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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Opens Seventy-Seventh Session

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights today opened its seventy-seventh session.  The Committee adopted its agenda and programme of work for the session, during which it is scheduled to review the reports of Croatia, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda and the United Kingdom.

    Opening the session, Wan-Hea Lee, Chief of the Civil, Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and Urgent Actions Section, Human Rights Treaties Branch, Human Rights Council and Treaties Mechanisms Division, United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, welcomed the five new members of the Committee: Lazhari Bouzid (Algeria), Peijie Chen (China), Charafat El Yedri Afailal (Morocco), Giuseppe Palmisano (Italy) and Laura Elisa Pérez (Mexico).

    Despite the liquidity situation currently facing the United Nations, Ms. Lee said, the first sessions of all the treaty bodies this year would be held, allowing the important work undertaken by these bodies to proceed.  The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations more broadly had and would continue to do its utmost to ensure that their work could proceed to the maximum extent possible. 

    Ms. Lee reported that, at the upcoming fifty-eighth session of the Human Rights Council, a number of key panel discussions and interactive dialogues would be held that were of great relevance to economic, social and cultural rights, and the Council would also consider several reports related to the Committee’s mandate, including the Secretary-General’s report on the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights and the report of the intersessional workshop on cultural rights and the protection of cultural heritage.  She was sure that the work of the Committee would guide some of these discussions.

    In 2024, Ms. Lee said, significant efforts had been made to enhance indigenous peoples’ participation in human rights processes.  A second intersessional meeting held in October 2024 explored ways to strengthen indigenous peoples’ involvement in United Nations processes.  Indigenous peoples’ representatives also addressed the fifty-seventh session of the Human Rights Council in September 2024 for the first time as direct representatives of their communities and organizations.  Resolution 57/15 of October 2024 would facilitate the engagement of indigenous peoples with the treaty bodies going forward. These developments were especially timely given this year’s celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

    Ms. Lee noted that two new instruments of accession were deposited at the end of the year.  St Kitts and Nevis became the one hundred and seventy-third State Party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and Côte d’Ivoire became the thirtieth State party to its Optional Protocol.  While welcoming the continued march toward universal ratification, the Office of the High Commissioner was mindful of current events and modern challenges which were regrettably affecting the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights across the globe.  The High Commissioner, in a recent statement, noted the widespread pushback on multilateralism and how the challenges faced in 2024 were unlikely to let up in 2025, as conflicts continued and reemerged.

    The High Commissioner had been consistently urging States to commit to the global pursuit of a human rights economy, Ms. Lee said.  In a comment to the Social Forum in October 2024, he stressed that States needed to build inclusive human rights economies that prioritised people and planet.  Addressing the Hernan Santa Cruz Dialogue in December last year, the High Commissioner highlighted the substantial transformation necessary in economic systems to ensure the delivery of economic, social and cultural rights to all peoples around the world.  He said the world could not be based on a model that offered health for some, wealth for some, jobs for some, and rights for some.

    Last year was particularly challenging, Ms. Lee said. In addition to chronic resource constraints, the liquidity crisis had and continued to hamper the planning and implementation of the Committees’ work.  The Office was doing its utmost to ensure that the treaty bodies could implement their mandates.  Nevertheless, all indications pointed to a continuation of the difficult liquidity situation for the foreseeable future, she said.

    Ms. Lee said the treaty body strengthening process remained active.  It had reached a key moment with the adoption last December of the biennial resolution on the treaty body system by the General Assembly.  The resolution invited the treaty bodies and the Office to continue to work on coordination and predictability in the reporting process with the aim of achieving a regularised schedule for reporting and to increase their efforts to further use digital technologies.  However, the biennial resolution did not endorse certain detailed proposals made by the Chairs and corresponding resources to implement them, such as for an eight-year predictable schedule of reviews.

    The Office of the High Commissioner would continue to work alongside the Chairs and all the treaty body experts to strengthen the treaty body system, using all the opportunities at its disposal to advance this essential work, Ms. Lee said.

    In concluding remarks, Ms. Lee said a heavy programme for the next three weeks was before the Committee.  She commended the Committee’s efforts and work in preparation for such a substantial session and wished it continued success going forward.

    Laura-Maria Craciunean-Tatu, Committee Chair, thanked the Office of the High Commissioner for expressing confidence in the work of the Committee, and its contribution to the continued and heightened protection of economic, social and cultural rights around the world, in the face of today’s evermore complex challenges and setbacks.  The Committee also welcomed the accession by Saint Kitts and Nevis to the Covenant and of Côte d’Ivoire to the Optional Protocol.  The Chair said that the review of the periodic report of Kenya, which was scheduled for this session, had been postponed to a future session.

    Given today’s numerous challenges, Ms. Craciunean-Tatu said, it was clear that the Committee’s work was as important as ever in holding up the importance of human rights frameworks as a tool towards peace and sustainable development.  As such, the principles of equality, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of all human rights, as well their justiciability, needed to continue to guide the approach of States parties and other stakeholders to addressing the many challenges being faced worldwide.

    Ms. Craciunean-Tatu announced that, during the session, the Committee would work on the draft general comment on economic, social and cultural rights and the environmental dimension of sustainable development.  It would also hold internal discussions on the draft general comment on drug policies and economic, social and cultural rights, the draft general comment on armed conflict and economic, social and cultural rights, and the draft statement on effective and socially just taxation for the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights.

    Further, during the session, Ms. Craciunean-Tatu said, the Committee would adopt lists of issues regarding Cabo Verde, North Macedonia and Turkmenistan.  It would also consider matters related to the Optional Protocol and follow up reports for Serbia and Uzbekistan, as well as proposals regarding individual communications made by its Working Group. Additionally, it would be engaging in an informal meeting with States, as well as in its annual meeting with non-governmental organizations.  It would also engage with the Special Rapporteur on climate change and the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights.

    Since the last session, Ms. Craciunean-Tatu reported, the Committee received the periodic reports of Canada, Ecuador, Slovakia, Egypt, Estonia, Zambia, Paraguay and Uganda, as well the initial report of Guinea Bisau.  The Committee’s concluding observations based on the consideration of reports and the dialogues held in the session would be communicated to the respective States as of Friday, 28 February, and made available publicly on the following Monday, 3 March.

    The Committee’s seventy-seventh session is being held until 28 February 2025.  All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Webcasts of the meetings of the session can be found here, and meetings summaries can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. this afternoon to begin its consideration of the second periodic report of Croatia (E/C.12/HRV/2).

     

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

     

    CESCR25.001E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How geology and climate control vegetation composition and distribution in the Yellowstone Geoecosystem

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Cathy Whitlock, Regents Professor with the Department of Earth Science and the Paleoecology Lab at Montana State University.

    In Yellowstone, geology and ecology go hand in hand.  In fact, the geology of Yellowstone can be mapped by its vegetation!  For example, the glacial clays in the Lamar and Hayden valleys are rich in nutrients, like calcium and magnesium, and have high water-holding capacity; these qualities favor growth of grassland and sagebrush steppe.  These landscapes are called the “Serengeti of North America”— lush grasslands that support large populations of bison and elk, not to mention coyotes, wolves, and grizzlies. Thinner soils with intermediate fertility form on the eastern side of Yellowstone National Park in the Absaroka volcanic province, where andesitic compositions are common.  They support forests of Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, and whitebark and lodgepole pine, like those found in much of the northern Rockies.  In contrast, the plateaus of central Yellowstone National Park, created from explosive and lava-flow eruptions with rhyolite compositions, are overlain by thin, infertile soils.  Their lack of critical nutrients and low water-holding capacity limit most conifers, with the notable exception of lodgepole pine.  Lodgepole’s seeds are released when the cones are heated, enabling rapid establishment after fire and further ensuring the conifer’s dominance in central Yellowstone. 

    Modern vegetation on different geological substrates in Yellowstone.  Left: steppe/grassland on glacial clay found in places like Lamar and Hayden Valleys.  Center: Mixed conifer forest in the Absaroka andesite volcanic field in the eastern part of Yellowstone National Park.  Right: Lodgepole pine forest on Central Plateau rhyolite (hydrothermal grassland is present in the geyser basin in the middle of the photo). Figure by Cathy Whitlock, Montana State University.

    Yellowstone didn’t always look like it does today, though.  The vegetation has varied over time along with climate.  One way to investigate the vegetation and climate conditions of the past is to collect and analyze sediment cores from lakes in the area.  Sediment layers in lakes preserve millions of pollen grains that can be used to study changes in vegetation and climate through time.

    Comparing pollen records from three lakes in different geological substrates highlights the influence of geology and climate on long-term vegetation development.  Radiocarbon dating of sediment cores indicates that these lakes formed 14,000–15,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age.  A pollen record from Slough Creek Pond, near the confluence of Slough Creek and the Lamar River in the northeast part of Yellowstone National Park, describes the history of the fertile grassland regions.  Following ice recession, when the climate was cool and wet, the clay-rich areas were covered by shrub tundra.  As temperatures rose, Engelmann spruce moved into northern Yellowstone to form a subalpine parkland.  As more trees arrived with further warming, a parkland of spruce, fir, and whitebark pine developed.  After 11,000 years ago, during the early-Holocene warm period, Slough Creek supported a forest dominated by lodgepole pine and juniper.  The present Douglas-fir parkland was established about 7,000 years ago, when the climate of northern Yellowstone became drier and fire activity increased.

    A pollen record from Cub Creek Pond in the Absaroka region shows that the initial vegetation was similar to that of Slough Creek Pond.  Following an early period of shrub tundra, a subalpine parkland of Engelmann spruce formed about 12,500 years ago and became more diverse about 11,700 years ago.  On andesitic substrates, the early-Holocene warm period supported abundant lodgepole pine, some Douglas-fir, and aspen. In the last 5,000 years, this region became cooler and wetter, and present-day mixed forest of spruce, fir, and pine developed. 

    Compare these histories with that of the rhyolitic Central Plateau.  A record from Cygnet Lake shows that shrub tundra or steppe was present before 11,000 years ago.  While other parts of the park were colonized by spruce, fir, and whitebark pine, the infertile soils limited their establishment in the Central Plateau.  It wasn’t until lodgepole pine arrived 11,000 years ago that rhyolite regions became forested, and despite shifts in climate and fire activity, central Yellowstone has been covered by lodgepole pine forest ever since. 

    Vegetation history based on pollen records from three small lakes on different geological substrates in Yellowstone National Park.   Blue is open vegetation, light green is parkland, dark green is forest.  Top plot is from Slough Creek Pond, in a present grassland area dominated by glacial and lake sediment in the northeast part of Yellowstone National Park.  Middle plot is from Cub Creek Pond in the Absaroka volcanics on the east side of Yellowstone National Park.  Bottom plot is from Cygnet Lake in the Central Plateau rhyolites in the center of Yellowstone National Park.  Figure by Cathy Whitlock, Montana State University.

    So, what do we learn from this?  First is that Yellowstone is a geoecosystem in which the geologic template as well as changes in climate and fire shape vegetation development.  Imagine how this geo-connection played out through time.  If Yellowstone did not overlie a hotspot, we would not have had caldera and post-caldera rhyolitic eruptions.  No rhyolite, no lodgepole pine forest.  If the hotspot hadn’t created what Ken Pierce and Lisa Morgan call the “Yellowstone crescent of high terrain,” (which is essentially an area of the Rockies that has been uplifted by the hotspot’s interaction with the North American plate) we wouldn’t have had the high elevations necessary for ice to form during glacial periods.  No hotspot, no glaciers, no clay-rich soils, no fertile steppe.  In short, Yellowstone would have looked like the rest of the northern Rockies.  But to our good fortune, all of these events did transpire and created the Yellowstone geoecosystem that we see today.  Geology matters! 

