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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Office of the Deputy President provides clarity regarding Deputy President Mashatile’s international programme travel expenses

    Source: President of South Africa –

    The Office of the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa wishes to provide clarity regarding Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s international travel expenses which has recently gained much attention in the media, with reports and commentary coming from News24, City Press, Sunday Times/Timeslive, SowetanLIVE, Independent Media/IOL, The Citizen, BusinessLive, ENCA and others. Categorically, the office and the Deputy President have not, as seems to be suggested, misused State funds or been extravagant in financing the costs of the Deputy President’s international travel.

    This unprecedented matter which involves the international work of the Deputy President’s travel costs, was first raised by Action SA, a political party represented in Parliament, in a written question to the Deputy President.  In light of such an expected phenomena, the Deputy President replied to the question in full and also provided specific details which include; correct figures and breakdown of individual costs by members of the delegation supporting the Deputy President. 

    The Office of the Deputy President wishes to reiterate that Deputy President Mashatile undertakes all international working visits, not in his personal capacity but on behalf of the South African Government as delegated by President Cyril Ramaphosa.  Moreover, the majority of these strategic international visits are aimed at strengthening existing bilateral, political, economic and diplomatic relations between South Africa and visited countries. 

    As part of South Africa’s global investment drive, and commitment to contribute to global peace and stability, South Africa, through the President and Deputy President as well as Ministers, have a role to play in advancing the global agenda, an aspect of which includes engagements with counterparts in other countries. For instance, the Deputy President co-chairs the SA-China BNC with Vice President Han Zheng and many other delegated countries including, but not limited to Vietnam and South Sudan.

    In summary, in the comprehensive answer to the Parliamentary Question by Action SA, it was stated that since Deputy President Mashatile assumed office on 3 July 2024, he has undertaken the following International official visits:

    • Ireland and United Kingdom Working Visits 26 September – 4 October 2024: Ireland 26 – 29 September 2024 and United Kingdom Working 30 September – 4 October 2024
    • Standing for President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Republic of South Africa at the Inauguration of the President of Botswana, H.E Duma Boko on 8 November 2024
    • Standing for President Ramaphosa and South Africa at the Extraordinary SADC Summit held on 20 November 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe
    • Japan Working Visit 16 – 19 March 2025
    • France Working Visit 19 – 24 May 2025

    The Working Visit to Japan in particular, being the one raised by most media, was of strategic importance to South Africa, as it focussed on strengthening political, economic and social areas of cooperation between the two countries. The Working Visit came at the back of the two nations celebrating 115 years of strong diplomatic relations. The Deputy President was accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka; the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie; the Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane; the Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, and the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Nomalungelo Gina.

    In addition, the Japan Working Visit achieved several key objectives including representing the first high-level engagement between South Africa and Japan in the last 10 years; signalling an acknowledgement and appreciation for the long-standing relationship between the two countries based on a wide area of cooperation not limited to trade and investment. This visit was beneficial in terms of South Africa’s African Agenda, the current confluence of South Africa’s G20 Chairship and Japan’s hosting of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in August, presenting a unique opportunity for South Africa to communicate its own and the continent’s position and priorities to Japan and the expected support and role that Japan could to play in this regard.

    Finally, in our response to Parliament, the office has provided a breakdown of the cost to Government of all individual members of the delegation supporting the Deputy President. Regrettably, some of the figures presented by the media are significantly blown out of proportion and do not accurately reflect the cost of the trips. For example, one media liaison officer, referred to by Timeslive as the “most expensive supporting official”, is said to have cost R580, 582 for Japan alone, when in fact the total cost for that official is less than R66 000 including flights and accommodation. 

    While the cost of international travel is generally very high, these figures must always be seen in the context of their original currency in relation to the Rand Dollar exchange, as well as the going rate of such travel expenses, including ground transport, accommodation and flights. 

    In terms of the travel policy in the Presidential Handbook, transport for the President and Deputy President during travel outside South Africa is the responsibility and for the account of the State. Accommodation and incidental expenses of the President and Deputy President whilst on all official journeys abroad is arranged through, and paid for, by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. The logistics and choice of accommodation is not the responsibility or competency of the Office of the Deputy President or Presidency. In fact, DIRCO plays an integral role in reviewing, advising and endorsing Government Delegation compositions, ensuring that participation aligns with formal policy guidelines that emphasise relevance, necessity, and cost-effectiveness. These guidelines reflect government directives aimed at optimising resource allocation while maintaining operational effectiveness during international engagements.

    Regarding the financial aspects of the visits, responsibility for travel, accommodation, and other miscellaneous expenses is generally shared among DIRCO and other participating departments, depending on the officials’ affiliations and roles. Prior to the visit, DIRCO oversees the processing of budget submissions or cost estimates to ensure compliance with approved spending frameworks. This includes strict adherence to National Treasury guidelines on international travel, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and other precepts governing public expenditure.

    In all these visits, the Office of the Deputy President has insisted on the most cost-effective provisions for the Deputy President and his delegations, and has therefore not misused nor extravagantly used State funds as alluded.

    Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 065 195 8840

    Issued by: The Presidency
    Pretoria
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 10th, 2025 VIDEO: Heinrich Joins Press Conference Blasting Republicans’ ‘Big Beautiful Betrayal’ for Raising Energy Prices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) in a press conference on how Trump and Republicans’ reconciliation bill will raise energy costs for working families, all to pay for tax handouts for their billionaire donors.

    VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) hosts a press conference blasting Trump and Republicans’ reconciliation bill for raising energy costs, June 10, 2025.
    Heinrich’s remarks as delivered are below:
    As Senator Schatz said, the conundrum we’re in with electricity right now is that we haven’t been in this supply demand space since air conditioners became a widely available technology.
    That was the last time we saw the kind of growth in demand that we’re experiencing right now. On the supply side, the place we find ourselves in right now is one where, if you want to order a combined cycle of natural gas turbine, if you ordered it yesterday, you’re going to get it in 2030 or 2031.
    If you want to build a new API, 1000 Nuclear Generating Station, as the President has said he does, it’s going to take you 5 to 10 years to actually build that.
    If you want to do the geothermal stuff that’s taking off in Utah, to some extent in New Mexico, that’s scaling slow: It’s going to be 5 to 10 years before that stuff is at scale.
    So if you look at this incredibly increased demand from artificial intelligence, from electrification, from the surge we’ve seen in manufacturing, and you look at the supply that’s coming onto the grid in 2024 and what’s coming on in 2025 well over 90% of that is actually renewables plus storage.
    And that’s the case because it’s the cheapest, fastest to permit and fastest to build.
    So if you start throttling back 90% of your supply at a time when demand is going through the roof, what’s the impact of that?
    And I’m here to tell you, the impact is electricity bills are going up.
    They are going up all across the country.
    And Republicans are going to own that because there is no world in which we throttle supply like they are doing right now, especially with this reconciliation bill, but in 5 or 10 other different ways as well, and you don’t see those electric bills go through the roof.
    IRA tax credits are the biggest piece of that but it’s not the only one.
    They basically eviscerated the agencies that finance or permit many of these things.
    They said they wanted to build nuclear.
    The only nuclear that’s been built in the last 30 years is what we just saw happen in Georgia, and that happened because the loan program office — where they’ve lost half the staff and defunded it in the president’s budget.
    If you want to produce oil and gas, you need somebody at the Bureau of Land Management who can actually pick up the phone about a permit.
    They have chased people out of the Bureau of Land Management.
    You add that to the kind of permitting abuse that we’ve seen with Empire Wind, a fully permitted multi-gigawatt project, and then you throw in some steel and aluminum tariffs just to make the natural gas projects that are in the books even more expensive.
    This is a perfect storm of higher electricity rates, and if they pass this reconciliation bill without changes, they’re going to own every bit of it.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Sensex, Nifty trade steady; oil & gas, metal stocks support market

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian equity markets opened nearly flat on Wednesday, continuing their consolidation trend as sectoral performance remained mixed. The Sensex rose by 59 points to 82,451 and the Nifty 50 was up 18.55 points at 25,122 in early trade.

    Gains were led by sectors such as oil and gas and metals, while FMCG and PSU banks traded lower. On the National Stock Exchange, out of 15 sectoral indices, 11 were in the green, two were down, and two remained flat as of 9:25 am. The Nifty Media index led the gains.

    Stocks such as JSW Steel, Cipla, NTPC and Tech Mahindra were among the top gainers on the Nifty, while Grasim Industries, Shriram Finance, Asian Paints, L&T, and Titan Company recorded losses. The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices were up by 0.3 percent each.

    According to analysts, the market is likely to stay within a consolidation range with a slight upward bias. A decisive move above the 25,100 mark on the Nifty will require sustained institutional buying, potentially triggered by developments in global trade talks.

    “In the near-term the market will respond to news regarding the trade negotiations. If there is a clear agreement, the market will respond positively and there is a high probability of Nifty breaking above 25,100 and remaining above this level,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    He added that while liquidity could support a mild rally, a stronger uptrend would require support from corporate earnings, which have yet to show signs of significant recovery.

    Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued their buying streak for a third straight session, with net purchases of ₹2,301 crore on June 10. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) maintained a positive outlook for the 16th consecutive session, investing ₹1,113 crore.

    This steady institutional inflow reflects ongoing confidence in the domestic market, providing support amid global uncertainties.

    In the US, markets traded sideways for much of Tuesday but ended higher, with the S&P 500 rising 0.6 percent, bringing it within 1.7 percent of its record close from February 2020. Reports also suggest that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent may be under consideration to succeed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Legal Issues – Unions take pay equity fight to the ILO – CTU

    Source: New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi

    New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges has taken the pay equity fight to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conference in Geneva, Switzerland. The ILO is a United Nations agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice by setting international labour standards.

    “I spoke about the recent pay equity changes at the ILO to highlight that Christopher Luxon’s Government has abandoned what was world-leading pay equity legislation,” said Ansell-Bridges.

    “It was important to inform the 187 member states that despite not being signalled in the last election, reforms to severely undermine the legislation were passed under urgency without any consultation with workers or their unions.

    “Overnight this world-leading system was gutted and what remained in its place is a series of roadblocks, impossible thresholds and obstacle courses masquerading as pay equity.

    “180,000 workers, mostly women, many of whom are some of the most vulnerable and lowest paid workers in New Zealand, had their claims cancelled and years of work thrown away.

    “Our response to massive undervaluation of pay in female-dominated industries must be how do we fix this, not how do we shirk these costs, having benefited so long from underpaying women.

    “We could once be proud on the world stage for making progress towards correcting this blatant sexism – it is shameful that we now have a government that has such low regard for the right to be free from gender discrimination.

