NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Video: From Battlefield to Bedside: Navy Veteran now healing fellow Veterans at Wilkes-Barre VA

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

    Dr. Matthew Messa, a Navy Veteran and former corpsman, now serves as an emergency physician at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. His path from the Persian Gulf to medical school was shaped by grit, a love for service, and a personal journey through trauma and healing. After nearly leaving medicine, VA care helped him rediscover his purpose—both as a doctor and a Veteran. Today, he proudly provides care to those who, like him, once wore the uniform.

    To learn more about eligibility for VA health care and to enroll, visit https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z25BdMkCwoU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Haiti: hunger & gender-based violence ahead of Hurricane Season – Press Conference | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    The Regional Director for the World Food Program (WFP) in Latin America and the Caribbean, Lola Castro, today (3 Jun) said WFP in Haiti is facing the start of the hurricane season “with an empty warehouse where we have no stocks for assisting any emergency.”

    Castro, talking to reporters in New York via Video Teleconference, said, “at this moment half of the population of Haiti are facing hunger or some kind of emergency levels of hunger. And this is 5.7 million people. And Haiti also is one of the five countries on the world that we have catastrophic levels of hunger. In fact, in the displaced camps of port au Prince, we have around 8,500 people who are really suffering without food, water, sanitation, and it is really traumatic to have this in this Western hemisphere.”

    She said, “around 14,000 people that have been recently displaced from Kenscoff,” a commune where “people used to come and sell their food into the city.”

    The humanitarian official said, “now they are basically receiving food assistance because their houses have been burned, their livelihoods are being destroyed,” adding that “the conflict is really disrupting the food systems and the supply chains that we have in Port au Prince and Haiti itself.”

    She noted that “6,000 women and girls have reported some type of gender-based violence, which is really not acceptable,” stressing that Port-au-Prince “is probably one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman or girl now.”

    Castro said, WFP, “despite all the violence, displacement and collapse” is still working in Haiti, reaching “over 1.3 million people this year until March.”

    She said, “the situation that we’re facing now is quite dramatic, because when we are looking at our stocks dwindling and disappearing and we have only stocks to assist any emergency, or any new displacement, or anybody facing IPC 4 up to July.”

    As the hurricane season approaches, she said, “we have no cash neither to go and buy locally if it was possible in some areas, or to do a rapid humanitarian response. We are very concerned that a single storm can put hundreds of thousands of people in Haiti again into humanitarian catastrophe and hunger.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0nmXgLQY0o

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes the Fifth Review under the Policy Coordination Instrument for Rwanda

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 4, 2025

    • The IMF Executive Board today concluded the fifth review under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI). The PCI continues to support Rwanda’s reform agenda aimed at maintaining macroeconomic stability, promoting sustainable and inclusive growth, and advancing climate-resilient development.
    • Rwanda’s economic growth remains among the strongest in sub-Saharan Africa, despite rising fiscal and external pressures linked to large investment projects and reduced concessional financing. Continued fiscal consolidation, supported by stronger domestic revenue mobilization and spending efficiency, is essential to safeguard macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability.
    • Program performance under the PCI has been strong. All quantitative targets were met, and most reform commitments were implemented, including in SOE governance, monetary statistics, and digital public financial management. The approval of the comprehensive tax policy package and the rollout of the Global Master Repurchase Agreement were implemented with a delay. Rwanda continues to demonstrate leadership in integrating climate considerations into macroeconomic policy and leveraging institutional reforms to mobilize climate finance.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the fifth review under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) for Rwanda.[1]

    Rwanda’s economy expanded by 8.9 percent in 2024, driven by a rebound in agriculture and continued strength in the services and construction sectors. Inflation remained within the National Bank of Rwanda’s 2–8 percent target band, reflecting tight monetary policy and improved domestic food supply. The current account deficit widened in 2024 due to strong consumer and capital goods imports, but reserves remained adequate at 4.7 months of imports as of end-year.

    Going forward, the fiscal position will be under pressure from the large infrastructure investment in the New Kigali International Airport and the expansion of RwandAir, as well as the recent pension reform. Public debt is expected to peak in FY2025/26, with the PCI debt anchor now projected to be reached in 2033. Accelerating domestic revenue mobilization and maintaining a credible fiscal consolidation path are crucial to restoring policy space and ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability. Continued vigilance is also needed to manage risks from SOEs, rising debt service costs, and constrained access to concessional financing.

    Monetary policy should remain data-driven to contain inflation and support external adjustment. Exchange rate flexibility will be essential to absorb shocks, while reforms to strengthen FX market functioning should continue. Close oversight of credit expansion—including in the microfinance sector—and improved monitoring of large exposures are important to safeguard financial stability.

    Program implementation under the PCI remains strong. All quantitative targets were met and most structural benchmarks for this review were completed, including those on SOE governance, PFM digitalization, and monetary statistics expansion. The remaining two structural benchmarks on the Cabinet approval of the comprehensive tax policy package and the rollout of the Global Master Repurchase Agreement were implemented with a delay. The authorities continue to build on the strong foundation established under the now-completed RSF. Progress on climate-related reforms has remained strong, including efforts to implement a climate budget tagging system, develop green taxonomies, and advance the climate finance agenda. Developing a pipeline of viable, bankable green projects will be essential to fully leverage available resources and sustain momentum.

    At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

    “Rwanda’s economy has demonstrated impressive resilience, recording strong growth supported by robust activity in the services, construction, and agriculture sectors. Inflation has remained within the NBR target range, aided by prudent monetary policy and improved domestic food supply. However, the macroeconomic environment has become more complex due to a need to implement difficult reforms against the background of worsening external conditions, including aid withdrawals and regional tensions.

    “Sustaining fiscal consolidation remains vital to preserving macroeconomic stability and ensuring debt sustainability. The recently adopted tax reform package is a welcome step toward broadening the tax base and enhancing equity and efficiency. Continued expenditure rationalization and close monitoring of fiscal risks, particularly from SOEs and the ambitious priority investment project, are essential. The fiscal implications of pension reform and the financing needs for the priority infrastructure project must be carefully managed to maintain fiscal discipline.

    “Monetary and financial policies remain focused on stability, but vigilance is warranted. Inflationary pressures from fiscal loosening and tax policy changes may necessitate a tightening of the policy stance. Greater exchange rate flexibility is crucial to support external adjustment and safeguard reserve adequacy. The authorities’ efforts to modernize the monetary policy framework and strengthen FX market functioning are welcome. Enhancing risk monitoring, particularly in the microfinance sector, and large exposures, along with building additional capital buffers, will be key to safeguarding financial stability.

    “Rwanda continues to advance structural reforms under the PCI, including improvements in SOE governance, public financial management digitalization, and financial sector statistics. Progress on climate-related reforms under the RSF is commendable. Looking ahead, Rwanda’s efforts to build a pipeline of bankable green projects and improve climate finance coordination will be instrumental in mobilizing additional resources. Continued commitment to reform and strong engagement with development partners will be critical to sustaining progress and supporting Rwanda’s ambitious development agenda.”

