Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 1 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest Volume 10 Number 2 A Fortnightly News Digest from the Indian Pugwash Society November 30, 2018 SPECIALSPECIAL FEATUREFEATURE INDIA GSLV MKIII-D2 SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES GSAT-29
Convener (Interim) & Editor Dr Rajiv Nayan
Executive Council Lt Gen (Dr) B S Malik, PVSM, AVSM (Retd) Prof Amitav Mallik Prof Rajesh Rajagopalan Shri M V Rappai Prof Varun Sahni
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 2 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
Contents
A. GSAT-11 ó India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 ó PM congratulates ISRO scientists on successful launch of GSLV MK III-D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite ó PSLV-C43 successfully launches earth observation satellite HysIS and 30 foreign satellites ISRO to launch its heaviest satellite, GSAT-11, on Dec 5, 2018 ó ISRO's communication satellite GSAT-11 will bridge the digital divide in India ó ISRO'S Heaviest Satellite GSAT-11 Set to Launch on Board Ariane-5 Rocket on 5 December ó 5.8-tonne GSAT-11 ready for launch ó Boost to net connectivity: Isro's heaviest satellite GSAT-11 launched from French Guiana ó India's heaviest communication satellite GSAT-11 launched successfully from French Guiana ó Next, GSAT-11 awaits Rs 200 crore ground system ó GSAT-11 in designated orbit: ISRO ó ISRO'S Heaviest Communication Satellite GSAT-11 Raised to Its Final Orbit: ISRO
B. India ó India-Australia Bilateral Dialogue on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Export Control ó Hindustan Petroleum may buy Iranian oil if India secures sanctions waiver ó Prime Minister felicitates crew of INS Arihant on completion of Nuclear Triad ó Media Briefing by Secretary (ER) during visit of Vice President to Malawi (November 05, 2018) ó Transcript of On-board Media Briefing by Vice President on 3-Nation visit to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi (November 6, 2018) ó Pakistan voices concern over Indian nuclear submarine patrol ó Transcript of Weekly Press Briefing by Official Spokesperson (November 09, 2018) ó Nuclear power remains important option to meet challenges of energy demand, climate change: India ó Indian obstinacy on Kashmir issue can trigger nuclear war: AJK president
C. USA & Europe ó Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo With Mark Reardon of the Mark Reardon Show ó Interview With Tony Katz of Tony Katz Today Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 3
ó Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo With Lars Larson of the Lars Larson Show ó Briefing on Iran Sanctions ó Interview With John Dickerson of CBS Face the Nation ó Interview With Chris Wallace of Fox News Sunday ó Press Availability With Secretary of Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin ó Constraining Iran's Nuclear Program ó Secretary Pompeo to Travel to Paris ó Geopolitics should be factor in new nuclear investment decision: Czech PM November 14, 2018
D. Russia & Central Asia ó Iran sanctions deal powerful blow to NPT: Moscow ó Russia says U.S. plan of limited nuclear war may cause global catastrophe ó NATO chief calls on Russia to stick with INF Treaty
E. China ó Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's Regular Press Conference ó China says its Lawful Trade with Iran should be Respected ó Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference ó Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference ó U.S.-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue ó Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China, November 14, China's 'artificial sun' reaches 100 million degrees Celsius marking milestone for nuclear fusion ó List of Chinese financial firms facing possible sanctions over North Korea's nuclear programme demanded by US congressional panel ó Cheng Kaijia, China's 'nuclear commander,' dies at 101 ó China to resume imports of oil from Iran soon
F. East & South East Asia ó Treading carefully, Japan's nuclear industry makes a comeback ó North Korea issues nuclear threat ahead of high-level talks with US ó How the Army Could Destroy North Korea's Nuclear Weapons ó North Korea Is Operating at Least 13 Secret Missile Sites, Satellite Images Show ó IAEA Team Completes Fourth Review of Japan's Plans to Decommission Fukushima Daiichi ó Deputy Secretary Sullivan's Meeting With Japanese Vice Minister Takeo Akiba ó Inter-Korean Military Tension Reduction, North Korean Denuclearization, and the U.S.-ROK Security Alliance ó Kim attends his first weapons test in almost a year 4 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
ó Moon tones down 'sanctions easing' pitch ó Seoul to buy Israeli radar systems despite thaw on peninsula
G. West Asia ó Crown Prince launches first nuclear research reactor project ó Saudi Arabia to build first nuclear research reactor ó UAE role model for development of nuclear energy ó Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook Travel to Israel and the United Arab Emirates ó FANR releases first annual report on UAE's radiological environmental monitoring
H. Iran ó Iran's UK ambassador: It is impossible to renegotiate nuclear deal ó Iran's joint oil fields could resolve regional tensions ó U.S. 'Plan B' includes creating schism in EU over Iran: ex-diplomat ó IRGC chief to Trump: Never threaten Iran ó 'Sanctions to have no impact on sea transportation' ó Iran Air in negotiations with non-European airplane manufacturers ó New sanctions on Iran will not fulfill U.S. national interest: Nephew ó We will 'break sanctions proudly': Rouhani ó Iran's H1 foreign arrivals up over 51% y/y ó Netanyahu Thanks Trump for Re-Imposing Sanctions on Iran ó Israeli firm launches cyberattacks on Iran: ITC minister ó Austrian labs key to future of Iran nuclear deal ó Turkey: U.S. sanctions against Iran 'unfair' ó Iran able to Flourish Under Sanctions, Revolutionary Guards Say ó Iranian celebs launch #SanctionsTargetMe movement against U.S. sanctions ó Russia and Turkey promise to defy Trump's Iran sanctions ó Industry ministry unveils priorities in sanction era ó Iran, S. Korea agree to cross-currency trade, ditching dollar ó Europeans slow to save nuclear deal: Iran ó Failure of nuclear deal will discredit Europe: Kharrazi ó Envoy likens U.S. sanctions to 'crimes against humanity' ó Brazil will stand with Iran in face of U.S. sanctions: ex-president ó U.S. granted Turkey 25% exemption from Iran sanctions: Turkish min. ó Iraq receives sanction waiver for importing gas, electricity from Iran ó The impact of U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil industry, market in focus Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 5
ó Larijani urges Europeans to act more independently ó European failure to save nuclear deal will destabilize Mideast, Kharrazi warns ó Zarif: U.S. cannot stop Iranian flights, tankers ó Gabriel: thousands of German SMEs can trade with Iran ó Iran, Europe to continue nuclear cooperation ó ISA chief: Iran keen on cooperation in international joint space projects ó Envoy: Iran has enough leverage to sell oil ó Diplomat: U.S. officials' language against Iran is 'disastrous' ó Despite claims, U.S. sanctioning the Iranian people not the government, Kharrazi says ó Iran: US sanctions in contradiction with Europe's sovereignty ó Central Asia helping full implementation of Iran nuclear deal: EU's Mogherini
I. Pakistan ó Pakistan nuclear programme was manifestation of security challenges posed by India: Gen Ehsan ó China to give Pakistan anti-corruption formula
J. Misc/Global ó IAEA Concludes Long-Term Operational Safety Review at Argentina's Atucha Nuclear Power Plant
K. Opinion/Reports ó Indian nuclear forces, 2018 ó Europe should work with Iran to counter U.S. unilateralism ó China's Response to Nuclear Safety Postfukushima: Genuine or Rhetoric? ó Unfounded nuclear blackmailing threat ó Devilish Iran besieged ó North Korean Nuclear Shell Game ó Pairing AI and Nukes Will Lead to Our Autonomous Doomsday ó Arihant launch strengthens nuclear 'triad' ó China and the New Strategic Nuclear Arms Race: The Forces Driving the Creation of New Chinese Nuclear Delivery Systems, Nuclear Weapons, and Strategy ó Beijing's Nuclear Option: Why a U.S.-Chinese War Could Spiral Out of Control ó The Nuclear Power Dilemma Declining Profits, Plant Closures, and the Threat of Rising Carbon Emissions ó Revealed: Emptying of the Iranian "Atomic Warehouse" at Turquz Abad 6 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
A. GSAT-11 After the successful launch, ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan said: “India has India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully achieved significant milestone with our launches GSAT-29 Press Information heaviest launcher lifting off the heaviest Bureau, November 14, 2018 satellite from the Indian soil. The launch vehicle has precisely placed the satellite in India’s GSAT-29 communication satellite its intended orbit. I congratulate entire was successfully launched by the second ISRO team for this achievement.” developmental flight of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MarkIII (GSLV Declaring GSLV MKIII operational, Dr MkIII-D2) today from the Satish Dhawan Sivan announced that Chandrayaan-2 Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota. and Gaganyaan missions will be launched by this heavy-lifter. GSLV MkIII-D2 lifted off from the Second Launch Pad of SDSC SHAR at 17:08 hours Shri Jayakumar B, Mission Director, GSLV (IST), carrying the 3423-kg GSAT-29 Mark III said it is the guidance of the satellite. About 17 minutes later, the vehicle Mentors at ISRO that helped the team to injected the satellite into the march ahead while facing obstacles. “The Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) as industry partners too played a key role in planned. this mission,” he said.
After injection, ISRO’s Master Control Shri K Pankaj Damodar, Project Director, Facility at Hassan has assumed the control GSAT-29 said the launch will help to of the satellite. In the coming days, three bridge the digital divide. He also said orbit raising manoeuvers will be executed several next generation payload to position the satellite in the Geostationary technologies will be demonstrated with Orbit at its designated location. this mission soon.
GSLV Mk III is a three-stage heavy lift The success of GSLV MkIII-D2 marks an launch vehicle developed by the Indian important milestone in Indian space Space Research Organisation (ISRO). programme towards achieving self- reliance in launching heavier satellites. The Two massive boosters with solid propellant success of this flight also signifies the constitute the first stage, the core with liquid completion of the experimental phase of propellant form the second stage and the GSLV Mark III. cryogenic engine completes the final stage. The first successful mission of GSLV Mark GSAT-29 is a multiband, multi-beam III was an experimental suborbital flight communication satellite, intended to serve in 2014. Subsequently, GSLV Mark III-D1 as test bed for several new and critical launched GSAT-19, a high throughput technologies. Its Ku-band and Ka-band communication satellite, with a lift-off payloads are configured to cater to the mass of 3150 kg, into GTO on June 5, 2017. communication requirements of users including those from remote areas especially http://pib.nic.in/newsite/ from Jammu & Kashmir and North-Eastern PrintRelease.aspx?relid=184750 regions of India. PM congratulates ISRO scientists In addition, the Q/V-Band communication on successful launch of GSLV MK payload onboard is intended to demonstrate the future high throughput satellite system III-D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite technologies. Geo High Resolution Camera Posted On: November 14, 2018 by PIB Delhi will carry out high resolution imaging. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Optical Communication Payload will has congratulated ISRO scientists on the demonstrate data transmission at a very successful launch of GSLV MK III-D2 high rate through optical communication carrying GSAT-29 satellite. link. Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 7
“My heartiest congratulations to our ISRO’s communication satellite scientists on the successful launch of GSLV GSAT-11 will bridge the digital MK III-D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite. The divide in India By: Huma Siddiqui double success sets a new record of putting the heaviest satellite in orbit by an Indian This will be followed by GSAT-7A by the launch vehicle. Indian rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) from Sriharikota The satellite will provide communication and in India. internet services to the remotest corners of our country”, the Prime Minister said. After the great success of the sixth mission of the PSLV-C43, all eyes are now towards http://pib.nic.in/newsite/ the launch of communication satellite PrintRelease.aspx?relid=184747 GSAT-11 from French Guiana by Ariane- 5 rocket of Arianespace, on Dec 5. PSLV-C43 successfully launches earth observation satellite HysIS At 5854 Kgs, GSAT-11 is the heaviest, and 30 foreign satellites ISRO to next generation high throughput communication (16 Gbps) satellite launch its heaviest satellite, GSAT- configured around Indian Space Research 11, on Dec 5, 2018 Press Information Organisation’s (ISRO) I-6K Bus, and built Bureau, November 29, 2018. by the agency. It has a mission life of 15 years. The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle This will be followed by GSAT-7A by the (PSLV-C43) successfully launched 31 Indian rocket Geosynchronous Satellite satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre Launch Vehicle (GSLV) from Sriharikota (SDSC) today in Sriharikota. in India.
The PSLV-C43 lifted off at 9:57:30 (IST) from Sharing his views with Financial Express the First Launch Pad and injected India’s Online, Ratan Shrivastava, Advisor, Space Hyper-Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) Division, FICCI, said “GSAT series of into a 645 km sun-synchronous polar orbit geosynchronous indigenous satellites in S, 17 minutes and 19 seconds after the lift-off. Ka/Ku bands made and launched by Later, 30 foreign satellites were injected into ISRO are aimed at making India self reliant their intended orbit after restarting the in digital media services. GSAT 29 and vehicle’s fourth stage engines twice. The last GSAT 11 are key satellites for facilitation satellite was injected into its designated orbit of the Digital Indiaprogram, bridging the 1 hour and 49 minutes after the lift-off. divide between rural and urban India by high speed bandwidth and advanced After separation, the two solar arrays of telecom and DTH services.” HysIS were deployed automatically and the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command “The satellite is scheduled for launch Network at Bengaluru gained control of the onboard Ariane-5 launch vehicle from satellite. The satellite will be brought to its French Guiana and will will play a vital final operational configuration in the next role in providing broadband services few days. HysIS Project Director Shri Suresh across the country bridging the digital K. said that the satellite is performing divide and connecting hinterland with the normally after the launch. mainland,” said Shrivastava.
HysIS is an earth observation satellite built This will also be supporting e-Governance around ISRO’s Mini Satellite2 (IMS-2) bus by linking of Gram Panchayats/ villages weighing about 380kg. The mission life of under the Digital India program as well the satellite is five years. as consumer high speed broadband connectivity, explained Shrivastava. http://pib.nic.in/newsite/ PrintRelease.aspx?relid=186015 Initially, the satellite will be placed in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and will 8 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
then be raised to geostationary orbit by data rate of 16 Gbps. firing the satellite’s on-board motor. According to ISRO, GSAT-11 is the GSAT-11 will play a vital role in providing forerunner in a series of advanced broadband services across the country. It communications satellites with multi-spot will also provide a platform to demonstrate beam antenna coverage over Indian new generation applications. mainland and islands. The Indian space agency said the GSAT- The GSAT- 11 will be used to meet the 11 will be used to meet the increased data increased data demands with high data demands with high data rates over regions rates over regions using spot beams. It may using spot beams. be recalled earlier this year; the GSAT 11 The satellite will support BharathNet had to be brought back to India by ISRO to connecting gram panchayat for e- carry out more tests to check its performance governance and digital platforms; VSAT before it was launched in May. After a few terminals and for enterprise network and tests, and repairs the GSAT -11 is being consumer broadband applications. launched. In April 2018, ISRO had recalled GSAT- https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/ 11 from Arianespace’s rocket port in technology/isros-communication-satellite-gsat-11- French Guiana for further tests, to be on will-bridge-the-digital-divide-in-india/1398261/ the safe side.
