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Category: Balkans

  • MIL-OSI Global: A new wave of Venezuelan refugees would threaten a humanitarian crisis – Latin America could learn from Europe

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Omar Hammoud Gallego, Assistant Professor in Public Policy, Durham University

    Latin American countries are bracing themselves for a wave of Venezuelan migrants. Sebastian Delgado C / Shutterstock

    Venezuela’s disputed election results have thrown the country into chaos. The authoritarian leader of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, was declared the winner in a contested vote in July and, since then, has used state violence to inhibit any hint of protest.

    The crackdown has led to the deaths of more than 20 people at the hands of Venezuela’s security services and pro-government armed groups known as colectivos, while more than 2,400 people have been thrown in jail. And the opposition candidate who is widely believed to have won the vote, Edmundo González, has fled to Spain after being threatened with arrest.

    This swift escalation has sparked widespread concern throughout Latin America and beyond. Another wave of migration may be imminent, adding to the nearly 8 million people who have already left Venezuela since 2015. Countries across Latin America, especially Colombia, have expressed concern that a new surge of displaced Venezuelans might overwhelm public services and fuel political tensions.

    It is possible that governments in the region may respond by imposing stricter border controls to stem the flow of migrants. But past experience shows that this move would both be ineffective and harmful.

    Venezuela is a nation that was once known for its vast oil wealth. However, it has endured a prolonged period of economic and political instability. The country’s democratic backsliding began under former president Hugo Chávez in the early 2000s, but it worsened dramatically after he died in 2013 and Maduro came to power.

    Maduro’s rule has been marked by rampant inflation, a 75% reduction in GDP, and widespread political repression. These conditions have led to one of the largest migrations in modern history. Nearly a quarter of Venezuela’s population have fled their homes, primarily to other South American countries.



    Read more:
    Venezuelan migrants are boosting economic growth in South America, says research

    Initially, many Latin American nations coordinated their response. Governments came together in Ecuador to sign the Quito Declaration in 2018, for example, which committed them to ensuring the safe and regular migration of Venezuelan citizens.

    However, this cooperative spirit soon began to unravel. Chile, Ecuador and Peru made it much harder for ordinary Venezuelans to enter their countries legally by introducing visa restrictions by the middle of 2019. These restrictions replaced earlier policies that allowed entry to Ecuador and Peru with just an ID card.

    The effectiveness of these restrictions has been the subject of much debate. In a recent study, I compared the experiences of countries that introduced restrictions with those of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, which kept their borders open.

    My findings suggest that restricting migration in South America has not prevented it. Migration has instead been driven underground, with significant costs both for migrants and host countries.

    The introduction of visa restrictions led to a 38% increase in the number of Venezuelan migrants who crossed borders via unauthorised routes, and a 41% rise in migrants without a regular residency permit in their destination country. The number of Venezuelan migrants who lacked legal status in their host country also jumped from less than one-in-five to more than half.

    This shift towards irregularity has had consequences. For example, I found that falling into irregularity led to a shift in migrants’ priorities away from seeking employment and towards trying to regularise their migratory status.

    There is also no evidence to suggest that migrants redirected their journeys to South American countries with more open policies. In fact, the composition of migrants remained largely unchanged after the introduction of restrictions.

    Lessons from Europe

    Before the election, a poll conducted by Venezuelan firm Meganálisis indicated that around 40% of Venezuelans would consider leaving the country if Maduro remained in power. This represents a potentially staggering increase in migration, even if we account for the gap between intention and action.

    To avoid exacerbating an already critical situation, countries in the region must adopt pragmatic policies that prioritise safe and regular migration. And they should offer regular status to migrants that already reside there.

    Europe’s response to the mass displacement caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine offers lessons that Latin American governments should not ignore.

    In 2022, the EU coordinated efforts to allow Ukrainian refugees free and safe movement throughout Europe, while also guaranteeing their right to work and residency, as well as access to health and educational services.



    Read more:
    Ukraine war: a year on, here’s what life has been like for refugees in the UK

    Despite the massive scale of this displacement, at over 6 million refugees, there was no widely reported “Ukrainian refugee crisis” because of this cooperative approach.

    Ukrainian refugees entering Romania after crossing the border.
    Pazargic Liviu / Shutterstock

    While the refugee status of Ukrainians in Europe is guaranteed up to February 2026 (and can be extended if the European Council agrees), the story is quite different for displaced Venezuelans. Despite being considered refugees by the UN and the laws of most Latin American countries, governments in the region have largely decided not to recognise them as such.

    Nevertheless, Latin American governments should pursue a strategy similar to the one we have seen in Europe. This must include renewing their commitment to the principles outlined in the Quito Declaration, as well as establishing common standards across the region for the reception of Venezuelan migrants.

    These standards should include the possibility of allowing Venezuelans to cross borders using only their ID cards, as is still the case in Argentina and Brazil, given how costly passports and other travel documents are for many Venezuelans.

    Such requirements would significantly reduce the likelihood of irregular migration and, together with mass regularisation programmes, have a positive impact on the integration of Venezuelans into their host countries.

    As Venezuela continues to grapple with political and economic collapse, the international community – and particularly neighbouring Latin American nations – must be prepared for another surge of migration.

    But the response should not be to close borders or restrict access. Governments must instead coordinate to ensure safe, regular and humane migration routes.

    The future of millions of Venezuelans, as well as the stability of Latin America, depends on the region’s ability to manage this crisis effectively.

    Omar Hammoud Gallego has received funding from the UK Economic and Social Research Council to conduct this research.

    – ref. A new wave of Venezuelan refugees would threaten a humanitarian crisis – Latin America could learn from Europe – https://theconversation.com/a-new-wave-of-venezuelan-refugees-would-threaten-a-humanitarian-crisis-latin-america-could-learn-from-europe-238345

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Starmer expresses interest in Italy’s migration approach – how different is it from the Rwanda plan?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chiara Graziani, Assistant professor, Law, Bocconi University

    One of Keir Starmer’s first actions as UK prime minister was to put an end to the controversial Rwanda asylum scheme. The plan, introduced by his predecessors, aimed to deter small boat crossings by sending those who reached the UK to Rwanda to have their claims assessed.

    So it was surprising to many observers to see Starmer visit Italy for a meeting with Giorgia Meloni about Italy’s handling of asylum seekers through an arrangement with Albania. At first glance, this approach is similar to the Rwanda plan.

    Both are examples of “externalisation” of immigration. This consists of collaborating with other countries to manage migration, often by moving immigrants who arrive on the soil of a certain country to the territory of another country. Forms of externalisation are used by several other countries, such as Australia, Canada and the US.

    The UK pursued this approach through its Rwanda scheme, under which anyone arriving irregularly in the UK to claim asylum would be moved to Rwanda to have their claims processed by Rwandan officials. In exchange, the UK had agreed to give Rwanda nearly £500 million in development funding, plus additional funds for each person moved.

    The policy faced serious political opposition and legal challenges, and ultimately never got off the ground before the general election.

    Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made.

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    Italy’s partnership with Albania is different in some ways. Under a protocol signed by both countries, asylum seekers rescued at sea while trying to reach Italy will be moved to Albania for their applications to be examined. This will take place in processing centres that Italy will finance and build for this purpose.

    In those areas, however, Italian – and not Albanian – law will be applied and Italian authorities will be competent for the implementation of the process. Under the Rwanda scheme, Rwandan officials (and law) would have governed the asylum procedure once seekers were moved there. This was part of why the UK supreme court said it was not a “safe” country and ruled the plan unlawful.

    Additionally, successful applicants will be granted asylum in Italy, while the Rwanda plan would have only allowed them to stay in Rwanda (not come to the UK).



    Read more:
    Is the Rwanda plan acting as a deterrent? Here’s what the evidence says about this approach

    The Albanian programme is not up and running yet, but Starmer has praised Meloni’s “remarkable progress” in reducing irregular arrivals to Italy by 60%.

    In recent years, Italy has enacted other measures to manage migration by paying North African countries to stop illegal migration to Italy. Italy financed the construction of a maritime area where Tunisian boats can intervene and bring migrants to Tunisian soil.

    Similarly, Italy has outsourced search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean to the Libyan Coast Guard, in exchange for funding to enhance Libyan migration infrastructure and a commitment to improve conditions of reception centres.

    However, human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have raised serious concerns about these arrangements. In both cases, they say, reception centres amount to fully fledged detention centres, under poor conditions potentially amounting to inhumane and degrading treatment. Meloni has called such accusations “completely groundless”.