    [1] The PCI arrangement was approved on December 12, 2022.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/04/pr-25178-rwanda-imf-concludes-the-5th-review-under-the-policy-coor-instrument

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes the Third and Fourth Reviews under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement and Approves US$58 Million Disbursement for the Central African Republic

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 4, 2025

    • The IMF Executive Board today completed the third and fourth reviews under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement for the Central African Republic (CAR). The completion of the third and fourth reviews allows for an immediate disbursement of SDR 43.22 million (about US$58 million) to CAR to address protracted balance of payment needs and sustaining priority spending on basic public services.
    • Economic growth is expected to accelerate to 3 percent in 2025, up from 1.9 percent in 2024, while inflation is projected to decline gradually. The outlook depends on faster fuel market and governance reforms, and increased grant and concessional financing.
    • Program performance was mixed, while downside risks remain substantial.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed today the third and fourth reviews of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement for the Central African Republic (CAR). The ECF arrangement, with access of SDR 147.48 million (about US$197 million), was approved by the IMF Executive Board in April 2023 (see Press Release No. 23/129). The completion of these reviews allows for the immediate disbursement of SDR 43.22 million (about US$58 million) bringing total disbursements under the ECF arrangement to SDR 92.29 million (around US$124 million).

    In completing the reviews, the Executive Board also approved the authorities’ request for waivers of nonobservance of the performance criteria (PC) for the end-June 2024 and end-December 2024 domestic primary fiscal balance and net domestic financing. The Executive Board also approved the authorities’ request for a waiver of nonobservance of the continuous PC on non-accumulation of new external arrears. Further, the Executive Board completed the financing assurances review under the ECF arrangement.

    The ECF arrangement is part of coordinated efforts by international financial institutions to support the people of CAR. It will continue to help the country meet the protracted balance of payments needs and sustain spending on basic public services, including in the health and education sectors. Program implementation has helped anchor structural reforms and financing. Fuel supply and revenue have improved. Progress is being made in digitalizing the revenue administration and PFM systems, along with enhancements to the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Court of Audit. Completing the combined reviews creates new opportunities for positive outcomes.

    Economic activity is projected to expand by 3 percent in 2025, up from 1.9 percent in 2024, driven by higher energy use, mining recovery, infrastructure projects, and improved security. Inflation would ease by end-2025, in part helped by the cut in pump prices in May 2025. Still, a tighter fiscal stance is needed to arrest rising debt vulnerabilities. The domestic primary deficit would narrow to 2.1 percent of GDP in 2025 from 4.9 percent in 2024, assuming bold political backing for the agreed measures on tax administration and compliance. Reinforced spending controls are also key ahead of elections and cuts in humanitarian aid.

    The overhaul of the fuel market remains pivotal for macroeconomic stabilization and both sustained and inclusive growth in CAR. The fuel procurement audit should be accelerated to underpin price reforms and address persistent inefficiencies. Despite recent supply increases and price cuts, pump prices remain high due to costly and opaque imports. Transparent use of the recent diesel grant and a thorough audit of costs and margins could help enhance competition, improve supply efficiency, and boost fiscal revenue.

    Following the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:

    “The Central African Republic (CAR) has shown renewed commitment to structural reforms under the ECF-arrangement despite facing deep-rooted fragility and significant uncertainty. Both financial and technical support from development partners remain vital to the program’s success, to overcome weak capacity, elevated revenue volatility, and to alleviate humanitarian needs.

    “Program performance for the combined third and fourth reviews was mixed, which is being addressed with strong corrective actions. Half of the six PCs for end-June and end-December 2024 were met. Still, the domestic primary deficit and net domestic financing targets were missed by wide margins, as was the continuous PC on non-accumulation of external arrears. The indicative targets for social spending and expenditures via extraordinary procedures were also missed.

    “Strengthening tax compliance and controls is key to boosting revenue but requires strong political support. Accelerating the fuel procurement audit is also essential to address inefficiencies and enable further reductions in pump prices. A well-functioning fuel market is vital for fiscal and macroeconomic stability.

    “Program performance depends on stronger public financial management (PFM), particularly spending controls ahead of the elections. Improved PFM is essential to prevent arrears, limit extraordinary procedures, and ensure effective social spending. It would also help mobilize grants and concessional financing, reduce costly regional borrowing, and safeguard debt sustainability.

    “Enhancing governance will reinforce PFM efforts. Progress in strengthening the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Court of Audit is welcome. Adopting the new forestry code and implementing the mining code are key to unlocking CAR’s growth potential. Prompt operationalization of the asset declaration system is also critical to maintaining donor support.

    “Policies to enhance growth potential and improve equality should be anchored on the National Development Plan (NDP) (2024-2028). A steadfast execution of the NDP is also crucial to catalyze donor support and start attracting foreign private investment flows.

    CAR’s economic program will remain supported by the implementation of policies and reforms agreed among CEMAC regional institutions, which notably aim at supporting an increase in regional net foreign assets which are ultimately critical to program’s success.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/04/pr-25179-car-imf-completes-3rd-4th-rev-under-ecf-arrang-and-approves-us-58-mil-disburse

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brownley Introduces Legislation to Ensure Veterans Can Be Laid to Rest with Their Loved Ones

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

    Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Loved Ones Interment Act, a bill that ensures that veterans can be laid with their loved ones in national or veterans cemeteries. Under current law, veterans who receive a burial benefit such as an urn or commemorative plaque from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are barred from being interred with a spouse or dependent, a restriction that has prevented many families from being buried together.

    “Those who have served our country in uniform deserve to be buried with the utmost respect and dignity, regardless of whether their families choose for them to be cremated or not,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “It is heartbreaking and completely unacceptable that VA’s current interpretation of the law prevents cremated veterans from being buried with their family members because of limitations placed on burial benefits. My bill seeks to rectify this inadvertent consequence of the law by allowing the cremated remains of veterans to be interred with their spouse or child, even if they received an urn or plaque from VA. Our nation’s veterans and their families have sacrificed so much in service to our country, and ensuring that veterans are laid to rest with their loved ones is essential for upholding our promise to serve our veterans – in life and death – as well as they have served our country.”

    Background on the Loved Ones Interment Act

    As part of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, Congress authorized VA to provide eligible veterans with an urn or commemorative plaque. According to the law, if the “Secretary [of the Department of Veterans Affairs] furnishes an urn [or commemorative plaque]…for an individual, the Secretary may not provide for such individual any burial benefit under section 2402 of this title.” VA interprets this to mean that if a veteran received a burial benefit of an urn or commemorative plaque, the veteran cannot receive a secondary burial benefit of being interred with a spouse or dependent.

    The Loved Ones Interment Act would clarify the law to allow cremated veterans to be laid to rest in the same burial space as a spouse or dependent, and provide a family headstone that contains details about the cremated veteran.

    This bill is endorsed by AMVETS (American Veterans), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Minority Veterans of America (MVA), and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).

    Read the full text of the bill here.

    ###

    Issues: 119th Congress, Veterans’ Affairs

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA, ISRO Research Aboard Fourth Private Astronaut Mission to Station

    Source: NASA

    NASA and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) are collaborating to launch scientific investigations aboard Axiom Mission 4, the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. These studies include examining muscle regeneration, growth of sprouts and edible microalgae, survival of tiny aquatic organisms, and human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity.
    The mission is targeted to launch no earlier than Tuesday, June 10, aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

    During long-duration spaceflights, astronauts lose muscle mass, and their muscle cells’ regenerative ability declines. Researchers suspect this may happen because microgravity interferes with metabolism in mitochondria, tiny structures within cells that produce energy. The Myogenesis-ISRO investigation uses muscle stem cell cultures to examine the muscle repair process and test chemicals known to support mitochondrial function. Results could lead to interventions that maintain muscle health during long-duration space missions, help people on Earth with age-related muscle loss and muscle-wasting diseases, and assist athletes and people recovering from surgery.

    The Sprouts-ISRO investigation looks at the germination and growth in microgravity of seeds from greengram and fenugreek, nutritious plants commonly eaten on the Indian subcontinent. Bioactive compounds in fenugreek seeds also have therapeutic properties, and the leaves contain essential vitamins and minerals. Learning more about how space affects the genetics, nutritional content, and other characteristics over multiple generations of plants could inform the development of ways for future missions to reliably produce plants as a food source. 

    Space Microalgae-ISRO studies how microgravity affects microalgae growth and genetics. Highly digestible microalgae species packed with nutrients could be a food source on future space missions. These organisms also grow quickly, produce energy and oxygen, and consume carbon dioxide, traits that could be employed in life support and fuel systems on spacecraft and in certain scenarios on Earth.  

    Tardigrades are tiny aquatic organisms that can tolerate extreme conditions on Earth. Voyager Tardigrade-ISRO tests the survival of a strain of tardigrades in the harsh conditions of space, including cosmic radiation and ultra-low temperatures, which kill most life forms. Researchers plan to revive dormant tardigrades, count the number of eggs laid and hatched during the mission, and compare the gene expression patterns of populations in space and on the ground. Results could help identify what makes these organisms able to survive extreme conditions and support development of technology to protect astronauts on future missions and those in harsh environments on Earth. 

    Research shows that humans interact with touchscreen devices differently in space. Voyager Displays – ISRO examines how spaceflight affects interactions with electronic displays such as pointing tasks, gaze fixation, and rapid eye movements along with how these interactions affect the user’s feelings of stress or wellbeing. Results could support improved design of control devices for spacecraft and habitats on future space missions as well as for aviation and other uses on Earth.
    Download high-resolution photos and videos of the research mentioned in this article.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Trimble

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Trimble

    Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Trimble

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    –A Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Trimble County to offer in-person support to Kentucky uninsured and underinsured survivors who experienced loss as the result of the April severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides

    The new Disaster Recovery Center in Trimble County is located at: Trimble County Board of Education, 116 Wentworth Avenue, Bedford, KY 40006Working hours are 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    Eastern Time, Monday through Saturday and 1 – 7 p

    m

    Eastern Time, Sunday

    Disaster Recovery Centers are one-stop shops where you can get information and advice on available assistance from state, federal and community organizations

     You can get help to apply for FEMA assistance, learn the status of your FEMA application, understand the letters you get from FEMA and get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance

    The U

    S

    Small Business Administration representatives and resources from the Commonwealth are also available at the Disaster Recovery Centers to assist you

    FEMA is encouraging Kentuckians affected by the April storms to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible

    The deadline to apply is June 25

    You can visit any Disaster Recovery Center to get in-person assistance

    No appointment is needed

    To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema

    gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362

     You don’t have to visit a center to apply for FEMA assistance

    There are other ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service

    When you apply, you will need to provide:A current phone number where you can be contacted

    Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying

    Your Social Security Number

    A general list of damage and losses

    Banking information if you choose direct deposit

    If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860 and www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4864

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

     
    martyce

    allenjr
    Wed, 06/04/2025 – 17:47

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Survivors Can Apply for FEMA Assistance Even if Helped in the Past

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Survivors Can Apply for FEMA Assistance Even if Helped in the Past

    Survivors Can Apply for FEMA Assistance Even if Helped in the Past

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark

    – Homeowners and renters who suffered losses after the March and April severe storms are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance even if they have received help from FEMA after past disasters

    Previous FEMA aid does not affect eligibility for assistance after the March 14-15 storms and tornadoes or the storms, tornadoes and flooding of April 2-22

     Survivors affected by both disasters are encouraged to file a separate FEMA application for each disaster

    Survivors in Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp and Stone counties may now apply if they had damage in March

    Additionally, those affected by the April storms in Clark, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Desha, Fulton, Hot Spring, Jackson, Miller, Ouachita, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Sharp, St

    Francis and White counties may also apply

    Disaster assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help residents and business owners recover from the impacts of the disaster

    Residents with homeowners’ or renters’ insurance are encouraged to file a claim as soon as possible with their insurance carrier

     By law, FEMA cannot provide funding for losses covered by your insurance

    If your policy does not cover all disaster expenses, a survivor may then be eligible for federal assistance

     There are several ways to apply for FEMA disaster assistance

    Go to DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    Lines are open from 6 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    CDT seven days a week and specialists speak many languages

     In-person survivor assistance is also available at several sites across the impacted area

    To find dates and locations, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4865, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the link under “In-person Survivor Assistance

    ”To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube

    The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance for the March storms is Monday, July 14

    The last day to apply for the April storms is Monday, July 21

     For the latest information about Arkansas’ recovery, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4865 or fema

    gov/disaster/4873

    Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x

    com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook

    com/FEMARegion6/

    thomas

    wise
    Wed, 06/04/2025 – 18:16

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Unearths TSA Corruption: Sitting US Senator’s Husband Received Blanket Exemption from National Security Review After Traveling with Known or Suspected Terrorist

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Unearths TSA Corruption: Sitting US Senator’s Husband Received Blanket Exemption from National Security Review After Traveling with Known or Suspected Terrorist

    lass=”text-align-center”>New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s Husband Traveled with a Known or Suspected Terrorist Three Times in A Single Year 
    WASHINGTON —Today, the Department of Homeland Security revealed evidence detailing the politicization of TSA’s watchlisting program under the Biden administration

     Discovered documents, correspondence, and timelines clearly highlight the Biden’s inconsistent application of Silent Partners Quiet Skies and watchlisting programs, circumventing security policies to benefit politically aligned friends and family at the expense of the American people

     
    This includes William “Billy” Shaheen, spouse of fellow democrat and sitting U

    S

    New Hampshire Senator, Jeane Shaheen, while surveilling political opponents like Tulsi Gabbard months after

      
    After Senator Shaheen directly lobbied the former Administrator, Pekoske gave repeated, explicit direction to exclude Shaheen from the Silent Partner Quiet Skies list

    Pekoske granted Billy Shaheen a blanket Silent Partners Quiet Skies exemption despite Shaheen flying with a Known or Suspected Terrorist on three occasions

     
    All the while, Tulsi Gabbard, and many other Americans, were placed on the Silent Partners’ Quiet Skies list with little to no visibility, awareness, explanation, or oversight

      
    Billy Shaheen was hardly the only high-profile individual that was placed on this exclusion list

    This list also included members of foreign royal families, political elites, professional athletes, and journalists

     Shaheen’s blanket exemption has since been revoked

     
    “It is clear that this program was used as a political rolodex of the Biden Administration—weaponized against its political foes and to benefit their well-heeled friends,” said Secretary Kristi Noem

    “This program should have been about the equal application of security, instead it was corrupted to be about political targeting

    Trump Administration will restore the integrity, privacy, and equal application of the law for all Americans, including aviation screening

    ” 
    For far too long, this program has yielded little to no measurable security impact and lay at the expense of the American traveler

