Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on June 13 toldIran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah AliKhamenei, that the United States has nointention of escalating tensions with Tehran.“When I met with U.S. President DonaldTrump, he said that he did not want to seean escalation in tensions (with Iran),” Abetold reporters after his meeting withKhamenei, the first by a Japanese leader. “Igave Ayatollah Khamenei my frank view ofwhat I felt to be the intentions held by theU.S. president. By meeting directly withAyatollah Khamenei, I was able to hearabout his beliefs on peace. I am of theopinion that major progress has been madetoward securing peace and stability in thisregion,”

“Ayatollah Khamenei also said that Iran hasno intention of manufacturing, possessingor using nuclear weapons,” Abe toldreporters. “While the path toward easingtensions will be a very difficult one, I wantto make further efforts for the sake of peacein this region as well as for peace andstability in the world.”


Sendai reactor to stop due to delayin anti-terror upgrade work

Yasuyuki Onaya, The Asahi Shimbun, June14, 2019

Kyushu Electric Power Co. will haltoperations of the No. 1 reactor at its Sendainuclear power plant in Kagoshima

Prefecture next March due to a delay inupgrades to protect it from terror attacks,sources said June 13. The NuclearRegulation Authority (NRA) decided at ameeting on June 12 that it would orderelectric power companies to suspendoperations of their reactors unless suchanti-terror facilities are completed abouta week before the set deadlines. As thedeadline for the No. 1 reactor work isMarch 17, 2020, and the completion isexpected to be delayed by about one year,operations will cease the following day.

The company is already working 24 hoursa day on the project, and some have saidthat it would be difficult to take furthermeasures to increase the speed ofconstruction from a worker safetystandpoint. Under such circumstances,there has been a growing view that itwould be impossible to meet the deadline,and thus the firm judged that it cannothelp but suspend the reactor’s operation.


NRA safety license for Sendaireactors legal, Fukuoka courtfinds, dismissing volcano risklawsuit

Japan Times, June 17, 2019

A district court said on Monday it foundnothing illegal with a safety clearancegranted to two reactors in Kyushu thatwere restarted after the 2011 Fukushimanuclear crisis, dismissing a demand for aretraction filed by plaintiffs who said itignored the risk of volcanic eruptions. Thelawsuit was filed by 33 plaintiffs against alicense authorizing design changes atreactors 1 and 2 at the Sendai nuclearpower plant in Kagoshima Prefectureunder tougher post-Fukushima safetyregulations.

They were the first commercial reactors inthe nation to be restarted after the crisis.The plaintiffs argued the NuclearRegulation Authority gave the green lightwithout sufficiently assessing the potentialrisk of eruptions at nearby Mount Aso in


Kumamoto Prefecture and four othervolcanoes. In the first ruling of its kind, theFukuoka District Court concluded thelicense issued was not illegal.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/06/17/national/nra-safety-license-sendai-reactors-legal-fukuoka-court-finds-dismissing-volcano-risk-lawsuit/#.XQifH9Qza00

N. South Korea

President Moon pushes for summitswith Xi, Abe Posted

Lee Min-hyung, Korea Times, June 9, 2019

President Moon Jae-in is pushing for hissummits with Chinese President Xi Jinpingand Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abeduring the upcoming G20 meeting in Osaka,Japan, later this month, a high-rankinggovernment official said. The summits, onthe sidelines of the state leaders’ participationin the Osaka meeting from June 28 to 29,are expected to break a current impasse intalks aimed at dismantling North Korea’snuclear program, according to the officialwho requested anonymity.

“We are arranging the schedules for Moon’spossible summits with Xi and Abe duringthe G20 meeting,” the official said Sunday.President Moon is being urged to play amore active role in addressing diplomaticissues with the neighboring countries, headded. In a possible summit with Xi, Moonwould ask for the Chinese government notto apply any retaliatory and discriminatorymeasures against South Koreanmanufacturers in China including Samsungand LG Group because of the ongoing tradedispute between Washington and Beijing.

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2019/06/113_270315.html

US state department aims for one-time solution to denuclearize NorthKorea

Park Han-na, Korea Herald, June 14, 2019

The United States pursues a one-timesolution to get North Korea to eliminate itsnuclear arsenal, Christopher Ashley Ford,assistant secretary of state for international

security and non-proliferation, saidTuesday, in a stark contrast to theincremental approach that Pyongyang hasbeen pushing for. ”It may be that a one-time solution set can sometimes begenerated within the nonproliferationenterprise itself. This is, after all, exactlywhat the United States aims to achievewith North Korea through the agreedelimination of its illicit weaponsprograms,” Ford said in a speech at anevent hosted by the American Academyfor Strategic Education, a Washington-based nonprofit organization.

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20190614000504&ACE_SEARCH=1

Moon suggests trust-baseddenuclearization, peace

Yonhap, Korea Herald, June 14, 2019

Triving to jump-start the slow-going Koreapeace process, South Korean PresidentMoon Jae-in called overtly for NorthKorea’s substantive denuclearization onFriday. Addressing the Parliament Housein the Swedish capital, he pressedPyongyang to continue dialogue, eitherbilateral or multilateral, until it wins thetrust of the international community.South Korean President Moon Jae-indelivers a speech on the Korean Peninsulapeace process at the Swedish ParliamentHouse in Stockholm on Friday. (Yonhap)

“Peace can be realized only throughpeaceful means, which is dialogue. It isdialogue, not nuclear arms, that will keepNorth Korea secure,” Moon said. Hestressed that, “North Korea mustsubstantially show to the internationalcommunity its commitment to completelydismantling its nuclear weapons and toestablishing a peace regime.” The remarksconstituted one of Moon’s most significantcalls in recent months for the communistneighbor to take denuclearization steps. Hemet North Korean leader Kim Jong-unthree times last year alone. Kim statedPyongyang’s commitment to fulldenuclearization.



Moon back in Korea after NorthernEurope trip


Following an eight-day tour of Finland,Norway and Sweden, President Moon Jae-in returned to South Korea on Sunday,where a pile of tough tasks remainsunresolved. The keywords of his discussionsduring the state visits were peace, innovationand inclusive growth. Moon secured firmersupport for the Korea peace process fromthe Nordic nations and paved the way forstronger partnerships during the fourthindustrial revolution and discovery of thenext economic growth engines, according tohis office, Cheong Wa Dae.

He delivered two key speeches in Oslo andStockholm on his peace vision based on thegoal of completely denuclearizing theKorean Peninsula. He called on North Koreato restart dialogue, either bilateral ormultilateral, and abandon its nuclearprogram, emphasizing that it’s the only wayto win security assurances and move towardprosperity.


O. North Korea

North Korea’s Kim visits factorieslinked to missile launches

Josh Smith, Reuters, June 2, 2019

The factories have innocuous names, butanalysts say several ostensibly civilianfacilities visited by North Korean leader KimJong Un recently are also used to buildballistic missile launchers and otherweapons.

n Saturday North Korean state news agencyKCNA released reports of Kim providing“field guidance” at a number of factories andcities, without saying when the visitshappened.

The reports only mentioned economicelements, but the sites help form the core ofNorth Korea’s arms industry, and haveplayed a major role in developing itsintercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)

technology, say analysts at the JamesMartin Center for NonproliferationStudies (CNS) in California.

“This is the heart of North Korea’s defenceindustry,” CNS researcher Jeffrey Lewistold Reuters. “These are the kind of visitswe saw in 2016 and 2017 as North Koreamoved toward ICBM testing.”

Among the sites Kim visited was theFebruary 8 General Machine Factory,which has been used to build ballisticmissile launchers. The machine factorywas the site of the July 28, 2017, launch ofa Hwasong-14 ICBM that Kim observed.

“North Korea has usually tried to hide thisfacility by not naming it,” Lewis toldReuters. “Sometimes it is unnamed; inother cases only the name of the plantmanager was given.”

https://in.reuters.com/article/northkorea-missiles-factories/north-koreas-kim-visits-factories-linked-to-missile-launches-idINKCN1T22TC

North Korea’s former top nuclearenvoy seen with Kim Jong Un -KCNA

Joyce Lee, Reuters, June 3, 2019

North Korea’s former top nuclear envoy,Kim Yong Chol, accompanied leader KimJong Un to an art performance, state newsagency KCNA said on Monday, signallingthat the former spymaster is alive andremains a force in the power structure.

Sunday’s appearance followed conflictingreports of shakeups in the team that ledengagement with the United States lastyear, only for nuclear talks to collapse afterKim Jong Un and President Donald Trumpfailed to strike a pact at a February summit.

KCNA named Kim Yong Chol as the 10thperson among a group of 12 “leadingofficials” who accompanied Kim Jong Unand his wife, Ri Sol Ju, to an amateur artperformance by wives of officers in theNorth Korean Army on Sunday.