    An investigation by The Guardian newspaper, published after Starmer’s visit to Italy, detailed harsh abuse of migrants by Tunisian coast guard and border patrol. Human rights groups have been raising concerns for years about the Libyan Coast Guard’s treatment of migrants in distress at sea, including potentially conducting illegal “pushback” operations, which involve pushing boats back across a border they have crossed.



    Read more:
    The EU’s outsourced migration control is violent, expensive and ineffective

    Potential hurdles

    Starmer has said he is “interested” in Italy’s plan with Albania, and has expressed openness to other forms of externalisation. He also wants the UK to work closer with other European states to cooperate on migration.

    One positive side to the Italian model is undoubtedly that Italy does not waive its legal jurisdiction. Italian law applies in the Albanian processing centres, although conflicts with Albanian law (whose jurisdiction can’t be eliminated totally) may arise. If the UK incorporates this aspect in any future plan, it could mitigate a key weak point of the Rwanda plan.

    The Italian scheme also explicitly guarantees that the UN refugee commissioner oversees the process taking place in Albania, in theory ensuring that international human rights standards are met. However, it is certainly possible that these safeguards might be overlooked in the practical enforcement of the agreement, for example because Italian law will need to be applied by officers of a foreign country.

    It is worth nothing that Italy and the UK currently have very different geopolitical positions. Italy is an EU member state, and bound by European asylum laws and standards. This too could cause future legal issues should any of Italy’s actions in Albania violate EU law.

    Any externalisation policy will always involve balancing several interests. First and foremost, the need to comply with human rights standards, but also the fair handling of migration, and the necessity to avoid some countries taking more people than they can support.

    These pressures will be different for the UK than for Italy, and must be carefully considered. Just as the migration of people is a thorny issue, so too is the migration of policy.

    Chiara Graziani does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Starmer expresses interest in Italy’s migration approach – how different is it from the Rwanda plan? – https://theconversation.com/starmer-expresses-interest-in-italys-migration-approach-how-different-is-it-from-the-rwanda-plan-223405

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia

    Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2

    he Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia. 

    The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister exchanged views on the Summit of the Future. They also discussed the war in Ukraine and its regional impact, as well as developments in the Western Balkans.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Romanian Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Stealing Identities to Fraudulently Obtain Public Assistance Funds

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    SANTA ANA, California – A one-time Orange County man who is one of Romania’s most notorious criminals was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for stealing victims’ identities to withdraw money from their public-assistance accounts without their permission.

    Florin Duduianu, 39, whose last known residence was in Mission Viejo, was sentenced by United States District Judge John W. Holcomb, who also ordered him to pay $1,850 in restitution.

    Duduianu pleaded guilty on January 5 to three counts of bank fraud and unlawful use of unauthorized access devices. After a two-day bench trial, Judge Holcomb on January 23 found Duduianu guilty of two counts of aggravated identity theft.

    “This defendant came to our country to victimize the neediest members of our society,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Our nation is not a piggy bank for foreign criminals, and those who think they can take advantage of our liberties to harm our people are sorely mistaken.” 

    “Duduianu stole money which was meant to serve as a critical lifeline to those most in need,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “It was a serious offense, and the FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners across the globe to identify fraudsters like this defendant and hold them fully accountable for their crimes.”

    In August 2023, law enforcement was conducting an operation to combat Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) fraud at various banks and ATMs in Placentia. Police saw Duduianu, accompanied by a passenger, drive up to a Wells Fargo ATM and make multiple withdrawals on different cards. Based on this information, officers pulled Duduianu over. Duduianu lied to the officers, telling them he was depositing, not withdrawing, money from the ATM.

    During a search of Duduianu’s passenger, officers found four Visa gift cards, three Wells Fargo ATM receipts, and $1,850 in cash. The Visa gift cards were encoded with EBT card numbers. Those numbers were run through an EBT database, which showed that they belonged to four different people. Based on the Wells Fargo receipts, Duduianu used two of the cards to make three withdrawals totaling $1,850 from the ATM.

    The FBI contacted the accountholders for the two EBT accounts from which Duduianu made withdrawals. The accountholders said that they did not know Duduianu or his car passenger and did not give permission to anyone to withdraw funds from their accounts.

    During a search of Duduianu’s cellphone, law enforcement found dozens of photos and videos related to ATM skimming as well as tools and techniques used to skim EBT information. Law enforcement also found photos of large sums of cash and hundreds of EBT numbers from multiple states. In the chat history of Duduianu’s phone, the government found an article about EBT fraud that was sent from his phone to four other phone numbers.

    On another smartphone law enforcement recovered during Duduianu’s arrest, law enforcement found additional videos related to ATM skimming. Phone records and EBT records showed that this phone was used to check the balance of the EBT accounts of the victims in this case, five days before Duduianu withdrew $1,850 from those same accounts.

    “Until his arrest in this case…Duduianu was one of Romania’s ‘Most Wanted’ criminals and an INTERPOL fugitive,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “He leads the ‘Duduianu Clan,’ an exceptionally violent and influential

    organized crime group and was previously convicted of attempted murder. In 2020, [Duduianu] fled Romanian prosecution following charges of robbery and blackmail.”

    The FBI and the Placentia Police Department investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys David Y. Pi of the Major Frauds Section and Diane B. Roldán of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Partial payments under the Recovery and Resilience Facility: An overview – 23-09-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which began in 2021, will go on until the end of 2026. In 2024, the fourth year, this implementation is well under way, although with some differences having emerged across EU Member States. In August 2024, disbursements had reached €170.8 billion in grants and €94.6 billion in loans, or 41 % of the total RRF funding available. With the exception of pre-financing, the condition for disbursing RRF funds to Member States is the successful achievement of pre-defined milestones and targets, or qualitative and quantitative steps. They are laid out in the annexes to the Council implementing decisions endorsing the individual national recovery and resilience plans, and linked to each payment request. The RRF Regulation envisages the possibility of suspending all or part of the financial contribution available to Member States if milestones and targets have not been satisfactorily achieved. At an early stage of RRF implementation, both the European Court of Auditors and the European Parliament urged the European Commission to develop a methodology that would allow the impact of not meeting a milestone or target to be quantified. In February 2023, the Commission delivered on that request and published a methodology for partial suspension of payments. As a result, the Commission has been able to proceed with partial payments to Member States corresponding to what they have achieved, despite the non-fulfilment (or partial fulfilment) of one or more milestones or targets linked to a given request. This has helped keep RRF implementation on track. The suspension payment methodology has already been applied in several instances. The first country to be subject to it was Lithuania, followed by Romania, Portugal, Italy, Spain and Belgium. In 2023, a total of €841 million was withheld (0.13 % of all RRF funds). While Member States have generally welcomed the methodology, it is still perceived as lacking in clarity and raises questions, not least as to the discretion it affords the Commission in defining the amounts to be suspended.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Commission proposes €120 million support to farmers affected by adverse weather events in Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Italy and Romania

    Source: European Commission

    European Commission Press release Brussels, 23 Sep 2024 Today, the Commission proposed to allocate €119,7 million from the agricultural reserve to directly support farmers from Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Italy and Romania who have been impacted by exceptional adverse climatic events in Spring and early Summer.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Rising Russian gas imports undermine European plans to become independent of Russian gas – E-001376/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Russian gas imports did not rise over the period 2022-24. On an annual basis the EU has significantly reduced its imports of Russian gas from ca. 150 billion cubic meters (bcm) before 2021 and the beginning of the gas crisis, to 45 bcm in 2023[1].

    T he EU Energy Platform including its AggregateEU mechanism contributed to the security and diversification of gas supplies to the EU and Energy Community, and increased market transparency[2].

    The expiry of the Russian gas transit agreement through Ukraine at the end of 2024 would contribute further to phasing out Russian fossil fuel dependence by halting imports via Ukraine.

    Demand reduction measures contributed to reducing the gas demand by 18% between August 2022 and May 2024. Unprecedented development of renewables has been achieved. Wind and solar capacity have increased by 36% between 2021 and 2023, saving the equivalent of 24 bcm gas over 2 years .

    The Commission continues to implement the REPowerEU plan[3], including through limited financing to gas projects by the Connecting Europe Facility and the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

    New projects will help diversify supplies, such as the Adriatica Line, Gdansk LNG terminal and Gdańsk-Gustorzyn pipeline, the expansion of Krk LNG Terminal, Romanian Black Sea Gas exploitation or Trans-Balkan pipeline reverse flow, which the Commission has facilitated through the work of the CESEC High-Level Group.

    • [1] To compensate, the EU replaced Russian gas supply with imports from other international suppliers. Norway and the United States became the EU’s largest gas suppliers, representing 34% (47 bcm) and 18% (25 bcm), respectively of EU gas imports in the first five months of 2024, followed by North Africa, Azerbaijan and Qatar.
    • [2] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-security/eu-energy-platform_en
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal/repowereu-affordable-secure-and-sustainable-energy-europe_en
    Last updated: 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with the Chairman of the Presidency, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    The interlocutors discussed recent developments in the country and the Western Balkans region. They also exchanged views about cooperation between the United Nations and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the European Union accession process of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Jade Power Announces Closing of Non-Brokered Private Placement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jade Power Trust (“Jade Power” or the “Trust”) (TSXV:JPWR.H) is pleased to announce that it has closed its non-brokered private placement of 6,666,666 units (the “Units”) at a price of C$0.075 per Unit (the “Offering”).

    Each Unit consists of one trust unit in the capital of the Trust (the “Trust Units”) and one half of one Trust Unit purchase warrant (each a “Warrant”). Each whole Warrant is exercisable for a period of one year from the date of issuance to purchase an additional Trust Unit at a price of C$0.10. Net proceeds of the Offering will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

    Closing of the Offering remains subject to receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the final approval of the NEX Board and the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

    For further information please contact:

    David Barclay
    Chief Executive Officer
    +1 954-895-7217
    david.barclay@bellsouth.net

    About Jade Power

    The Trust, through its direct and indirect subsidiaries in Canada, the Netherlands and Romania, was formed to acquire interests in renewable energy assets in Romania, other countries in Europe and abroad that can provide stable cash flow to the Trust and a suitable risk-adjusted return on investment. All material information about the Trust may be found under Jade Power’s issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities legislation in the Canada and which are based on the expectations, estimates and projections of management of the parties as of the date of this news release unless otherwise stated. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “could”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

    Details of the risk factors relating to Jade Power and its business are discussed under the heading “Business Risks and Uncertainties” in the Trust’s annual Management’s Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, a copy of which is available on Jade Power’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Trust. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, Jade Power expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Neither the TSXV nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on Enforced Disappearances Opens Twenty-Seventh Session

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Hears that Enforced Disappearances Are on the Increase as a Result of National and International Conflicts and Growing Polarisation Within and Between Countries

    The Committee on Enforced Disappearances this morning opened its twenty-seventh session, during which it will examine the reports of Morocco, Norway and Ukraine on their implementation of the provisions of the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

    Opening the session, Mahamane Cisse-Gouro, Director, Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, said the Committee’s agenda deserved the world’s full attention at a time when enforced disappearances were on the increase as a result of national and international conflicts, and growing polarisation within and between countries.  In times like these, the vital role of human rights mechanisms to protect and promote human rights became even more obvious.

    Mr. Cisse-Gouro welcomed that, since the last session, Thailand, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire and Bangladesh became parties to the Convention, which now had 76 States parties.  He expressed hope that the World Congress on Enforced Disappearances, which would be held in Geneva, Switzerland on 15 and 16 January 2025, would contribute to efforts to achieve universal ratification.

    He also said he was pleased that, since the beginning of the Committee’s urgent action procedure, 512 urgent actions had been closed following the location of the disappeared person, including 15 since the last session.  Out of the 512 located persons, it was particularly heartening that 408 were located alive.

    Olivier de Frouville, Committee Chairperson, in his opening statement, said the session was opening in a context that was worrying for the future.  Conflicts of all kinds were multiplying and claiming thousands of victims on all continents.  In this context, the practice of enforced disappearances, far from receding, was spreading throughout the world.

    Mr. de Frouville said there could be no human rights without an effective rights protection system, but the treaty bodies system was dramatically under-resourced.  The Committee was therefore pleased by the adoption yesterday of the Pact for the Future by the General Assembly.  The Pact instructed the Secretary-General “to assess the need to provide the human rights protection mechanisms of the United Nations system, including the Office of the High Commissioner, with adequate, predictable, increased and sustainable funding to enable them to carry out their mandates efficiently and effectively.”

    Mr. de Frouville concluded by expressing solidarity with the victims of enforced disappearances, including the disappeared, their families and loved ones, who, day after day, suffered the torture of not knowing what had become of the victims.

    During the meeting, Shui-Meng Ng, the wife of Sombath Somphone, a victim of enforced disappearance in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, recounted her husband’s disappearance and her subsequent efforts seeking truth, justice and reparation. 

    Committee Expert Barbara Lochbihler provided the Committee’s response to Ms. Ng’s statement, thanking her for sharing her story and presenting actions undertaken and planned by the Committee concerning Mr. Somphone’s case and the broader fight against enforced disappearances.

    Before closing the meeting, the Committee adopted its agenda for the session.

    All the 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, Monday, 23 September, to consider the initial report of Ukraine (CED/C/UKR/1). 

    Statements

    MAHAMANE CISSE-GOURO, Director, Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, said the Committee’s agenda was as busy as ever and deserved the world’s full attention at a time when, sadly, enforced disappearances were on the increase as a result of national and international conflicts, and growing polarisation within and between countries. 

    There were multiple crises affecting the globe today.  In times like these, the vital role of human rights mechanisms to protect and promote human rights became even more obvious.  They communicated to States their human rights records and recommended ways to rectify what had gone wrong, bring justice to victims, and adopt measures to protect human rights and prevent their violation.  Mr. Cisse-Gouro said human rights were regulators and correctors of power dynamics gone awry. International cooperation, grounded in human rights, was the channel all had to effect change and to address the massive challenges of the time. 

    The work of the treaty bodies, including this Committee, was key to make this a reality.  The guidance and recommendations they provided, and the ongoing interaction they had with States, victims, civil society organizations, and national human rights institutions through the different mandated procedures, helped to identify ways to prevent and address human rights violations.

    In times like these, the human rights mechanisms benefitted from increased synergy and mutual reinforcement. Mr. Cisse-Gouro noted with pleasure that reference was made to the Committee’s general comment on enforced disappearances in the context of migration in the report of the Human Rights Council’s intersessional panel discussion on the human rights of migrants. This was an excellent example of mutual reinforcement.

    The Committee had continued to promote mutual reinforcement in all its activities.  Since the last session in February, it had responded positively to more than 15 requests for training and consultations submitted by States and civil society actors around the world to promote the ratification and implementation of the Convention. 

    On 30 August, the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, the Committee issued a joint statement with the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, and the representatives of Indonesia and Thailand to the Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. In this statement, the Committee urged all actors to immediately join forces to support victims of enforced disappearances and ensure that their rights and obligations, as codified in regional and international treaties, became a reality for all.  The Committee called on actors to take part in the World Congress on Enforced Disappearances, which would be held in Geneva, Switzerland on 15 and 16 January 2025. 

    On the same occasion, the High Commissioner for Human Rights said that there was no justification for enforced disappearances.  Yet, every day, this heinous crime continued to silence and destroy lives.  The World Congress in January 2025 was an opportunity to establish a strategy and network so that the world could finally end this tool of terror.  Bringing together experts, victims, States and other key actors in the context of this first World Congress on Enforced Disappearances to share their experiences and good practices, and to establish a common strategy to promote the ratification of the Convention and its implementation, was indeed a unique opportunity that needed to be fully seized.

    In times like these, it was particularly welcome that, since the last session, Thailand, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire and Bangladesh became parties to the Convention, which now had 76 States parties.  The Office celebrated these ratifications, while continuing its efforts to achieve universal ratification.  It hoped that the World Congress would contribute to reaching this objective. 

    The Office of the High Commissioner continued to actively support efforts to strengthen the treaty body system, which was the key topic at the thirty-sixth annual meeting of the treaty body Chairpersons in New York in June 2024.  The Chairpersons met with the Secretary-General and other senior United Nations officials, civil society and Member States.  The Chairs made marked progress in terms of aligning working methods, and they advocated together for enlarged support for the implementation of the treaty body strengthening process.  At a well-attended meeting with Member States, the Chairs called for resources to implement the predictable review schedule and other key strengthening proposals.

    A heavy programme for the next two weeks was before the Committee.  It would examine three States parties under the Convention: Ukraine, Morocco and Norway. It would also adopt lists of issues and lists of themes for Belgium, Lesotho, Seychelles and Serbia and consider requesting ad hoc additional information. 

    Also before the Committee was the report on urgent actions.  As of today, the Committee had registered a total of 1,893 urgent actions.  Out of these, 1,101 were “living cases” on which the Committee needed to carry out comprehensive follow-up, either individually or in groups.  Mr. Cisse-Gouro said he was particularly pleased that since the beginning of the procedure, 512 urgent actions had been closed following the location of the disappeared person, including 15 since the last session.  Out of the 512 located persons since the beginning of the implementation of the procedure, it was particularly heartening that 408 of them were located alive.  The Committee would also examine one individual complaint, and further discuss projects related to short-term enforced disappearances and to women and enforced disappearances. 

    Mr. Cisse-Gouro recalled the United Nations’ zero tolerance policy on intimidation and reprisals.  The Secretary-General had asked all entities to be vigilant and committed in this area. Civil society and victims provided crucial information and testimony to the treaty bodies and provided contextual information essential to their work.  States needed to ensure adequate protection against any act of intimidation or reprisal against those who cooperated or had cooperated with the United Nations and its mechanisms. 

    Mr. Cisse-Gouro concluded by expressing his support to the Committee and wished it a fruitful and productive session.

    OLIVIER DE FROUVILLE, Chairperson of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances, said the session opened in a context that was worrying for the future. Conflicts of all kinds were multiplying and claiming thousands of victims on all continents.  Power politics seemed to be back in international relations more than ever and, within States, merchants of hatred were stirring up mistrust between communities and preparing for tomorrow’s conflicts.  The disastrous consequences of global warming were increasingly being felt, causing natural disasters that were additional factors of instability.

    In this context, the practice of enforced disappearances, far from receding, was spreading throughout the world. Even when enforced disappearance took different forms, the objective always remained the same: to deny the disappeared person any humanity both as a legal person and as a natural person, and to spread terror among those close to them, who suffered the torture of uncertainty, a terror that quickly spread throughout society.  But victims were resilient, as were societies. 

    Experience showed that every time criminals wanted to impose silence and obedience through enforced disappearance, victims’ families assembled in public squares and brandished their photos, asking the simple and fundamental question: “where are they?” Above all, it was women, mothers, sisters, wives who had the courage to call out armed men, because no amount of oppression or extreme violence could make them accept that their loved ones had evaporated into thin air.  Their determination eventually gave rise to a new norm of international law: the complete prohibition of enforced disappearance.  Their struggle had also led to the adoption of the Convention, in which States pledged to take all measures to make this prohibition effective and to eliminate the practice of enforced disappearance.

    It was with a view to fulfilling this promise that several actors joined forces to organise the first World Congress on Enforced Disappearances, which would be held in Geneva on 15 and 16 January 2025.  Mr. de Frouville thanked the High Commissioner Völker Turk for agreeing to be present at the opening session of the Congress, as well as his Office and States that were co-sponsoring the event.  The Congress’ programme and plan of action were the result of a consultation process carried out since March 2024 with States and all other stakeholders, including victims’ associations, civil society organizations. and national human rights institutions.  Mr. de Frouville invited all States, including parties and non-parties to the Convention, and all stakeholders who were willing to commit themselves to acting, even modestly, against enforced disappearance to come to the meetings of the Congress.

    The fight for respect for human rights needed to be based on robust institutions and procedures.  There could be no human rights without an effective rights protection system.  However, the treaty bodies system was dramatically under-resourced; its budget was ridiculous in view of the magnitude of its task.  In 2023, its budget was 459 million United States dollars, of which only 178 million was financed from the United Nations regular budget, forcing the Office of the High Commissioner to find 280 million in extra-budgetary resources.  This sum did not cover all the estimated needs, which would have required an additional 171 million.  This amount seemed ludicrous in view of the major role that the United Nations system played today in defending human rights and helping States and civil society to defend them in a world where they were threatened more than ever.

    The Committee was therefore pleased by the adoption yesterday in New York of the Pact for the Future by the General Assembly.  Among other interesting provisions, Measure 46 of the Pact instructed the Secretary-General “to assess the need to provide the human rights protection mechanisms of the United Nations system, including the Office of the High Commissioner, with adequate, predictable, increased and sustainable funding to enable them to carry out their mandates efficiently and effectively.” 

    This was in line with the call made by the Chairpersons of the treaty bodies at their thirty-sixth meeting held last July in New York.  The Chairs told the Secretary-General and Member States that the treaty bodies needed, before the end of the year, a decisive resolution that would enable them to quickly implement the predictable timetable for the consideration of States’ reports.  The immediate costs associated with this change would in fact represent a saving in the medium and long term, since the change would be accompanied by a longer reporting period of eight years, and economies of scale resulting from better coordination and complementarity between the 10 Committees and the rest of the system.  The Committee Chairs expressed their hope that States would seize this opportunity to strengthen the treaty system decisively.

    A year ago, a conference was held on a joint declaration on illegal intercountry adoptions drafted by the Committee on Enforced Disappearances, the Committee on the Rights of the Child, and several Special Procedures.  The conference was an opportunity to hear from victims from all parts of the world, including adoptees and biological parents searching for their missing children. A documentary about the victims’ story and their quest for the truth would be premiered in Geneva, in parallel with this session, on 1 October 2024 in Auditorium A2 of the Maison de la Paix. The screening would be followed by a debate featuring the victims, who would testify about their experiences.  A short excerpt from the documentary would also be shown at the closing of this session on 4 October.

    Mr. de Frouville concluded by expressing solidarity with the victims of enforced disappearances, including the disappeared, their families and loved ones, who, day after day, suffered the torture of not knowing what had become of the victims.

    SHUI-MENG NG, wife of Sombath Somphone, victim of enforced disappearance in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, said her husband was disappeared in December 2012 in front of a police post, where he was pushed into a white vehicle and taken away.  Everything that happened at the time of the disappearance was recorded by police traffic cameras.  He was a community worker who helped poor farmers to improve their livelihoods.  He also worked with young people to find solutions for themselves and become more resilient, and with local communities to help them prepare and respond to climate change.  Ms. Ng said she did not know why he had been disappeared, but said his work may have annoyed powerful people, who felt he was threatening their interests.

    Ms. Ng did not know if her husband was still alive.  This was the pain that victims of enforced disappearance suffered.  The pain remained with her every day, despite the passing of time.  The fear that he would not come back loomed larger and larger with each day, and the hope that he would return was fading.

    Enforced disappearance was the most criminal violation of human rights.  Ms. Ng called on the Committee and all States to appeal to the Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic to reveal the truth regarding this enforced disappearance.  Ms. Ng had appealed to the authorities and received no information, with authorities simply stating that the investigation was ongoing.  The hope that she would receive truth and justice was becoming more remote, but she said that she would not give up.  She would continue to raise the case of her husband at every opportunity, seeking news about what happened to him, as well as truth, justice and reparation until her last breath.

    Ms. Ng urged the Committee to not forget the victims and their families.  There were more than 14,000 cases of enforced disappearance before the United Nations.  This was unacceptable in a world where governments claimed to protect their citizens from enforced disappearance.  The Lao People’s Democratic Republic was a signatory to the Convention but had not ratified it.  It nevertheless needed to uphold the spirit of the Convention.  In closing, Ms. Ng appealed for the safe return of her husband.

    BARBARA LOCHBIHLER, Committee Expert, thanked Ms. Ng for sharing the day that changed her life, the struggle that had defined her life ever since, and the pain that remained with her every day.  This case was particular in several respects.  Sombath Somphone was a well-known, dedicated and passionate community worker.  He was honoured with awards beyond his country.  His disappearance did not happen mysteriously in an unknown place but was recorded by police traffic cameras. 

    International non-governmental organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch had campaigned on his behalf, and international media had reported on the case.  The European Parliament had called for his release, as had parliamentarians from the region.  United Nations bodies, including the Human Rights Committee, had questioned the Lao Government on the issue.  Ms. Ng’s tireless efforts were based on her professional expertise, her profound knowledge of international structures, and her experience in international solidarity networking.  Despite these efforts, Sombath Somphone remained disappeared, his fate and whereabouts still unknown to his family and friends.

    Pain and suffering remained with the victims of enforced disappearance every day despite the passing of time, because with time hope faded.  Ms. Ng and Mr. Somphone’s supporters had been confronted with ignorance, disregard, inaction, negligence and outright lies from authorities.  This was what so many victims of enforced disappearance had to deal with, often exacerbated by reprisals and existential distress.  Mr. Somphone’s case clearly showed that an enforced disappearance had not only serious consequences for victims’ family and friends but also had a chilling effect on the civil society of the given community or country.  After Mr. Somphone’s disappearance, civil society organizations in Lao People’s Democratic Republic were in fear, becoming more careful in their work or even inactive.  This surely pleased those responsible for Mr. Somphone’s disappearance.

