Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Strengthening Women, Peace and Security focus of FSC Security Dialogue and side-event of the Estonian Chairpersonship
Strengthening Women, Peace and Security focus of FSC Security Dialogue and side-event of the Estonian Chairpersonship | OSCE
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Home Newsroom News and press releases Strengthening Women, Peace and Security focus of FSC Security Dialogue and side-event of the Estonian Chairpersonship
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Tackling hate speech in the digital age: Stronger Action Needed
SARAJEVO, 18 June 2025 – Hate speech is not new, but, fueled by the anonymity and viral nature of digital platforms, it now travels faster and further. These new arenas for hate speech carry the potential for more devastating consequences – accelerating discrimination, creating hostile environments or inciting violence, including hate crimes. As we mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, we cannot ignore the real risks of our digital and internet age, including the growing incidence and impact of online hate speech and the escalating dangers of posed by generative artificial intelligence (AI).
These risks are particularly relevant in the context of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where hate speech has long prevented healing and exacerbated the wounds of a painful past, at the same time jeopardizing efforts to look towards a common brighter future.
One of the most widespread and troubling forms of hate speech in the country is the denial, justification and relativization of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes committed during the 1992–1995 conflict as well as the glorification of war criminals. Such narratives are perpetuated — sometimes by high-profile public figures and politicians — for political gain and with impunity. Murals and offensive graffiti that publicly glorify war criminals are not just painful and haunting reminders for victims; they also contribute to politically motivated historical revisionism by reflecting a deliberate manipulation of history to justify harmful ideologies and obstruct reconciliation.
Hate speech reflects our biases, for example, infused with gendered components such as such as discrediting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence or minimizing the distinct impact of war crimes of on the respective genders. Gendered hate speech undermines international justice, retraumatizes survivors and dehumanizes victims by aggravating suffering or erasing their experiences.
Hate speech also disproportionately targets marginalized communities, such as ethnic minorities, migrants and persons with disabilities, as well as women and girls, including those from these communities. This further amplifies fear and compounds structural inequalities and social exclusion. Children are especially vulnerable to online hate speech, with such exposure potentially permanently negatively impacting their well-being and development.
The anonymity and impersonal nature of online spaces often embolden the authors of hate speech, social media posts, videos or AI-generated images can be created and disseminated in seconds, reaching thousands—sometimes millions—without accountability.
No single organization or institution can tackle this issue alone. Eradicating hate speech demands joint action, bringing together governments, civil society, the media and tech platforms. Media and tech companies, who may profit from emotive and shocking content, must be aware of the particular responsibilities they have. Political actors and institutions at all levels must also act—decisively and consistently.
Critically, civil society, including grassroots organizations, human rights defenders, and environmental advocates, must be enabled and protected in fulfilling their vital role in raising awareness, providing support to survivors, and advocating for safer digital and public spaces. Countering hate speech must prioritize support for survivors, including access to justice through free legal aid, psychosocial services, and safe reporting mechanisms. We must also remember that protecting the most vulnerable requires active resistance to all forms of hate.
We — the United Nations, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo — remain committed to working together and supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina towards stronger regulation against hate speech, greater accountability, and ethical and responsible public discourse, notwithstanding the right to freedom of opinion and expression in line with international standards.
We urge those in positions of responsibility, whether in politics, the media or other roles of influence, as well as citizens, to take a stand against hate speech and challenge hateful narratives in everyday life. Together, through courage and commitment, we can combat all forms of hate speech and ensure that dignity and respect remain the foundations of our both our democratic and digital societies.
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The Op-ed is published as part of the joint project “Možemo bolje”, funded by the European Union’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments under the Neighborhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – jointly implemented by the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Correspondence
DfE Update: 18 June 2025
Latest information and actions from the Department for Education about funding, assurance and resource management, for academies, local authorities and further education providers.
A new Citizen Interaction Policy, aimed at promoting positive engagement between the Council and citizens, was approved this week.
Councillors from the Staff Governance Committee approved the Citizen Interaction Policy, which reinforces the Council’s commitment to providing accessible services to all members of the community, while supporting the safety and wellbeing of employees and elected members.
In addition to promoting positive engagement, the policy includes a zero tolerance pledge against violence, aggression and abuse towards employees and elected members.
Committee Convener Councillor Neil Copeland said: “We are here to help and support citizens and we ask them to work with us to make this possible.
“The policy provides safeguards for Council employees and elected members – while also providing a single point of reference to understand the standards of behaviours expected from all involved parties.”
Vice Convener, Councillor Gill Al-Samarai said, “The safety of our employees and the citizens we serve is of paramount importance. By creating a single policy we aim to tackle unacceptable behaviours for the benefit of everyone.”
“We will publish the policy on the council website and will seek to raise public awareness of our zero tolerance approach through signage in all of our public facing buildings.”
Last week, Councillors agreed at Education, Children and Families Committee that the Scottish Government guidance on school uniform will apply to all City of Edinburgh Council schools.
In line with the decision, schools in the city should not require branded school items as a compulsory part of their uniform policy. Uniform policies should be flexible and include plain and non-branded uniform items that match school colours. Blazers and branded items of uniform will no longer be compulsory, encouraged or promoted by schools.
Schools in Edinburgh will continue to have uniforms but parents and carers will have wider choice on where they choose to purchase school uniform items and on how much they wish to spend.
In recent years the cost of school uniform has steadily increased and for some families, uniform costs, especially for higher priced branded and embroidered items, represent a significant impact on household budgets. Schools are expected to do all that they can to limit school clothing costs for families.
In line with this new guidance, parents or carers should not be directed to specialist suppliers to purchase branded items.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said:
We are committed to tackling poverty and inequality in our schools and it is clear that the cost of school uniform items has, for some, created a barrier to school education. One of the ways we are addressing this is by removing the need for parents and carers to be compelled to spend more money than is necessary on school uniform.
The Scottish Government guidance makes clear the rationale behind the new approach to school uniforms. It is the right thing to do make changes that will have a positive financial impact on families by reducing the cost of the school day, while also creating a more inclusive school environment and promoting sustainability. I am pleased that members of the Education, Children and Families Committee have agreed this positive step forward which is focused on supporting all pupils to come to school feeling comfortable, confident and ready to learn.
The Leader of Leeds City Council and the Mayor of West Yorkshire have welcomed government plans to bring together local communities, civil servants, and frontline workers in Leeds and the wider region to have a greater voice in shaping and testing national policy.
As a part of the next phase of the Government’s plan to transform public services and deliver its ‘Plan for Change’, three key locations; Leeds, Sheffield, and Darlington, will use thematic campuses to focus on different government policy missions and solve major challenges facing communities.
Working hand in hand with local mayoral combined authorities and public service providers, the Community Mission Challenge pilot programme aims to draw together civil servants and frontline workers with a cross section of expertise, skills, and experience from departments such as teaching and the NHS, to have a greater impact on shaping and testing new government policy locally.
