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  • MIL-OSI Canada: Indigenous-led solutions Move Research into Action at the 2024 National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness

    Source: Government of Canada News

    October 17, 2024 — Calgary, Treaty 7 Territory, Alberta — Indigenous Services Canada

    Understanding and acceptance grow where people feel safe and heard. Over the past two days, the 2024 National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness brought together First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, organizations and leaders, as well as service providers and academics to discuss mental wellness. The event highlighted the importance of culture, community, healing and youth leadership in improving Indigenous mental wellness. A shared goal of this summit was to improve the availability, accessibility, quality and effectiveness of mental wellness services for Indigenous Peoples.

    The summit provides a foundation of innovation, grassroots success, and strength in addressing mental wellness challenges directly. The Minister of Indigenous Services, Patty Hajdu, and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Ya’ara Saks, attended the summit and witnessed the constructive dialogues and collaborative Indigenous-led solutions that are happening in communities all across the country. 

    The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of Indigenous-led approaches to mental wellness that are based on culture and community and address the impacts of colonization and inequities in the social determinants of health. Since 2015, the federal government has supported approaches that are Indigenous-led and flexible to meet the mental wellness needs of Indigenous communities, but work remains. This includes culturally-relevant community-based mental wellness promotion, on-the-land initiatives, suicide prevention, life promotion, crisis response, and substance use treatment and prevention services in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

    The summit opened with a powerful keynote address that emphasized the importance of translating Indigenous knowledge into action for mental wellness. Participants engaged in a series of panels and discussions that highlighted the integration of traditional healing practices, innovative therapeutic approaches, and the vital role of cultural safety in addressing systemic racism within mental health systems.

    Over the course of two days, attendees participated in various sessions to share knowledge on a variety of initiatives and approaches to mental wellness for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. One key theme of the event was Indigenous-led knowledge translation and the importance of culture and community in research and data. 

    Another key theme of the summit was Indigenous youth mental wellness. Young people are leaders of today and tomorrow, and it is incumbent on all of us to lift these voices up. Indigenous youth leaders from We Matter and Youth Wellness Hubs led a youth panel where young leaders were encouraged to share their personal experiences and perspectives. 

    Concurrent sessions focused on Métis mental wellness, showcasing community-driven programs that reflect the distinct needs of Métis populations, while discussions on Inuit mental wellness addressed culturally relevant strategies for healing and resilience.

    The 2024 National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness provided a collaborative platform for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to exchange insights and tools to improve mental wellness. By focusing on culture, community, and youth leadership, the summit underscored the significance of Indigenous-led solutions. Just as the Government of Canada remains committed to supporting these initiatives, the summit serves as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue and action, paving the way for a more inclusive mental health system and promoting hope and healing for future generations.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced For Arson

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TERRENCE COE (“COE”), age 45, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on October 8, 2024, by U.S. District Judge, Greg G. Guidry, to 60 months imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to arson, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i).  The Court also ordered that COE be placed on supervised release for 3 years following release from imprisonment and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    According to court documents, on December 24, 2022, COE set fire to merchandise inside of Walmart in Hammond, Louisiana.  COE later admitted to members of the Hammond Police Department that he started the fire with a lighter while opening a package he wanted to steal.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA to Open Virtual Business Recovery Center to Assist Arizona Businesses Affected by Watch Fire

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today announced the opening of its virtual Business Recovery Center to meet the needs of businesses and individuals who were affected by affected by the Watch Fire that occurred July 10-17.

    “When disasters strike, our virtual Business Recovery Centers are key to helping business owners and residents get back on their feet,” Sánchez said. “At these virtual centers, people can connect directly with our specialists to apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to rebuild and move forward in their recovery journey.”

    SBA has established a virtual Business Recovery Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their electronic loan application.

    Virtual Business Recovery Center
    Monday – Friday
    8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pacific Time
    FOCWAssistance@sba.gov
    (916) 932-8956
    Opens at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18

    Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

    For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

    “SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” Sánchez continued. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”

    SBA disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

    On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.

    Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.

    Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659‑2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to apply for property damage is Dec. 3, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is July 7, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration
    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit http://www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference kicks off in Beijing

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference kicks off in Beijing

    Updated: October 18, 2024 08:38 Xinhua
    Visitors look at self-driving vehicles displayed during the 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 17, 2024. The 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference kicked off here Thursday, during which a series of activities will be staged to promote the coordinated development of intelligent connected vehicles and related fields. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A staff member of Chinese automaker GAC Group debugs an electric sports car during the 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on Oct. 17, 2024 shows an automatic pilot sand table model of China’s ride-hailing platform Didi Chuxing displayed during the 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference in Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the exhibition booth of AITO, an NEV brand jointly developed by Huawei and Chongqing-based automaker Seres, during the 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference is opened in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors are seen at the exhibition booth of FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. during the 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the exhibition booth of China Telecom during the 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on Oct. 17, 2024 shows new energy vehicle model SU7 produced by Chinese tech firm Xiaomi displayed during the 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference in Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar killed in Gaza, Israel confirms

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) jointly confirmed Thursday that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in the Gaza Strip by Israeli soldiers on Wednesday.

    This file photo taken on May 1, 2017 shows Yahya Sinwar (front) in Gaza city. (Photo by Wissam Nassar/Xinhua)

    “IDF soldiers from the Southern Command eliminated Yahya Sinwar … in an operation in the southern Gaza Strip,” the Israeli army said in a statement.

    The IDF said that its soldiers killed three militants in the operation, and later, it turned out that one of them was Sinwar, who “was responsible for the murder and abduction of many Israelis.”

    According to the statement, Sinwar was killed after hiding over the past year behind the civilian population of Gaza, both above and below ground, in Hamas tunnels in the Gaza Strip.

    “The dozens of operations carried out by the IDF and the ISA over the last year, and in recent weeks in the area where he was eliminated, restricted Sinwar’s operational movement as he was pursued by the forces and led to his elimination,” the statement added.

    Shortly before the IDF statement, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz confirmed Sinwar’s death in a message to foreign ministers of other countries, saying that “this is a great military and moral achievement for Israel.”

    According to the foreign minister, “the elimination of Sinwar creates a possibility for the immediate release of the Israeli abductees and to bring about a change that will lead to a new reality in Gaza, without Hamas nor Iranian control.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Germany, China seek broader opportunies for bilateral cooperation

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Strong cooperation between Germany and China is vital for maintaining global economic stability, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions, according to Christian Scharpf, mayor of Ingolstadt in southern Bavaria.

    Scharpf made the remarks during an interview with Xinhua at the “10th Bavarian China Day” here on Wednesday. The event, organized by the municipal government and the Chinese Consulate General in Munich, drew more than 120 officials and business leaders from both countries, underscoring the promising prospects for bilateral collaboration.

    This year marks the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Germany, which has delivered significant progress in trade and economic cooperation, said Lin Kai, acting consul general at the Chinese consulate in Munich.

    Highlighting the deep ties between China and the German state of Bavaria, Lin said that around 500 Chinese companies have established operations in Bavaria. Meanwhile, over 600 Bavarian enterprises, including Siemens, Audi, BMW, and Allianz, have set up branches and made investments in China.

    Tobias Gotthardt, state secretary at the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, said that China has been Bavaria’s most important trading partner for years, with bilateral trade volume reaching 53 billion euros (57.5 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023. Bavaria’s exports to China have remained strong, while imports from China have nearly doubled over the past three years, he added.

    Gotthardt stressed the importance of foreign trade for the state and Germany as a whole, noting that the Chinese market is indispensable.