    “I assured the conference that the union movement in Aotearoa New Zealand will continue to push for a genuine pay equity system and will not rest until women’s work is properly valued and workers everywhere are paid equitably regardless of their gender,” said Ansell-Bridges.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property Market – NZ’s Rental Homes Are Ageing – And the Clock Is Ticking

    Source: Property Brokers

    With less than a month until the 1 July 2025 Healthy Homes Standards deadline, the latest Regional Rental Report from Property Brokers reveals a pressing reality: New Zealand’s rental housing stock is ageing – and fast.
    According to the report, the average rental property managed by Property Brokers was built in 1968. In some regions, homes dating back to the 1940s are still actively rented. David Faulkner, General Manager of Property Management for Property Brokers, says this presents both a challenge and an opportunity for landlords.
    “We manage a significant proportion of older homes, and retrofitting them to meet compliance is now more urgent than ever,” says Faulkner. “But compliance isn’t just a box to tick – it’s a chance to add long-term value. A warm, dry, well-ventilated home is more attractive to tenants, encourages longer stays, and can command better returns.”
    The Regional Rental Report – co-authored by Professor Graham Squires of The Property Knowledge – draws on a sample of over 8,000 active rental properties across regional New Zealand. It highlights the mismatch between modern compliance standards and an ageing housing stock.
    “It’s often assumed that renters live in older homes, and this data confirms that assumption,” says Professor Squires. “However, there’s a wider conversation to be had about housing supply, regional development, and the economic viability of upgrading versus rebuilding. Older homes still dominate much of the rental market, particularly outside the major metros.”
    Key insights from the report include:
    – Papamoa leads with the highest average rent at $697 per week, with stock averaging from 1997.
    – Rolleston and the Selwyn District have the youngest rental stock, due to Christchurch’s post-earthquake rebuild.
    – Dunedin and Oamaru feature the oldest active rentals, averaging from the mid-20th century.
    – Newer homes like those in Rolleston have shorter average tenancy lengths (16 months), while older homes in places like
    Carterton show longer tenancies, despite the age of the stock.
    Faulkner says the Healthy Homes deadline has brought long-overdue attention to housing quality.
    “The cost of non-compliance – from fines to lost income – is far greater than the cost of doing it right. We’re actively working with landlords to meet the standard and future-proof their investments,” he says.
    Squires adds that evolving tenancy tr

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – “Look busy – the people are angry” in the face of genocide – Government brings shame on us all! – PSNA

    Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

    The government’s decision to sanction Israeli cabinet ministers is a cynical diversionary gesture, according to the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.

    New Zealand has joined the UK, Australia, Canada, and Norway in banning the entry of Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

    PSNA Co-Chair, Maher Nazzal, says the just announced move is simply to placate New Zealanders angry at the government’s complicity with the mass killing of Palestinians and deliberate starvation of Occupied Gaza.

    “The New Zealand government statement was quite explicit that the sanctions were ‘not designed to sanction the wider Israeli government’ of which Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are ministers.”

    “The New Zealand government’s official statement is laying the blame for Israeli barbarity on just two ministers.  Our government is pretending that they alone are responsible for the military violence in the Gaza Strip, and Israel’s annexation of Palestinian land, expanding settlements, and forced displacement.”

    “All these war crimes are supported and stated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government.  These measures are all being carried out by the Israeli government.  These two ministers are quite rabid, but they are not just freelancers or ‘bad apples’.”

    “Netanyahu himself is wanted for trial on war crimes charges, so why does he escape the travel ban?”

     Nazzal says Ben-Gvir and Smotrich would never plan to come to New Zealand anyway.

    “The last time such an individual visited in 2006 the Auckland District Court issued a warrant for his arrest to face war crime charges.” (That was Israeli General Moshe Ya’alon – the ‘Butcher of Qana’.  The warrant was quashed by the then Attorney-General Michael Cullen)

     “Even if the government sanctioned the entire Israeli cabinet, it would be meaningless.”

    “Israel has made Gaza hell on earth for Palestinians, and is making it worse by the hour.  We should be cutting trade ties – including military technology, which might be finding its way to Israel, or sending up satellites from Mahia used by Israel to spy on Gaza.

    “New Zealand has bilateral agreements with Israel over science and movie-making.  They should stop.”

    “The government needs to ban Israeli soldiers coming here for genocide holidays, instead of Winston Peters going out of his way to welcome them.”

    “And it goes without saying that the Israeli ambassador should be booted out.”

    Nazzal says the forced starvation in Gaza has reached a crisis point.

    “The choice for the international community is stark.  Let tens of thousands starve to death in the next few weeks, or impose a no-fly zone over Gaza and provide military protection for UNRWA aid convoys.”

    “In that context, by limiting the travel options for two Israeli politicians our government feels like it’s conveying a message of  “Look busy – New Zealanders are angry, we must be seen to be doing something, but really,  we don’t care.”

     

    Maher Nazzal

    Co-Chair PSNA

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2025-26 ACT Budget: Major investment to help tackle Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 11/06/2025 – Joint media release

    The ACT Government is making a significant investment in the safety and wellbeing of victim survivors, with over $30 million committed in the 2025–26 Budget to strengthen and expand the Territory’s response to domestic, family and sexual violence.

    This investment boosts the capacity of frontline services, enhances early intervention efforts for children and young people, and supports the provision of culturally safe support through Aboriginal Community Controlled and led Organisations.

    Treasurer Chris Steel said the Budget reflects the Government’s deep commitment to addressing domestic, family and sexual violence and delivering trauma-informed, person-centred support for those affected by violence.

    “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes, in their relationships, and in their community,” the Treasurer said.

    “This significant investment in family, domestic and sexual violence responses builds on our record of funding vital frontline services and supports a safer, stronger Canberra.”

    The Budget allocates $24 million over four years to strengthen and sustain essential domestic, family, and sexual violence services. Key funding measures include:

    • Expanding the capacity of Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
    • Critical resourcing to the Domestic Violence Crisis Service
    • Continuing the PCYC’s Solid Ground early intervention program for young people experiencing DFV
    • Expanding the YWCA’s Domestic Violence Support Service to include two specialist children’s workers
    • Continuation of the Family Violence Safety Action Program, coordinated by Victim’s Support ACT
    • Continuation of the Victim Survivor Voices Pilot
    • Extension of the Safer Families Assistance Program

    Following the receipt of The Long Yarn report, this Budget allocates $6 million over 3 years to Aboriginal and Community Controlled and led Organisations to provide culturally safe services. This funding will enable the following initiatives:

    • Intensive case management services delivered by Yhurwun Bullan
    • Continued support for Sisters in Spirit Aboriginal Corporation to provide both individual and systemic advocacy services
    • Engagement of WhISPers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Softball Corporation to deliver healing through sport and cultural events
    • Ongoing support for Yerrabi Yurwang Child and Family Aboriginal Corporation to continue delivering the NaraGanaWali Strengthening Families Program
    • Development and implementation of a community and professional education campaign promoting the message that “violence is not our way”

    Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, Dr Marisa Paterson, said the funding is aimed at increasing the capacity of frontline services to support victims of domestic, family and sexual violence.

    “Ending violence against women is a national emergency and the ACT Government is strongly committed to addressing this violence. This funding is a strong investment in the services that support those experiencing violence in our community.”

    “This package has a strong focus on supporting children and young people exposed to violence, as well as crisis support for victim survivors and supports the continuation of the high-risk family violence case coordination program,” Minister Paterson said.

    “I am strongly committed to working with our local organisations and supporting ACCO’s to strengthen and sustain the essential work that they do”.

    This comprehensive package forms part of the ACT Government’s long-term commitment to ending domestic, family and sexual violence in the ACT and ensuring a safer future for all Canberrans. It is supported by funding from the Safer Families Levy and the Commonwealth’s National Partnership Agreement, which together help strengthen responses to and the prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence.

    – Statement ends –

    Chris Steel, MLA | Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Updates to guidance about CEDS

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    We’ve updated our website and PCG 2018/9 Central management and control test of residency: identifying where a company’s central management and control is located to:

    • reflect the amendments to section 295 of the Corporations Act 2001 enacted in December 2024 regarding the Consolidated Entity Disclosure Statement (CEDS)
    • confirm the PCG may assist companies required to complete the CEDS for their annual financial reports
    • clarify that a company won’t be considered ‘low risk’ under the PCG if it self-assesses and reports as a non-resident for Australian tax purposes but has inconsistently reported as an Australian tax resident in the CEDS. This applies for financial years commencing on, or after, 1 July 2024.

    The updates reflect the amendments in the Treasury Laws Amendment (Fairer for Families and Farmers and Other Measures) Act 2024. These amendments ensure tax residency disclosures in the CEDS align with tax return disclosures, to improve multinational tax transparency.

    ASIC’s information sheetExternal Link has also been updated.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ’s goal is to get smoking rates under 5% for all population groups this year – here’s why that’s highly unlikely

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Janet Hoek, Professor in Public Health, University of Otago

    Getty Images

    Next week is “scrutiny week” in parliament – one of two weeks each year when opposition MPs can hold ministers accountable for their actions, or lack thereof.

    For us, it’s a good time to take stock of whether New Zealand is on track to achieve its smokefree goal of reducing smoking prevalence to under 5% and as close to zero as possible, among all population groups, this year.

    The latest New Zealand Health Survey shows that, for the first time in a decade, smoking rates have flatlined rather than fallen. Stark inequities persist, with daily smoking prevalence among Māori at 14.7% (compared to 6.1% among European New Zealanders).

    To bring New Zealand’s overall smoking prevalence under 5% would require more than 80,000 people to quit this year. Achieving the goal equitably means more than 60,000 of those people would need to be Māori.

    The government’s repeal of earlier measures predicted to bring rapid and equitable reductions in smoking prevalence means achieving the Smokefree 2025 goal for all population groups is now highly unlikely.

    Ending the scourge of tobacco

    Proposed by the Māori Affairs Select Committee and adopted by the then National-led government in 2011, the Smokefree 2025 goal has always had equity at its heart.

    At that time, smoking prevalence among Māori was 37.7% and 14.7% among European New Zealanders. Reducing smoking rates to less than 5% for all population groups offered an opportunity to profoundly reduce health inequities burdening Māori.

    Early discussions recognised the large inequities in smoking rates. Speaking about his role in the select committee inquiry, former National Party leader Simon Bridges stated:

    The picture I had of smoking was quite wrong. Most of the time, smoking is not this idea of a free market with adults who freely consent to take up smoking […] but the more complex, difficult situation of children smoking as a result of parents and grandparents who smoked […]. That means that a more intense, stronger, more interventionist approach is called for.

