NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI China: China makes great contribution to global green shift: official

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

    BEIJING, Sept. 27 — China has made significant contributions to the global response to climate change and green transformation with leapfrog development of its new-energy industry, an official with the country’s energy administration has said.

    Pan Huimin, deputy director of the National Energy Administration’s new and renewable energy department, made the comments in the eighth episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk platform hosted by Xinhua News Agency. The episode was broadcast on Friday.

    Pan said that thanks to China’s efforts on clean energy development, approximately 3.25 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions were reduced globally in 2023.

    Over the years, China has been integrating into the global clean energy industrial chain and sharing high-quality clean energy products with the rest of the world, Pan said.

    As the world’s largest clean energy market and equipment manufacturer, China has made continuous advances in wind and solar power technologies, Pan noted, adding that the country now has world-leading onshore low-speed wind power technology, while its offshore large-capacity wind turbine technology is also globally advanced.

    Driven by continuous technological innovation, the cost of wind power and photovoltaic power dropped significantly in the past decade, effectively reducing the development and construction costs of global clean energy projects, Pan said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Treasury Markets Summit 2024 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

         The Treasury Markets Summit 2024, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Treasury Markets Association (TMA), was held today (September 27) in Hong Kong. 
          
         In his keynote address, the Chief Executive of the HKMA and Honorary President of the TMA Council, Mr Eddie Yue, discussed the policy initiatives in further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as the offshore renminbi business hub of the world; while Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA and Chair of the TMA Executive Board, Mr Darryl Chan, highlighted the TMA’s key achievements in his opening remarks.
          
         The Summit’s panels covered three important topics, namely China economic outlook, Decentralised Finance (DeFi) and Metaverse, and Central Bank Digital Currency. The panels were moderated respectively by Deputy Head of RMB Business and General Manager of Global Markets of Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, Ms Annie Zhu; Professor of Practice (ESG, FinTech and Sustainable Finance) of School of Accounting and Finance at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Mr Lapman Lee, and the Chief Fintech Officer of the HKMA, Mr George Chou. They were joined by distinguished guest speakers from the financial industry and relevant sectors.
          
         The Summit was attended by over 300 local and overseas participants, including treasury market practitioners, asset managers, and senior executives and professionals from banks, financial institutions and corporates.      

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Federated Farmers – Land use change to blame for meat works closure

    Source: Federated Farmers
    Alliance Group’s proposal to close its Timaru meatworks is a symptom of broader issues that will continue undermining the primary sector until fixed, Federated Farmers says.
    Alliance chief executive Willie Wiese has stated the proposed closure is due to a decline in sheep processing numbers as a result of land-use change, which has resulted in surplus capacity in the company’s plant network.
     “Firstly, we want to extend our sympathies to the 600 workers and their families affected by this sad news,” Federated Farmers meat and wool chairperson Toby Williams says.
    “The prospect of the 139-year-old Smithfield plant going, and the loss of such a major employer in Timaru, is a huge blow to South Canterbury and we’re really feeling for them.”
    Williams says while there are multiple macro-economic factors at play behind Alliance’s decision, wrong-headed and skewed policy settings are a key reason the sheep and beef sector is under such strain.
    “We’ve had a decade of policy that has favoured forestry over farming, incentivising planting radiata, particularly for carbon revenue.
    “On top of that, excessive red tape and layers of impractical and poorly consulted-on regulation have strangled farming confidence and investment.
    “This year’s stock count showed sheep numbers slumped by another million or so in the last year, to 23 million.
    “Federated Farmers has always highlighted that when poor regulations stifle farming, the impacts are felt throughout our rural communities and broader national economy.
    “This is sadly coming to play today, and it is the people of South Canterbury who will feel this the hardest.”
    The coalition Government is making progress winding back some of the previous administration’s freshwater and resource management regulations and planning directives.
    “The aim is to continue looking after the environment, but balancing that with ensuring the economic and social wellbeing of communities gets the same prominence.
    “For farmers, and for processors and the wider economy, that re-balancing can’t happen soon enough,” Williams says. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Remarks as Delivered

    Good morning. Thank you, Jonathan, for that warm welcome.

    I am very happy to be here in Arkansas.

    In just a few moments, U.S. Attorney Ross and I will meet with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners about our shared work to protect communities here in Little Rock and across the district.

    I am grateful to have the chance to thank our law enforcement partners, in person, for the difficult and often dangerous work they do every single day.

    I am also grateful to have the chance to recognize the public servants of this office for their extraordinary work.

    This U.S. Attorney’s Office is the face of the Justice Department here in the Eastern District of Arkansas. When people in this District look to see what the Justice Department stands for, they look to this U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    I have been consistently impressed not only with the work you do, but with the way you do that work.

    Those efforts, in addition to the efforts of our state and local law enforcement partners, are making a difference.

    Three- and-a-half years ago, the Justice Department launched an ambitious strategy to combat violent crime. That strategy is rooted in exactly the kinds of partnerships that are represented in this room. While we know that progress in too many places is still uneven — and there is no acceptable level of violent crime — today we are seeing results.

    Just earlier this week, the FBI released a report showing an 11.6% drop in homicides last year and one of the lowest violent crime rates in 50 years nationwide.

    And recent data indicates this trend is continuing. Earlier this month, the Justice Department’s Violent Crime Reduction Steering Committee announced new data from across 88 cities that indicates that violent crime has continued to decline considerably in 2024. That included a further 16.9% drop in murders.

    But we know we have so much more work to do, here in Arkansas, and across the country.

    That is why this office, and our entire Department, are working in partnership with state and local law enforcement to arrest violent felons, seize and trace guns used in crimes, disrupt violent drug traffickers, and prosecute the individuals and gangs who are responsible for the most violence.

    For this office, that meant working with the DEA, the FBI, and the North Little Rock Police Department to secure a 25-year prison sentence last month for a Little Rock man for distributing fentanyl resulting in someone’s death.

    Also last month, this office worked with DEA, the Arkansas State Police, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, and the Little Rock Police Department to secure a 15-year prison sentence of a defendant on fentanyl and firearms charges.

    In July, this office, together with the U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, secured the guilty plea of a man who threatened to assault and murder a United States judge and a federal law enforcement officer.

    Earlier this spring, this office worked with DEA, FBI, the second Judicial District Drug Task Force and seven other state and local partners as part of a large-scale enforcement action to charge and arrest 15 people on drug, money laundering, and firearm offenses related to the distribution of methamphetamine in Northeast Arkansas.

    In March, this office worked with the DEA, ATF, the Pine Bluff Police Department, and the Little Rock Police Department to secure a 30-year prison sentence for a man with a lengthy criminal record of domestic violence who was found guilty of being a felon in possession of ammunition. In October of last year, the defendant shot his former girlfriend and then shot into an apartment where the victim and her young son were hiding.

    And in January, this office worked with ATF to secure a 20-year prison sentence against a man who had assaulted a victim after she ended their relationship. The defendant then set fire to her business after she changed the locks. During the sentencing, the victim told the Court how hard she worked to build her business as a single mother and spoke about the impact of the defendant’s violence against her.

    In addition to using our investigative and prosecutorial resources to protect communities in this district, we are also committed to using our grantmaking capabilities to invest in public safety.