     
    A timeline of events:
    • 07/20/2023: William “Billy” Shaheen was a TSA Random Selectee on his flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS, Flight #1) to Washington-Reagan International Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to BOS (Flight #2)

    Billy Shaheen was flagged for the first time as Co-Traveler with a Known or Suspected Terrorist (KST)

    • Shortly after Billy Shaheen’s travel, Senator Shaheen’s office made an inquiry to TSA about the Senator’s husband receiving enhanced screening on these two flights

    • 10/18/2023: Shaheen was flagged a second time as a Co-Traveler of a KST

    • It was after this flight that Senator Shaheen made a second inquiry to TSA, via a meeting with then Administrator Pekoske, about her husband being on a watchlist

    TSA did not disclose any information on watchlisting

    • 10/20/2023: Shaheen was then approved by then Assistant Administrator for Intelligence and Analysis Nykamp (she departed TSA in March 2025), acting on then TSA Administrator Pekoske’s Authority, to be added to the Secure Flight Exclusion List

    • This means that Shaheen was excluded from any future TSA Random Selectee designation, and Rules-based Selectee designation, such as Quiet Skies, Association Based Rule Selectee designation, or Silent Partner Selectee designation

    • 10/24/2023: TSA Legislative Affairs communicates with then Assistant Administrator for Intelligence and Analysis Nykamp, and refers to the action taken by Nykamp and/or Pekoske to add Shaheen to the Secure Flight Exclusion List

    • Follow on communication provide instructions to TSA Security Operations to ensure the exclusion is accurately captured in the passenger’s boarding pass status

    • Billy Shaheen stayed on the Secure Flight Exclusion List for 18 months until current TSA leadership removed him

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Calloway

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Calloway

    Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Calloway

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    –A Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Calloway County to offer in-person support to Kentucky uninsured and underinsured survivors who experienced loss as the result of the April severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides

    The new Disaster Recovery Center in Calloway County is located at: Calloway County Courthouse Annex, 201 S

    4th St

    , Murray, KY 42071 Working hours are 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    Central Time, Monday through Saturday and 1 – 7 p

    m

    Central Time, Sunday

    Disaster Recovery Centers are one-stop shops where you can get information and advice on available assistance from state, federal and community organizations

     You can get help to apply for FEMA assistance, learn the status of your FEMA application, understand the letters you get from FEMA and get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance

    The U

    S

    Small Business Administration representatives and resources from the Commonwealth are also available at the Disaster Recovery Centers to assist you

    FEMA is encouraging Kentuckians affected by the April storms to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible

    The deadline to apply is June 25

    You can visit any Disaster Recovery Center to get in-person assistance

    No appointment is needed

    To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema

    gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362

     You don’t have to visit a center to apply for FEMA assistance

    There are other ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service

    When you apply, you will need to provide:A current phone number where you can be contacted

    Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying

    Your Social Security Number

    A general list of damage and losses

    Banking information if you choose direct deposit

    If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860 and www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4864

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

     
    martyce

    allenjr
    Wed, 06/04/2025 – 17:44

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Galaxy Clusters on Course to Crash Again, NASA’s Chandra Finds

    Source: NASA

    New observations from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes have captured a rare cosmic event: two galaxy clusters have collided and are now poised to head back for another swipe at each other.
    Galaxy clusters are some of the largest structures in the Universe. Held together by gravity, they are monster-sized collections of hundreds or thousands of individual galaxies, massive amounts of superheated gas, and invisible dark matter.
    The galaxy cluster PSZ2 G181.06+48.47 (PSZ2 G181 for short) is about 2.8 billion light-years from Earth. Previously, radio observations from the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR), an antenna network in the Netherlands, spotted parentheses-shaped structures on the outside of the system. In this new composite image, X-rays from Chandra (purple) and ESA’s XMM-Newton (blue) have been combined with LOFAR data (red) and an optical image from Pan-STARRs of the stars in the field of view.
    These structures are probably shock fronts — similar to those created by jets that have broken the sound barrier — likely caused by disruption of gas from the initial collision about a billion years ago. Since the collision they have continued traveling outwards and are currently separated by about 11 million light-years, the largest separation of these kinds of structures that astronomers have ever seen.

    Now, data from NASA’s Chandra and ESA’s XMM-Newton is providing evidence that PSZ2 G181 is poised for another collision. Having a first pass at ramming each other, the two clusters have slowed down and begun heading back toward a second crash.
    Astronomers made a detailed study of the X-ray observations of this collision site and found three shock fronts. These are aligned with the axis of the collision, and the researchers think they are early signs of the second, oncoming crash.
    The researchers are still trying to determine how much mass each of the colliding clusters contains. Regardless, the total mass of the system is less than others where galaxy clusters have collided. This makes PSZ2 G181 an unusual case of a lower-mass system involved in the rare event of colliding galaxy clusters.
    A paper describing these results appears in a recent issue of The Astrophysical Journal (ApJ) and is led by Andra Stroe from the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) and collaborators. It is part of a series of three papers in ApJ. The second paper is led by Kamlesh Rajpurohit, also of CfA, and the third paper is led by Eunmo Ahn, from Yonsei University in the Republic of Korea.
    NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Chandra X-ray Center controls science operations from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and flight operations from Burlington, Massachusetts.

    Learn more about the Chandra X-ray Observatory and its mission here:

    chandra

    https://chandra.si.edu
    Visual Description
    In this release, a composite image illustrates a dramatic cosmic story unfolding 2.8 billion light years from Earth. Presented both with and without labels, the image details the fallout when two galaxy clusters collide.
    At the center of the image are the colliding galaxy clusters, which together are known as PSZ2 G181. This combined cluster somewhat resembles an irregular violet peanut shell, with bulbous ends linked by a tapered middle. Inside each bulbous end are several glowing dots; some of the galaxies within the clusters. The violet peanut shape is tilted at a slight angle, surrounded by a blue haze of X-ray gas.
    Far from the bulbous ends, at our upper left and lower right, are two blotchy, thick red lines. These are probably shock fronts, similar to those created by jets that have broken the sound barrier. Bracketing the combined galaxy cluster, these shock fronts were caused by the initial collision about a billion years ago. They are currently separated by 11 million light-years.
    New data from the Chandra and XMM-Newton observatories suggests that PSZ2 G181 is poised for another powerful cosmic event. Having already taken one swipe at each other, the two clusters within are once again on a collision course.

    Megan WatzkeChandra X-ray CenterCambridge, Mass.617-496-7998mwatzke@cfa.harvard.edu
    Lane FigueroaMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama256-544-0034lane.e.figueroa@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Huffman Statement on Supreme Court’s Refusal to Hear Apache Religious Freedom Case on Mining in Oak Flat

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    May 28, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released the following statement:

    “The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the Apache Stronghold’s request to pause the Trump administration’s land transfer giving sacred Oak Flat to Resolution Copper is unjust, irresponsible, and a direct threat to the health, safety, and rights of the Tribe and surrounding communities.
     
    “The final environmental impact statement on Resolution Copper will confirm what tribal leaders and experts have warned all along: foreign mining giants, through their subsidiary Resolution Copper, will irrevocably destroy Oak Flat, where Native peoples have gone to pray, seek spiritual cleansing, and conduct ceremonies since time immemorial. Oak Flat—a federally recognized National Historic Site—will be nothing more than a two-mile-wide, thousand-foot-deep crater once Resolution Copper is done hollowing it out. This will spell the end of the Apaches’ religious practices forever, just so foreign mining corporations can make a quick buck. Because in America, your right to worship is sacred—unless what you worship sits on valuable real estate.
     
    “And for all the fearmongering about “national security,” let’s be clear: there’s no guarantee the copper will even stay in the United States. In fact, Resolution Copper seems more than willing to ship it straight to the Chinese Communist Party.
     
    “Rio Tinto’s scheme to mine Oak Flat is the latest chapter in a long, shameful history of extracting wealth from Native lands while destroying the communities who live there. The Supreme Court may have turned its back for now, but the fight to protect this sacred place—and the people who depend on it—is far from over.”

    Background

    In December 2014, a non-germane midnight rider was inserted into the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that mandated the public land transfer of the Oak Flat area to Resolution Copper. Oak Flat is located in the Tonto National Forest and listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Traditional Cultural Property.
     
    On April 17, 2025, the Trump administration published their notice of intent to issue the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for Resolution Copper in 60 days, i.e. on June 16, 2025. The 2014 NDAA language says the land transfer must happen within 60 days of the publication of the FEIS – but the transfer could happen immediately after the FEIS is published.
     
    Resolution Copper is just the latest example of a reckless foreign-backed mining project that disrespects tribal sovereignty and threatens our public lands with no guaranteed benefit to the American people. The mine is owned by multinational, multi-billion-dollar mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP. Rio Tinto’s largest shareholder is a Chinese state-owned company and the Rio Tinto has a long, disturbing history of human rights violations around the world. Resolution Copper has never guaranteed any of the copper mined from Oak Flat will stay in the United States and have no plans to build smelting or refining capacity for the copper they mine. Instead, they appear to be making plans to ship the unrefined copper to China.
     
    Three different legal challenges to the land transfer and Resolution Copper mine are currently working their way through the courts. The Supreme Court decided on May 27, 2025 not to hear a request from tribal organization Apache Stronghold to pause the land transfer while lower courts decide their case on the merits. Apache Stronghold alleges the land swap is an unconstitutional infringement on their religious freedoms under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the free exercise clause of the First Amendment. The San Carlos Apache Tribe and the Arizona Mining Reform Coalition with the Inter Tribal Association of Arizona have also asked the courts to pause the land transfer while their challenges to the land transfer are considered.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Huffman, Reps. Moylan, Case Reintroduce Bipartisan Magnuson-Stevens Update to Safeguard America’s Fisheries

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    June 04, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – To kick off World Ocean Month, House Natural Resources Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Rep. James Moylan (R-Guam), and Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii) have reintroduced the Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act. This bipartisan legislation would update and reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA)—the cornerstone law guiding federal fisheries management and conservation that has helped make the U.S. a global leader in sustainable fisheries.

    Bill Text | One-Pager | Section-by-Section

    The reintroduction of this legislation reflects the culmination of a years-long, nationwide stakeholder engagement effort led by Ranking Member Huffman. From listening sessions across coastal communities to the release of a discussion draft for public comment, this inclusive process centered science, transparency, and real-world input from those most connected to America’s oceans and fisheries.

    “The ocean is the beating heart of our planet: it feeds us, regulates our climate, and supports coastal economies across the country,” said Ranking Member Huffman. “But our oceans and fisheries are under mounting pressure from climate change, habitat degradation, and shortsighted management. We need to ensure our laws reflect the urgency and complexity of this moment. While some are focused on rolling back environmental protections and ignoring climate science, we’re doing the hard work to safeguard our oceans. That means using the best available science, listening to those on the frontlines, and making sure our policies work on the ground for the people and ecosystems that depend on healthy, sustainable fisheries.”

    “I am proud to once again co-lead the Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act. As an island community, Guam recognizes the vital role that fisheries play in sustaining our people and culture. This bill is an extraordinary chance for Guam to ensure that issues facing our Pacific fisheries are heard loud and clear,” stated Delegate Moylan. “This bipartisan legislation will ensure that America’s fisheries are set up for success and the U.S. remains a global leader in fisheries management.”

    “Our world’s oceans and fisheries are under accelerating stress, and it is more critical than ever that any extractive practices focus on sustaining and conserving not only specific species but the entire marine ecosystem,” said Representative Ed Case (HI-01). “MSA has been and will continue to be our main authority for establishing and administering responsible approaches and is overdue for updating to assure it continues to work into the next generations. This is especially important in our Pacific given increasing competition for the ocean’s resources and the corresponding danger that absent sound national and international policies will do irreparable harm unless we do an update to the MSA.”

    The Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act includes key updates to better incorporate climate science, protect critical habitats, promote equitable access, and strengthen fisheries data collection and oversight. 
     
    In an effort to include as many opinions and viewpoints as possible, Ranking Member Huffman and Rep. Case held eight listening sessions across seven management regions during their nationwide fisheries listening tour. They heard from 80 different experts and stakeholders, in addition to public comments from dozens of members of the public, both in person and online.
     
    Many of the issues raised during the listening tour are reflected in the bill, including:

    • Addressing climate change and shifting fish stocks
    • Improving science, using new technologies, and modernizing fisheries data systems
    • Supporting fishing communities by creating a working waterfront program, increasing seafood marketing, and encouraging cooperation between industry and managers
    • Ensuring management doesn’t backslide on progress made in rebuilding fish stocks and reducing overfishing
    • Strengthening essential fish habitat consultation and removing loopholes in bycatch management
    • Increasing accountability, transparency, and stakeholder participation in fisheries management

    The bill also includes several bipartisan pieces of legislation and provisions that were part of previous Magnuson-Stevens Act legislation.
     
    This comprehensive and inclusive effort remains an iterative process. Rep. Huffman and the bill’s co-leads are committed to maintaining a transparent, deliberative, and science-based approach that continues to prioritize stakeholder input and respond to evolving needs.

    READ WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Committee Leaders Raise Alarm Over Burgum’s Interior Staffing Freeze: “Illegal and Dangerous”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    May 30, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, top Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum demanding answers about a blanket freeze on personnel actions across the Department of the Interior, reportedly imposed earlier this month by the Department’s acting Chief Human Capital Officer—a former staffer of Elon Musk’s DOGE.

    “This sweeping directive has already sparked internal conflict at the Department, where staff are reportedly struggling to fulfill the duties of thousands of now-vacant positions essential to the Department’s day-to-day operations,” the lawmakers wrote. “Your actions to date raise serious doubts about your commitment to that obligation.”

    In the letter, the lawmakers cite the Administration’s proposed “skinny budget,” DOGE-led “voluntary” buyouts “backed by the threat of termination,” and pending Reductions in Force (RIF) plans as part of a “coordinated campaign of institutional dismantling” that “threatens the safety of our parks, the reliability of our water systems, and the scientific integrity of the very agencies entrusted with protecting Americans from wildfire, drought and other escalating risks.”

    The lawmakers also expressed concern over the reported removal of Bureau of Land Management Deputy Director Michael Nedd, “who reportedly raised concerns about the effects of the May 2 personnel directive on the Department’s ability to do its job.”

    The lawmakers called on the Department to provide a copy of the May 2 memo and respond to several questions, including what impact assessment was conducted, what essential functions are at risk, and whether other senior personnel have been penalized for raising objections.

    “Like other recent personnel actions, this latest personnel freeze is, at best, shortsighted and self-defeating—and at worst, illegal and dangerous for Americans who visit our National Parks, live near federal lands, rely on federal irrigation for their farms, or depend on sound science to protect their homes and communities,” the lawmakers wrote. “It represents yet another ill-considered action by the Trump Administration that leaves our country weaker, less safe, and less prepared to meet the challenges ahead.”

    The letter was signed by Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Vice Ranking Member Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Federal Lands Subcommittee Ranking Member Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee Ranking Member Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee Ranking Member Val Hoyle (D-Ore.), and Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee Ranking Member Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.).

    Read the full letter.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Huffman Statement on Supreme Court NEPA Ruling That Lets Agencies Ignore Climate and Health Impacts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    May 30, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released the following statement:
     
    “The Supreme Court once again put polluters first, siding with fossil fuel interests over the communities that bear the burden of more oil drilling and refining. In the face of the climate crisis, the government should be clear-eyed about the threats and act accordingly. But by giving agencies an excuse to ignore foreseeable impacts in their NEPA reviews, the Court has said they can look the other way about the consequences of their decisions if they want. And communities, and our country, will suffer.
     
    “The American people want to know when federal actions will cause environmental and health risks and fuel the climate crisis. Support for NEPA is high among voters of all stripes. They don’t want to let polluters sidestep responsibility. And they certainly don’t want House Republicans’ corrupt, polluter-friendly pay-to-play scheme for NEPA reviews, buried in their Big, Ugly Bill.
     
    “This ruling adds to the chaos and confusion already unleashed by the Trump administration’s sabotage of agencies’ NEPA procedures. This is part of a broader assault on our nation’s environmental protections. Congressional Democrats invested $1 billion to improve NEPA and environmental reviews through the Inflation Reduction Act—an investment that was already producing real results. Now, Republicans are dragging us backward, risking more delays, more litigation, and more harm.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Albuquerque Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Cyberstalking Multiple Women

    Source: US FBI

    Phillip Gonzales of Albuquerque has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison after a pattern of persistent digital harassment targeting multiple women over a nine-month period.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mining in Motion: Ghana Targets Global Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Integration

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ACCRA, Ghana, June 4, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Ghana is formalizing its artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector to align with global standards, promote sustainability and boost economic integration. Despite ASGM contributing over 35% to the country’s total gold output, much of the country’s artisanal mining activity remains informal. Speakers during a Mining in Motion 2025 panel outlined steps to address this challenge and accelerate the global integration of Ghana’s ASGM sector 

    The session – titled Integrating ASGM into Global Supply Chains, sponsored by Emirates Gold- examined policy gaps, market barriers and innovative solutions to enhance the credibility and competitiveness of ASGM gold on the international stage. In recent months, Ghana has been making strides to foster a conducive environment for ASGM producers.  

    According to Neil Harby, Chief Technical Officer, London Bullion Market Association, “Recently introduced guidelines have improved Ghana’s capacity to produce small-scale gold, but the risk-reward ratio still lacks.”  

    As such, the Ghana Gold Board, established this year, has been created to oversee, regulate and manage all gold and precious mineral-related activities in Ghana. The Board aims to enhance regulation, maximize foreign exchange earnings, build gold reserves and promote value addition for national economic transformation.  

    “If you look at Ghana’s reserves, they’ve been very static. So, we’ve sat down and looked at how we can leverage gold resources in the country. If we can convert a domestic asset but go through the processes to convert it to a foreign asset, then we can begin to build upon our gold reserves,” stated Dr. Steve Opata, Head of Risk, Foreign Reserves Management at the Bank of Ghana. 

    Meanwhile, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has supported Ghana’s efforts to formalize its artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector by addressing illicit financial flows and promoting responsible sourcing through tools like the Due Diligence Guidance and ASM Hub. Collaborating with the Ghanian government, the OECD helps develop policies to regulate ASM, which plays a vital economic role but faces challenges including environmental harm and links to illicit activity. 

    “You have to be sure that you have some understanding of the mapping of the supply chain. You need the management systems to help you understand the circumstances of production around those mine sites. We want to allow commercial relationships between small-scale and artisanal miners and international producers,” stated Louis Maréchal, Sector Lead: Minerals and Extractives, OECD. 

    As a key player in the global precious minerals industry, Emirates Bullion Market offers significant expertise in gold refining and infrastructure development. In recent years, the UAE has become increasingly instrumental in Ghana’s gold sector. In 2024, the country emerged as one of the top export destinations for Ghana’s gold, accounting – alongside Switzerland – for 36.5% of total exports. 

    “Sustainability is conducive to operating with local miners. We want to know how their operations support the communities they come from. We only promote sustainable mining while safeguarding investor interest,” stated Sudheesh Nambiath, Manager, Dubai Multi Commodities Center, Emirates Bullion Market. 

    Meanwhile, Rand Refinery supports Ghana’s gold upstream sector by offering smelting, refining and metal recovery services. The company holds exclusive rights to refine Goldplat’s Ghana output, with a mutual agreement on processing by-products.   

    “Working as a team with in-country producers, ASM producers and large-scale miners, the intention is to unlock productivity at a commercial scale,” stated Jason McPherson, Head of Sourcing and Business Development, Rand Refinery. 

    With the launch of the Ghana Gold Board and strategic upgrades to its mining code, Ghana is aligning its ASGM sector with global standards. The country is positioning itself as a leading destination for sustainable gold sourcing, investment and innovation – proving that responsible mining can drive both local empowerment and global integration. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Pro-radical Islam teaching in Pakistan – E-001984/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001984/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

    Teaching in Pakistani schools has been widely criticised for its ideological manipulation in favour of radical Islam. School textbooks contain one-dimensional narratives that emphasise Islamic identity over historical facts about the origin of Pakistanis from ancestors with different religions. In secondary school history books, Hindus are often presented as oppressive enemies of Muslims, while the actual multi-faith past of the region that is now Pakistan is obscured. In Islamic studies courses, jihad is overemphasised as a concept of ‘religious duty’. This approach fosters intolerance and limits critical thinking.

    Pakistani schools are a tool for the political and religious manipulation of the unwilling masses and their weaponisation in favour of Islamist goals, internationally. Educational reform in Pakistan is an essential prerequisite for international peace and security. Relevant recommendations from UNESCO and Human Rights Watch, concerning basic requirements for education in Pakistan, are not taken into account.

    In view of this:

    • 1.Does the Commission consider that the educational reality in Pakistan should be given serious consideration before Member States accept Pakistanis, with or without ‘labour’ agreements, ultimately endangering our citizens?
    • 2.Has the Commission monitored whether resolutions 2012/2843(RSP) and 2015/2515(RSP) have been taken into account in any way?
    • 3.If not, how could the Commission exert pressure on Pakistan to implement basic educational reform, so that at least it does not promote Islamic fundamentalism?