    Ms. Ng, as with victims in so many countries, rightly had high expectations of the Committee.  However, the Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic had signed but not ratified the Convention, so the Committee had no formal means to review the situation in the State or ask for information on particular cases.  Unfortunately, this applied to many countries in Asia, where only a few States had ratified the Convention. 

    The Committee was sincerely committed to change this, intensifying its outreach to governments and the broader human rights movement.  Last year, it had a fruitful meeting with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. In November, the regional office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Committee would organise several workshops with State and civil society organization representatives in Bangkok, and in January, the World Congress on Enforced Disappearance would gather activists and diplomats, victims and United Nations representatives to discuss ways forward in the fight against enforced disappearances.

    Regrettably, the impact of a United Nations treaty body had its limitations.  Essential for things to change was serious political will by the Government to act.  The Committee would appeal to the Lao Government to demonstrate this political will and would never forget the victims.  Ms. Lochbihler thanked Ms. Ng wholeheartedly for addressing the Committee, congratulating her for her passion and energy, and for not being discouraged by years of ignorance and denial.  She expressed hope that the search for Ms. Ng’s husband would one day bring to light what really happened, as Ms. Ng had the right to know the truth.

     

    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.

     

     

     

    CED24.006E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Fourth Media Law School concluded in Mostar

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Fourth Media Law School concluded in Mostar

    The Fourth Media Law School on “Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation (SLAPPs)” is held from 18 to 23 September in Mostar. (OSCE) Photo details

    Mostar, 23 September 2024 – The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the EU in BiH and the Law School of the University of Sarajevo held the Fourth Media Law School on “Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation (SLAPPs)” from 18 to 23 September in Mostar.
    During the five-day event, 18 law students from all public law faculties in BiH, along with two additional students from the region, analysed the risks and dangers of SLAPP lawsuits and their impact on the enjoyment of freedom of expression. The students participated in a simulated trial, worked on a hypothetical case, and gained valuable practical experience. Their diligence and commitment were commendable, earning them three European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits towards their law degrees.
    In addition to an accredited media law school program, a specialized Masters of Arts (MA) study will commence in the next academic year.
    Dr. iur. Zinka Grbo, the Law School of the University of Sarajevo Dean underlined that “SLAPP lawsuits as an instrument of censorship of freedom of speech and expression (of journalists and activists) are a threat to civilization.” She elaborated further “Approaching the judiciary from the position of “arms inequality” is an abuse of rights and often unjustified pressure and a mechanism of demoralizing individuals and legal entities that present information of public interest. The reasons for filing any lawsuit must be not only legally based, but also morally justified.”
    Ferdinand Koenig Head of Communications and Spokesperson of the EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina said that it is encouraging to see a continuous interest among students to attend the Media Law School. “Media law is one of the most interesting areas of jurisprudence that is continually evolving to take into account the changing media environment. This year’s school addresses the problem of strategic litigation against public participation, so called SLAPP suits. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are worrying tendencies for civil suits to be used to silence critics or unfavourable reporting. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a candidate country for membership in the European Union and its legislative framework needs to be aligned with European standards, including anti-SLAPP legislation. I am glad that the EU is cooperating with the OSCE and University of Sarajevo Law Faculty on the Media Law School – it is very important that students, as future legal professionals are aware of the current jurisprudence on media law.”
    “In 2021, the OSCE’s Representative on Freedom of the Media published a Special report on legal harassment and abuse of the judicial system against the media, elaborating on specific examples where the law is misused to prevent journalists from doing their work and reporting about matters of public interest”, added Jiri Rous, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Mostar Field Office. “We are aware that this is yet to be regulated in BiH, but with the developments at the EU level and evolving international standards and case law in other jurisdictions, there is no doubt that the issue of SLAPP is becoming increasingly relevant for law students and future legal practitioners in BiH”, he concluded.
    The Media Law School is part of the broader efforts of the OSCE Mission and the EU to promote and protect media freedom.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Council agrees to €1028.54 million in disaster relief aid for Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France

    Source: Council of the European Union

    Today the Council agreed to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France, relating to six natural disasters occurred in 2023. The European Union Solidarity Fund will be mobilised for a total amount of €1 028.54 million in commitment and payment appropriations, including the amount of €231.78 million as advance payments. The assistance will come from the EU’s 2024 budget.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong movies shine in Berlin (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong movies shine in Berlin (with photo)
    Hong Kong movies shine in Berlin (with photo)
    *********************************************

         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Berlin (HKETO Berlin) supported the film festival Making Waves – Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema in Berlin, Germany, from September 20 to 22 (Berlin time).      The film festival presented six Hong Kong films, namely “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”, “The Lyricist Wannabe”, “Time Still Turns The Pages”, “Throw Down (Restored)”, “Love Lies”, and “Fly Me To The Moon”. Actors Philip Ng, Lo Chun-yip, actress Angela Yuen, and director Norris Wong engaged with local audiences after the screenings of the respective movies.     HKETO Berlin hosted a reception before the screening of the opening film “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”. The Director of HKETO Berlin, Miss Jenny Szeto, delivered the opening remarks, welcoming some 100 guests. Miss Szeto thanked the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the Hong Kong International Film Festival and its local partner, the Berlin NewGen Film Festival, for bringing outstanding Hong Kong movies to Berlin.      “The Government is dedicated to promoting Hong Kong’s cultural footprint and in particular, supporting the development of our film industry. Among other things, we actively encourage and support industry professionals to participate in film festivals around the world to elevate the visibility of Hong Kong films and showcase our talented creators. The Making Waves programme is a shining example of this commitment.”     Launched in 2022, Making Waves – Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema is funded by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency to help Hong Kong films go global. To date, it has showcased the work of many promising Hong Kong filmmakers in over 20 cities. About HKETO Berlin     HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany as well as Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland. 

     
    Ends/Monday, September 23, 2024Issued at HKT 19:28

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S. Navy EOD advances exMCM capabilities with Allies and partners at Exercise Sea Breeze 2024

    Source: United States Navy

    VARNA, Bulgaria – Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8 and Mobile Diving and Salvage Company (MDS) 2-3 operated alongside NATO allies and partners at Exercise Sea 24-3, Sept. 9-20, 2024. This collaborative exercise aims to address the current maritime mine threat, collective demining capabilities, and effective means of enhancing Black Sea regional maritime security.

    In its 23rd iteration, Sea Breeze is an annual, multinational maritime exercise, originally co-hosted by Ukraine and U.S. 6th Fleet to enhance interoperability and capabilities among participating forces.

    For Sea Breeze 24.3, U.S. 6th Fleet led the pre-planning and coordinated logistics, and EODMU 8, a subordinate command of Commander Task Force (CTF) 68 headquartered in Rota, Spain, led the planning and execution, sharing extensive expeditionary mine countermeasure (exMCM) knowledge and capabilities with NATO allies and partners. Countries participating, observing, or mentoring during Sea Breeze 24-3 included Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Japan, Norway, Romania, Sweden, Türkiye, Ukraine, and U.S.

    U.S. Navy expeditionary forces such as EODMU 8 have had a consistent presence in the Black Sea and have a longstanding history of training alongside partner nations on tactics, techniques, and procedures for mine threat operations in order to enhance our shared lethality and support freedom of navigation.

    “EOD Mobile Unit 8 operates consistently with outstanding professionalism, and every member of the Thunderstealer team plays a critical role in ensuring mission success,” said Cmdr. John Kennedy, commander, EOD Mobile Unit 8. “Exercises like Sea Breeze allow us to share our knowledge, techniques, and best practices with our NATO Allies and partners for enhanced agility and interoperability in future mine countermeasure operations and demining the Black Sea.”

    Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Allied and partner nations have counter charged over 100 floating mines. As this threat increases, EOD forces have a responsibility to prepare for a large-scale post-conflict demining effort.

    “Our goal for this year’s Sea Breeze is to improve freedom of navigation in the Black Sea region for the security and stability of the Black Sea nations,” said Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. “We’ll do this through continued training and by enhancing interoperability to counter the floating mine threat in the Black Sea.”

    The mines in the Black Sea region pose a significant danger to civilian ships, disrupt exports, and threaten freedom of navigation.

    “Due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, there is currently a mine concern in international waters, and our job is to mitigate that,” said Kennedy. “We’ve shown our standards to our partners and allies, we’ve practiced our techniques shoulder-to-shoulder, and that builds confidence when we are called to mitigate explosive threats in the Black Sea. Our support to Ukraine has never been stronger.”

    In response to the current mine threat, NATO members Bulgaria, Romania, and Türkiye joined forces to tackle this issue through the Mine Countermeasures Task Group Black Sea (MCM Black Sea).

    Collaboration between NATO members in support of MCM Task Group Black Sea underscores the importance of collective security efforts to restore safety and stability in the region.

    Multinational exercises like Sea Breeze are a tangible representation of the agility and cooperation made possible through partnership in the dynamic security environment of the Black Sea.

    “The greatest value we’ve gained from Sea Breeze is an understanding how each unit of action operates, and then learning to operate together in order to be the most lethal combined force in a future conflict,” said Lt. Jon Miller, EOD company commander, EODMU 8. “We’re able to enhance the tactics, techniques, and procedures of all participating units at the exercise, and then flex those capabilities in the event of real-world operations.”

    Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, a subordinate command of EODGRU 2, is also participating in Sea Breeze 24-3, with a focus on diving and salvage training. MDS Company 2-3, currently deployed to U.S. 6th Fleet, trained alongside partners and Allies from Ukraine and Romania on surface supplied diving, underwater cutting and welding, and other skills to enhance harbor clearance and battle damage repair capabilities.

    “Operating and exchanging knowledge on battle damage repair in this area of operations is our unit’s first opportunity to train the techniques and capabilities in a region with real world implications,” said Chief Navy Diver Michael Christensen, company master diver, MDSU 2. “We are in the Black Sea, doing this with the Ukrainian salvage divers, and their military is currently engaged in conflict. After Sea Breeze, they can return to the fight and utilize these skills for harbor clearance.”

    Navy EOD is the only community with mine warfare as a core competency, and our capabilities directly support deterrence of aggression, promote freedom of navigation and stability, and contribute directly to the fight for sea control. Our unique ability to conduct explosive ordnance disposal operations and clear hazards underwater make Navy EOD crucial in a future fight for sea control – protecting our own and our partners’ bases, harbors and sea lanes, sea transport capabilities, mobility and combat strength.

    CTF 68 provides explosive ordnance disposal operations, naval construction, expeditionary security, and theater security efforts in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

    EODGRU 2 operates as part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and provides skilled, capable, and combat-ready deployable Navy EOD and Navy Diver forces around the globe to support a range of operations.

    Details of Sea Breeze 2024 activities and imagery are available at http://www.c6f.navy.mil and https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/seabreeze24.

    For the full collection of photos of EODGRU2 operating at Sea Breeze 2024, and news about U.S. Navy EOD, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/EODG-2.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 4th Forum of Mayors to convene global Cities Summit of the Future

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Cities are on the front lines of addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to migration as well as natural disasters and socioeconomic inequalities.  

    City leaders from across the globe will convene for the 4th Forum of Mayors (Geneva, 30 September – 1 October) to discuss the implications for local governments of the Pact for the Future, which will be agreed upon by UN Member States at the United Nations Summit of the Future (New York, 22-23 September). 

    At the Forum of Mayors, cities will collaboratively draft an Outcome Statement on the Future of Cities.  

    This statement will emphasize the vital role of cities and local actors in driving a sustainable and brighter future for all. It will then be transmitted to the Secretary General of the United Nations as a contribution to strengthening the engagement of local and regional governments in UN intergovernmental bodies and processes. 

    As a unique platform within the United Nations system, the Forum of Mayors connects local and national authorities within a normative intergovernmental framework, contributing to a more networked and inclusive multilateralism.  

    The Forum will be chaired by Ms. Danela Arsovska, Mayor of Skopje (North Macedonia), with Vice-Chairpersons Mr. Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga (Portugal), Ms. Susan Aitken, City Leader of Glasgow Council (United Kingdom) and Mr. Sami Kanaan, Deputy Mayor of Geneva (Switzerland). The keynote address will be delivered by renowned architect Lord Norman Foster. 

    Leaders from a diverse range of cities across the pan-European region and North America will participate, including mayors and deputy mayors from Tirana (Albania), Gyumri (Armenia), Vienna (Austria), Ganja (Azerbaijan), Quebec (Canada), Osijek (Croatia), Nicosia (Cyprus), Ostrava (Czech Republic),  Tallinn  (Estonia), Turku (Finland), Strasbourg Eurometropolis (France), Heidelberg (Germany), Athens (Greece), Debrecen (Hungary), Bat Yam (Israel),  Valmiera (Latvia),  Balzan (Malta), Podgorica (Montenegro), Utrecht (Netherlands),  Łódź (Poland), Mafra (Portugal), Bucharest (Romania),  Novo Mesto (Slovenia), Dushanbe (Tajikistan), Konya (Türkiye), Ashgabat (Turkmenistan), Mykolaiv (Ukraine), London (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), New Orleans (United States of America). Additional Mayors are expected to confirm their participation. 

    Additionally, through collaboration with other Regional Economic Commissions (ESCWA, ECLAC, ECA, ESCAP) and the Global Cities Hub, and in recognition of the global connections between urban areas and the opportunities they present for learning, partnerships, and exchange, the Forum will also unite Mayors from the UNECE region with their counterparts from cities such as Buenos Aires (Argentina), Ifangni (Benin), San Jose (Costa Rica), Pichincha (Ecuador), Irbid (Jordan), Klang (Malaysia), Turbat Kech (Pakistan), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Lusaka (Zambia), Rabat (Morocco). 

    The Forum will also feature a rich programme of side events, tackling key issues such as the underrepresentation of women in local government leadership, urban peace dialogues, cities’ solutions to the triple planetary crisis, and cities’ experiences with Voluntary Local Reviews of SDGs progress. 

    More information on the Forum is available at https://forumofmayors.unece.org/. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN Special Envoy for Road Safety to launch the UN global road safety campaign in Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, is visiting Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from 16 to 17 July 2024. During the visit, he will meet with key government officials, representatives of the international community, private, and public sectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to promote road safety initiatives and advocate for enhanced measures. This aligns with the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, aiming to halve road fatalities by 2030. This silent pandemic represents a significant social and economic burden, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    “In addition to the human tragedy, road crashes trap countries into a vicious circle of poverty. According to the World Bank (WB 2016), the cost of road crashes represents 10% of the GDP on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Another reason to rethink mobility and to invest in road safety. Given their social and economic cost, road crashes are jeopardizing the entire sustainable development agenda,” stressed the Special Envoy Todt.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023, Bosnia and Herzegovina has seen a concerning rise in road fatalities, with a mortality rate of 14 per 100,000 people, which is double the EU average.

    “Improving enforcement of traffic laws, enhancement of road infrastructure, and fostering behavioral change are crucial for reducing these alarming statistics and ensuring safer roads for everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Special Envoy Todt’s visit will be instrumental in raising awareness and mobilizing support for enhanced road safety measure, which will benefit the society as a whole, particularly the overburden healthcare system, families, and victims affected by these tragedies,” stated Ingrid Macdonald, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    During the visit, the Special Envoy will launch the UN Global Road Safety Campaign, which aims to raise awareness of life-saving road safety measures. Launched globally in cooperation with JCDecaux Global under the motto #MakeASafetyStatement, it will run through 2025 in over 80 countries in the world, featuring safety statements from 14 global celebrities.                                            

    Support for the campaign has been given by 14 world-renowned personalities, including footballer Didier Drogba, Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc, Oscar-winning actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Michelle Yeoh, tennis player Novak Djokovic, musician Kylie Minogue, motorcycle racer Marc Marquez, supermodel Naomi Campbell, actor Patrick Dempsey, musician and inspirational leader Youssou N’Dour, actress Julie Gayet, actor Michael Fassbender, football icon Ousmane Dembélé, two-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon, and Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher.                                                                                           

    Media representatives are cordially invited to cover the launch of the campaign at the press conference by Special Envoy Todt, Mayor of Sarajevo Benjamina Karić, and United Nations Resident Coordinator Ingrid Macdonald, on Wednesday, 17 July 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the City Hall in Sarajevo. On the same day, starting at 8:30 p.m., a digital projection of the campaign will be displayed on the Eternal Flame building, in the presence of Special Envoy Todt, Mayor Karić, and United Nations Resident Coordinator Macdonald. With this event, Sarajevo will join Brussels, New York, and other capitals in the world in promoting this important campaign.