    For example, today, the Justice Department is awarding more than a million dollars in funding to the state under the DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program, to enhance laboratories’ capacity to process DNA samples.

    And this week, we awarded more than $4 million to Arkansas under the National Criminal History Improvement Program, which provides funding to states and localities to improve the quality, timeliness, and immediate accessibility of criminal history records and related information.

    Today’s grants are part of the more than $26 million that the Department is awarding to organizations and government agencies in Arkansas this month to support law enforcement activities and community initiatives.

    These funds will, among other things, help law enforcement agencies in Arkansas hire more officers, help to prevent and combat violent crime and drug trafficking, and improve services for survivors of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other crimes.

    We remain committed to providing our law enforcement and community partners with the resources they need to protect people across this District.

    The examples I have shared today are just a snapshot of the work this office is doing every day to protect communities in the Eastern District of Arkansas, and to fulfill the Justice Department’s mission to keep our country safe, to protect civil rights, and to uphold the rule of law.

    I am very proud of the public servants who make up this office. And I am equally proud of the relationships they have nurtured with the people and the agencies around this table, who are the Justice Department’s indispensable partners.

    I look forward to our meeting. Thank you.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke Delivers Remarks Announcing the Justice Department Findings of Civil Rights Violations by the Lexington, Mississippi Police Department and City of Lexington

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

    Good afternoon. My name is Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Justice Department. Joining me is Todd W. Gee, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi.

    We are here today to announce the findings from our pattern or practice investigation into the City of Lexington, Mississippi, and the Lexington Police Department.

    We find reasonable cause to believe that the Lexington Police Department and the City of Lexington engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the First, Fourth and 14th Amendments of the Constitution, Safe Streets Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

    Specifically, we find that the Lexington police use excessive force; unlawfully stop, search and arrest people — including by jailing people on illegal “investigative holds” — unlawfully jail people without affording prompt access to court; violate the rights of people engaged in free speech and expression, including by retaliating against critics of the police; and unlawfully discriminate against Black people.

    The department also unlawfully arrests, jails and detains people based on their failure to pay money without assessing their ability to pay; unlawfully arrests people just because they owe outstanding fines; and imposes money bail without justification and, again, without assessing ability to pay. The fact that fines and fees fund the department drives its law enforcement, resulting in a crude policing-for-profit scheme. The Lexington Police Department operates under an unconstitutional financial conflict of interest.

    Lexington’s focus on revenue and its overly aggressive form of policing leaves the people of Lexington harassed, feeling helpless and hopeless. For example, on the day we opened our investigation, Lexington officers chased a man down and tased him until he foamed at the mouth. In the previous months, police officers had repeatedly arrested the man for minor offenses most police departments would have handled with a ticket. For stealing sugar packets from a gas station, the man spent 13 days in jail. He spent four days in jail for taking a second cup of coffee after paying for the first. Each time, the Lexington police kept him in jail because he could not afford to pay the fines or the $50 processing fee Lexington charges for every arrest. Especially for a person in poverty, these fines are no small thing. Even though he has no money, the man owes the Lexington Police Department over $7,500. At no point did the police or city assess his ability to pay those fines.

    In America, being poor is not a crime, but in Lexington, their practices punish people for poverty. On Feb. 29, we provided official notice to Lexington city officials and the police department about our concerns regarding illegal arrests and detentions that penalize people for lacking resources. Lexington has made some changes in response to our notice. But, as today’s findings show, more meaningful reform is necessary.

    Lexington’s fines and fees have been absolutely devastating for the people who live there. Although Lexington is in one of the poorest counties in America, people owe the police department $1.7 million in outstanding fines. The Lexington municipal court has issued bench warrants for over 650 people based on unpaid fines — equivalent to roughly half of Lexington’s population. Based on these warrants, police officers have unlawfully arrested and jailed people, using the leverage of incarceration to extract more money from them.

    Other times, the Lexington police send people to jail for days or weeks for minor offenses. These people wait in jail until they can go before a judge or they can get enough money together to pay their fines. This, too, violates people’s civil rights. For example, the Lexington police arrested a Black man for allegedly taking $15 worth of gas. The police told him his fine was $300. He couldn’t pay it. The police sent him to jail until the next scheduled court date — two weeks later.

    Unjustly enforcing fines and fees creates a two-tiered system of justice that can perpetuate a cycle of poverty. It also fuels a financial conflict of interest for the police department. The police must enforce the law even-handedly, not based on generating revenue. Lexington, though, focused its law enforcement on strategies that generated income, even at times linking officers’ paychecks to the number of arrests they made. Over the past two years, Lexington has made nearly one arrest for every four people in town — more than 10 times the per capita arrest rate for Mississippi.

    The Lexington police also illegally arrest people for using profanity, and they retaliate against people who film officers or criticize the police. The First Amendment protects swearing, yet the Lexington police broke down a man’s back door and arrested him for swearing in a public place. The First Amendment also protects the right to film or criticize officers. But when a man filmed officers approaching his suicidal brother with their guns raised, a police officer batted the man’s phone out of his hand, pushed him to the ground and arrested him.

    While making arrests, the Lexington police frequently use excessive force. We found instances in which officers used a taser like a cattle prod to punish people or to make them comply more quickly with officers’ orders. For example, officers used a taser to shock a Black man 18 times until he was covered in his own vomit and unable to speak or walk. Officers punch, hit or kick people who are unarmed and handcuffed. One officer kicked a Black man in the groin so hard that he wet himself. Another used his gun to repeatedly hit a Black man already in handcuffs. An officer knocked an elderly Black man unconscious. Nor are children spared from attack. An officer grabbed a Black child by the neck and shoved him into a patrol car, banging the child’s head against the door frame.

    Black people bear the brunt of the Lexington Police Department’s illegal conduct. Lexington’s former police chief, Sam Dobbins, who regularly spoke disrespectfully to Black men, set in motion the aggressive enforcement of low-level violations. Dobbins left the department when recordings of him using other racial slurs were released. Officials told us that with Dobbins gone, so too was the problem. We found, however, that the discriminatory practices he initiated continue unabated. Lexington officers frequently tase, punch and beat Black people without justification, while we identified no such use of force on white people. Low-level traffic violations that resulted in arrest for Black people yielded only warnings or citations for white people. The result? 98% of people arrested for traffic offenses are Black. This pattern of racial discrimination not only violates the law. It also erodes the community’s trust in law enforcement, the judicial system, and the government more broadly.

    According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, half of America’s police departments have 10 officers or fewer. Every person in the United States enjoys certain fundamental civil rights, regardless of the size of their town, the contents of their bank account or the color of their skin. Residents of rural and underserved communities have the same rights and deserve the same protection as people who live major cities. The Justice Department is committed to providing that protection. Police misconduct in smaller communities may not always garner national attention, but rest assured, the Justice Department is watching. No city, no town, no law enforcement agency is too large or too small to evade our efforts to safeguard the constitutional rights that every American enjoys. Small and mid-sized police departments must not be allowed to violate people’s civil rights with impunity.

    To the people of Lexington, I want you to know that we heard you. We listened carefully to your testimonies. We thank you for having the courage to speak out.