    Additional reading:

    Despain, DG. 1990. Yellowstone vegetation; consequences of environment and history in a natural setting. Roberts Rine- hart, New York, New York, USA. 

    Iglesias, V, Whitlock, C, Krause, TR, Baker, RG. 2018.  Past vegetation dynamics in the Yellowstone region highlight the vulnerability of mountain systems to climate change. Journal of Biogeography 45: 1768-1780.

    Pierce, KL, Morgan LA. 1992. The track of the Yellowstone hot spot: Volcanism, faulting and uplift. Geological Society Memoir 179, Chapter 1.

    Whitlock, C. 1993. Postglacial vegetation and climate of Grand Teton and southern Yellowstone National Parks.  Ecological Monographs 63: 173-198.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Obstacle to competition in France’s outlying territories: upholding EU law in the face of the high cost of living – P-000461/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000461/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marie Toussaint (Verts/ALE), Rasmus Andresen (Verts/ALE), David Cormand (Verts/ALE), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Younous Omarjee (The Left), Nora Mebarek (S&D), Anthony Smith (The Left), Arash Saeidi (The Left), Emma Rafowicz (S&D), Pierre Jouvet (S&D), Emma Fourreau (The Left), Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (S&D), Claire Fita (S&D), Manon Aubry (The Left), Damien Carême (The Left), Murielle Laurent (S&D), Jean-Marc Germain (S&D), Raphaël Glucksmann (S&D), Leila Chaibi (The Left), Rima Hassan (The Left)

    France’s overseas territories suffer from an economic and social situation which is unacceptable: prices of basic necessities are considerably higher than in mainland France (+ 40% in Martinique, + 39% in French Guyana and + 78% in New Caledonia) and are reaching excessive levels. A number of official reports and independent investigations have uncovered quasi-monopolies and oligopolies, suggesting the existence of cartel and anti-competitive practices detrimental to the people living there.

    It is therefore likely that in these territories EU legislation on the transparency of company accounts and the functioning of the internal market is being infringed. The French authorities have so far been unable to resolve these difficulties alone so as to enforce European law and protect citizens effectively.

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to verify France’s application of Regulation (EC) No 250/2009 and, if necessary, open infringement proceedings?
    • 2.Does it intend to launch an antitrust investigation against the Bernard Hayot Group and the groups that dominate the outermost regions’ markets in the distribution, transport, automotive, agriculture and banking sectors?
    • 3.How can the concept of abuse of a dominant position be assessed differently in these sectors?

    Submitted: 3.2.2025

    Last updated: 10 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Cyber-Defence Campus of the DDPS identifies vulnerabilities in collision warning system of civil aviation

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

    The Cyber-Defence Campus of the DDPS has found two vulnerabilities in the collision warning system “Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) II” of civil aviation. On 21 January 2025, the detected and published vulnerabilities were classified by the American Cyber Defence Agency CISA and the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) of the USA as moderate to severe.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: WOOFi launches exclusive MNT token rewards for high-yield vaults on Mantle Network

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KINGSTOWN, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WOOFi, a leading decentralized exchange protocol in the blockchain ecosystem, is launching a four-week campaign on February 10th, incentivizing its vaults for CMETH, METH, and USDT on the Mantle network with bonus MNT tokens. In a rare move within the DeFi space, WOOFi vaults will offer the highest yields for these single-sided assets, giving users an easy, passive way to earn rewards without any management fees.

    With only a handful of decentralized exchanges offering MNT incentives, this limited-time campaign presents an exclusive opportunity for users to maximize their passive income. Participants will also be able to win additional MNT tokens through raffles, AMAs, and WOOFi Booster quests throughout the campaign period.

    “This campaign exemplifies our commitment to delivering the highest returns for our users on the Mantle network,” said Ben Yorke, VP of Ecosystem at WOO. “By offering fee-free, single-sided vaults with passive earning potential, we’re making it easier than ever for users to increase their holdings while supporting the growth of the Mantle ecosystem.”

    Users can get involved with no upfront costs and begin earning passively by staking CMETH, METH, or USDT in WOOFi’s incentivized vaults.

    Don’t miss out – join today and start earning bonus MNT tokens!

    Contact: media@woo.network

    About WOOFi
    WOOFi is a leading DEX, delivering over $70 billion in cumulative trading volume and supporting 11 blockchains. Offering a suite of products including earn vaults, simple swaps, cross-chain swaps, and perpetual futures, WOOFi is committed to providing seamless and rewarding DeFi experiences for its users. The platform’s native token, WOO, allows users to stake and share in 80% of all protocol fees, reinforcing a vibrant, community-driven ecosystem.

    Disclaimer:

    The content above is neither a recommendation for investment and trading strategies nor does it constitute an investment offer, solicitation, or recommendation of any product or service. The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or professional advice of any kind.

    Cryptocurrencies involve significant risk and are NOT suitable for the majority of investors. The value of digital currencies can be extremely volatile, and you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite before participating in any staking or investment activities. We strongly recommend that you seek independent advice from a qualified professional before making any investment or financial decisions related to cryptocurrencies. We shall in NO case be liable for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on the information contained in this article.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NFG SA Secures Strategic Institutional Investment From Private Equity Firm, NMS Capital Group

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NFG SA (“NFG”), a Swiss private investment firm, today announced it has entered into a binding agreement with Beverly Hills-based NMS Capital Group (“NMS Capital”) for a capital investment aimed at strengthening NFG’s balance sheet and liquidity.

    NFG, with offices in Geneva, London and Los Angeles, is a global investment firm specializing in insurance and reinsurance, financial services, asset management, energy, and real estate. The firm operates extensively across Europe, the USA, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Asia Pacific region.

    NMS Capital, a family office-backed private equity and venture capital firm based in Beverly Hills, California, was established in 2010 as the dedicated investment vehicle for the Saliba Family Office. Since its inception, NMS Capital has expanded its investment portfolio and evolved into a leading private equity firm. It has consistently ranked among the top firms in Los Angeles, most recently placing #17 on the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2024 list.

    NMS Capital’s latest investment in NFG builds on a series of prior investments in NFG affiliates, which began in 2021. While specific terms of the new investment remain undisclosed, both parties confirm that the additional capital investment imputes a valuation of NFG at approximately $2.5 billion. The transaction is expected to close before the end of first quarter of 2025, subject to customary board and committee approvals and procedures.

    Keith D. Beekmeyer, Chairman and CEO of NFG, remarked “With this new investment capital from NMS and the Saliba family, NFG has solidified its balance sheet strength, thereby enhancing our capacity to execute strategic objectives and drive long term growth.”

    Trevor M. Saliba, NMS Capital Group Chairman and CEO commented “Over the past three years, as we worked closely with Keith and Andy to refine NMS Capital’s investment strategy – focusing on insurance, energy, infrastructure and real estate – it became evident that channeling our investment into a strategic platform company like NFG was the optimal course of action to strengthen our position in the insurance sector.”

    Saliba further added “The NFG business model has proven to be a “go to” solution for investment capital in the insurance, specialty insurance, and reinsurance sector, achieving stratospheric growth over the past two to three years. This momentum remains strong, as reflected in NFG’s recent and current targeted closed investments and acquisitions, which are projected to significantly enhance NFG’s top-line revenues for 2025 and 2026.”

    About NFG SA
    NFG SA is a global private investment firm specializing in private equity and structured finance investments in companies across the insurance, financial services, energy, infrastructure, and real estate sectors. NFG focuses on transformative business combinations within North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, establishing a strategic international presence. NFG was originally founded by Keith Beekmeyer and Andy Bye in 2017, emerging from the insurance industry to address the financing needs of underbanked companies. The firm quickly expanded its capabilities through key acquisitions, including a dedicated reinsurance company, asset manager and a Lloyd’s insurance brokerage, enhancing its position within the sector. For more information, please visit www.nfgsa.com.

    About NMS Capital Group
    NMS Capital Group was established in 2010 as the dedicated investment vehicle for the Saliba Family Office, which was formed for the benefit of certain decadents of the late billionaire Naseeb M. Saliba whose businesses have generated billions of dollars in revenue since 1941 within the construction, engineering and infrastructure sectors cementing a family legacy in the construction industry dating back to the 1890s. Since its inception, NMS Capital Group has evolved into a global private investment firm, specializing in private equity, venture capital, and structured financing investments having closed transactions in businesses across multiple asset classes ranging from business and financial services, real estate, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology. In 2024 it ranked number seventeen on the list of the Top Private Equity Firms by the Los Angeles Business Journal. For more information, please visit www.nmscapital.com.

    NFG Media Contact
    Jessica Starman
    media@elev8newmedia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Face the Nation on CBS to Discuss Trump’s Government Reform

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    PALM BEACH, FL—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Appropriations, Banking, and Foreign Relations Committees and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, today joined Face the Nation on CBS to discuss President Donald Trump reforming the Executive Branch through eliminating wasteful spending and unnecessary government programs.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*

    Partial Transcript

    Hagerty on Trump’s buyout to federal workers: “Eventually, it will save taxpayers money. I think what President Trump is trying to do is be humane in the process of allowing them to make plans to find other employment. But I certainly think the government is far too big, far too bloated, and we’re on a path now to start to see it shrink. This is the first step only, but we’re moving in the right direction […] What we’ll see, Margaret is each agency go through a top to bottom review to decide exactly what they need to do to deliver on behalf of the American public. As you know, there’s been a lot of consternation and pearl clutching about the activities of Elon Musk and his team, but their charge, led by President Trump, is to go in and find efficiencies, find opportunities, and frankly, deliver more of taxpayer dollars to the actual programs that are intended, less to overhead an Administration […] I’m from the private sector, Margaret, my entire background has been in business. This is the way you do it. You come in, you look at the opportunities before you—President Trump has brought a new Administration in—this is not unusual to take a hard look at these programs and also to look for opportunities to cut bloat and waste. Look, we’re 36 trillion dollars in debt. Clearly, the American public Needs to see more accountability, more visibility, more performance for their taxpayer dollars.”

    Hagerty on bringing accountability to the CFPB: “I’ve had significant conversations with Russ Vought, who is our new [Office of Management and Budget] Director. The [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau] has been out of control for some time. The way it’s designed, I think is unconstitutional. It has no oversight; it’s been basically a reckless agency that’s been allowed to go way beyond any mandate that I think was originally intended. So, it’s time to rein it in, and I’m applauding anything that we can do to bring more stability, more control to the federal government, and take agencies like this back into some sort of sense of accountability and oversight […] It was established as an agency that does not have the jurisdiction of the Congress. Its funding source is separate from us. It has no accountability. This is not the type of agency I think that the founding fathers contemplated. We actually contemplated a balance of power. Yet, this rogue agency has been created, and frankly, it’s been used as a tool to come in and just hammer the American private sector and pursue initiatives that certain people like Rohit Chopra might have approved, or that Senator Elizabeth Warren might have approved, but this is not the way the American public should be funding and supporting programs of this nature.”