ISRO’s Heaviest Satellite GSAT-11 “We are bringing back the GSAT-11 set to Launch on Board Ariane-5 satellite to carry out some tests to be doubly Rocket on 5 December First Post sure of its performance orbiting in the December 03, 2018 space. There is nothing more to it,” K Sivan, Chairman ISRO had told IANS India’s heaviest communication satellite then. with high throughput GSAT-11 will be put into orbit by the Ariane-5 rocket of The GSAT-11 was planned to be launched Arianespace from French Guiana on 5 mid-May. The satellite had reached December 2018, the Indian space agency Arianespace’s rocket port in March 2018. said. The ISRO’s move to call back GSAT-11 for According to the Indian Space Research further tests and be doubly sure of its Organisation (ISRO), the GSAT-11 weighing performance may be due to the loss of the 5,854 kg is the heaviest satellite built by it. recently launched GSAT-6A satellite, soon after it was put into orbit on 29 The satellite is scheduled for launch onboard March. Ariane-5 launch vehicle from French Guiana. ISRO suspected the failure of the power The satellite will be initially placed in the system in the satellite for the loss of Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and will communication link. subsequently be raised to geostationary orbit by firing the satellite’s onboard motor. “The satellites are powered by solar panels that charge the onboard batteries. The GSAT-11 batteries are fully charged when the satellite is loaded on to the rocket. According to ISRO, GSAT-11 is the forerunner in a series of advanced “Even if there is a problem with the solar communications satellites with multi-spot panel, then the battery power should have beam antenna coverage over Indian kicked in. Here the entire power system of mainland and islands. the satellite seems to have failed,” one space expert told had IANS earlier. The satellite with a mission life of 15 years will have 32 user beams (Ku band) and eight According to experts, the power system hub beams (Ka-band) and the throughput could have failed due to some short- Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 9
circuiting or arcing resulting in what is ISRO Chairman K. Sivan, besides the known in the space terminology ‘loss of lock’ project director and scores of engineers, or loss of contact with the ground station. who have been taking care of the satellite for the last 30-odd days, are in Kourou for Satellites in space are locked to ground the big day, it is learnt. stations for tracking and other purposes. GSAT-11 is part of ISRO’s new family of On 29 March, Indian rocket Geosynchronous high-throughput communication satellite Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) slung (HTS) fleet that will drive the country’s GSAT-6A in its intended orbit. From there Internet broadband from space to the satellite was to be taken up further to its untouched areas; the broadband domain orbital slot by firing its onboard motors. is now ruled by underground fibre and The first orbit raising operation was covers partial and convenient locations. successfully carried out by firing the High-speed data onboard motors for around 36 minutes on 30 March morning. Already up in space are two HTSs — GSAT-29 (November 14) and GSAT-19 The second orbit raising operation of GSAT- (June 2017) — while one more is due to 6A satellite was also successful as its motors join them in the near future. They are all were fired for about 53 minutes on 31 March. to provide high-speed Internet data After that, the communication link got services at the rate of 100 Gbps (Gigabits snapped. per second) to Indian users. ISRO has earlier said this speed would be far better https://www.firstpost.com/tech/science/isros- than what is available in the country now. heaviest-satellite-gsat-11-set-to-launch-on-board- ariane-5-rocket-on-5-dec-5634811.html The HTSs will also be the backbone of pan- India digital or easy Internet-based 5.8-tonne GSAT-11 ready for launch programmes and services — such as Digital India, BharathNet for rural e- Madhumathi D.S., The Hindu, December 03, governance, and commercial and public 2018 sector VSAT Net service providers. Part of ISRO’s new satellite fleet for high- speed Internet services According to ISRO, GSAT-11’s multiple spot beam coverage — 32 in Ku band and A team of top officials and engineers of the eight in Ka bands — will deliver an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), improved service of 16 gbps over the now stationed in the Guiana Space Centre, Indian region and nearby islands. It said, South America, is going over the last steps “GSAT-11 will play a vital role in providing before it sees off the heaviest Indian broadband services across the country. It communication satellite, GSAT-11, to its will also provide a platform to demonstrate space orbit. The liftoff is slated for the wee new generation applications.” hours of Wednesday, December 5, India time, but from half way across the globe. New date
The 5,854-kg satellite, almost double the GSAT-11 was earlier planned for launch biggest one built or launched by ISRO to on May 26 this year. A few days before it, date, will ride up on European launch ISRO,brought it back from Kourou to the Bengaluru satellite centre for additional vehicle Ariane 5 ECA, numbered VA246, checks. The spacecraft was sent back in between 2.07 a.m. and 3.23 a.m. IST, October for the rescheduled launch. according to the schedule of Arianespace, which is providing the launch services. It Its co-passenger is South Korea’s GEO- will be sunset at nearby Kourou in French KOMPSAT-2A, a meteorology satellite. Guiana, located 5 degrees North of the Equator, with a launch window between https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/58- 5.37 p.m. and 6.53 p.m. local time. tonne-gsat-11-ready-for-launch/ article25656789.ece 10 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
Boost to net connectivity: ISRO’s (Gsat-19, Gsat-29, Gsat-11 and Gsat-20) heaviest satellite GSAT-11 that will provide the country broadband launched from French Guiana connectivity of over 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) and will link rural areas and The Times of India, December 05, 2018 bridge the digital divide under the Digital NEW DELHI: After months of wait, the India programme.” While Gsat-19 was country’s heaviest satellite Gsat-11 weighing launched in June last year, Gsat-29 was 5,854 kg was finally launched from the launched on November 14 this year. European spaceport in French Guiana at 2.07 The chairman said, “The master control am on Wednesday. Arianespace’s Ariane-5 centre of Isro (at Hassan in Karnataka) has rocket successfully lifted off with taken control of Gsat-11. In the coming five communication satellite Gsat-11 and South days, the satellite will be manoeuvred to Korean geo satellite Geo-Kompsat-2A. its final geo-stationary orbit. Thereafter for Twenty nine minutes after the lift off, Gsat- the next 10 days, the payloads will be 11 separated from the rocket and was tested.” He also congratulated South placed in the geo-transfer orbit. The Korean Korea for the successful launch of Gsat- satellite was released four minutes after 11’s co-passenger Geo-Kompsat-2A. Sivan Gsat-11 separation. Arianespace kept the also recalled that Gsat-11 was earlier time gap of around four minutes in scheduled for the launch on May 25 from separation of two satellites from the rocket French Guiana but due to certain in order to avoid a collision between the two circumstances the launch had to be in space. delayed. The communication satellite, which will help increase internet speed in Gsat-11 is a high-throughput satellite that the country, was earlier recalled from carries 40 transponders in the Ku-band and French Guiana by Isro as the agency Ka-band frequencies and is capable of suspected an anomaly in the satellite. Isro “providing high bandwidth connectivity” felt the need to take the unusual step of with up to 14 gigabit per second (GBPS) data recalling the satellite as a precaution transfer speed. The satellite’s designed measure especially after the failure of the lifetime is more than 15 years. Gsat-6A mission around the same time. Gsat-6A satellite went out of control and Soon after the successful launch, signal from it was lost soon after its launch Arianespace chief executive Stephane Israel on March 29. congratulated Isro chairman K Sivan and P Kunhikrishnan, director of Bengaluru-based Gsat-11 is meant to provide multi-spot UR Rao Satellite Centre, who were present beam coverage over India’s mainland and at the Arianespace control room to witness nearby islands. The satellite is special as it the launch. He said the “cooperation with uses multiple spot beams (a special kind the Indian space agency went back to 1991 of transponder that operates on a high and today’s launch has boosted that frequency) that will increase internet speed relationship”. and connectivity. A spot beam is a satellite signal that is specially concentrated in Thanking Arianespace for the launch, Isro power so that it covers only a limited chairman Sivan said, “Six days after the geographical area on the earth. The successful launch (on November 29) of narrower the beam more is the power. The India’s first hyperpectral imaging satellite satellite will reuse “beams” (signals) several HysIS, today’s launch of the country’s times in order to cover the entire country. heaviest satellite Gsat-11 is a major milestone In contrast, a traditional satellite like for the country. This satellite has been INSAT satellite uses a broad single beam, designed in most innovative ways by Isro which is not powerful, to cover wide centres and the credit for its success goes to regions. The heavy-duty satellite is so Team Isro.” He said that “Gsat-11 is the third massive that each solar panel is over four in a series of four highthroughput satellites metres long, equivalent to the size of a big Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 11
sedan. It will also provide a platform to Post-separation, ISRO’s Master Control demonstrate new-generation applications. Facility at Hassan in Karnataka took over the command and control of GSAT-11 and https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/6-days- found its health parameters normal. after-hysis-success-isro-launches-heaviest-satellite- gsat-11-from-french-guiana/articleshowprint/ The scientists will undertake phase-wise 66945769.cms orbit-raising manoeuvres in the days ahead to place the satellite in the India’s heaviest communication Geostationary Orbit (36,000 km above the satellite GSAT-11 launched equator) using its on-board propulsion successfully from French systems. GSAT-11 will be positioned at 74- Guiana Press Information Bureau, degree east longitude in the geostationary Government of India, Department of Space, orbit. December 05, 2018 Subsequently, the two solar arrays and four antenna reflectors of GSAT-11 will be Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) heaviest and most-advanced high deployed in orbit. The satellite will be operational after the successful completion throughput communication satellite GSAT- 11 was successfully launched from the of all in-orbit tests. Spaceport in French Guiana during the early In the last 21 days, ISRO successfully hours today. completed three satellite and two launch vehicle missions. The launch vehicle Ariane 5 VA-246 lifted off from Kourou Launch Base, French http://pib.nic.in/newsite/ Guiana at 02:07 am (IST) carrying India’s PrintRelease.aspx?relid=186117 GSAT-11 and South Korea’s GEO- KOMPSAT-2A satellites, as scheduled. Ariane Next, GSAT-11 awaits Rs 200 crore 5 is one of three launch vehicles operated by ground system Madhumathi D.S. Arianespace along with Soyuz and Vega. The Hindu, December 09, 2018 After a 30-min flight, GSAT-11 separated Now that GSAT-11, the third and latest from the Ariane 5 upper stage in an elliptical Internet-boosting communication satellite, Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. The achieved is up in space, the Indian Space Research orbit was very close to the intended one. Organisation (ISRO) says it is in the process The 5,854-kg GSAT-11 will provide high of readying a Rs 150-200-crore ground data rate connectivity to users of Indian infrastructure across cities to use it. mainland and islands through 32 user beams A Ka-band hub or gateway each is being in Ku-band and 8 hub beams in Ka-band. set up in Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad “GSAT-11 will boost the broadband and Ranchi to deliver high-speed connectivity to rural and inaccessible Gram broadband services via the giant satellite. Panchayats in the country coming under the K.Sivan, Chairman, ISRO, said, “The Bharat Net Project, which is part of Digital activity of establishing the ground system India Programme,” ISRO Chairman Dr K is on and it may happen over some more Sivan said. months.” The Bharat Net Project aims to enhance the The nearly six-tonne heavyweight satellite public welfare schemes like e-banking, e- was launched in December 5 on a health, e-governance among others. European launcher. Along with its older He said GSAT-11 will act as a forerunner to HTS mates — GSAT-19 and GSAT-29 — all future high throughput communication it forms an Indian quartet of high- satellites. “Today’s successful mission has throughput satellites (HTSs). Each of them boosted the confidence of the entire team,” has a different space location over India Dr Sivan added. and must have its own ground systems. 12 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
The ground systems are being put up by manoeuvres, the Indian Space Research external agencies chosen through Organisation (ISRO) said Monday. competitive bidding. They will also be operated and maintained by them for five The space agency said in a statement that to seven years. Dr. Sivan admitted that there the orbit-raising manoeuvres were were “procedural delays” in completing the performed by firing the satellite’s system with outside support. propulsion system for a cumulative duration of more than four hours. The use of the Ka band will be new in the country. In 2017, ISRO’s payload developing “Finally home! The communication unit, the Space Applications Centre (SAC) satellite has been positioned in its in Ahmedabad, had put out a search or RFP designated geostationary orbit (at an (request for proposal) for companies that altitude of about 36,000 km) with final could set up GSAT-11’s Ka-band ground orbit-raising manoeuvre... Solar panels systems. and reflectors have been successfully deployed,” the space agency said. About the HTSs, Dr. Sivan said, “Our target is to deliver close to [a Net data speed at the Launch vehicle Ariane 5 VA-246, carrying rate of] 100 Gbps through them. We have GSAT-11 and GEO-KOMPSAT-2A (South planned a fourth one, too — the GSAT-20. Korea), had lifted off from the Kourou It will be a four-tonne-class HTS and will be launch base in French Guiana in the early launched towards the second half of 2019 hours of December 5. on our GSLV MarkIII vehicle. With that, our Post-separation, ISRO’s Master Control current national requirement should be Facility at Hassan, in Karnataka, took over met.” the command and control of GSAT-11 and Remote areas found its health parameters normal.
The fleet is designed to mainly serve the The 5,854-kg GSAT-11 will provide high remote and hilly northeastern States, and data rate connectivity to users of the Jammu & Kashmir, which are starved of Indian mainland and islands through 32 reliable Net services. “Our concentration is user beams in Ku-band and eight hub on those areas, where it is not possible to beams in Ka-band, the space agency said. establish terrestrial cables as in cities,” Dr. “GSAT-11 will boost the broadband Sivan said. connectivity to rural and inaccessible gram panchayats in the country coming under Referring to the consecutive launches of the Bharat Net Project, which is a part of GSAT-29 in November and GSAT-11 in the Digital India programme,” ISRO December, Dr. Sivan said, “Within a matter Chairman Dr K Sivan had said at its of about 20 days, we have already beefed launch. up the requirements of VSATs (very small aperture terminals) by putting up two Sivan said the Bharat Net Project aimed satellites suited to them.” at enhancing public welfare schemes like e-banking, e-health and e-governance, https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/next- among others. gsat-11-awaits-200-crore-ground-system/ article25704894.ece The ISRO had hired the Ariane-5 rocket as its own geosynchronous satellite launch GSAT-11 in designated orbit: ISRO vehicle, GSLV MK III, can only haul The Hindu, December 10, 2018 satellites that weigh up to 4 tonnes. The country’s heaviest communication https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/ satellite GSAT-11 has been placed in its science/gsat-11-in-designated-orbit-isro/ designated geostationary orbit at an altitude article25710854.ece of about 36,000 km after four orbit-raising Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 13
ISRO’s Heaviest Communication vehicle, GSLV MK III, can only haul Satellite GSAT-11 Raised to Its satellites that weigh up to 4 tonnes. Final Orbit: ISRO First Post, Press Trust https://www.firstpost.com/tech/science/isros- of India, December 11, 2018 heaviest-communication-satellite-gsat-11- raised-to-its-final-orbit-isro-5706851.html The country’s heaviest communication satellite GSAT-11 has been placed in its designated geostationary orbit at an altitude B. India of about 36,000 km after four orbit-raising India-Australia Bilateral Dialogue manoeuvres, the Indian Space Research on Disarmament, Non- Organisation (ISRO) said today. Proliferation and Export Control The space agency said in a tweet that the Ministry of External Affairs, November 01, orbit-raising manoeuvres were performed by 2018 firing the satellite’s propulsion system for a cumulative duration of more than four The 5th round of India-Australia Bilateral hours. Dialogue on Disarmament, Non- Proliferation and Export Control was held “Finally home! The communication satellite in Canberra on 01 November 2018. Indian has been positioned in its designated delegation was led by Shri Indra Mani geostationary orbit (at an altitude of about Pandey, Additional Secretary 36,000 km) with final orbit-raising (Disarmament and International Security manoeuvre... Solar panels and reflectors Affairs), Ministry of External Affairs, while have been successfully deployed,” the space Australian delegation was led by Mr agency said. Richard Sadleir, First Assistant Secretary, International Security Division, Launch vehicle Ariane 5 VA-246, carrying Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. GSAT-11 and GEO-KOMPSAT-2A (South During the consultations, the two sides Korea), had lifted off from the Kourou exchanged views on a range of launch base in French Guiana in the early contemporary export control, hours of 5 December. disarmament & non-proliferation issues of Post-separation, ISRO’s Master Control mutual interest. Facility at Hassan, in Karnataka, took over Both sides reiterated the importance of the command and control of GSAT-11 and holding the Dialogue regularly, which found its health parameters normal. enables the two countries to enhance their mutual understanding of various issues of The 5,854-kg GSAT-11 will provide high strategic significance to them. India and data rate connectivity to users of the Indian Australia enjoy very close friendly mainland and islands through 32 user beams relations, which is described as ‘Strategic in Ku-band and eight hub beams in Ka- Partnership’. The two sides agreed to hold band, the space agency said. the next round of Dialogue on a mutually “GSAT-11 will boost the broadband convenient date in 2019 in New Delhi. connectivity to rural and inaccessible gram https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/ panchayats in the country coming under the 30581/IndiaAustralia_Bilateral_Dialogue_on_ Bharat Net Project, which is a part of the Disarmament_NonProliferation_and_Export_Control Digital India programme,” ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan had said at its launch. Hindustan Petroleum may buy Mr Sivan said the Bharat Net Project aims Iranian oil if India secures at enhancing public welfare schemes like e- sanctions waiver Tehran Times, banking, e-health and e-governance, among November 02, 2018 others. State-run Indian refiner Hindustan The ISRO had hired the Ariane-5 rocket as Petroleum said it may resume buying its own geosynchronous satellite launch Iranian oil if New Delhi secures a waiver 14 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
from U.S. sanctions, its chairman M K Noting that the indigenous development Surana said. India is Iran’s top oil client after of the SSBN and its operationalisation China and hopes to get a waiver on U.S. attest to the country’s technological sanctions before they take effect on Sunday. prowess and the synergy and coordination “Why not?” Surana told a press conference, among all concerned, the Prime Minister when asked if his firm would look at thanked them for their dedication and resuming oil imports from Iran if India gets commitment in realising this pioneering a waiver. accomplishment enhancing immensely the country’s security. An Indian government source told Reuters that the United States could announce a The Prime Minister commended the waiver for New Delhi on Sunday. The source courage and commitment of India’s brave said India would soon sign an initial soldiers and the talent and perseverance agreement with Iran to start paying for oil of its scientists, whose untiring efforts in Indian rupees through UCO bank. After transformed the scientific achievement of the latest round of U.S. sanctions was nuclear tests into establishment of an announced, HPCL was the first Indian immensely complex and credible nuclear refiner to halt purchases from Iran after its triad, and dispelled all doubts and insurer backed out. questions about India’s capability and resolve in this regard. HPCL’s head of finance J. Ramaswamy told the same press conference that the company As a responsible nation, India has put in had already settled all payments for Iran oil place a robust nuclear command and purchases. In the previous round of control structure, effective safety assurance sanctions India made payments in rupees architecture and strict political control, to Iran’s account with UCO bank. Iran used under its Nuclear Command Authority. It the funds to buy goods from India. remains committed to the doctrine of Credible Minimum Deterrence and No https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429171/ First Use, as enshrined in the decision taken Hindustan-Petroleum-may-buy-Iranian-oil-if- by the Cabinet Committee on Security in India-secures-sanctions its meeting chaired by the then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Prime Minister felicitates crew of January 04, 2003. INS Arihant on completion of Nuclear Triad Press Information Bureau, http://pib.nic.in/ PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1551894 November 05, 2018 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received Media Briefing by Secretary (ER) today the crew of Strategic Strike Nuclear during visit of Vice President to Submarine (SSBN) INS Arihant. The Malawi ( November 05, 2018) submarine recently returned from its first Ministry of External Affairs, November 06, deterrence patrol, completing the 2018 establishment of the country’s survivable nuclear triad. Three MoUs will be signed shortly. First is the extradition treaty, second is the MoU Stressing the significance of the successful on cooperation in the field of atomic deployment of INS Arihant for the energy for peaceful purposes between completion of India’s nuclear triad, the Global Center for Nuclear Energy in Prime Minister congratulated the crew and partnership of the Department of Atomic all involved in the achievement which puts Energy and the Ministry of Natural India among a handful of countries having Resources, Energy and Mining of Malawi. the capability to design, construct and The third is the visa waiver agreement for operate SSBNs. diplomatic and official passports. Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 15
Question: Please tell us more about the said during his weekly briefing in cooperation on Nuclear Energy? Islamabad.