    Note to Editors

    The UN has invested heavily in road safety globally. Following the “Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020”, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in August 2020 for “Improving Road Safety”, which reaffirmed its commitment to halve global road deaths and injuries and provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all by 2030. In July 2022, the road safety community met in New York for the first-ever high-level meeting on improving global road safety at the United Nations General Assembly, unanimously adopting a text entitled: “Political declaration of the high-level meeting level on improving global road safety”.

    About the Special Envoy

    The former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, appointed in 2015 Jean Todt as his Special Envoy for Road Safety. He was reconfirmed in this role by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in 2017 and in 2021. In 2018, together with 14 UN organizations, the Special Envoy launched the UN Road Safety Fund (UNRSF). The Special Envoy contributes, among other things, to mobilize sustained political commitment to make road safety a priority; to advocate and raise awareness of UN legal instruments on road safety; to share established good practices in this area; to striving to generate adequate funding through strategic partnerships between the public, private and non-governmental sectors. Special Envoy brochure and Twitter account.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Storm Boris (15 Sept. 2024)

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    France is deeply distressed by the devastating consequences of Storm Boris, which is affecting Central and Eastern Europe and has led to several deaths. It has also forced the evacuation of thousands of people and caused enormous material damage. We offer our condolences to the bereaved families.

    France expresses its absolute solidarity with the people and authorities of Austria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

    Together with its European partners, France stands ready to respond to requests for assistance.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Specially Designated Global Terrorist Mohammad Bazzi Pleads Guilty to Sanctions Evasion

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Lebanese national Mohammad Ibrahim Bazzi, 60, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to conduct and to cause U.S. persons to conduct unlawful transactions with a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

    In May 2018, the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Bazzi as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for assisting in, sponsoring and providing financial, material and technological support and financial services to Hizballah. Hizballah is a foreign terrorist organization that, since the 1980s, engaged in numerous terrorist activities, including attacks against American military members, government employees and civilians abroad.

    According to the OFAC designation, Bazzi is a key Hizballah financier who has provided millions of dollars to Hizballah over the years, generated from his business activities in Belgium, Lebanon, Iraq and throughout West Africa. As a result of the designation, Bazzi’s interest in any property in the United States were blocked, and all U.S. persons were generally prohibited from transacting business with, or for the benefit of, Bazzi.

    Following Bazzi’s designation and according to the court documents, Bazzi and his co-defendant, Talal Chanine, who remains at large in Lebanon, conspired to force or induce an individual located in the United States (U.S. Person) to liquidate their interests in certain real estate assets located in Michigan and covertly transfer hundreds of thousands of dollars in proceeds of the liquidation out of the United States to Bazzi and Chahine in Lebanon without the required OFAC licenses, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

    During recorded communications, Bazzi and Chahine proposed numerous methods to conceal from OFAC and law enforcement officials that Bazzi was both the source and destination of the proceeds of the sale and to create the false appearance that the U.S. Person was conducting legitimate arms-length transactions unrelated to Bazzi and Chahine. For example, Bazzi and Chahine proposed that the funds be transferred through:

    • A third party in China as part of a fictitious purchase of restaurant equipment from a Chinese manufacturer;
    • A third party in Lebanon as part of a fictitious real estate purchase;
    • Chahine’s family members in Kuwait as part of fictitious intra-family loans; and
    • As part of a fictitious franchising agreement as payment for the rights to operate a Lebanese-based restaurant chain throughout the United States.

    Bazzi was arrested in February 2023 by Romanian law enforcement authorities and subsequently extradited to the Eastern District of New York. The Justice Department thanks the Romanian authorities for their assistance in this matter.

    A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. Bazzi faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. He has also agreed to forfeit the nearly $830,000 that was involved in the illegal transaction, and to be removed from the United States upon completion of his sentence. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York and Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch made the announcement.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Navarro, Jonathan P. Lax, Nomi D. Berenson, Claire Kedeshian and Robert M. Pollack for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Charles Kovats of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Section. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs assisted with the extradition in this case.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Filip Ivanović, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Filip Ivanović, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro.

    The Secretary-General and the Deputy Prime Minister discussed the accession process of Montenegro to the European Union, developments in the Western Balkans, the implementation of the Pact for the Future, and cooperation between the United Nations and Montenegro.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman Attends the UN General Assembly High-Level Week

    Source: USAID

    The following is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:

    This week, Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman traveled to New York City to attend meetings and events during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). On Monday, she began her engagements by participating in a panel discussion on AI and the Future of Sustainable Development, hosted by OpenAI and the Center for Global Development. Four nonprofits presented their work with AI, and the panel discussed how the public sector can leverage AI to build a more prosperous and equitable future for all, while mitigating risks such as digital divide and information manipulation. 

    Deputy Administrator Coleman also participated in a ministerial roundtable chaired by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and co-hosted by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Inter-American Development Bank President Ilan Goldfajn, and World Economic Forum President Børge Brende. The meeting brought together key actors to galvanize energy and support for new approaches and partnerships to address forced displacement and advance sustainable development outcomes. Deputy Administrator Coleman emphasized the need to chart a new path forward that brings humanitarian, development, and peace actors together with the private sector and civil society to address the root causes of these trends, reduce humanitarian need, prioritize prevention, and advance and sustain development.

    On Monday evening, the Deputy Administrator delivered remarks at a plenary session of the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting 2024, highlighting the Women in the Sustainable Economy (WISE) initiative – a partnership launched by Vice President Kamala Harris in 2023 to bolster women’s economic security in green and blue sectors. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced more than $392 million in new WISE commitments, including several that advance USAID programs, bringing total WISE commitments to $1.85 billion. Deputy Administrator Coleman then announced that the Skoll Foundation joined USAID’s Climate Gender Equity Fund as the newest donor, and launched a new USAID public-private partnership, called Advancing Women for Resilient Agricultural Supply Chains, that integrates women’s empowerment into corporate sustainability approaches together with PepsiCo, Danone, McCormick & Co., Nespresso, and Unilever. 

    On Tuesday, Deputy Administrator Coleman attended the American Leaders Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) event, hosted by the UN Foundation and the Center for Sustainable Development. Deputy Administrator Coleman participated in a fireside chat about the U.S. government’s commitment to advancing the SDGs around the world. 

    The Deputy Administrator also met with Lolwah Rashid al-Khater, Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, to discuss ongoing humanitarian and recovery efforts in Yemen, Gaza, and Sudan. 

    Deputy Administrator Coleman also attended an investor roundtable discussion to highlight opportunities to partner with the U.S. government through Power Africa, Prosper Africa and the Millenium Challenge Corporation to invest in West African power generation. 

    On Wednesday, the Deputy Administrator participated in the launch of the Private-Sector Humanitarian Alliance, a new public-private initiative the Government of Albania proposed during its presidency of the UN Security Council in September 2023. During the launch, Deputy Administrator Coleman highlighted USAID’s approach in engaging the private sector on humanitarian assistance and applauded the Alliance’s role in pioneering private-sector engagement.  

    Deputy Administrator Coleman also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova Mihail Popșoi to reaffirm the United States’ continued commitment to Moldova’s democracy and EU accession path. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed USAID’s support for the growth of the Moldovan economy, as well as both governments’ efforts to expose and counteract ongoing Russian attempts to meddle in Moldova’s upcoming elections. 

    On Wednesday evening, the Deputy Administrator attended President Joe Biden’s Leaders Reception.

    On Thursday, Deputy Administrator Coleman participated in a CEO-level roundtable hosted by Bank of America to discuss current challenges to and opportunities for investing in Ukraine. Deputy Administrator Coleman detailed USAID’s support to key sectors of the Ukrainian economy, including with respect to energy, agriculture, and transportation, and discussed with other panelists insurance availability and the investment landscape. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇲🇪 Montenegro – Deputy Prime Minister Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Filip Ivanovic, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

    —————————————-

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    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1c/k1cpcvf8hd

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYxvDBh8-Qk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 27/09/2024 Minister Sikorski participated in the high-level week of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    On 23-27 September this year, the head of Polish diplomacy Radosław Sikorski was in New York in connection with the general debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (AGNU). On the sidelines of the debate, the Minister held numerous bilateral meetings, including with his counterparts from Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Chad, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Morocco, Mauritania, Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates. The talks were an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations and the most important international challenges. Minister Sikorski also participated in a number of multilateral meetings, including the meeting of the heads of EU diplomacy (FAC), the meeting of the foreign ministers of the G20 countries with other UN members and the meeting of the foreign ministers of the transatlantic countries. The latter was held at the invitation of the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. During the meetings, the head of Polish diplomacy emphasized the need for further support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion. He emphasized that the Ukrainian Peace Plan is the only realistic proposal for concluding peace, and that freezing the war is not a solution. He appealed to enable Ukraine to defend itself effectively, including granting it consent to attacks on military targets on Russian territory. El minister Sikorski emphasized the colonial nature of the Russian invasion, assessing that in a world in which we accept the primacy of force in international relations, no one will be able to feel safe. He also presented the goals and challenges facing Poland in connection with our country’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, which falls in the first half of next year. In the face of the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, the head of the Polish MFA emphasized the need to comply with humanitarian law and Poland’s commitment to a two-state solution. One of the most important events with the participation of Minister Sikorski was the meeting of the UN Security Council on September 24 this year, devoted to the situation in Ukraine. The head of Polish diplomacy focused on pointing out the Kremlin’s false propaganda regarding Ucraniano. He pointed to the Russian procedure of kidnapping children from Ucrania, comparing it to German actions during World War II against Polish children and children from the USSR. He also recalled the fact of Soviet cooperation with Nazi Germany in 1939. In addition, the program of Minister Sikorski’s stay in New York included a meeting with representatives of the American Jewish Committee, a discussion with members of the Council on Foreign Relations, as well as a meeting with the UN Deputy Secretary General and Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Jorge Moreira da Silva – in connection with the planned opening of this UN agency’s representative office in Warsaw and its involvement in supporting the process of rebuilding Ukraine.

    Photo: Barbara Milkowska/Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MILES AXIS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Rosreestr has concluded 22 agreements and memorandums within the framework of international cooperation

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Russia is expanding international cooperation in the areas of real estate and land use. Since 2020, Rosreestr has concluded 22 memorandums and agreements on cooperation with relevant agencies of other countries, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said.

    “Including three memorandums concluded since the beginning of this year with Kyrgyzstan, India and Serbia. Studying foreign practices is necessary to improve the quality of services in the field of land and real estate and to build the National Spatial Data System (NSDS). In addition, possessing advanced competencies in the industry, the department assists other countries in developing the sphere of registration of rights and cadastral registration, creating modern geoinformation resources. One of such large international projects is the creation of a geoportal of the spatial data infrastructure of the CIS member states, which is being implemented on the basis of the unified digital platform “NSDS” developed by Rosreestr,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The geoportal of spatial data infrastructure of the CIS member states is one of the four major international projects of the department, which is being implemented at the site of the Interstate Council on Geodesy, Cartography, Cadastre and Remote Sensing of the Earth. The corresponding list of instructions was signed by the President of Russia in November 2022.

    “The geoportal is being created using the experience of development and technological solutions of the Russian state information system “Unified Digital Platform “NSPD”. It will provide quick and convenient access for citizens, businesses, and professional market participants to open geospatial data of the CIS member states and electronic services created on their basis. Currently, within the framework of the schedule, the issue of providing the infrastructure of the state unified cloud platform for hosting and operating the portal has been worked out. All participants of the CIS Interstate Council have formed a technical assignment for the implementation of the first stage of work, and basic data sets for the operation of services have been agreed upon. The geoportal is planned to be put into operation in 2025,” said Oleg Skufinsky, head of Rosreestr.

    Rosreestr is implementing three more joint international projects with Uzbekistan, Abkhazia and Kyrgyzstan. They are related to the creation of national systems of state cadastral valuation. In particular, Abkhazia was provided with assistance in developing an automated information system of the real estate cadastre and a software module “Assessment of the cadastral value of real estate objects”. The project in Uzbekistan is planned to be completed by the end of 2024.

    The agency also signed six “road maps” for exchanging experience in the field of registration of rights, cadastral registration and creation of spatial data infrastructure. Such contacts have been established with Turkey, Armenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and South Ossetia.

    In addition, Rosreestr is developing cooperation with the countries of the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America and China, and has joined the activities of the BRICS Working Group on Geospatial Technologies and their Application.

    One of the key areas of the agency’s activities remains cooperation with relevant international organizations, including the UN system, where the agency represents Russia’s interests. This allows not only to study advanced foreign experience in the field of geodesy, cartography and spatial data infrastructure, but also to promote Russian achievements and technologies in the industry in the international arena.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/52817/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO’s scientific cooperation with Azerbaijan

    Source: NATO

    On 25 and 26 September, a team from the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme was in Baku, Azerbaijan to review practical scientific cooperation and kick off a new research project focused on protecting critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks.

    Through the new project, contributors will develop a cyber platform that will allow organizations to train staff, test new technologies, and assess processes under pressure from simulated cyber-attacks. Over the next two years, the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics – ICI Bucharest (Romania) and the Special Communication and Information Security State Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan will work together to bring this initiative to life. The aim is to help cyber defence teams better understand the vulnerabilities of Operational Technology systems so they can be better protected. These systems are the backbone of critical infrastructure such as power grids, water treatment plants, and transportation systems. 

    While in Baku, the NATO team also organized an Information Day at ADA University. It focused on NATO’s scientific cooperation activities involving Azerbaijan, and on encouraging new ideas involving the local research community. Over 40 participants from academia, as well as from Azerbaijan’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Defence participated in the event.

    NATO’s SPS Programme has a history of cooperation with Azerbaijan. Over the years, this has included activities focused on neutralising toxic rocket fuel left behind from Soviet times, securing energy infrastructure against seismic hazards, protecting cyber networks, and developing sensors for the detection of landmines and explosives. 

    Through its activities, the SPS Programme provides opportunities for academics, experts and officials in Azerbaijan, as well as other partner countries, to develop proposals for innovative scientific projects to be implemented with peers in NATO countries. Through these activities, participants exchange knowledge on security-related topics and build relationships that expand international scientific networks. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of U.S.-North Macedonia Bilateral Defense Consultations

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Pentagon Spokesman Lt. Col. Charlie Dietz provided the following readout:

    Tressa Guenov, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, co-chaired the U.S.-North Macedonia Bilateral Defense Consultations (BDC) with North Macedonia’s Minister of Defense, Mr. Vlado Misajlovski, on September 24 at the Pentagon. The meeting included participation from North Macedonia’s Ministry of Defense, General Staff, the U.S. Joint Staff, U.S. European Command, the Vermont National Guard, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, and the Department of State.

    Participants discussed contributions to global security, support for Ukraine, and bilateral security cooperation priorities, including exercises, training, logistics and sustainment, military-to-military engagements, and North Macedonia’s long-standing State Partnership Program with the Vermont National Guard. North Macedonian defense officials shared their perspectives on the security situation in the Western Balkans and their role within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Alliance. The United States thanked North Macedonia for a productive BDC and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue in achieving a stable and secure Western Balkans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO boosts cooperation amongst Schools for Non-Commissioned Officers

    Source: NATO

    NATO’s Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP) organised the 3rd Annual Conference of Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Academies and Schools, from 16 to 19 September 2024, in Batumi, Georgia. The event was held in cooperation with the Partnership for Peace Consortium of Defence Academies and Security Studies Institutes and the Defence Forces of Georgia, with well over 80 participants from more than 30 countries.

    Participants included high level officials, such as NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Burcu San, the Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia, Alexander Vinnikov, and the Deputy Chief of the Georgian General Staff, Major General Zaza Chkhaidze, as well as commandants and senior enlisted leaders, and senior instructors of Schools for Non-Commissioned Officers from both NATO Allies and partners. Representatives from Malawi and Columbia also participated for the first time.

    They discussed a range of issues, including the preparation of NCO specialists and the education of young generations of NCOs, as well as various initiatives run by NATO’s Defence Education Enhancement Programme in the domain of NCOs’ development. They also received an update from representatives of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the role performed by their NCOs corps in defending against Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

    Non-commissioned officers are vital to the effectiveness and resilience of modern militaries, as they provide critical role-models for service members and support the development of military education systems.

    This year’s conference in Georgia built on two previous conferences hosted by Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The Conference of NCO Academies and Schools was established by NATO’s DEEP Team as a platform to enable these institutions to communicate, synchronise curricula, and share best practices.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Enhancing co-operation between the public sector and financial institutions in countering the financing of terrorism focus of OSCE training course in Albania

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Enhancing co-operation between the public sector and financial institutions in countering the financing of terrorism focus of OSCE training course in Albania

    Enhancing co-operation between the public sector and financial institutions in countering the financing of terrorism focus of OSCE training course in Albania | OSCE
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    Home Newsroom News and press releases Enhancing co-operation between the public sector and financial institutions in countering the financing of terrorism focus of OSCE training course in Albania

    MIL OSI Europe News –