    Hagerty on the need to reform USAID funding: “I think there’s a tremendous appetite to do it, Margaret, because what we want to see is alignment of our programs with America’s National Security interest. USAID has been out of control. I’ve demanded accountability from [USAID], they’ve refused it. As an appropriator, I’ve asked them to be very clear about, for example, their role funding Hamas and Gaza. They would not comply. They will not tell us what they do. Now that we start to find out some of the programs that [USAID] has been funding—if you think about it, sex change operations in Guatemala, LGBTQ programs in Serbia […] And that is not true, Margaret. I couldn’t get the Secretary of State [Blinken]—I asked him three times to tell me that we were not funding Hamas through [USAID]. He couldn’t do it, and frankly, what we found is that we have been funding [terrorism] […] Certainly, the funds that have gone to UNRWA. You saw the UNRWA members who were also Hamas members […] [UNWRA is] supporting terrorist groups. And if you look at what UNRWA has done, it’s been so counter to our national interest. It’s unbelievable that we would fund it.”

    Hagerty on reciprocity in trade agreements: “I talked with President Trump on Friday about this broadly, Margaret. This is a concern that he has had for some time. As you know, I served in his previous Administration and worked my heart out to get two trade agreements executed with Japan. I was the U.S. Ambassador to Japan in his Administration. Here’s what we’re trying to deal with, and it goes all the way back to World War II, in the aftermath, we made very favorable terms of trade with countries whose economies have devastated in Europe and Japan. We should have time limited that. We should have put some type of GDP-per-capita limit on it, because what we have now are countries that have very unfavorable and unfair terms that are fully developed. So, it’s time to address this; it’s already begun to happen.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Eugene Doyle: Trump and foolish old men who redraw maps

    COMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle

    It generally ends badly.  An old tyrant embarks on an ill-considered project that involves redrawing maps.

    They are heedless to wise counsel and indifferent to indigenous interests or experience.  Before they fail, are killed, deposed or otherwise disposed of, these vicious old men can cause immense harm.

    To see Trump through this lens, let’s look at a group of men who tested their cartographic skills and failed:  King Lear and, of course, Hitler and Napoleon Bonaparte, and latterly, George W Bush and Saddam Hussein.

    I even throw in a Pope.  But let’s start first with Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump himself.

    Benjamin Netanyahu and a map of a ‘New Middle East’ — without Palestine
    In September 2023, a month before the Hamas attack on Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to an almost-empty UN General Assembly.  Few wanted to share the same air as the man.

    In his speech, he presented a map of a “New Middle East” — one that contained a Greater Israel but no Palestine.

    In a piece in The Jordan Times titled: “Cartography of genocide”, Ramzy Baroud explained why Netanyahu erased Palestine from the map figuratively.  Hamas leaders also understood the message all too well.

    “Generally, there was a consensus in the political bureau: We have to move, we have to take action. If we don’t do it, Palestine will be forgotten — totally deleted from the international map,” Dr Bassem Naim, a leading Hamas official said in the outstanding Al Jazeera documentary October 7.

    Hearing Trump and Netanyahu last week, the Hamas assessment was clear-eyed and prescient.

    Donald Trump
     In defiance of UN resolutions and international law, he recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, recognised the Syrian Golan Heights as part of Israel, and now wants to turn Gaza into a US real estate development, reconquer Panama, turn Canada into the 51st State of the USA, rename the Gulf of Mexico and seize Greenland, if necessary by force.

    And it’s only February.  The US spent blood, treasure and decades building the Rules-Based International Order.  Biden and Trump have left it in tatters.

    Trump is a fitting avatar for the American state: morally corrupt, narcissistic, burning down all the temples to international law, and generally causing chaos as he flames his way into ignominy.

    The past week — where “Bonkers is the New Normal” — reminded me of a famous Onion headline: “FBI Uncovers Al-Qaeda Plot To Just Sit Back And Enjoy Collapse Of United States”.

    The Iranians made a brilliant counter-offer to the US plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza and create a US statelet next to Israel — send the Israelis to Greenland! Unlike the genocidal US and Israeli leadership, the Iranians were kidding.

    Point taken, though.

    King Lear: ‘Meantime we will express our darker purpose. Give me the map there.’

    Lear makes the list because of Shakespeare’s understanding of tyrants and those who oppose them.

    Trump, like Lear, surrounds himself with a college of schemers, deviants and psychopaths. Image: www.solidarity.co.nz

    Kent: My life I never held but as a pawn to wage against thy enemies.

    Lear: Out of my sight!

    Kent and all those who sought to steer the King towards a more prudent course were treated as enemies and traitors. I think of Ambassador Chas Freeman, John Mearsheimer, Colonel Larry Wilkerson, George Beebe and all the other wiser heads who have been pushed to the periphery in much the same way.

    Trump, like Lear, surrounds himself with a college of schemers, deviants and psychopaths.

    Napoleon Bonaparte
     I was fortunate to study “France on the Eve of Revolution” with the great French historian Antoine Casanova.  His fellow Corsican caused a fair bit of mayhem with his intention to redraw the map of Europe.

    British statesman William Pitt the Younger reeled in horror as Napoleon got to work, “Roll up that map; it will not be wanted these 10 years,” he presciently said.

    Bonaparte was an important historical figure who left a mixed and contested legacy.

    Before effective resistance could be organised, he abolished the Holy Roman Empire (good job), created the Confederation of the Rhine, invaded Russia and, albeit sometimes for the better, torched many of the traditional power structures.

    Millions died in his wars.

    We appear to be back to all that: a leader who tears up all rule books.  Trump endorses the US-Israeli right of conquest, sanctions the International Criminal Court (ICC) for trying to hold Israel and the US to the same standard as others, and hands out the highest offices to his family and confidantes.

    Hitler
     “Lebensraum” (Living space) was the Nazi concept that propelled the German war machine to seize new territories, redraw maps.  As they marched, the soldiers often sang “Deutschland über alles” (Germany above all), their ultra-nationalist anthem that expressed a desire to create a Greater Germany — to Make Germany Great Again.

    All sounds a bit similar to this discussion of Trump and Netanyahu, doesn’t it?  Again: whose side should we be on?

    Saddam Hussein and George W Bush
     When it comes to doomed bids to remake the Middle East by launching illegal wars, these are two buttocks of the same bum.  Now we have the Trump-Netanyahu pair.

    Will countries like Australia, New Zealand and the UK really sign up for the current US-Israeli land grab?  Will they all continue to yawn and look away as massive crimes against humanity are committed?   I fear so, and in so doing, they rob their side of all legitimacy.

    Pope Alexander VI
     There is a smack of the Borgias about the Trumps. They share values — libertinism and nepotism, to name two — and both, through cunning rather than aptitude, managed to achieve great power.

    Pope Alexander VI, born Rodrigo Borgia, father to Lucretia and Cesare, was Pope in 1492 when Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

    1494. The Treaty of Tordesillas hands the New World over to the Spanish and Portuguese. Image: www.solidarity.co.nz

    He was responsible for the greatest reworking of the map of the world: the Treaty of Tordesillas which divided the “New World” between the Spanish and Portuguese empires. Millions died; trillions were stolen.

    We still live with the depravities the Europeans and their heritors unleashed upon the world.

    I’m sure the Greenlanders, the Canadians, the Panamanians and whoever else the United States sets their sights on will resist the unwelcome attempt to colour the map of their country in stars & stripes.

    History is littered with blind map re-makers, foolish old men who draw new maps on old lands.

    Like Sykes, Picot, Balfour and others, Trump thinks with a flourish of his pen he can whisk away identity and deep roots. Love of country and long-suffering mean Palestinians will never accept a handful of coins and parcels of land spread across West Asia or Africa as compensation for a stolen homeland.

    They have earned the right to Palestine not least because of the blood-spattered identity that they have carved out of every inch of land through their immense courage and steadfastness. We should stand with them.

    Eugene Doyle is a community organiser and activist in Wellington, New Zealand. He received an Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian award in 2023 for community service. His first demonstration was at the age of 12 against the Vietnam War. This article was first published at his public policy website Solidarity and is republished here with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump to announce 25-percent steel and aluminum tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he will announce new 25-percent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, with the official statement to be made on Monday.

    Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump also said he would announce “reciprocal tariffs” as soon as Tuesday to align with those of its trading partners.

    During his first term, Trump imposed tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum imports citing national security concerns but later allowed certain trading partners, including Canada, Mexico and Brazil, to receive duty-free quotas.

    Under former President Joe Biden, the United States continued some tariff exemptions introduced under Trump and extended new quotas for the European Union, Britain and Japan.

    On Feb. 1, Trump signed executive orders to impose 25-percent additional tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10-percent tariff hike on imports from China, drawing widespread opposition and immediate retaliations. He later paused the tariffs on Mexico and Canada for one month to allow negotiations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘World’s supermarket’ reopens after holiday

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A merchant adorns her store with Spring Festival decorations in the Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Yiwu International Trade Market, the world’s largest wholesale market for small commodities located in the city of Yiwu in east China’s Zhejiang Province, reopened on Sunday after the Spring Festival holiday, marking a vibrant start to the Year of the Snake.

    The reopening ceremony featured traditional lion dances and drum performances, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

    Merchants like toy shop owner Chen Meijun voiced optimism for a prosperous year ahead.

    “We received inquiries from regular customers during the holiday, and we expect sales to grow by over 10 percent this year,” Chen said, noting that she plans to expand her business internationally, with trips to Mexico and Kenya scheduled this year.

    Actresses perform at the Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Dubbed “world’s supermarket,” Yiwu is an international hub for small commodity production and trade, attracting customers from around the world.

    Nepalese buyer Raj Kumar Khadka was among the first clients to arrive, planning to order ceramics, glassware and other goods worth around 1 million yuan (about 139,500 U.S. dollars).

    A frequent visitor who first came to the city for business 23 years ago, Khadka said Yiwu plays a crucial role in the international commodity trade.

    “Yiwu taught me how to do business,” he said. “Because of this city, I was able to meet people from all over the world and learn about their languages and cultures.”

    The trade market’s 75,000 shops are connected to over 2.1 million enterprises, supporting approximately 32 million jobs. Its strong purchasing demand and diverse product offerings highlight the resilience and growth potential of China’s economy.

    Many businesses are capitalizing on emerging trends, such as 3D-printed toys, which have gained popularity for their vibrant colors and intricate designs.

    “We have invested heavily in R&D and plan to expand our footprints in developed markets while tapping into domestic demand,” said Zeng Hao, manager of a toy company producing and selling 3D-printed toys.

    A dragon dance is staged at a square of the Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In late 2024, China’s State Council approved an overall plan for deepening comprehensive international trade reforms in Yiwu, which outlines a vision to promote reforms through further opening up, along with initiatives such as innovating market procurement trade mechanisms, promoting import trade development, enhancing the functionality of comprehensive bonded zones, and strengthening cross-border e-commerce regulations.

    Innovation has become a driving force behind Yiwu’s enduring success. Since 2023, the Chinagoods AI platform, launched by Zhejiang China Commodities City Group Co., Ltd., has gained attention for enabling Yiwu’s business owners to effortlessly create multilingual versions of product videos, supporting over 30 languages.

    Today, more businesses are using new technologies to expand their reach and attract customers.

    At a digital shop in the market, manager Bao Haigang demonstrated a headset that accurately translates over 100 languages via a smartphone app. He said this AI-powered headset launched in 2024 has seen strong sales in markets like Brazil.

    “We will continue integrating AI into traditional products and expect over 30 percent sales growth this year. We are very confident,” Bao said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese box office hit ‘Ne Zha 2’ premieres in LA

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A poster for “Ne Zha 2.” [Image courtesy of Coloroom Pictures]

    Chinese box office hit “Ne Zha 2” made its overseas premiere Saturday night in Hollywood, Los Angeles, drawing hundreds of fans and filmmakers from both China and the United States.