    The Lexington Police Department and the City of Lexington have agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department to address the challenges we outline today. As we begin the hard, essential work of rebuilding trust and restoring equal justice under law, we need to continue to hear from the Lexington community in the coming days and weeks.

    We stand with the people of Lexington to extend justice to all its residents, rich and poor, regardless of their race.

    I’ll now welcome U.S. Attorney Todd Gee.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Connecticut-Based Energy Trader Convicted of International Bribery Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A federal jury in Bridgeport, Connecticut, convicted a former oil and gas trader today for his role in a nearly eight-year long scheme to bribe Brazilian government officials and to launder money to secure business for two Connecticut-based commodities trading companies.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Glenn Oztemel, 65, of Westport, Connecticut, paid bribes to officials of Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras), the Brazilian state-owned oil and gas company, to obtain lucrative contracts for Arcadia Fuels Ltd. (Arcadia) and Freepoint Commodities LLC (Freepoint).

    “Glenn Oztemel paid and laundered more than $1 million in bribes to employees of Brazil’s state-owned oil and gas company to obtain lucrative contracts for his commodities-trading companies in Connecticut,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Bribing public officials to win business undermines the rule of law and creates unfair competition. Today’s verdict reaffirms the Criminal Division’s commitment to combatting foreign corruption that violates U.S. law.”

    “Bribery and money laundering are well-established federal crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut. “This conviction serves as another warning to anyone involved in the financial industry who seeks to gain an unfair advantage and illegally profit, both here in the U.S. and abroad. This office and our law enforcement partners will continue to keep a watchful eye to ensure that representatives from U.S. businesses operating overseas comply with our nation’s laws.”

    “Individuals and companies who collude to thwart free market competition through bribery ultimately erode public trust in the marketplace,” said Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “Today’s conviction demonstrates the commitment of the FBI and our partners to investigate anti-competitive behavior and hold accountable those who try to cheat the system for their own benefit and profit.”

    The trial evidence showed that, between 2010 and 2018, Oztemel worked as a senior oil and gas trader — first at Arcadia and then at Freepoint. With the assistance of others, Oztemel paid and caused the payment of bribes to Petrobras officials for their assistance in helping Arcadia and Freepoint to obtain and retain fuel oil contracts with Petrobras and by providing Oztemel and others with confidential information regarding Petrobras’ fuel oil business. Oztemel and his co-conspirators caused Arcadia and Freepoint to make corrupt payments — disguised as purported consulting fees and commissions — to a third party intermediary and agent, Eduardo Innecco, 74, knowing that Innecco would pay a portion of those funds to Brazilian officials, including to Houston-based Petrobras trader Rodrigo Berkowitz.

    To conceal the scheme, Oztemel, Innecco, and their co-conspirators used coded language like “breakfast” and “freight deviation” to refer to the bribes and communicated using personal email accounts, encrypted messaging applications, disposable phones, and fictitious names like “Spencer Kazisnaf” and “Nikita Maksimov.” In total, Oztemel paid more than $1,000,000 in bribes, which were split between Berkowitz and other Petrobras officials in Brazil. The bribe money moved from the trading companies to shell companies around the world controlled by Innecco, who then made payments to a bank account in Uruguay controlled by Berkowitz’s father.

    The jury convicted Oztemel of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), conspiracy to commit money laundering, three counts of violating the FCPA, and two counts of money laundering. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each of the FCPA and conspiracy to violate the FCPA counts, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the money laundering and money laundering conspiracy counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Charges against Oztemel and Innecco were unsealed on Feb. 17, 2023. In a superseding indictment returned on Aug. 29, 2023, both were charged alongside Oztemel’s brother, Gary Oztemel. Gary Oztemel pleaded guilty to money laundering on June 24. In May 2023, Innecco was arrested in France and his extradition to the United States is pending. An indictment is merely an allegation, and Innecco is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    In a related matter, in December 2023, Freepoint admitted to bribing officials in Brazil in violation of the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA. Freepoint entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut. As a part of the resolution, Freepoint agreed to pay more than $98 million in criminal penalties and forfeiture.

    The FBI Los Angeles Field Office’s International Corruption Squad investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and authorities in Brazil, Latvia, Switzerland, and Uruguay provided assistance with the investigation.

    Trial Attorneys Allison McGuire and Clayton P. Solomon and Assistant Chief Jonathan P. Robell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McGarry for the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case.

    The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA and Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA) matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA and FEPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Federal Council approves signing of border rectification agreement with Italy

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    Federal Council

    Bern, 27.09.2024 – At its meeting on 27 September 2024, the Federal Council approved the signing of the agreement on the rectification of the border between Switzerland and Italy.

    In the high mountains, significant sections of the Italian-Swiss border are determined by the watershed represented by the crest line of glaciers, snowfields and eternal snow. However, with the melting of the glaciers, these natural elements evolve and redefine the national border when it is defined dynamically.

    Proposal of the Joint Commission for the maintenance of the Italian-Swiss border

    Faced with the mutual desire of Switzerland and Italy to rectify the border in the region of Tête Grise / Plateau Rosa, Cabane Carrel and Dos de Rollin, the joint commission for the maintenance of the Italian-Swiss border agreed, in May 2023, on a draft agreement on the rectification of the border between the two countries, in accordance with the economic interests of both parties.

    Approval of the agreement

    Since this is a minor border rectification within the meaning of Art. 24, para. 1 of the Geoinformation Act, the Federal Council is authorised to conclude this agreement alone. It has therefore approved the signing of the agreement between Switzerland and Italy on border rectification.

    The process for the approval of the signing of the agreement is underway in Italy. After signature by both parties, the agreement will be published and the rectification will be implemented.

    Address for sending questions

    Communication and Web Department 41 58 465 62 85infokmk@swisstopo.ch

    Author

    Federal Councilhttps://www.admin.ch/gov/fr/accueil.html

    Social sharing

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Emerging Global Church Chairman continues to deliver lectures on “Testimony of the Fulfilment of Revelation” – NewzEngine.com

    Source: NewzEngine.com

    On October 25th Lee Man-Hee, the Chairman of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, conducted internationally broadcasted seminar in regards to the “Testimony of the Fulfilment of Revelation” in Masan, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea.

    With over 16,000 participants including 100 pastors and numerous journalists in attendance, this publicized event hosted at Masan Church was held in response to the surprisingly growing public interest towards the doctrines and teachings of the once enigmatic church.

    These seminars were previously held in the regions of Ulsan and Busan in early January this year to similar fanfare.

    Since last month, Shincheonji has reported to have received support in the form of signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from 727 domestic churches in South Korea while internationally it has gained MOU’s from as much as 13,053 churches across 84 countries.

    The church also announced that up to 1671 churches across 43 countries have modified their church signboards to Shincheonji.

    With its continuous support, Shincheonji announced that it will continue to hold and promote said seminars throughout the year in effort to expand it’s influence to the world.

    – Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Make sure your home is fire safe this daylight saving weekend

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    This daylight saving weekend, Fire and Emergency New Zealand is reminding everyone to clean and check their smoke alarms and ensure they have a three-step escape plan in place.
    Tom Ronaldson, Community Education and Behaviour Change Manager, says, “just push the button on each of your smoke alarms. If you hear the beep, you know they are ready to protect you and your household.
    “A fire can be fatal within three minutes and when you are sleeping you can’t smell smoke. Working smoke alarms are the most important way to prepare for the possibility of a fire,” he says.
    “Having working smoke alarms in every bedroom, living area and hallway to alert all members of the household as early as possible, is the critical first step in escaping a house on fire.
    “Fire and Emergency recommends long-life interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms where possible. If a fire is detected in one room of the house, interconnected alarms will trigger all the alarms in your home, so everyone will be alerted to a fire sooner.
    “Lastly, now is the perfect time to give your smoke alarms a spring clean. You can do this by giving them a quick vacuum or dust.”
    Fire and Emergency is also encouraging everyone to take a few minutes this weekend to make sure they have a three-step escape plan in place.
    “Your escape plan should include at least two clear paths out of each area and a safe meeting place away from the house for your household to meet,” says Tom Ronaldson.
    Tips for keeping your smoke alarms maintained
    • Once a month press the test button to sound the alarm
    • If your smoke alarm is beeping periodically, it typically means you need to change the battery or replace your alarm. Fire and Emergency New Zealand recommends long-life photoelectric smoke alarms.
    • Clean your smoke alarms with a vacuum cleaner every six months, as dust build up can cause false alarms.
    • Check the expiry date, usually located on the bottom or side of the alarm. If there’s no expiry date, it’s best to replace the alarm.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stop smoking for Stoptober and you’re five times more likely to quit 27 September 2024 Stoptober

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    The Isle of Wight Council is encouraging Islanders who smoke to take part in Stoptober, this October.

    Stoptober is back for 2024 and we are calling on people who smoke, across the Island, to join 2.5 million other people across England who have made a quit attempt with the campaign previously.

    Simon Bryant, the Island’s director of Public Health, said: “Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health and it’s never too late to quit. When you stop smoking, there are almost immediate improvements to your health. If you quit smoking for a month, you’re five times more likely to quit for good.’’

    I would encourage anyone looking at giving up smoking to get involved during Stoptober and be part of the opportunity. It is never too late to stop smoking and Smokefree Island will offer support to quit throughout the year. When you stop smoking good things start to happen.’’

    Quitting smoking has many benefits, breathing easier, moving about more freely, and having more money to spend. Stoptober offers free tools to help you quit, including the NHS Quit Smoking app, daily email support, Facebook groups, information about quitting smoking with a vape and expert support from local stop smoking services such as Smokefree Island or search ‘Stoptober’.

    For more information about the stop smoking services available across the Island, visit Smokefree Island, text QUIT to 66777, call 01983 642369, or email smokefree.island@nhs.net.

    Smoking causes 64,000 deaths a year, making it the biggest cause of preventable illness and death.

    You are not alone in your stop smoking journey to a better quality of life. Every year, around 1000 Isle of Wight residents set a quit date.

    Join Stoptober! Boost your chances of quitting smoking for good!

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Blood donation: free of charge and no discrimination to be included in the law from 2025

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    Federal Council

    Bern, 27.09.2024 – In Switzerland, it is forbidden to pay for blood donations, and every person must have the right to donate: these are the rules laid down in the Constitution. Parliament has decided to enshrine these principles in law through an amendment. At its meeting on 27 September 2024, the Federal Council decided to bring the corresponding provisions into force in the Therapeutic Products Act on 1 January 2025.

    The amendment to the Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) provides that blood donations are not remunerated in Switzerland. The principle of free donation already applies today, in accordance with the Federal Constitution, to human organs, tissues and cells and prohibits the guarantee or acceptance of any advantage in exchange for a blood donation. It is also not permitted to import blood or labile blood products for transfusion purposes if such advantages have been guaranteed or accepted. This amendment thus anchors this constitutional principle in the TPA.

    The same applies to the ban on discrimination in blood donation, which is now included in the LPTh. No one may be excluded from donating blood because of, for example, their sexual orientation. The new legal provisions will come into force on 1 January 2025.

    By amending the law, the Federal Council is implementing parliamentary initiative 16.504 “Guaranteed blood supply and free blood donation”. In the final vote on 29 September 2023, Parliament unanimously adopted the bill drawn up by the National Council’s Committee on Social Security and Public Health (CSSS-N). The referendum period expired on 18 January 2024 without having been used.

    Address for sending questions

    Federal Office of Public Health, Media and Communication, 41 58 462 95 05, media@bag.admin.ch

    Author

    Federal Councilhttps://www.admin.ch/gov/fr/accueil.html

    Social sharing

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Olympic Games and other major events: participation in the process

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    Federal Council

    Bern, 27.09.2024 – In Switzerland, we have the legal basis and the necessary instruments to enable the population to participate in the planning and organisation of the Olympic Games and other major events. This is the conclusion of the report drawn up in response to the postulate of the Committee for Science, Education and Culture NC (21.3022) “Olympic Games and other major events. Participation in the process”. The Federal Council approved the report in question at its meeting on 27 September 2024.

    The Swiss population has sufficient opportunities to participate in the planning and organisation of the Olympic Games and other major events. There is therefore no need to adapt the existing legal framework to ensure greater involvement of the population and Parliament. This is the conclusion reached by the Federal Council in its report in response to the postulate of the Committee on Science, Education and Culture CN (21.3022) “Olympic Games and other major events. Participation in the process”. The report in question concerns the participation of the population and Parliament in the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games only. However, the conclusions reached can also be applied to other major events that are not necessarily in the sporting sphere.

    Decisive involvement of the local population

    The challenge of planning and organising the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games is primarily faced by the host regions and localities in Switzerland. It is therefore very important that the local and regional population can be involved in the process.

    All cantons already have an effective instrument in place with the financial referendum, which allows the population to express their views. Other tools (such as the consultative vote) ensure the participation of those directly affected in the municipalities and regions.

    Sufficiently solid existing legal bases

    At the level of the Confederation, the Federal Assembly makes decisions on expenditure. It is not possible to launch a financial referendum here. However, Parliament could, by means of a decision of principle or planning decision (Art. 28 of the Parliament Act), define general conditions – for example concerning financing, sustainability objectives, etc. – that would have to be taken into account in the future when planning and organising Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Switzerland. If Parliament also validates the scope of such a decision, it would then be subject to an optional referendum.

    All other essential conditions are already regulated in the existing legal bases, which also apply to the support and organisation of the Olympic Games. The Federal Council therefore concludes in its report that there is no need to establish new legal bases.

    Address for sending questions

    Communication OFSPO 41 58 467 61 33info@baspo.admin.ch

    Author

    Federal Councilhttps://www.admin.ch/gov/fr/accueil.html

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Federal Council approves signing of three draft agreements on rectification of border with France

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    Federal Council

    Bern, 27.09.2024 – At its meeting on 27 September 2024, the Federal Council approved the signing of three draft agreements on the rectification of the border between Switzerland and France.

    The canton of Geneva has a common border with France that is 103 kilometres long, 50 of which are located in the middle of waterways. The planning of renaturation works on the Hermance and of renaturation and containment works on the Foron make certain adaptations to the border line necessary. Furthermore, certain developments, such as the laying of tracks for a new cross-border tramway line between the Swiss commune of Perly-Certoux and the French commune of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, involve a border rectification on the communes of Perly-Certoux and Bardonnex.