    Submitted: 16.5.2025

    Last updated: 4 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Aircraft noise around Schiphol – P-002158/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002158/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dirk Gotink (PPE)

    With a view to reducing aircraft noise around Schiphol, the Netherlands has followed the ‘balanced approach’ procedure. In view of this:

    • 1.Does the Commission agree that setting spatial, environmental and noise limits on the operation of national airports is a responsibility of the Member States, one which requires them to carefully balance economic and environmental interests?
    • 2.Does the Commission agree that the sole purpose of the mandatory European ‘balanced approach’ procedure when it comes to noise-related operating restrictions is to ensure that national assessments are carried out with the requisite due diligence, in particular to properly substantiate the inevitability or added value of a proposed operating restriction in the light of a noise-related target determined at national level?
    • 3.Does the Commission consider that the Dutch Government has carefully followed the ‘balanced approach’ procedure with regard to Schiphol Airport, and does it also take the view that the Dutch Government has therefore adopted a balanced package of measures to reduce noise levels for people and homes by 20 %?

    Submitted: 28.5.2025

    Last updated: 4 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Need for fair trials in Baku – E-002048/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002048/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nicolas Bay (ECR)

    Since the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh, which saw more than 130 000 Armenians forced to flee their ancestral land, several citizens of Armenian origin have been arrested by the Azerbaijani authorities and are currently being tried in Baku. The Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Belgium stated that the trials were public and that diplomats and politicians could attend[1][2].

    With tensions high between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the peace treaty, the EU must remain vigilant as regards respect for fundamental rights, including the right to a fair trial.

    As it is engaged in strategic partnerships with these two Caucasus countries, including a controversial gas agreement with Baku, the EU has a responsibility to ensure its relations are founded on democratic principles. The European Parliament’s support for closer ties with Armenia sends a strong signal for a more balanced commitment[3].

    Is the Commission going to ask the EU Delegation in Azerbaijan to mandate an observer to attend the hearings of these trials on a daily basis to ensure that the international standards of justice and a fair procedure are being upheld?

    Submitted: 21.5.2025

    • [1] ‘The court proceedings are open, any person be it any citizen of any country, foreigner or foreign diplomat or journalist can attend this proceedings. You have your embassy in Baku, they are free to go and to provide directly to you all the information’, reply to Belgian politician Pierre Kompany, on 8 April 2025, at the hearing of Vagif Sadikov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the Committee on External Affairs of the Belgian Federal Parliament, on a resolution on Nagorno-Karabakh.
    • [2] ‘Political access to the political prisoners, well I already mentioned well you have excellent ambassador of Belgium in Baku Mr. Ambassador Julien De Fraipont, he is welcomed to attend the court proceedings anytime when he wants’, reply to Belgian politician Els Van Hoof in the same interview.
    • [3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/B-9-2024-0166_EN.html
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement – 04-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    On 20 May 2025, the European Union (EU) High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission (HR/VP) announced the launch of a review of Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The review will assess Israel’s compliance with human rights and democratic principles, which is an essential element of the agreement. This is the first step in a procedure that could eventually lead to the suspension of the agreement.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Revision of the Nitrates Directive – E-002119/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002119/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sander Smit (PPE)

    With the Initiative Report for a European Water Resilience Strategy of 7 May 2025, the European Parliament made a clear call for a revision of the Nitrates Directive by the end of 2025. The European Parliament also made a clear call for the authorisation of and investment in RENURE, citing the Joint Research Centre’s report on the safe application of processed animal manure.[1]

    However, a leaked draft version of the Commission’s Water Resilience Strategy makes no mention of a revision of the Nitrates Directive.

    In a recent letter dated 19 May 2025, Environment Commissioner Roswall did state that the limited authorisation of RENURE is being negotiated within the Nitrates Committee on the basis of a 2024 proposal. That proposal was explicitly presented at the time as a temporary solution, pending the now-completed evaluation and subsequent revision.[2]

    • 1.Why does the draft version of the Water Resilience Strategy not reflect the European Parliament’s explicit call for a revision of the Nitrates Directive by the end of 2025?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to present a proposal to revise Directive 91/676/EEC and to align it with the wishes of a democratic majority in the European Parliament?

    Submitted: 27.5.2025

    • [1] P10_TA(2025)0091, Par. 24-25
    • [2] Ref. Ares(2024)2885619
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Impact of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive on the availability and affordability of essential medicines – E-002108/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002108/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    The revised[1] Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive[2] (UWWTD) may significantly increase production costs for essential, low-cost medicines such as Metformin, a key treatment for type two diabetes used by nearly three million patients in Germany[3].

    Estimates suggest that pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies are required to cover at least 80 % of the costs (Article 9) of additional treatment to remove micropollutants in order to comply with the directive. This could lead to a cost increase of up to 445 % for Metformin production. Manufacturers warn that this would make the continued EU-based production of such medicines unviable, risking market withdrawals, medicine shortages and greater dependence on non-EU imports.

    • 1.Can the Commission confirm whether the estimate of up to a 445 % cost increase for Metformin is accurate, and whether it anticipates similar effects across other Member States and medicines, particularly for low-margin generics?
    • 2.How does the Commission reconcile the provisions of the UWWTD, specifically the mandatory cost allocation under Article 9(4), with the objectives of the proposed Critical Medicines Act, which aims to strengthen EU production and supply security for essential pharmaceuticals?
    • 3.Given the risk to medicine affordability and availability, does the Commission consider a targeted revision or exemption within the UWWTD necessary in order to safeguard public health and pharmaceutical resilience?

    Submitted: 26.5.2025

    • [1] COM(2022)0541.
    • [2] Directive (EU) 2024/3019 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 concerning urban wastewater treatment, OJ L, 2024/3019, 12.12.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/3019/oj.
    • [3] Der Spiegel, https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/diabetes-medikament-metformin-droht-das-aus-hohe-kosten-durch-eu-abwasserrichtlinie-a-25ab387e-8ef2-43c7-a9e0-7714d850aeb3.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EUBAM project on border surveillance between Tunisia and Libya – E-002103/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002103/2025
    to the Council
    Rule 144
    Özlem Demirel (The Left)

    The European Union Integrated Border Management Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM Libya) aims to significantly improve border surveillance between Tunisia and Libya by means of a comprehensive project. It focuses on the development of infrastructure, the provision of modern technical equipment and training in strategic locations such as the Ras Ajdir border crossing, the operations centre and an Abusharaf guard tower. The equipment deployed includes mobile X-ray detectors. At the same time, the project aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation between Libyan and Tunisian authorities. The mission also provides the Libyan customs administration with licences for an automated customs data system.

    • 1.In which locations – specifying the border crossing points, operations centres, guard towers – is EUBAM Libya active in the context of the above-mentioned project, and what technical equipment has been provided for this purpose?
    • 2.Between which specific Libyan and Tunisian authorities should cross-border cooperation be strengthened?
    • 3.For which automated customs data system does EUBAM Libya provide licences to the Libyan customs administration, who is the manufacturer thereof, and for what purpose are these licenses provided?

    Submitted: 26.5.2025

    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Independence and impartiality of the UNAR (Italian equality body) – E-002106/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002106/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Pina Picierno (S&D), Alessandro Zan (S&D), Marc Angel (S&D), Lucia Yar (Renew), Irene Tinagli (S&D), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D)

    The Ufficio Nazionale Antidiscriminazioni Razziali (UNAR) is a public equality body established by the Italian Government, responsible for promoting equal treatment and eliminating discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation.

    The UNAR falls under Directive 2000/43/EC[1] and, after its transposition into national law, Directive (EU) 2024/1500[2].