    Li Zhiqiang, China’s deputy consul general in Los Angeles, highlighted the film’s strong performance in China and its growing global appeal. He said at the premiere that pre-sales for “Ne Zha 2” were booming in North America and emphasized the potential for deeper collaboration between China and the United States in the film and television industry.

    Hollywood producer Robert King praised the film’s quality and scale after watching the premiere, saying that Chinese films have made significant strides in storytelling in recent years. He expressed hope for stronger cooperation between Hollywood and the Chinese film industry in the future.

    The animated epic fantasy film has captivated Chinese audiences with its exquisite animation production, grand visual imagination and rich cultural expression. After opening on Jan. 29, the first day of Chinese New Year, the film has smashed box office records, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time in China.

    By 0220 GMT on Monday, the film had grossed over 8.15 billion yuan (about 1.15 billion U.S. dollars) in the Chinese mainland, surpassing Star Wars: The Force Awakens as the highest-grossing film ever in a single market, according to ticketing platform Maoyan.

    “Ne Zha 2” is the sequel to the 2019 animated blockbuster “Ne Zha.” Both films were inspired by the classic 16th-century novel “The Investiture of the Gods.”

    CMC Pictures is set to release “Ne Zha 2” in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand next week.

    The film, presented in Mandarin with English subtitles, will be available in around 60 IMAX theaters in 30 North American cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Toronto and Montreal, starting Wednesday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘World’s supermarket’ reopens after holiday, embracing innovation in Year of Snake

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A merchant adorns her store with Spring Festival decorations in the Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Yiwu International Trade Market, the world’s largest wholesale market for small commodities located in the city of Yiwu in east China’s Zhejiang Province, reopened on Sunday after the Spring Festival holiday, marking a vibrant start to the Year of the Snake.

    The reopening ceremony featured traditional lion dances and drum performances, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

    Merchants like toy shop owner Chen Meijun voiced optimism for a prosperous year ahead.

    “We received inquiries from regular customers during the holiday, and we expect sales to grow by over 10 percent this year,” Chen said, noting that she plans to expand her business internationally, with trips to Mexico and Kenya scheduled this year.

    Actresses perform at the Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Dubbed “world’s supermarket,” Yiwu is an international hub for small commodity production and trade, attracting customers from around the world.

    Nepalese buyer Raj Kumar Khadka was among the first clients to arrive, planning to order ceramics, glassware and other goods worth around 1 million yuan (about 139,500 U.S. dollars).

    A frequent visitor who first came to the city for business 23 years ago, Khadka said Yiwu plays a crucial role in the international commodity trade.

    “Yiwu taught me how to do business,” he said. “Because of this city, I was able to meet people from all over the world and learn about their languages and cultures.”

    The trade market’s 75,000 shops are connected to over 2.1 million enterprises, supporting approximately 32 million jobs. Its strong purchasing demand and diverse product offerings highlight the resilience and growth potential of China’s economy.

    Many businesses are capitalizing on emerging trends, such as 3D-printed toys, which have gained popularity for their vibrant colors and intricate designs.

    “We have invested heavily in R&D and plan to expand our footprints in developed markets while tapping into domestic demand,” said Zeng Hao, manager of a toy company producing and selling 3D-printed toys.

    A dragon dance is staged at a square of the Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In late 2024, China’s State Council approved an overall plan for deepening comprehensive international trade reforms in Yiwu, which outlines a vision to promote reforms through further opening up, along with initiatives such as innovating market procurement trade mechanisms, promoting import trade development, enhancing the functionality of comprehensive bonded zones, and strengthening cross-border e-commerce regulations.

    Innovation has become a driving force behind Yiwu’s enduring success. Since 2023, the Chinagoods AI platform, launched by Zhejiang China Commodities City Group Co., Ltd., has gained attention for enabling Yiwu’s business owners to effortlessly create multilingual versions of product videos, supporting over 30 languages.

    Today, more businesses are using new technologies to expand their reach and attract customers.

    At a digital shop in the market, manager Bao Haigang demonstrated a headset that accurately translates over 100 languages via a smartphone app. He said this AI-powered headset launched in 2024 has seen strong sales in markets like Brazil.

    “We will continue integrating AI into traditional products and expect over 30 percent sales growth this year. We are very confident,” Bao said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Canadian disruptor, Questrade, introduces $0 trade commissions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questrade (www.questrade.com) — Canada’s #1 rated¹ online brokerage — eliminates trading commissions on its platforms, further empowering Canadians. 

    “We are continuing our tradition of disrupting the industry,” said Edward Kholodenko, president and CEO, Questrade. “We believe Canadians should keep more of their money, and $0 commissions, coupled with our industry-leading platform, will help them do just that – whether they are just starting out or are highly sophisticated traders.” 

    The new $0 pricing, which is now live, will allow Questrade customers to trade Canadian and U.S. listed equities and ETFs commission-free, with options as low as 75¢ per contract².

    Because news this big needed a launch to match, Questrade partnered with actor Gabriel Macht. Known for portraying characters who “get theirs,” Gabriel introduces Canadians to the idea of $0 commissions being the way for you to finally “Get Yours.” Macht says, “I really respect what Questrade stands for as a brand, to me the partnership was the perfect fit.”

    Questrade, a 100% Canadian-owned independent brokerage, has a long history of providing value to Canadians. It was first to reduce trading fees to $9.95, when most brokerages charged $30 or more. Then, Questrade introduced the $4.95 stock trade, and shook things up again with stock trading for as little as one cent per share. 

    However, the company’s innovation isn’t just its pricing. On top of $0 commissions, Questrade has an unmatched suite of offerings, such as: 

    • Being the first Canadian broker to offer the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), helping customers save for a home faster
    • Award-winning customer service³
    • Edge platforms for advanced traders, available on mobile, web, and desktop  
    • Complex order types, such as multi-leg options
    • Seamless integration with 30+ platforms, including TradingView and Passiv
    • Lower fees for better returns with Questwealth Portfolios⁴
    • Free U.S. dollar (USD) accounts

    “We are obsessed with helping our customers build a better financial future – that’s our mission,” said Kholodenko. 

    Awards and Recognition

    About Questrade

    Questrade, Inc. (“Questrade”) is changing the Canadian financial services industry by leveraging technology to lower fees while providing a viable alternative to traditional financial investment options, thereby allowing Canadians to Keep More of their Money. As a leader and innovator in financial services, Questrade is a trusted ally that advocates for consumers, focused on improving value. With 25 years of challenging the status quo as one of Canada’s leading, non-bank online brokerages and over $50 billion in assets under administration, Questrade and its affiliates provide financial products and services, including securities and foreign currency investments. For more information, visit www.questrade.com or on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) @Questrade. Questrade, Inc. is a registered investment dealer, a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). Questrade is a wholly owned subsidiary of Questrade Financial Group Inc.

    ¹MoneySense 2024

    ²For options trades placed online through the Questrade, Inc. website or mobile apps, the base commission has been reduced to 0.99¢ per contract. The per contract rate for online options trading is further reduced to 0.75¢ if subscribed to an active trader plan.

    ³In 2025, Questrade was awarded the DALBAR Seal of Service Excellence for the seventh consecutive year. The recognition is given to firms across the financial services industry that demonstrate standout customer service and an exceptional standard of care, including telephone interactions and service delivery.

    ⁴Questrade.com/questwealth-portfolios

    Media Contact

    For more information, contact Susan Willemsen at The Siren Group Inc. Tel: 416-461-1567 or M: 416-402-4880, or email: susan@thesirengroup.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6df3f9c6-5c49-4b13-b3c7-48bef6f963de

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ households will be slightly worse off if Trump triggers a trade war – new modelling

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Niven Winchester, Professor of Economics, Auckland University of Technology

    Getty Images

    Donald Trump has already made good on his threat to impose an additional 10% tax on Chinese goods, and is due to announce a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports into the United States.

    While he has paused proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports for the time being, a trade war between the US and the rest of the world remains a real possibility.

    Mexico, Canada and China responded to Trump’s tariff plans by drafting retaliatory tariffs and countermeasures. But Trump’s threatened tariffs extend well beyond North America and China.

    During his 2024 election campaign he said all trading nations could expect similar treatment, and he explicitly stated his intention to target the European Union (EU):

    They don’t take our cars, they don’t take our farm products, they take almost nothing and we take everything from them. Millions of cars, tremendous amounts of food and farm products.

    While it’s true the EU exports more to the US than it imports, it’s simplistic to use bilateral trade balances as a gauge of the overall economic benefits. International trade allows countries to concentrate on producing the goods and services they do well, and to exchange them for ones more costly to produce domestically.

    Ultimately, trade allows everyone to consume more. A trade war therefore makes nations worse off: tariffs divert trade flows and reduce the exchange of goods. And, of course, this filters down to affect ordinary household incomes.

    Households worse off

    The impact of a trade war on any given country will depend on several factors, including the share of a nation’s exports exposed to new tariffs, and the importance of trade to each economy.

    Small countries tend to trade more than large ones because they specialise in producing a relatively small number of goods, and rely on trade to consume a variety of products.

    To quantify the impacts of a trade war, I consider a scenario where the US imposes additional tariffs of 25% on all merchandise imports (the figure Trump has consistently used), and all other countries respond with similar tariffs on US goods.

    I simulate the tariffs in a global model of production, trade and consumption similar to that used by the New Zealand Productivity Commission’s inquiry into improving economic resilience. The model uses input-output tables that describe production of 32 commodities in each country, and data on bilateral trade in each commodity between nations.

    National-level impacts are measured by calculating the equivalent impact on aggregate household income. This metric converts the effects from the tariffs – including changes in product prices, wages and business profits – into changes in household income.

    In New Zealand, the trade war decreases aggregate household income by 0.1% or NZ$322 million per year. Divided among the country’s nearly two million households, this means each household is worse off by NZ$163 per year.

    Global income declines

    The impacts of the simulated trade war are larger in North America. It decreases US annual aggregate household income by 1.5%, which equates to US$262 billion, or US$2,963 per household.

    In Canada and Mexico, for which the US is both a major export market and source of imports, average household income decreases by 3.6% (US$2,963) and 4.6% (US$1,192), respectively, each year.

    Across all nations, the tariff war results in an equivalent decrease in aggregate household income of 0.7% (US$414 billion) per year.

    The simulated tariff war also results in a reshuffling of trade. New Zealand merchandise exports to the US decrease by NZ$4.4 billion, but exports to other nations increase by a similar amount (due to their price advantage relative to US goods).

    Likewise, New Zealand merchandise imports from the US decrease by NZ$4.7 billion and imports from other nations increase by about the same amount. As a result, the trade war has little impact on New Zealand’s total exports and imports.

    Aggregate trade changes are largest in the US, which imposes new tariffs on all its imports and faces new tariffs in all export markets. US merchandise exports and imports both decrease by around US$565 billion (NZ$1 trillion).

    Overall, the modelling confirms the well known result that trade wars decrease global economic activity and routinely make all nations worse off.

    The Conversation

    Niven Winchester has previously received funding from the Productivity Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to estimate the impacts of potential trade policies. He is affiliated with Motu Economic & Public Policy Research.