On Friday, South Korean newspaperChosun Ilbo had said Kim Yong Chol, theleader’s righthand man and a counterpart


of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeobefore the failed summit, had been sent to alabour and re-education camp, citing anunidentified North Korean source.

https://in.reuters.com/article/northkorea-usa/north-koreas-former-top-nuclear-envoy-seen-with-kim-jong-un-kcna-idINKCN1T40DV

Exclusive: U.N. bid to curb NorthKorean missile tests, revive airtraffic, delayed amid U.S. concerns -sources

Allison Lampert, Hyonhee Shin, MichelleNichols, Reuters, June 3, 2019

A U.N. agency’s bid to curb North Korea’smissile programme with an airspace safetyaudit and at the same time revive its airtraffic has been delayed amid U.S. concernsthat it may breach U.N. sanctions, sourcesfamiliar with the matter told Reuters.

Airlines currently take indirect routes toavoid North Korea due to the threat ofsurprise missile tests, which have beenwitnessed by some passengers oncommercial flights.

The U.N. International Civil AviationOrganization (ICAO) met North Koreanofficials last year to discuss Pyongyang’shopes for a new route that would passthrough South Korean airspace following adramatic detente between the two sides.

ICAO had planned to conduct its firstaviation safety audit in North Korea in morethan a decade this year, but it has beendelayed until 2020 amid U.S. concerns thatit could include sharing technology thatcould also be used to advance North Korea’sweapons programmes, the sources said. Allof the sources spoke on condition ofanonymity to discuss the sensitive issue.

“They’re concerned because it involvestechnology that could possibly be divertedfor military purposes, unlike humanitarianaid that would be exempted from sanctionsmore easily,” one of the sources told Reuters.

https://in.reuters.com/article/airlines-iata-northkorea/exclusive-u-n-bid-to-curb-north-korean-missile-tests-revive-air-traffic-delayed-amid-u-s-concerns-sources-idINKCN1T40YG

US urged to change its approachtowards DPRK

The Pyongyang Times, June 5, 2019

“If the United States abandons its dutyand keeps resorting to anti-DPRK hostilepolicy, the June 12 DPRK-US JointStatement will face an uncertain fate,”said a spokesman for the DPRK Ministryof Foreign Affairs in a statement on June4. The statement was published to coincidewith the first anniversary of the firstDPRK-US summit meeting and talks inSingapore held in June last year. In thepast one year the DPRK directed constantefforts to establishing new relations withthe US, building a lasting and durablepeace regime in the Korean peninsula andachieving the denuclearization of theKorean peninsula, as stipulated in the June12 DPRK-US Joint Statement, and madeevery possible endeavour such as theproactive practical measures that requireda strategic decision, it said.

The June 12 DPRK-US Joint Statement isa commitment the two countries madebefore the world and humankind and atask for which both sides are jointlyaccountable, it said, adding the DPRKremains unchanged in its stand and willto value and continue to faithfullyimplement the joint statement. Whetherthe DPRK-US Joint Statement will remaineffective or be reduced to a sheet of paperwill depend on how the US would respondto the DPRK’s fair and aboveboard stand,it said. “The US would be well-advised tochange its current way of calculation andrespond to our call as soon as possible.”

http://www.pyongyangtimes.com.kp/?bbs=30248

P. Central, South and South East Asia

Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of thenuclear suppliers group in 2019-2020

Tariq Rauf, The Astana Times, June 12, 2019

In June 2019, Kazakhstan takes over theChairmanship of the 48-member NuclearSuppliers Group (NSG) from the currentchair Latvia. In June 2019, Kazakhstan


takes over the Chairmanship of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)from the current chair Latvia.

The 48 “Participating Governments” (PGs)in the NSG are: Argentina, Australia,Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria,Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, CzechRepublic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Republicof Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand,Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovakia,Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden,Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UnitedKingdom, and United States.

https://astanatimes.com/2019/06/kazakhstans-chair-manship-of-the-nuclear-suppliers-group-2019-2020/

Q. World/Mics

We Can Tell You All of the Ways toKill a Hypersonic Missile

Samran Ali, The National Interest blog, June2, 2019

At a time when existing missile defensescan’t guarantee success against the ballisticmissiles, a whole new challenge has beenposed by hypersonic vehicles. Many peoplebelieve that after a certain time period theeffectiveness of ballistic missile defenses willgrow. In that situation, hypersonic weapons’deployment is important. However, as ofnow, the Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs)and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs) aresolutions looking for a problem.

What’s New in Hypersonic Weapons

Speed, maneuverability, and low-altitudetravel are major traits of hypersonicweapons which are not comparable to theexisting ballistic or cruise missiles. Cruisemissiles lack speed while the ballistic missilescan’t maneuver. Hypersonic weapons travelnormally at speeds greater than Mach 5 atlower altitudes with maneuverabilitymaking them harder to detect and kill thanthe legacy ballistic and cruise missiles.

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/we-can-tell-you-all-ways-kill-hypersonic-missile-60472

Slovenské elektrárne signsRussian fuel supply deal


TVEL and Slovak utility Slovenskéelektrárne have signed contractdocuments on the supply of nuclear fuelto nuclear power plants in Slovakia for2022-2026 with the possibility of extensionto 2030. TVEL, the nuclear fuelmanufacturer subsidiary of Russia’sRosatom, said today that the agreements,which followed a public tender for thework, had been signed in Moscow in thepresence of the Russian and Slovak PrimeMinisters Dmitry Medvedev and PeterPellegrini.

Russian nuclear fuel will be supplied to thefour operational power units with VVER-440 reactors at Bohunice NPP andMochovce NPP, as well as two new VVER-440 Mochovce units, which are at the finalconstruction stage. TVEL PresidentNatalia Nikipelova said that, together withSlovak specialists, the company willoptimise the fuel cycle strategy of theSlovak NPPs in order to improve theireconomic efficiency.

https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Slovenske-elektrarne-signs-Russian-fuel-supply-dea

5 Submarines That Could KillBillions of People in Minutes

National Interest Blog, June 8, 2019

Built at the same time as the mightyTyphoon-class, the Delta IV is the currentbackbone of the Russian ballistic missilesubmarine fleet. The older 18,200-tonDelta IV design is nonetheless a capableplatform and its armed with 16 R-29RMUSineva liquid-fuel ballistic missiles, each ofwhich can carry between four and eightwarheads. Unlike previous versions of theProject 667 design, the Delta IV is able tofire missiles in any direction from aconstant course in a circular sector. It isalso able to fire its ballistic missiles from adepth of 55 meters while cruising at a speedof six to seven knots.

While they have thankfully never beenused during a shooting war, nuclear-


powered submarines carrying nuclear-tipped missiles are the most deadly weaponsmankind has ever devised. In some cases—as in the case of the Ohio-class submarineduring the height of the Cold War—even asingle vessel could reduce as many as 288city-sized targets into radioactive ash in lessthan 30 minutes. Indeed, these vessels andtheir payloads could end human civilizationin less time than it takes to order a pizza if athird world war were to break out.

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/5-subma-rines-could-kill-billions-people-minutes-61577

Research funding awarded for fastreactor support


Six university projects will developinstrumentation and tools for the USA’sforthcoming Versatile Test Reactor (VTR)using USD1.7 million in funding just allocatedby Idaho National Laboratory (INL).

The projects are at Virginia CommonwealthUniversity, University of Michigan,Massachusetts Institute of Technology,Oregon State University, and PurdueUniversity has two. The awards are betweenUSD150,000 and USD375,000 each.

https://world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Research-funding-awarded-for-fast-reactor-support

IAEA focus on verification anddevelopment


“I am worried about increasing tensions overthe Iranian nuclear issue,” said YukiyaAmano, the Director General of theInternational Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA). In a statement to the agency’s boardof governors on 10 June he called on Iran tofully implement its commitments.

Since January 2016, the IAEA has beenverifying and monitoring Iran’simplementation of its nuclear-relatedcommitments under the Joint ComprehensivePlan of Action (JCPOA) agreed in 2015between Iran and the P5+1 (China, France,Germany, Russia, the UK and the USA). TheUSA has since withdrawn from the

agreement and increasing tensions haveseen Iran’s Supreme National SecurityCouncil issue an order on 8 May to stopsome of Iran’s measures.

https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/IAEA-focus-on-verification-and-development

R. Op-Ed

INDIA

A blueprint for national securityfor Modi 2.0 govt

G.D.Bakshi, Livemint, June 4, 2019

The 2019 election was unique. It wasfought on the plank of national securityand India’s response to Pakistan’sunabated proxy war over the past 30years. This, surprisingly, made castearithmetic irrelevant. The tipping pointhad come with the brutal killing of 40Central Reserve Police Force troopers atPulwama. For the first time, India calledPakistan’s nuclear bluff and reacted acrossthe border with a massive air strike at theBalakot terror camp. This was the first timein the last 50 years that Indian war planeshad crossed into Pakistan. The responseof the people was one of euphoric catharsisand got the National Democratic Alliance(NDA) a landslide victory in the elections.