    The first Smokefree Action Plan, only introduced a decade later in late 2021, included more intense measures and established a Māori and Pacific oversight committee to ensure all actions taken promoted equity.

    The action plan introduced three key initiatives: denicotinisation, a large reduction in outlets selling tobacco, and the smokefree generation strategy.

    All were expected to have strong pro-equity outcomes. Modelling predicted denicotinisation would bring unprecedented reductions in smoking prevalence, eliminating the gaps between Māori and non-Māori. Reducing tobacco availability would end the widespread access to tobacco in lower-income communities.

    The smokefree generation, a longer-term endgame strategy that would have meant anyone born after 2009 could no longer buy tobacco, was predicted to significantly reduce inequity, given the younger Māori (and Pacific) population structure.

    Then Minister of Health Ayesha Verrall noted:

    While smoking rates are heading in the right direction, we need to do more, faster, to reach our goal. If nothing changes, it would be decades till Māori smoking rates fall below 5%, and this government is not prepared to leave people behind.

    Is equity still the goal?

    The coalition government’s repeal of these measures in early 2024 left a void, but Associate Health Minister Casey Costello reaffirmed a commitment to the Smokefree 2025 goal. A January 2024 update to Cabinet stated:

    The government remains committed to further reducing smoking rates and achieving the Smokefree 2025 goal of daily smoking prevalence of less than 5% for all population groups.

    However, by late 2024 the narrative began changing. In November, Costello launched a new smokefree action plan in a final push to reach the headline 5% target. Her plan does not emphasise the structural changes (such as fewer outlets selling tobacco) called for by the Māori Affairs Select Committee.

    Instead, it relies on health promotion programmes to reduce smoking uptake and on increasing attempts to quit by “reinvigorating” stop-smoking messages and improving referral rates to support.

    We argue New Zealand will likely fall well short of its 2025 goal to bring smoking rates below 5% and reduce inequities, despite an ongoing commitment by Health New Zealand-Te Whatu Ora.

    During scrutiny week, we hope Associate Health Minister Costello will be asked how she explains the discrepancy between her earlier commitment to achieving the Smokefree 2025 goal among all population groups and more recent comments which appear to roll back the equity goal.

    More importantly, we hope questions will probe how she plans to reduce smoking prevalence among Māori to a third of its current level, and what evidence she has that the steps she proposes will work.

    Janet Hoek receives funding from the Health Research Council of New Zealand, the Marsden Fund, NZ Cancer Society and NZ Heart Foundation. She is a member of the Health Coalition Aotearoa’s smokefree expert advisory group and of the Ministry of Health’s smokefree advisory group, a member of the HRC’s Public Health Research Committee, and a Senior Editor at Tobacco Control (honorarium paid). She serves on several other government, NGO and community advisory groups.

    Jude Ball receives funding from the Health Research Council of New Zealand, the Marsden Fund, NZ Cancer Society, NIB Foundation, and the Health Promotion Agency. She is affiliated with the Public Health Association of New Zealand, a member of Health Coalition Aotearoa’s smokefree advisory group, and serves on other NGO and community advisory groups.

    – ref. NZ’s goal is to get smoking rates under 5% for all population groups this year – here’s why that’s highly unlikely – https://theconversation.com/nzs-goal-is-to-get-smoking-rates-under-5-for-all-population-groups-this-year-heres-why-thats-highly-unlikely-258592

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Is regulation really to blame for the housing affordability crisis?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicole Gurran, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Sydney

    ymgerman/Shutterstock

    The Albanese government has a new mantra to describe the housing crisis, which is showing no signs of abating: homes have simply become “too hard to build” in Australia.

    The prime minister and senior ministers are taking aim at what they are calling a “thicket” of red tape and regulation, which is making it “uneconomic” to build affordable housing.

    Undoubtedly, the great Australian dream is further out of reach, with average house prices now above A$1 million for the first time.

    But will a war on excessive regulation be enough to address the affordability barriers keeping many people out of the market? Or does the answer lie in systemic change, including tax reform?

    Abundant housing agenda

    Assistant Minister for Productivity Andrew Leigh kick-started the assault on regulation when he recently took aim at local councils for holding back new housing developments:

    Approvals drag on. Rules multiply. Outcomes are inconsistent. They don’t say ‘no’ outright. They just make ‘yes’ harder than it needs to be.

    By lamenting rigid planning processes, Leigh was channelling the zeitgeist. The minister was drawing on the book Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson. The book – a smash hit in political circles – calls on progressives to adopt “YIMBY” policies (Yes In My Backyard) and remove the barriers that slow project delivery.

    Leigh was duly applauded by the housing industry, which promotes its own version of abundance as an “unabashed focus on supply-side housing policy mechanisms”.

    More than supply

    New housing construction is certainly critical, as reflected in the government promise to build 1.2 million homes over five years.

    The target is already out of reach, with the regulatory burden being blamed for a forecast shortfall of 262,000 homes by mid 2029.

    But by focusing on planning laws as the main barrier to new supply, Leigh risks diverting attention from the overarching systemic changes needed to improve access to affordable housing.

    While an overhaul of red tape is important, it won’t be enough to address current supply barriers, including market conditions and industry constraints. Nor will unleashing construction be sufficient to make housing affordable for first home buyers or low income renters.

    According to the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council, other priority areas for the government should include social housing, protection for renters and tax reform.

    Winding back tax breaks such as negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount, would free up resources for public investment in social housing. Targeting financial incentives to new, and preferably affordable homes, would also boost supply.

    Perhaps the size of Labor’s election victory and the calls for reform by a chorus of experts may convince the government to reconsider its refusal to curb these tax breaks.

    Blaming local councils

    Within a system-wide reform agenda, regulatory roadblocks to new land and housing supply should be assessed. But in doing so, accurate data and analysis is critical.

    Leigh singles out North Sydney Council to illustrate his argument that over-regulation is holding back housing starts. He claims just 44 dwelling were approved between July 2024 and February 2025, well short of its state-imposed target of 787 homes:

    This is not a small gap. It is structural failure, Even where planning targets exist, the systems to meet them often don’t.

    But the figures Leigh cites isn’t for development approvals. Instead, they refer to construction certificates issued when a development is ready to commence. According to the NSW Planning Portal, the actual number of new dwellings approved in North Sydney was 446, which was particularly notable given the economic conditions.

    Unfortunately, Leigh’s attack on local councils perpetuates many common misunderstandings about how planning systems operate in Australia. He seems to point the finger at local councils, when land use plans – zoning, height and density controls – are signed off by the states.

    Leigh also recalls a time when housing completions were flowing much more freely in his home town of Canberra, implying the key difference is one of over regulation and not underlying economic circumstances.

    The ACT is particularly prone to a slowdown in building approvals because of the shift from detached homes on greenfield sites towards medium density apartments. And there has been a near total retreat from public sector investment in new supply. For instance, in 1969-70, nearly a third of new homes in Canberra were delivered by the government. These days it’s just 5%.

    Political will

    The tired cliches about housing and zoning continue to circulate.

    The need to relax zoning restrictions to ease house prices was the media’s main takeaway from the OECD’s latest Economic Outlook Report.

    The 280-page document does mention “zoning” in the list of regulatory reforms Australian governments could undertake. But the OECD says the emphasis should be on public investment “to address the housing affordability crisis by boosting supply” especially in social housing.

    As our research has previously demonstrated, calling for zoning and planning reform is a popular technique for seeming concerned about housing while avoiding the systemic change that would deliver additional supply.

    Has housing really become too hard to build?

    Or does the difficultly lie in finding the political will to take the real steps needed to make housing more accessible to generations of Australians who risk missing out?

    Nicole Gurran receives funding from the Australian Housing & Urban Research Institute (AHURI) and has received funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Peter Phibbs receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)

    – ref. Is regulation really to blame for the housing affordability crisis? – https://theconversation.com/is-regulation-really-to-blame-for-the-housing-affordability-crisis-258077

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China-Africa trade has grown rapidly over the past 25 years.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    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 11 (Xinhua) — China’s total foreign trade with African countries has increased from less than 100 billion yuan (about 13.9 billion U.S. dollars) in 2000 to 2.1 trillion yuan in 2024, an average annual growth rate of 14.2 percent, according to data released Wednesday by the General Administration of Customs (GAC). -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Amit Shah reviews flood management preparedness ahead of monsoon

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday to review the country’s flood preparedness ahead of the monsoon. The meeting focused on long-term flood mitigation strategies, the status of measures taken since last year’s review, and the use of technology for effective flood management.
     
    The Home Minister reviewed the adoption of new technologies by various agencies involved in flood management and called for their expanded use. He stressed the need for wider application of space technology by central agencies for flood control and water management.
     
    Shah reiterated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, disaster management in India is being driven with a zero-casualty approach. He directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to coordinate with State and District Disaster Management Authorities for effective dissemination of early warning alerts. He urged all States and Union Territories to implement NDMA advisories in a timely manner and asked NDMA and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to ensure close coordination with the states for efficient flood response.
     
    The Home Minister acknowledged the efforts of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and India Meteorological Department (IMD) in extending the time window for issuing flood forecasts and advisories. He called for further improvements in forecast accuracy and underlined the need for flood monitoring centres of the CWC to align with national requirements and international standards. He asked the Ministry of Jal Shakti, NDMA, and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to monitor glacial lakes and take timely action in case of any outburst.
     
    The Home Minister appreciated the efforts of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and India Meteorological Department (IMD) in extending the flood forecasting window from 3 to 7 days. He said, “The flood monitoring centres of the CWC must be aligned with our national requirements and developed to meet international standards.” He asked the Ministry of Jal Shakti, NDMA, and National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to closely monitor glacial lakes and act swiftly in case of any breach or outburst.
     
    He stressed the importance of road infrastructure in flood-prone areas and asked the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to work with state authorities. “Drainage systems should be an integral part of highway designs to prevent waterlogging and road damage during heavy rains,” he said.
     
    On ecological measures, the Home Minister called for increasing forest cover along the Narmada River basin. He said, “If successful, this model can be implemented in other river basins as well. It will help revive river ecosystems, reduce soil erosion, and address declining rainfall.”
     
    The meeting also discussed the recurring problem of urban flooding. Shah directed central agencies to take proactive steps for flood control in cities and prepare comprehensive flood management plans for large urban areas. He noted the role of wetlands and said, “Rejuvenation of wetlands and afforestation are essential to deal with heavy rainfall in short durations during monsoon.” He also asked the Ministry of Jal Shakti to improve the condition of wetlands in the Brahmaputra basin, which he said would also support economic and tourism activities.
     
    The Home Minister suggested that agencies such as the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), IMD, NRSC and others organise a conference bringing together experts to discuss floods and related technologies. “In 2014, India was far behind in the field of meteorology. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we are on par with developed countries. Now we must aim to be number one,” he added.
     
    Departments including IMD and CWC presented detailed updates on the measures taken since last year’s flood review. Ministries and departments briefed the Home Minister on their preparedness for the current monsoon and their future plans. Shah expressed satisfaction with the preparations and called for collaborative development of software systems to manage extreme weather conditions.
     
    He said, “All departments must work together to build systems that can respond effectively to climate-related challenges and protect lives and infrastructure.”
     
     

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment – Select committee announces support of law changes that will prevent councils from restricting harmful pollution of water – CCW

    Source: Choose Clean Water – Tom Kay


    A select committee report released today demonstrates Coalition parties support law changes that would prevent local government from being able to control pollution even when it is causing serious harm, say freshwater campaigners.


    “The damage these changes would cause must not be underestimated. This is not only an attack on the health of our environment but also democracy as the proposals seek to give greater power to polluting industries and write local government out of regulating harmful pollution of freshwater,” says Choose Clean Water spokesperson Tom Kay. 


    “It beggars belief when you consider that the National-led Government came to power claiming to be champions of localism – they’ve thrown that out the window completely.”


    For freshwater, two parts of the Environment Select Committee report are most significant; the proposals on Section 70 of the Resource Management Act and changes to farm plans, including more Ministerial control.


    Currently, Section 70 says that councils cannot allow pollution that would cause “significant adverse effects on aquatic life” as a permitted activity. This means regional councils cannot allow for potentially polluting activities to happen without them going through a consenting process to assess whether they can avoid, remedy, or mitigate their impacts, even where an environment they want to operate in might already be polluted.


    The Coalition parties support doing away with this and allowing polluting activities to go ahead, as long as the place those activities are occurring is already polluted and as long as there will be some reduction in that pollution over time. 


    “But it doesn’t make sense. It is laughable that the report suggests you could grant a consent for an activity to add pollution to a place or continue polluting it now as long as it reduces its pollution by a bit, later. Why would we say ‘We’ll make a waterbody really sick now so we can nurse it back to health over decades’!? Make it make sense.” 


    Even with standards for these permitted activities, campaigners regional councils will struggle to ensure they are sufficient to reduce or avoid “significant adverse effects on aquatic life” and will face significant lobbying to minimise any standards.


    “This opens the door to more and worse pollution. Pollution that harms aquatic life inevitably has an impact on human lives, either directly due to illness or through impacts on livelihoods or taking away the things with love about the places we live in.”


    The Coalition parties in the select committee also support changes that would bypass regional councils’ role in controlling pollution through farm plans.


    Farm plans have been a largely unsuccessful attempt to reduce the impact of farming on the country’s freshwater over the last decade or more. In regions where they have been used, like Canterbury, they have been found to be unable to stop the degradation of communities’ waterways and drinking water sources. 


    “Not only is the value of farm plans in controlling pollution highly questionable,” says Kay, “the Select Committee’s proposal is to give Government the ability to support farm plans written and audited by polluting industries rather than regional councils, and to allow the Minister for the Environment to make the decision on which industry groups can play this role. This keeps regional councils at arms length from attempts to control pollution through farm plans, effectively writing them out as regulator.”


    “This Government has demonstrated it has close and inappropriate relationships with some industry bodies. Having a Minister be responsible for such a decision opens the door to undue influence and allows for industry to capture the whole process around farm plans. We’re watching it happen now. This proposal effectively writes local government out of their regulatory role of controlling pollution.”


    “It has never been clearer that the National-led Government is working for the polluters and not for the public. Our communities will pay for this through the impact on our quality of life, our drinking water sources, our opportunities to swim or fish, our pride in our beautiful environment, and our ability to be involved in local decision making.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: World Vision – Aotearoa gearing up for the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge Weekend (13-15 June)

    Source: World Vision

        

    Rangatahi across New Zealand are gearing up to tackle a range of unique tasks for the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge this weekend (13-15 June). 

     

    The nation’s largest youth fundraising event kicks off this weekend and is encouraging participants to go offline for 40 hours to raise funds for hungry children in Solomon Islands. 
      

    A rite of passage for young New Zealanders, the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge, gives rangatahi a platform to champion important causes and raise funds for those in need, while putting themselves to the test with a unique or difficult challenge. 

    There is no shortage of creativity in the challenges that will be undertaken for 40 hours this weekend, including:  

    • Living in a cramped dinghy  
    • Speaking only Shakespearian English  
    • Making 400 paper cranes 
    • Cooking 500 meals 
    • Running 100 kilometres  
    • Kayaking 40kms 
    • Going fully off-grid tramping 
    • Completing 40 acts of kindness 
    • Planting thousands of trees 

     

    This year ’s World Vision 40 Hour Challenge is calling on youth to give up technology and go “offline for 40 Hours” to unplug, disconnect, and get together with their fri

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Evelyn Scott preschool marked ‘Excellent’

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

    You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: First of five new trade missions jets off

    Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

    Every day Aussie businesses exports some of the world’s best agricultural, industrial and technological products to every corner of the globe. With one in three Australian jobs supported by trade, the Albanese Labor Government has been working to strengthen our existing trading relationships and develop new ones internationally.

    In uncertain times in global trade, diversification of our trading relationships has never been more important. That’s why in April, Labor committed to five business and investment missions to priority markets, as well as $50 million to create additional opportunities for local businesses.

    This week, the first of these trade missions will travel to the United Kingdom to help Australian businesses discover new opportunities and accelerate our ongoing trade diversification efforts.

    The first mission brings together representatives from 20 of Australia’s leading healthcare and MedTech companies. They will visit the United Kingdom to take part in London Tech Week 2025 and NHS ConfedExpo 2025 in Manchester.

    It comes as Australia and the United Kingdom mark the two-year anniversary of the implementation of the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement, which is delivering outstanding results for Australian business.

    For example, Australian beef and veal exports to the UK were worth A$97.8 million in 2024, which is more than double that of the previous year (2023), and around eight times what they were worth in 2022.

    The UK has so much more to offer Australian exporters, and this business mission focused on health and medical technology will help unlock more jobs, more growth, and more certainty for our business.

    Australia ranks 5th globally for healthcare innovation and we’re home to around 700 biotech and MedTech companies. Our world class healthcare and MedTech companies are already making a difference in the UK, including across flu vaccines, pandemic preparedness, and cancer care.

    Australian and UK companies are also increasingly collaborating in critical technology sectors including quantum, cyber and AI.

    To assist export ready Australian tech businesses expand into the UK market, Australia, through Austrade, will be launching a new London Landing Pad program later this month.

    I wish the Australian businesses all the best and look forward to successful outcomes.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SITI at International Society for Stem Cell Research 2025 Annual Meeting (English only) (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 2025 Annual Meeting today (June 11):

    Professor Greco (President of the ISSCR, Professor Valentina Greco), Mr Alm (Chief Executive Officer of the ISSCR, Mr Keith Alm), Professor Kathryn Cheah (2025 Annual Meeting Program Committee Co-Chair of the ISSCR), Professor Rocky Tuan (Lee Quo Wei and Lee Yick Hoi Lun Professor of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong), Professor Nancy Ip (President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ordos: A City That Will Warm Your Heart

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Ordos City is located in the southwestern part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, north of the Great Wall of China, in a bend of the Yellow River and surrounded by its bed on three sides. The city’s territory borders Shanxi Province /North China/, Shaanxi and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region /Northwest China/.

    The city of district significance has administrative jurisdiction over 2 districts and 7 khoshuns with a total area of 87 thousand square kilometers and a population of 2.22 million people.

    The city has very rich reserves of coal, gas and other types of minerals. According to data, the share of explored coal reserves is one sixth in the country, gas – one third. In recent years, a number of large enterprises in the field of energy, chemical industry, production of Kashmir, etc. have been created here.

    In 2024, the city’s GDP grew by 6.4% to 636.3 billion yuan (US$87.3 billion).

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China and Azerbaijan open a new page of friendship – Chinese Ambassador

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Baku, June 11 /Xinhua/ — China and Azerbaijan are opening a new page of friendship, Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lu Mei said in an article for the 525-ci qazet newspaper, timed to coincide with the first-ever International Day of Dialogue Among Civilizations, established at the initiative of China.

    “We are pleased to celebrate this significant day together with our Azerbaijani friends. In the modern world, where there are more than 2,500 peoples and over 200 countries and regions, various civilizations coexist, mutually enrich each other and form a community with a common destiny,” the diplomat wrote. The resolution establishing the new day was adopted at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly with the support of 83 countries, including Azerbaijan.

    Lu Mei stressed that dialogue among civilizations helps overcome differences, strengthen trust and ensure collective security. She also noted that historically, the Great Silk Road connected the East and the West, promoting mutual enrichment of cultures and development of peoples.

    According to her, in recent years, under the strategic leadership of the heads of state, Chinese-Azerbaijani relations have reached a qualitatively new level of comprehensive strategic partnership. “Humanitarian exchanges have become an important part of our cooperation, and interest in the Chinese language and culture in Azerbaijan is constantly growing,” Lu Mei said.

    She recalled that in April of this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a joint statement on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two states, in which Azerbaijan supported the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China and highly appreciated the Chinese resolution on inter-civilizational dialogue.

    “The Chinese side is ready to use the International Day of Dialogue Among Civilizations together with Azerbaijan as an opportunity to expand humanitarian cooperation, deepen mutual understanding and strengthen friendship between our peoples,” the ambassador concluded. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • US Marines arrive in Los Angeles; California governor warns ‘democracy under assault’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Hundreds of U.S. Marines arrived in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday under orders from President Donald Trump, ratcheting up tensions in America’s second largest city, as California’s governor warned “democracy is under assault.”

    Trump’s extraordinary measures of sending National Guard and Marines to quell protests, which broke out in response to his immigration raids, fueled demonstrations for a fifth day in Los Angeles, and sparked protests in several other cities.

    As Trump and Newsom traded fulminations, the city’s mayor said the protests were limited to about five downtown streets, but declared a curfew for parts of the downtown area due to violence and looting.

    Police arrested another 197 people on Tuesday – more than double the total number of arrests to date.

    Democratic leaders have raised concerns over a national crisis in what has become the most intense flashpoint yet in the Trump administration’s efforts to deport migrants living in the country illegally, and then crack down on opponents who take to the streets in protest.

    “This brazen abuse of power by a sitting president inflamed a combustible situation, putting our people, our officers and even our National Guard at risk. That’s when the downward spiral began,” Newsom said in an a video address.

    “He again chose escalation. He chose more force. He chose theatrics over public safety. … Democracy is under assault.”

    Newsom, widely seen as preparing for a presidential run in 2028, has called the deployments an illegal waste of resources. He and the state sued Trump and the Defense Department on Monday, seeking to block the deployment of federal troops. Trump in turn has suggested Newsom should be arrested.

    Trump, voted back into office last year largely for his promise to deport undocumented immigrants, used a speech honoring soldiers on Tuesday to defend his decision.

    He told troops at the Army base in Fort Bragg, North Carolina: “Generations of Army heroes did not shed their blood on distant shores only to watch our country be destroyed by invasion and third-world lawlessness.”

    “What you’re witnessing in California is a full-blown assault on peace, on public order and on national sovereignty, carried out by rioters bearing foreign flags,” Trump said, adding his administration would “liberate Los Angeles.”

    Demonstrators have waved the flags of Mexico and other countries in solidarity for the migrants rounded in a series of intensifying raids.

    Homeland Security said Monday its Immigration and Customs Enforcement division had arrested 2,000 immigration offenders per day recently, far above the 311 daily average in fiscal year 2024 under former President Joe Biden.

    UNREST IN THE STREETS

    Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday announced a curfew for one square mile (2.5 square km) of downtown Los Angeles that will run from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. locally (0300 to 1300 GMT) for several days.

    With five minutes until the curfew took effect, hundreds of protesters faced police with their hands raised, chanting “”peaceful protest.”

    Even so, state and local officials have called Trump’s response an extreme overreaction to mostly peaceful demonstrations.

    Bass emphasized at a press conference the distinction between the majority of demonstrators protesting peacefully and a smaller number of agitators she blamed for violence and looting.

    A curfew had been considered for several days but Bass said she decided to impose one after 23 business were looted on Monday night.

    “When these peaceful rallies end, and the protesters head home, another element moves in: opportunists, who come in under the cover of a peaceful protest to ravage and destroy,” Council member Ysabel Jurado, who represents the area, told reporters.

    As the mayor and the council member spoke, police and protesters were engaged in skirmishes outside.

    In what has become a daily ritual, police forced demonstrators away from the streets outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, where many detained migrants are held. Multiple groups of protesters snaked through downtown Los Angeles, monitored or followed by police armed with less lethal munitions.

    Protests also took place in other cities including New York, Atlanta and Chicago, where demonstrators shouted at and scuffled with officers. Some protesters climbed onto the Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza, while others chanted that ICE should be abolished.

    Christina Berger, 39, said it was heartbreaking to hear about children who are afraid of being separated from their families due to immigration raids, adding, “I just want to give some hope to my friends and neighbors.”

    MARINES AT THE READY

    About 700 Marines were in a staging area in the Seal Beach area about 30 miles (50 km) south of Los Angeles, awaiting deployment to specific locations, a U.S. official said.

    A U.S. official said there were 2,100 National Guard troops in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday, more than half the 4,000 to be activated. The Marines and National Guard troops lack the authority to makes arrests and will be charged only with protecting federal property and personnel.

    Even so, California Attorney General Rob Bonta told Reuters the state was concerned about allowing federal troops to protect personnel, saying there was a risk that could violate an 1878 law that generally forbids the U.S. military, including the National Guard, from taking part in civilian law enforcement.

    “Protecting personnel likely means accompanying ICE agents into communities and neighborhoods, and protecting functions could mean protecting the ICE function of enforcing the immigration law,” Bonta said.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tuesday posted photos on X of National Guard troops accompanying ICE officers on an immigration raid. Trump administration officials have vowed to redouble the immigration raids in response to the street protests.

    (Reuters)

  • IDY 2025: Yoga Sangam Portal crosses 50,000 registrations

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Ahead of the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, over 50,000 organisations from across the nation have registered to host Yoga Sangam, setting a new benchmark for collective participation, said the Ministry of Ayush on Tuesday.

    Creating a historic milestone in promoting holistic health and well-being, Yoga Sangam will be hosted on June 21 from 6:30 am to 7:45 am.

    This year’s theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ echoes a universal call for unity and wellness. Premier institutions like IITs, IIMs, and Central Universities, along with many corporates and private players, are actively registering and showcasing their commitment to global wellness.

    Rajasthan has emerged as the frontrunner with an impressive 11,000+ organisations registered for Yoga Sangam 2025, the highest among all states. It is followed by Telangana with over 7,000+ registrations, and Madhya Pradesh with close to 5,000 registrations.

    The IDY events will be held across the snow-capped mountains of Ladakh to the sunlit beaches of Kerala, from school playgrounds and office lawns to railway stations and historic temple courtyards.

    “With over one lakh locations expected to host the IDY event, Yoga Sangam 2025 the Ministry of Ayush invites citizens, institutions, and communities to come together in this global celebration of India’s timeless wisdom. Let us move together, breathe together, and thrive together – for a healthier, more harmonious world,” the Ayush ministry said.

    This year’s IDY celebrations build on the successful decentralised model of previous editions, with the Ministry of Ayush enhancing public engagement through the Yoga Sangam portal: Yoga.ayush.gov.in/yoga-sangam.

    To participate in Yoga Sangam, groups/organisations can register themselves through Yoga Sangam portal. After conducting the Yoga Sangam event on June 21, they can receive the official Certificate of Appreciation by uploading participation details.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Propulsion bay leak delays Axiom-4 mission again; repair work begins

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The highly anticipated Axiom-4 mission, which was scheduled to launch on June 11 after a series of earlier delays, has been postponed once again due to a leak detected in the propulsion bay during a pre-launch test, SpaceX said on Wednesday.

    “Standing down from tomorrow’s (June 11) Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the ISS to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOX leak identified during post-static fire booster inspections. Once complete—and pending Range availability—we will share a new launch date”, SpaceX said in a post on X. 

    ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan also took to X, saying, “The Axiom 04 mission, slated for launch on 11th June 2025 to send the first Indian Gaganyatri to the ISS, has been postponed. As part of launch vehicle preparations to validate the performance of the booster stage of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, a seven-second hot test was carried out on the launch pad. During the test, a LOX (liquid oxygen) leak was detected in the propulsion bay.”

    “Following discussions between ISRO, Axiom, and SpaceX experts, it has been decided to correct the leak and conduct the necessary validation tests before clearing the mission for launch. Hence, the launch of Axiom 04 has been postponed,” he added.

    The mission, operated by the US-based Axiom Space, was set to carry Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla along with three international crew members to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

    The launch was scheduled to take place from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 5:30 p.m. IST. The Axiom 04 mission has faced multiple delays, having been rescheduled from its original target of May 29 to June 8, then June 10, and most recently to June 11.

    The mission is of major significance for India, as Shukla is set to become the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, and only the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight aboard the Soviet space station Salyut 7 in 1984.

    Shukla will serve as the pilot of the Axiom 04 mission, with Commander Peggy Whitson from the United States leading the crew. The other crew members include Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both serving as mission specialists.

    Once aboard the ISS, Shukla is expected to carry out experiments related to food and nutrition. The scientific mission is a collaboration between ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with additional support from NASA.

    These experiments aim to advance the understanding of space nutrition and help develop self-sustaining life support systems critical for long-duration space exploration.

    The research will focus on the effects of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae—a nutrient-rich, high-potential food source for future space missions.

    The experiment will evaluate key growth parameters and examine transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic changes in different algal species in space compared to their behaviour on Earth.

    (With agency input)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Muscat will host sixth round of Iran-U.S. talks

    2025-06-10 – Senior officials of Iran and the U.S. will hold the sixth round of talks in Muscat on Sunday.

    Muscat is scheduled to host the sixth round of indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington on Sunday.

    Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said on Tuesday that the Islamic Republic and the United States will hold the newest round of talks in Muscat next Sunday, with Oman as the mediator.

    Regarding the latest program of Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, he said that the top diplomat will pay a visit to Norway to take part in the 22nd edition of the Oslo Forum.

    The Oslo Forum annually hosts global leaders, mediators, conflict parties, and experts to assess crises, support dialogue, and create pathways to peace.

    Iran and the United States have held five rounds of talks mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi, three in Muscat and two in Rome.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Opening Speech of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs  at the High-Level Global Conference on Youth-Inclusive Peace Processes

    Source: Government of Iran

    Your Excellency Mr. António Guterres,

    Your Excellency, Mr. Pekka Haavisto,

    Your Excellency, Mrs. María Juliana Ruiz Sandoval Ms. Ana Maneno, Mr. Mohammad Yahya Qanie,

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;

    I am delighted to open this High-level Global Conference on Youth-Inclusive Peace Processes, co-hosted by the State of Qatar, Colombia, Finland, and the United Nations, and co-organized by the office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, Education Above All Foundation, and Search For Common Ground, in partnership with the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UNDPP), the UN Population Fund, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Network of Young Peacebuilders.

    I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the ground-breaking vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser – UN SDG advocate, and Founder and Chairperson of Education Above All (EAA) Foundation.

    Her Highness has worked tirelessly to promote the empowerment of youth in conflict-prevention and peace-building. I would also like to acknowledge the instrumental role of Education Above All in this regard.

    The State of Qatar encourages the participation of young people in all stages of peace processes, including in decision-making. With this in mind, the Department of Youth Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Sports has been directed to draft Qatar’s first National Youth Strategy.

    Drafted in consultation with our youth, the strategy is a declaration of a common national vision that defines the needs and priorities of Qatar’s youth.

    It is worthy of note that the first international Symposium on youth participation, held in Helsinki in March 2019, resulted in the launch of the first global policy paper on youth participation in peace processes.

    I trust this conference will follow this path in arriving at shared political commitments to advance the global Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda, and deliver concrete solutions for sustainable youth-inclusive processes world-wide.

    I am pleased that this conference will launch international guidelines to advance the global Youth, Peace and Security Agenda, and a five year-strategy on strengthening youth-inclusive peace processes, to be implemented at the national level.

    To conclude, the State of Qatar is committed to continue working closely with the United Nations to effectively implement the main outcomes of this conference as part of our joint efforts to strengthen global youth-inclusive peace processes.

    I thank you all for joining us, and look forward to our impactful deliberations here today.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Closing statement of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs at the High-Level Global Conference on Youth-Inclusive Peace Processes

    Source: Government of Iran

    Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen:

    It has been an honour and a pleasure to host this High-level Global Conference on Youth-Inclusive Processes.

    I would like to thank the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres for his leadership and commitment to advancing this agenda.

    Over the course of this conference, you have generated a number of actionable policy recommendations and key outputs to ensure youth-inclusive peace processes.

    I particularly welcome the launch of the guidelines in support of country-level operationalization of the youth, peace, and security agenda and the five-year strategy on strengthening youth-inclusive peace processes building on recommendations from the global policy paper “WE ARE HERE: An Integrated Approach to Youth-Inclusive Peace Processes”.