    – ref. NZ households will be slightly worse off if Trump triggers a trade war – new modelling – https://theconversation.com/nz-households-will-be-slightly-worse-off-if-trump-triggers-a-trade-war-new-modelling-249120

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: AI is being used in social services – but we must make sure it doesn’t traumatise clients

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Suvradip Maitra, PhD Student, Australian National University

    Tero Vesalainen/Shutterstock

    Late last year, ChatGPT was used by a Victorian child protection worker to draft documents. In a glaring error, ChatGPT referred to a “doll” used for sexual purposes as an “age-appropriate toy”. Following this, the Victorian information commissioner banned the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in child protection.

    Unfortunately, many harmful AI systems will not garner such public visibility. It’s crucial that people who use social services – such as employment, homelessness or domestic violence services – are aware they may be subject to AI. Additionally, service providers should be well informed about how to use AI safely.

    Fortunately, emerging regulations and tools, such as our trauma-informed AI toolkit, can help to reduce AI harm.

    How do social services use AI?

    AI has captured global attention with promises of better service delivery. In a strained social services sector, AI promises to reduce backlogs, lower administrative burdens and allocate resources more effectively while enhancing services. It’s no surprise a range of social service providers are using AI in various ways.

    Chatbots simulate human conversation with the use of voice, text or images. These programs are increasingly used for a range of tasks. For instance, they can provide mental health support or offer employment advice. They can also speed up data processing or help quickly create reports.

    However, chatbots can easily produce harmful or inaccurate responses. For instance, the United States National Eating Disorders Association deployed the chatbot Tessa to support clients experiencing eating disorders. But it was quickly pulled offline when advocates flagged Tessa was providing harmful weight loss advice.

    Recommender systems use AI to make personalised suggestions or options. These could include targeting job or rental ads, or educational material based on data available to service providers.

    But recommender systems can be discriminatory, such as when LinkedIn showed more job ads to men than women. They can also reinforce existing anxieties. For instance, pregnant women have been recommended alarming pregnancy videos on social media.

    Recognition systems classify data such as images or text to compare one dataset to another. These systems can complete many tasks, such as face matching to verify identity or transcribing voice to text.

    Such systems can raise surveillance, privacy, inaccuracy and discrimination concerns. A homeless shelter in Canada stopped using facial recognition cameras because they risked privacy breaches – it’s difficult to obtain informed consent from mentally unwell or intoxicated people using the shelter.

    Risk-assessment systems use AI to predict the likelihood of a specific outcome occurring. Many systems have been used to calculate the risk of child abuse, long-term unemployment, or tax and welfare fraud.

    Often data used in these systems can recreate societal inequalities, causing harm to already-marginalised peoples. In one such case, a tool in the US used for identifying risk of child mistreatment unfairly targeted poor, black and biracial families and families with disabilities.

    A Dutch risk assessment tool seeking to identify childcare benefits fraud was shut down for being racist, while an AI system in France faces similar accusations.



    Read more:
    Algorithms that predict crime are watching – and judging us by the cards we’ve been dealt

    The need for a trauma-informed approach

    Concerningly, our research shows using AI in social services can cause or perpetuate trauma for the people who use the services.

    The American Psychological Association defines trauma as an emotional response to a range of events, such as accidents, abuse or the death of a loved one. Broadly understood, trauma can be experienced at an individual or group level and be passed down through generations. Trauma experienced by First Nations people in Australia as a result of colonisation is an example of group trauma.

    Between 57% and 75% of Australians experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.

    Many social service providers have long adopted a trauma-informed approach. It prioritises trust, safety, choice, empowerment, transparency, and cultural, historical and gender-based considerations. A trauma-informed service provider understands the impact of trauma and recognises signs of trauma in users.

    Service providers should be wary of abandoning these core principles despite the allure of the often hyped capabilities of AI.

    Can social services use AI responsibly?

    To reduce the risk of causing or perpetuating trauma, social service providers should carefully evaluate any AI system before using it.

    For AI systems already in place, evaluation can help monitor their impact and ensure they are operating safely.

    We have developed a trauma-informed AI assessment toolkit that helps service providers to assess the safety of their planned or current use of AI. The toolkit is based on the principles of trauma-informed care, case studies of AI harms, and design workshops with service providers. An online version of the toolkit is about to be piloted within organisations.

    By posing a series of questions, the toolkit enables service providers to consider whether risks outweigh the benefits. For instance, is the AI system co-designed with users? Can users opt out of being subject to the AI system?

    It guides service providers through a series of practical considerations to enhance the safe use of AI.

    Social services do not have to avoid AI altogether. But social service providers and users should be aware of the risks of harm from AI – so they can intentionally shape AI for good.

    The Conversation

    The project was funded by the Notre Dame-IBM Technology Ethics Lab.

    Suvradip Maitra is funded by an Australian Government Research Training Program Domestic Scholarship.

    Lyndal Sleep was funded by the University of Notre Dame for this research. She is affiliated with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision Making and Society.

    Paul Henman receives funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC). He is affiliated with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision Making and Society.

    Suzanna Fay received funding from the Notre Dame-IBM Technology Ethics Lab for this project.

    – ref. AI is being used in social services – but we must make sure it doesn’t traumatise clients – https://theconversation.com/ai-is-being-used-in-social-services-but-we-must-make-sure-it-doesnt-traumatise-clients-248555

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Signs Proclamation Regarding Gulf of America Day

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    Air Force One

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVn6bqf8nPE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Gulf of America Day, 2025

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
     
    A PROCLAMATION
         

    Today, I am very honored to recognize February 9, 2025, as the first ever Gulf of America Day.

         On January 20, 2025, I signed Executive Order 14172 (“Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness”).  Among other actions, that Executive Order required the Secretary of the Interior, acting pursuant to 43 U.S.C. 364 through 364f, to “take all appropriate actions to rename as the ‘Gulf of America’ the U.S. Continental Shelf area bounded on the northeast, north, and northwest by the State of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida and extending to the seaward boundary with Mexico and Cuba in the area formerly named as the Gulf of Mexico.”

         I took this action in part because, as stated in that Order, “[t]he area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico has long been an integral asset to our once burgeoning Nation and has remained an indelible part of America.”

         Today, I am making my first visit to the Gulf of America since its renaming.  As my Administration restores American pride in the history of American greatness, it is fitting and appropriate for our great Nation to come together and commemorate this momentous occasion and the renaming of the Gulf of America.

         NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 9, 2025, as Gulf of America Day.  I call upon public officials and all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Presidential Message on Super Bowl LIX

    Source: The White House

    I look forward to joining the fans in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX to cheer on two great teams—the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles—as they battle for the National Football League’s Vince Lombardi Trophy.
     
    The coaches, players, and team staff on the field tonight represent the best of the best in professional football, but they also embody the best of the American Dream.  Their hard work, dedication, and tenacity is admirable, and their individual journeys are as inspiring as the drive and determination that has led them to this extraordinary moment.  They also represent the hopes and dreams of our Nation’s young athletes as we restore safety and fairness in sports and equal opportunities among their teams.
     
    Football is America’s most popular sport—for good reason—it fosters a sense of national unity, bringing families, friends, and fans together and strengthening communities.  This annual tradition transcends our differences and personifies our shared patriotic values of family, faith, and freedom heroically defended by our military service members, law enforcement officers, and first responders.  We value their devotion to protecting our great Nation and salute their selfless service.
     
    This year, the Super Bowl returns to the Caesars Superdome for a record setting 8th time.  While thousands of fans from across our Nation gather in New Orleans to cheer on their favorite team, we remember that 14 families will be missing a loved one who was tragically murdered during a senseless terrorist attack while celebrating the New Year on Bourbon Street.  Our thoughts are also with the 35 individuals injured during the attack whose lives were changed forever that fateful night, and our prayers will remain with them for continued strength, comfort, and healing. 
     
    Tonight, we look forward to a terrific game and the crowning of the Super Bowl Champions.  Melania joins me in sending our best wishes for a great Super Bowl Sunday.  May the best team win, and may God bless you, your family, and the United States of America.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Stands with Federal Workers in Lawsuit Against Federal Buyout

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today joined a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in standing with the nation’s federal employees in a challenge to the Trump administration’s harmful and misleading federal “buyout” plan. The coalition today filed an amicus brief in support of a motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) filed by unions representing more than 800,000 federal employees, including nurses caring for veterans, school bus drivers, childcare providers, civil engineers, sanitation workers, scientists, and more. The attorneys general assert that the directive encouraging federal employees to resign would have a devastating impact on states’ ability to respond to natural disasters, support veterans, and deliver crucial services to millions of Americans. 

    “The administration’s plan to eliminate thousands of federal employees’ jobs is dangerous and would be disastrous for our country,” said Attorney General James. “Millions of Americans count on federal employees for crucial services like health care, childcare, transportation, emergency response, and so much more. Without the work of thousands of federal employees, communities across the country will suffer. My office is standing up for all working people against this reckless and unlawful directive.”

    In their brief, Attorney General James and the coalition emphasize that the indiscriminate loss of federal employees could have a devastating effect on cooperative aspects of federal, state, and local government—from those who care for veterans to those who arrive on the scene to provide aid when disaster strikes. In addition, the coalition states that the directive does not offer federal employees basic information about their pensions, health benefits, reinstatement rights, retirement, or other benefits. The coalition urged the court to grant a temporary restraining order to prevent this harm to federal workers and to protect the public interest.

    The unions filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, emphasizing that the directive caused widespread confusion and dismay among federal employees, who were faced with an arbitrary deadline to accept a misleading buyout offer that is illegal and contrary to federal ethics regulations. On February 6, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole, Jr. stayed the purported deadline of the directive until Monday, February 10, 2025, with a hearing to be held at 2:00 p.m.

    On February 3, after the so-called “Fork in the Road” directive was issued, Attorney General James led a coalition of 11 other attorneys general in warning federal employees of the misleading program and urging them to consult their unions before making a decision.

    Joining Attorney General James in submitting today’s brief are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaiʻi, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW Women of the Year 2025 finalists announced

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 10 February 2025

    Released by: The Premier, Minister for Women

    Thirty of the most inspirational women and girls across NSW were today announced as finalists for Women of the Year Awards 2025.

    The awards program, now in its 13th year, aims to recognise and celebrate revolutionary thinkers, everyday heroes, social advocates and innovative role models.

    Award categories include:

    • NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence
    • NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year
    • NSW Regional Woman of the Year
    • NSW Community Hero
    • NSW Young Woman of the Year (ages 16-30 years)
    • Ones to Watch (ages 7-15 years)

    The Women of the Year Awards ceremony is the centrepiece event of NSW Women’s Week 2025, a week-long celebration from Sunday 2 March until Saturday 8 March. The Awards are the NSW Government’s way of shining the light on the incredible talent and extraordinary women and girls from across our state.

    Women of the Year award recipients will be revealed at the Women of the Year Awards 2025 ceremony on Thursday, 6 March at the International Convention Centre, Sydney. The Award ceremony will be livestreamed for everyone to celebrate these inspirational women and girls.

    For more information about the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025, go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/awards-and-events/nsw-women-of-year-awards.

    Premier Chris Minns said:

    “The incredible group of 2025 finalists reflect how exceptional the women of New South Wales truly are.

    “From doctors, academics and scientists to community leaders and advocates – each and every one of our finalists have gone above and beyond in their respective fields.

    “On behalf of the NSW Government and our community, I congratulate each of the finalists, for you are all deserving of this recognition.”

    Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison said:

    “We’ve had a phenomenal response to the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025 program, with over 500 nominations across NSW. This is a record high, and we can absolutely confirm our 2025 finalists are some of the State’s most impressive women and girls.

    “This year’s group come from all walks of life, from scientists and researchers to entrepreneurs and strong advocates to stop domestic and family violence. They come from all across New South Wales – from Sydney to Walgett.

    “The NSW Women of the Year Awards is truly a leading recognition program, inspiring everyday women to reach their highest potential.”

    The Women of the Year 2025 finalists are (by Local Government Area):

    NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence

    • Professor Annette Cowie (Armidale)
    • Mariam Mohammed (Newcastle)
    • Dr Vanessa Pirotta (Canada Bay)
    • Karen Iles (Sydney)

    NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year

    • Marjorie Anderson (George’s River)
    • Aunty Fay Green (Walgett)
    • Lisa Sarago (Bayside)
    • Robyn Taylor (Penrith)
    • Aunty Rhonda Towney (Parkes)

    NSW Regional Woman of the Year

    • Kate Cleary (Hilltops)
    • Kirsty Evans (Orange)
    • Jan Frikken (Eurobodalla)
    • Penny Lamaro (Armidale)

    NSW Community Hero

    • Ennia Jones (Newcastle)
    • Kelly Lamb (Port Macquarie-Hastings)
    • Mona Mahamed (Canterbury-Bankstown)
    • Sandy Rogers (Tweed)

    NSW Young Woman of the Year (ages 16-30 years)

    • Yeon Jae Kim (Hornsby)
    • Zara Seidler (Woollahra)
    • Jessica Luyue Teoh (Hornsby)

    Ones to Watch (ages 7-15 years)

    • Chloe Croker (Goulburn Mulwaree)
    • Jiayi Fang (Ku-ring-gai)
    • Aurora Iler (Campbelltown)
    • Ashleen Khela (The Hills Shire)
    • Aish Khurram (Hornsby)
    • Kat Mulcair (Yass Valley)
    • Hayley Paterson (The Hills Shire)
    • Waniya Syed (Camden)
    • Lydia Tofaeono (Strathfield)
    • Emilia Trustum (Richmond Valley)

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Stands with Federal Workers in Federal Buyout Challenge

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 21 state attorneys general, standing with the nation’s federal employees in a challenge to the Trump administration’s federal “buyout” plan. In today’s amicus brief, the attorneys general support a motion for a temporary restraining order filed by the plaintiffs—the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE); AFGE Local 3707; the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; and the National Association of Government Employees—against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) “Fork in the Road” directive, issued on January 28, 2025. The directive is an attempt to force federal workers to choose, with only days to decide, between accepting a legally fraught “buyout” and potentially being terminated. It gave most federal employees little more than a week (until February 6) to accept “deferred resignation,” which purportedly would allow federal workers to resign and retain pay and benefits without showing up to work until September 30, 2025, under an implicit threat that their positions may otherwise be eliminated anyway.  

    “This much is clear: the Trump Administration continues to trample over the rights of workers,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our federal employees provide necessary services that Americans rely on and contribute to our economy. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to stand firm in our commitment to fighting for workers’ rights and the unions that support them.”

    The plaintiff unions filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, emphasizing that the directive and associated FAQs—which were revised multiple times—caused widespread confusion and disarray among federal employees, who were faced with an arbitrary deadline based on a directive that the plaintiff unions assert is illegal and contrary to federal ethics regulations. On February 6, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole, Jr., stayed the purported deadline of the “Fork directive” until Monday, February 10, 2025, with a hearing to be held at 2:00 p.m. that day in Boston.

    In today’s amicus brief, the attorneys general emphasized that the coercive nature of the directive to our Nation’s public servants harms the federal workforce.  The brief also explained that the indiscriminate loss of indispensable federal employees could have a devastating effect on federal, state, and local government, by improperly eliminating employees across the States who care for veterans to those who arrive when natural disaster strikes. The coalition urged the court to grant a temporary restraining order to prevent this harm to federal workers and to protect the public interest.

    Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia in filing this amicus brief. 

    A copy of the amicus brief can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri to inaugurate Aero India 2025 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on February 10, 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Raksha Mantri to inaugurate Aero India 2025 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on February 10, 2025

    Showcasing air power, cutting-edge innovations & potential new global collaborations, the five-day event to provide thrust to the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047

    Aero India 2025 will advance our vision of a strong, capable, secure & self-reliant India: Shri Rajnath Singh

    Participation of over 900 exhibitors & 90 countries set to make it the biggest-ever Aero India till date; Approx. 30 Defence Ministers & over 100 OEMs to attend

    Domestic defence production expected to cross Rs 1.60 lakh crore by 2025-26, with exports touching Rs 30,000 crore mark: RM

    Posted On: 09 FEB 2025 6:21PM by PIB Delhi

    The 15th edition of Aero India, Asia’s biggest aerospace and defence exhibition, will be inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 10, 2025. With the broad theme of ‘The Runway to a Billion Opportunities’, the five-day extravaganza will showcase India’s aerial prowess and indigenous cutting-edge innovations alongside state-of-the-art products of global aerospace companies. In line with ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, the event will also provide a stage to forge international collaborations to fast-track the indigenisation process, thereby providing a thrust to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government’s resolve of making the country Viksit Bharat by 2047.

    Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru on the eve of the event, Raksha Mantri described Aero India as a crucial platform, which will drive forward the Government’s vision of a strong, capable India, secure and self-reliant India. “Aero India is a platform that showcases the strength, resilience, and self-reliance of New India. It is not just crucial for India’s defence preparedness, but it also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our nation. It will demonstrate our defence capabilities and forge global partnerships. Our goal is to enhance collaboration in areas of common interest with our friendly nations, fostering deeper cooperation and shared progress. The event is not just a showcase of technology and innovation, but will also serve as a source of inspiration for our youth, fostering scientific temperament and a spirit of innovation,” he said.

    Organised in a total area of over 42,000 sq m and with the confirmed participation of over 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies, the event is set to be the biggest-ever Aero India till date. Shri Rajnath Singh termed the participation of more than 90 countries as a testament to the growing global confidence in India’s aerospace and defence capabilities. “Defence ministers or representatives from about 30 countries have come to participate in this event. The presence of Air Chiefs and Secretaries from 43 countries further highlights the significance of this event – not just for India, but for the entire international defence community,” he said.

    Highlighting the transformation of the defence and aerospace sector in the recent years, Raksha Mantri asserted that, today, India is not only capable of designing and developing major platforms and equipment within India, it has also successfully established a vast supply chain within the country. “Advanced platforms like Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter Prachand and C-295 Transport Aircraft are now being produced in India. We have also taken a firm resolve to manufacture fifth-generation fighter aircraft within the country. From the advanced variants of the Agni missile, the Astra missile system, and the Pinaka missile system to the cutting-edge Hypersonic missile system and the Akash air defence system, we have built numerous success stories. These achievements have played a crucial role in strengthening our defence sector, making India more self-reliant and secure,” he said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh added that post corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board, the newly formed companies have started performing exceptionally well in defence production. “Under a well-considered and well-developed plan, we have actively worked to empower the private sector in the defence and aerospace industries. Today, India has a thriving private defence industry that has firmly established itself and is making significant contributions to our national security,” he said.

    Raksha Mantri expressed confidence that defence production, having crossed the record figure of Rs 1.27 lakh crore, will exceed Rs 1.60 lakh crore by the end of 2025-26. Defence exports, which touched the record figure of Rs 21,000 crore, he said, will surpass Rs 30,000 crore.

    Shri Rajnath Singh underlined the crucial role being played by the defence industrial sector in making India an economic super power. He stated that any breakthrough in the defence sector not only strengthens national security, but also impacts the economy. Technologies developed for defence applications promote innovation in the civil sector as well, leading to employment generation and economic development, he said. He termed Aero India a significant driver of economic strength, contributing to the overall growth and development of the economy. He expressed confidence that Aero India will be remembered as a historic milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in the aerospace and defence sector.

    The 15thAero India will be held between 10thand 14thFebruary 2025. February 10thto 12thhave been reserved as business days, with 13th& 14thset as public days for people to witness the show. The event comprises Defence Ministers’ Conclave; CEOs Roundtable; inauguration of India & iDEX Pavilions; Manthan iDEX event; Samarthya Indigenisation event; Valedictory function; seminars; breath-taking airshows and an exhibition of aerospace companies.

    Defence Ministers’ Conclave

    With the aim to strengthen defence cooperation with friendly nations amidst a rapidly-evolving global security landscape, Raksha Mantri will host the Defence Ministers’ Conclave on February 11 in hybrid mode. The theme this year ‘Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement (BRIDGE)’ underscores the importance of supply chain resilience and strategic collaboration in defence.

    The last edition witnessed the participation of 27 Defence Ministers and Deputy Defence Ministers alongside 15 Defence & Service Chiefs and 12 Permanent Secretaries. This year, the participation has expanded as representatives from more than 80 countries are likely to participate in the conclave. Approx. 30 Defence Ministers in addition to Defence/Service Chiefs and Permanent Secretaries from friendly nations will attend the event.

    The conclave will provide a crucial platform to address key aspects such as Defence capacity building through investment, joint ventures & co-production, Collaboration in R&D, training & technological advancements in AI & space, Maritime security cooperation and strategic partnerships.

    CEOs Roundtable

    CEOs Roundtable 2025 will be chaired by Raksha Mantri on February 10, on the theme ‘Enabling Defence Cooperation through Global Engagement (EDGE)’. Over 100 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have confirmed their participation in the event. These include 55 from 19 countries (USA, France, Russia, South Korea, UK, Japan, Israel & Brazil etc), 35 Indian (Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge Ltd, Adani Defence & Aerospace, Mahindra Defence Systems Ltd, BrahMos Aerospace & Ashok Leyland Defence) and 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). Shri Rajnath Singh had addressed over 73 CEOs of 28 Foreign OEMs and 45 Indian OEMs in the 2023 edition of the event.

    Major foreign OEMs including Airbus (France), Ultra Maritime (USA), GNT (South Korea), John Cockerill Defence (UK), Mitsubishi (Japan), Rafael Advance Defence System (Israel), Safran (France) and Liebherr Aerospace (France) are expected to highlight their future plans, Joint Ventures, collaborations, partnerships with Indian companies for production of spares parts, development of aero-engines, setting up of Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) facilities and establishment of R&D facilities etc.

    India Pavilion

    The India Pavilion will provide an opportunity to Indian Defence Industries to showcase their design, development, innovation and manufacturing capabilities. It will be inaugurated by Raksha Mantri on February 10. The grandeur show at India Pavilion would signify the ‘Flight of Self-Reliance’ which encapsulates India’s journey towards becoming a global aerospace and defence powerhouse.

    India Pavilion will be divided into five distinct zones displaying indigenous capabilities in aero aviation, land aviation and naval aviation, def-space and niche technologies domains.  More than 275 exhibits will be at display through various mediums, represented by complete defence ecosystem of the country which includes DPSUs, design houses, private corporates including MSMEs and start-ups. The Central Area exhibits will include a striking display of marquee platforms including Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, Combat Air Teaming System, Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter.

    iDEX Pavilion

     The iDEX Pavilion will be inaugurated by Raksha Mantri on February 10. It will showcase cutting-edge indigenously developed products and technologies, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence innovation journey. Leading innovators will display their indigenously-developed products spanning a wide-range of advanced domains including Aerospace, DefSpace, Aero Structures, Anti-drone systems, Autonomous Systems, Robotics, Communication, Cybersecurity, Surveillance & Tracking, Unmanned Ground Vehicles etc. The Pavilion will also feature a dedicated section highlighting the winners of Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme, showcasing their ground-breaking work in critical and niche technologies.

    iDEX has successfully onboarded over 600 start-ups and MSMEs, marking a significant milestone in fostering innovation. Furthermore, 40 prototypes developed under iDEX have received official clearance for procurement, with 31 procurement contracts worth Rs 1,560 crore already signed.

    Manthan

    Manthan 2025, the flagship annual defence innovation event, will be graced by Raksha Mantri on February 12. Organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence – Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO), the event will bring together stakeholders of the defence innovation ecosystem including innovators, industry leaders, academia, incubators, investors, thought leaders, senior government officials etc.

    Manthan will deliberate on emerging challenges and opportunities in the sector, with a focus on supporting defence start-ups and MSMEs, enhancing innovation capabilities, and fostering strategic collaborations within the defence ecosystem. It stands as a testament to the scale and speed of iDEX, showcasing the rapid strides made in defence innovation and the pivotal role of start-ups in transforming India’s defence capabilities.

    Samarthya

    On the success story of indigenisation and innovation in the defence sector, an Indigenisation event on the theme ‘SAMARTHYA’ will be held on February 12 alongside the Valedictory function which will be graced by Raksha Mantri. This event is first-of-its-kind during Aero India, as it will showcase India’s indigenous ingenuity in defence manufacturing by demonstrating some of the major items indigenised by DPSUs, DRDO and Services with the involvement of the private sector.

    Bilateral Meetings

    Bilateral meetings at the levels of Raksha Mantri/Raksha Rajya Mantri/Chief of Defence Staff/Service Chiefs/Defence Secretary/Secretary (Defence Production) will take place on the sidelines of Aero India 2025.

    Seminars

    A number of seminars on a variety of topics will be organised as part of Aero India 2025. On February 11, Raksha Mantri is scheduled to address a seminar organised by the Indian Air Force on the theme ‘Manned Unmanned teams for Aerial Warfare – concept to targeting’ and another organised by DRDO on the theme ‘DRDO Industry Synergy towards Viksit Bharat’.

    Other seminars on the themes – Mission DefSpace: From Vision to Reality – A Progress Report; Indigenous Development of Aerospace Materials: Strengthening India’s Self-Reliance; Transition to Aatmanirbhar Indian Naval Aviation 2047 and its associated ecosystem; Transformation of Maritime Aviation by Adopting Technological trends and Indigenisation; Aligning Technologies to Future Conflicts; and Investment Opportunities for Aerospace & Defence Manufacturers in Karnataka – will also be held as part of the event.

    Historic First – Su-57 and F-35 at Aero India

    For the first time in history, Aero India 2025 will witness the participation of two of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft – the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 Lightning II. It marks a milestone in global defence collaboration and technological advancement, offering aviation enthusiasts and defence experts an unparalleled prospect to witness these state-of-the-art warplanes.

     

    • Su-57: Russia’s premier stealth multirole fighter is designed for superior air superiority and strike capabilities. Equipped with advanced avionics, supercruise capability, and stealth technology, it is making its debut at Aero India 2025. Visitors can expect high-speed aerial manoeuvres and tactical demonstrations that highlight the fighter’s agility, stealth and firepower.

     

    • F-35 Lightning II: The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the most widely-deployed fifth-generation fighter, integrates advanced stealth, unparalleled situational awareness and networked combat capabilities. Its presence at Aero India 2025 will enable visitors to witness the flagship of US Air Force.

     

    The inclusion of both the Su-57 and F-35 highlights India’s position as a key hub for international defence and aerospace collaboration. Aero India 2025 will provide a rare side-by-side comparison of Eastern and Western fifth-generation fighter technology, offering defence analysts, military personnel and aviation enthusiasts valuable insights into their respective capabilities.

     

    Visitor-Friendly Experience

    With key infrastructure upgrades and improved amenities, Aero India 2025 promises to be bigger, smoother and more visitor-friendly than ever before.

     

    • Enhanced Infrastructure & Traffic Management: Recognising past challenges, extensive improvements have been made to facilitate seamless entry, movement and connectivity and there has been close coordination between Ministry of Defence, Indian Air Force (IAF), various arms of Karnataka State Government like Bengaluru Traffic Police, BBMP, NHAI, and Namma Metro. Approach roads have been widened to optimise traffic flow around Air Force Station Yelahanka so as to ease congestion and improve movement around the venue.

     

    • Security and Emergency Preparedness: Red drone zones have been designated and published with countermeasures in place to tackle unauthorised drone activity. Rapid Mobile Units will be deployed strategically to provide quick assistance and emergency support. Continuous mock drills with multiple agencies are being conducted to ensure practical and implementable contingency plans.

     

    • Exhibitor & Visitor Experience Enhancements: To enhance the experience for exhibitors and business delegates, the exhibition area has been revamped with several key upgrades:

     

    • Expanded and better-ventilated exhibition halls to accommodate more exhibitors and visitors comfortably.
    • Improved seating and rest zones throughout the venue.
    • Additional food courts and refreshment kiosks, including Indira Canteens (at parking areas).
    • Lost and found counters and ATM kiosks for visitor convenience.
    • Multiple water points, medical aid posts, and a dedicated cardiac aid post for emergencies, including medical evacuation.

     

    • Multi-Layered Security Measures: Ensuring the safety of all attendees, a multi-layered security system is being deployed in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bengaluru Police, CISF, and Intelligence Agencies. Measures include:

     

    • Enhanced security protocols and faster access control.
    • An operational Command and Control Centre for real-time responses to security concerns.
    • 24/7 CCTV monitoring for situational awareness.
    • Dedicated screening zones for visitors, exhibitors, and VIPs.
    • Disaster management and fire safety committees to handle emergencies.

     

    • Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure: To address connectivity challenges, all telecom service providers are deploying temporary mobile towers and network boosters for uninterrupted communication. A dedicated Aero India 2025 mobile app has also been launched which will provide live updates, navigation assistance, and event scheduling. Secure digital communication channels have also been established for coordination among agencies. Additionally, provisions have been made to support increased electricity demands during the event while ensuring safety.

     

    • Airspace Management & Demonstrations: Aero India demonstrations and aircraft movements are a major highlight of Aero India 2025. In coordination with AAI and HAL, the Indian Air Force has structured a dedicated Airspace management plan including:

     

    • Temporary flight restrictions around Aero India Force Station Yelahanka to maintain safety during scheduled demonstrations.
    • Strategic Aircraft parking and refuelling plans for domestic and international participants.

     

    • Business and Innovation Support: The Aero India provides a platform for collaborations and to facilitate B2B, G2B interactions and hosting roundtable discussions to showcase technological advancements. Special focus will be given to supporting start-ups and MSMEs by providing them with a global platform to present indigenous innovations.

     

    • Sustainability Initiatives: Aero India 2025 is committed to sustainability and has incorporated several eco-friendly measures in its conduct like:

     

    • Reduced vehicle movement to minimise pollution and enhance pedestrian comfort.
    • Exclusive use of more than 100 E Karts for movement of visitors in the exhibition venue.
    • Comprehensive waste management, including increased recycling bins, waste segregation zones, and timely disposal of waste.

     

    With these multi-agency collaborations, Aero India 2025 is set to be one of the most well-coordinated and better organised editions to date.

     

    Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff & Secretary, Department of Military Affairs General Anil Chauhan, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka Dr Shalini Rajneesh, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, other senior officials of Ministry of Defence and industry leaders attended the curtain raiser press conference.

    *******

    VK/SR/SPS/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2101170) Visitor Counter : 115

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Safeguard Our Borders – Apply to U.S. Border Patrol Today | CBP

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Border Patrol Agents prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the U.S. by securing our land borders and coastal waters between ports of entry. Border Patrol Processing Coordinators perform administrative tasks related to the intake and processing of individuals apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol Agents.

    Start Your Application: https://www.cbp.gov/careers/apply-now

    Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/CBPgov
    Facebook ➤ https://facebook.com/CBPgov
    Twitter ➤ https://twitter.com/CBP
    Official Website ➤ https://www.cbp.gov

    #cbp
    #borderpatrol
    #hiring
    #job
    #superbowl

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6XtgbUULVU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Eradicates Anti-Christian Bias

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    ERADICATING ANTI-CHRISTIAN BIAS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order establishing a task force to end the anti-Christian weaponization of government and unlawful conduct targeting Christians.
    The task force, officially known as the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, will be comprised of members of President Trump’s cabinet and key government agencies.
    The task force will review the activities of all departments and agencies to identify and eliminate anti-Christian policies, practices, or conduct.
    The task force will gather input from various stakeholders to ensure broad perspectives are considered, including faith-based organizations, State, local, and Tribal governments, and Americans affected by anti-Christian conduct.
    It will identify and address gaps in laws and enforcement that have contributed to anti-Christian conduct, including by remedying any failures to fully enforce the law against acts of anti-Christian hostility, vandalism, and violence.
    The task force will recommend further presidential or legislative actions necessary to rectify past wrongs and protect Americans’ religious liberties.
    The task force will submit an annual report on its progress, with a final report upon its conclusion.
    PROTECTING AMERICANS’ RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: The previous Administration engaged in an egregious pattern of targeting peaceful Christians while ignoring violent, anti-Christian offenses. President Trump will not tolerate this abuse of government and is taking action to ensure that any unlawful and improper anti-Christian conduct, policies or practices are identified, terminated, and rectified.
    The United States Constitution enshrines the fundamental right to religious liberty in the First Amendment.
    The Biden Department of Justice brought felony charges and obtained multi-year prison sentences against nearly two dozen pro-life Christians for praying and peacefully demonstrating outside abortion facilities.
    The Biden Department of Justice ignored hundreds of attacks on Catholic churches, charities, and pro-life centers.
    In 2023, a Federal Bureau of Investigation memo asserted that traditional Catholics were domestic-terrorism threats and suggested infiltrating Catholic churches as “threat mitigation.” 
    The Biden Department of Education sought to repeal religious-liberty protections for faith-based organizations on college campuses. 
    The Biden Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sought to force Christians to affirm radical transgender ideology against their faith.
    The Biden Department of Health and Human Services sought to drive Christians out of the foster-care system. 
    In 2024, the Biden Administration declared Easter Sunday as “Transgender Day of Visibility.”
    STANDING UP FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: President Donald J. Trump is committed to protecting Americans’ fundamental right to religious freedom.
    On his fourth day in office, President Trump pardoned the Christians and pro-life activists who were persecuted by the Biden Administration for praying and peacefully living out their faith.
    Last week, President Trump signed an Executive Order to combat anti-Semitism on our campuses and in our streets.
    President Trump: “I will create a new federal task force on fighting anti-Christian bias. That’ll be done immediately.”
    This Executive Order also builds on the long list of accomplishments from the first Trump Administration:
    During his first year in office, President Trump signed an Executive Order upholding religious liberty and the right to engage in religious speech.
    President Trump signed an Executive Order recognizing the essential contributions of faith-based organizations and establishing the Faith and Opportunity Initiative.
    President Trump reversed the Obama-era policy that prevented the government from providing disaster relief to religious organizations.