The opposition completely misjudged thepopular mood. They could have alignedthemselves with the popular angst bydemanding a far more energetic responseafter the Pakistani retaliation on 27February. Instead, they chose to downplaythe national security agenda altogether andstrike a pacific stance that would devalueand even question the Indian strikes.

https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/opinion-a-blueprint-for-national-security-for-modi-2-0-govt-1559671297685.html

The New India Versus TheNuclear Revolution: The Future OfCrises Among Nuclear Powers

T. Negeen Pegahi, War on the Rocks, June12, 2019

What is going on with relations amongnuclear-armed states these days? Last


February, the United States was threateninga “bloody nose” attack against North Korea.This February, India actually conductedairstrikes against Pakistan. Next February,well, that’s anyone’s guess but odds are itwon’t be anything good. Does no one readThe Meaning of the Nuclear Revolutionanymore??

Robert Jervis’ seminal book and otherclassics of nuclear strategy argue thatsurvivable nuclear weapons fundamentallychange the nature of statecraft, with anumber of implications for the behavior andoutcomes we should expect between nuclearpowers. Jervis writes: If nuclear weaponshave had the influence that the nuclear-revolution theory indicates they shouldhave, then there will be peace between thesuperpowers [the pair of nuclear-armedadversaries on which he was focused], criseswill be rare, neither side will be eager to pressbargaining advantages to the limit, the statusquo will be relatively easy to maintain, andpolitical outcomes will not be closely relatedto either the nuclear or the conventionalbalance.

https://warontherocks.com/2019/06/the-new-india-versus-the-nuclear-revolution-the-future-of-crises-among-nuclear-powers/

Imran needs a change in strategyand new pair of spectacles to readModi’s India

Shishir Gupta, Hindustan Times, June 14,2019

For Pakistan rulers, Kashmir is the preferredantidote to domestic troubles sinceindependence. When Prime Minister ImranKhan says that he wants to resolve the mainsticking point in bilateral relations, namelyKashmir, with Prime Minister NarendraModi before walking into the SCO Summitat Bishkek, it sounds like a stuck recordplaying a bad rendition of Yesterday OnceMore.

In an interview to Russian state-run mediaagency Sputnik, PM Khan says that Kashmircan be resolved if the two governmentsdecide to tackle it together. Euphemistically,from Pakistan’s perspective, all it requires issome minor cartographic changes so that

15,948 square kilometres of the KashmirValley is handed over to Pakistan since ithas a Muslim majority. And as if on auto-mode, the two globally designatedterrorists Lashkar-e-Tayebba (LeT) ChiefHafiz Saeed and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)Chief Masood Azhar – among many more– can then go back to their traditionaloccupations along with their jihadistcadre.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/imran-s-pakistan-needs-to-move-beyond-kashmir-and-terror-to-engage-modi-s-india/story-blVZXaTdk7cGN9mDd6975K.html

PAKISTAN

The evolving relationship betweenPakistan and Iran

Muhammad Asif Noor, Daily Times, June2, 2019

As the countries of the Muslim world areabout to have largest gathering of theirunique forum of Organization of IslamicConference in Riyadh this week, Pakistanand Iran have developed a thaw inrelations to build the synergies forevolution of their deep-rooted relations. Inthe wake of ongoing stress and strainsbetween Tehran and Washington, JavadZarif, Foreign Minister of Iran was on hisrecent urgent spree to different capitals ofthe regional countries including China,Japan, India and Turkmenistan before hispresence in Islamabad to meet at thehigher levels of civilian and militarycommands. Amid the tension in the regionand keeping in view Pakistan’s formidablerole in the geopolitics of the Persian Gulfwhere the South Asian nuclear armedIslamic country is finding a tough balancebetween Riyadh and Tehran. Presence ofIranian Foreign Minister before theseimportant meetings of the regionalstakeholders in a tense situation, is meantto convince Pakistan to play a constructiverole in pushing or influencing Riyadh tosoften its regional stance towards Iran.Lest not forget Pakistan’s relations SaudiArabia and their both being strong alliesof USA. The visit was also important tokeep the backdoor diplomatic channels tobe utilized to remove the tension and seek


assistance from allies.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/405190/the-evolving-relationship-between-pakistan-and-iran/

Pakistan & Sino-US cold war

Munir Akram, Dawn, June 9, 2019

After the secretive Bilderberg meetings inSwitzerland last week, Martin Wolf, therespected Financial Times economiccolumnist, wrote an op-ed entitled: ‘The 100year fight facing the US and China’. Wolf’sconclusions are significant:

“...[R]ivalry with China is becoming anorganising principle of US economic, foreignand security policies”; “The aim is USdomination. This means control over China,or separation from China”. This effort isbound to fail. “This is the most importantgeopolitical development of our era. ...[I]twill increasingly force everybody else to takesides or fight hard for neutrality”; “ Anybodywho believes that a rules-based multilateralorder, our globalised economy, or evenharmonious international relations, arelikely to survive this conflict is deluded”.

Pakistan is near if not in the eye of thebrewing Sino-US storm. Neutrality is not anoption for Pakistan. The US has alreadychosen India as its strategic partner tocounter China across the ‘Indo-Pacific’ andSouth Asia. The announced US South Asiapolicy is based on Indian domination of thesubcontinent. Notwithstanding India’s tradesquabbles with Donald Trump, the USestablishment is committed to building upIndia militarily to counter China.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1487040

Eyes on the prize

Misbah Arif, Daily Times, June 11, 2019

The Nuclear Suppliers Group is amultilateral export control regime and agroup of nuclear supplier countries that seekto prevent nuclear proliferation bycontrolling the export of materials,equipment and technology that can be usedto manufacture nuclear weapons. It wasfounded in response to the Indian nucleartest in 1974. In May 2016, Pakistan formally

applied for NSG membership. Pakistanwants to access nuclear technologythrough the membership of the NSG tomeet the rising demand of electricitythrough nuclear energy. Pakistan has thecredentials that entitle it to becoming amember of all multi-lateral strategic exportcontrol regimes, including the NSG.Moreover, Pakistan has the expertise,manpower and infrastructure, as well asthe ability to supply NSG controlled items,goods and services for a range of nuclearapplications for peaceful uses.

Pakistan has all the credentials that makeit eligible to be an NSG member state.Pakistan is party to several internationalnonproliferation and disarmament relatedarrangements. It has a robust andcomprehensive export control regime andhas an independent and autonomousregulatory body. Pakistan cooperatesinternationally with the InternationalAtomic Energy Agency, the CERN and theSESAME to explore the peacefulapplication of nuclear technology.Pakistan is one of the few states in theworld to operate a complete nuclear fuelcycle. It is benefiting from severalapplications of nuclear technology, whichinclude agriculture, medicine,environment protection, powerproduction. Pakistan is in a position toprovide nuclear fuel cycle services underthe IAEA safeguards.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/410140/eyes-on-the-prize/

USA

Could Trump Trash The NuclearTest Ban Treaty?

Michael Krepon, Forbes, June 3, 2019

Think of what the world would be like ifRussia, the United States, China, India andPakistan were testing nuclear weapons.They are not because of theComprehensive Test Ban Treaty(CTBT) which is responsible for shuttingdown nuclear testing by major andregional powers for more than twodecades. Walking away from theCTBT would be extraordinarily dumb and


dangerous, but the Trump administrationhas taken a step in this direction.

The CTBT was negotiated in 1996, but it isn’tsolidly in place. While Russia has signed andratified it, Senate Republicans rejected it in1999. China, like the United States, hassigned but not ratified. There are otherholdouts, including India and Pakistan. Andyet none of these states has tested nuclearweapons since 1998. When a treaty isnegotiated, it’s common diplomatic practicenot to undercut its objectives while awaitingits entry into force. Hence the two-decades-long moratorium on testing by every nuclear-armed state except North Korea.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelkrepon/2019/06/03/could-trump-trash-the-nuclear-test-ban-treaty/#623514572514

Will Arms Control Foes Take Aim atAnother Treaty?

Carol Giacomo, The New York Times, June 4,2019

With the United States, Russia and Chinapouring billions of dollars into modernizingtheir military arsenals, the risk of a new armsrace grows while the arms control systemthat has held off the threat of nuclearannihilation grows weaker.

Russia has violated the Intermediate-RangeNuclear Forces Treaty, which eliminatedAmerican and Russian missiles in Europe,since at least 2014, when the Obamaadministration accused it of deploying acruise missile of illegal range. Because ofthat, President Trump said early this yearthat he would abandon the pact.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/04/opinion/nuclear-test-ban.html

In Face-Off With Iran, EscalationMay Depend on Who PrevailsInside Washington and Tehran

David E. Sanger and David D. Kirkpatrick,New York Times, June 15, 2019

As Iran and the United States face off in theGulf of Oman, the risk may not be just atsea, but in Tehran and Washington, where

both Iranian and American hard-linersare seizing on the moment for politicaladvantage.

The attacks this week on two tankers inthe gulf, instantly attributed to Iran bySecretary of State Mike Pompeo andthen President Trump, emboldens thehard-liners in both countries, each able toargue their longtime adversary is itchingfor war.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/15/world/middleeast/trump-iran-hard-liners.html?login=smartlock&auth=login-smartlock

RUSSIA

Russia vs. Israel: The War ThatCould Become a Nuclear Disaster

Michael Peck, National Interest Blog, June10, 2019

There are deconfliction mechanisms inplace, including a hotline between theIsraeli and Russian militaries. “We are verystrict about informing the Russians aboutour activities and that their operationalpicture is up to date,” said the IDF official.Yet those procedures were not sufficientto avoid a downing of a Russian plane.

Israel remains determined to continuepounding Iranian forces in Syria in a bidto keep Tehran’s forces away from Israel’snorthern border. At the same time, Russiahas thousands of troops in Syria that couldbe caught in the crossfire—or even becomebelligerents if Moscow tires of its Syrianally being pummeled.

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/russia-vs-israel-war-could-become-nuclear-disaster-61892

WEST ASIA

Iran’s isolation on theinternational stage is growing

Osama Al-sharif, Arab News, June 04,2019

The Al Marzoqah was one of four tankersattacked near the Port of Fujairah.(Reuters)


There were a number of important messagescoming out of Makkah last week after SaudiArabia successfully hosted three importantsummits: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC),Arab League, and Organization of IslamicCooperation. The first message was thealmost unanimous condemnation of Iran’scontinuous meddling in regional affairs andits growing threat to the stability of the regionas a whole. Only Iraq objected to the ArabLeague’s final communique, while Qatarexpressed reservations over the Arab Leagueand GCC statements two days after themeetings had concluded.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1506386

Iran rejects French call for widertalks beyond nuclear deal


Iran rejected French calls for widerinternational talks over its nuclear andmilitary ambitions, saying on Friday it wouldonly discuss it existing 2015 atomic pactwith world powers, state TV reported.French President Emmanuel Macron hadsaid a day earlier that Paris and Washingtonboth wanted to stop Tehran getting nucleararms and new talks should focus on curbingits ballistic missiles program and on otherissues. But Iran’s foreign ministry said itwould not hold any discussions beyond the2015 pact which US President DonaldTrump abandoned last year as he pressedfor tougher restrictions.


Qatar admits having different‘assessment’ to US on Iran threat


Qatar has its “own assessment” different tothe US on policy towards Iran, the country’sforeign minister said Sunday. The commentsare expected to alarm members of theTrump administration, which has beefed upAmerica’s military presence in the regionafter an increased Iranian threat. Qatarhosts the biggest US military base in theMiddle East but has become increasinglyclose to Iran despite Washington viewingTehran as the world’s largest state sponsorof terror

Since withdrawing from the 2015agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear program,President Donald Trump has ramped upsanctions and vowed to curb Tehran’sdestabilizing activities in the region.Speaking in London, Qatari ForeignMinister Sheikh Mohammed binAbdulrahman Al-Thani said Qatarrespected US policy on Iran, but added:“We have our own assessment.”


Germany must respond to itsapproach

Hanif Ghaffari, Tehran Times, June 11, 2019

Germany cannot play the role of anindependent actor in the world ofdiplomacy! Unfortunately, Germany,along with Britain and France, held talkswith the Tramp government in 2017 on anuclear ambitions deal with Iran. Berlinhas agreed to change the nuclear deal withIran! The point is that German ChancellorAngela Merkel, like Donald Trump, is anunreliable politician. German ForeignMinister Heiko Maasis now trying to playa mediating role for Iran and the UnitedStates! This is while Berlin must onlyrespond to the non-compliant behavior ofitself and of Europe in relation to a nucleardeal with Iran.

Over the last year, the European troika hasnot only done anything to revive thenuclear deal or bring any kind of benefitto the Iranian nation, but they haveactually backed up U.S. by developing newplans to undermine Iran’s “missile work”,and diminish its “power in the region” aswell as its “nuclear technology”.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436823/Germany-must-respond-to-its-approach

Post-JCPOA talks and the Deal ofCentury: Two sides of the samecoin

Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, TehranTimesJune 11, 2019

Amid all these pressures from U.S., Europecould not, or did not want to, find a way


to deal with U.S. who had chosen to violateits nuclear deal with Iran and Iran was leftalone with a useless deal. Following Iran’sstrategies that were based on waiting andnot taking any immediate action, on theanniversary of America’s withdrawal fromthe deal, U.S. revealed the second part of itsscenario: offering Iran to negotiate forsigning a new agreement and suggesting theDeal of the Century that would guaranteethe safety of the Zionist regime.

We still remember that Condoleezza Rice,U.S. Secretary of State during theadministration of George W. Bush, called forredrawing the Middle East map by “theGreater Middle East Project”. The idea ofremoving borders in Middle East was putforward again during Obama’s presidency;this time by offering a Islamic State for Iraqand Sham (ISIS). This project, eventually, ledto the creation of ISIS, in a bid to protect theZionist Regime. It seems that both democratand republican governments have beenadopting the same foreign policy and itproves that the main policy of these bothAmerican parties are the same.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436822/Post-JCPOA-talks-and-the-Deal-of-Century-Two-sides-of-the-same

Nuclear Iran: Europe should getbehind Trump


Now that the IAEA has finally flagged upan increase in the Iranian nuclear programit is time for the other signatories to theGeneva Accord to review their position.China and Russia of course are entirelycontent with the Iran’s destabilizingbehavior and are not about to pressureTehran to sticking to its commitments. Butit is an entirely different matter for theEuropeans. Brussels has been seeking tofrustrate Trump’s re-imposition of economicsanctions on Iran and has deplored histearing up of Obama’s useless deal. TheEuropean attitude was clearly driven bycommercial rather than geopoliticalconsiderations. It is now time for Europe toget behind Washington and give up itsopposition to Trump’s hard line. Tehran isintent on bringing yet more bloody chaos to

its Arab neighbors. The longer Europeancapitals try to fudge this issue, the greaterthe danger not simply to the region but tointernational peace.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/568683/Opinion/Editorial/Nuclear-Iran-Europe-should-get-behind-Trump

Is It Too Late To Stop Iran’sPermanent Presence In Syria?

Eric R Mandel, The Jerusalem Post, June11, 2019

The national security advisers of Russia,the United States, and Israel are scheduledto meet in Jerusalem later this month forwhat former US ambassador to IsraelDaniel Shapiro called a potential “gamechanger on pushing Iran’s military out ofSyria.” Russia has, with Iranianassistance, gained everything it set out toaccomplish in Syria. It expanded its navaland air bases and elevated its internationalstatus, while diminishing andmarginalizing America.

However, Russia, Israel and the UnitedStates may now share some commoninterest in keeping the Iranian regime fromgetting what it wants – a permanentpresence in Syria. Moving forward, Iranmay be more a headache than an asset forRussian interests. This month Russiaexpelled Iranian allied militia from theRussian naval base in Tartus on theMediterranean coast of Syria.

https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Is-it-too-late-to-stop-Irans-permanent-presence-in-Syria-592188

Stop Iran!

Jerusalem Post, June 11, 2019

Yukiya Amano, director-general of theInternational Atomic Energy Agency, saidon Monday that Iran is increasing itsproduction of enriched uranium as partof its quest to build nuclear weapons.

Amano’s statement is important becauseit marks the first time since the signing ofthe 2015 Iran nuclear deal that the UN’snuclear watchdog has indicated that Iran


is violating its nuclear-related commitments.

Talking to reporters in the IAEA’s Viennaheadquarters, Amano said that the Iran deal– known officially as the JCPOA – was“under tension,” adding that Tehran’s“production rate [of uranium] is increasing”– although he could not say by how much.

https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Stop-Iran-592186

Hezbollah’s Most DevastatingThreat to Israel? Not Its Missiles

David Daoud, Haaretz, June 12, 2019

Israel’s ground troops are physically andoperationally capable ofdefeating Hezbollah, but the Iranian-backedmilitia has waged a psychological war ofsuch effectiveness that the IDF soldiers feeldeterred from believing in their capacitiesagainst them. Indeed, fear is Hezbollah’smost potent weapon. For 37 years, the grouphas used fear to deter Israel from ever fullyattempting to uproot the group.

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-hezbollah-s-propaganda-war-threatens-israel-far-more-than-its-missiles-1.7345897

Washington Watch: Is TrumpHelping The Saudis Go Nuclear?

Douglas Bloomfield, The Jerusalem Post, June13, 2019

US President Donald Trump recently tookanother step toward bringing Saudi Arabiainto the nuclear club. While Israeli-Saudi tieshave warmed in recent years, helping thedesert kingdom go nuclear – with itsongoing support for the most extremeIslamic radicals in the world – can hardlybe good for the Jewish state.

Secret negotiations with the US EnergyDepartment over many months have ledWashington to “transfer highly sensitive USnuclear technology, a potential violation offederal law,” to Saudi Arabia, according toHouse Oversight Committee sources cited byThe Washington Post.

https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Washington-Watch-Is-Trump-helping-the-Saudis-go-nuclear-592310

Syrian WMD Proliferation CouldSet the Middle East on Fire

Peter Brookes, The National Interest Blog,June 8, 2019

It’s hard to conceive that the situation inSyria could get any worse—but it might.Besides the tremendous bloodshed duringthe eight-year-old civil war—that includedthe rise and fall of the Islamic State—theworld witnessed the Syrian regime’salmost unbridled use of chemical weaponsto savagely work to break its opponents’will.

Besides the tremendous bloodshed duringthe eight-year-old civil war—that includedthe rise and fall of the Islamic State—theworld witnessed the Syrian regime’salmost unbridled use of chemical weaponsto savagely work to break its opponents’will.

https://nationalinterest.org/feature/syrian-wmd-proliferation-could-set-middle-east-fire-61377

Introducing Nuclear Weapons tothe Middle East

Walter L. Hixson, Washington Report, June2019

If The National Interest Mandates that theUnited States go to war to stop the spreadof nuclear weapons in the Middle Eastthen we should have begun bombing Israelin the 1960s.

Frequently lost in the discussion over theIran nuclear program is the irony that itwas of course Israel that first introducednuclear weapons to the region and did soafter repeatedly and blatantly deceiving its“special ally,” the United States, in theprocess. As discussed below, today’shostility toward Iran may not primarily beabout nuclear weapons, but the Trumpadministration will maximize the “Irannuclear threat” as a propaganda theme inthe buildup toward a possible U.S.-Israelwar targeting Iran and Hezbollah.

Israel of course maintains a stony silenceabout its own nuclear arsenal. On this, aswith almost any other matter, the UnitedStates complies with Israel’s wishes.


History shows the reverse clearly has notbeen the case.

https://www.wrmea.org/2019-june-july/introduc-ing-nuclear-weapons-to-the-middle-east.html

EAST ASIA

Abe needs to convince Trump toease tensions with Iran


Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s trip to Iran tohelp ease the confrontation betweenWashington and Tehran has been anunusual diplomatic attempt at peacemediation by the leader of Japan, a pacifistnation in the Far East. Abe should continueacting as a fair and effective peace mediatorto set a precedent for Japan’s broadinternational contribution in the future. Abevisited Tehran, whose relationship withWashington is fraught with rising tensions,and met with President Hassan Rouhaniand Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. It wasthe first visit to Iran by a sitting Japaneseprime minister in 41 years.

Khamenei, the most powerful personality inIran, seldom holds talks with a Westernleader. Abe’s meeting with him is significantif only as a rare direct communication withthe powerful ayatollah. As a country withfriendly relations with both the United Statesand Iran, Japan has a reasonable role to playin efforts to ease the tensions between thetwo nations.


SOUTH KOREA

From nukes toward democracy

Eugene Lee, Korea Times, June 7, 2019

Central Asia today is undergoing a dramaticchange. President Moon’s recent visit to theregion is yet another confirmation of itsimportance to South Korea. The support forMoon’s “New Northern Policy” fromTurkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstanalong with the pledge to further theirpartnerships is becoming a priority, while

continuing efforts to expand cooperationon multiple fronts. Between the threevisited states, Kazakhstan stands out, ason June 9 it will hold its presidentialelection, an important event in severalways. Here I will lay out a few details andthe stakes for North East Asia.

Why is it important for South Korea?Kazakhstan has been activelyparticipating in global affairs, including,most recently, the resolution of the Syrianconflict. It has the potential for NorthKorean engagement and can be anexample of normalization. From aneconomic perspective, vigorouslyimproving Kazakhstan’s investmentclimate, making the country an importantinvestment destination in Asia in the faceof rising U.S.-China trade tensions, putsthe country in a new light for SouthKorea’s businesses to overarch China andbuild a springboard for cooperation withCentral Asia and even further intoEurope. South Korea must seize theopportunity to develop closer ties withKazakhstan and the region and utilize thediplomatic and economic potential for theimprovement of North Eastern regionalsecurity and the economic climate. I haveevery reason to see it in the light ofcooperation for peace and prosperity.

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2019/06/137_270076.html

NORTH KOREA

Third NK-US summit is possibledespite lack of progress ondenuclearization: analysts


North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and USPresident Donald Trump could meet for athird summit later this year even withoutmuch progress toward dismantling theregime’s nuclear weapons program,analysts here said. At their earlier summits,the first of which took place a year ago onJune 12 in Singapore, Kim and Trumpsought to strike a deal that would lead tothe dismantlement of North Korea’sweapons of mass destruction programs in


exchange for the lifting of cripplingsanctions on the regime.

Experts asked by Yonhap News Agencywere divided on how far the two sides havecome since the Singapore summit, withsome saying the tensions of 2017 have easedand others arguing the prospects for NorthKorea’s denuclearization have onlyworsened. But most agreed that the twocharismatic leaders will seek a third summitwithin the year. “A third Trump-Kimsummit is a near certainty for 2019 — youcan take that prediction to the bank,” saidHarry Kazianis, senior director of Koreanstudies at the Center for the NationalInterest. “Both sides came too close to a dealin Hanoi to give up now.”


‘North Korea unlikely to changeposition on denuclearization’

Lee Min-hyung, Korea Times, June 10, 2019

The Osaka meeting will be attended by keyregional leaders including Chinese PresidentXi Jinping and U.S. President DonaldTrump, all of whom have sizable stakes inthe denuclearization process. At the summit,President Moon Jae-in is widely expected topitch his ambitious idea of partial sanctionseasing on North Korea and encourage theUnited States, Japan, China and Russia tostand behind this for an early resumptionof the denuclearization talks. Trump, NorthKorean leader Kim Jong-un and PresidentMoon all deserve credit for helping create amoment of “real diplomatic promise,” butpolitical observers in Seoul note that themoment of promise has curdled “quiteunexpectedly” into possibly a tragic missedchance.

They believe that the summit is unlikely toserve as a venue to significantly change theongoing deadlock in talks ondenuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,nor open a path to mutual trust betweenWashington and Pyongyang. “North Korearemains very firm in its determination notto change its position,” Shin Beom-chul, a

researcher at the Asan Institute for PolicyStudies, said. “North Korea is showing nosigns of shifting its position now, andunder the circumstance, Moon’s peaceefforts will unlikely generate the desiredoutcome.”

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2019/06/113_270367.html

S. Think Tanks

Nuclear Newcomers: GettingOrganized for Success

Elisabeth Dyck, International AtomicEnergy Agency, June 4, 2019

Coordination among stakeholders is keyfor any complex undertaking. Introducingnuclear power is no different. The IAEAhas recently issued a publication that canhelp nuclear newcomer countries set upand maintain an effective coordinationmechanism, referred to as a nuclearenergy programme implementingorganization (NEPIO). A NEPIO is animportant element of the IAEA MilestonesApproach, an internationally accepted,comprehensive framework for nuclearpower programme development.

Responsibilities and Functions of a NuclearEnergy Programme ImplementingOrganization, published in the IAEANuclear Energy Series (No. NG-T-3.6 (Rev.1)), describes a set of practical and detailedresponsibilities, functions and activitiesthat national authorities can use asguidance. This publication, whichrepresents a significant revision of adocument first issued in 2009, takes intoaccount nearly 10 years of experience andgood practices of countries that areintroducing or have recently introducednuclear power, as well as lessons learnedduring Integrated Nuclear InfrastructureReview (INIR) missions and IAEAtechnical assistance activities to newcomercountries.

https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/nuclear-newcomers-getting-organized-for-success


Important for Iran to Implement itsJCPOA Commitments, IAEADirector General Says

Aabha Dixit, International Atomic EnergyAgency, June 10, 2019

It is essential that Iran fully implements itsnuclear-related commitments under theJoint Comprehensive Plan of Action(JCPOA), IAEA Director General YukiyaAmano told the Agency’s Board ofGovernors today.

Mr Amano noted the announcement byIran’s Supreme National Security Council on8 May that it had “issued an order to stopsome of Iran’s measures” under the JCPOA.

“I am worried about increasing tensions overthe Iranian nuclear issue,” he said. “As Ihave constantly emphasised, the nuclear-related commitments entered into by Iranunder the JCPOA represent a significantgain for nuclear verification. I therefore hopethat ways can be found to reduce currenttensions through dialogue. It is essential thatIran fully implements its nuclear-relatedcommitments under the JCPOA.”

https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/important-for-iran-to-implement-its-jcpoa-commitments-iaea-director-general-says

Wider Implementation of IAEACode of Conduct to Enhance Safetyand Security: Review MeetingConcludes

Nathalie Mikhailova, International AtomicEnergy Agency, June 11, 2019

By intensifying the implementation of theIAEA Code of Conduct on the Safety andSecurity of Radioactive Sources and itssupplementary Guidance documents,countries are strengthening radiation safetyand nuclear security not only domestically,but also internationally. This was theconclusion of a meeting, which reviewedimplementation of the Code of Conduct andits Guidance documents, held in Vienna from27 to 31 May. Over 190 technical and legalexperts from 103 countries and three non-governmental organizations attended themeeting.

The Code of Conduct describes howcountries can ensure the safety andsecurity of radioactive sources, from thestage of initial production to their finaldisposal. To date, 137 countries havemade a political commitment toimplement the Code of Conduct, which isnot legally binding. The Code of Conductis supplemented by Guidance documentson the Import and Export of RadioactiveSources and on the Management ofDisused Radioactive Sources.

https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/wider-implementation-of-iaea-code-of-conduct-to-enhance-safety-and-security-review-meeting-concludes

Decision to keep nuclear weaponsdata classified hurts US nationalsecurity

Heather Wuest, Bulletin of Atomic Scientist,June 11, 2019

The Trump administration’s decision toclassify the total number of nuclearweapons that the United States possessesand the number of nuclear warheadsdismantled in 2018 marks an abruptchange from the recent norm. Every yearsince 2010, the United States has chosento declassify its nuclear stockpile anddisarmament figures as part of an effortto encourage nuclear diplomacy andopenness. But this year when theFederation of American Scientists askedthe Pentagon for the figures to check itswork in the Nuclear Notebook (a collectionof world nuclear stockpile anddisarmament information), theadministration chose not to declassify.

https://thebulletin.org/2019/06/hans-kristensen-on-how-the-tump-administrations-decision-to-keep-nuclear-weapons-data-classified-hurts-us-national-security/

Senior Operators, Regulators andManagers Discuss Best Practicesat Beijing Meeting

Jing Zhang, International Atomic EnergyAgency, June 12, 2019

The global fleet of nuclear reactors is


slowly ageing—today, more than two-thirdsof the world’s 450 operational nuclear powerreactors are more than 30 years old. ManyIAEA Member States are consideringextending the operation of nuclear powerplants (NPPs) beyond their licensedoperating lifespans, mainly for energysecurity, economic and environmentalreasons. To support their consideration ofnew plant life management strategies, andto ensure that the long-term operation (LTO)of nuclear power plants remains safe andsustainable, the IAEA organized aninterregional visit to nuclear power facilitiesin Beijing and Fuqing, China, from 22 to 26April.

https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/strengthen-ing-plant-life-management

Trump Arms Control Plans DrawCriticism

Kingston Reif and Shervin Taheran, ArmsControl Association, June 2019

Amid growing concern about the future ofU.S.-Russian nuclear arms control efforts,the Trump administration is still evaluatinga potential extension of the 2010 NewStrategic Arms Reduction Treaty (NewSTART) and appears to lack a clear plan toachieve a newly announced goal ofnegotiating more comprehensiveagreements with Russia and China.

A decision on whether to extend NewSTART is one that President Donald Trump“will make at some point next year,” saidTim Morrison, senior director for weaponsof mass destruction and biodefense at theNational Security Council, in May 29 remarksat the Hudson Institute in Washington.

https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2019-06/news/trump-arms-control-plans-draw-criticism

Despite Threat to Breach Limits,Iran Remains Below the NuclearDeal’s Caps

Arms Control Association, June, 2019

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s(IAEA) most recent report on Iran’simplementation of the 2015 multilateral

nuclear deal indicates that Tehrancontinues to adhere to the accord’slimits—a positive development afterPresident HassanRouhani announced that Iran wouldreduce compliance with the agreement.

Specifically, the Supreme NationalSecurity Council stated May 8 that Iranwould no longer be bound by the stockpilelimits on heavy water and low-enricheduranium (LEU) put in place by the nucleardeal, known as the Joint ComprehensivePlan of Action (JCPOA). According to theMay 31 IAEA report, Iran remains belowthose caps—for now (see below for details).

https://www.armscontrol.org/blog/2019-06-05/despite-threats-breach-limits-iran-remains-below-nuclear-deals-caps

T. Statements

DIA Statement on Lt. Gen. Ashley’sRemarks at Hudson Institute

Defence Intelligence Agency, USA, June 13,2019

The following Defense IntelligenceAgency statement responds to questionswe have received about remarks DIADirector Lt. Gen. Robert P. Ashley, Jr., madeat a Hudson Institute event May 29, 2019:

“The U.S. government, including theIntelligence Community, has assessed thatRussia has conducted nuclear weaponstests that have created nuclearyield. Regarding China, the informationraised at the Hudson Institute, coupledwith China’s lack of transparency on theirnuclear testing activities, naturally raisequestions about those activities in relationto the “zero yield” nuclear weaponstesting moratorium adhered to by theUnited States, the United Kingdom, andFrance. These are actions that the U.S.government characterizes as inconsistentwith the commitments undertaken by theUnited States, the United Kingdom, andFrance.”

https://www.dia.mil/News/Speeches-and-Testimo-nies/Article-View/Article/1875351/dia-statement-on-lt-gen-ashleys-remarks-at-hudson-institute/


U.S. military intelligence steps upaccusation against Russia overnuclear testing

Paul Sonne, Washington Post, June 13, 2019

The U.S. military intelligence agency steppedup its accusations against Russia over low-yield nuclear testing on Thursday, sayingthat the country has conducted nuclearweapons tests that resulted in nuclear yield.

The new statement from the DefenseIntelligence Agency amounted to a moredirect accusation against Russia, comparedto hedged comments about Russian nucleartesting that DIA Director Lt. Gen. Robert P.Ashley Jr. made in a speech in Washingtonin late May.

“The U.S. Government, including theIntelligence Community, has assessed thatRussia has conducted nuclear weapons teststhat have created nuclear yield,” theDIA statement released Thursday said. Theagency didn’t give any details about thealleged tests or release any evidence backingthe accusation.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-military-intelligence-steps-up-accusation-against-russia-over-nuclear-testing/2019/06/13/2dadf2e2-8e26-11e9-b162-8f6f41ec3c04_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.af2cf7b15069

U. Interviews/Reports

The drama and the facts aboutChernobyl


Craig Mazin - creator of the mini-seriesChernobyl for television network HBO aboutthe 1986 accident in Ukraine - has warnedagainst “reactionary garbage” about theshow, stressing that he is a supporter ofnuclear energy.

In an interview with Slate published on 3June, Mazin said there had been “reallydumb” expectations the mini-series wouldshow “three-headed babies, and spread lies,and tell people that nuclear power ishorrendous, and no, it’s not”.

“For a million reasons, this was not an anti-nuclear polemic. It’s anti--Soviet

government, and it is anti-lie, and it is pro-human being. But anyone who thinks thepoint of this is that nuclear power is bad,is just, they’ve just missed it.”

A few months before the Chernobylaccident, the Challenger space shuttle hadexploded and was another example of “afailure of a lot of people and institutionsover a long period of time”, Mazin said.“When these things happen, we cannotimmediately ask this simple question,‘Well, who is to blame?’ We shouldpresume that there’s a lot to blame, andthe real question is ‘What do we do so thisdoesn’t happen again?’ That’s the questionworth asking.”

MEDIA

Henry Fountain, a science writer on theClimate desk of The New York Times,toured the Chernobyl plant and theexclusion zone around it in 2014. Inan article for the newspaper on 2 June, hewrote that the first thing to understandabout the show is “a lot of it is made up”.

The producers of the mini-series “don’tsanitise the disaster”, Fountain wrote, butin some cases have gone too far, such aswith the images of injuries caused byradiation exposure. Instead, they“simplify” it to meet the “demands ofHollywood and of production budgets”.

“But if you didn’t know much aboutChernobyl you could be forgiven if, afterwatching, you thought the entire responseand clean-up was run by two people,Valery Legasov and Boris Shcherbina,aided valiantly by a third, UlanaKhomyuk.”

Legasov, a member of the Academy ofSciences of the USSR, led the commissioninvestigating the accident. Shcherbina, avice-chairman of the Council ofMinisters, supervised crisis managementfollowing the accident. Khomyuk is afictitious character whose actions,Fountain wrote, were not realistic.

Among the factual inventions to aiddramatic effect, Fountain included the“blue light from the exposed reactor


shining high into the night sky” in the firstepisode. “Yes, nuclear reactors can producea blue hue, from something calledCherenkov radiation, but no, there’s noway Unit 4 would have looked like [that],”he added.

INDUSTRY

World Nuclear Association notes that theshow is a dramatisation of historical eventsand that there has been a large increase inweb traffic to its Chernobyl informationpaper since the show began.

The London-based organisation said: “Wehope that viewers are taking the opportunityto learn more about modern nuclear safetypractices and just how important nuclearenergy is for addressing climate change andmeeting sustainable development objectives.Just last week, the executive director of theInternational Energy Agency, Fatih Birol,noted: ‘Without an important contributionfrom nuclear power, the global energytransition will be that much harder.Alongside renewables, energy efficiency andother innovative technologies, nuclear canmake a significant contribution to achievingsustainable energy goals and enhancingenergy security’.”

World Nuclear Association added: “TheChernobyl accident was serious and hasresulted in long-term psychological andsocio-economic impacts for the peopleaffected. However, serious nuclear accidentsare very rare and, even accounting for these,nuclear energy has caused far fewer deathsthan any other form of electricity generation.

“It is worth remembering that the accidentwas more than 30 years ago and a lot haschanged since then. It is interesting to notethat all of the countries most affected by theaccident - Ukraine, Belarus, Russia - arecommitted to expanding the use of nuclearenergy today.”

PERSPECTIVE

In the 70-year history of nuclear power,there have been three major accidents - Three Mile Island in the USA (1979),

Chernobyl in Ukraine (1986)and Fukushima in Japan (2011).

According to the UN Scientific Committeeon the Effects of Atomic Radiation, fewerthan 100 people are believed to have diedfrom radiation as a result of the Chernobylaccident to date. “This is a small fractionof the deaths which are caused by othermajor energy sources every single year,”World Nuclear Association said.

Research by James Hansen, an Americanadjunct professor directing the Programon Climate Science, Awareness andSolutions of the Earth Institute atColumbia University, found that, of theseven million deaths every year from airpollution, four million are from burningfossil fuels and the other three million fromburning wood and dung.

The USA’s Nuclear Energy Institute wrotea blog, A Viewer’s Guide to HBO’sChernobyl Miniseries, a few days before theshow was first aired. In the blog, NEIexplained the difference between theevents at Chernobyl and an interpretationof them for a TV drama.

The mini-series correctly shows that therewas an unprecedented steam explosion atChernobyl that completely wrecked areactor, NEI said.

“Firefighters and plant workers -sometimes through ignorance andsometimes because of altruistic self-sacrifice - exposed themselves to hugedoses of radiation to try to limit thedamage, NEI said. But other parts clearlyare dramatised, it added. For example, oneof the characters in the mini-series(Khomyuk) is there to “unravel themystery” of what happened, but “in thereal event there wasn’t muchmystery”. The story is about “extrememanagement problems and a pattern ofsecrecy that wasn’t compatible withindustrial safety”, it said.

https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/The-drama-and-the-facts-about-Chernobyl


Full Text of Pakistan PrimeMinister Imran Khan’s Interview

Sputnik, June 10, 2019

Before heading to Kyrgyzstan for the SCOsummit, Pakistani Prime Minister ImranKhan met Sputnik for an exclusive interview— his first to a Russian media outlet sincetaking office. He explained what he expectsfrom his meeting with President Putin, andcommented on relations with India, USsanctions against Iran and the situation inAfghanistan.

Sputnik: Do you plan to have talks with theRussian leadership in the near future? Doyou yourself plan any visits to Russia?

Imran Khan: I would love to visit Russia. Ihave — a long time ago — only been once.And, yes, I hope to meet the Russianleadership in this conference in Bishkek, theSCO meeting this coming week. So I hopeto meet President Putin.

Sputnik: What are your expectationsfrom this meeting?

Imran Khan: I think this will just be aninformal meeting on the sides of the SCOconference. I already met him brieflyduring my visit to China, where there wasconference by Chinese President Xi. So I methim, but this time I hope to have an informalchat with him. I already met the primeminister of Russia in China on my first visit.

Sputnik: The Russian military hasannounced recently that Russian troopswill hold military exercises with Pakistaniforces later this year. How do you assessmilitary cooperation with Russia? Arethere any plans to further strengthencooperation between our armed forces?

Imran Khan: Yes. We have developedcooperation with Russia between ourdefence forces. There has always beenmeeting. I think our defence personnel havealready met. And so, yes, we hope to deepenour contacts.

Most of the 50s, 60s, 70s were spent in theCold War region, where India was closeto the Soviet Union, and Pakistan was closeto the United States. We were in differentcamps. Now things have changed. India is

also friendly with the United States, andPakistan is also friendly with the US. Sowe no longer have the Cold War situation.It is refreshing that we have developed ourcontacts with Russia, and they aredeveloping all the time.

Sputnik: Your country has been longimporting US-made weapons, evenbecame of the largest arms buyer,but now Russian arms seem to be gettinga lot of attention in the region. IsIslamabad planning to purchase Russianweapons as well? Are you consideringthe purchase of the S-400 air defencesystems?

Imran Khan: As I’ve said, once the ColdWar was over. Previously Pakistan wastied to the US, and, as we all know, Indiawas tied to the Soviet Union. And nolonger is that situation there. First, we hopethat our tension with India decreases, sowe do not have to buy arms because wewant to spend money on humandevelopment. But, yes, we are lookingfor arms from Russia, and I know ourmilitary is already in touch with theRussian military.

Sputnik: Has there been any progresson the Iran-Pakistan pipeline project?Are you planning to completely suspendthe project due to the US sanctions?

Imran Khan: You see, at the moment therehas not been much progress, and that isbecause of the sanctions put on Iran by theUnited States.

Sputnik: How do you assess theprospects for Pakistan’s cooperationwith Russia within the ShanghaiCooperation Organisation?

Imran Khan: We have exchanges, wedevelop more contacts, we improve ourtrade. Russia is an energy-surplus country.Pakistan has shortages in energy, so wehope to talk on those areas. We alreadyare. Apart from defence, we want to alsoimprove our trade in other areaswith Russia.

Sputnik: Which areas do you mean?

Imran Khan: Well, this is what we areexploring. We hope our trade delegations


will soon go to Russia. We will invite Russiantrade delegations here, get themopportunities to invest in Pakistan. I dobelieve that there is a Russian steel company,which is looking to invest in our steel millin Karachi. In fact, it was made by Russia.The steel mill of Pakistan was made by theRussians a long time ago, I think in the 70s.Before heading to Kyrgyzstan for the SCOsummit, Pakistani Prime Minister ImranKhan met Sputnik for an exclusiveinterview — his first to a Russian mediaoutlet since taking office. He explainedwhat he expects from his meeting withPresident Putin, and commented onrelations with India, US sanctions againstIran and the situation in Afghanistan.

Sputnik: Do you plan to have talks with theRussian leadership in the near future? Doyou yourself plan any visits to Russia?

Imran Khan: I would love to visit Russia. Ihave — a long time ago — only been once.And, yes, I hope to meet the Russianleadership in this conference in Bishkek, theSCO meeting this coming week. So I hopeto meet President Putin.

Sputnik: What are your expectationsfrom this meeting?

Imran Khan: I think this will just be aninformal meeting on the sides of the SCOconference. I already met him brieflyduring my visit to China, where there wasconference by Chinese President Xi. So I methim, but this time I hope to have an informalchat with him. I already met the primeminister of Russia in China on my first visit.

Sputnik: The Russian military hasannounced recently that Russian troopswill hold military exercises with Pakistaniforces later this year. How do you assessmilitary cooperation with Russia? Arethere any plans to further strengthencooperation between our armed forces?

Imran Khan: Yes. We have developedcooperation with Russia between ourdefence forces. There has always beenmeeting. I think our defence personnel havealready met. And so, yes, we hope to deepenour contacts.

Most of the 50s, 60s, 70s were spent in the

Cold War region, where India was closeto the Soviet Union, and Pakistan wasclose to the United States. We werein different camps. Now things havechanged. India is also friendly with theUnited States, and Pakistan is also friendlywith the US. So we no longer have theCold War situation. It is refreshing that wehave developed our contacts with Russia,and they are developing all the time.

Sputnik: Your country has been longimporting US-made weapons, evenbecame of the largest arms buyer,but now Russian arms seem to be gettinga lot of attention in the region. IsIslamabad planning to purchase Russianweapons as well? Are you consideringthe purchase of the S-400 air defencesystems?

Imran Khan: As I’ve said, once the ColdWar was over. Previously Pakistan wastied to the US, and, as we all know, Indiawas tied to the Soviet Union. And nolonger is that situation there. First, we hopethat our tension with India decreases, sowe do not have to buy arms because wewant to spend money on humandevelopment. But, yes, we are lookingfor arms from Russia, and I know ourmilitary is already in touch with theRussian military.

Sputnik: Has there been any progresson the Iran-Pakistan pipeline project?Are you planning to completely suspendthe project due to the US sanctions?

Imran Khan: You see, at the moment therehas not been much progress, and that isbecause of the sanctions put on Iran by theUnited States.

Sputnik: How do you assess theprospects for Pakistan’s cooperationwith Russia within the ShanghaiCooperation Organisation?

Imran Khan: We have exchanges, wedevelop more contacts, we improve ourtrade. Russia is an energy-surplus country.Pakistan has shortages in energy, so wehope to talk on those areas. We alreadyare. Apart from defence, we want to alsoimprove our trade in other areaswith Russia.


Sputnik: Which areas do you mean?

Imran Khan: Well, this is what we areexploring. We hope our trade delegationswill soon go to Russia. We will invite Russiantrade delegations here, get themopportunities to invest in Pakistan. I dobelieve that there is a Russian steel company,which is looking to invest in our steel millin Karachi. In fact, it was made by Russia.The steel mill of Pakistan was made by theRussians a long time ago, I think in the 70So the governments have to, the Indiangovernment has to take this initiative.Unfortunately, as I’ve said, they do not doso before the elections. Now, I think, it is timefor them to take the initiative, and so we canget back on the dialogue table. And, I repeat,the only difference, if we resolve that therewill be peace in the subcontinent, that’sKashmir. Unfortunately, Kashmir can onlybe resolved if the people of Kashmir are giventhe right of self-determination, which wasguaranteed to them by the United Nationsin 1945. And they would deprive of theright, and this use of force by the Indiangovernment to subdue has backfired. Themore force there has been used, the more thepeople of Kashmir have turned against theIndian government, the more radicalisationhas come in the young people of Kashmir. Andit is a future source of destabilisation of thecontinent. That’s why it is very important toresolve the Kashmir issue.

Sputnik: Media have recently reportedabout the plans to construct a 700-kmrailroad connecting Uzbekistan, Russia,Afghanistan and Pakistan. Is there anyspecific timeline for its construction? Whatdo you expect from this project?

Imran Khan: I think this is a tremendousproject because connectivity betweenPakistan going on through Afghanistan toUzbekistan, to Russia will open up thiswhole region. And then, remember, fromthere it will go from Pakistan right down toGwadar, which is the shortest route to theocean. So it will open up the whole area.The difference is that we cannot give atimeline, because it depends on the amountof funds — can we generate enough fundsfor this railway. Secondly, it depends uponpeace in Afghanistan. Although I believethat all, even the Taliban and the Afghan

government, all feel that this railway isimportant for the future of Afghanistan.So mainly it is the question of having thefunds, but this is a great project for thefuture of the whole area, the whole region.

Sputnik: Pakistan and Afghanistan are setto hold high-level security talks inIslamabad this week. What do you expectfrom these talks? What items will be onthe agenda?

Imran Khan: I can’t say what items willbe on the agenda because it will bebetween military personnel of both thecountries, so they will best know how theycan benefit from these talks, but I am notin the position to know exactly what sortof talks they would be.

Sputnik: Afghan President Ashraf Ghaniwill visit Pakistan later in June. What topicswill be on the agenda of your talks withhim?

Imran Khan: I’ve had a meeting withPresident Ghani in Saudi Arabia, just aweek or so ago. We had a very goodconversation, we talked about howPakistan help Afghanistan in resolving theissue about the civil war that is going onthere, how we can get the Taliban to talkto the Afghan government and how therecan be peace in Afghanistan. So it is in theinterest of Pakistan and Afghanistan forthere to be peace in Afghanistan.

Because after Afghanistan the countrythat is most wanting there to be peace inAfghanistan is Pakistan because war thathappens in Afghanistan affects the borderline, border areas of Pakistan as well.Hence it is in the interest of both countriesthat after these long almost 40 years ofmilitary action, civil war, foreign invasion wefeel that people of Afghanistan deserve peace.So Pakistan will be trying everything and istrying everything to help there to be peace,so that the Taliban start talking.

They are already talking to the Americans,and we hope that the Taliban will thentalk to the Afghan government so thatthere is peace. And this is something wecrave in Pakistan because it will not justbe that will mean that Afghanistan willhave stability, it will mean that it will open


up connectivity between the two countries,trade, the borderline areas, which have beendevastated by this war on terror and thenbefore that the civil war, then the USinvasion of Afghanistan, before that theSoviets — so the whole area has beendevastated. And so the only way is peaceand then allow trade and connectivity.

Sputnik: How do you assess the role ofMoscow and the Moscow format talks onthe Afghan settlement? How can Russiafurther assist the Afghan settlement?

Imran Khan: Well, Russia has already takensteps. In Moscow, there were these talks heldby the Russian government between Talibanand various members of Afghan politicalparties, so there was this broad-based talksheld in Moscow, which is a very positivething. And I think Moscow has a role to play,Moscow has influence in areas ofAfghanistan. In fact, all the neighboursshould help to bring about peace andstability in Afghanistan.

Sputnik: What would you like to say to ourRussian and international audience?

Imran Khan: Well, to the Russian audienceI would say the one thing — that Pakistanand Russia, and before was the SovietUnion, we did not have very goodrelationship with each other. And then,when [there was] the Afghan jihan, whenthe Soviets went to Afghanistan, we werein opposing camps. But times have changednow. And I am very happy that we noware moving closer to Russia, we aredeveloping our relationship with them.

And we hope that this relationship will keepimproving, and there will be more people-to-people contact — people from Russia willcome over to Pakistan. It is one of the mostdiverse countries in the world. We areopening up Pakistan to tourism. And so wehope people from Russia will come toPakistan. And, also, I hope to go and visitRussia on an official visit, I look forward tothat. I just feel that it is important now thatRussia and Pakistan move closer. There wasa time when Russia used to look West for along time, now Russia has started lookingtowards East and South. The SCO is a dueorganisation. And Pakistan for a long timeused to look to the United States as the only

ally and trading partner, and of courseEurope. Pakistan is also now with Chinabecoming an economic giant. Pakistan isalso with the CPEC, which is Belt&RoadInitiative, one of the main initiatives of BRIis CPEC.

Pakistan has now opened up its visionof rather than being restricted to one ortwo countries, it’s just opened up. And thisis a new world coming up, things arechanging in the world. The world ischanging. The power centres arechanging, or there are different powercentres growing. And so we hope thatin this new world order our relationshipwith Russia keeps improving.

Sputnik: What will you tell ourinternational audience?

Imran Khan: Well, to the internationalaudience I would say what I’ve just alwaysbelieved in — that the world should movetowards improving trade, helping thepoor people of this world. The worldshould combine together to end poverty.It should reduce these tensions in theworld. All the tensions that are going on inthe Middle East, in the Muslim world wehave — what should I say — oneafter another the Muslim world is sufferingfrom some sort of war, some sortof bloodshed. And I’m a pacifist, whobelieves that military is no way of resolvingissues in this world. And Pakistan hassuffered a lot in these last 10-15 yearsafter joining the US war on terror. Andwe’ve suffered a lot.

Our country lost over 70,000 people dead,and billions of dollars are lost to theeconomy. So my government believes thatwe want to be a country, which will bringcountries together, which will play a partin reconciling differences between countries.But we would never want to be part of anycountry, which joins any war coalitions.We want to play a part in bringing countriestogether, and peace, and trade, so that wecan have more harmony in this world. SoI am an idealist and that is what I believe.

https://sputniknews.com/interviews/201906131075835948-pakistan-imran-khan-russia-india-iran-exclusive/?utm_source=push&utm_medium=browser_notification&utm_campaign=sputnik_inter_en


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