    I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Member States, young people, civil society organizations, United Nations entities, and regional organizations to implement the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda, that fed into the development of “Implementing the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda at Country-level: A Guide for Public Officials”.

    Furthermore, discussions over the past two days have highlighted the centrality of young people as critical and necessary partners in conflict transformation and peacebuilding and the need for their strengthened participation and representation, especially of young women, in the design and implementation of peace processes.

    Discussions also emphasized that the implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda, as enshrined in UN Security Council Resolution 2535, requires Member States to continue developing dedicated local, national and regional roadmaps, with sufficient resources, through participatory processes, in particular with young people and youth organizations, including monitoring, evaluation, and coordination.

    Therefore, we encourage Member States to support the implementation of the two key outputs to advance the country-level operationalization of the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda and to strengthen youth participation in peace processes at all levels of decision-making, based on specific contexts.

    Finally, I would like to emphasize that the State of Qatar is deeply committed to implement the objectives and key outputs of this High-level Global Conference. Furthermore, in prioritizing the critical role of young men and women in building peace, the State of Qatar is collaborating with the United Nations on several initiatives to advance further the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda, while working towards a reinvigorated inclusive multilateralism.

    The State of Qatar will not leave young men and women behind. We are ourselves a young country, comprised of a young population characterized by its passion and vision for a sustainable and peaceful future.

    You can count on the State of Qatar as your partner and supporter. Together, we can move the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda forward.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Josh Hazlewood returns for WTC final against South Africa

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Marnus Labuschagne will open the batting for Australia and Josh Hazlewood has been selected in the bowling line-up for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s, captain Pat Cummins said on the eve of the game on Tuesday.

    Labuschagne has been moved up the order to accommodate the return of Cameron Green, who underwent back surgery in October and was ruled out of the home season, while Hazlewood is fit again after a calf injury to replace of Scott Boland.

    “Cam Green has been coming back in great form in the last few weeks and we thought he deserved a spot in the batting lineup. We thought three probably suits him best,” Cummins told a press conference.

    “For Marnus moving one spot up, it’s not too different to batting at three. He’s done well here in England in the past.”

    Leaving out Boland, who had been one of the heroes of Australia’s 3-1 test series win over India this year, had been a difficult decision.

    “There are some guys where you genuinely say, you’ve done nothing wrong, don’t change a thing and that’s Scotty. He is just really unfortunate to miss out.

    “The message to Scotty is there’s a lot of test cricket coming up in the next couple of years and just because your mid-30s doesn’t mean that’s the end of your career.

    “By having a squad of fast bowlers, hopefully we can extend all our care for an extra couple of years.”

    An element of selection criteria was to reward those who had contributed to defending champions Australia winning 13 of 19 tests in the two-year WTC cycle and reaching yet another final.

    “I think our selectors have probably shown you that they’re happy and they’d rather give someone an extra little run than pull the pin too early. I think it’s partly rewarding those guys that got us here.”

    Cummings said defending the title was high on the Australian priority list, even after all their success in the limited-overs formats.

    “It’s a trophy we’ve spoken a lot about over the last couple of years. “Test cricket is my favourite format. You’ve got to basically win in all different conditions to make it into this final. If we can retain that mace, that’s a pretty awesome thing for this team.”

    Australia team: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

    -Reuters

  • Centre reaches out to farmers across 700 districts under Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan is spearheading the ongoing Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), a national campaign launched on May 29 from Puri, Odisha. The 15-day initiative, which concludes on June 12, aims to connect scientific research with agricultural practice on the ground, targeting over 1.5 crore farmers across more than 700 districts. The effort is supported by 16,000 agricultural scientists and 2,170 interdisciplinary teams.

    At the launch event in Bhubaneswar, the Minister said the campaign would focus on modern technologies, soil health, natural farming, and crop diversification to ensure food security and adequate reserves. He announced the deployment of expert teams to assist farmers with seed varieties, fertiliser use, crop selection, and sustainable practices.

    During a visit to Jammu and Kashmir on May 30, Chouhan referred to farmers living in border areas as the second line of defence, acknowledging their continued efforts in agriculture despite adverse conditions. “VKSA is bringing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Lab to Land’ into action,” he said, adding that the campaign is contributing to the broader goal of developing Indian agriculture.

    On May 31, in Panipat, Haryana, Chouhan reiterated the importance of direct farmer interaction. “I try to live the life of a farmer. I am a farmer’s son. I drive a tractor and also do the sowing myself,” he said, describing agriculture as central to the Indian economy. He added that even a small increase in productivity per hectare could lead to substantial gains at the national level.

    In Dabthuwa village of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Chouhan interacted with farmers directly and later addressed a media gathering in Jangethi village. He said that the goal of VKSA is to increase production, reduce input costs, ensure fair pricing for produce, and prevent post-harvest losses.

    In Bihar’s Motihari, the Minister announced ₹6 crore worth of upcoming agricultural projects at the local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and emphasized the role of scientists in promoting advanced techniques to improve productivity.

    In Pune, Maharashtra, Chouhan met farmers at the Narayangaon KVK and visited local farm markets and cold storage facilities. Speaking about inputs, he said, “The government is moving towards enacting a strict law for taking action against any company or person making fake fertilizers or pesticides and supplying those to farmers.” He also underlined the role of scientists in providing on-ground guidance tailored to regional agricultural needs.

    During a Kisan Chaupal held in Patiala, Punjab, the Minister supported farmer-led policy feedback and encouraged the adoption of sustainable practices such as direct-seeded rice. “Policies will now be shaped by inputs from farmers—not by bureaucrats,” he said. He also addressed concerns about excessive pesticide use, noting its impact on costs and crop quality.

    In Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Chouhan spoke about the export potential of the region’s agricultural produce. He called for a renewed focus on natural farming, water conservation, and technological innovation. “The sacred land of Uttarakhand brings renewed energy to the mind, intellect, and spirit,” he said, citing the importance of direct farmer engagement in evaluating the effectiveness of government schemes.

    At the ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Chouhan held a review meeting and urged scientists to focus on export-quality seed development and value addition. “Technology-driven, farmer-centric solutions are essential for increasing incomes in citriculture,” he said.

    In Bhopal on June 7, Chouhan described the campaign’s intent as scientific, not political. “The government is working with the spirit of ‘One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team’,” he said. He credited record production of major crops to collaborative efforts between scientists and farmers.

    On June 8, during his visit to the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research in Bengaluru, Chouhan addressed 500 farmers and advocated for demand-driven research informed by farmer feedback. He emphasized the need for sustainable practices and a robust advisory system.

    In Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district on June 9, the Minister held multiple interactions with farmers, many of whom shared positive outcomes from diversification and integrated farming. Speaking at a gathering in Ibrahimpatnam, he said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continuous efforts are being made for agricultural advancement.” He also noted that tomato, potato, and onion farmers will benefit from the Market Intervention Scheme.

    According to official data, the campaign has reached approximately 87.8 lakh farmers across 85,480 villages through 46,181 field visits made by 2,170 dedicated teams between May 29 and June 8.

    During his visit to the ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) in Hyderabad, Chouhan laid the foundation for a Global Centre of Excellence on Millets.

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Opening Speech By His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs At The Seventh Edition of the Global Security Forum

    Source: Government of Iran

    In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

    May peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you,,,

     

    I welcome you all to Doha on the occasion of the seventh edition of the Global Security Forum, under the theme “The Impact of Non-State Actors on Global Security”.

    At this time, this forum holds exceptional significance, as it brings us together at a moment when the world—more than ever—requires profound and sincere dialogue, as well as innovative partnerships capable of addressing the challenges of our turbulent world.

    Distinguished Attendees, 

    Our international system is currently undergoing profound transformations that compel us to reassess our concepts of security and stability.

    Conflicts are no longer transient events that can be contained; rather, they have evolved into prolonged phenomena that interconnect and overlap, imposing on the world complex crises that feed into one another—from Ukraine to Gaza, passing through the multiple crises in our region.

    At the core of this intricate scene, we observe the persistence and expansion of conflicts both temporally and geographically, with no clear prospects for resolution. This is due to the absence of collective political will and the prioritization of narrow interests over the requirements of just and comprehensive peace.

    At the core of this intricate scene, we observe the persistence and expansion of conflicts both temporally and geographically, with no clear prospects for resolution. This is due to the absence of collective political will and the prioritization of narrow interests over the requirements of just and comprehensive peace.

    This persistence leaves behind entire generations growing up under the shadow of violence, despair, and loss of hope, which is perhaps the most perilous consequence of these conflicts.

    Children of Gaza, Syria, Sudan, and Ukraine are not merely statistics in the reports of international organizations; rather, they represent the future of our societies and serve as a reflection of our success or failure in creating a world that is safer and more humane.

    And even if wars were to cease tomorrow, we would find ourselves facing the immense challenge of reconstruction—not only to repair the physical destruction but also to rebuild communities on social and psychological levels.

    Amid the multiplicity of crises and the decline in international funding, issues such as the reconstruction of Syria or Gaza appear to have become deferred aspirations on the agenda of the international community.

    Therefore, our vision for the solution is not limited to ceasefires and ending wars alone; it extends to establishing solid foundations for comprehensive and sustainable recovery, through collective responsibility and genuine international commitment.

    Ladies and Gentlemen, 

    Amidst these intertwined challenges, the role of humanitarian organizations, civil society institutions, media entities, and local initiatives has emerged as a pivotal element in the equation of security and peace.

    These entities have become the first line of defense in responding to crises, often overcoming bureaucratic and political constraints that hinder official bodies.

     However, on the other hand, we face non-state actors who exploit security vacuums and thrive on chaos and suffering, ranging from terrorist groups to organized crime networks.

    The rogue actions of certain states, which are met with only a small amount of wisdom and a great deal of weakness and complacency from some governments, serve as a pretext for infiltrating the hearts and minds of people and hijacking the role of the sole defender of their rights.

    Amidst this crisis-ridden landscape, the truth is obscured, and blame is scattered: Is the root cause the rogue states themselves, the weak governments failing to fulfill their duties, or the absence of wisdom, which has become a rare commodity in an era where standards are blurred and balances disrupted?

    Herein lies the importance of this year’s forum theme— the lines between construction and destruction, between those who seek peace and those who invest in war, must be drawn clearly and precisely.

    Addressing these challenges requires a smart approach; one that supports and empowers positive forces while containing and drying up the sources of terrorist and criminal organizations that exploit the suffering of peoples to advance their own agendas.

    This can only be achieved through more inclusive global governance and strategic partnerships between governments and civil society.

    Distinguished Attendees,

    What has been happening in the Gaza Strip for more than a year and a half offers painful lessons about this dynamic.

    Amid unprecedented destruction and a humanitarian disaster that has crossed all red lines, humanitarian organizations and local initiatives play a crucial role in keeping the lifeline flowing, in conveying the suffering of civilians to the world, and even in contributing to mediation and negotiation efforts.

    What is most painful, and a stain on the conscience of the entire world, is that food and medicine have become weapons in this war. The death of children from hunger and cold is exploited as a tool to achieve narrow political objectives, while an entire population is besieged and denied the most basic rights to receive aid, without any accountability.

    The State of Qatar will continue, in partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt, the United States of America, and regional partners, its diligent efforts to achieve a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and to ensure the unobstructed flow of humanitarian aid.

    We firmly believe that supporting the Palestinian people is not a matter of political negotiation, but a moral and humanitarian duty rooted in our commitment to justice.

     

     

    Ladies and Gentlemen,
    Despite the bleakness of the overall situation, positive indicators emerge that must be upheld and strengthened.

    • In Syria, we observe a nation undergoing reconstruction, with its people striving to shape a new vision for their country, while recognizing the sensitivity of the current phase and the necessity for a comprehensive national discourse.
    • In Lebanon, the election of a President of the Republic and the formation of the government represent an opportunity to revitalize institutions and strengthen confidence in the state and its future, provided that this is accompanied by substantial reforms and genuine engagement of civil society.

    We also observe encouraging positive signs, as recently witnessed here in Doha, through hosting peace talks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, which resulted in reaching preliminary understandings on a ceasefire, de-escalation, and confidence-building measures.

    These models demonstrate how formal processes, when combined with community initiatives, can help create a supportive environment for national reconciliation and regional stability.

    The diverse experiences we witness affirm a fundamental truth: sustainable security cannot be achieved solely through top-down decisions, but rather by building cohesive communities capable of resilience, through expanding partnerships and activating the role of all societal components in shaping the future.

    Distinguished Attendees,

    The State of Qatar has always been committed to the principle of dialogue as a fundamental means of resolving conflicts and building peace.

    We believe that constructive engagement with humanitarian organizations, civil society, the private sector, and academic circles constitutes an integral part of any serious effort to achieve sustainable stability.

    Based on our extensive experience in mediation and conflict resolution, we have realized that achieving genuine peace requires establishing channels of dialogue with all influential parties, respecting the specificities of each community, acknowledging historical grievances, and addressing them with a spirit of justice and reconciliation.

    Despite all the challenges we face, I firmly believe that hope remains our choice.

    The ability to bring about positive change is still within our reach, if there is genuine will, if we can rise above narrow interests, and if we place the human being—his dignity, rights, and aspirations—at the heart of every policy and initiative.

    In the State of Qatar, we are committed to continuing our role as an active partner in efforts toward peace and development. This includes supporting political solutions to conflicts, humanitarian actions, and building safety nets that protect communities from extremism and violence.

    We look forward to this forum serving as a platform for innovative ideas and practical solutions, and as a step towards closer partnerships between governments and communities, for a world that is safer, more just, and more respectful for human dignity.

    I wish you fruitful discussions and thank you for listening

     

    May peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you,,,

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Opening Remarks by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the Qatar Economic Forum

    Source: Government of Iran

    In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

    Your Highness the Amir  – may God protect him,

    Your Excellencies,

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Distinguished Guests,

    May the peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.

    It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to Doha, the capital of the State of Qatar. Doha has grown into a prominent center for international dialogue and active diplomacy, and a global platform where leaders, policymakers, and thinkers come together to exchange ideas and promote cooperation.

    This year’s Qatar Economic Forum takes place amidst major political and economic transformations, underscoring the urgent need for dialogue platforms that bring together decision-makers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders to chart future investment opportunities and formulate a collective stance on the challenges we face, most notably international stability and sustainable growth.

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza remains, despite the tireless efforts of the State of Qatar—working in close coordination with our partners in the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America—to bring this tragic war to an end, yet unfortunately we continue to witness repeated setbacks to achieving a ceasefire.

    When the Israeli-American soldier, Idan Alexander, was released, we hoped it would mark a turning point—an opportunity to halt the violence and begin the path toward peace. Instead, that moment was met with an intensified campaign of bombardment, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of innocent civilians.

    This aggressive and irresponsible behavior continues to undermine every opportunity for peace. Nevertheless, we remain firmly committed to pursuing our diplomatic efforts, alongside our partners, until this war is brought to an end—until all hostages and detainees are released, and the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Gaza is alleviated, and the region is no longer held hostage by constant and imminent threats.

    Regarding Syria, the recent decision to lift U.S. sanctions on this brotherly nation marks a significant step in the right direction. We hope to see similar measures to follow. This sends a clear and vital message to the region and the world: that our collective priority must be to offer people emerging from conflict a genuine opportunity to rebuild their lives and shape a better future.

    Distinguished Guests,

    Political stability and economic prosperity are deeply interconnected—neither can be achieved in isolation from the other.

    From this standpoint, the State of Qatar pursues an active and principled diplomatic approach, grounded in impartial mediation and constructive engagement to help resolve conflicts peacefully, recognizing that lasting peace is the foundation for any sustainable development.

    We regard every diplomatic effort we undertake as an investment in a more secure and prosperous future. When a young student in Gaza completes their education, or a Syrian family returns home after years of displacement, we see the tangible and meaningful impact that stability has—not only on individual lives, but on entire economies and societies.

    Distinguished Guests,

    In the State of Qatar, we aspire to build a diversified and prosperous economy —one driven by knowledge, innovation, and aligned with the pace of the global technological revolution, characterized by flexibility and adaptability. We aspire for Qatar to be a beacon of technological advancement and a global center for investment and business, built on trust, and for Qatar to always remain a reliable partner, whether in energy or investment, as well as in diplomacy.

    In line with this vision, we are actively working to translate our aspirations into reality by diversifying our foreign investments to enhance our strategic balance and contribute to the development of a long-term, sustainable economy. The Qatar Investment Authority continues to play a central role in this effort, pursuing long-term strategic partnerships across the globe. Over the past year, it has made significant investments spanning the United States, Africa, and China.

    These initiatives reflect our strong confidence in the resilience and potential of global markets—especially emerging markets—and their role in shaping the future.

    Domestically, Qatar’s economy maintained positive momentum, achieving real GDP growth of 2.4% in 2024, with total output reaching QAR 713 billion.

    This growth has been driven largely by significant progress in Qatar’s non-oil sectors, which expanded by 3.4% annually—an encouraging sign of steady advancement toward the objectives outlined in our Third National Development Strategy.

    By the end of 2024, new foreign direct investment (FDI) had reached QAR 9.9 billion, reflecting the growing confidence of international investors in the strength and resilience of the Qatari economy.

    To sustain this momentum, the State of Qatar continues to enhance its legislative and administrative frameworks, aiming to create a more efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly business environment.

    In this spirit, we are pleased to announce today the launch of the first package of incentives for all investors, focusing on strategic sectors such as advanced manufacturing, modern technology, and logistics. This initiative marks a significant step forward in fostering growth across key sectors that will serve as the foundation of our national economy’s future.

    In addition to industrial growth, this year marked the launch of the Simaisma tourism project—one of the largest entertainment developments in the region. This project serves as a major catalyst for the real estate and tourism sectors, and a powerful driver of integrated economic development.

    In the field of innovation and digital transformation, Qatar has further solidified its position as an emerging technology hub. In February 2025, we hosted the second edition of Web Summit, which brought together over 25,000 participants from 124 countries.

    The summit successfully fostered meaningful connections between emerging tech ecosystems in Asia and Africa and leading global corporations and sovereign wealth funds—further enhancing Qatar’s role as a digital gateway between regions.

    Reinforcing this momentum, Qatar recently secured the hosting rights for the Mobile World Congress (MWC) for the next five years, with the inaugural edition set for November. This achievement firmly establishes Qatar as a key player in the global digital economy.

    To build on this progress, Qatar will soon launch a new, globally ambitious project, to be unveiled later this year.

    Together, these milestones highlight Qatar’s determination to strengthen its position as a global economic and investment hub, and to chart a future grounded in diversity, innovation, and sustainability.

    Distinguished Guests,

    The State of Qatar is committed to playing a leading role in shaping a more balanced global economy—one that fosters genuine partnership and places human beings at the center of development. We envision Qatar as a platform where ideas converge, interests align, and progress is nurtured in an environment grounded in peace, stability, and investment.

    In this spirit, we call for a holistic approach—one that integrates security with development, diplomacy with economic growth, and ensures that human dignity remains at the heart of any plans for prosperity.

    Thank you for your kind presence. I wish you a productive forum and meaningful discussions. I look forward to engaging in a constructive dialogue during the sessions ahead, and to the emergence of new economic partnerships that will help drive sustainable development—both in our region and around the world.

    May the peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Dialogue Session for His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs with Bloomberg, as part of the Qatar Economic Forum

    Source: Government of Iran

    Joumanna Bercetche (Bloomberg TV): President Trump was in the region last week. It was the first Lme a US President has paid a visit to Qatar since 2003. How significant was this visit for the Gulf do you think? And also how do you think this

    President’s approach to the region differs from his predecessors?

     

    His Excellency: Well I believe that the President’s first trip to the GCC region, visiLng Saudi, Qatar, and UAE has been a great demonstraLon for the potenLal of that region. This sent a very strong message to the enLre world that there is a very high potenLal in that region. This region is flourishing, this region has a lot to do when it comes to contribuLng to the future technology and the revoluLon of arLficial intelligence and the need of course for power. Basically, we have had a great visit and I believe this is equivalent to the rest of the countries in the GCC. During that visit we had wide range of topics that’s being discussed whether it’s on regional security, on the future economic cooperaLon between the two countries and how to untap the potenLal between the two countries. These topics actually have varied whether it’s how to partner in arLficial intelligence, how to partner in energy and how to expand also in being a criLcal and vital part of the supply chain for the United States economy which is the leading economy in the world. I believe this was very much perceived in a posiLve way by the region and of course we know that the policy varies from one administraLon to another. We are glad to see that the Middle East, and GCC in parLcular, is a priority for this administraLon, and we believe that there is a lot of potenLal for both of us in the region and the United States that we can untap in the next few years. And also I think that one of the key elements of the President’s visit is making sure that the situaLon in this region remain stabilized and we have seen what a delicate period that we are going through in that region whether it’s on their talks, on the US talks with Iran, or with the situaLon in Gaza and the changes that happened in Syria. And we are hoping that these kind of engagements will lead us to a point where we can have all these conflicts seXled and hopefully being more focused on the prosperity of the region. 

     

    Joumanna Bercetche (Bloomberg TV): President Trump has been labeled a transacLonal President. He certainly likes to do deals. He has wriXen a book about the art of the deal and he likes things of value, especially if they come free. I want to ask you about the giY of this Boeing jet that Qatar wants to give to use as interim Air Force 1. It’s being met with a lot of controversy back home. What was the purpose of this giY? And is it as some criLcs say, an opportunity for Qatar to gain influence with this administraLon?

    His Excellency: Well look actually we have seen that there was a lot of controversy that’s being created out of this, what I call it, an exchange between two countries and basically the relaLonship that we have between Qatar and the United States is a very insLtuLonal relaLonship that witnessed different administraLons, and the insLtuLonal relaLonship remained very strong and at the backbone of this partnership. The plane story is a Ministry of Defense to Department of Defense transacLon which is basically done in full transparency and very legally and it is part of the cooperaLon that we have been always doing together for decades. For example, the airliYing in Afghanistan is something that we have almost 80% of that done by our air forces. The security deployment of the United States during the World Cup to support our efforts was done by the United States and I see it as a normal thing that happens between allies and basically I don’t know why people are thinking about it, that this is considered as a bribery or considered as something that Qatar wants to buy an influence with this administraLon. I don’t see any honestly valid reason for that and I believe that there is a huge issue in misconcepLon or unfortunately some spoilers who are trying to portray Qatar as a country that tries to buy its way. I believe if you look at the track record at least for the last 10 years whenever there is some scoop coming out in the media and trying to put Qatar under a spotlight that Qatar is bribing to get the World Cup or Qatar is bribing the EU Parliament or whatever, unLl like the end Qatar is trying to bribe the Prime Minister of Israel. I’m sure that, you know, it does tell you something that for the last 10 years, none of these cases has stand or had any proof that Qatar has done anything wrong. We are a country that would like to have strong partnership and strong friendship and anything that we provide to any country, it’s provided out of respect for this partnership and it’s a two ways relaLonship. It’s mutually beneficial for Qatar and for the United States and I believe everybody acknowledges this. I think that we need to overcome this stereotype of seeing Qatar as a small Arab naLon because it’s gas rich, it cannot find its way without buying it with money. It’s really a misconcepLon that hurts a lot not our reputaLon but the reputaLon also of other countries and insLtuLons.

    Joumanna Bercetche (Bloomberg TV): Is the controversy worth it though if it means that there’s going to be further congressional scruLny of all of Qatar’s dealings now with the US?

    His Excellency: Well, there is actually nothing that has been done by us under the table or like we are trying to do like a covert operaLon. It’s a Ministry of Defense to Department of Defense. There is a proper legal review now conducted between the two departments and nothing has happened yet actually. Now, our intenLon is to have a very clear exchange that the US is in need for to accelerate, you know, a temporary Air Force One. Qatar has the ability to provide this. We stepped up and basically a lot of naLons have giYed the US many things. I am not comparing that to the Statue of Liberty but I don’t know if this sounded a liXle bit maybe strange for the US because it’s coming from a small Arab naLon. I think that, you know, this has played some way a factor in this but I am hoping that people in the United States and even the poliLcians over there, they look at us as a friend, as a partner, as a reliable partner that we’ve been always there for the US whenever we were needed whether it’s in the war against terror, whether it’s in freeing American hostages from all around the world. It’s not something that we’ve been doing to buy an influence but this is a duty on us as a partner, as an ally of the United

    States and as there is a duty for the United States towards Qatar.

    Joumanna Bercetche (Bloomberg TV): I want to turn to regional geopoliLcs. Yesterday, the Israeli Prime Minister says that Israel is now carrying out operaLons with the purpose of taking over the Gaza Strip. They will carry out an unprecedented aXack on Hamas. That is a quote. The war is clearly entering into a new phase aYer a ceasefire that was negoLated earlier this year. Qatar played a pivotal role in that. It lapsed in March. The death toll conLnues to go up. There’s sLll what’s thought to be 20 hostages sLll alive in the Gaza Strip. There’s a humanitarian crisis going on there. What hope is there now for a lasLng ceasefire,

    Your Excellency?

    His Excellency: Well, it’s unfortunate that we’ve been seeing the situaLon unfolding in this way and it’s becoming very frustraLng for everyone and especially for us here in Qatar, we’ve been there from the beginning trying to mediate and trying to get to a deal where it alleviates the suffering of the PalesLnian people in Gaza and freeing the hostages and bringing them back to their family and trying to bring a path that will create a peaceful environment and security for both people. And that’s basically what we were aiming. And what I think that the last year and a half now has shown you that the only way forward is through negoLaLons. And unfortunately, that someLmes, you know, or many of the Lmes, these negoLaLons being sabotaged by poliLcal games with a very narrow vision and, you know, it’s just being postponed. One of the examples we had, the first deal that freed more than 100 Israeli hostages in November 23, it collapsed in one week. Then we had the second deal that’s been based on a framework that’s agreed on December 23 and we couldn’t announce it or we couldn’t finalize it unLl January 25. That states very clearly that this deal should include mulLple phases, that we have to do everything we can to avoid to return to the war and ensuring that all the hostages will be freed and there is a withdrawal from Gaza Strip and there is a clear way forward for the Gaza’s people to alleviate their situaLon. This deal has collapsed in 2nd of March and we have seen how the situaLon has been unfolding since then and the blockade on Gaza for now more than 60 days. And we are hearing also some responsible statements about the humanitarian situaLon over there, about, you know, the way of distribuLng these aids and distribuLng food in the form of meals and calculated calories for pre-qualified and pre-screened people. I think all these things that are happening has been unprecedented in our world today and it shouldn’t be acceptable for the internaLonal community. Yes, yet we have seen that, you know, unfortunately the Israeli government is carrying it out with impunity. Now, we conLnue our efforts despite everything and every aXempt to sabotage our efforts and try to also blackmail us and, you know, conLnuing aXacking us while we were the only country that’s helping together with Egypt and United States and we have just that this is just making us more determined to bring stability to the region, to end the war on Gaza, to free all the hostages and to bring them back to their family and to provide security for both people. The rounds of negoLaLons that took place in Doha in the past couple of weeks unfortunately didn’t lead us anywhere yet because there is a fundamental gap between the two parLes which is one party is looking for a parLal deal that might have the possibility to lead to a comprehensive deal and the other party is looking just for one-off deal and to end the war and to get all the hostages out and we couldn’t bridge this fundamental gap with whatever proposals we have provided given the past experience of the first deal that it collapsed and basically we are stuck in a situaLon that if this operaLon is starLng is just going to postpone the diplomaLc conclusion of the war which will end only diplomaLcally from our point of view and will just cost us a death toll on the PalesLnian side and also on the hostages side. Just I wanted to add one very important point to this. The delicacy of that situaLon in the region right now is criLcal and basically we have seen that the conLnuaLon of this campaign and this way and this behavior and it’s not only in Gaza but Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon, Syria is something becoming unbearable yet you have seen that all of us as governments, as countries we are calling for peace, we are calling for peaceful resoluLons and there is nothing stopping this kind of behavior. That will only add anger to the people in that region. This will add legiLmacy for non-state actors and is just going to fuel the narraLve of extremism and terrorism.

    Joumanna Bercetche (Bloomberg TV): In President Trump’s speech last week in Riyadh, he talks about the birth of a new Middle East, the economic transformaLon and also the Gulf states playing an increasingly influenLal diplomaLc and mediaLon role and the prospect of regional stability. Can there actually be regional stability in the absence of a soluLon to the PalesLnian and

    Israeli conflict that has been going on for decades?

    His Excellency: Well, we believe that this conflict is a core for the regional stability, and we hope that there will be a chance someLme soon. It requires a strong leadership, strong leadership from the PalesLnian side, from the Arab side and from the Israeli side because there will never be a deal without a compromise between all the parLes that ensuring that there are condiLons that can be created for the people to coexist together. This region has been for centuries with a beauLful social fabric that has different backgrounds and different ethnicity and different religions. Unfortunately, it’s been drained with these ancient wars and proxies that evolved over the last few decades. I cannot recall since I was born that there was a moment of stability in the region when we talk about the overall. We are blessed that the GCC was protected except during the Iraq war. But since we grew up, we grew up on just conflicts aYer another, aYer another.

    Joumanna Bercetche (Bloomberg TV): We’ve got a couple of minutes, but I do want to ask you because you were in Tehran over the weekend. How likely is it that you think we will get to an Iran-U.S. nuclear deal by the end of this year?

    His Excellency: I believe there is a posiLve momentum. We had a very good conversaLon with President Trump when he was here. We see him as a President who tried to talk to everyone, which is something that we very much encouraged. Also, he is trying to avoid any conflict or any escalaLon. This determinaLon in itself is showing leadership and poliLcal will. On the other side, on Iran, we have seen and sensed the same posiLvity. Of course, Oman is leading the mediaLon, and we are trying to support their efforts. I have suggested that aYer the visit of President Trump to have a trilateral engagement with the Iranians and our Omani colleagues. We were discussing ideas that can bridge the gaps between the two parLes. We hope that those ideas will work. The last thing that we want in that region is a nuclear race or another round of escalaLon that is next to our countries.

    Joumanna Bercetche (Bloomberg TV): Final quesLon on the Qatar economy. We have had the World Cup bump, you could call it. Of course, you have big visions of what you want to achieve in the next few years. What is the plan for the next five years by 2030?

    His Excellency: It is a very ambiLous plan. I have a friend who once told me that the World Cup was like an IPO for Qatar. I believe this was, thanks to God, this was a very successful IPO. It has been oversubscribed. We have seen the growth in many sectors aYer that. Basically, Qatar is trying to work on a transformaLon plan where we transform our economy into more being diversified, with a diversified base internally. We have been talking about this for the last 25 years and we have been working toward that objecLve. We are focusing on developing different sectors, whether it is on the manufacturing, on the logisLcs, on the educaLon, on the healthcare, on the tourism and technology. We have seen the technology revoluLon right now that is happening. We have seen that this technology revoluLon is not only happening away in the world, but countries like UAE is leading in arLficial intelligence or Saudi leading in data centers and we are trying to be part of this ecosystem and being a complementary for this region. Basically, we see that the potenLal is huge. The capability is there. Qatar has successfully built global brands in the last few decades. Qatar Airways is one of the main examples when you see that you have a leading airline being nominated number one for the last few years. This is something making us proud and we would like to see more and more brands coming out of Qatar like this.

    Joumanna Bercetche (Bloomberg TV): Your Excellency, thank you so much. Thank you. 

    MIL OSI Africa –