    President Trump hosted a Global Call to Protect Religious Freedom event at the United Nations and called on the international community and business lead

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Addresses Human Rights Violations in South Africa

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    ADDRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA: On Friday, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to address serious human rights violations occurring in South Africa.
    As encapsulated in its recent land confiscation act to seize disfavored citizens’ property without compensation, the government of South Africa blatantly discriminates against ethnic minority descendants of settler groups.
    As long as South Africa continues to support bad actors on the world stage and allows violent attacks on innocent disfavored minority farmers, the United States will stop aid and assistance to the country.
    The United States will establish a plan to resettle disfavored minorities in South Africa discriminated against because of their race as refugees.
    STANDING UP AGAINST INJUSTICE AND OPPRESSION: President Donald J. Trump is committed to holding South Africa accountable for its actions.
    South Africa has taken positions against the United States and its allies.
    Merely two months after the October 7th terrorist attacks on Israel, South Africa accused Israel, not Hamas, of genocide in the International Court of Justice.
    South Africa also strengthened ties with Iran, which supports terrorism globally.

    While championing terrorism and autocratic regimes abroad, South Africa has committed similar human rights violations at home. The recent Expropriation Act enables the government of South Africa to seize ethnic minority descendants of settler groups’ agricultural property without compensation.         
    The Expropriation Act follows countless government policies designed to dismantle equal opportunity in employment, education, and business, and hateful rhetoric and government actions fueling disproportionate violence against racially disfavored landowners.
    Years ago, the South African government disbanded volunteer forces defending rural farmers, turning a blind eye to the ensuing farm attacks.

    REAFFIRMING OUR COMMITMENT TO HUMAN RIGHTS: A commitment to human rights is central to President Trump’s America First agenda.
    President Trump: “South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people very badly […] I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!”
    President Trump believes in sending a clear message to the world’s bad actors—and to their victims—by condemning human rights abuses in no uncertain terms.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Is Protecting Americans’ Second Amendment Rights

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    STOPPING FEDERAL INFRINGEMENT ON CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to end the federal government’s violation of Americans’ fundamental Second Amendment right to protect themselves, their families, and their freedoms.
    This Executive Order will halt existing policies designed to curtail the clear right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.
    The order directs the incoming Attorney General to immediately complete a specific review of all orders, regulations, guidance, plans, and other actions by the Biden Administration regarding firearms—listing several specific documents to be reviewed—and deliver a plan of action to the President to eliminate all infringements on Americans’ Second Amendment rights. 
    ENDING THE ATTACKS ON LAW-ABIDING GUN OWNERS AND GUN BUSINESSES: The Biden Administration has flagrantly sought to eliminate Second Amendment rights. Among other infringements, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was weaponized to end the livelihoods of law-abiding small business owners in an effort to limit Americans’ ability to acquire firearms:
    The so-called “zero tolerance” or “enhanced regulatory enforcement policy” put in place under the previous administration led to a nearly six-fold increase in enforcement actions against Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL’s), many of whom are mom-and-pop shop small businesses who made innocent paperwork errors.
    Firearms manufacturers have been de-banked or denied services simply because they make guns—which allow Americans to exercise a constitutional right.
    DEFENDING OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS: President Trump is standing up for our constitutional Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, building on progress made during his first term:
    President Trump removed the United States from the United Nations (UN) misguided Arms Trade Treaty to protect Americans from the threat of global regulations of conventional firearms.
    President Trump’s Department of Justice narrowed the definition of “fugitive from justice” to more specific guidelines when determining who is prohibited from buying a gun.
    During the pandemic, President Trump designated the firearms industry “essential” in order to protect gun stores, shooting ranges, and ammunition dealers from being shut down.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Establishes White House Faith Office

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    ESTABLISHING A FAITH OFFICE: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to establish the White House Faith Office.
    The White House Faith Office will empower faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship to better serve families and communities.
    The Office will be housed in the Domestic Policy Council and will consult with experts within the faith community and make recommendations to the President regarding changes to policies, programs, and practices to better align with the American values.
    The Office will coordinate with agencies on religious liberty training and on identifying and promoting grant opportunities for non-profit faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship.  
    The Office will work in collaboration with the Attorney General to identify failures to enforce constitutional and Federal statutory protections for religious liberty.
    DEFENDING RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: President Trump is committed to protecting the liberty and freedom of our religious communities, organizations, and students.
    In his first week, President Trump pardoned Christians and pro-life activists who were persecuted by the weaponized Biden Administration for praying and peacefully living out their faith.
    President Trump reinstated service members forced out of the military over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, including those discharged over their religious objections to the vaccine.
    Last week, President Trump signed executive actions to ensure Federal overreach and taxpayer dollars will no longer force individuals to violate their commitment to life.
    Yesterday, President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing a task force to eradicate anti-Christian bias.
    PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT: These actions build on President Trump’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding the fundamental right to religious freedom, as evidenced by his first term.
    In 2017, President Trump stopped the Johnson Amendment from interfering with pastors’ rights to speak their minds.
    In 2018, President Trump established the Faith and Opportunity Initiative which recognized and promoted the essential contributions of faith-based organizations.
    In 2018, President Trump reversed the Obama-era policy that prevented the government from providing disaster relief to religious organizations.
    In 2019, President Trump hosted a Global Call to Protect Religious Freedom event at the United Nations and called on the international community and business leaders to work to protect religious freedom around the world.
    In 2020, President Trump issued new guidance to protect religious liberty and expression in public schools.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy On ABC’s This Week: This Is A Red Alert Moment— Our Democracy Is At Risk

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 09, 2025

    [embedded content]
    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Sunday joined ABC’s This Week with Martha Raddatz to sound the alarm on Donald Trump’s corrupt power grab and the billionaire takeover of the U.S. government. Murphy slammed Trump’s move to eliminate USAID and vowed to keep fighting to protect American democracy.
    “I think this is the most serious constitutional crisis the country has faced, certainly since Watergate,” said Murphy. “The President is attempting to seize control of power, and for corrupt purposes. The President wants to be able to decide how and where money is spent so that he can reward his political friends, he can punish his political enemies—that is the evisceration of democracy. You stand that next to the wholesale endorsement of political violence with the pardons given to every single January 6th rioter— including the most violent, who beat police officers over the head with baseball bats— and you could see what he’s trying to do here. He is trying to crush his opposition by making them afraid of losing federal funding, by making them afraid of physical violence. So yes, this is a red alert moment when this entire country has to understand that our democracy is at risk—and for what? The billionaire takeover of government.”
    Murphy blasted Trump’s plan to cut USAID, calling it a gift to billionaires and a threat to global stability: “The military tells us that if you eliminate foreign aid, you will have to double the number of bullets you buy them. Why? Because we prevent conflict around the world through things like economic development and conflict resolution. I think the American public are learning about the scale of this corruption, how our foreign policy is being turned over to billionaires like Elon Musk to help them financially. As the American people are learning how much influence the billionaires have, how corrupt our policy has become, they are turning against this handover of government to the very few economic elites.”
    He continued: “Most of what USAID is doing is employing Americans, and often foreign nationals, to try to prevent instability and conflict. They are also working to try to reduce the reasons why young people join terrorist groups overseas. They are chasing Chinese and Russian influence. I mean, listen. The major question of the next 50 years is who will control the piping of the international economy: the United States or China? It’s USAID, not the U.S. military, that is working to try to blunt Chinese influence, so it’s ultimately American and European rules that control the global economy, not Chinese rules. So USAID is out there protecting American jobs and American interests, and if you roll up USAID, it is just a massive gift to China in particular, and that is very bad for U.S. national security interests, very bad for the U.S. economy and U.S. workers.”
    Murphy argued that Democrats shouldn’t shy away from forcefully defending our democracy: “I’m not going to calm down. I had 800 people at a rally with 24 hours’ notice in Connecticut this last weekend. This is a fundamental corruption. And democracies don’t last forever, and what those who are trying to destroy democracies want is for everyone to stay quiet, for everyone to believe that the moment isn’t urgent. They want to use violence and the threat of violence and the threat of arrest to keep the opposition at home. We are not going to do this. We see this as a crisis of epic proportions. We are watching the billionaires try to steal government from the people, and I think the broad cross-section of the American public, as you have seen in the last week, is going to rise up and say, enough.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Activist News – Winston Peters refusal to join 79 countries to protect the International Criminal Court puts New Zealand firmly in Trump’s minority, lawless, hard-right camp – PSNA

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    Winston Peters’ refusal to join other 79 countries trying to protect the International Criminal Court after vicious attacks and sanctions issued by US President Trump is unconscionable.

     

    “Endless New Zealand politicians, including the present government, have pointed to our support for a rules-based international system” says PSNA National Chair John Minto. “The ICC is a key part of that system but Winston Peters has jettisoned this policy in favour of a US-First approach; rather than a New Zealand-First approach”

     

    In fact, we can find no evidence that Peters has ever uttered a word of real criticism of the US in his entire political career.

     

    Within the past two weeks Winston Peters has

     

    • Openly welcomed Israeli soldiers and Israeli war criminals coming into New Zealand, with no questions asked, for “rest and recreation” from their genocide in Gaza
    • Refused to condemn Trump’s racist plans for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza so his son-in-law can turn it into a “Riviera of the Middle East’.  This is an intended international crime of epic proportion, and now
    • Refused to join 79 countries supporting the International Criminal Court against Trump’s actions

     

    “The countries we are refusing to join in criticising Trump include two other Five Eyes countries, the UK and Canada, as well as Germany, France, Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, Netherlands, Greece, Norway, Portugal, Spain etc”

     

    “Winston Peters has put New Zealand in the hard-right international minority extremist camp with Trump” says PSNA National Chair John Minto. “This is creepy and cowardly complicity with a state whose values we do not share.”

     

    “Winston Peters’ ministry has been at great pains over the past year to state how much our government supports the work of the ICC. The MFAT website states “We have also been clear in our support of the International Criminal Court’s mandate in Palestine”

     

    “But when the ICC issues arrest warrants against Israeli leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity, our government goes completely silent.”

     

    “Will Winston Peters now copy his master and revoke an immigration ban on 33 Israeli settlers responsible for leading pogroms against Palestinian communities in the Occupied West Bank, as Trump did a few days ago?”

     

    “US policy towards Palestine underlines the case for New Zealand to leave the Five Eyes US international spy network.”

     

    “An independent foreign policy means making our own decisions and working with the great majority of like-minded countries who support international institutions, such as the ICC and the International Court of Justice.”

     

    “Instead, we have a foreign minister who is in the US pocket and blindly working for the interests of Trump and his robber barons.”

     

    John Minto

    National Chair

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Craven silence on ICC conveys consent

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    New Zealand has long been a member of the International Criminal Court, which impartially prosecutes serious war criminals for atrocities.

    “The United States of America is attacking the ICC with sanctions and undermining its important and respected role as a prosecutor of war criminals,” Labour foreign affairs spokesperson David Parker said.

    “It is one thing for the USA not to participate in the ICC. To go further and introduce sanctions to hinder the ability of the ICC doing its work for other countries is plainly wrong.

    “In recent days, 79 countries have signed a statement condemning this. Those countries include Switzerland, Canada, France and Germany – countries we normally work closely with. New Zealand was notably absent.

    “It is understandable that New Zealand does not want to criticise every decision made by President Trump.

    “But our government won’t even speak up in the company of 79 others when an institution we are part of is threatened and undermined.

    “Silence conveys consent.

    “New Zealand’s reputation for being fair and principled is built on decades of important decisions like these – across successive governments.

    “In its efforts to appease the new USA administration, New Zealand should not cravenly abandon its principles,” David Parker said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –