Today’s defence news includes reporting on the Syrian ceasefire, the expelling of 35 Russian diplomats from the United States, and the release of historical Cabinet paper records about the infiltration of Faslane in 1988.
SYRIA
The Guardian and many other papers report on the Russian-brokered Syrian ceasefire. Coverage highlights that the US was notably absent from the deal, and that the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, considers the ceasefire an important step in ultimately resolving the Syrian conflict.The Daily Express also notes that Turkey hopes the ceasefire will mean defeat for the US-backed Kurdish YPG militia; while The Herald writes that the ceasefire is not backed by jihadists groups and therefore it is likely that clashes could continue.
RUSSIA
Times, Guardian, Financial Times and a number of broadcasters all report on the US announcement that 35 Russian diplomats have been given 72 hours to leave the country. This is in response to allegations of interference in the American election through cyber-attacks. Coverage also reports that two compounds used by Russian Intelligence services in New York and Maryland will be closed and that Russia has said there will be an ‘appropriate response' to the US actions.
CABINET OFFICE PAPERS
Multiple papers report on the release of Cabinet Office papers during Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s tenure, with significant focus on the Prime Ministers response to the infiltration of Faslane in 1988. The Times describes the incident, in which protestors reached the control room of HMS Repulse, and the Prime Minister’s demand for an immediate inquiry. The Daily Mirror writes of the Prime Minister’s horror of the lax security, and the Guardian states that following the incident, guards were authorised to shoot anti-nuclear protesters in the event of a sabotage threat.
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