Once proved successful, these solutions and ways of working can then be scaled up across other parts of the UK to accelerate delivery of the missions nationally.
The pilot programme follows a recent government announcement that will see thousands of civil servants located outside London, with the aim of bringing central government closer to the people it serves.
Under the plans, Leeds will focus on the Government’s health mission, while Sheffield will focus on opportunity, and Darlington on growth.
Leeds already has a reputation for innovation in health and social care through its comprehensive Health and Wellbeing Strategy, Inclusive Growth Strategy, and its introduction of the Marmot city partnership. Coupled with a cutting-edge health technology and research sector, and its expansive voluntary and community organisations and anchor networks already working in close partnership with the local authority, the city has a wealth of experience in health innovation.
The Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis, said: “We are delighted that Leeds civil servants will take a leading role in delivering the Government’s health mission. This aligns with our local health and wellbeing strategy, which aims to improve the health of the poorest fastest.
“Leeds is a growing, diverse and ambitious city with well-established neighbourhood networks run by the voluntary and community sector and large anchor organisations working in partnership with the local authority, and a wealth of frontline expertise which will really benefit this new initiative.
“As a city, we have a hard-won reputation for innovation, especially within the health and social care sector, so we are perfectly suited to focus on the health mission which has been entrusted to the city.
“We look forward to playing a significant role in helping to shape national policy and to bringing central government closer to our community.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This government understands that to achieve its missions and rebuild public services, it needs to listen to those who know their areas best.
“Frontline workers and civil servants across the North of England stand ready to help the government understand the challenges and deliver the change that’s needed to grow our economy and put more money in people’s pockets.
“Home to a thriving network of over 300 health tech companies, three innovative universities and the largest teaching hospital in Europe, it’s only fitting that Leeds will lead the way on transforming the NHS and the health of our communities across the UK.”
Plans for the scheme will continue to be drawn up throughout the summer with the programme expected to start work in the autumn. A new secondment scheme between government and local authorities is also being developed with people in both central and local government able to participate.
Are you looking for a fantastic opportunity for a talented youngster? The search is on for energetic and charismatic children to join the Junior Ensemble in this year’s Derby panto, Dick Whittington, at Derby Arena.
Little Wolf Entertainment is seeking young performers, bursting with personality, to share the stage with professional actors, including the acclaimed panto dame Morgan Brind.
This year’s production, another collaboration between Derby LIVE and Little Wolf, follows the massive success of previous pantomimes like 2024’s Cinderella, which received two nominations at the UK Pantomime Association Awards.
Auditions are open to boys and girls aged 9-16 who can act, sing, and dance. While previous theatre experience isn’t required, a passion for performing is a must! Please note that 16-year-olds must still be in compulsory full-time education (Year 11) at the time of the show.
If you know a young star who loves to sing and dance, this is their chance to shine on a big stage. Being part of the Junior Ensemble involves lots of hard work and commitment, but is fantastic opportunity to be part of a sensational production – and lots of fun!
To join the Junior Ensemble, you will need to be free for rehearsals on weekday evenings and all day at weekends from 13 November until the show opens, as well as performances from 5 – 31 December 2025.
Auditions will be held at Derby Arena on Sunday 20 July. Applications are open now via the Little Wolf website. Once you register, full details about the audition session for your child’s age group will be sent to you.
There’s no need to prepare anything in advance – it will be a fun, dance workshop-style audition. Each session is expected to last approximately three hours.
Morgan Brind and Alan Bowles from Derby-based Little Wolf Entertainment said:
Every year, we really look forward to these auditions. We’re consistently blown away by the sheer volume of young talent in Derby. If you’d like to be part of the team, be sure to apply soon – we can’t wait to meet you!
Dick Whittington is at Derby Arena from Friday 5 – Wednesday 31 December. Tickets are now on sale with ticket prices ranging from £22 to £37. Concessions and family ticket savings are available. Tickets can be purchased on the Derby LIVE website, at the Sales and Information Centre,19 Chapel Street, Derby, DE1 3GU, or by calling 01332 255 800.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) — North China’s Shanxi Province has made significant progress in international archaeological cooperation. The Fergana-Shanxi Joint Archaeological Center and the Laboratory for the Protection and Restoration of Cultural Relics were recently opened at Fergana State University in Uzbekistan, according to the provincial government’s official website.
The parties will cooperate in depth in the areas of joint archaeological research, personnel training, archaeology using scientific technologies and the protection of cultural relics.
Since the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology and Fergana State University in October 2024, the two sides have been actively implementing the provisions of the agreement, developing exchanges and cooperation in various fields.
In March 2025, they held talks to deepen cooperation and reached a consensus, laying a more solid foundation for future joint work. From May 9 to 12, the Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology, together with three professors and teachers from the History Department of Fergana State University, conducted a 4-day archaeological survey in the Fergana Valley. During the survey, 9 ancient sites from the Bronze and Iron Ages were examined.
The joint archaeological team applied a variety of advanced technological methods to comprehensively and in detail study the state of preservation of the sites, their cultural appearance, the history of archaeological research, and the relationship between the settlements and burial grounds. This allowed us to obtain key data on the archaeological sites of the region, providing strong support for subsequent in-depth archaeological excavations and research work.
Fan Wenqian, Director of the Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology, said that promoting cooperation with Fergana State University in such areas as joint archaeological research, personnel training, archaeology using scientific technology, protection of cultural relics, exhibition, etc. is not only a responsibility but also a mission. The cooperation will not only enable a deep study of the historical and cultural content of the Fergana Valley, but also train more professional personnel with an international outlook for the archaeological circles of Shanxi, which will further enhance the international influence of Shanxi archaeology.
As it became known, from September to October 2025, employees of the Institute of Archaeology of Shanxi Province will again be in the Fergana Valley to conduct joint archaeological work. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
URUMQI, June 18 (Xinhua) — Participants from various countries expressed their readiness to strengthen cooperation in the relevant field within the SCO framework at the 4th meeting of heads of ministries and departments of the SCO member states responsible for the development of information and communication technologies (ICT), which was held in Karamay city, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Tuesday.
At the event, Deputy Minister of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China Xiong Jijun called promoting sustainable development and accelerating modernization common goals of the SCO countries.
According to him, China is ready to work with all parties to improve the quality and level of cooperation among the member states by improving institutional mechanisms, strengthening political dialogue, deepening practical cooperation in the field of digital technologies and ICT, promoting the transformation and modernization of industries, building a more just, accessible and inclusive digital world, thereby contributing to the formation of a community of shared destiny of the SCO.
First Deputy Minister of Communications and Informatization of the Republic of Belarus Pavel Tkach stated that joint digital development allows for a significant deepening of integration, mutual trade and other sectors of the economy, and the exchange of experience in this area can be carried out within the framework of the SCO.
He stressed that due to the rapid growth of data in Belarus, there is a need to create centers for their processing and storage, adding that Belarus is interested in China’s experience in this area and expects to participate in specific projects with it.