    Proposal of the Joint Franco-Swiss Commission for the Demarcation and Maintenance of the Border

    The Joint Franco-Swiss Commission for the Demarcation and Maintenance of the National Border has drawn up three draft agreements to rectify these three sectors of the national border. In accordance with the principle of surface area compensation, public international law provides for the possibility of an exchange of territory of equivalent surface area in the event of a border modification.

    Approval of conventions

    Since these are minor border rectifications within the meaning of Art. 24, para. 1, of the Geoinformation Act, the Federal Council is authorised to conclude these agreements alone. It approved the signing of the three border rectifications between Switzerland and France proposed by the Joint Committee.

    The process for approval of the signing of the agreements is underway in France. After signature by both parties, the agreements will be published and the corrections will be implemented.

    Address for sending questions

    Communication and Web Department 41 58 465 62 85infokmk@swisstopo.ch

    Author

    Federal Councilhttps://www.admin.ch/gov/fr/accueil.html

    Social sharing

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Federal Council approves signing of three draft agreements on border rectification with France

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    Federal Council

    Bern, 27.09.2024 – At its meeting on 27 September 2024, the Federal Council approved the signing of three draft agreements on the rectification of the border between Switzerland and France.

    The canton of Geneva has a common border with France that is 103 kilometres long, 50 of which are located in the middle of waterways. The planning of renaturation works on the Hermance and of renaturation and containment works on the Foron make certain adaptations to the border line necessary. Furthermore, certain developments, such as the laying of tracks for a new cross-border tramway line between the Swiss commune of Perly-Certoux and the French commune of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, involve a border rectification on the communes of Perly-Certoux and Bardonnex.

    Proposal of the Joint Franco-Swiss Commission for the Demarcation and Maintenance of the Border

    The Joint Franco-Swiss Commission for the Demarcation and Maintenance of the National Border has drawn up three draft agreements to rectify these three sectors of the national border. In accordance with the principle of surface area compensation, public international law provides for the possibility of an exchange of territory of equivalent surface area in the event of a border modification.

    Approval of conventions

    Since these are minor border rectifications within the meaning of Art. 24, para. 1, of the Geoinformation Act, the Federal Council is authorised to conclude these agreements alone. It approved the signing of the three border rectifications between Switzerland and France proposed by the Joint Committee.

    The process for approval of the signing of the agreements is underway in France. After signature by both parties, the agreements will be published and the corrections will be implemented.

    Address for sending questions

    Communication and Web Department 41 58 465 62 85infokmk@swisstopo.ch

    Author

    Federal Councilhttps://www.admin.ch/gov/fr/accueil.html

    Social sharing

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Conversation Writers Prize, in partnership with The Curtis Brown Group and Faber

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jo Adetunji, Editor

    The Conversation

    Are you an academic keen to develop a writing career? Do you have a book idea that has the potential to be a nonfiction bestseller?

    The Conversation Insights, in partnership with talent agency The Curtis Brown Group and book publisher Faber, is looking for the best longform article and nonfiction book idea aimed at a general audience from our community of academics.

    If you are an expert in your field who wants to develop your writing career for a wider audience, enter your 2,000-word story for a chance to win £1,000, online publication of your article on The Conversation’s website, and mentorship for developing a nonfiction book from a literary agent from Curtis Brown and a Faber book editor.

    As part of your submission, we’d also like you to include an idea for a trade nonfiction book on your article subject. Please pitch your proposed book idea in 350 words or less and explain why you’re the right person to write this book.

    Submissions should be in the following areas: History, Arts + Culture, Business + Economy, Education, Environment, Health, Politics + Society, Science + Technology or World.

    To enter, please email your 2,000-word article, plus the following information, to writersprize@theconversation.com:

    Name

    Institution

    Country

    Email

    Telephone no.

    Your book idea [max 350 words]
    Please provide a brief summary of a trade nonfiction book idea based on your article. Tell us why this topic deserves a deeper dive and why it would appeal to an audience of non-academic readers.

    About you [max 100 words]
    Tell us a little about you – your current role, your area of expertise and any relevant research to your book idea. Why would you be the right author for this book?

    Please disclose any conflicts of interest that should be mentioned in relation to your article or book idea.

    Terms & Conditions[Pdf] – please read carefully.

    You can read more about what we’re looking for here [Pdf].

    – ref. The Conversation Writers Prize, in partnership with The Curtis Brown Group and Faber – https://theconversation.com/the-conversation-writers-prize-in-partnership-with-the-curtis-brown-group-and-faber-238806

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Police rescue kidnap victims

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Friday, September 27, 2024

    Police have rescued two victims, believed to be victims of alleged kidnapping. 

    The victims were reportedly released by their kidnappers due to the pressure exerted upon the suspects by the police. This was as a result of an intelligence-driven operation consisting of the Cash-In-Transit Interim Team of the Hawks, Tactical Response Team (TRT),  Crime Intelligence (CI), Provincial Tracing Team and Hostage Negotiators. The victims were held hostage and released after eight days.

    It alleged that a 39-year-old victim was accosted by unidentified suspects whilst she was driving a Toyota Fortuner, travelling to Umngazi Resort, Port St John’s, on 20 September 2024. 

    In another incident, a 34-year-old victim was also accosted by unidentified suspects on 17 September 2024 between Barkley East and Elliot.

    The investigations by the joint team ensued, where the police were working around the clock. 

    As a result, the victims were allegedly dropped off by a white Toyota single cab bakkie nearby Sulenkama Police Station. Both victims were released unharmed but were traumatised and were taken to a health care facility for medical assistance. The investigations are still underway.

    The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, applauded the joint team for making sure that the victims were released unharmed and reunited with their families. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Woman sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for illegally importing and cruelty to endangered turtles (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         A 45-year-old Chinese woman who smuggled 64 endangered turtles into Hong Kong was convicted and sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment today (September 27) for violating the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169).

         On January 27, Customs officers intercepted a Chinese female passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Tokyo at Hong Kong International Airport. Upon inspection, 64 turtles were found in her suitcase. Thirty-seven turtles were wrapped in socks and the remaining 27 were packed into two small plastic boxes. An officer of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) attended the scene and confirmed that all turtles (including 61 box turtles (Terrapene spp.) and three spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata)) were Appendix II species listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and are regulated locally under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. The woman was arrested at the scene.

         Charges were laid against the woman for breaching the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance for illegally importing species listed under Appendix II of the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance and animal cruelty. She pleaded guilty and was convicted today at the District Court, which meted out a sentence of a total of 18 months behind bars.

         According to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.

         Also, according to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, any person who, by wantonly or unreasonably doing or omitting to do any act, causes any unnecessary suffering to any animal commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.

         A spokesman for the AFCD stressed, “The Government is committed to protecting endangered species and safeguarding animal welfare. The AFCD will remain vigilant and continue to monitor and combat illegal activities involving endangered species and animal cruelty.”

         Members of the public may call 1823 to report any suspected irregularities to the AFCD and visit the AFCD website: www.cites.hk regarding the control of endangered species in Hong Kong.      