Secretary (ER), Shri T S Tirumurti: This we The development marks the first actual see as a very important agreement with deployment of ready-to-fire nuclear Malawi. We already have an agreement warheads in South Asia which is a matter with Malawi on minerals and this of concern not only for the Indian Ocean agreement is to reinforce this entire thing littoral states but also for the international about nuclear energy partnership. Now why community at large,” Radio Pakistan quoted this is important is that Malawi has rare Dr Faisal as saying. earth, it has the minerals but however they The bellicose language employed by the top don’t have regulatory and administrative Indian leadership highlights the threats to structure to deal with this. So therefore the strategic stability in South Asia and raises exploration and exploitation of some of these questions about responsible nuclear minerals has not progressed very far. stewardship in India,” the Foreign Office https://www.mea.gov.in/media-briefings.htm? dtl/ spokesperson said. 30574/Media_Briefing_by_Secretary_ER_ https://www.dawn.com/news/1444377 during_visit_of_Vice_President_to_Malawi__November_05_2018 Transcript of Weekly Press Transcript of On-board Media Briefing by Official Spokesperson Briefing by Vice President on 3- (November 09, 2018) Ministry of Nation visit to Botswana, Zimbabwe External Affairs, November 10, 2018 and Malawi (November 6, 2018) Ministry of External Affairs, November 08, 2018 Question: Yesterday there was this briefing by Pakistan Foreign Ministry in Minerals, especially rare earth minerals and which a question was asked on Arihant, their trading came in for specific discussion the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said, it is since all these three countries are rich in the first actual deployment of nuclear minerals including uranium, copper, nickel warhead in South Asia, what is your etc. We signed an MoU with Malawi on reaction on that? providing capacity building in nuclear energy regulatory framework, and its Official Spokesperson, Shri Raveesh protection, safety etc. keeping in mind the Kumar:I think it is important to keep in rich deposits of uranium and rare earth mind what we have said on this issue and minerals in Malawi. We also signed an MoU you must have seen the tweets by the Prime on geology, mining and minerals with Minister, there was also a press statement Zimbabwe. Direct trading in raw diamonds release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office was also discussed with Botswana and on this matter and beyond that there is Zimbabwe. nothing further which we need to add. https://www.mea.gov.in/media- https://www.mea.gov.in/media-briefings.htm? dtl/ briefings.htm?dtl/30583/ 30578Transcript_of_Onboard_Media_ Transcript_of_Weekly_Press_Briefing_by_ Briefing_by_Vice_President_on_3Nation_visit_to_ Official_Spokesperson_November_09_2018 Botswana_Zimbabwe_and_Malawi_November_6_2018 Nuclear power remains important Pakistan voices concern over Indian option to meet challenges of energy nuclear submarine patrol demand, climate change: India Indian Dawn, November 08, 2018 Express, November 11, 2018 Pakistan has taken notice of a first “deterrence patrol” of an Indian nuclear Important option to meet the challenges submarine and subsequent “self- of increased energy demand, address congratulatory messages in India”, Foreign concerns about climate change and ensure Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal energy supply security. 16 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
Addressing a UN General Assembly session hasn’t really been a breakthrough. What’s on ‘Report of the International Atomic the status of those negotiations, or what Energy Agency’ Friday, First Secretary in might happen? There’s still talk of a India’s Permanent Mission to the UN summit next year, another summit. What Sandeep Kumar Bayyapu said India can you tell us about that? attaches importance to the IAEA’s work in different fields of nuclear science and SECRETARY POMPEO: Yes, sir. Well, supports its programme on nuclear fusion. we’ve made some progress, right? We stopped their missile testing. There is no “Nuclear power remains an important longer nuclear tests being conducted. option to meet the challenges of increased Those are really dangerous activities, and energy demand, address concerns about the North Koreans have stopped them. climate change, redress volatile fossil fuel We’ve had – they have closed down a prices and ensure security of the energy couple of sites. We have been told that we supply,” he said. will get to inspect those sites shortly. Chairman Kim told me that himself. I’m https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nuclear- hopeful that that will take place before too power-remains-important-option-to-meet- long as well. challenges-of-energy-demand-climate-change- india-5441119/ And then we are continuing our negotiations not only, as Americans have Indian obstinacy on Kashmir issue seen, on the return of the remains of our can trigger nuclear war: AJK fallen there in North Korea – a very president By Mamir, The Express Tribune, important thing that we shouldn’t November 13, 2018 underestimate either, at least the beginning of that. It is very important to those President Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) families. But we’re working diligently to Sardar Masood Khan has said there is no complete what Chairman Kim and military solution to the Kashmir issue and President Trump agreed to back in June, India will have to initiate dialogue process which is the complete and verifiable with Pakistan and people of the valley to denuclearization of North Korea. No one find a way to peacefully resolve the conflict. ever thought it would be easy, straightforward, or quick, and so we’re “The United Nations and world powers working to put the next steps in place so need to intervene in setting a stage for the we can begin to take real, measurable, resolution of Kashmir before the two impactful steps, reducing North Korea’s nuclear-armed states indulge in a full-fledged nuclear threat. And when we’re done, war which will be a monumental disaster when we get to the end, President Trump that will engulf not only the region but other wants there to be a brighter future for the parts of the world,” President Khan North Korean people. We’re determined emphasised. to get to that point.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/1846551/1-indian- QUESTION: Obviously this is a trust but obstinacy-kashmir-issue-can-trigger-nuclear-war- verify situation, but why should we believe ajk-president/ that the North truly wants to give up those nuclear weapons? C. US & Europe SECRETARY POMPEO: Well, he said Secretary of State Michael R. that he will. We’ll have to verify it. We Pompeo With Mark Reardon of the have to see it. Your point is well taken. No Mark Reardon Show U.S. Department one should for a moment believe that of State, November 1, 2018 President Trump or me or this administration is going to take anyone’s QUESTION: You’ve been racking up some word for this. We’ll need to see it. We’ll frequent flier miles to North Korea. I think need to know it. And once we’ve had the you’ve been there four times already. There capacity, the opportunity to verify that this Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 17
has taken place, then and only then will the are not the types of actions that countries economic sanctions that have been put on that truly want to be part of the global North Korea be removed. community engage in, and we’re pushing back against China across every one of https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/11/ those fronts to try and achieve that on 287071.htm behalf of the American people. Interview With Tony Katz of Tony https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/ Katz Today U.S. Department of State, 11/287057.htm November 01, 2018 Secretary of State Michael R. QUESTION: Let’s talk about – move it to Pompeo With Lars Larson of the where I would believe – and you’ll correct Lars Larson Show U.S. Department of me if I’m wrong, sir – our two largest State, November 01, 2018 potential, if not actual, geopolitical foes: Russia and China. And part of what I QUESTION: No doubt. Mr. Secretary, believe we’re seeing is a little bit of a return what would the mullahs have to do to to more of a Henry Kissinger type theory that satisfy both you and President Trump that you don’t get anywhere by not having a they’ve decided to rejoin the community relationship with people; try to have of nations and not be this terror sponsor, relationships with people, specifically these and also the nuclear ambitions they still two nations, so the other nation is more seem to have? What would they have to inclined to have a relationship with you. say or do?
In Russia, you still have a question about SECRETARY POMPEO: Lars, we’ve laid what’s happening in the Ukraine. You have out 12 items. And 12 may seem like a lot conversations about how they’re trying to to some, but frankly these are simple asks, move into some of those Estonian nations. asks like cease firing missile into the Middle With China, it’s the Spratly Islands, and East; stop arming Hizballah, which trying to maintain control of the South China threatens Israel; cease engaging in terror Sea, the Yellow Sea, and therefore build activities in Europe. I don’t know if you military dominance China is looking for. saw, just yesterday or the day before Who’s the bigger threat? Where should Denmark arrested an Iranian official who Americans be paying more of their attention, was plotting an assassination attempt in I should say? Europe. Stop those kinds of things. And on the nuclear file, we’ve asked them to SECRETARY POMPEO: Tony, it’s a really do what, frankly, was the United States good question. I try to avoid ranking and official position until the previous prioritizing but rather just talking about the administration caved, which is cease their differences and the threats between those nuclear activity. We’re happy to provide two countries. Russia is a much smaller them with the energy that they need, but economy, but still maintains an enormously cease their nuclear activity in a way that large nuclear arsenal, which threatens not doesn’t create proliferation risk throughout only the United States but the world. the world. President Trump has been really tough. We have done things to put pressure on QUESTION: Do you have any doubt that Vladimir Putin and Russia in a way that no they are still trying to pursue nuclear previous administration has. weapons at this point?
On China, conversely, this is a long-term SECRETARY POMPEO: So what I can challenge. This challenge is across every say is this: The Islamic Republic of Iran has front. China’s continued efforts in the South refused to do the kinds of things which China Sea. Just this week, ten Chinese were are the hallmark of countries that truly indicted for stealing intellectual property, want to have a peaceful nuclear program aviation-related intellectual property. These and who don’t have the intention or at 18 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
least want to have the capacity to use their SECRETARY POMPEO: Goodness, it’s all nuclear tools in a way that harms the world. about verification. I was there a few weeks back. I met with Chairman Kim. He QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, let’s move to reiterated his commitment to denuclearize. North Korea. You did a lot of the We made a little progress on what the next preparatory work for President Trump. You steps ought to look like. I’m hopeful we’ll were there on the frontlines. Where do we have a summit before too long, where we’ll stand in that? I mean, it seemed as though make another substantial step along the we got some fairly substantial movement, way. Only time will tell. What I want your more movement than I think anybody’s seen listeners to know is, unlike previous in 25 years, despite all the accommodations administrations that have begun that have been made for that country over negotiations, grown weary of them, and the last 25 years. President Trump drew a then have provided North Korea with a hardline and he pushed back when North whole bunch of money, this Korea pushed back, and I think North Korea administration has no intention of got the message. But where do we stand allowing that to happen there today? https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/ SECRETARY POMPEO: We have made 11/287070.htm real progress on North Korea. There still remains an awful lot to do; I’ll concede that. Briefing on Iran Sanctions But no one thought this would either be easy, U.S. Department of State, November 02, straightforward without some complexity, 2018 nor did anybody think this would be quick. Remember, we’re only a few months past President Trump withdrew from the the June summit. This has been a problem fatally flawed nuclear deal and that’s gone on for decades. implemented a new campaign aimed at fundamentally altering the behavior of the We have convinced North Korea not to test Islamic Republic of Iran. This part of the fire their missiles. They haven’t conducted campaign about which we’re speaking a nuclear test. They returned a number of today is simple. It is aimed at depriving remains of American fallen soldiers. I’m the regime of the revenues that it uses to hopeful there will be more to follow. And spread death and destruction around the they have dismantled a couple of facilities, world. Our ultimate aim is to compel Iran which we are hopeful we will get a chance to permanently abandon its well- to actually conduct verification on before documented outlaw activities and behave too long as well. There still remains an awful as a normal country. lot of their nuclear program that needs to be dismantled and verified. We’re working On November 5th, the United States will to bring those steps forward. But make no reimpose sanctions that were lifted as part mistake, President Trump’s been clear. The of the nuclear deal on Iran’s energy, ship economic sanctions will not be lifted until building, shipping, and banking sectors. such time as we have had the capacity to These sanctions hit at the core areas of Iran’s verify that they have eliminated their economy. They are necessary to spur nuclear program. changes we seek on the part of the regime.
QUESTION: I mean, there have been times In order to maximize the effect of the that the leader of North Korea, the dictator, President’s pressure campaign, we have has been very vocal, very belligerent, very worked closely with other countries to cut much on the world stage. Lately, he seems off Iranian oil exports as much as possible. to have been quiet. Am I misreading that We expect to issue some temporary he’s being quiet because he is finally getting allotments to eight jurisdictions, but only with the program, or is he being quiet because they have demonstrated because he’s got something else up his significant reductions in their crude oil sleeve? and cooperation on many other fronts and Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 19
have made important moves towards getting week. North Korea is saying they might to zero crude oil importation. These restart their nuclear program if the U.S. negotiations are still ongoing. Two of the does not start lifting sanctions. Is it still the jurisdictions will completely end imports as U.S. position that North Korea will not see part of their agreements. The other six will any economic sanctions lift until there is import at greatly reduced levels. complete denuclearization?
The Obama administration issued SREs to SECRETARY POMPEO: So, John, I will. 20 countries multiple times between 2012 I’ll be in New York City at the end of this and 2015. We will have issued, if our week meeting with my counterpart, Kim negotiations are completed, eight and have Yong-chol. I expect we’ll make some real made it clear that they are temporary. Not progress, including an effort to make sure only did we decide to grant many fewer that the summit between our two leaders exemptions, but we demanded much more can take place, where we can make serious concessions from these jurisdictions substantial steps towards before agreeing to allow them to temporarily denuclearization. John, we have to continue to import Iranian crude oil. These remember and the American people need concessions are critical to ensure that we to remember the North Koreans haven’t increase our maximum pressure campaign launched a missile, haven’t conducted a and accelerate towards zero. nuclear test. They allowed the return of American remains. We’ve had success in Our laser-focused approach is succeeding in just the handful of months since this past keeping prices stable with a benchmark June, and we continue to make good Brent price right about where it was in May progress. I’m confident that we’ll advance of 2018 when we withdrew from the the ball again this week when I’m in New JCPOA. Not only is this good for American York City. consumers and the world economy, it also ensures that Iran is not able to increase its QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, you said that revenue from oil as its exports plummet. We North Korea will not see any economic will, we expect, have reduced Iranian crude sanctions lifted until it has demonstrated oil exports by more than 1 million barrels complete denuclearization. Is that still your even before these sanctions go into effect. position? This massive reduction since May of last year is three to five times more than what SECRETARY POMPEO: It is. Not only many analysts were projecting when complete denuclearization, but our President Trump announced our capacity to verify that that has taken place withdrawal from the deal back in May. We — exceeded our expectations for one simple https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/ reason: Maximum pressure means 11/287111.htm maximum pressure. https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/11/ Interview With Chris Wallace of 287090.htm Fox News Sunday U.S. Department of State, November 04, 2018 Interview With John Dickerson of QUESTION: You’re talking about how CBS Face the Nation U.S. Department of effective these reimposition of sanctions State, November 04, 2018 are. But as you well know, there are some QUESTION: What if they restart their people who are criticizing the sanctions nuclear program in Iran? you’re reimposing and saying they’re not tough enough. And let me put this up on SECRETARY POMPEO: We’re confident the screen. Republican senators – that the Iranians will not make that decision. Republican Senators Cruz, Cotton, and Rubio – plan to introduce legislation to cut QUESTION: Let me ask you a question off Iranian banks from the global financial about North Korea. You have talks this network known as SWIFT. And a group 20 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
called United Against Nuclear Iran tweeted they are going to resume nuclear activity? this about your sanctions: “Whatever What’s, one, your reaction to that? And happened to maximum pressure? They two, is there any possibility that to get caved. Big time.” them to stop that that the U.S. will change its policy and start offering concessions on Mr. Secretary, your response? a kind of tit-for-tat basis, a phased effort SECRETARY POMPEO: Chris, the by both countries? President’s policy of maximum pressure will SECRETARY POMPEO: Chris, I’m not be fully in place come tomorrow. Watch the worried about rhetoric. We’ve seen this as Iranians. That’s who really understands the we go through negotiations. Stray voltage importance and the impact of the efforts that happens to be all around us, and we’re we’re undertaking. The rial has fallen to very focused. We know with whom we’re 140,000 rial to the dollar, has had an negotiating. We know what their positions enormous impact already, and we are are. And President Trump has made his working diligently to make sure we support position very clear: no economic relief until the Iranian people and that we direct our we have achieved our ultimate objective. activity towards ensuring that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s malign behavior is https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/ changed. That’s the goal, that’s the mission, 11/287110.htm and that’s what we will achieve on behalf of the President. Press Availability With Secretary QUESTION: Meanwhile, let’s turn to of Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin another one of your hotspots you’re dealing U.S. Department of State, November 05, with. North Korea is now threatening to 2018 resume its nuclear buildup because they say In May of this year, after President Trump that the U.S. has not matched them in withdrew from the nuclear deal, the offering concessions, in this case lifting Trump administration announced a new economic sanctions. They say that they’ve strategy to fundamentally alter the made concession and the Trump behavior of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s administration has not followed suit. leadership. At the center of this effort – and there are multiple lines of effort – but SECRETARY POMPEO: Chris, I’ll be at the center of it is an unprecedented meeting this week in New York City with campaign of economic pressure. Our my counterpart Kim Yong-chol. We’ll have objective is to starve the Iranian regime of a good opportunity to continue the the revenue it uses to fund violent and denuclearization discussions that were set destabilizing activities throughout the out just a few months back. It seems like a Middle East, and indeed around the long time ago in news world, but it was just world. this past June when President Trump and Chairman Kim met and set us on the path We hope a new agreement with Iran is that we’re on today. We haven’t had any possible, but until Iran makes changes in missile tests. There have been no nuclear the 12 ways that I listed in May, we will tests. We’ve had the returns of American be relentless in exerting pressure on the remains. These are all good steps. We’re regime. As a reflection of that resolve, continuing to negotiate with the North today we’re reimposing all sanctions that Koreans to achieve what President Trump were previously lifted under the nuclear set out: the full denuclearization verified by deal. This includes sanctions on energy, the United States of the Korean Peninsula, banking, shipping, and shipbuilding and then a brighter future for the North industries. Korean people. Since the Trump administration came into QUESTION: But to follow up specifically, office, we’ve done 19 rounds of sanctions what’s your reaction to the foreign ministry targeting 168 Iranian entities. 100 percent of North Korea saying – threatening that of the revenue Iran receives from the sale Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 21
of oil will be held in foreign accounts. Iran United States is committed to ensuring that can only use this money for humanitarian Iran never comes close to possessing a trade or bilateral – in bilateral nonsanctioned nuclear weapon. goods. Starting today, all nuclear cooperation Speaking of Iran’s nuclear program, we have with Iran, except for the limited activities decided to grant narrow and temporary for which waivers are being granted, will waivers that permit the continuation of be sanctionable. This includes: three nonproliferation projects currently underway. Allowing these activities to Re-designating the Atomic Energy continue for the time being will improve Organization of Iran and 23 of its ongoing oversight of Iran’s civil nuclear subsidiaries. program and make these facilities less Placing new limits on Iran’s nuclear susceptible to illicit and illegal nuclear uses. program significantly beyond current Rest assured Iran will never come close to restrictions. Iran will not be able to pursue getting a nuclear weapon on President any new nuclear facilities with foreign Trump’s watch. assistance, including power reactors or hot Over the last five months, Treasury has cell facilities currently allowed under the implemented some of the most impactful JCPOA. sanctions ever seen. Combined with the Involvement in the expansion of Iran’s previous actions, more than 900 Iran-related nuclear capabilities beyond current limits targets have been sanctioned under this will also be subject to sanctions. administration in less than two years, marking the highest-ever level of U.S. We are not issuing waivers for any new economic pressure on Iran. We are making civil nuclear projects. We are only it abundantly clear to the Iranian regime permitting the continuation for a that they will face mounting financial temporary period of certain ongoing isolation until they fundamentally change projects that impede Iran’s ability to their destabilizing behavior. reconstitute its weapons program and that lock in the nuclear status quo until we can They must stop ballistic missiles and secure a stronger deal that fully and firmly abandon their nuclear ambitions if they seek addresses all of our concerns. a path to sanctions relief. We are watching the Iranian regime with laser focus. If they We are specifically permitting try to evade our sanctions, we will take nonproliferation projects at Arak, Bushehr, action to disrupt their activity time and time and Fordow to continue under the strictest again. scrutiny to ensure transparency and maintain constraints on Iran. Three waivers have been issued for the civilian nuclear energy project. Bushehr is Permitting these specific activities to one of the three. What we’ve authorized is continue is an interim measure that very narrow, very limited, very time limited preserves oversight of Iran’s civil nuclear as well, but important nonetheless that these program. It enables the United States and nonproliferation projects are not things that our partners to reduce the proliferation are taking place without some ability to see risks at Arak, maintain safe oversight of what’s going on, operations at Bushehr, limit Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, and prevent the https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/11/ regime from reconstituting sites such as 287132.htm Fordow for proliferation-sensitive purposes. This oversight enhances our Constraining Iran’s Nuclear Program ability to constrain Iran’s program and U.S. Department of State, November 05, 2018 keep pressure on the regime while we Iran cannot be trusted to have vital pursue a new, stronger deal. constraints on its nuclear program lifted. The 22 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
Each of the waivers we are granting is orientation while investing into nuclear conditional on the cooperation of the various power,” Babis said.The world’s main six stakeholders. If we determine at any time nuclear power builders from countries that the work conducted pursuant to these including Russia, China and the United waivers is anything other than what we States are all vying for the expansion deal, have authorized or that Iran has reneged long under discussion in the Czech on its commitments, we reserve the right to Republic. modify or revoke the waivers immediately. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-czech- https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/11/ nuclear/geopolitics-should-be-factor-in-new- 287133.htm nuclear-investment-decision-czech-pm- idUSKCN1NJ22E Secretary Pompeo to Travel to Paris U.S. Department of State, November 07, 2018 D. Russia & Central Asia U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo Iran sanctions deal powerful blow will travel to Paris, France November 10-11. to NPT: Moscow Tehran Times, November 03, 2018 On November 10, he will arrive in Paris, where he will join President Trump in The United States is dealing another commemorating the 100th anniversary of powerful blow to the Nuclear the end of the first World War, including Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) by unveiling visits to memorial sites and cemeteries to new sanctions against Iran, the Russian honor our shared sacrifice and reaffirm the Foreign Ministry has said. “A new round Transatlantic Alliance. On November 11, of anti-Iran sanctions announced by Secretary Pompeo will attend the formal Washington is aimed at undermining the WWI commemoration ceremony at the Arc consistent efforts by the parties to the Joint de Triomphe and a working lunch with Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) international partners hosted by Foreign to preserve that deal,” the ministry said in Minister Le Drian to discuss cooperation on a statement, TASS reported on Saturday. global priorities, including ways to counter Iranian malign behavior and to advance the “Washington’s policy aimed at scrapping denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. international legal nuclear nonproliferation The Secretary will also participate in the and arms control tools triggers profound President’s meeting with French President disappointment and growing concern,” it Emmanuel Macron. added.
https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/11/ https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429212/ 287200.htm Iran-sanctions-deal-powerful-blow-to-NPT- Moscow Geopolitics should be factor in new nuclear investment decision: Czech Russia says U.S. plan of limited nuclear war may cause global PM Reuters, November 14, 2018 catastrophe New China | November 09, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said on 2018 Wednesday geopolitics should be a factor when the NATO and EU member country MOSCOW, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) — The U.S. decides future nuclear power investments strategy of a limited use of nuclear as the country mulls whether to build new weapons could cause a global catastrophe reactors. Babis’ comments came after a and does not guarantee victory in a meeting with U.S. Energy Secretary Rick possible war, the Russian Foreign Ministry Perry who urged nations in central Europe said Thursday. to have a diverse set of energy supplies and “Voices sound louder and louder in the suppliers. United States, calling for enhancing the “We have to keep in mind our geopolitical role of nuclear weapons and expanding Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 23
the capabilities of the U.S. nuclear arsenal,” threshold for nuclear conflict. And they Maria Zakharova, spokesperson of Russian can reach European cities like Berlin,” he Foreign Ministry, said at a news briefing. said. “The need for such a policy is invariably https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/ presented through the prism of a certain 2018/11/12/nato-chief-calls-on-russia-to-stick- mythical Russian threat,” she added. with-inf-treaty/
Zakharova referred to an article by former E. China U.S. Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Elbridge Colby in Foreign Affairs magazine, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu in which he urged the United States to Kang’s Regular Press Conference increase its nuclear potential and prepare on Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People’s for limited, effective nuclear operations. Republic of China, November 02, 2018 Washington has already announced plans We are glad to see that in recent two to build nuclear warheads and their delivery weeks, interactions between the DPRK systems, with some experts claiming the and the ROK have led to more positive United States and its allies would be able to outcomes which have contributed to win a limited nuclear war, Zakharova said. improving their bilateral relations and Russia considers such a policy irresponsible advancing the denuclearization process of and extremely dangerous as Moscow firmly the Korean Peninsula and the political believes that there can be no winners in a settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue. nuclear war, she said. https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/ To think about a limited nuclear war “is xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/ tantamount to playing with the devil,” t1609798.shtml Zakharova said. China says Its Lawful Trade with http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-11/09/ Iran should be Respected The c_137593003.htm Jerusalem Post, NOVEMBER 05, 2018 NATO chief calls on Russia to stick China said on Monday its lawful trade with INF Treaty Martin Banks, Defence cooperation with Iran should be respected News, November 12, 2018 and expressed regret that the United States re-imposed sanctions on the Middle NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Eastern country. has warned that the deployment of new Russian SSC-8 missiles puts the “historic” Speaking at a daily news briefing in Beijing, Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua treaty in jeopardy. In a speech, he called on Chunying did not directly comment on Russia to ensure “full compliance” with the whether China had been granted treaty but at the same time repeated NATO’s exemption from the Iran sanctions by the pledge not to deploy more nuclear weapons United States. to Europe in case the pact between The restoration of U.S. sanctions on Washington and Moscow collapses. Monday targeting Iran’s oil sales and Speaking in Berlin, Stoltenberg today put the banking sector is part of an effort by U.S. ball in Moscow’s court. “The deployment of President Donald Trump to force Iran to new Russian missiles is putting this historic halt its nuclear and ballistic missile treaty in jeopardy,” he said. “For years, Russia programs outright, as well as its support has developed, produced, tested and fielded for proxy forces in conflicts across the a new missile system, the SSC-8. These Middle East. missiles are mobile. They are hard to detect. https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/China- They can be nuclear-armed. They reduce says-its-lawful-trade-with-Iran-should-be- warning time to minutes. They lower the respected-571094 24 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Q: Has the US government granted China Chunying’s Regular Press an exemption from sanctions on the oil import from Iran? Conference Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People’s Republic of China, A: We have stated China’s position on November 05, 2018 many occasions. China is always opposed to unilateral sanctions and long-arm Q: On November 5, the United States jurisdiction. The normal cooperation restored its unilateral sanctions that cover between China and Iran within the Iran’s energy and financial sectors. They are framework of international law is legal the second batch of sanctions the US has re- and legitimate, which should be respected imposed since it withdrew from the Joint and safeguarded. Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Do you have any comment? Q: According to reports, given that the US recently announced it would unilaterally A: The Chinese side regrets the US decision pull out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear and we also noted the widespread Forces Treaty (INF Treaty), some believe the opposition to the unilateral sanctions and INF Treaty should be changed into a long-arm jurisdiction among the multilateral deal which includes China international community. The Joint and NATO members. What’s your reaction Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is to that? a multilateral agreement ratified by the UN Security Council and should be A: The Chinese side already stated its implemented in a comprehensive and position on this issue for many times. The effective way. This is conducive to Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty upholding the international nuclear non- (INF Treaty) is a bilateral agreement signed proliferation regime as well as peace and by the United States and the former Soviet stability in the Middle East and serves the Union. It has played an important role in common interests of the international easing the international relations, moving community. forward the nuclear disarmament process and safeguarding global strategic balance Despite the great changes that have taken and stability. It is still highly relevant today. place in the situation over the past half year, Unilaterally withdrawing from the treaty the existing participants of the JCPOA have will have negative effects on many aspects. remained committed to implementing the The Chinese side opposes the unilateral deal and maintaining normal economic withdrawal of the US side as well as the cooperation and trade with Iran in a multilateralization of the INF Treaty. responsible manner, which is widely supported by the international community. China follows a defense policy that is We noted that the Iranian side by far has defensive in nature. We have been highly been strictly fulfilling its nuclear-related restrained in building up our military and obligations under the JCPOA, and the have no intention to and will never pose International Atomic Energy Agency threats to any other country. (IAEA) has confirmed that for 12 times in a row. The Chinese side commends the https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/ xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/ endeavors made by the Iranian side. t1610459.shtml Under the current circumstances, we hope that relevant parties will bear in mind the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson larger and long-term interests, fulfill due Hua Chunying’s Regular Press responsibilities and obligations and stand on Conference Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the right side of history. With a fair, objective the People’s Republic of China, and responsible attitude, the Chinese side November 06, 2018 will continue to make unremitting efforts to uphold the JCPOA and firmly safeguard its China always supports the DPRK-US own legal and legitimate rights and interests. dialogue. We hope that the DPRK and the Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 25
US, through dialogues at all levels, including conflict, and supported an Afghan-led the leaders’ summit, can enhance mutual peace process with direct negotiations trust, implement the consensus that has been between the Afghan government and the reached, address each other’s legitimate Taliban. The United States raised the concerns and advance the denuclearization threat posed to regional stability by Iran’s of the Korean Peninsula and the political nuclear and missile programs, support for settlement process of the Korean Peninsula terrorist organizations, and other malign issue. behavior. Both sides intend to continue consultations on topics related to Iran. https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/ xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/ https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/11/ t1610830.shtml 287282.htm
U.S.-China Diplomatic and Security Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Dialogue U.S. Department of State, Hua Chunying’s Regular Press November 09, 2018 Conference Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People’s Republic of China, Strategic Security and Mil-Mil Relations: The United States and China November 14, 2018 recognized that the U.S.-China military-to- Q: According to reports, on November 13, military relationship could be a stabilizing the Director General of the IAEA has factor for the overall bilateral relationship, confirmed again in his latest report that and committed to a productive mil-mil Iran has been abiding by the terms of the relationship. The two sides reaffirmed the JCPOA. What is your comment? importance of improving communication mechanisms to reduce the risk of A: China has noted the latest report misunderstanding between the two nations’ submitted by the Director General of the militaries. Both countries seek to maintain IAEA. This is for the 13th time in a row communication on implementing existing that the IAEA Director General has Confidence Building Measures and developing confirmed Iran’s compliance with its a military-to-military Crisis Deconfliction and nuclear-related obligations under the Communication Framework. The two sides JCPOA since it took effect in 2016. The decided to deepen engagement to advance their report mentioned that the IAEA has been shared commitment to the nonproliferation of supervising and verifying Iran’s nuclear weapons of mass destruction and their programs in accordance with its mandate means of delivery. The United States and in an objective and unbiased way. China China committed to convene consultations welcomes that and commends the efforts on cyber and space security, and deepen made by the Iranian side and the IAEA.As communication on nuclear and strategic has been stressed many times by the issues. Chinese side, under the current circumstances, we hope that all relevant North Korea: Both sides emphasized their parties could bear in mind the whole and continued commitment to achieving the long-term picture, fulfill respective duties final, fully verified denuclearization of the and obligations, and continue to uphold Korean Peninsula, as committed to by and implement the JCPOA, since this President Trump and Chairman Kim. The serves the common interests of the United States and China committed to international community. continue coordination and to fully, strictly implement the relevant UN Security Council The US-DPRK summit is an important step resolutions. in the direction of politically resolving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. We hope Regional Security: Both sides that the US and the DPRK can implement acknowledged their mutual interest in the outcomes of the summit, enhance Afghanistan’s stability, committed to work mutual trust, continue with their efforts together on a political settlement to end the to address each other’s concerns through 26 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
dialogue and consultation and move Cheng Kaijia, China’s ‘nuclear forward the political settlement process of commander,’ dies at 101 Global the Korean Peninsula issue. Times, November 18, 2018 https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/ One of China’s foremost pathfinders of xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/ nuclear weapons research, Cheng Kaijia, t1613116.shtml who participated in more than 30 nuclear tests, died in Beijing on Saturday at the China’s ‘artificial sun’ reaches 100 age of 101, the Chinese Academy of million degrees Celsius marking Sciences announced. milestone for nuclear fusion By Jack Kilbride and Bang Xiao, ABC News Online, Dubbed “China’s nuclear commander,” November 15, 2018 Cheng oversaw tests of China’s first atomic bomb in 1964, its first hydrogen bomb in The team of scientists from China’s Institute 1967 and the first underground nuclear of Plasma Physics announced this week test in 1969. that plasma in their Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) — Cheng established China’s nuclear dubbed the “artificial sun” — reached a explosion theory in the 1960s, which whopping 100 million degrees Celsius, became a significant basis for the design, temperature required to maintain a fusion safe demonstration, test and analysis of reaction that produces more power than it China’s nuclear tests, The Beijing News takes to run. reported Saturday.
To put that in perspective, the temperature Cheng created research on radiation at the core of the sun is said to be about 15 hardening technology in the 1980s, which million degrees Celsius, making the plasma helped China research radiation in the in China’s “artificial sun” more than six environment after a nuclear explosion. times hotter than the original. http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/ The news comes after China shocked the 1127926.shtml science community last month with plans to launch an “artificial moon” bright enough China to resume imports of oil to replace city streetlights by 2020. from Iran soon Iran Daily, November 23, 2018 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-15/china- attempts-to-create-an-artificial-sun/10495536 China is said to be preparing to resume imports of crude oil from Iran in what List of Chinese financial firms analysts say could allay fears that US facing possible sanctions over North sanctions on the major producer would Korea’s nuclear programme constrain global supplies. demanded by US congressional Bloomberg quoted informed people as panel South China Morning Post, saying that China would start loading as November 15, 2018 much as 360,000 barrels per day of Iranian crude oil again before the end of November The US-China Economic and Security after a hiatus of a month caused by the Review Commission (USCC) recommended newly imposed US sanctions against the in its latest report that Congress should Islamic Republic. “direct the US Department of the Treasury to provide a report within 180 days on the http://www.iran-daily.com/News/234718.html current state of Chinese enforcement of sanctions on North Korea”.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/ article/2173265/us-congressional-panel-wants- list-chinese-financial-firms Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 27
F. East & South East Asia “building up nuclear forces” if the US does not ease the crippling sanctions levied on Treading carefully, Japan’s nuclear North Korea. industry makes a comeback By Reuters, The Express Tribune, November The comments come ahead of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s meeting with his 2, 2018 North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Nearly eight years after an earthquake and Chol, in New York this week. tsunami triggered nuclear meltdowns at Tokyo Electric Power’s Fukushima Daiichi The piece, carried in North Korea’s state- plant, the battered industry is making a quiet run news agency KCNA, accused and somewhat unexpected return in Japan. Washington of believing the “foolish idea workers prepared to reopen Shikoku Electric that the DPRK came out to the negotiating Power’s Ikata nuclear plant, nestled next to table, yielding to the sanctions” and failing Japan’s inland sea at the base of the verdant to understand that “the improvement of Sadamisaki peninsula. relations and sanctions are incompatible.” https://edition.cnn.com/2018/11/05/asia/north- Ikata is a poster child for that recovery. In korea-nuclear-talks-intl/index.html September, a court reversed a decision that had idled Shikoku Electric’s sole nuclear reactor for about a year, paving the way for How the Army Could Destroy the operator to re-open the facility. North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons Michael Peck, The National Interest, Regional utilities like Shikoku Electric have November 09, 2018 aggressively fought a string of lawsuits since 2011, hiring veteran lawyers to beef up their Army Techniques Publication No. 3-90.40, legal teams. At the same time, they wooed “ Combined Arms Countering Weapons towns where nuclear plants are based, of Mass Destruction ,” explains U.S. visiting with residents door to door while doctrine for neutralizing WMDs. The the government kept up a stream of guidelines focus on the nuts and bolts of generous subsidies for local projects. counter-WMD combined-arms operations by brigade combat teams, or BCTs. Thanks in large part to this strategy, Japan is on track to have nine reactors running in Army Techniques Publication No. 3-90.40, the near future. “ Combined Arms Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction ,” explains U.S. https://tribune.com.pk/story/1839109/3-treading- doctrine for neutralizing WMDs. The carefully-japans-nuclear-industry-makes- guidelines focus on the nuts and bolts of comeback/ counter-WMD combined-arms operations by brigade combat teams, or BCTs. North Korea issues nuclear threat Army Techniques Publication No. 3-90.40 ahead of high-level talks with US is a curious mixture of conventional By Joshua Berlinger, CNN, combat concepts as applied to hunting November 05, 2018 WMDs. Defeating the enemy—the As the United States and North Korea ultimate goal of ground combat prepare for another round of high-level talks operations—becomes defeating “a threat this week, Pyongyang’s increasingly heated at a particular site and to set the conditions rhetoric has analysts worried that the that allow technical forces to defeat a stalemate between the two sides could lead WMD network.” to a breakdown in negotiations. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/how- army-could-destroy-north-koreas-nuclear- An official with North Korea’s Foreign weapons-35627 Ministry issued a veiled threat Friday, warning that Pyongyang could restart 28 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
North Korea Is Operating at Least “Given the severity of the challenges faced 13 Secret Missile Sites, Satellite from the outset of the accident, one can only be impressed by the dedication and Images Show By MATTHEW LEE / the achievements of the people involved,” AP Time, November 12, 2018 said team leader Christophe Xerri, U.S. analysts said Monday they have located Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear more than half of an estimated 20 secret Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology. North Korean missile development sites, “Despite these achievements, many highlighting the challenge the Trump challenges remain to be tackled in the administration faces in ensuring that North decommissioning process, and ensuring Korea complies with any eventual safety in this complex situation requires agreement to end its nuclear and missile sustained daily attention.” programs. https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/ iaea-team-completes-fourth-review-of-japans- The findings, which were released amid signs plans-to-decommission-fukushima-daiichi the administration’s negotiations with the North have stalled, draw on commercial Deputy Secretary Sullivan’s satellite imagery and identify 13 secret facilities used to produce missiles and related Meeting With Japanese Vice technology. They suggest that Pyongyang is Minister Takeo Akiba U.S. continuing its missile work, even though it Department of State, November 13, 2018 has halted test launches in what President Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan Donald Trump and his administration have met with Japanese Vice Minister of Foreign claimed as a success since his historic June Affairs Takeo Akiba in Tokyo, Japan. meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong During the meeting, the two reaffirmed the Un in Singapore. importance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance as http://time.com/5452134/north-korea-secret- the cornerstone of peace and stability in missile-sites/ the Indo-Pacific region. Deputy Secretary Sullivan and Vice Minister Akiba IAEA Team Completes Fourth discussed how to further the strong Review of Japan’s Plans to security alliance and cooperate in new Decommission Fukushima Daiichi areas to advance a free and open Indo- International Atomic Energy Agency, Pacific. Deputy Secretary Sullivan and Vice November 13, 2018 Minister Akiba also pledged to work together toward achieving both countries’ An International Atomic Energy Agency shared goal of a final, fully verifiable (IAEA) team of experts today completed the denuclearized North Korea, including fourth review mission of Japan’s efforts through trilateral cooperation with the towards the decommissioning of the Republic of Korea. Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (NPS). The International Peer Review of Japan’s https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/11/ Mid-and-Long-Term Roadmap Towards the 287307.htm Decommissioning of TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station took place from Inter-Korean Military Tension 5 to 13 November 2018. The IAEA team said Reduction, North Korean Japan has made significant progress since Denuclearization, and the U.S.- the accident in March 2011, advancing from ROK Security Alliance Scott A. an emergency situation towards a stable Snyder, Council on Foreign Affairs, situation now. The team said this achievement will now allow Japan to focus November 15, 2018 more resources on detailed planning and The 50th U.S.-ROK Security Consultative implementation of decommissioning Meeting (SCM), held on October 31, 2018 activities of the whole site, with between U.S. Secretary of Defense James considerations extended up to completion. Mattis and ROK Minister of Defense Jeong Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 29
Kyeong-doo, provided the first opportunity Moon tones down ‘sanctions for top-level military consultations between easing’ pitch By Kim Yoo-chul, The the two countries following the signing of Korea Times, November 19, 2018 the Inter-Korean “Agreement on the Implementation of the Historic Panmunjom President Moon Jae-in is toning down his Declaration in the Military Domain.” The hopes for an easing of U.S. and United communique addressed two main Nations Security Council (UNSC) challenges: 1) how to maintain military sanctions on North Korea as the South readiness and deterrence while supporting Korean leader wants to try again as the inter-Korean tension reduction measures, role of a “neutral facilitator” of the ongoing and 2) preparations for a revised operational denuclearization process. control system on the Korean Peninsula. Political analysts in Seoul said Monday the https://www.cfr.org/blog/inter-korean-military- shift came after the President’s efforts to tension-reduction-north-korean-denuclearization- win backing from the United Kingdom and-us-rok-security and France, which hold seats on the UNSC, apparently fell flat during his Kim attends his first weapons test earlier trip to European capital cities. in almost a year Korea JoonAng Daily, Moon’s “sanctions-easing” agenda, aimed November 17,2018 at inducing the North to accelerate its North Korea’s state media reported Friday moves for nuclear disarmament with that its leader, Kim Jong-un, supervised “a greater engagement, also caused a rift in newly developed ultramodern tactical South Korea’s alliance with the United weapon test” at a defense institute, the first States. time in a year that Kim was officially http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2018/ described as overseeing a weapons 11/113_258947.html experiment.
An English version of the KCNA report said Seoul to buy Israeli radar systems the test was conducted “successfully” at the despite thaw on peninsula By Pan Academy of National Defense Science, and Mengqi | China Daily, November 29, 2018 that Kim was “so excited” to have seen “great work” by defense scientists and At the critical juncture of the munitions workers. Kim was quoted as denuclearization process, every move saying the development of the weapon was made by the two neighbors on the Korean directed “step by step” by his father, former Peninsula is closely watched and will leader Kim Jong-il, who died in December undoubtedly have a decisive impact on the 2011. future of the peninsula.
“He [Kim Jong-un] added that the weapon While Pyongyang is reportedly showing openness to allow inspectors into the is just like a posthumous weapon and he country’s main nuclear complex, signaling missed Kim Jong Il very much while seeing its attempts to push forward the the great success of its test,” KCNA reported. implementation of denuclearization, The test, Kim Jong-un reportedly said, was Seoul, in contrast, is planning to buy two “another striking demonstration of the Israeli early warning radar systems, a validity of the [Workers’] Party policy of move seen to reinforces its air defenses prioritizing defence science and technology against Pyongyang despite fast-improving and the rapidly developing defence relations. capability of the country and as a decisive turn in bolstering the fighting capability of Reuters quoted the Republic of Korea’s the Korean People’s Army.” Defense Acquisition Program Administration (or DAPA) on Tuesday as http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/ saying the decision to adopt the Green Pine article.aspx?aid=3055748 Block C radar systems, built by ELTA 30 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
Systems, a subsidiary of state-owned Israel next two decades for $80 billion as it seeks Aerospace Industries, was made at a defense to diversify, despite concerns over nuclear acquisition committee. proliferation in the Middle East.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201811/29/ Prince Mohammed said in March that if WS5bff59eba310eff30328bc4a.html Iran develops a nuclear weapon, Riyadh will do so too. G. West Asia In an interview with CBS television, he Crown Prince launches first nuclear likened regional rival Iran´s supreme research reactor project Saudi Gazette, leader to Hitler, saying he “wants to create November 05, 2018 his own project in the Middle East”. Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, Riyadh held deep reservations over the deputy premier and minister of defense, laid 2015 accord aimed at curbing Iran´s the foundation stone for the first nuclear nuclear ambitions and hailed President research reactor and a center for the Donald Trump´s announcement in May development of aircraft structures in Saudi that the United States was withdrawing Arabia. from the deal. These are among seven strategic projects Monday´s announcement comes as the US launched by the Crown Prince on Monday vowed to be “relentless” in countering Iran evening during his visit to the King as sweeping new sanctions took effect. Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in Riyadh. https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/390428- saudi-arabia-to-build-first-nuclear-research- The strategic projects also include those in reactor the fields of renewable energy, atomic energy, water desalination and genetic UAE role model for development medicine, the Saudi Press Agency reported. of nuclear energy Saudi Gazette, http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/547299/ November 07, 2018 SAUDI-ARABIA/Crown-Prince-launches-first- nuclear-research-reactor-project The UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program has been recognized for its unique achievements and coordinated Saudi Arabia to build first nuclear development during the 23rd Nuclear research reactor The News International, Inter Jura Congress. Held for the first time November 06, 2018 in the Middle East and hosted in Abu Dhabi by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Riyadh: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Corporation (ENEC), the congress was bin Salman on Monday laid the foundation organized by the International Nuclear stone for the kingdom´s first nuclear research Law Association (INLA) in partnership reactor, state media said, as the kingdom with local and international sponsors, seeks to diversify its energy mix. including the Federal Authority for The reactor was among seven projects Nuclear Regulation. launched by the prince during a visit to Riyadh´s King Abdulaziz City for Science During a special UAE Session at the and Technology, the official Saudi Press congress, the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Agency reported. Energy Program was highlighted as a role model for nuclear energy development SPA offered no details on when the research worldwide, having set a new standard for or non-power reactor — typically used for new nuclear construction. The UAE research, development and education Program is built on the most rigorous purposes — would be built and at what cost. standards of safety, security and quality, The world´s top crude exporter harbours and through its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency plans to build 16 nuclear reactors over the Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 31
(IAEA) and other relevant international relevant government entities on the organizations, has demonstrated its radiation aspect of environmental commitment to non-proliferation, as protection, public health, and water and outlined in the UAE Policy on Nuclear land use. Energy document released in April 2008 http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/547925/ http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/547456/ BUSINESS/FANR-releases-first-annual-report- BUSINESS/UAE-role-model-for-development-of- on-UAEs-radiological-environmental- nuclear-energy monitoring
Special Representative for Iran H. Iran Brian Hook Travel to Israel and the Iran’s UK ambassador: It is United Arab Emirates U.S. Department impossible to renegotiate nuclear of State, November 09, 2018 deal Tehran Times, November 02, 2018 Special Representative Hook’s trip aims to Hamid Baeidinejad addressed Oxford advance the President’s Iran strategy and students on the topic of the Joint increase pressure on the Iranian regime to Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), cease its destructive policies, including its according to Press TV. Explaining Iran’s nuclear and missile proliferation threats, current position on the JCPOA, he said: support for terrorism, and other regionally “The aspiration that we have with the destabilizing activities. The United States is European Union, Britain, France and committed to working with our allies and Germany, China and Russia, is that we partners to fully implement our maximum keep the Iran Nuclear Deal alive and give pressure campaign in order to change Iran’s time to the U.S. to rethink and revise its destructive behavior. position.” https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/11/ However, he emphasized that any idea of 287278.htm changing or renegotiating the nuclear deal would be “impossible” because if one FANR releases first annual report word is changed other aspects of the deal on UAE’s radiological will either be changed or compromised. He environmental monitoring Saudi admitted that “we have a total loss of Gazette, November 13, 2018 confidence” in negotiating with the U.S. after their withdrawal from the JCPOA, THE Federal Authority for Nuclear but added that “we are trying very hard Regulation (FANR) has released its first with European countries, with China and annual report on Radiological Russia, to find mechanisms that this deal Environmental Monitoring in the United could (still) be effectively implemented.” Arab Emirates. The report establishes the baseline level of radiation either from https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429164/ naturally occurring or from man-made Iran-s-UK-ambassador-It-is-impossible-to- radionuclides sources in the UAE and renegotiate-nuclear reveals that in general the radiation dose rates are very low when compared to most Iran’s joint oil fields could resolve other countries in the world. regional tensions Tehran Times, November 03, 2018 The report summarizes the results of the first year of FANR’s comprehensive Radiological Joint oil and gas fields are important for Monitoring Program, covering January 1 – all countries in the region, with all December 31, 2015. The program was countries which share oil and gas fields established as a result of FANR’s role as the with Iran gaining billions from their UAE’s independent nuclear regulator and procurement. The US withdrawal from its responsibility and authority to monitor the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of radiation levels in the UAE and advise Action, more commonly known as the 32 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
Iran nuclear deal) has motivated many trended on Twitter, as the demonstrators regional rivals to accelerate their activities shouted the motto as they have over the further. Since major foreign oil firms have past four decades since the revolution. abandoned Iran in response to the now- The key speaker of the gathering was the ineffective agreement, these firms have commander of the Islamic Revolution similarly sought activities elsewhere in the Guards. His “never threaten” address to region. Unconfirmed reports so far state that U.S. President Donald Trump quickly around $6 billion worth of gas has thus been made it to local media headlines. “Never lost to competitors. threaten the Iranian people… do not make https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429179/Iran- military threats against us, and do not s-joint-oil-fields-could-resolve-regional-tensions frighten us from military threats,” Mohammad Ali Jafari warned. U.S. ‘Plan B’ includes creating https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429231/ schism in EU over Iran: ex-diplomat DownWithUSA Tehran Times, November 04, 2018 ‘Sanctions to have no impact on A former Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman has said that the intention sea transportation’ Tehran Times, behind the U.S. “Plan B” is to incite a schism November 04, 2018 between European countries over Iran. Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization After the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear (PMO) Head Mohammad Rastad deal, the country laid out what Secretary of announced that the unilateral and cruel State Mike Pompeo called “Plan B” as its sanctions posed by the U.S. against Iran new strategy for Iran. Pompeo’s “Plan B” will have no impact on the country’s sea was to reinstate the sanctions against Iran transportation, IRIB quoted him as saying in order to pressure the country into on Sunday. accepting negotiations for an entirely new Making the remarks during a conference deal with broader constraints. on passive defense, the official explained In an interview with ISNA published on that PMO would improve various scenarios Saturday, Ramin Mehmanparast said that to tackle the sanctions and meet domestic the U.S., along with Israel, is to carry out demands. White House has restored all the the anti-Iran “Plan B” in a symbolic gesture sanctions against Iran, which were lifted on the anniversary of the day when under the 2015 nuclear deal. revolutionary students captured the den of https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429255/ spies_ as they called the U.S. Embassy_ in Sanctions-to-have-no-impact-on-sea- Tehran in 1979. transportation https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429229/U-S- Plan-B-includes-creating-schism-in-EU-over- Iran Air in negotiations with non- Iran-ex-diplomat European airplane manufacturers Tehran Times, November 04, 2018 IRGC chief to Trump: Never Iran Air, Iran’s national flag carrier, has threaten Iran Tehran Times, started negotiations with the non- November 04, 2018 European manufacturers of airplanes in Iranians held a large gathering outside the line with renovation of its fleet, Farzaneh former U.S. embassy in Tehran to cherish Sharafbafi, the managing director of the the memory of the capture of the “den of airline, announced on Sunday. spies” in 1979, as the late Imam Khomeini “We will negotiate with any manufacturer called it back then. The rally was held a day which can supply airplanes for us without ahead of the reimposition of U.S. sanctions requiring permits from the U.S. Treasury’s on Iran which had been lifted under the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)”, 2015 nuclear deal. #DownWithUSA in Farsi she noted. Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 33
OFAC has cancelled licenses for Boeing and A: Sure, I think they must have, if they’ve Airbus to sell airplanes to Iran after Trump been able to make the cuts. But, these pulled the United States out of the 2015 Iran initial cuts have required pretty high oil nuclear agreement in May and reimposed production out of OPEC and other sanctions on the country. countries. It is not clear to me at all — and I am deeply skeptical that — further “We welcome any company which is able reductions can be achieved without to provide the airplanes needed by Iran Air. directly contributing to oil price increases We have even gone after planes such as or shortfalls. Russia’s Sukhoi Superjet 100 or planes made by non-European manufacturers”, Q: The Head of the US Treasury Steven Sharafbafi stated referring to his company’s Mnuchin has announced that Washington plan for renovating its fleet. wants the world-wide payment network to cut off its services to the entities that Facing lack of modern aircrafts due to were affected by Iran sanctions and decades-long sanctions imposed by the warned that otherwise SWIFT might be West, Iran took the post-sanction sanctioned as well. Can U.S. do it? opportunity to make deals with some European manufacturers for the purchase A: Yes, the United States could do it. But, of new airplanes to renew its aging fleet. I think the United States will avoid doing so for the simple reason that it gets much https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429252/Iran- out of the existence of the SWIFT network Air-in-negotiations-with-non-European-airplane- and would not wish it to be undermined manufacturers unduly. New sanctions on Iran will not https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429271/ fulfill U.S. national interest: New-sanctions-on-Iran-will-not-fulfill-U-S- national-interest Nephew Tehran Times, November 05, 2018 Richard Nephew, who served as the lead We will ‘break sanctions proudly’: sanctions expert for the U.S. team Rouhani Tehran Times, November 05, negotiating with Iran, is of the opinion that 2018 U.S. new sanctions on Iran will not fulfill U.S. national interest in long term President Hassan Rouhani announced that leaders of four major countries sought Q: As announced before, U.S. returned all to broker talks between him and U.S. nuclear sanctions against Iran. Do you think President Donald Trump during the UN that this sanctions is according to U.S. General Assembly session in New York in national interest in long term? September. Rouhani did not mention the name of the leaders of the four countries. A: No, I don’t. As I’ve said repeatedly, I think that the best long-term interest for the “There is no need for a broker. We have United States was remaining in the JCPOA no problem to talk on the condition that and using it as a mechanism for pursuing the other side attaches value to its direct diplomacy between the United States obligation,” Rouhani said during a and Iran. meeting at the headquarters of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. He said The failure of the Trump administration to Washington’s violation of international take advantage of this opportunity is not in law has made the U.S. more isolated than the long term interest of the United States, ever. nor is it in the U.S. interest to misuse sanctions in this fashion. In May, Trump officially withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal, officially Q: U.S. exempt 8 countries temporary from called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of importing of Iran’s oil. Do you think these Action (JCPOA), and ordered the new countries can replace another recourses round of sanctions on Iran. The first round instead of oil of Iran? of sanctions went into force on August 6 34 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
and the second round, which targets Iran’s courageous decision to withdraw from the oil exports and banks, were announced on Iran nuclear deal and took credit for it. November 4. “The decision supports stability security https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429278/We- and peace,” he said. “This is a very big will-break-sanctions-proudly-Rouhani day for the State of Israel, the people of Israel and the future of Israel.” Iran’s H1 foreign arrivals up over https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/ 51% y/y Tehran Times, November 5, 2018 Netanyahu-thanks-Trump-for-re-imposing- “Despite threats of the U.S., foreign tourist sanctions-on-Iran-571110 arrivals in Iran has risen by more than 51 percent during the first six months of this Israeli firm launches cyberattacks year,” Ali-Asghar Mounesan said, adding, on Iran: ITC minister Tehran Times, with regard to last year’s growth of four November 6, 2018 percent, it has been an unprecedented progress for the past few decades, ISNA TEHRAN – Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi reported. announced on Monday that Internet Gold The official declined to provide further Golden Lines, an Israeli-based company, details or to say how many foreigners visited was involved in a wave of cyberattacks the country in the six-month period. The earlier in the day against Iran’s network U.S.-led restrictions and propaganda infrastructure, IRNA reported. campaign, however, have cut the number ”The [Israeli] regime, with a notorious of Westerner travelers to Iran but the background in using cyber weapons in country is trying its best to attract more cases such as Stuxnet, was this time visitors from neighboring countries. attempting to harm Iran’s communications Mohammad Moheb-khodaei, a senior infrastructure,” Azari Jahromi said in a Iranian tourism official, said in June: “The tweet. He added, “But they had to go away number of travelers from European countries empty-handed thanks to the vigilance of cut by 24 percent in the first three months our technical teams. We will pursue this of the [current Iranian calendar] year from hostile move through international a year earlier.” tribunals.” Israel is widely believed to be behind cyberattacks on Iran’s nuclear Over the past couple of years, Air France, facilities in 2011 British Airways and KLM Royal Dutch https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429298/ Airlines stopped flights to Tehran due to Israeli-firm-launches-cyberattacks-on-Iran-ITC- what they publicized as “negative results minister and financial outlook.” Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, the country is expecting to increase the number of tourism Austrian labs key to future of Iran arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 nuclear deal Dawn, November 06, 2018 million. One place that could feel the ramifications https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429280/Iran- of Trump’s decision is an unassuming lab s-H1-foreign-arrivals-up-over-51-y-y complex near the Austrian town of Seibersdorf — at first sight a world away Netanyahu Thanks Trump for Re- from geopolitical manoeuvering over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Imposing Sanctions on Iran By GIL HOFFMAN , The Jerusalem Post, November But the site houses the International 05, 2018 Atomic Energy Agency’s laboratories, which are key to verifying Iran’s In a Likud faction meeting on Monday, compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in 2015 thanked Trump for what he called a between Iran and world powers. Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 35
It’s in these labs that the IAEA’s scientists missile and nuclear programs and curb its carry out their painstaking work of influence in countries such as Syria, analysing the samples collected by their Yemen and Lebanon.. inspectors in the field. “The enemy is trying to strike a blow There are two main sets of laboratories: one against Iran through a soft war and an for testing declared nuclear materials and economic war but they will face a heavy another to process “environmental” samples defeat,” Revolutionary Guards Brigadier designed to pick up clues to possible General Hossein Salami was quoted as undeclared nuclear activity. saying by the state news agency IRNA. “Iran has been able to advance in any area For the former, samples are taken from that the enemy has placed sanctions on containers of nuclear material up to hundreds of Islamic Iran,” he said kilograms in weight. “By the time we go to the measurement lab, they’ll be measuring millionths https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Iran- able-to-flourish-under-sanctions-Revolutionary- of a gram,” explains Steve Balsley, head of the Guards-say-571333 Nuclear Materials Laboratory. https://www.dawn.com/news/1443827 Iranian celebs launch #SanctionsTargetMe movement Turkey: U.S. sanctions against Iran against U.S. sanctions Tehran Times, ‘unfair’ Tehran Times, November 6, 2018 November 09, 2018 TEHRAN – The U.S. sanctions against Iran A large number of Iranian celebrities has are unfair, Turkish Vice-President Fuat Oktay launched #SanctionsTargetMe, a said, Turkish media reported on Monday. movement that takes aim at the sanctions Oktay said it is not correct to expect that all reimposed by the United States on Iran. countries in the world to join the decision of The campaign also warns that Iranian one state acting exclusively by its own people’s access to life-saving medication interests. and medical supplies has been seriously jeopardized, said the organizers among The sanctions will cover the sphere of oil them are veteran actors Reza Kianian and exports. Washington has voiced determination Parviz Parastui. to bring the Iranian oil exports to zero, calling on all its buyers to abandon such purchases. In a statement published by the celebrities, they wrote, “Trump claims the sanctions U.S. President Donald Trump announced in do not affect humanitarian aid and May his country’s withdrawal from the 2015 medicine in Iran, but this is a big lie. The Iran nuclear deal, and ordered reimposition sanctions on Iranian banks means nobody of sanctions. can engage in any international financial transactions. “Ordinary people are the https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429308/ ones who are most seriously suffering Turkey-U-S-sanctions-against-Iran-unfair from the sanctions, which have created a grave burden on their sense of wellbeing.” Iran able to Flourish Under Sanctions, Revolutionary Guards A report released by the International Court in Hague on October 3, 2018, says, Say REUTERS The Jerusalem Post, “It has become difficult if not impossible November 07, 2018 for Iran, Iranian nationals and companies Iran can flourish under sanctions and will to engage in international financial defeat the United States in the economic war transactions to purchase goods.” The it has launched, the deputy head of the celebrities have asked all the Iranian Revolutionary Guards said on. The United nationals and artists to join the movement. States re-imposed sanctions on Iran’s oil, https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429333/ banking and transport sectors and Iranian-celebs-launch-SanctionsTargetMe- threatened more action to stop Tehran’s movement-against-U-S 36 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
Russia and Turkey promise to defy https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429352/ Trump’s Iran sanctions Tehran Times, Industry-ministry-unveils-priorities-in- sanction-era November 9, 2018 Turkey and Russia have both blasted Iran, S. Korea agree to cross- President Donald Trump’s latest round of currency trade, ditching dollar sanctions against Iran, promising to find ways Tehran Times, November 09, 2018 to defy the punitive financial measures. The governments of Iran and South Korea “We will not obey such sanctions,” Turkish have agreed to forgo the use of U.S. dollar President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on in bilateral trade and instead switch to Tuesday, adding that his government saw their respective national currencies in such Washington’s move as “violating the global transactions as Washington moves to balance,” Russian news agency Tass ramp up sanctions pressure against reported. The Turkish leader underscored Tehran. that the sanctions “contradict the norms of international law” and he did not wish “to According to Yonhap News Agency, the live in an imperialistic world.” two countries “will restart the won-based settlement of bilateral trade transactions” Voicing similar sentiments, Russian Foreign using the accounts of the Central Bank Minister Sergey Lavrov pledged on Tuesday of Iran at two South Korean banks: Woori that Moscow would find ways to Bank and the Industrial Bank of Korea. circumvent the sanctions and continue financial ties with Tehran. The top Russian https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429353/ diplomat also called Washington’s sanctions Iran-S-Korea-agree-to-cross-currency-trade- “unacceptable methods,” The Moscow ditching-dollar Times reported Europeans slow to save nuclear https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429345/Russia- deal: Iran Tehran Times, November 9, and-Turkey-promise-to-defy-Trump-s-Iran- sanctions 2018 Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Industry ministry unveils priorities Araqchi has said that Europeans have in sanction era Tehran Times, November been slower than Iran expected to save the 09, 2018 2015 nuclear deal after the U.S. exited the multilateral agreement and ordered Priorities of the ministry of industry, mine reimposition of sanctions on Iran. and trade under the imposed U.S. sanctions include “supply of basic goods besides “It is a reality that the Europeans have regulating and controlling Iran’s markets”, moved slower than we expected. The good “protecting domestic production and political stance they adopted is another supplying raw material,” “renovation of reality. They have not prepared practical industries”, and “supplying working capital mechanisms yet and have not fulfilled our of producers”, Iranian deputy industry expectations yet,” he told the Young minister announced. Journalists Club in an interview published on Friday. As Sadeq Najafi told IRNA, the ministry has the named priorities on agenda in all of its https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429343/ planned programs. Europeans-slow-to-save-nuclear-deal-Iran
On November 4, the Trump administration Failure of nuclear deal will has unveiled the full extent of its new discredit Europe: Kharrazi Tehran sanctions on Iran, with targets including 50 Times, November 10, 2018 banks and their subsidiaries, the national airline, and 200 members of the shipping Kamal Kharrazi, head of Iran’s Strategic industry and vessels. Council on Foreign Relations, said on Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 37
Saturday that a failure of the 2015 nuclear remarks during a meeting with Iranian deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani in Tehran. Plan of Action, will discredit Europe. The senator stressed that Brazil like other BRICS members - namely Russia, India, “Definitely, it would not have been possible China and South Africa - stands by Iran to reach the nuclear deal without Europe’s and seeks to develop bilateral relations in cooperation. In fact, failure of this the fields of economy and trade. agreement will discredit Europe,” Kharrazi, the former foreign minister in the Khatami The former Brazilian president also called administration, said during a speech at a for the enhancement of parliamentary ties conference in Vienna. between Tehran and Brasilia. Collor de Mello further said the international He noted that the Europeans’ move in community and the UN should not designing mechanisms to save the JCPOA remain silent while measures taken by US should be viewed as a “strategic and security President Donald Trump imperil global approach” whose failure will cause many relations. problems. https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429424/ https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429403/ Brazil-will-stand-with-Iran-in-face-of-U-S- Failure-of-nuclear-deal-will-discredit-Europe- sanctions-ex-president Kharrazi U.S. granted Turkey 25% Envoy likens U.S. sanctions to exemption from Iran sanctions: ‘crimes against humanity’ Tehran Turkish min. Tehran Times, November Times, November 10, 2018 11, 2018 TEHRAN – Iran’s Ambassador to London, Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Hamid Baeidinejad, on Saturday slammed Resources said his country has been new U.S. sanctions against Iran as “crimes granted a 25-percent exemption from the against humanity”, calling for those U.S. sanctions on Iran, Mehr news agency implementing the sanctions to be brought reported citing a NDTV report. to justice. “Of course 25 percent is still just an “US sanctions on Iran have no legal basis estimation and we haven’t received an and thus are illegal. They affect the essential exact number yet.” Fatih Dönmez said in needs of all strata of Iranian society. Those an interview with Turkey’s NDTV. involved in implementing them should be The official further announced that Turkey held accountable as persons perpetuating will be able to continue purchasing Iranian crimes against humanity, and brought to gas for the next five or six years. justice,” Baeidinejad said in a tweet. As Iran’s biggest natural gas customer, Earlier this week, the U.S. government Turkey signed an agreement with the unleashed a second round of sanctions country in 1995 for importing natural gas against Iran, months after it withdrew from from the Islamic Republic, the 20-year the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. agreement was implemented in 2002 and https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429388/Envoy- Turkey will continue importing Iranian gas likens-U-S-sanctions-to-crimes-against-humanity up to 2022. The U.S. government reimposed the Brazil will stand with Iran in face of sanctions which had been lifted under a U.S. sanctions: ex-president Tehran 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by President Times, November 11, 2018 Barack Obama’s administration and five other world powers, on November 4 Collor de Mello, currently the head of the Committee of Foreign Affairs and National https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429438/U- Defense at Brazil’s Federal Senate, made the S-granted-Turkey-25-exemption-from-Iran- sanctions-Turkish 38 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
Iraq receives sanction waiver for based on which we can draw a relatively importing gas, electricity from Iran neat picture of what to expect in the future. Tehran Times, November 12, 2018 https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429474/ Iraq has received a 45-day waiver over U.S. The-impact-of-U-S-sanctions-on-Iranian-oil- industry-market sanctions against Iran which allows the country to continue to import natural gas and electricity from Iran, Reuters reported Larijani urges Europeans to act citing the U.S. embassy in Iraq. “The United more independently Tehran Times, States has given Iraq a temporary relief from November 12, 2018 the sanctions for 45 days to continue purchasing natural gas and electricity from Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said on Iran,” the U.S. Embassy in Iraq said in a Monday that Europeans should play a video published on its official Facebook page more independent role which will be more on Thursday. beneficial to them.
“This relief gives Iraq time to start taking In a meeting with Sigmar Gabriel, the steps towards energy independence,” the former German foreign minister, Larijani video said. Iraq central bank officials said in said, “U.S. President’s [Donald Trump] August that the country’s economy is so behavior has caused chaos at the closely linked to Iran that Baghdad would international arena and also caused ask Washington for exemptions from some problems for the Europeans.” of the sanctions.. The current temporary Larijani also said that Iran-Europe ties have waiver is conditional on Iraq not paying Iran been promoted after the clinching of the for imports in U.S. dollars. Sanctions, which 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint had been lifted under a 2015 nuclear deal Comprehensive Plan of Action. negotiated by President Barack Obama’s administration and five other world powers, Gabriel said that Europeans are firm to were reimposed on November 5. keep the nuclear deal after the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement in May. https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429437/Iraq- receives-sanction-waiver-for-importing-gas-electricity https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429487/ Larijani-urges-Europeans-to-act-more- The impact of U.S. sanctions on independently Iranian oil industry, market in focus European failure to save nuclear Tehran Times, November 12, 2018 deal will destabilize Mideast, Right from the day Trump withdrew from Kharrazi warns Tehran Times, Iran’s nuclear deal, announcing his plan for November 12, 2018 cutting Iranian oil exports to zero, the oil scholars and experts all around the world Kamal Kharrazi, head of Iran’s Strategic begun contemplating the impacts of this Council on Foreign Relations, warned on decision on the Iranian oil industry especially Monday that a failure by Europe to save on the country’s oil exports. the 2015 nuclear deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, will Today, near five months after Trump’s destabilize the Middle East region. announcement and while the U.S. has re- imposed sanctions on Tehran, still nobody “It is essential that Europe meets its has a clear idea about the outcomes of the commitments as soon as possible,” he said U.S. actions against Iran, and there is still during a meeting with former French great disagreement over the magnitude of Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin in the impact on Iranian oil industry and Paris. especially on crude exports. Kharrazi said Europeans’ move in meeting However, the oil markets have been through their commitments to save the JCPOA will various changes in the past few months show whether they can be trusted. Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 39
For his part, De Villepin said that countries Monday, where Gabriel reiterated in the Middle East region should be vigilant Europe’s determination to expand political to avoid more crises, noting that Europe is and economic ties with Iran after US ready to cooperate in this respect. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement. “Thousands of small- and https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429486/ medium-sized German companies that European-failure-to-save-nuclear-deal-will- have nothing to do with the United States destabilize-Mideast can easily trade with Iran,” IRNA news agency quoted him as saying. Zarif: U.S. cannot stop Iranian flights, tankers Tehran Times, Gabriel also sounded upbeat about November 13, 2018 opening a financial channel to continue trade with Iran in the face of new US The Americans cannot stop Iranian flights sanctions on the Islamic Republic. The or block the movement of Iranian tankers at European Union has said it is creating a sea, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad new payment mechanism to allow Zarif says. countries to transact with Iran while avoiding the US sanctions. Called the In an interview with The New Arab “special purpose vehicle” (SPV), the published on Monday, Zarif said, “We have mechanism would aim to “assist and many ways to ensure our flights continue reassure economic operators pursuing operating and we intend to use them. We legitimate business with Iran”. Iran has have tried and tested them before and we welcomed the step but it is frustrated at will use them again.” the pace with which the SPV is being set He said the U.S. sanctions on Iran, the up. second round of which were put into force https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429532/ on November 4, have an economic impact Gabriel-thousands-of-German-SMEs-can-trade- but “they will not affect our policies.” with-Iran “We have started feeling the effects in the past six months after the U.S. withdrew from Iran, Europe to continue nuclear the nuclear deal, in fact since economic cooperation Tehran Times, actors felt Mr. Trump was going to pull out November 13, 2018 [of the nuclear deal] following his remarks about a new ‘Iran strategy’ last year,” he Behrooz Kamalvandi, spokesman for the explained. Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), has said that Iran and Europe will https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429521/Zarif- continue their nuclear cooperation in the U-S-cannot-stop-Iranian-flights-tankers next two years.
Gabriel: thousands of German “Iran and the European Union have had cooperation in various spheres, especially SMEs can trade with Iran Tehran in the area of nuclear safety, within the Times, November 13, 2018 framework of the JCPOA (the official Former German foreign minister Sigmar name for the 2015 nuclear deal),” Gabriel says small and medium-sized Kamalvandi told ISNA in an interview enterprises (SMEs) can continue trade with published on Tuesday. Iran despite U.S. sanctions on the Islamic He said, “A center of nuclear safety is to Republic.Gabriel was visiting Iran at the be built in Iran. And I think the process of head of an economic delegation of chief Iran-Europe cooperation will continue in executives and representatives of Germany the next two years.” companies. https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429518/ They met Iran’s Central Bank Governor Iran-Europe-to-continue-nuclear-cooperation Abdolnaser Nemmati in Tehran late 40 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
ISA chief: Iran keen on cooperation Diplomat: U.S. officials’ language in international joint space projects against Iran is ‘disastrous’ Tehran Iran Daily, November 14, 2018 Times, November 14, 2018 Iran welcomes regional and international Iran’s ambassador to London said on cooperation in all fields, including that of Tuesday that the Trump administration the space industry, and is willing to has failed to create a consensus against collaborate with other states in this sector, Iran in order to exert more pressure said the head of the Iranian Space Agency against the country. “As you see, the (ISA) on Wednesday. exemptions that they have been providing for many states around the globe means Addressing the Asia-Pacific Space that the United States has failed to create Cooperation Organization’s (APSCO) a kind of consensus among the countries th 10 Anniversary High-Level Forum and 9th to have unified sanctions against Iran,” International Symposium (November 14-16) Hamid Baeedinejad told the CNN. in the Chinese capital of Beijing, Morteza Barari invited all regional and international He said that the U.S has started entrepreneurs, innovators as well as public psychological warfare to frighten the and private businesses to, based on Iranian people and to sabotage the providing Iran with a long-term support, country’s economy. ”But gradually we can begin peaceful scientific and technical manage to find ways and means to cooperation with the country in guarantee and continue to export oil,” he implementing joint space projects and said. offering space-based services, IRNA reported. https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429542/ Diplomat-U-S-officials-language-against-Iran- http://www.iran-daily.com/News/234261.html is-disastrous
Envoy: Iran has enough leverage to Despite claims, U.S. sanctioning sell oil Iran Daily, November 14, 2018 the Iranian people not the government, Kharrazi says Tehran Iran’s ambassador to the UK said that the US has failed to rally the world community Times, November 14, 2018 behind its new sanctions against Iran, and The U.S. claims that it has sanctioned Iran’s that the Islamic Republic possesses “enough government, but in fact the people of Iran leverage” to keep its oil sales going despite are being sanctioned, said Kamal US attempts to reduce them to “zero.” Kharrazi, head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, in an interview with In the face of American sanctions, “We have France24 broadcast. Commenting on the lots of alternatives because we have had latest round of sanctions unleashed on some experiences from the past,” Hamid Iran, Kharrazi said the U.S. withdrawal Baeidinejad told CNN’s Christian from the 2015 nuclear agreement has been Amanpour in an interview published on the condemned by everyone, including the network’s website on Wednesday. Iranian people who are suffering from “We know that, in fact, the difference, this these sanctions. time, is that countries are not ready to “The U.S. has actually sanctioned the comply with the United States’ request. So, people, elderly, children, women, and we have enough leverage to continue our certainly we have no choice but to resist,” exports,” he said, according to Press TV. said Kharrazi who also acts foreign policy The envoy said that the US intention of adviser to the Leader of the Islamic bringing Iranian exports to a halt has been Revolution. Asked about why Iran still “unsuccessful.” maintains some level of trust in the Europeans despite their failure to deliver http://www.iran-daily.com/News/234266.html on their promises including securing a Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 41
channel for conducting trades with Iran to challenging their national sovereignty,” he date, Kharrazi said, “The other side has to added. Araqchi made the remarks during be questioned that why they are hesitating.” a trip to Italy, where he discussed mutual ties as well as the future of cooperation https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429580/ between Tehran and Europe amid Despite-claims-U-S-sanctioning-the-Iranian- Washington’s attempts to block trade people-not-the-government between the two sides. Iran: US sanctions in contradiction http://www.iran-daily.com/News/234309.html with Europe’s sovereignty Iran Daily, November 15, 2018 Central Asia helping full implementation of Iran nuclear Following the signing of the Joint deal: EU’s Mogherini Iran Times, Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and P5+1 in July 2015, November 24, 2018 relations between Tehran and Madrid has European Union foreign policy chief entered a new phase, said Iranian Deputy Federica Mogherini says Central Asian Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas countries are helping to ensure the full and Araqchi, addressing media managers at a effective implementation of a multilateral press conference in the Spanish capital on 2015 nuclear agreement. Addressing Friday, IRNA reported. Efforts are a press conference following the EU- underway by more than 3,000 Spanish firms Central Asia Ministerial meeting in to begin long-term cooperation with Iran, Brussels, Mogherini once again reiterated he said. the EU’s commitment to the landmark nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Araqchi was in Spain to attend the second Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), round of political consultative talks between reached between Iran and the P5+1 group the deputy foreign ministers of Iran and of countries. Spain. He stressed that the return of US sanctions is completely illegal and against Mogherini thanked EU ministers for the United Nations Security Council supporting the nuclear agreement, which Resolution 2231 and the ruling of the she said was “a key element of the global International Court of Justice, adding that nuclear non-proliferation architecture and except for one or two countries, the rest of crucial for the security of the region, for the international community have Europe, for Central Asia and beyond.” condemned the move. “We still hope that The senior EU official emphasized that Europe will manage the present situation efforts by Central Asian countries were and we know that the European Union and “also helping enormously to ensure that the three European countries [Britain, France this implementation continues fully and and Germany] are making serious attempts effectively.” Mogherini said foreign [to this end], under US pressure.” ministers of all the five Central Asian countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Commenting on US uttering threats against Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Araqchi — confirmed this issue. said, “We are waiting to see how Europe plans to defend its sovereignty against http://www.iran-daily.com/News/ Washington’s pressures.” Araqchi said the 234743.html?catid=3&title=Central-Asia- US has turned its currency into a “weapon” helping-full-implementation-of-Iran-nuclear- and is using it to challenge the sovereignty deal—EU-s-Mogherini of European nations, Press TV reported. “The dollar has become a weapon for the United Sates to force its illegitimate demands upon its European partners, practically 42 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
I. Pakistan The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of manned space, Pakistan nuclear programme was and the China Manned Space Engineering manifestation of security challenges Office (CMSEO) and SUPARCO will sign posed by India: Gen Ehsan Pakistan a framework agreement on cooperation. Observer, November 07, 2018 The two sides agreed that JCPOA is an ‘Coercion and compellence cannot influence important outcome of multilateralism and the behavior of a state that is determined to a good model of negotiated settlement of secure its national security interests.’ This complex issues through dialogue and was stated by Gen (R) Ehsan ulHaq at the diplomacy. They called on parties to Center for International Strategic Studies at uphold their respective commitments and the book launch ceremony co-hosted by the to resolve all issues through dialogue. They University of Lahore of The Blind Eye: US opposed unilateral measures and long- Non-Proliferation Policy Towards Pakistan arm jurisdiction that is inconsistent with from Ford to Clinton here in Islamabad. the principles of international law.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s nuclear The two sides reaffirmed their program was not prestige driven but was a commitment to multilateral, non- manifestation of the security challenges discriminatory arms control and non- posed by India. He also underscored that the proliferation endeavours. They noted with country’s strategic community should talk concern the continued pursuit of double on these issues to project Pakistan’s standards in the application of non- narrative. Fortunately, in the evolving proliferation norms and procedures and environment, Pakistan now has more called for policies upholding rule of law strategic options, however, despite these and long-standing rules. strategic options Pakistan’s relationship China appreciates and supports steps with the US is indispensable. taken by Pakistan for strengthening the General Ehsan emphasized that Pakistan global non-proliferation regime. In this has to be cautious in framing this line of context, China supports Pakistan’s argument as the blind eye came at a engagement with the Nuclear Suppliers significant cost to Pakistan and hence Group and welcomes its adherence of NSG Pakistan does not have to pay back US for Guidelines. the ‘blind eye to its nuclear program. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/389712- https://pakobserver.net/pakistan-nuclear- china-to-give-pakistan-anti-corruption-formula programme-was-manifestation-of-security- challenges-posed-by-india-gen-ehsan/ J. Misc/Global
China to give Pakistan anti- IAEA Concludes Long-Term corruption formula The News Operational Safety Review at International, November 08, 2018 Argentina’s Atucha Nuclear Power Plant International Atomic Energy The two sides agreed to actively promote Agency, November 1, 2018 2012-2020 Space Cooperation Outline between China National Space An International Atomic Energy Agency Administration (CNSA) and Pakistan Space (IAEA) team of experts has completed a and Upper Atmosphere Research review of long-term operational safety of Commission (SUPARCO). Expressing Unit 1 at Atucha Nuclear Power Plant in satisfaction on the launch of Pakistan Argentina. The Pre-SALTO (Safety Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS) earlier this Aspects of Long Term Operation) review year, both sides agreed to further strengthen mission was requested by the plant’s bilateral cooperation in space technology operator, Nucleoelectrica Argentina. The applications. 11-member team, whose review ended on Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 43
31 October, focused on aspects essential to that it is currently developing. In addition the safe Long-Term Operation (LTO) of Unit to the operational Dhruva plutonium 1, which went into commercial operation in production reactor near Mumbai, India 1974. The operator is preparing a license has plans to build at least one more renewal application to the Argentinian plutonium production reactor. Moreover, Nuclear Regulatory Authority to extend the the unsafeguarded Prototype Fast Breeder operating lifetime of Unit 1. Reactor under construction at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research The SALTO team reviewed preparedness, (IGCAR) near Kalpakkam could organization and programmes related to potentially increase India’s plutonium LTO against IAEA safety standards. The production capacity significantly in the team observed that the plant has made near future if it achieves criticality as progress in the field of ageing management planned. The director of IGCAR has and preparedness for safe LTO. The team additionally stated that six more fast said the plant’s LTO project already breeder reactors will come online within addresses several topics recommended by the next 15 years. IAEA safety standards, with some activities partially implemented and many others BULLETIN OF THE ATOMIC SCIENTISTS already begun. The team found plant staff 2018, VOL. 74, NO. 6, 361–366 to be professional, open and receptive to suggestions for improvement. https://doi.org/10.1080/ 00963402.2018.1533162 https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/iaea- concludes-long-term-operational-safety-review-at- Europe should work with Iran to argentinas-atucha-nuclear-power-plant counter U.S. unilateralism Hassan Rouhani, Tehran Times, November 3, 2018 K. Opinion/Reports The U.S. administration’s policies of Indian nuclear forces, 2018 By Hans unilateralism, racial discrimination, M. Kristensen, Matt Korda, Taylor & Francis Islamophobia, and the undermining of online, November 01, 2018 important international treaties, including the Paris Climate Accord, are India continues to modernize its nuclear fundamentally incompatible with arsenal with development of several new nuclear weapon systems. A study estimates multilateralism and other socio-political that India currently operates seven nuclear- norms valued by Europe. There is another capable systems: two aircraft, four land- critical matter aggravating transatlantic based ballistic missiles, and one sea-based relations: the Iran nuclear deal. Known as ballistic missile. At least five more systems the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, are in development. The development it was the product of two years of intensive program is in a dynamic phase, with long negotiations between Iran and six other range land- and sea-based missiles emerging countries, including three from Europe. for possible deployment within the next As an annex to UN Security Council decade. India is estimated to have produced Resolution 2231, this agreement enjoys the at least 600 kilograms of weapon-grade approval of the overwhelming majority of plutonium (International Panel on Fissile the international community and, as part Materials 2015), sufficient for 150–200 and parcel of international law, imposes nuclear warheads; however, not all the certain obligations on all the members of material has been converted into nuclear the UN. Unfortunately, the U.S., through warheads. raising unfounded claims and in complete Based on available information about its disregard for its international obligations, nuclear-capable delivery force structure and has abandoned the nuclear agreement and strategy, we estimate that India has imposed extraterritorial and unilateral produced 130–140 nuclear warheads . It will sanctions on Iran and, by extension, other need more warheads to arm the new missiles countries. The U.S. is, in effect, threatening 44 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
states who seek to abide by resolution 2231 and promote international collaboration to with punitive measures. This constitutes a ensure that China’s response to nuclear mockery of international decisions and the safety can be fully implemented in real- blackmailing of responsible parties who seek life. to uphold them. http://www.econ.cam.ac.uk/research-files/repec/ https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/429176/ cam/pdf/cwpe1866.pdf Europe-should-work-with-Iran-to-counter-U-S- unilateralism Unfounded nuclear blackmailing threat Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Pakistan China’s Response to Nuclear Safety Observer, November 8, 2018 Postfukushima: Genuine or Rhetoric? Jacqueline CK Lam, Lawrence YL INDIA’S hysterical military build-up and Cheung, Y. Han, and SS Wang, University of current nuclear posturing neither establish its hegemony in South Asia nor construct Cambridge, November 05, 2018 its unbreakable defensive fence. It only Cambridge Working Paper in Economics intensifies the security dilemma between 1866 the strategic competitors that undermines the arms race stability between them. The The Fukushima crisis has brought the arms race instability is a potent challenge nuclear safety problem to the world’s to the deterrence stability between the attention. China is the most ambitious belligerent neighbours. Prime Minister country in the world in nuclear power Narendra Modi proudly claimed that the development. How China perceives and country’s first nuclear ballistic missile responds to nuclear safety issues carries submarine INS Arihant has completed its significant implications on its citizens’ safety first deterrence patrol. and security. This paper examines the Chinese government’s promised and actual https://pakobserver.net/unfounded-nuclear- response to nuclear safety following the blackmailing-threat/ Fukushima crisis, based on (1) statistical analysis of newspaper coverage on nuclear Devilish Iran besieged Hamoud Abu energy, and (2) review of nuclear safety Taleb, Saudi Gazette, November 11, 2018 performance and safety governance. THE new US sanctions against Iran took The analysis shows that (i) the Chinese effect on Nov. 5. Many countries bet that government’s concern over nuclear President Donald Trump did not have the accidents and safety has surged significantly intention to impose these sanctions and it after Fukushima, (ii) China has displayed was nothing but an empty threat. strengths in reactor technology design and safety operation, and (iii) China’s safety They argued that the sanctions could not governance has been continuously be effectively imposed because of challenged by institutional fragmentation, international complications and conflicts inadequate transparency, inadequate safety of interest. President Trump, however, professionals, weak safety culture, and proved that he can go far and has the ambition to increase nuclear capacity by determination to impose these sanctions three-fold by 2050. at a time when the Iranian leaders were making fun of him, believing until the last It suggests that China should improve its minute that the talk of sanctions was nuclear safety standards, as well as safety nothing more than a political maneuver. management and monitoring, reform institutional arrangements to reduce Iran deserves tougher punishments fragmentation, improve information because it is the biggest rogue country in transparency, and public trust and the Middle East, especially after the participation, strengthen the safety culture, honeymoon between Iran and the US introduce process-based safety regulations, administration under Barack Obama ended. Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 45
During the Obama era, the sanctions against Pairing AI and Nukes Will Lead to Tehran were lifted, a nuclear deal was Our Autonomous Doomsday Lori signed and money poured into the Iranian Esposito Murray, Council on Foreign coffers. However, Tehran did not invest this Relations, November 13, 2018 money to develop Iranian society and repair relations with neighboring countries. Advances in AI are on a fast track, and Instead, its appetite to gain more control and the United States is indisputably in an AI spread more destruction grew bigger. arms race with two of our most formidable competitors, both nuclear powers, China http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/547654/ and Russia — the former with a smaller Opinion/Local-Viewpoint/Devilish-Iran-besieged but growing nuclear arsenal in size and sophistication, and the latter, which along North Korean Nuclear Shell Game with the U.S., possesses 90 percent of the The New York Times, November 13, 2018 global nuclear weapons stockpile.
President Trump, who styles himself a Early and determined U.S. leadership is master deal maker and reader of people, essential to ensure that we are not just claimed to have put an end to the North competing but also jointly cooperating with Korean nuclear threat with his meeting in our nuclear-capable adversaries to ensure June with the North Korean dictator, Kim that AI does not destabilize nuclear Jong-un. “We fell in love,” he swooned in command and control. The stakes are September after an exchange of follow-up high; the consequences potentially letters with Mr. Kim. Mr. Trump’s closest existential. advisers remained dry-eyed, and the evidence is mounting that they had reason. While an autonomous nuclear command- and-control program might be easily The Center for Strategic and International dismissed as not realistic, the past is Studies, a respected Washington think prologue. The history of the Cold War is tank, published a study by its “Beyond riddled with near misses when accident, Parallel” program showing that even as mistake or miscalculation due to computer North Korea was touting some half steps to errors in both the Soviet Union and the dismantle a missile launching site, it was United States almost triggered nuclear operating and improving at least 13, and war. possibly as many as 20, bases housing mobile ballistic missile launchers. One mountain https://www.cfr.org/article/pairing-ai-and- base on which the study focused, just 84 nukes-will-lead-our-autonomous-doomsday miles from Seoul, was “active and being reasonably well maintained by North Arihant launch strengthens Korean standards.” nuclear ‘triad’ G. PARTHASARATHYT, The Hindu, None of that was a surprise to American November 14, 2018 intelligence agencies, which have been reporting a continuing buildup of North Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Korea’s missile stockpile. Nor should it have with justifiable national pride on surprised Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, November 6, that India’s first nuclear until recently the director of the C.I.A., who propelled submarine, INS Arihant, which acknowledged at a Senate hearing in July was commissioned in 2016, was now that North Koreans “continue to produce operationally ready, as an integral part of fissile material.” its nuclear deterrent.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/13/opinion/ India’s nuclear doctrine stated that its north-korea-nuclear-trump-kim.html nuclear weapons would only be used in retaliation against a major attack on Indian territory, or on Indian forces 46 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018
anywhere, in which nuclear weapons are China Sea – had led much of the analysis used. India also retains the right to use of Chinese military developments to nuclear weapons in the event of major ignore the key uncertainties surrounding attacks on its territory, or on Indian forces its stockpile of nuclear weapons, and the anywhere, in which chemical or biological fact that China is developing all the weapons are used. Pakistan, on the other elements of a far more advanced strategic hand does not have a formal nuclear nuclear Triad – along with improved doctrine. theater delivery system and missile defenses. It concluded that this lack of While India has a well-organised, attention to the fundamental changes streamlined nuclear command structure taking place in China’s nuclear forces had headed by the Prime Minister and Cabinet several explanations. They were partly the Committee on Security, it needs to address result of the fact that the other symbols of serious issues on the archaic structure of its China’s emergence as superpower – like Ministry of Defence. Most importantly, the the situation in the South China Sea – were key military figure in the Nuclear Command far more visible and seen as far more structure is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs urgent. They were partly the result of the of Staff Committee, who generally holds fact that China was slow to expand its office for less than a year. This is hardly the nuclear missile forces and create a real time adequate for him to become fully Triad. And, partly a result of the fact that familiar the complexities of our Strategic past estimates of its total holdings of Nuclear Command. nuclear weapons were so low – roughly https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/ at the level of British and French forces – columns/g-parthasarathy/arihant-launch- and far below the levels held by the United strengthens-nuclear-triad/article25497978.ece States and Russia. This expanded version of the study focuses on the interactions China and the New Strategic between the improvements in Chinese nuclear forces and those taking place in Nuclear Arms Race: The Forces U.S. and Russian nuclear forces. Rather Driving the Creation of New than focusing on current Chinese nuclear Chinese Nuclear Delivery Systems, developments, it summarizes the major Nuclear Weapons, and Strategy By changes taking place in U.S. nuclear forces Anthony H. Cordesman, Centre for Strategic as a result of the Nuclear Posture Review, and International Studies, Final Review and the changes taking place in Russian Edition: November 14, 2018 forces as reported in open-source material and by President Putin. This study is available on the CSIS web site. This study is a major expansion and revision https://csis-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/ of a previous Burke Chair study that publication/181116_China_New_Arms examines the changes taking place in _Race.pdf?W0lLjIyIM0CKu00nvtBxBn1SfuFvp9Ok Chinese nuclear delivery needs and their impact on China’s stockpiles of nuclear Beijing’s Nuclear Option: Why a weapons and weapons designs. It drew on U.S.-Chinese War Could Spiral a wide range of official open-source Out of Control By Caitlin Talmadge, reporting, as well as a range of outside Foreign Affairs, November/ December issue sources, including the Federation of American Scientists, Arms Control As China’s power has grown in recent Association, IISS, SIPRI and analysts like years, so, too, has the risk of war with the Hans M. Kristensen and Robert Norris to United States. Under President Xi Jinping, examine these developments. The original China has increased its political and study argued that a focus on China’s economic pressure on Taiwan and expanding global influence, conventional built military installations on coral reefs in forces, missile forces, emerging ASAT and the South China Sea, fuelling cyber capabilities – and role in the South Washington’s fears that Chinese Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 47
expansionism will threaten U.S. allies and identified reactors that have been safe, influence in the region. U.S. destroyers have reliable performers and those with troubled transited the Taiwan Strait, to loud protests performance records. In addition, using a from Beijing. American policymakers have national model of the electricity sector, wondered aloud whether they should send UCS has analyzed the impacts on the US an aircraft carrier through the strait as well. electricity mix, CO2 emissions, and Chinese fighter jets have intercepted U.S. consumer electricity bills of three scenarios aircraft in the skies above the South China for retiring nuclear plants early and two Sea. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald scenarios based on the introduction of Trump has brought long-simmering national policies to reduce carbon economic disputes to a rolling boil. emissions.
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/china/ https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/ 2018-10-15/beijings-nuclear-option?cid=soc-tw attach/2018/11/Nuclear-Power-Dilemma-full- report.pdf The Nuclear Power Dilemma Declining Profits, Plant Closures, Revealed: Emptying of the Iranian and the Threat of Rising Carbon “Atomic Warehouse” at Turquz Emissions Steve Clemmer Jeremy Abad David Albright, Olli Heinonen, Richardson Sandra Sattler Dave Lochbaum Frank Pabian and Andrea Stricker Union of Concerned Scientists, November Foundation for Defence of Democracies, 2018 November 29, 2018 For decades, nuclear power has provided On September 27, 2018, Prime Minister most of the nation’s carbon-free electricity. Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel revealed at However, the owners have shut down many the United Nations (UN) General Assembly nuclear plants in the last five years or the existence of a secret warehouse in the announced plans to close them well before Turquz Abad district in Tehran, which he their operating licenses expire, generating a said held a range of equipment and discussion among policymakers and materiel (as much as “300 tons”) in 15 regulators about the impact of early shipping containers related to Iran’s past retirements. The primary reasons for these or possibly on-going nuclear weapons early closures are the economic challenges efforts.[1] He also stated that the facility brought on by cheap natural gas, had held 15 kilograms of radioactive diminished demand for electricity, falling material that Iran had since dispersed costs for renewable energy, rising operating around Tehran. He criticized the costs, and safety and performance problems. International Atomic Energy Agency The possibility that the nation will replace (IAEA) for not being willing to inspect the existing nuclear plants with natural gas and site after Israel had quietly provided the coal rather than low-carbon sources raises IAEA with evidence of the “Atomic serious concerns about our ability to achieve Warehouse” and information about Iran’s the deep cuts in carbon emissions needed to efforts to empty it. This emptying appears limit the worst impacts of climate change. to have followed public revelations that As of the end of 2017, 99 reactors at 60 Israel had seized a portion of Iran’s power plants provided 20 percent of US separate “Atomic Archive,” or electricity generation. alternatively called the “Nuclear Archive,” containing nuclear weapons files and The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) documentation. has assessed the economic viability and performance of most of the nuclear power https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2018/11/29/ plants operating in the United States, revealed-emptying-of-the-iranian-atomic- analyzing which ones are most at risk of warehouse-at-turquz-abad/?utm_content=buffer early retirement and evaluating the main 24e01&utm_medium=social&utm_source= factors that affect competitiveness. It also twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer 48 Nuclear, Missile & Space Digest | Volume 10, Number 02 | November 30, 2018 Special Feature | India GSLV MKIII-D2 successfully launches GSAT-29 49
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Ms Deepika Sharma
The cover shows ISRO's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III D2 (GSLV MK3 D2) Carrying The GSAT-29 Communication Satellite, taking off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
Courtesy: https://www.oneindia.com/photos/isro-launches-gslv-mk-iii-d2-gsat-29- mission-56952.html#photos-3
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