Karamay City, the venue for the event, boasts of its dynamic digital economy in Xinjiang. According to local authorities, as of the end of 2024, the computing power of the cloud computing industrial park was 17,042 petaflops (1 petaflop equals 1 quadrillion floating-point operations per second), becoming the first such industrial park in the region with a computing power of more than 10,000 petaflops.
Zhanat Dzhabasova from Kazakhstan, head of the center for international cooperation and project implementation at the M. Dulatov Kostanay Engineering and Economics University, emphasized the prospects of Karamay to become a future hub of digital technologies. She stated that due to its geographical location, the city is quite capable of combining the experience of Kazakhstan and China in this area and becoming a center for digital transformation and exchanges between the two countries.
Zh. Dzhabasova also expressed hope for the development of cooperation with Chinese universities in the field of information technology and other areas, especially for conducting joint scientific research through the exchange of experience.
The head of Tajikistan’s Communications Service, Isfandiyor Sadullo, said that Karamay, as a city whose main industry is the oil industry, is making active efforts to develop digital technologies. According to him, he sees broad prospects here in the field of big data exchange.
I. Sadullo also said that Tajikistan expects cooperation with China in the field of digital and information and communication technologies, as well as in digital development and transformation.
Let us recall that the meeting adopted an action plan aimed at deepening exchanges and cooperation between the SCO member states in the development of measures for digital transformation, creation of digital infrastructure, digital government, cloud computing, digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises, development and application of digital technologies, exchange of specialists in the field of digital technologies, etc. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) — The SCO Center for International Legal Training and Cooperation (China), based at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, held the Forum on Legal Support for SCO Economic and Trade Activities from Tuesday to Wednesday.
The event was held under the theme “Legal Innovations and International Cooperation – Building a New Era of Sustainable Development”. It was attended by more than 100 experts, scientists and industry representatives from international organizations, SCO countries, Chinese and foreign universities, research institutions and business circles.
The forum focused on creating an effective communication platform for deepening and promoting legal ideas in economic and trade activities, and was also aimed at forming a more open, mutually beneficial and sustainable platform for legal cooperation within the SCO.
The meeting discussed issues such as preventing legal risks in international investment and infrastructure construction within the Belt and Road Initiative, international trade, financial settlements and dispute resolution within the SCO.
Ge Weihua, Party Secretary of Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, said that in the context of growing uncertainty and complexity in economic and trade exchanges, there is an urgent need for more coordinated, higher-level legal support.
Since the establishment of the SCO/China International Legal Training and Cooperation Center, Shanghai University of Political Science and Law has always been committed to promoting in-depth exchanges and cooperation in the legal, economic and trade fields within the SCO framework. In the future, the university will continue to give full play to the advantages of the center to actively promote regional legal cooperation, he added.
The forum was organized by the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law and the SCO Center for International Legal Training and Cooperation /China/. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BAGHDAD, June 18 (Xinhua) — Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has called on European powers, particularly France, Britain and Germany, to play a direct and effective role in achieving an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Iran and resuming negotiations, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Hussein held a telephone conversation with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot, during which they discussed the escalation of tensions in the region, the ministry said in a statement.
According to the statement, both ministers stressed the need for immediate international action to halt military operations by all sides. They warned that further escalation could trigger a wider global economic and humanitarian crisis.
They also stressed the importance of preventing the conflict from spreading or involving other regional or international actors, which could further threaten world peace and stability.
Both sides agreed on the need to coordinate international efforts to support dialogue, describing it as the most viable way to prevent dangerous consequences for the region and the world, the statement added. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TEHRAN, June 18 (Xinhua) — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that the country remains steadfast in the conflict with Israel and will not give in to pressure, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported.
In a televised address, he praised the Iranian people’s “steadfast, courageous and timely” response to what he called Israel’s “stupid and malicious aggression.” He said the nation’s resilience reflected “the growth of rationality and spirituality” in the country.
“The Iranian people will firmly resist the imposed war, just as they will firmly resist the imposed peace. This nation will not surrender to anyone’s pressure,” Tasnim quotes A. Khamenei as saying.
He also warned that the United States would suffer “irreparable damage” as a result of any military intervention. “Those who know Iran and its history understand that threatening its people is futile,” he said.
Iran’s supreme leader made the remarks after US President Donald Trump made several social media posts on Tuesday demanding Tehran’s “immediate surrender,” fueling speculation that the US was getting militarily involved in the conflict.
The conflict between Israel and Iran is continuing for a sixth day. During this time, about 600 people have died in Iran and 24 in Israel. The escalation began after Israel launched surprise airstrikes on Iranian territory on June 13. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SHANGHAI, June 18 (Xinhua) — China will set up an international digital yuan operations center, Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng announced at the Lujiazui Forum in Shanghai on Wednesday.
The purpose of establishing this center, he said, is to promote the internationalization of the digital yuan and the development of financial market services, as well as support innovation in the field of digital finance. -0-
We forecast U.S. ethane exports will decrease by 80,000 barrels per day (b/d) this year and by 177,000 b/d in 2026 in our June Short-Term Energy Outlook because of new licensing requirements for U.S. exports of ethane to China. Any policy changes that relax licensing requirements, such as the outcome of trade negotiations between the United States and China, would lead us to increase our forecasts for U.S. ethane exports again.
China is the largest destination for U.S. ethane exports, accounting for 47% of U.S. ethane exports in 2024. All U.S. ethane exports to China come from two terminals on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Enterprise operates the Orbit terminal in Morgan’s Point, Texas, and Energy Transfer operates a terminal in Nederland, Texas. These terminals have long-term contracts with ethane cracking facilities in China. Both companies announced they received notice from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) that they need to apply for a special license to export ethane to China. Both Enterprise and Energy Transfer report that BIS said ethane exports to China pose an “unacceptable risk” that the material could be used for military purposes.
According to Vortexa data, as of June 16, seven Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs), nearly a quarter of the VLEC fleet, are stalled along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Two stalled VLECs are laden with nearly 1 million barrels of ethane each. Typically, these loaded VLECs would be headed to China through the Panama Canal, indicating that they were likely loaded before the export licenses were denied. Three VLECs that typically go to China are ballast (empty) and moored off the U.S. Gulf Coast. Two vessels that typically carry ethane from the U.S. Gulf Coast to China on long-term agreements have been diverted to ethane crackers in Dahej, India. The last shipment of U.S. ethane to China left May 23 from Energy Transfer’s terminal on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Ethane is a natural gas liquid extracted from wet natural gas during processing and is primarily used to produce ethylene. Ethylene is a crucial component in the petrochemical industry and a building block for plastics, resins, and synthetic rubber.
Average annual U.S. ethane exports have increased every year since 2014 except 2020, when exports fell slightly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Growing U.S. ethane exports have been supported by rising global petrochemical demand, ethane’s cost advantage in ethylene production over other feedstocks such as naphtha and propane, and increased ethane tanker fleet shipping capacity.
Crackers in China that can only use ethane as a feedstock, such as Satellite Petrochemical, have already shut down, according to Argus, because no alternative sources for ethane imports exist. Other crackers in China can switch feedstock to naphtha or liquified petroleum gas (propane and butane), such as SP Chemical’s Taixing cracker.
CLARKSBURG, WV—On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division Assistant Director Timothy A. Ferguson presented the Harrison County (West Virginia) Deputy Reserve Program with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for its service to citizens in West Virginia. The Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program is dedicated to strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community.
The FBI established the DCLA in 1990 to publicly acknowledge the achievements of those working to make a difference in their communities through the promotion of education and the prevention of crime and violence.
“The FBI’s successes are built on our connections with our law enforcement partners and our communities,” said CJIS Division Assistant Director Ferguson. “Having partner organizations such as the Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program that engage with the public ensures we are able to maintain public trust and accountability, crush violent crime, and defend the homeland.”
The Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program is a non-profit organization comprised of volunteers who support law enforcement and the community in a myriad of ways. The organization’s members are trained to assist in missing persons’ searches and traffic incident management. They hold monthly meetings that provide opportunities to connect state, local, and federal law enforcement. They also provide platforms for the FBI’s CJIS Division to reach community members via the CJIS Community Outreach Program’s Child ID Fingerprinting—a service that gives parents and guardians copies of their children’s fingerprints. The family can then turn over the fingerprints and accompanying headshots, which are not stored in any FBI system, to police in the event a child goes missing. Inspired by the FBI CJIS Division’s Citizens Academy, the Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program created the Harrison County Citizens Academy to connect with, and better educate, community leaders about aspects of law enforcement and the judicial system. As with the FBI’s citizen academies, these opportunities enable frank discussion to enhance communities.
Multiple members of the Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program attended the award ceremony.
“I want to extend our sincere gratitude to the FBI for this tremendous honor,” said former Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny. “Thank you for your unwavering commitment to strengthening the bond between federal and local law enforcement and thank you recognizing the power of partnership in building safer communities. This award is a testament to what can be accomplished when ordinary citizens step forward to do extraordinary things. The men and women of our Reserve Unit have answered that call time and again, without hesitation and without expectation. We are honored to accept this award, not just as a unit, but as part of the greater law enforcement family—united by purpose, service, and the unwavering belief that communities are worth protecting.”
“This award was totally unexpected, but I am proud of how our unit has come together to give back to the community and to assist the sheriff’s office and deputies as they fulfill their duties,” said Deputy Sheriff Reserve Michael Lambiotte.
Photo Courtesy: Federal Bureau of Investigation – CJIS Division Assistant Director Timothy A. Ferguson (far left) and CJIS Division Section Chief Scott E. Schubert (far right) are joined by Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny II (center left) and members of the Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program.
CLARKSBURG, WV—On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division Assistant Director Timothy A. Ferguson presented the Harrison County (West Virginia) Deputy Reserve Program with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for its service to citizens in West Virginia. The Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program is dedicated to strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community.
The FBI established the DCLA in 1990 to publicly acknowledge the achievements of those working to make a difference in their communities through the promotion of education and the prevention of crime and violence.
“The FBI’s successes are built on our connections with our law enforcement partners and our communities,” said CJIS Division Assistant Director Ferguson. “Having partner organizations such as the Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program that engage with the public ensures we are able to maintain public trust and accountability, crush violent crime, and defend the homeland.”
The Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program is a non-profit organization comprised of volunteers who support law enforcement and the community in a myriad of ways. The organization’s members are trained to assist in missing persons’ searches and traffic incident management. They hold monthly meetings that provide opportunities to connect state, local, and federal law enforcement. They also provide platforms for the FBI’s CJIS Division to reach community members via the CJIS Community Outreach Program’s Child ID Fingerprinting—a service that gives parents and guardians copies of their children’s fingerprints. The family can then turn over the fingerprints and accompanying headshots, which are not stored in any FBI system, to police in the event a child goes missing. Inspired by the FBI CJIS Division’s Citizens Academy, the Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program created the Harrison County Citizens Academy to connect with, and better educate, community leaders about aspects of law enforcement and the judicial system. As with the FBI’s citizen academies, these opportunities enable frank discussion to enhance communities.
Multiple members of the Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program attended the award ceremony.
“I want to extend our sincere gratitude to the FBI for this tremendous honor,” said former Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny. “Thank you for your unwavering commitment to strengthening the bond between federal and local law enforcement and thank you recognizing the power of partnership in building safer communities. This award is a testament to what can be accomplished when ordinary citizens step forward to do extraordinary things. The men and women of our Reserve Unit have answered that call time and again, without hesitation and without expectation. We are honored to accept this award, not just as a unit, but as part of the greater law enforcement family—united by purpose, service, and the unwavering belief that communities are worth protecting.”
“This award was totally unexpected, but I am proud of how our unit has come together to give back to the community and to assist the sheriff’s office and deputies as they fulfill their duties,” said Deputy Sheriff Reserve Michael Lambiotte.
Photo Courtesy: Federal Bureau of Investigation – CJIS Division Assistant Director Timothy A. Ferguson (far left) and CJIS Division Section Chief Scott E. Schubert (far right) are joined by Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny II (center left) and members of the Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program.
Property sales activity in New Zealand continued to strengthen in May, with volumes holding above average levels for a third consecutive month, according to Cotality’s June Housing Chart Pack.
Sales volumes in May, measured across both private deals and real estate agents, were 16% higher than in the same month last year. This is the 24th rise in the past 25 months.
The total number of sales at 8,218, was also about 5% above the 10-year May average, marking the third month in a row where activity has exceeded ‘normal’ levels.
Cotality Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said the ongoing lift in sale volumes points to improving confidence in the market.
“Property sales have been gradually trending upwards for around two years now, and activity is back at normal levels, or even slightly above. It’s not a boom, but it’s clear that confidence is slowly returning, undoubtedly supported by falling mortgage rates.”
However, for-sale listings remain high, with the number of new listings coming forward in recent weeks still ticking over at a solid pace.
“New listings have generally tracked in line with typical seasonal patterns this year, though April’s extended holiday break did cause a temporary dip. As the market now enters the traditional winter lull, listing activity is likely to remain muted until it picks up again in Spring,” he said.
Mr Davidson noted that stronger sales volumes have started to slightly reduce total stock levels in recent weeks.
“While it has started to come down, the total number of properties listed on the market is still 20% above the five-year average, and that’s putting a lot of the negotiating power in buyers’ hands.”
“Most areas are now showing a decline in total properties listed for sale compared to the same time in 2024, although Canterbury and Otago haven’t quite joined the club just yet,” he said.
Total listings, change from equivalent period last year
“While we’re starting to see listings come down, they’re still well above average in many markets. That means price growth is likely to remain contained in the short term,” he concluded.
Highlights from the June 2025 Housing Chart Pack include:
New Zealand’s residential real estate market is worth a combined $1.64 trillion.