    Independence and impartiality should underpin its actions. Nevertheless, the UNAR reports to the Office of the Prime Minister and its director is appointed by the Prime Minister. Therefore, the principles of independence and impartiality are compromised and the office is subject to political influence by the government. The UNAR has been accused of delaying the financing of anti-discrimination projects and breaking off formal relations with civil society organisations and human rights defenders, specifically LGBTQIA+ related associations.

    In view of the implementation of Directive (EU) 2024/1500, in particular Articles 3 on independence and impartiality, 4 on resources, and 5 and 6 that set out the objectives, can the Commission clarify:

    • 1.if the UNAR and the Italian Government are already complying with the provisions applying to equality bodies in the context of the Directive (EU) 2024/1500;
    • 2.if it is already in contact with national authorities regarding the implementation of Directive (EU) 2024/1500;
    • 3.what would the possible actions be if Italy does not comply with the provisions of EU law?

    Submitted: 26.5.2025

    • [1] Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin, OJ L 180, 19.7.2000, p. 22., ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2000/43/oj.
    • [2] Directive (EU) 2024/1500 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on standards for equality bodies in the field of equal treatment and equal opportunities between women and men in matters of employment and occupation, OJ L, 2024/1500, 29.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1500/oj.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Trade agreements: Morocco and Western Sahara – E-002098/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002098/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D)

    In October 2024, the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) ruled that the trade agreements between the EU and Morocco are invalid in the case of imports of goods from Western Sahara. This ruling has legal implications for the EU’s agricultural and fisheries agreements with Morocco and requires that products from Western Sahara carry an origin label without any reference to Morocco. In November 2024, the Commission stated during a hearing of Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development that a legal analysis of the ruling was being conducted, but to date, the current Commission has not yet proposed any solutions.

    Therefore, I ask the following follow-up questions:

    • 1.What plan has the Commission drawn up to adjust its trade policy with Morocco and Western Sahara in line with the October 2024 CJEU ruling, and what is the timeline for that plan?
    • 2.What are the implications of the CJEU ruling on the origin-labelling of goods imported from Western Sahara, in light of the declaration of invalidity of the trade agreement pertaining to goods from Western Sahara?

    Submitted: 26.5.2025

    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Lack of housing on the Greek islands and the impact on the provision of essential public services – need for EU support and coordinated action – E-002095/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002095/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D)

    During the tourist season, many Greek islands face a serious housing problem, as increased demand for tourist accommodation leads to a lack of available housing for long-term rental. This makes finding accommodation extremely difficult for public servants, such as doctors, teachers, teachers and seasonal firefighters, who are called upon to serve in these areas.

    In particular, on the islands of the Northern Sporades, firefighters have resigned as they were unable to find accommodation or reasonable rents.

    The housing problem affects critical sectors such as health and education, as workers find it difficult to find adequate and affordable housing. This situation undermines the ability of local authorities to provide essential services and respond to emergencies, especially in the current context of the climate crisis and increased tourist pressure.

    Can the Commission therefore answer the following:

    • 1.How does it intend to support, through existing funding tools, Member States with meeting critical housing needs for public servants in island and remote areas?
    • 2.Does it intend to reinforce the eligible actions under the regional programmes to include accommodation and temporary accommodation infrastructure for staff of key public services, such as healthcare, teachers and firefighters, in frontline areas?
    • 3.Will it consider setting up a European preparedness mechanism in island and tourist areas to systematically record housing shortages, allow a rapid response and substantiate the need for additional funding?

    Submitted: 26.5.2025

    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strategic importance of the Central Communication Port for military mobility and EU security – E-002096/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002096/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Michał Dworczyk (ECR)

    With work on updating the Action Plan on Military Mobility and the preparation of a new Multiannual Financial Framework ongoing, I would like to draw the Commission’s attention to the strategic importance of the Central Communication Port – a multimodal project designed as an element of dual-use infrastructure, which is vital both for civilian transport and for the rapid deployment of allied forces in crisis situations. The Central Communication Port is of transnational importance and is able to play a key role in ensuring the EU’s security, especially in light of its location on NATO’s eastern flank and the geopolitical situation following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Although the project has been significantly scaled back, fortunately, thanks to public pressure, it has not been completely abandoned, and there is still a possibility of adapting it to its original objectives.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission deem the Central Communication Port project to be important for military mobility and EU security, and will the Commission classify the project as a strategic infrastructure element in the updated Action Plan on Military Mobility?
    • 2.Does the Commission consider the Central Communication Port project to be eligible for support under the Connecting Europe Facility, in particular in the area of dual-use transport infrastructure?
    • 3.Is the Commission considering recognising the Central Communication Port as a project of common interest (PCI) or granting it EU support, given its importance for the EU’s resilience and preparedness in terms of military transport, as well as its ability to respond to threats on the eastern flank?

    Submitted: 26.5.2025

    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Widespread phenomenon of fir and plane trees drying out in the mountainous areas of Greece – risk to biodiversity and forest ecosystems – E-002094/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002094/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D)

    In recent years, according to the Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems, a large number of fir and plane trees have been drying out in many mountainous areas of mainland Greece, with Tzoumerka, the Acheloos valley and Agrafa being typical examples. This phenomenon is a major concern for local communities and scientists, as it affects forest ecosystems, threatens biodiversity and increases the risk of fires and desertification.

    The fact that fir and plane trees are drying out appears to be related both to the effects of climate change (prolonged droughts, extreme temperatures) and to biotic factors, such as attacks by bark-eating insects and fungi. However, to date, neither a single monitoring mechanism nor a coordinated response has been implemented at European level.

    In the light of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.Does it monitor the widespread phenomenon of fir and plane trees drying out in EU Member States, in particular in mountainous areas such as Tzoumerka, the Acheloos valley and Agrafa?
    • 2.Are there any European funding tools that can be used to research, prevent and tackle this phenomenon in these regions?
    • 3.Does it intend to strengthen cooperation with the Member States to set up early warning and intervention mechanisms to protect forest ecosystems from the consequences of the climate crisis?

    Submitted: 26.5.2025

    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – OPEKEPE (Greek Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid) scandal – P-002152/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002152/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

    Widespread irregularities and fraudulent government practices have been noted since 2005 in the management of direct payments through OPEKEPE. The practices are now being formally investigated by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), under threat of loss of accreditation.

    Following the revelations, the Government decided to abolish the Agency and transfer the critical payment and audit functions to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR). This choice raises serious questions regarding the management accreditation of the new body, the transparency of CAP payments and compliance with Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 on the financing, management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy, and in particular Articles 7 and 8 which set out the conditions for accreditation of paying agencies, the obligation of independence and sufficient operational and administrative capacity and the possible withdrawal of accreditation if the criteria are not met.

    Unfortunately, the withdrawal of accreditation will clearly mean the cessation of agricultural payments and the loss of European fund management for our farmers. At the same time, concerns about a cover up of political responsibilities and, ultimately, a lack of accountability are growing.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Has the Commission assessed the legality of the transfer of OPEKEPE’s responsibilities to the IAPR?
    • 2.Has the Commission asked itself/established whether the conditions for management accreditation to disburse European aid are met by the IAPR?
    • 3.What measures does it intend to put in place from now on to ensure the independence, transparency and sound management of aid to Greek farmers?

    Submitted: 28.5.2025

    Last updated: 4 June 2025

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