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKMA Quarterly Bulletin and Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report (September 2024 Issue)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKMA Quarterly Bulletin and Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report (September 2024 Issue)
    HKMA Quarterly Bulletin and Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report (September 2024 Issue)
    ******************************************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (September 27) published the September 2024 issue of its Quarterly Bulletin and Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report.           The Quarterly Bulletin carries a feature article entitled “Regulatory Regime for Stablecoin Issuers in Hong Kong”. The Half-Yearly Report provides detailed analyses of the global and local economy, as well as the monetary and financial conditions in Hong Kong. It also examines the recent performance and risks of the local banking sector.            The Quarterly Bulletin and the Half-Yearly Report can be viewed on and downloaded from the HKMA website. 

     
    Ends/Friday, September 27, 2024Issued at HKT 16:50

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tax Reform – Petition Calls for Capital Gains Tax

    Source: Tax Justice Aotearoa

    27 September 2024 – A petition has been launched today calling on the leaders of all our political parties to consider a capital gains tax in Aotearoa.

    Tax Justice Aotearoa’s petition seeks to level the playing field of the current tax system and highlights the urgent need for more revenue to fund essential services and infrastructure.

    “Our tax system is way out of balance and a capital gains tax (CGT) is a good first step that would help level the playing field between wage earners and those who mainly earn their money through investments,” says Tax Justice Aotearoa chair Glenn Barclay.

    “There has been growing support for a capital gains tax from a range of individuals and organisations in the media in recent weeks and it is timely to give the public of New Zealand the opportunity to express their support too.

    “The additional revenue raised could be used to fund vital services such as education, healthcare and infrastructure and to help address climate change, leading to a better quality of life for all New Zealanders.”

    ActionStation is hosting the petition and Director Kassie Hartendorp agrees it’s time to make capitalgains tax a reality.

    “Just over 72% of the members we talked to support a capital gains tax – including 18% of those people who would benefit from that tax and yet still thought it would have a positive impact.

    “Our country is ready to join many others around the world, and just make it happen.”

    It’s a kaupapa shared across a range of advocacy groups including Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG).

    “We welcome a discussion on capital gains tax, especially this week when the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction rejected a $3 billion proposal from officials that would have kept us on track to achieving the goal of halving child poverty by 2028,” says CPAG Executive Officer Sarita Divis.

    “This is at the same time the government is giving tax cuts of $2.9 billion for landlords, allowing them to deduct interest as an expense and receive tax free capital gains on sales of their houses.  

    “Taxes allow us to do the things we want to do as a nation, like ending child poverty,” Sarita Divis says.

    New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) also backed the petition.

    “Fairer taxes would support appropriate levels of health funding and better patient outcomes by enabling safe levels of health care professional to patient ratios,” says Anne Daniels, President of the NZ Nurses Organisation.

    Another organisation supporting the petition was the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.

    “The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi strongly believes that our current tax system isn’t fit for purpose and isn’t delivering the outcomes New Zealanders deserve,” says Craig Renney, NZCTU Economist and Director of Policy.

    “Workers pay tax on every dollar earned, while those who make huge capital gains pay nothing at all.

    “Levelling the playing field through a well-designed CGT would benefit workers, the economy, and the housing market while delivering revenue to invest in underfunded public services.

    “There is a reason why so many other countries have a CGT and continue to do better than Aotearoa,” Craig Renney says.

    It was a message shared by the Public Service Association (PSA).

    “The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi believes we need a fairer tax system that helps properly fund public and community services, so that they are there when we need them,” says Kerry Davies, PSA’s national secretary.

    “A capital gains tax should be part of a fair tax system that generates the revenue the Government needs to do its job of looking after all New Zealanders.”  

    Tax Justice Aotearoa calls on all New Zealanders to sign and share the petition to show their support for a fairer and more equitable tax system:

    https://our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/it-s-time-for-a-capital-gains-tax

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: APOSTOLIC JOURNEY – Pope in Luxembourg: “What drives us to mission is the joy of encountering Christ”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 26 September 2024

    Vatican Media

    Luxembourg (Agenzia Fides) – Service, mission, joy. These three words are the focus of the second and final speech delivered by Pope Francis in Luxembourg, the first stop on this Apostolic Journey to the heart of Europe, the 46th foreign trip for the Argentine Pope.In the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture dating back to the 17th century, the Bishop of Rome, echoing the words of the young people present, recalled that “the Church of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve”, because “the spirit of the Gospel is a spirit of welcoming, of openness to everyone; it does not admit any kind of exclusion”.On the subject of mission, Pope Francis repeated the words of Cardinal Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich, who, when welcoming the Pope in the Cathedral, had spoken of the “evolution of the Church in Luxembourg in a secularized society”. “I like this expression,” said the Pope, “The Church, within a secularized society needs to evolve, mature and grow”. “It cannot close itself off in sadness, resignation or resentment. On the contrary, it must accept the challenge while remaining faithful to the its perennial values, going beyond an approach of simple pastoral care to one of missionary proclamation,” he stressed.In this context, the Pope said: “What drives us to be missionaries is not the need to meet quotas or to proselytise, but rather our desire to make known to as many brothers and sisters as possible the joy of encountering Christ”. And he quoted Pope Benedict XVI: “Remember what Pope Benedict said: ‘The Church does not grow by proselytism but by attraction’.“Thus, as we overcome difficulties, the living power of the Holy Spirit is at work within us! Love moves us to proclaim the Gospel, which opens us to others. Accepting the challenge of this proclamation allows us to grow as a community,” Pope Francis continued.Referring to Saint Gregory the Great, the Pope moved on to the theme of joy: “This is what our faith is like: full of joy, it is a “dance”, because we know that we are children of a God who is our friend, who wants us to be happy and united, who rejoices above all in our salvation.”And finally, the Pope recalled a “beautiful tradition” in Luxembourg, namely the procession “which takes place in Echternach at Pentecost. This procession commemorates the tireless missionary efforts of Saint Willibrord, who evangelized these lands. The entire city pours out onto the streets and dances through the city squares, accompanied by the many pilgrims and visitors who join you. Moreover, the procession becomes a great unified dance.””The mission the Lord entrusts to us is beautiful. Let us console and serve, following Mary’s example and with her help,” concluded the Pope. Before arriving at the airport to fly to Belgium, he inaugurated the Marian Jubilee on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the veneration of Mary in Luxembourg under the title “Consoler of the Afflicted.” Francis then paid homage to the statue of Our Lady with the golden rose. And in the meantime, the time has come to say goodbye: the plane to Brussels awaits him. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 26/9/2024)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Judicial integrity and transparency in focus at regional conference on strengthening judicial responses to organized crime and corruption

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

    Headline: Judicial integrity and transparency in focus at regional conference on strengthening judicial responses to organized crime and corruption

    Judicial integrity and transparency in focus at regional conference on strengthening judicial responses to organized crime and corruption | OSCE
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    Home Newsroom News and press releases Judicial integrity and transparency in focus at regional conference on strengthening judicial responses to organized crime and corruption

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shigeru Ishiba elected Japan’s ruling party leader

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Shigeru Ishiba casts his ballot at Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) leadership election in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba won Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election on Friday, virtually ensuring that he will become the country’s next prime minister.