The CoreLogic Home Value Index shows property values across New Zealand edged down -0.1% in May. Over the three months to May, there was also a -0.1% dip in median property values across NZ.
The total sales count over the 12 months to May is 85,395.
Total listings on the market were 29,443 in May. The total number of properties listed on the market remains elevated, although the seasonal fall for new listings flows means that agreed sales have just started to eat into stock levels a little in the past few weeks.
The pace of rental growth remains subdued, with net migration having fallen a long way from its peak, and the stock of available rental listings on the market still elevated.
Gross rental yields now stand at 3.8%, which is the highest level since 2015-16.
Inflation is back in the 1–3% target range, and after May’s 0.25% cut, the OCR is now down to 3.25%.
The Chart of the Month shows Reserve Bank figures, with the average rate being paid on the existing stock of fixed loans currently about 5.9%, but prevailing rates are now about 1%-point lower than that figure.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government’s response to temporary stay granted by Court about decision to remove Aggressive Construction Company Limited from register The BA refused the registration renewal application of ACCL on May 22, 2025 and decided to remove its name from the register of general building contractors on June 20. ACCL has appealed against the decision and applied for a stay of execution of the decision. The Court of First Instance of the High Court today granted an interim-interim stay of execution of the decision. The hearing of the appeal and application for stay of execution is tentatively scheduled for August 26 and 27.
The spokesman for the DEVB said, “As the Court has granted an interim-interim stay of execution of the decision, ACCL will not be removed from the register of general building contractors on June 20. During the period pending further hearings, if there are still construction activities on the project sites undertaken by ACCL, the project owners concerned will act in accordance with the contracts and continue to monitor the construction sites and the performance of the contractor. If the contractor’s performance fails to meet the contractual requirements, the project owners will handle the matter in accordance with the contract and reserve the right to take follow-up actions. The BD and project owners will also step up monitoring and surprise inspections to safeguard site safety. In fact, since the performance of ACCL in respect of the public works project of the Chai Wan Government Complex was far below the contractual requirements, the Government as the project owner has terminated the contract in accordance with the contractual mechanism and taken over the construction site on June 15. The Government will endeavour to arrange in the near term for a new contractor to take over and finish the remaining works.” Issued at HKT 20:45
The Water Supplies Department (WSD) will work around the clock to replace a 400-metre-long steel water main by early July, that was believed to be the source of the bitumen sediments found in the fresh water at Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court.
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn told legislators today that the Government is highly concerned about the water incident at Queen’s Hill. Upon receiving the incident reports at the end of May, the WSD and the Housing Department (HD) formed a joint working group to probe the incident and formulate remedial measures.
The WSD has cleaned the water mains under its management and maintenance 11 times, while the HD has cleaned water pipes and water tanks under its purview six times and three times respectively.
The HD has also installed 22 screen filters at the water inlet of each building and the estates.
In addition, the WSD keeps collecting water samples from the estates for testing. So far, all samples have complied with the Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards.
Ms Linn noted that about 700 enquiries have been made to the 24-hour hotline since its set-up on June 7. Furthermore, the WSD has received over 1,500 requests for flushing water meters through community channels.
Such channels involved the street counters and home visits organised by District Council members, the three district committees and the Care Teams.
The WSD has completed the flushing of water meters within one to two days. Currently, most of the residents reported an improvement in water quality and follow-up action is not required.
The WSD believes that the black sediments in the fresh water originated from a steel water main at the upstream water supply network at Ping Che Road. The 400-metre-long water main uses bitumen as an inner lining that serves as a protective coating.
Over the past week, the WSD has explored the approach of using exposed temporary water mains to replace the steel water main.
It collaborated with the Development Bureau, the contractor, the Transport Department, Police and the North District Office to formulate traffic arrangements.
Through collective efforts, the WSD will immediately start the project and work around the clock to complete the temporary water mains by early July, when the specified section of bitumen-lined steel water mains will decommission.
The WSD will also strive to replace the exposed temporary water mains with a permanent underground water mains by the end of this year.
Ms Linn pointed out that the WSD has ceased applying bitumen lining on fresh water mains since 2005. Of the water pipes that still contain this type of lining, only about 230km are fresh water distribution mains, representing about 3.9% of the city’s total fresh water distribution mains.
Apart from installing over 1,000 screen filters in the related water supply network, the WSD is reviewing the necessity of installing additional screen filters at suitable locations, she added.
Rain can dampen summer activities, but it’s also vital to the health of our landscapes – from replenishing groundwater to sustaining plants and crops.
Modern infrastructure and excess water from rain don’t always work perfectly in sync. Our homes, roads, parking lots, and buildings block water from soaking into the ground, leading to more flooding and erosion.
Mike Dietz ’94 (CLAS), ’01 MS, ’05 Ph.D., a senior extension educator and director of the Connecticut Institute of Water Resources, offers Connecticut residents some ideas to better handle Mother Nature’s wet presence.
Rain gardens offer a natural, beautiful solution, helping to manage stormwater while supporting cleaner water across Connecticut. UConn Extension is leading efforts to expand rain gardens statewide through resources including an app, a free online course, workshops, and hands-on support.
A rain garden is a shallow, landscaped area that captures and filters stormwater using plants, mulch, and ground covers. In residential neighborhoods, this reduces the amount of runoff that leaves the property in stormwater pipes, where it is sent untreated to local streams.
Because Connecticut is part of the Long Island Sound watershed, every rain garden also helps protect the Sound, restore local waterways, and strengthen ecosystems. These gardens filter pollutants from stormwater before it reaches rivers and the Sound, using nature’s own cleaning processes.
Dietz has spent years working with team members, developing rain garden resources for homeowners and communities.
“I like the hands-on aspect of Extension water programs where I can see tangible things happening,” Dietz says. “The research advances the science, but I find the greatest impact working with people to get practices implemented.”
Dietz remembers when UConn installed its first rain garden at the Towers dorms in 2004. Today, there are 30 rain gardens and 70 green infrastructure systems, including permeable pavements, across campus.
Last year, Dietz worked with students to install a rain garden near the UConn Dairy Bar. Amanda Stowe ’26 (CAHNR) and Grace Wright Goodison ’27 (CLAS, Neag) were part of that team that applied for and won a UConn Change grant for the project.
Mike Dietz, senior extension educator, with students planting a rain garden near the UConn Dairy Bar (Contributed photo)
“I researched land management at UConn, especially with all our rain and having to walk through a huge puddle every time I left my dorm,” Wright Goodison says. “Native plants are important for our soil.”
“This is important. People are concerned with flooding, and rain gardens help,” says Stowe.
Both students began the project during class and used the undergraduate Change Grant to install the new garden.
The site already had a catch basin, but they disconnected stormwater drains from part of a nearby building so the runoff now flows into the rain garden instead. Both students called it a great learning opportunity in water quality, pollinators, and native plants. A sign now helps Dairy Bar visitors learn about rain gardens and the specific plants growing there.