    “Cooperation in areas such as mechanical engineering, automotive, and energy and environmental technologies has been built on a foundation of trust over many years,” said Gotthardt.

    He expressed optimism that this collaboration will continue to drive economic growth and address global challenges like sustainability. “We must remain focused on cooperation in areas where it is possible.”

    Yu Guangsheng, deputy head of the investment promotion at China’s Ministry of Commerce, mentioned that German investments in China reached an all-time high in the first half of this year, while Chinese investments in Germany surged by 42 percent year-on-year in 2023. “Companies from both countries are demonstrating their confidence in bilateral economic relations and partnerships through tangible investments,” he said.

    During the event, Ingolstadt and Changchun, a major city in northeast China, announced the establishment of a strategic economic partnership.

    Scharpf underscored the longstanding relationship between Ingolstadt, home to Audi’s headquarters, and Changchun, where China’s automotive giant FAW Group is based. He noted that economic and cultural exchanges between the two cities have been active for years, and expressed hope for even deeper cooperation in the future.

    The mayor voiced his belief that the two countries still have vast potential for collaboration, particularly in areas like climate protection, sustainable development, as well as education and cultural exchanges.

    Regarding the European Union’s (EU) recent tariff policy on electric vehicles from China, experts at the event criticized protectionism, and advocated for the promotion of free trade and mutual development between the EU and China.

    Gotthardt warned that the tariffs could escalate trade conflicts and undermine the principles of free trade. “A tariff-free alternative would undoubtedly be a better solution for all parties involved,” he said.

    Georg Rosenfeld, an economic official from Ingolstadt, echoed this sentiment, saying that protectionism and trade barriers are detrimental. He called for open and fair competition, as well as mutual trust which is essential to fostering such competition. (1 euro = 1.08 U.S. dollar)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: DPRK top leader says S. Korea is a foreign, hostile country

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) called South Korea “a foreign country and an apparent hostile country,” and stressed “useless awareness about fellow countrymen and unreasonable idea of reunification” when he addressed inter-Korean relations, as he called for ramping up the war execution capabilities during an inspection trip to the headquarters of the 2nd Corps of the Korean People’s Army on Thursday, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Friday.

    Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, made the remarks as made the trip to encourage the officers and troops of the large combined unit that “have reliably defended the territory of our state, always maintaining full combat readiness on high alert at the forefront near the border,” the KCNA said.

    Kim learned of the combat readiness of the military units ready for combat operations under the corps after being briefed on the current situation.

    The KCNA said the DPRK leader reminded to the armed forces of “the stark fact that the ROK is a foreign country and an apparent hostile country,” referring to South Korea by using the acronym of its official name, the Republic of Korea.

    Recalling that the DPRK has completely blocked the roads and railways to the ROK territory two days ago through detonations, Kim said that the move means “not only the physical closure but also the end of the evil relationship with Seoul” and “the complete removal of the useless awareness about fellow countrymen and unreasonable idea of reunification,” according to the KCNA report. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Report predicts Taiwan to become ‘super-aged’ society next year

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Taiwan will become a “super-aged” society by 2025, with one in five residents expected to be over the age of 65, said the island’s development planning department on Thursday.
    By 2030, the island’s total population is expected to fall below 23 million, and by 2039, the proportion of people aged 65 and above will exceed 30 percent of the total population, according to a report released by the department.
    The report predicted that by 2028, the working-age population will make up less than two-thirds of the total population, signaling the end of the demographic dividend in Taiwan.
    According to the World Health Organization, a society is considered “aged” when those aged 65 and above account for 14 percent of the total population, and “super-aged” when the proportion exceeds 20 percent. Taiwan entered the “aged” category in 2018.
    Statistics from the island’s internal affairs department show that by the end of August, seven of Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities had entered the “super-aged” category.
    An aging population has already led to multiple societal issues, such as labor shortages, declining school enrollments, and increased healthcare costs.
    The development planning department suggested in the report that, to adapt to these demographic changes, efforts should focus on improving childcare subsidies, increasing labor force participation among middle-aged individuals and women, attracting talent, enhancing medical services, and upgrading industries.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Golden Highway a critical path to net zero ambitions

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Golden Highway a critical path to net zero ambitions

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    Detailed maps are now available to outline the 19 highway upgrades that will pave the way from the Port of Newcastle to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

    ‘Port to REZ’ upgrades will be funded by the Australian and NSW governments, with $128.5 million announced towards 320 kilometres of road upgrades and ancillary works.

    The upgrades will enable the transportation of wind turbines and other crucial components needed for wind and solar farms and the transmission network that connects them.

    The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) and Transport for NSW are working together to deliver the improved roads, ensuring they can comfortably accommodate transportation of materials required, whilst also improving road safety for local communities.

    The 19 specific locations identified as pinch points are on the Golden Highway between the Port of Newcastle and Elong Elong, as well as a section of the Castlereagh Highway.

    The maps can be found here

    Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

    “Transport for NSW is supporting the eight councils along the route with resources and information to help guide them in the rollout of the REZ in preparation for new wind and solar power operations.

    “We are working closely with councils who are the local road authorities in their respective areas, responsible for the management of local road networks, including road safety, road funding, road maintenance and heavy vehicle access.

    “Additionally, Transport for NSW and EnergyCo are currently carrying out a review of roads across the designated renewable energy corridors to determine if any roads should be reclassified as state roads.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe:

    “As the Renewable Energy Zones progress, we’re working to ensure that local infrastructure such as roads, are in a good enough state to accommodate extra demands.

    “This is part of our commitment to the long-term prosperity of communities hosting Renewable Energy Zones as we continue the transformation of our state’s energy system.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Reducing workload in hundreds more schools

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Reducing workload in hundreds more schools

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Education and Early Learning

    A trial program aimed at slashing teacher workload and helping educators focus on classroom learning has been extended for two years as the Minns Labor Government rolls out the next tranche to more than 700 schools.

    The School Administration Reduction Program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to address teacher burnout and staff shortages caused by unsustainable workloads.

    The trial workload reduction program works to permanently equip schools with new systems and more efficient ways of dealing with the many additional tasks that schools, and in particular teachers, do every day above and beyond teaching their students.

    Through the program hundreds of additional School Administrative and Support Staff (SASS) are deployed to public schools to improve systems and relieve teachers of burdensome administrative work that built up under the Liberals and Nationals.

    Schools who have participated in the program have reported a substantial reduction in the workload of teachers and principals, as well as better training for staff.

    Examples of improvements made through the program include:

    • The Ponds School – improved the planning and coordinating of additional support, resources and programs offered by the school. Previously this work was performed by teachers.
    • Tacking Point Public School – better utilised technology to streamline many administrative tasks, taking them off the plate of teachers.
    • Medowie Public School – developed and implemented an efficient communication strategy to reduce teacher workload and improve correspondence with parents and carers.
    • Wallerawang Public School – enhanced staff induction processes, developing a new handbook on key school procedures including first aid, evacuation, and other WHS protocols.
    • James Fallon High School – made improvements including digitising historical records, strengthening healthcare plan systems and managing risk assessments.

    The program, which has been in 419 schools across 2023–24, will now move to more than 700 schools for 2025–26. By the end of 2026, 1,000 schools—or nearly half of NSW public schools—will have benefited from the School Administration Reduction Program.

    This program is part of a wider effort to reduce workload pressure in schools, which includes:

    • An extensive review of administrative tasks done in schools. Some 70 per cent of the tasks identified are directly linked to departmental policies, highlighting the importance of streamlining these documents and teachers’ ability to access them.
    • A line-by-line audit of teachers’ administrative and bureaucratic tasks was also completed earlier this year, as part of a broader initiative to reduce teacher workload by 5 hours a week.   The review identified around 100 tasks which cause high or very high bureaucratic workload, around 60 per cent of which directly impacts teachers. The department is using the findings to simplify tasks and further reduce teacher workload. 

    This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to address the teacher shortage and rebuild public education in NSW. Under the former government teachers were leaving the profession in record numbers, with teacher vacancies rising to a record high of 3,000.

    Our work to rebuild public education includes delivering teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation and reducing the number of teacher vacancies to their lowest in three years, a 24 per cent drop from last year to this year.

    Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

    “We need our teachers focusing on what matters most – providing high quality teaching for our students in the classroom.

    “This program is reducing teacher workload and streamlining school systems on a long-term basis, allowing educators to focus on the important job of teaching.

    “We’ll closely study the learnings from the School Administration Reduction Program to inform our broader effort to cut workload across our system.”

    Michelle Said, Principal, South Creek School, said: 

    “The program has been hugely beneficial to our School for Specific Purpose. We have been able to achieve so much in our school and community due to our extra SASS taking the load off teachers and executive.” 

    Megan Manson, Principal, Canobolas Public School, said:

    “The program has made a real difference for our classrooms and the running of our office. We have used our SASS staff member to assist with administration on digital platforms, coordinating projects and excursions, covering books and other classroom duties, and running a reading fluency program.

    “All of these tasks have had a positive impact on our staff and students.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Capito Visits Eastern Panhandle

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    BERKELEY COUNTY, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), traveled to Berkeley County, W.Va. where she participated in two events.
    First, Senator Capito visited Eagle School Intermediate in Martinsburg, W.Va. where she hosted a West Virginia Girls Rise Up event. Senator Capito launched the program in 2015 to instill confidence in young West Virginia women and empower them to be strong and kind female leaders. The program focuses on three areas: education, fitness, and self-confidence. Today’s event marks the 34th event since the program’s launch in 2015.
    “It was great to meet the fifth-grade students at Eagle School Intermediate and inspire them to set goals for the future and achieve their dreams. These girls are the next generation of West Virginia leaders and I am confident that they will go on to do big things in the future,” Senator Capito said. 
    “Eagle School Intermediate is delighted that our students engaged in this unique opportunity with Senator Shelley Moore Capito today. This initiative is designed to foster self-confidence and leadership skills among our young learners. We are thrilled to see our students benefit from Senator Capito’s inspiring presence and guidance, empowering them to become the leaders of tomorrow,” Eagle School Intermediate said.
    Later, Senator Capito, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, traveled to Bunker Hill, W.Va. to deliver remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bunker Hill Water Treatment Plant. Through the appropriations process, Senator Capito has supported this project by successfully securing a Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) award that will help expand the clean drinking water capacity with this new facility. Once completed, the new plant will have the potential to serve more customers and meet the growing demand in Berkeley County.
    “As we see the amazing growth here in Berkeley County, it is critical that we have the infrastructure needed to reinforce it,” Senator Capito said. “After meeting with local officials and identifying critical projects, it was clear that replacing the outdated water treatment plant with a more modern facility was a priority. In the last four years, this public service district has added thousands more customers and this new plant will provide the infrastructure to meet their needs. Through my leadership on the EPW and Appropriations Committees, I will continue to identify critical projects like this in our communities and work to direct resources to meet their needs.”
    “The Water District is grateful to Senator Capito for her support of the objectives of Berkeley County and for her amazing interest and support of water and wastewater systems throughout WV. West Virginia is fortunate to have a Senator who knows firsthand that the most important public health component of any community is a safe and dependable water supply. She is quite remarkable in her knowledge of pumps, pipes and plants,” Jim Ouellet, Executive Director of the Berkeley County Public Service Water District, said.
    Photos from today’s events are below:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosts a Girls Rise Up event at Eagle School Intermediate in Martinsburg, W.Va. on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosts a Girls Rise Up event at Eagle School Intermediate in Martinsburg, W.Va. on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosts a Girls Rise Up event at Eagle School Intermediate in Martinsburg, W.Va. on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) participates in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bunker Hill Water Treatment Plant in Bunker Hill, W.Va. on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivers remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bunker Hill Water Treatment Plant in Bunker Hill, W.Va. on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Statement from Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command, on the Death of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar

    Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

    Oct. 17, 2024
    Release Number 20241017 – 01
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    “Congratulations to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on the elimination of Yahya Sinwar, the mass-murdering leader of the terrorist group, Hamas. Sinwar was the ruthless mastermind of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel that massacred more 1,200 innocent civilians, including more than 40 Americans. More than 250 innocent men, women, and children were taken hostage, including 12 Americans. 101 hostages remain missing, including seven Americans.

    U.S. Central Command’s support to the Israel Defense Forces remains ironclad. Our commitment to countering terrorists throughout the Middle East, with allies and partners, continues to be a top priority. Those who choose the path of terrorism should expect the same fate as Sinwar.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Centre for Child Protection celebrates 20 years of improving the lives of vulnerable children

    Source: University of South Australia

    17 October 2024

    Left to right: Professor Melissa O’Donnell, Deputy Director Research; Professor Leah Bromfield, Director and Chair of Child Protection; Amanda Paton, Deputy Director Practice; Lisa McDonald, Centre Manager

    The Australian Centre for Child Protection (ACCP), founded in 2004 by the Australian Government and the University of South Australia, is celebrating its 20th birthday and two decades of helping to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect.

    The ACCP’s public health approach to child protection saw it quickly gain influence across the sector early on, making major contributions to the first National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children and the National Research Agenda for Protecting Children.

    Today, the Centre continues to provide leadership and input to national strategies and action plans as well as supporting Commissions and Inquiries nationally.

    Current areas of focus include families with multiple and complex needs, preventing infant removals, child sexual abuse, harmful sexual behaviours, out-of-home care and issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

    Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Engagement at UniSA, Distinguished Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington AO, says the ACCP has informed UniSA’s research, focusing on big issues, partnered approaches and developing new solutions that benefit society.

    “The Centre’s focus on partnering with the sector to drive new approaches and outcomes in child protection continues to shape Australian policy and practice in this critical field,” she says.

    Centre Director Professor Leah Bromfield says that the ACCP’s third decade marks a shift in focus to a transformation agenda.

    “We know through our work across the past two decades that our child protection systems are not fit for purpose, and we must reimagine our approach to protecting children. ACCP is driving research and innovation to shape this transformation now and into the future,” she says.

    “This new approach has the potential to be an example to the rest of the world.”

    To celebrate its 20-year milestone and during Children’s Week, on Thursday 24 October the Australian Centre for Child Protection will present a free one-day virtual symposium, sharing the latest in ACCP’s research, solutions and insights, with more than 20 presentations from Centre staff, students, and partners across a range of priority themes.

    Prof Bromfield says the symposium program has been designed to showcase the breadth of expertise and knowledge across the ACCP team.

    “It’s our way of continuing to work hand in hand with the sector, driving new knowledge that can be applied, and supporting the sector and its workforce,” she says.

    “This is how we can successfully continue to improve the lives of our most vulnerable children.”

    Registrations and the full program for the symposium can be found on the ACCP website.

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contact for interview: Professor Leah Bromfield M: +61 401 635 310 E: Leah.Bromfield@unisa.edu.au

    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Research project to address cultural gap

    Source: Government of Western Australia

    Nearly $200,000 has been awarded to The University of Western Australia for a research project that will develop a tool to more effectively measure mental health and wellbeing in the Aboriginal community of Mullewa.

    The research project called Tharlbarra Maga: Developing a Strong Head, Strong Mind Measure received funding from Healthway’s 2023 Targeted Research Round, which called for research projects that focused on new and innovative ways to measure health behaviours.

    Chief Investigator Dr Charmaine Green from the Western Australian Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) at The University of Western Australia said the funding will support the considerable formative work that has already been undertaken in Mullewa.

    “We currently don’t have culturally appropriate tools to be able to measure the impact we are making on the local Aboriginal community’s mental health, social and emotional wellbeing,” she said.

    “This research project will provide an alternative to Western mental health tools and measures, which are often disliked and not appropriate for Aboriginal people as they do not reflect their cultural beliefs and understandings of wellbeing.

    “This research project will take two years to complete, the tools that will be developed are likely to be interactive, story and picture based, using local idioms and local artists.”

    Healthway CEO Colin Smith said Healthway looked forward to the outcomes of Dr Green’s work, as it will address a gap by providing culturally and locally relevant tools to measure mental health and wellbeing.

    “This research project will involve extensive consultation with Aboriginal co-researchers and Mullewa community members to better understand the Mullewa mental health story.

    “Once culturally appropriate tools are developed, they will be shared with the wider community to improve our understanding of community mental health in Mullewa and help shape the delivery of more effective health programs.

    “The project can also provide a blue-print for other Aboriginal communities to develop similar, locally appropriate tools.”   

    Healthway’s 2023 Targeted Research Round has supported four research projects worth nearly $800,000 to address gaps in measuring health behaviours and inform future policy and process.

    The successful recipients include:

    • Dr Charmaine Green, WACRH, The University of Western Australia – Tharlbarra Maga: Developing a Strong Head, Strong Mind Measure- $199, 640
    • Dr Emma Carlin, University of Western Australia – Measuring and supporting Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing within primary healthcare – $199, 690
    • Associate Professor Michael Livingston, Curtin University – Measuring alcohol risk, information needs and pathways using an AI chatbot – $198,748
    • Professor Peter Gething, Curtin University – Smart Walking and Cycling: Active Travel to School Simulator – $197,876.

     

    The post Research project to address cultural gap appeared first on Healthway.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Watercare begins preliminary work to futureproof the city centre’s wastewater infrastructure

    Source: Auckland Council

    The preliminary work for Watercare’s Midtown Wastewater Upgrades begins next week.

    Three midtown sites are being prepared and shafts are being built, ready for a tunnel boring machine to be lowered into the ground in 2025. The machine will reach depths of up to 14.5 metres and tunnel a distance of 585 metres below Queen Street.

    These underground wastewater upgrades are a key component of the Auckland Council group’s midtown regeneration. The programme is preparing streets, spaces and infrastructure for the City Rail Link, which will bring many more people into the city centre to live, work, study, visit and do business.

    The upgrades will renew the workings of the city centre’s century-old pipes, enable the consenting of a pipeline of commercial and residential apartment developments, and help protect the region’s precious Waitematā Harbour.

    Chair of the Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Andy Baker explains that this wastewater project is essential for Auckland’s future resilience.

    “Midtown will become an even more popular place for people to live beyond 2026 when the City Rail Link’s Te Waihorotiu Station is operational. With these important works complete, we will have increased the capacity of our wastewater system and upgraded the quality of our pipes in midtown.

    “It is vitally important for us to futureproof the area ahead of the population growth expected in midtown, and we are taking steps also with this work to reduce the risk of wastewater overflows entering the Waitematā Harbour during heavy rain.

    “I want to emphasise that Watercare has sited the shafts away from shops and businesses, synchronised the works with other construction in the area for maximum efficiency, and ensured that traffic in Queen Street continues to operate.

    “As the safety fences go up around three localised shafts next week to enable this work, we want to remind everyone that midtown continues to be open for business,” Councillor Baker says.

    This wastewater work around Queen Street, delivered by Watercare and supported by Auckland Council, is scheduled to be complete by December 2026.

    For all information please visit here.

    Q&A

    What else is being upgraded?

    While stage one of Watercare’s Midtown Wastewater Upgrades will increase wastewater capacity, crews will also take this opportunity to reline the Victoria Street section of the Ōrākei Main Sewer. Doing this work during Stage 1 of the pipeline installation eliminates the need for Watercare to return to Victoria Street to do this critical work later. Stage two is in the design phase and will involve laying new wastewater pipes from Vincent Street to Greys Avenue carpark.

    Why is this work essential?

    The Midtown Wastewater Upgrades support the Auckland city centre’s planned residential and commercial growth, reduce the risk of future overflows into the Waitematā Harbour and safeguard and increase resilience of midtown’s wastewater network.

    What are the problems we’re solving?

    Currently, the wastewater and stormwater in the midtown area combine into a single pipe which feeds into a large pipe called an interceptor, which takes flows to Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant for processing.  

    Combined networks are designed to overflow during rainfall events at designated overflow points rather than back flow up your toilet or sink.

    The focus of the Midtown Wastewater Upgrades is to redirect most of the wastewater away from the combined network and channel it through a dedicated 1.2km pipeline.

    The project also involves reconfiguring the current wastewater network to better use under-utilised pipes.

    After the Midtown Wastewater Upgrades are complete, overflows from the combined network will become less frequent after heavy rainfall events.

    How will the tunnel boring process work?

    A large portion of the pipeline will be installed using a method called horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The benefit of using this method is that it will get the job done more safely, faster, and with a higher quality result. Horizontal directional drilling is also better for the environment than open trenching as it lessens the impact on surrounding critical assets and reduces fractures and soil disturbance. This method is also less disruptive for the community as there is much less digging up of the street.

    Read more about the city centre’s transformation here.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Agritech invention wins $100k Challenge – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland

    This year, a cutting-edge agritech solution designed to benefit the health of cows took out first place in the Velocity $100k Challenge.

    University of Auckland researcher Liz Cunningham, who has lost cows to mastitis, a costly disease that sees udder tissue become inflamed, often due to bacteria, won the University of Auckland Velocity $100k Challenge with her start-up – QuickMas.  

    The Liggins Institute research technician and her teammates, academic staff from the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Faculty of Engineering and the Liggins Institute, say QuickMas is about helping in the fight against antibiotic resistance in dairy cattle.

    Cunningham says QuickMas will show whether a cow has mastitis, help identify the pathogen causing it and determine whether the cow has responded to antibiotics.

    “QuickMas will also be able to help farmers decide if their cow is safe to put back in the herd or if she may still be harbouring infectious bacteria.

    “It will give dairy farmers answers about their cows’ mastitis in as little as 15 minutes and no more than an hour.”

    The on-farm diagnostic tool, Cunningham says, is as simple as a Covid test, doesn’t require Wi-Fi, and farmers can self-interpret the results – no need to send them to a vet.

    “It’s done using a milk sample, which is processed by our machine for five minutes before it’s added to our test cartridges. Farmers will then be able to identify the source of infection.

    “The current testing method on the market sees farmers have to wait at least 24 hours for a result. It also requires Wi-Fi, which a lot of milking sheds don’t have.”

    Cunningham and her team are currently testing QuickMas prototypes.

    “We worked really hard to develop something quick, reliable and fit for farms. We want QuickMas to add value to farmers’ businesses here and all over the world.

    “Winning the Velocity challenge is amazing, and we’re excited to use the support provided to get this to market as quickly as we can to help dairy farmers and their cows.”

    Cunningham says the QuickMas team will explore potential partnerships and seek external investment over the next six months, with the plan to have the product on the market in 2025.

    “Using QuickMas will help the dairy industry in its fight against antibiotic resistance. Helping farmers understand the correct pathogen will enable them to treat their cows more efficiently. It will also inform treatment duration.

    “Farmers will have the information to give each cow individualised and responsive treatment – undertreating or overtreating with antibiotics will be a thing of the past.”

    Read about the other Velocity winners here. http://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2024/10/17/innovating-until-the-cows-come-home.html

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rakahinonga Roadshow Expands Across Aotearoa

    Source: Tapuwae Roa
    Tapuwae Roa has announced today the return of the highly anticipated Rakahinonga Roadshow, with a new series of regional one-day wānanga to be delivered this November.
    Designed for aspiring Māori entrepreneurs, the Roadshow will feature five wānanga: four in-person events in Ōtautahi, Tūranganui-a-Kiwa (Gisborne), Taranaki, Porirua, and an online session to conclude the series.
    “Since launching our first Roadshow last year, we have received multiple tono to extend the wānanga to more rohe throughout Aotearoa,” says Te Pūoho Kātene. Chief Executive of Tapuwae Roa.
    “We’re excited to bring the Roadshow to Porirua, Ōtautahi, and Te Tai Hauāuru for the first time and reconnect with our whanaunga in Gisborne.”
    Delivered by Saara Tawha, the wānanga will cover the fundamentals of starting a business, equipping participants with essential skills, tools, and insights to help them bring their entrepreneurial aspirations to life.
    Building on the success of earlier initiatives such as the Tupu Accelerator, the Rakahinonga Roadshow continues to support Tapuwae Roa’s Ōhanga (Economic Emancipation) workstream.
    “Growing Māori entrepreneurs is one of our key focus areas within our mahi at Tapuwae Roa,” says Kātene.
    “By providing targeted support to our aspiring rakahinonga in their rohe, we aim to break down barriers Māori face when starting new pakihi in order to help strengthen economic resilience within hāpori Māori.”
    The Roadshow is partnering with local Māori businesses, iwi and pakihi networks to host the wānanga, including Māui Studios in Christchurch, Tāiki E! in Gisborne, Ngāti Toa Rangatira in Wellington, and He Toronga Pakihi Ki Taranaki in New Plymouth.
    “These partnerships are central to the kaupapa, as they not only support and uplift pakihi Māori in the regions but also showcase what success looks like to those attending,” says Kātene.
    Places are limited. For more information or to register, visit: http://www.tapuwaeroa.org/rakahinonga

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Mpox is spreading across Victoria

    Source: Government of Victoria 3

    Key messages

    • Cases of mpox continue to increase in Victoria and other Australian jurisdictions. This outbreak is now the biggest in Victoria since the first case was reported in May 2022.
    • Mpox has mostly impacted gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), although anyone can be affected. There have now been several cases in females in Victoria and heterosexual transmission has been reported.
    • All sexually active people with compatible symptoms should be tested, regardless of sexual orientation, vaccination status or travel history.
    • Remain aware of the possibility of mpox infection amongst other groups.
    • Mpox testing can be done in any primary care service (general practitioner) or sexual health clinic.
    • Vaccination should be promoted to all eligible people at risk of mpox, including second doses.
    • Free mpox vaccine is widely available for eligible people through sexual health clinics, hospitals, general practitioners, Aboriginal health services, councils and pharmacies.
    • People at risk of mpox should be aware of the current outbreak and take measures to protect themselves and others.

    What is the issue?

    Cases of mpox are continuing to increase across Victoria and other Australian jurisdictions. In August 2024, Australia recorded the second highest number of confirmed cases of mpox in the world. The mpox outbreak in 2024 is now much larger than the 2022 outbreak. As of 17 October, 330 mpox cases have been notified in Victoria since April 2024 and there have been 27 hospitalisations.

    In Victoria, mpox has mostly affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), however, it can affect anyone. There have now been several cases in females in Victoria and heterosexual transmission has been reported.

    To help prevent further transmission in Victoria, clinicians are requested to increase testing for mpox and promote vaccination in at-risk groups.

    There is an outbreak of a more severe strain of the monkeypox virus (Clade Ib) in parts of central Africa. This strain has not been found in Australia so far, but there is a risk of importation through international travel.

    For further information on mpox, see the Department of Health page on mpox.

    Who is at risk?

    In Victoria at present, GBMSM (including those who identify as heterosexual) and their sexual partners are most at risk. Venues or events where close intimate or sexual contact occurs carry a higher risk of mpox transmission, particularly where casual or group sex occurs.

    However, anyone can become infected, and anyone who has been in close and usually prolonged intimate contact with someone with mpox is at risk. While vaccination decreases the risk of mpox, those who are vaccinated, particularly if not fully vaccinated, may still become infected.

    Symptoms and transmission

    Symptoms may include lesions or rashes anywhere on the body, including the anogenital area. Other symptoms may include pain on urination (urethritis) or rectal pain, bloody stools and/or diarrhoea (proctitis). General symptoms include fever, chills, tiredness, headache, sore throat, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes. Most people experience mild illness and recover within a few weeks, but severe illness can occur.

    Mpox can spread from person-to-person through close (skin-to-skin) or prolonged contact, for example during sexual contact, as well as contact with contaminated items or surfaces, and respiratory droplets. Symptoms can occur up to 21 days after being exposed to mpox.

    Recommendations

    For GPs and other clinicians

    Who to test

    • Test all sexually active people with compatible symptoms, regardless of sexual orientation, vaccination status or travel history. If testing for herpes simplex virus, test for mpox.
    • Remain aware of the possibility of mpox infection in any patient.
    • Be alert to the possibility of atypical and attenuated presentations in people who are fully and partially vaccinated. Some patients have had multiple presentations to healthcare prior to diagnosis.

    How to test

    • Most testing occurs in primary care settings and can be easily and safely done. The risk to healthcare workers is very low and can be further reduced with use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes gloves, eye protection, gown and surgical mask. See the Public Health Laboratory Network (PHLN) guidanceExternal Link for further advice on PPE.
    • Request mpox PCR on suitable swabs (e.g. rash/lesion, anorectal, pharyngeal) and send to VIDRL via your routine pathology provider. See the PHLN guidanceExternal Link for further advice on testing.

    Advice and notification

    • Advise patients to cover lesions and abstain from sexual activity while awaiting the result. Advise to wear a mask if oral, throat or respiratory symptoms.
    • Recommendations for case and contact management have recently changed. See mpox factsheetExternal Link for updates to patients who are tested for mpox. If positive, the Local Public Health Unit will provide further advice.
    • Any suspected or confirmed mpox cases should be urgently notified to the Local Public Health Unit by calling 1300 651 160.
    • If mpox is suspected in a returned traveller or someone who has had contact with a returned traveller from affected countries in Africa, contact your Local Public Health Unit immediately.

    Vaccinate

    For more information, see:

    Mpox update – Information for GP’s and clinicians

    docx 72.56 KB | Updated: 16 October 2024

    For people at increased risk of mpox

    • Take measures to protect yourself and others. Avoid sexual activity if you have any symptoms of mpox, consider limiting sexual partners, and keep contact details of new partners.
    • Mpox vaccine is free for eligible groups. Two doses of mpox are required for optimal protection. If you haven’t had your second dose, get it now. See Mpox immunisation providers listExternal Link to find a provider of mpox vaccine.
    • If you develop symptoms, restrict contact with others and get tested at your GP or sexual health clinic. Make sure to wear a mask, cover any exposed lesions and call ahead.
    • For more information on measures to prevent the spread of mpox, see:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Activist News – Weekly protests are extending further around the country as Israel runs riot and our government’s policy of appeasement towards Israel fails dramatically – PSNA

    Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    Details of our weekly solidarity protests around the country are listed at the end of this letter sent to the Prime Minister yesterday.

     

    Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

    Prime Minister

    Parliament Buildings

    Wellington

    c.luxon@ministers.govt.nz

     

    Kia ora Mr Luxon,

     

    We write to you as a matter of utmost urgency, with a rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

     

    The policy of appeasement towards Israel over the past year by western countries has failed miserably.  Israel has expanded its attacks and has abandoned all pretence of any sort of negotiated settlements.

     

    Our government is holding on desperately to a hopelessly weak and indefensible policy towards the Middle East. I have no doubt you know this.

     

    Israel is running riot with endless bombing and killing as it spreads murder and mayhem.  The majority of victims in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank are women and children – tens of thousands of children.

     

    You and I know this would never be tolerated if the victims were European.

     

    The situation has now become even more desperate and deadly with

    • Israel has refused to allow any food or supplies to be delivered since the beginning of this month to northern Gaza.  It has again unleased its firepower with absolute impunity on refugee camps and other civilian areas with the openly stated aim of ethnic cleansing of the majority of the 400,000 Palestinians who remain there.
    • Israel’s delivery of its threat to turn Lebanon into another Gaza, with attacks throughout the country, including Christian areas.
    • Israel’s endless attempts to widen the war across the region into Iran with repeated violations of its sovereignty until Iran responded – though without a single Israeli casualty.
    • Israel’s blatant attacks on UNIFIL positions and demands that UNIFIL withdraw from its mission to allow Israeli military advances further into Lebanon to achieve regime change for a Lebanese government subservient to its interests.

     

    Despite all that has happened over 12 months you have issued only platitudes “calling an all sides to exercise restraint” and condemnation of all parties Israel decides that is its enemies.

     

    You have failed to condemn Israel for anything it has ever done against the Palestinian victims of its settler colonial project and yet you have condemned every act of Palestinian resistance to Israel’s illegal occupation, genocide, and ethnic cleansing.

     

    Other countries, the UK, France, Spain, Norway, and Ireland have spoken out and taken, albeit token, action to remind Israel that it is operating outside international law.

     

    History will condemn your 12 months of complicit silence but action now can make a real difference and saves tens of thousands of innocent lives. A minimum list of actions includes:

     

    1. Condemn Israeli action against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank as war crimes
    2. Join South Africa’s case of proving genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice
    3. Implement the recent obligations specified by the ICJ under the Geneva Conventions towards ending Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Occupied Territories.
    4. Identify and ban imports of products from illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
    5. End procurement of goods and services from companies identified by the United Nations as complicit in building and maintaining illegal Israeli settlements
    6. Direct the Superfund, ACC and Kiwisaver providers to divest from companies on the UN list
    7. Investigate the export of Rakon Industry components which are incorporated into US weapons which almost inevitably end in the industrial-scale killing of Palestinians.
    8. Immediately close the Israeli embassy as Israel’s propaganda and lobby outlet in New Zealand
    9. Clearly and publicly state that NZDF personnel in the Middle East will neither participate in nor provide assistance to either US or Israel attacks or preparations for attacks on Iran
    10. Publicly join other countries in condemning the Israeli military attack on UNIFIL and demand of Israel that it will cease to demand UNIFIL withdraw from any of its positions in Lebanon
    11. Reiterate New Zealand’s participation in UNTSO and demand that Israel allow UNTSO continue its work unmolested
    12. Demand Israel revoke its declaration that the UN Secretary General is persona non grata in Israel.
    13. Note and support this UN report https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/10/un-commission-finds-war-crimes-and-crimes-against-humanity-israeli-attacks

     

    Please respond to this letter urgently.

     

    John Minto

    National Chair

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.

     

    Nationwide rallies/marches/MP protests/vigils this week

     

    These are on the PSNA Facebook events page here with the basic details listed below.

     

    North Island

    Opononi – Gathering for Palestine

    Sunday 20 October 

    1.30pm

    Opononi (outside the Four Square)

     

    Kerikeri – Rally

    Saturday 19 October 

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Whangarei – Rally

    Saturday 19 October 

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Auckland – Picket 

    Friday 18 October 

    12:00 noon

    New World Devonport – 

    35 Bartley Terrace, Devonport,

     

    Waiheke – Market Stall – hosted by Stand With Palestine Waiheke!

    Every Saturday

    8:00 am – 1:00 pm

    Ostend Market, Waiheke Island

     

    Auckland – Banners around Tamaki Makaurau

    Saturday 19 October 

    10:00 am

    Text John on 021 899 659 for location

     

    Auckland – Central Bike Ride for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    Meet at 12.45 to leave (ride to the rally) at 1.10pm

    Western Park. Ponsonby Road

     

    Auckland – Rally

    Saturday 19 October 

    2:00 pm

    Te Komititanga – Britomart Square, Tamaki Makaurau

     

    Then travel to Browns Bay for the Prayer Vigil for Gaza

     

    Auckland – Prayer Vigil @ Erica Stanford’s Office

    Aotearoa Christians for peace in Palestine will hold a Prayer Vigil to mark a year since the Israeli airstrike on St Porphyrius Church in Gaza City

    Saturday 19 October 

    4:00 pm

    85 Beach Front Lane, Browns Bay, Auckland

    https://www.facebook.com/events/s/vigil-for-gaza-st-porphyrius-c/1056552113142463/

     

    Auckland – Movie – The Last Sky

    Saturday 19 October 

    7:00 pm

    Trades Hall auditorium – 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn

    Limited seats. Tickets essential

    Admission by Koha

    https://events.humanitix.com/the-last-sky

    Director Nicholas Hanna will have a Q&A after the movie

     

    Thames – Vigil to Stop the war on Children

    (Hosted by The Basket – Social and Environmental Justice – Hauraki)

    First Saturday of the month

     

    Tauranga – Flag wave

    Sunday 20 October 

    11:00 am

    SH2 Bethlehem – By Woolworths

     

    Hamilton – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    1:00 pm

    Civic Square, Hamilton

     

    Whaingaroa/Raglan

    To be advised

     

    Cambridge – Rally for Palestine

    Every Saturday

    11:00 am

    Cambridge Town Hall

     

    Rotorua – Rally for Palestine

    Every Thursday

    4:00 pm

    Rotorua Lakes Council, Haupapa Street (Sir Howard Morrison Corner)

     

    Gisborne – Farmers Market – Vigil to Stop the war on Children

    Every Saturday

    9:30 – 11:30 am

    Gisborne Farmers Market

     

    Napier – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    11:30 am

    Marine Parade Soundshell Roundabout

     

    Hastings – Rally for Palestine

    Sunday 20 October

    1:00 pm

    Hastings Town Clock – Hastings CBD

     

    Palmerston North – Rally for Palestine

    Sunday 20 October

    2:00 pm 

    The Square, Palmerston North

     

    New Plymouth – Flags on the Bridge

    Friday 18 September

    4:30 pm

    Paynters Ave Bridge, New Plymouth

     

    New Plymouth – Rally and March

    Saturday 19 October 

    1:00 PM 

    The Landing, 1 Ariki Street, New Plymouth

     

    Whanganui – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    11:00 am

    Riverside Market, Whanganui

     

    Carterton – Gathering for Gaza

    Every Tuesday

    12:00 midday

    Memorial Square.

     

    Martinborough – Vigil for Palestine

    Every Wednesday

    11:00 am

    The square at the top of Kitchener St, Martinborough

     

    Masterton – Gathering for Gaza

    Every Sunday

    9:30 am

    Town Hall Lawn, Masterton

     

    Featherston – Gathering for Gaza

    Every Saturday

    11:00 am

    The Squircle (opposite the op shop).

     

    Wellington – Vigil for Palestine (by Aotearoa Healthcare Workers for Palestine)

    Every Friday

    6:00 pm

    In front of Wellington Hospital

    49 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington

     

    Wellington – Flags on the Bridge

    (hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)

    Every Friday

    7:15 – 8:15 am

    Hill Street bridge Overbridge, Wellington

     

    Wellington – Rally

    (hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)

    Saturday 19 October 

    1:00 – 2:00 pm

    Meet at Glover Park and Hikoi down Cuba Mall and back to Glover Park

     

    South Island

    Nelson – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    10:30 am

    Rocks Road by the beach

     

    Blenheim – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    11:00 am

    Blenheim Railway Station

     

    Christchurch – Nobela Protest

    Thursday 17

    11:45 am

    Foodstuffs Headquarters

    167 Main North Road, Northcote, Christchurch

     

    Christchurch- Flag Waving for Palestine

    Friday 18 October 

    4:00 pm

    Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch

     

    Christchurch – Rally and March

    Saturday 19 October 

    1:00 – 2:00 pm

    Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch

     

    Timaru

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Dunedin – Rally and March

    Saturday 19 October 

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Queenstown
    No Rally this weekend

     

    Invercargill – Rally for Palestine

    Sunday 20 October

    1:00 pm

    Wachner place Invercargill.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government must support workers following Smithfield closure

    Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

    NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is calling on the Government to show leadership following the announced closure of the Smithfield meat works, and the continued loss of regional manufacturing jobs, by putting in place policies to support workers with retraining and income insurance.

    “The loss of 600 jobs will be devastating for Timaru and the communities of South Canterbury, especially during a cost-of-living crisis and an economic downturn,” said Wagstaff.

    “It is unacceptable that there has been absolutely no help for the affected workers even though the Government has known since last month that this was likely to happen. We have already seen this lack of support in other situations, such as Winstone pulp and paper.

    “The trend we are seeing in terms of the loss of manufacturing jobs in regional communities is going to have a long-term negative impact on regional economic development and on the health and wellbeing of whānau and communities.

    “Every forecast tells us that unemployment is going to rise, but nothing is being done at the government level to address it. What we are seeing is a total failure of leadership.

    “The Government is happy to underwrite private building construction but will do nothing to underwrite workers incomes.

    “We need to learn the lessons of the past and not throw workers on the scrap heap when the manufacturing sector is under pressure. Government has a responsibility to support workers with retraining and pathways into employment.

    “It is also becoming clearer by the day just how foolish it was to scrap plans for an income insurance scheme that would have helped tide workers over until they found new work,” said Wagstaff.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: West Coast to offer rural and remote medicine training

    Source: New Zealand Government

    In another step towards improving New Zealand’s rural health workforce, Te Tai o Poutini West Coast has just received accreditation to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Training, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

    “This accreditation is great news for the West Coast and will help boost the number of doctors trained with the skills needed to support our rural communities,” Mr Doocey says.

    “Being an accredited ACRRM training location means the West Coast can look to attract both New Zealand and Australian graduates while continuing to develop its rural generalist model.

    “One of the five priorities of the National Rural Health Strategy is to create a valued and flexible rural health workforce and training young doctors to be rural generalists will support the delivery of this priority.

    “Generalism is particularly important in rural settings because multiple specialties are not readily accessible or clinically sustainable for those who live remotely.

    “A rural generalist can sustainably manage a broad and varied patient cohort and community need profile, while working within clinical networks of care to ensure patients get access to specialist teams if and when they need them. This has the benefit of reducing the need for patient travel by keeping care delivery local.

    Last month, the Government awarded scholarships to 27 health care students to boost the future rural health workforce.
    “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five living in our rural communities.

    “We know access to health care within rural communities, or being supported to access care when required, are key issues for rural communities. To improve access and rural health outcomes we need to invest in growing the rural health workforce.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Canada’s dairy protection must be cracked wide open

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT is backing New Zealand negotiators to crack open hard-fought Canadian market access for New Zealand dairy exports, as agreed to in the CPTPP. Today the Government triggered compulsory negotiations over Canada’s failure to honour the CPTPP and seek compensation for our world-best exporters.

    “Restricting imports of New Zealand dairy products not only makes Canadian consumers worse off, it is also a betrayal of the long-standing friendship between our two countries,” says ACT Trade Spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar.

    “Free trade benefits Canadians by giving consumers choice of a wider range of products and fostering competition, which ultimately reduces prices. It also benefits Canadian businesses that produce products that New Zealanders want to buy. But free trade must go both ways.

    “To Canadian farmers concerned about competition, I encourage you to look at New Zealand’s experience. Today, you’d be hard-pressed to find a New Zealand farmer who wants to reverse the market liberalisation reforms of the 1980s.

    “Opening New Zealand up to the world unleashed our economy, creating a generation of farmers that are the most efficient and innovative in the world.

    “Canada faces many of the same challenges as New Zealand. The ACT Party urges their Government to focus its time and resources on addressing those, rather than undermining our relationship for a cause that is actively making Canadians worse off.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2nd Hainan Int’l Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo kicks off in Haikou

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    2nd Hainan Int’l Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo kicks off in Haikou

    Updated: October 18, 2024 09:43 Xinhua
    A staff member arranges alcoholic drinks from Chile during the 2nd Hainan International Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 17, 2024. The 2nd Hainan International Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo kicked off here Thursday. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A staff member prepares food by a robot chef during the 2nd Hainan International Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the 2nd Hainan International Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on Oct. 17, 2024 shows candies from Japan displayed during the 2nd Hainan International Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A staff member arranges food from Malaysia during the 2nd Hainan International Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on Oct. 17, 2024 shows fungi from southwest China’s Yunnan Province displayed during the 2nd Hainan International Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway transports 5.79 mln passengers in first year

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Passengers board a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train on a platform of Padalarang Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Padalarang, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. The Jakarta-Bandung HSR, celebrating its first anniversary on Thursday, has transported 5.79 million passengers, according to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a joint venture between Indonesian and Chinese enterprises that built and operates the railway. Since its commercial launch in October 2023, the HSR has completed over 15,826 train trips, covering more than 2.57 million kilometers. The number of daily train services has increased from 14 at the start of operations to 52, with passenger seats rising from 8,400 to over 31,000. The highest daily ridership reached 24,132, according to KCIC statistics. [Photo/Xinhua]

    JAKARTA, Oct. 17 — The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR), celebrating its first anniversary on Thursday, has transported 5.79 million passengers, according to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a joint venture between Indonesian and Chinese enterprises that built and operates the railway.

    Since its commercial launch in October 2023, the HSR has completed over 15,826 train trips, covering more than 2.57 million kilometers. The number of daily train services has increased from 14 at the start of operations to 52, with passenger seats rising from 8,400 to over 31,000. The highest daily ridership reached 24,132, according to KCIC statistics.

    The HSR is fully powered by electricity, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The KCIC said that the green energy initiative saves Indonesia around 3.2 trillion rupiahs (208 million U.S. dollars) annually in fuel costs.

    In addition, Indonesian government data indicated that between 2019 and 2023, the project contributed 86.5 trillion rupiahs (about 5.62 billion dollars) to the GDP of Jakarta and West Java.

    With a design speed of 350 km per hour, the 142.3-km high-speed railway has cut travel time between Jakarta and Bandung from over three hours to just 46 minutes.

    Indonesian and Chinese staff members of China Railway Electrification Bureau Group Co., Ltd., one of the companies which take part in the construction of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR), pose for photos with a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train on a platform of Halim Station along the railway in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 12, 2024 shows a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train running along the line of Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) near Karawang Station, West Java, Indonesia. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Passengers walk on a platform of Halim Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Train cabin crew members walk in a running high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A passenger takes selfie photos with a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train on a platform of Padalarang Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Padalarang, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train enters the Padalarang Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Padalarang, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Passengers walk on a platform of Padalarang Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Padalarang, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 13, 2024 shows high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) trains stopping at a platform of Tegalluar Summarecon Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Bandung, Indonesia. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s top diplomat calls for deepening China-Brazil cooperation

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with a high-level Brazilian delegation led by Rui Costa, chief of staff of the presidency, in Beijing on Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

    China’s top diplomat Wang Yi met with a high-level Brazilian delegation led by Rui Costa, chief of staff of the presidency, in Beijing on Thursday, calling for deepening practical cooperation between the two countries.

    Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, noted that China and Brazil are the largest developing countries in the eastern and western hemispheres, respectively, with highly complementary economies, aligned development strategies and shared governance concepts.

    Under the new circumstances, the all-round strategic cooperation between China and Brazil not only serves the long-term and fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also sets a good example for the solidarity and coordination of countries in the Global South, Wang said.

    China attaches great importance to its relations with Brazil and is full of confidence in Brazil’s development prospects, Wang said, adding that China is ready to work with Brazil to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties to intensify high-level exchanges, deepen practical cooperation, enhance strategic collaboration and jointly build a community with a shared future.

    Costa and the other delegation members said Brazil is willing to push for more tangible results in cooperation in various fields, such as economy, trade, finance, infrastructure, green transformation, re-industrialization, and scientific and technological innovation.

    The Brazilian side is ready to enhance the strategic relationship of the two countries and push the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level, said the delegation.

    The two sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on improving global governance and agreed to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, international fairness and justice, and to become an important stabilizing force in today’s turbulent world.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Scholz opposes tariff conflicts with China

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz visits Bosch Hydrogen Powertrain Systems (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. in Jiulongpo District of southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, April 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday expressed his opposition to tariff conflicts while delivering a statement to the press in Brussels.

    Scholz stressed that such conflicts lead nowhere and emphasized the importance of using the World Trade Organization to resolve trade disputes.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the European Council meeting, Scholz reiterated his stance against escalating tariff tensions with China, a point he also made in a speech to the Bundestag, Germany’s lower house of parliament, the previous day.

    He noted that major German carmakers, along with 17 EU countries, oppose the imposition of tariffs on China.

    While highlighting the need for Germany to boost its competitiveness in the electric vehicle market, Scholz emphasized that this should not be achieved through tariffs.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 28 killed, 160 injured in Israeli bombing on school-turned shelter in N. Gaza

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Displaced Palestinians are seen at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    At least 28 Palestinians were killed and 160 others injured in an Israeli airstrike on a school housing displaced people in the Jabalia camp of northern Gaza Strip on Thursday, the Hamas-run Gaza government media office said.

    Fires broke out in the tents of the displaced individuals in the schoolyard because of the bombing. Some casualties were transferred to a hospital in northern Gaza, while ambulance teams were unable to reach the people in the targeted school, according to the Palestinian official news agency WAFA.

    Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that the Israeli Air Force conducted a “precise strike” on an operational meeting point for Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants in northern Gaza.

    The militants were operating inside a command and control center embedded inside a compound that previously served as the Abu Hassan School, the IDF said.

    Dozens of militants were present in the compound at the time of the strike, said the IDF, which also published 12 names of those present.

    The militants were involved in rocket attacks into the Israeli territory, as well as in planning and committing attacks against IDF troops and Israel in recent days, it claimed.

    Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for the Civil Defense in Gaza, said Thursday in a statement that the Israeli army is carrying out a “systematic destruction” of the Jabalia camp, using all means, including explosive robots, to empty the camp.

    The Israeli army refuses to allow ambulances to reach the area and transport the casualties, while bodies of victims are still under the rubble, Basal said.

    Meanwhile, Gaza-based health authorities warned Thursday in a press statement that newborns in the nursery of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza are facing a humanitarian disaster due to a fuel crisis and a shortage of medicines and medical supplies amid ongoing Israeli siege of northern Gaza.

    Also on Thursday, Palestinian paramedics said they recovered the bodies of five people killed in two separate attacks on a house and a gathering north of Gaza City.

    Palestinian sources also reported at least 17 deaths on Thursday in other places across Gaza. According to the sources, three people were killed and dozens of others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a tent housing displaced people in the city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

    Medics told Xinhua that eight people were killed and dozens of others injured in an Israeli bombing on a house belonging to the al-Helou family west of Gaza City, while the Civil Defense Authority in Gaza said Thursday in a press statement that its team recovered the bodies of six Palestinians killed in a bombing in the town of al-Fakhari, east of Khan Younis, in southern Gaza.

    Local sources and eyewitnesses told Xinhua that Israeli aircraft and artillery intensively bombed the outskirts of the Zeitoun neighborhood in southern Gaza and the Sabra neighborhood in the west, amidst gunfire from Israeli tanks.

    According to the IDF, its troops have killed militants and destroyed infrastructure in the area of Rafah in southern Gaza over the past day, dismantled a “terrorist cell” and located a large number of weapons in northern Gaza, and dismantled military infrastructure and killed militants in central Gaza, including in the outskirts of Nuseirat and Al Bureij refugee camps. The IDF did not specify the number of the casualties.

    Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

    The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 42,438, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Thursday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon rises to 2,412

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Displaced people are seen in Beirut, Lebanon, Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon since the beginning of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict on Oct. 8, 2023, has reached 2,412, and the number of wounded individuals has increased to 11,285, according to a report on Thursday by the Lebanese Council of Ministers.

    Meanwhile, the death toll from Israeli airstrikes on different areas in Lebanon on Oct. 16 reached 45 while injuries stood at 179, the report added.

    The report said that during the past 24 hours, 96 airstrikes and shelling were recorded in various areas of Lebanon, bringing the total number of attacks since the beginning of the Israeli “aggression” to 10,246.

    According to the report, about a third of the Lebanese people have become displaced, and there is a risk of spreading epidemics among the displaced.

    The National Committee for the Coordination of Crisis Response Operations is working with relevant ministries to secure additional shelters in various governorates to receive the displaced, it added.

    The Israeli army has launched intensive attacks on Lebanon since late September in an escalation with Hezbollah, heightening concerns about a broader war as the conflict between Hamas and Israel continues in the Gaza Strip.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: India’s extradition requests to Canada unaddressed

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    India has made 26 extradition requests to Canada, including requests for individuals wanted for crimes committed in India, but no action has been taken by the Canadian government yet, said Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal on Wednesday.

    The statement came in the wake of the recent diplomatic row between the two countries, following which India called back all its diplomats, including its high commissioner, from Canada.

    India also expelled six Canadian diplomats posted in New Delhi, asking them to leave the country by or before Saturday.

    The diplomatic row escalated after Canada accused Indian diplomats of being involved in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader within Canada last year. Canada called for an investigation into the role of the Indian diplomats after revoking their diplomatic immunity.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of 49th Republic of Korea and United States Military Committee Meeting between Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and Chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Kim Myung-Soo

    Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff

    Headline: Readout of 49th Republic of Korea and United States Military Committee Meeting between Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and Chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Kim Myung-Soo

    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., met with Chairman of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Kim Myung-Soo virtually today during the 49th Republic of Korea and United States Military Committee Meeting (MCM).

    MIL OSI USA News –