    The 67-year-old lawmaker, in his fifth attempt to lead the party, was elected as the new LDP president by securing 215 votes in a runoff to defeat his female contender Sanae Takaichi, who received 194 votes.

    As the LDP-led coalition constitutes a majority in both chambers of the parliament in Japan, the new party president is almost certain to be elected prime minister in the extraordinary Diet session scheduled to be held on Oct. 1, succeeding the incumbent Fumio Kishida, who is not seeking re-election due to mounting criticism over the LDP slush fund scandal.

    LDP parliamentarians cast 367 votes in the first round of voting, while another 368 votes were allotted to rank-and-file members. Ishiba, winning 154 votes, entered the runoff vote round with Takaichi who took the lead at 181 votes.

    In the runoff voting, the LDP lawmakers cast the same number of votes, but the rank-and-file members’ votes were reduced to one for each of the LDP’s 47 prefectural chapters.

    Shigeru won the final race with advantages in the votes from both LDP parliamentarians and local chapters.

    43-year-old Shinjiro Koizumi, who is former environment minister and son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, lost out in the nine-candidate race in the first round of voting earlier in the afternoon.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Holiday travel to see around 2B cross-regional trips

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China is poised to experience an estimated 1.94 billion cross-regional trips during the upcoming week-long National Day holiday, starting Tuesday, Li Yang, vice-minister for transport, said in Beijing on Friday.
    This translates to an average of 277 million daily trips, reflecting a 0.7 percent increase from last year and a significant 19.4 percent rise compared to 2019.
    Notably, around 80 percent of these journeys will be made via self-driving vehicles, amounting to about 1.53 billion road trips. The remaining 20 percent will utilize commercial public transportation options, including trains, planes, and ferries.
    Family travel is expected to dominate domestic tourism, with inter-provincial trips becoming increasingly common. Anticipated popular destinations include major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, as well as Chongqing and the provinces of Shanxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Sichuan. In terms of international travel, neighboring Southeast Asian countries are forecast to attract a significant number of travelers.
    As the holiday approaches, Li emphasized that the transportation sector is prepared to meet the anticipated challenges, aiming to fulfill traveler expectations and government mandates. Preparations are already underway to implement effective travel support plans designed to enhance safety and convenience for all holiday travelers.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Phase II project of China’s self-developed deepwater gas field starts operation

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The phase II project of China’s first independently-developed ultra-deepwater gas field Shenhai Yihao, or Deep Sea No. 1, became operational on Friday in waters southeast of Hainan, China’s southernmost island province.
    The operation of this project marks that China’s capacity to develop oil and gas resources under complex conditions ranks among the top in the world, said the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), its operator, on Friday.
    The phase II project, with a proven reserve of over 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas, has a peak annual natural gas output of more than 1.5 billion cubic meters.
    The project includes 12 deepwater gas wells, a comprehensive processing platform weighing over 14,000 tonnes and five submarine pipelines with a total length of about 250 km, among other facilities.
    Upon full operation of the project, the peak annual natural gas output of Deep Sea No. 1 is expected to increase from 3 billion cubic meters to 4.5 billion cubic meters, becoming an important source of gas supply and helping to ensure China’s energy security, according to the CNOOC.
    Jiang Ping, general manager of the CNOOC’s Hainan branch, said that the development and construction of the phase II project had lasted for nine years. During this process, its builders faced various challenges, such as high temperatures and high pressure, and managed to achieve several key technological breakthroughs.
    Deep Sea No. 1, located 150 km from the city of Sanya in south China’s island province of Hainan, is able to operate at a maximum depth of over 1,500 meters in the sea. It began operation in June 2021.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: NPA scores Steinhoff victory

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured its first conviction, sentence and confiscation order related to the Steinhoff case.

    This after the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria sentenced former Steinhoff physician, Dr Gerhardus Burger, to some five years imprisonment – wholly suspended for five years, if he is not found guilty of contravention of section 78(2) of the Financial Markets Act within that period.

    According to the NPA spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, Burger also has to “testify in the criminal proceedings against his accomplices”.

    “The court also issued a confiscation order for €90,000 which is about R1.8 million seized by Swiss authorities after the collapse of Steinhoff. This is after Dr Burger pleaded guilty to three counts of insider trading and was convicted as such when he appeared in court.

    “The Steinhoff case, one of the biggest cases of corporate fraud in the history of South Africa, has been one of the most complex commercial crime cases that the [Hawks] and the NPA have had to deal with. 

    “At a point when a significant breakthrough was made to enrol the case earlier this year, the main accused, ex-CEO of Steinhoff, Markus Jooste, took his life on the eve of his arrest, thus escaping the hands of justice when it mattered the most,” she said.

    The spokesperson explained that just before the Steinhoff collapse, the late CEO sent Dr Burger who accompanied Steinhoff directors on overseas trips to look after their health, a text advising him to sell his Steinhoff shares.

    “Burger thereafter sold all the Steinhoff shares held under the Dieter Burger and Lane Burger Trusts where his children are beneficiaries. He also sold 39,722 Steinhoff shares held at Stefana Overseas Ltd, where Dr Burger was also the beneficiary, on the Swiss stock exchange.

    “Shortly after the sale of the shares, Steinhoff shares plummeted and became almost worthless. At that point the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) instituted investigations where Dr Burger was convicted and found guilty of insider trading for the same transactions and paid a penalty of R3 million to FSCA. FSCA then referred the matter to the NPA for criminal prosecution.

    “The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the conviction and sentence. It is important for the public to understand that criminal prosecutions require patience, preparation, and a certain measure of certainty,” Mahanjana said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The rule of law in Cyprus and the case of Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides – P-001794/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001794/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Fidias Panayiotou (NI)

    In its capacity as guardian of the EU Treaties, we inform the Commission about the particular case of former Auditor General of Cyprus, Odysseas Michaelides, who was removed from his position by the Supreme Constitutional Court.

    Considering that the Audit Office is a key institution in matters related to the use of public funds and that it conducts independent external audits of the executive authority, there are serious concerns that Odysseas Michaelides was removed because of his well-known anti-corruption activities.

    In this context:

    Will the Commission launch an official investigation into possible breaches of the rule of law in Cyprus with regard to the situation of former Auditor General, Odysseas Michaelides, and if justified, will the Commission propose an infringement procedure?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    Last updated: 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Closed migrant detention centres in the EU – P-001784/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001784/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE)

    The uncontrolled influx of illegal migrants represents a serious threat to the EU’s security, social cohesion and economic stability. As Europe’s bulwark, Greece suffers a disproportionate burden as a result of the mass migratory flows, which undermine national sovereignty and drain the country’s resources. The immediate adoption of strict measures, such as closed detention centres, is an urgent step in preventing illegal entry and protecting European borders and values.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Are closed migrant detention centres permitted to operate in the EU, including in Greece? If so, subject to which conditions?
    • 2.How does the Commission view the impact of closed detention centres on the management of migrant flows and the prevention of illegal entry into the EU?
    • 3.Are there EU funds available to finance such establishments in Greece and other Member States? If so, how much funding is available and what are the conditions for its provision?