“The goal was to take rainwater from the building and parking lots and disconnect it from Roberts Brook, which is already impaired,” Dietz says. “The rain garden is functioning as designed. And for pollinators, it’s a huge benefit – this was a barren landscape for them otherwise.”
This summer, UConn Extension’s CLEAR program is partnering with towns across Connecticut to install more rain gardens as part of municipal stormwater efforts. Step-by-step training and resources are available for anyone interested in creating one. The Rain Garden Design, Installation, and Maintenance Course offers six hours of free online learning across seven modules. While geared toward landscapers, contractors, and municipal staff, homeowners can take the course too.
Likewise, UConn CLEAR’s Rain Garden app puts helpful tools at your fingertips, including video tutorials, a sizing calculator, soil drainage tips, and plant recommendations. It’s designed for residents but works just as well for businesses and municipalities.
“Rain gardens are about more than just water,” Dietz says. “They’re pollinator habitats too. And if you pick the right spot, the only real cost is your time, labor, and the plants. It’s not a lot of work to implement.”
Planting a rain garden is a small step that makes a big impact on Connecticut’s water and communities. Easy to install and low maintenance, rain gardens are an ideal way to replace puddles with pollinators and beauty.
This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Fostering Sustainable Landscapes at the Urban-Rural Interface.
esterday, Governor Kathy Hochul visited Brooklyn’s Little Haiti neighborhood to visit community leaders and discuss the impact of President Trump’s policies on the Haitian-American community.
PHOTOS of the meeting are available on the Governor’s Flickr page.
“With the Statue of Liberty in our harbor, New York has always welcomed immigrants who come to this country seeking a better life. That’s especially true for our Haitian American community who have become a large, vibrant part of New York’s culture and civic life. Haitian American leaders have opened small businesses, provided essential healthcare as front line workers, produced extraordinary arts and culture, and served at the highest levels of elected office. These are our fellow Americans — and our fellow New Yorkers,” said Governor Hochul. We know the Haitian American community has been under attack by cynical political leaders. Haiti has been characterized in ways that are too vile to put in writing, and politicians have spread false rumors about Haitian Americans in Ohio. Now, the federal government is banning travel between Haiti and the United States, cutting hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers off from their loved ones and family. As leaders of the Empire State, we stand united against this outrageous travel ban. The ban is cruel and does nothing to make us safer. Instead of doubling down on hate, New York will continue our efforts to lift up the Haitian American community with support and resources to ensure their safety and well-being. We stand united in the face of this bigotry, and we will not back down.”
Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages, Chair of the NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus said, “This policy is not rooted in national security. It is rooted in racism, xenophobia, and a cruel desire to slam the door on families fleeing hardship. As the first person of Haitian descent elected to the New York State Legislature, this is deeply personal. I understand what our community has faced and continues to endure. Haitian New Yorkers are caregivers, small business owners, students, faith leaders, and essential workers who contribute to our economy and enrich New York every day. Banning Haitians and others from entering the United States under the guise of safety is not only wrong, it is a stain on our nation’s moral fabric. We cannot allow fear and bigotry to dictate immigration policy. We must reject this shameful act and continue fighting for an immigration system that reflects compassion and human dignity.”
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn said, “New York has always been a welcoming beacon for immigrant communities to build a better life. The President’s inhumane and xenophobic policy banning citizens from 12 countries – including Haiti – from entry and travel to the U.S. is not only unjust — it causes real harm by cutting families off from their loved ones in a time of dire crisis. Further, the sudden, blatantly racist ban targets millions who have legally called our nation and state home, and will wreak havoc on our economy while causing dangerous discord for our nation that is built on the backs of immigrants. As the first Haitian-American State Legislator elected to represent NYC, I resolutely stand with Governor Hochul in opposition. In the face of xenophobic rhetoric and harmful policies that unfairly target Haitians, and the Black and brown immigrants from 11 nations, New York must, and will, lead with compassion, strength, and resolve.”
Assemblymember Clyde Vanel said, “Policies like these serve only to further isolate Haiti and its people during a time when international support is most needed. Thousands of constituents in my district, including myself, have close relatives in Haiti. This ban will do nothing except to make unifying families and visiting loved ones next to impossible. It will also further worsen the humanitarian crisis already occurring in Haiti.”
Councilmember Farah N. Louis said, “The decision to impose travel restrictions on 12 countries represents a despicable and deeply troubling moment for our community. Haiti is once again being unfairly targeted in an intentional attack on our identity, dignity, and humanity. I commend Governor Hochul for standing with Haitian New Yorkers and reaffirming that our state will not be complicit in cruelty. New York’s leaders are showing the country what it means to protect all people, regardless of nationality or status. I will continue to join efforts to safeguard our community, uplift Haitian voices, and fight back against federal policies rooted in discrimination and fear.”
Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse said, “As a proud Haitian-American, I stand with my community and Governor Hochul in opposing the federal travel ban that will only deepen the suffering of those already facing unimaginable challenges. Haiti is in the midst of a devastating crisis, and for many, the United States represents their last hope for safety, medical care, and a better life. By cutting off access to this lifeline, the federal government is turning its back on the Haitian people, and also disregarding the very values that define this nation, compassion, humanity, and support for those in need.”
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
SAN FRANCISCO – Timothy Demetrius Jeffrey, aka “Boo,” 44, of Antioch, Calif., was sentenced today to 92 months in federal prison, following his conviction on March 12, 2025, by a federal jury on two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Alsup handed down the sentence. Judge Alsup also sentenced Jeffrey to concurrent 24-month terms for violating the terms of his supervised release in two other federal cases.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 25, 2023, Jeffrey drove into a shopping plaza parking lot in Pittsburg, Calif., parked, and fled on foot from a pursuing police officer. Jeffrey threw a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine and 19 rounds of ammunition over a fence behind the shopping plaza before he was arrested.
Jeffrey posted bond after his arrest but absconded soon thereafter. Following an investigation by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service, law enforcement officers located Jeffrey at a relative’s home in Antioch on March 27, 2024. After U.S. Marshals arrested Jeffrey, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the residence, where deputies located and seized an Aero Precision AR-style rifle with a magazine and 25 rounds of ammunition from under a couch in the living room. They also seized a cell phone that had been used by Jeffrey. The phone contained multiple text messages in which Jeffrey attempted to sell the AR rifle and sent a photo of it.
At the time of his April 2023 and March 2024 arrests, Jeffrey was on federal supervised release following past felony convictions for being a felon-in-possession of a firearm, escape from custody, and conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Judge Alsup also found that enhancements were appropriate under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (i) due to Jeffrey’s obstruction of justice resulting from perjury during his trial testimony; and (ii) because one of the guns Jeffrey possessed had previously been stolen.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Buenaventura made the announcement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aseem Padukone prosecuted this case with the assistance of Claudia Hyslop, Nina Burney, and Yenni Weinberg. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the ATF, the United States Marshals Service, the Pittsburg Police Department, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on Feb. 10, 2024, Chesapeake Police officers were attempting to serve arrest warrants for assault and battery of a family or household member and destruction of property on Abdul-Wakeel Khabeer Qaabid, aka Kenneth Andrew Jordan, 39. Qaabid fled during a traffic stop, but crashed his vehicle and fled on foot. From Qaabid’s vehicle, investigators recovered two loaded handguns, five ounces of cocaine base, 43 grams of marijuana, $25,020, and three cellular devices. During a search of Qaabid’s residence, investigators recovered over six kilograms of cocaine, packaging materials, .45 caliber ammunition, and $26,900 in drug proceeds.
Qaabid was arrested on March 13, 2024, at a residence in Chesapeake. During a search of that residence, CPD recovered an additional $11,850 in drug proceeds.
Qaabid previously had been convicted for attempted capital murder, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and felony assault and battery. As a previously convicted felon, Qaabid cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Mark G. Solesky, Chief of Chesapeake Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin G. Bird prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-68.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 18 — China will allow qualified foreign investors to participate in on-exchange exchange-traded fund (ETF) options trading from Oct. 9 this year for hedging purposes only, the country’s top securities regulator said on Wednesday.
The move aims to expand the range of investable assets for qualified foreign investors, and to enable foreign institutional investors — particularly those focused on portfolio allocation — to access risk-management tools that align with their investment needs, according to the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC).
It is expected to foster more stable investment by foreign institutional investors, and to support their long-term participation in China’s A-share market, the regulator said.
Since the beginning of this year, the CSRC has gradually eased restrictions on qualified foreign investors’ access to domestic commodity futures, commodity options and ETF options.
Going forward, the regulator said it will roll out further reform measures to improve the qualified foreign investor scheme, and do more to promote the high-standard institutional opening-up of the country’s capital market.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s top political advisor Wang Huning on Wednesday stressed the need to deepen research on the integrated development of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation, highlighting its crucial role in advancing Chinese modernization.
Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks during a symposium where the central committees of some non-CPC parties presented their research outcomes.
Wang said that promoting the integration of sci-tech innovation with industrial innovation is conducive to fostering new quality productive forces, advancing high-quality development, and building an innovative country.
Efforts should be made to deepen research on the challenges in advancing sci-tech and industrial innovation, and on bottlenecks in policy implementation, Wang said.
He emphasized the importance of high-quality research to support Party and government decision-making, and called for efforts to advance the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy and accelerate the building of an innovative country.
During the symposium, leaders of the central committees of five non-CPC parties provided their respective suggestions on topics such as accelerating the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, advancing the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector, and promoting high-standard opening up.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The Group of Seven (G7) summit wrapped up in Canada on Tuesday with no joint communique but some stark frictions.
Several statements, or the leaders’ commitments, were issued after the summit, which included driving secure, responsible and trustworthy AI adoption across public and private sectors, powering AI now and into the future, and closing digital divides; boosting cooperation to unlock the full potential of quantum technology to grow economies, solve global challenges and keep communities secure.
The attendees also committed to mounting a multilateral effort to better prevent, fight and recover from wildfires, which are on the rise around the world; protecting the rights of everyone in society, and the fundamental principle of state sovereignty, by continuing to combat foreign interference, with a focus on transnational repression; and countering migrant smuggling by dismantling transnational organized crime groups.
In his final remarks at the closing news conference, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that the discussions over the past two days were marked by a range of differing opinions, frank conversations and strategic exchanges.
“There is a great amount of direct dialogue and discussion, very frank exchanges, very strategic exchanges, differences of opinion on a number of issues, but an effort to find common solutions to some of these problems,” said Carney, also chair of this year’s summit.
He said this is particularly valuable “at a time when multilateralism is under great strain.”
There was no joint statement on Ukraine, although Carney announced new Canadian support for Ukraine’s defense and another set of sanctions on Russia. Carney invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the event in person and made support for the country one of the summit’s key discussion topics on Tuesday.
Leaders met for the final day of the summit in Kananaskis in Canada’s province of Alberta without U.S. President Donald Trump, who suddenly left Canada on Monday night, saying that escalations in the Middle East forced his early exit from the G7 event.
As he left, the summit published a statement that the resolution of the Iranian crisis can lead to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, even a ceasefire in Gaza.
The remaining G7 leaders had a working lunch with visiting non-G7 leaders on energy security. In the statement, the leaders said that they remain vigilant to the implications of the Iran-Israel aerial conflict for international energy markets and that they will stand ready to coordinate to safeguard market stability.
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in downtown Calgary and Banff during the summit, calling on the summit to address a variety of issues, including Trump’s threat to annex Canada.
Originally scheduled to begin on the weekend, the summit was shortened to two days and officially started on Monday.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday that next year’s summit will take place in Evian, a French spa town known for its mineral water.
The G7 is an informal bloc comprising seven of the world’s advanced economies — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States — along with the European Union.
The Czech National Bank (CNB) is issuing a CZK 200 commemorative silver coin to mark the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the famous female figurine in Dolní Věstonice – the Venus of Dolní Věstonice. The coin will go on sale on 18 June 2025.
The design of the new coin was chosen in an art competition. At the recommendation of an expert committee, the CNB Bank Board selected the design submitted by Majka Wichnerová. Petr Neruda, head of the Anthropos Institute of the Moravian Museum in Brno, acted as the expert advisor to the committee.
The CZK 200 coin depicts one of the world’s most precious and best-known archaeological discoveries from both sides. The obverse side of the coin features the Venus of Dolní Věstonice from behind and the landscape of the Pavlov Hills. The reverse side depicts a landscape with two mammoths, and the Venus of Dolní Věstonice from the front.
“The Venus of Dolní Věstonice is one of the most important works of art from the Palaeolithic, the oldest ceramic figurine in the world and a symbol of Czech and global cultural heritage. The commemorative coin marks 100 years since its discovery in Dolní Věstonice, which significantly deepened our understanding of the spiritual life and technological development of prehistoric societies,” said CNB Bank Board member Karina Kubelková.
The CNB is issuing a total of 18,300 coins: 6,400 in normal quality and 11,900 in proof quality. The coin is minted from an alloy containing 925 parts silver and 75 parts copper. It weighs 13 grams and has a diameter of 31 mm. It is issued in two versions, normal quality and proof quality. Proof-quality coins have a polished field and a matt relief.
The coin’s denomination of CZK 200 does not equal the sale price, which is higher and reflects, among other things, the current price of silver, production costs and VAT. The coins were minted by Česká mincovna, a. s., in Jablonec nad Nisou and are available for purchase from selected contractual partners. The CNB does not sell numismatic material directly to the public.
The commemorative coin to mark the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the Venus of Dolní Věstonice is the second CZK 200 silver coin issued by the CNB this year. A coin marking 200 years since the establishment of Czech savings bank – Böhmische Sparkasse was issued in February. The next CZK 200 coin will be issued in October, marking 900 years since the death of the chronicler Cosmas. Other silver coins to be issued by the CNB this year include a CZK 100 coin from the Institutions of the Czech Republic series featuring the Customs Administration. A few days ago, the CNB issued a CZK 500 coin featuring the Aero L-39 Albatros jet trainer. Two more gold coins will be issued this year: a CZK 5,000 featuring the town of Tábor and an extraordinary CZK 10,000 gold coin weighing one troy ounce and marking 1,100 years since the start of the reign of Wenceslas I, Duke of Bohemia.
The whole schedule of issuance of coins and banknotes for the period 2021–2025, as well as for the following period 2026–2030 is available on the CNB website.
Venus of Dolní Věstonice
The Venus of Dolní Věstonice is one of the world’s most important works of art from the Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age). It is 27,000 to 29,000 years old and was created during the age of mammoth hunters. A high degree of technological knowledge is attributed to this culture. Besides the production of stone tools made of flint, they also processed bones, antlers and mammoth ivory, which they used not only for tools and weapons, but also for decorative and artistic items.
The ceramic figurine of the Venus fits in one’s palm – its height is 11.5 cm, width 4.4 cm and thickness 2.8 cm. It was discovered by a team of archaeologists led by Professor Karel Absolon at a site in Dolní Věstonice in South Moravia in July 1925. It is currently housed in the collections of the Anthropos Institute of the Moravian Museum in Brno.
Manila (Agenzia Fides) – ” “There has been and continues to be a heated debate in the country following the postponement, in the Senate, of the vote on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. Public opinion seems to be divided. As an ecclesial community, following these political developments, we can affirm that our compass remains the common good. And the spirit with which we observe and assess this situation is that of the “Oratio Imperata” that we recited in Manila before the elections,” Father Esteban Lo, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the Philippines, told Fides.In that moment before the elections, Cardinal José Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, invited the faithful “to be open to a constant conversion toward truth, justice, and peace.” Father Lo recalls several passages from the Oratio Imperata, in which one asks God: “Guide our nation in this time of crisis”; “Let the light of truth shine to guide us on the path to unity and peace”; “Let justice prevail and pave the way to healing and reconciliation.”Last February, the House of Representatives initiated impeachment proceedings against Sara Duterte on charges of embezzlement, bribery, and corruption with 215 of 306 votes. For the proceedings to proceed, the Senate must also vote on the matter.Following the May 12 elections and the new composition of the Senate, a special impeachment court was established in the Assembly to consider the case and potentially conduct the trial of Vice President Duterte. However, on June 10, senators voted to refer the complaints to the House of Representatives for legal and procedural reasons, sparking protests from activists and public discontent. The spokesperson for the Senate impeachment tribunal, attorney Regie Tongol, rejected accusations of “buying time” and explained the necessary steps: the formal organization of the tribunal, the adoption of procedural rules, the issuance of a mandate to the House to resolve jurisdictional issues, the formal summons of Duterte, and the receipt of his defense attorneys and receiving the formal summons from the defense attorneys. At this stage, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, through a message signed by its president, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, urged the Senate to act, recalling that this is “a constitutional duty, not a political choice.” According to the statement, the Church’s intervention does not respond to partisan interests, but is rooted in Catholic social teaching, “which upholds truth, justice, and the common good.” “The pursuit of truth is not a political option; it is a moral imperative. Let your conscience guide your actions. Let the truth take its course,” the statement reads.The Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, Socrates Villegas, also warned that delaying the impeachment process “not only constitutes a political, moral, and spiritual failure on the part of public officials, but also a grave sin of omission against the common good,” as it violates truth, justice, and the right of citizens to demand accountability.The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), the largest network of Catholic educational institutions in the country, has joined the call, urging the Senate not to delay the process, which it called “a constitutional, moral, and democratic imperative.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 18/6/2025)
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Minna (Agenzia Fides) – “What happened in Makurdi is truly horrible,” said the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Minna, Luka Sylvester Gopep, to Fides, in a commentary on the massacre that occurred on the night of June 13-14 in Benue State (see Fides, 16/6/2025).Speaking to Fides, Bishop Gopep does not hide his deep sadness when speaking of this tragic, umpteenth episode of violence that has struck the country.”It is inexplicable that such cruelty was inflicted on hundreds of people. It is difficult to understand why the Fulani herdsmen who perpetrated the massacre acted in this way,” said Bishop Gopep. “The fact is that Makurdi is a predominantly Christian area, and the Fulani nomads are predominantly Muslims from the northern part of the country, while Makurdi is located in the center of the Country. The Diocese of Minna in Niger State lies between two dioceses before reaching Makurdi: the Archdiocese of Abuja and the Diocese of Lafiya. Last May 29, the area of Minna was hit by severe floods that left more than 200 dead and thousands displaced, including more than 1,000 children.”The prelate also announced that Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu, President of Nigeria since May 29, 2023, is expected in Makurdi today, June 18, 2025. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 18/6/2025)
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Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) – Is Sudan heading toward a de facto partition? This is the question several regional analysts are asking following the takeover of the so-called “border triangle” between Sudan, Libya, and Egypt by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti.According to the regular armed forces (Sudan Armed Forces, SAF) under the command of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the RSF’s conquest of the tri-border area was facilitated by the help of General Khalifa Haftar, head of the Libyan National Army (LNA), the Benghazi-based Libyan faction that controls Cyrenaica and opposes the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli. Control of this important border region between Sudan and Libya makes it possible to manage legal and illegal trade (especially gold) and to supply RSF troops across the Libyan border. After being expelled from the capital Khartoum, the RSF leadership intends to concentrate its forces in western Sudan, in Darfur and Kordofan (see Fides, 11/6/2025). By creating a secure supply and trade route, Dagalo aims to establish its own administration in its stronghold of Darfur. In recent months, Dagalo has already announced the formation of an alternative government to the one led by General al-Burhan (see Fides, 19/2/2025 and Fides 16/4/2025).The conflict between Sudanese factions has also taken on an ideological and international dimension. To help the RSF control the tri-border area, General Haftar has deployed the “Subul al-Salam” brigade, an armed Salafist group that opposes the political Islam represented by the Muslim Brotherhood. This trend is frowned upon by the United Arab Emirates, which has supported both Haftar and the RSF. In its strategy to curb the Muslim Brotherhood, the Emirates appears willing to ally, albeit indirectly, with Salafi groups with strong tribal roots, such as the Subul al-Salam Brigade, made up of members of the Zuwaya tribe. The SAF, under the leadership of General Buran, was able to recapture Khartoum and other areas largely thanks to the newly formed ‘Hunter Force’, a special elite unit composed, among others, of Islamist elements with links to the Muslim Brotherhood. The external influences in the Sudanese civil war are finally demonstrated by the “drone war” (see Fides, 16/5/2025), in which the RSF uses armed Chinese-made drones supplied by the Emirates, as well as Turkish army drones supplied by Ankara, which supports General Buran. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 18/6/2025)
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