    Submitted: 23.9.2024

    Last updated: 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak met with the Executive Vice President, Vice President for Economy, Minister of People’s Power for Oil of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Alexander Novak met with the Executive Vice President, Vice President for Economy, Minister of People’s Power for Oil of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez

    September 27, 2024

    Alexander Novak met with the Executive Vice President, Vice President for Economy, Minister of People’s Power for Oil of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez

    September 27, 2024

    Alexander Novak met with the Executive Vice President, Vice President for Economy, Minister of People’s Power for Oil of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez

    September 27, 2024

    Delcy Rodriguez, Executive Vice President, Vice President for Economy, Minister of People’s Power for Oil of Venezuela, in a meeting with Alexander Novak

    September 27, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Alexander Novak met with the Executive Vice President, Vice President for Economy, Minister of People’s Power for Oil of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez

    Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak held a meeting with the Executive Vice President, Vice President for Economy, and Minister of People’s Power for Oil of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez on the sidelines of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”.

    “Venezuela remains a reliable partner and ally of Russia in Latin America and in the world as a whole. The strategic nature of our relations is based on a mutual desire to build a more just polycentric world order, coincidence of positions on most issues on the global agenda, mutually beneficial cooperation in the trade and economic, credit and financial, investment, cultural and humanitarian spheres,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

    The parties discussed cooperation in the oil and gas sectors, including coordination of positions within the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and OPEC, terms of equipment supply for industrial projects in the Venezuelan fuel and energy complex, as well as prospects for implementing joint projects in the non-energy applications of nuclear technologies to solve problems in medicine, agriculture, education and industry as part of expanding cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The meeting participants touched upon the topic of promoting trade with settlements in national currencies and issues of financial and credit relations.

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the positive trend in bilateral trade, the volume of which has grown by almost 50% over the past six years. In January-July of this year, Russian-Venezuelan trade turnover increased by 80% compared to the same period last year. The volume of tourist flow from Russia to Margarita Island also increased over this period to 12 thousand people.

    Alexander Novak invited a delegation from Venezuela to participate as guests of honor in the International Export Forum “Made in Russia”, which will be held on October 14, 2024 in Moscow.

    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/52815/

    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 United Kingdom: Preston’s Faith Communities come together at Town Hall

    Source: City of Preston

    27 September 2024

    Meetings took place at the Town Hall and Quwwatul Islam yesterday where Muslim and Jewish members of Preston communities met to talk about their personal experiences relating to the conflict in the Middle East, struggles and concerns in their respective communities and across Preston, and listen to each other’s point of view.

    The town hall meeting was well attended by Councillors and Cabinet members, with good representation from across political parties.

    Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council said:

    We are pleased with the interfaith dialogue and the honest and open discussions that have taken place across our different communities today, and welcome any future interactions that strengthen our multicultural and multifaith relationships and community cohesion. We look forward to continuing the dialogue with different groups in the future, as well as an upcoming meeting with leading members of the Muslim community. We hope that it is insightful and as educational as it has been today.”

    Mark Levy, Jewish Leadership Council, said:

    It was a pleasure to visit Quwwatul Islam Mosque and Preston City Council.  We held frank and open discussions with community members and councillors about the conflict in the Middle East and the effect on community cohesion. We are grateful to the council for facilitating these discussions and look forward to working together to maintain open channels of communication between communities.”

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The second summit of Slavic universities took place at the Polytechnic University

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On September 26, the Polytechnic University hosted the second summit of Slavic universities “Slavic Horizon-2024”. The event was organized by the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

    The summit was attended by delegations from four Slavic universities: Russian-Armenian, Belarusian-Russian, Kyrgyz-Russian and Russian-Tajik, as well as representatives of Russian universities involved in the project.

    The plenary session was opened by the Vice-Rector for Educational Activities of SPbPU Lyudmila Pankova: It was not for nothing that we called the event a discussion platform, we discuss all aspects of education – from teaching methods to interaction with employers. Collaboration with the second summit of Slavic universities “Slavic Horizon-2024” will allow us to expand the boundaries and transfer the best educational practices.

    Dean of the Physics and Technology Faculty of Tomsk State University Yulia Ryzhikh presented in her report a new image of the higher education system using the TSU case as an example.

    Today, the system of higher education in the Russian Federation is undergoing significant changes. And it is very important to understand in what context we should build further cooperation in order to ensure the quality of the educational process, – emphasized Yulia Nikolaevna.

    Svetlana Barabantseva, Head of the Department for Working with Young Talents at Severstal, and Zoya Makarovskaya, Chairperson of the Union of Higher Education Methodologists, also spoke.

    Vice-Rector for International Affairs of SPbPU Dmitry Arsenyev opened the topic of the global presence of Russian education in the world space and presented in his report the approaches and tools that the Polytechnic University is implementing.

    At the session “Expanding the Russian Presence in the Global World,” colleagues from Slavic universities spoke about their experience of educational cooperation with Russian universities.

    We have been meeting for the second year at the Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University, which is our strategic partner in the development of educational, scientific and educational processes. The presence of such a platform gives us the opportunity to communicate with the management of other Russian universities, with the administration and our curators from the Polytechnic University, to develop common points of view, to form platforms and, in general, a common view on the development of Slavic universities, – believes Natalia Vologina, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at BRU.

    Vice-Rector for International and Scientific-Innovative Activities of KRSU Viktor Denisenko noted the steps towards modernization in the educational process that were taken with the participation of the Polytechnic this year.

    Director of the Center for Social and Cultural Adaptation and Intercultural Communication of the Russian Language Institute of RUDN University Maria Alimova spoke about joint work in the field of support and promotion of the Russian language with Slavic universities, events and programs being implemented.

    Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of RAU Marina Khachatryan shared her experience in implementing educational programs with Russian universities, including the Polytechnic University.

    The international experience of educational cooperation was presented by the consortium “Russian-African Network University” represented by the Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department of SPbPU and Secretary of RAFU Alla Mazina.

    At the summit, SPbPU and KRSU signed an agreement on nine network educational programs in the following areas: infocommunication technologies and communication systems, electronics and nanoelectronics, instrument making, electric power engineering, mechanics, architectural environment design, software engineering, construction, and technosphere safety.

    The main thing in the “Slavic Universities” project is to support our partners in developing a development program based on the experience of the Polytechnic University, in focusing on its acceleration, so that they become leaders in their countries, models of quality education, noted Dmitry Arsenyev.

    The business part of the day ended with a seminar for heads of development programs, where each university presented the current status of their implementation.

    The Slavic Summit is a unique format that was created a year ago and has proven to be very effective. “Slavic Universities”, each in its own country, with its own specifics, are united by a common task set by the relevant ministries and leaders of the countries. In solving these tasks, they face similar problems. The summit provides an opportunity for an open discussion that helps find solutions to common problems, share unique specifics and national characteristics, understand what mechanisms can work, and how to apply experience and ideas in different countries. We plan to continue this format of interaction, as it allows synchronization and gives a powerful impetus for development for the next year, – summed up the head of the Slavic Universities project office, deputy head of the International Cooperation Department Nikita Golovin.

    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.

    https://www.spbstu.ru/media/news/international_activities/v-politekhe-sostoyalsya-vtoroy-summit-slavyanskikh-universitetov/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –