NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Systemic political repression – Russian hybrid influence undermining democracy in the EU’s Eastern Partnership – E-002502/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002502/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Krzysztof Brejza (PPE)

    On 23 June 2025, a Georgian court sentenced opposition leader Zurab Japaridze to seven months’ imprisonment and imposed a two-year ban on political activity. This follows a concerning trajectory of judicial repression orchestrated by the ruling Georgian Dream party, under the influence of oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. Numerous high-profile opposition leaders – including Mikheil Saakashvili, Nika Melia, Nika Gvaramia and Irakli Okruashvili – are currently imprisoned or facing imminent imprisonment under politically motivated charges.

    These developments constitute a systematic dismantling of democratic institutions, in direct violation of Georgia’s obligations under the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, and align with Russian hybrid warfare objectives in the Eastern Partnership region – seeking to erode democratic governance, provoke instability and obstruct Euro-Atlantic integration.

    In this context:

    • 1.What immediate and tangible measures will the Commission adopt to secure the release of Mr Japaridze and other political detainees?
    • 2.What specific political, legal or financial instruments will the Commission activate to impose individualised sanctions on Mr Ivanishvili and affiliated enablers of repression?
    • 3.In view of Georgia’s democratic backsliding, when will the Commission initiate a formal review of the Association Agreement, and under what criteria?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    Last updated: 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Compatibility of the Barcelona-El Prat Airport expansion with EU environmental law – E-002519/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002519/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Diana Riba i Giner (Verts/ALE)

    The Government of Catalonia has resurrected the plans to extend Barcelona-El Prat Airport. This would directly affect protected natural areas such as La Ricarda and El Remolar, both of which are part of the Natura 2000 network. Independent technical studies warn that the expansion could cause irreversible ecological damage, and would affect dozens of protected species and sensitive habitats.

    A number of measures have been proposed to offset the environmental damage, but many reports argue that they would not be sufficient to prevent fragmentation of the ecosystem or to comply with the obligations laid down in the Habitats and Birds Directives.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Has the Commission had any communication from the Government of Catalonia regarding the compensatory measures required, or any other consultation or information on this project?
    • 2.Does it believe that an expansion that directly affects Natura 2000 sites can be compatible with EU legislation?
    • 3.If the project goes ahead, what procedure will the Commission follow to assess its compliance with EU law?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    Last updated: 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Instrumentalisation of migration omitted in the Commission’s proposal on preventing and countering the facilitation of unauthorised entry to the Union – E-002542/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002542/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mariusz Kamiński (ECR)

    In its proposal for a directive laying down minimum rules to prevent and counter the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and stay in the Union[1], the Commission has neglected to address the instrumentalisation of migration.

    I raised this issue by submitting amendments as part of Parliament’s legislative process[2]. I also highlighted several other significant shortcomings of the Commission’s proposal.

    • 1.Why has the Commission neglected to mention the instrumentalisation of migration in its proposal?
    • 2.Is the Commission aware of the amendments put forward by Parliament that remedy significant gaps in the proposal, and does it consider a broader and more substantial approach to the directive’s subject matter to be necessary?

    Submitted: 24.6.2025

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52023PC0755
    • [2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/LIBE-AM-773119_EN.pdf
    Last updated: 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Checking compliance of Italian exports of military technology to Israel with the EU criteria in Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP – E-002559/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002559/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Carolina Morace (The Left), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Leoluca Orlando (Verts/ALE), Alessandro Zan (S&D), Dario Tamburrano (The Left)

    Article 2 of Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP lays down binding criteria for the granting of arms export licences by Member States, including:

    — Criterion Two: regarding the recipient country’s compliance with international humanitarian law, which requires licences to be denied if there is a clear risk that the technology might be used in breach of the law of conduct during war (jus in bello);

    — Criterion Six: regarding the behaviour of the recipient country, including compliance with international commitments.

    In view of the serious violations of international humanitarian law by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, documented by the UN, independent NGOs and academic institutions, and given the dual-use or military nature of the technologies involved, can the Commission please answer the following:

    • 1.With regard to Criteria Two and Six in Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, does it consider the export of arms and military technology by Member States to Israel to be compatible with their obligations under the Common Foreign and Security Policy?
    • 2.In the context of military agreements or transfers of technology from third countries, are Member States required to apply the Council Common Position’s criteria mutatis mutandis, in line with Articles 21 and 24 of the Treaty on European Union and Article 205 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union?
    • 3.Does the Commission plan to recommend the reassessment of licences and military cooperation programmes with Israel under Article 5 of the Council Common Position?

    Supporter[1]

    Submitted: 25.6.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE)
    Last updated: 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The need to establish a dedicated Council configuration on gender equality – E-002421/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002421/2025/rev.1
    to the Council
    Rule 144
    Elena Kountoura (The Left)

    Gender equality has been enshrined in the European Treaties since 1957.[1] However, at the current rate of progress, it is estimated that it will take more than 60 years to achieve complete equality between men and women in the EU. Today, the EU has manifold challenges to face in the area of women’s rights and gender equality: eradicating all forms of gender-based violence, closing the gender pay gap between women and men, improving women’s access to the labour market, reinforcing women’s representation in politics and ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare and rights.

    While the European Parliament has the FEMM Committee at institutional level, so far there is no specific configuration dealing with gender equality in the Council. According to the Council’s Rules of Procedure, the European Council is the body responsible for setting up its configurations.[2]

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Does the Council recognise the need to establish a dedicated configuration on gender equality, bringing together equality ministers and deputy ministers, with a view to adopting common policies and legislation on the challenges in the area of women’s rights and gender equality?
    • 2.Is the Council committed to inviting the European Council to set up such a configuration, so that equality matters are discussed at the highest political level in the EU?

    Submitted: 16.6.2025

    • [1] Article 157 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) sets out that men and women should receive equal pay for equal work and authorises the taking of positive measures to empower women. Article 153 of the same Treaty allows for Union action in the wider domain of equal opportunities and equal treatment in the workplace and employment. Furthermore, Article 19 of the TFEU establishes the possibility of adopting legislation to combat all forms of discrimination, including on the basis of sex.
    • [2] The establishment of new Council configurations is mainly based on Article 16(6) TEU, which establishes that the Council is to meet in different configurations, the list of which is to be adopted in accordance with Article 236 TFEU. The European Council, acting by qualified majority, has the power to determine or amend the list of Council configurations.
    Last updated: 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Irregular contracts connected to Begoña Gómez under investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office – E-002511/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002511/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE), Hermann Tertsch (PfE)

    The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is investigating Juan Carlos Barrabés (businessman and co-director of a master’s programme at Complutense University), Begoña Gómez (wife of the Spanish President and other co-director of the master’s programme) and a manager at Red.es as part of its investigation into the alleged misuse of funds, influence peddling and misconduct in several EU-funded public contracts.

    The investigation found evidence that procurement processes had been manipulated, with subjective overvaluations made on the basis of recommendations from individuals such as Pedro Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez. In particular, the company backed by Begoña Gómez was awarded three contracts amounting to EUR 10.2 million, under the European Social Fund and NextGenerationEU.

    Considering the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of the cases that EPPO is currently investigating in relation to Begoña Gómez?
    • 2.Has the Commission alerted OLAF of this issue and requested information from the Spanish authorities to ensure that the EU’s financial interests are safeguarded?
    • 3.Will the Commission launch regulatory procedures to recuperate these public funds if it were to be proven that they were awarded irregularly?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    Last updated: 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – FISC mission to Dubin (Ireland) – 22-07-2025 – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    Members of the FISC Subcommittee will travel to Dublin, Ireland on 22 July for a day of exchanges on tax policies, the fight against tax avoidance and tax simplification.

    The delegation led by FISC Chair Mr Pasquale Tridico will meet with business representatives, including representatives of the Google group, the Meta group and Apple group. They will then have a discussion with Members of the Finance Committee and the Committee for Budgetary Oversight of the Oireachtas. The afternoon will be dedicated to exchanges with tax authorities, NGOs and academics.

    The objectives of the FISC delegation trip to Dublin are to better understand Irish tax policies and to have direct engagements with key policy-makers, tax authorities and stakeholders on critical issues, such as aggressive tax schemes, tax avoidance or tax simplification.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Increased human rights violations in West Papua and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations with Indonesia – E-002569/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002569/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE)

    Although negotiations on an EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) are ongoing, civil society groups have regularly pointed out significant democratic backsliding in the country during this period. The situation in West Papua has consistently been the most problematic.

    The 2019 Sustainability Impact Assessment highlighted the increased risk of human rights violations resulting from increased trade without an improvement in enforcement mechanisms protecting indigenous peoples.

    Since 2019, the Human Rights Dialogue has been infrequent, with a gap between 2021 and 2024, while civilian casualties have increased considerably and there are up to 100 000 internally displaced persons in West Papua. Furthermore, the statement of the European External Action Service (EEAS) on the Human Rights Dialogue in 2024 failed to address the situation in West Papua.

    Given the EU’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in EU trade policy, can the Commission:

    • 1.clarify how it and the EEAS are addressing the serious human rights violations in West Papua, including through the Human Rights Dialogue or other instruments?
    • 2.clarify what protections for indigenous people will be incorporated in the CEPA negotiations?
    • 3.confirm whether the human rights of West Papuans, including the humanitarian crisis arising from the displacement of civilians as a result of the armed conflict, are being addressed during the trade negotiations?

    Submitted: 25.6.2025

    Last updated: 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Resilience and improvement of the EU’s electricity grid infrastructure – drawing lessons from the Iberian Peninsula blackout – E-002516/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002516/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Harald Vilimsky (PfE), Georg Mayer (PfE)

    The large-scale blackout on 28 April 2025 in Spain and Portugal was an alarming demonstration of how fragile and compromised Europe’s energy supply has become. The explosive volatility of electricity prices and the consequences for consumers and industry are becoming increasingly worrying.

    • 1.Is the Commission planning to get national energy suppliers and operators more involved in the protection of critical infrastructure, or even a return to more state control in order to prevent supply disruptions in future?
    • 2.How will it ensure that renewable energy development does not continue to cause instability in prices and grids?
    • 3.In the light of recent events and the energy crisis, is it ready to subject the targets of the Green Deal and ‘Fit for 55’ package to a substantive review in order to minimise the risks to the EU’s energy supply and competitiveness, rather than sticking to ideological requirements?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    Last updated: 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Türkiye’s attempt to instrumentalise the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in violation of international law – E-002509/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002509/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Kefalogiannis (PPE)

    Türkiye has attempted to instrumentalise the meeting of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, with decisions promoting Turkish positions in favour of a two-state solution in Cyprus but also of an alleged ‘Turkish minority’ in Thrace and a ‘Turkish’ community in the Dodecanese, which is at odds with the resolutions of the Security Council and the Lausanne Treaty, which defines the minority as religious.

    Paragraph 24 of the Declaration of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ states that they: ‘Support the aspirations of the Muslim Turkish Cypriots to secure their inherent rights […] and the importance of developing contacts […] in order to overcome the unjust isolation imposed upon them’, while paragraph 25 thereof, which deals with the Muslim minority of Thrace and the Muslims of the Dodecanese, states that they: ‘Reiterate [their] support for the Turkish Muslim minority of Thrace and the Turkish Muslim population of the Dodecanese in Greece’.

    A number of states, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, have expressed their reservations with regard to the above, stressing that the resolution conveys a completely misleading and critical image of Greece.

    What action does the Commission intend to take in response to the blatant violation by Türkiye – an EU candidate country – of international law, in particular of the Treaty of Lausanne and the Security Council resolutions on a solution to the Cyprus problem?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    Last updated: 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt: President El-Sisi Speaks with President of Ukraine Zelensky


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    Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.

    Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the two Presidents discussed the latest developments in the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. President El-Sisi emphasized the crucial importance of reaching diplomatic and political solutions, stressing the imperative to prioritize dialogue as a means of resolving the current crisis. The President reaffirmed Egypt’s full support for all efforts aimed at reaching a peaceful settlement at the earliest time possible.

    The call also focused on developments in the Middle East and ways to restore regional stability. The two sides underscored the necessity of upholding the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, affirming the urgent need to resume negotiations as a pathway to a peaceful resolution of the crisis. President El-Sisi also reviewed Egypt’s ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and ensure the delivery of desperately-needed humanitarian aid and assistance.

    President El-Sisi and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy also tackled ways to strengthen bilateral relations and explored prospects for cooperation across various fields, particularly in the economic, trade, and investment sectors, in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and their peoples.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa: Water and Sanitation on Clear Rivers Campaign


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    The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) urges all South Africans to roll up their sleeves and participate in cleaning polluted rivers as part of the 2025 Clear Rivers Campaign.

    The campaign, which is observed annually in July, is a nationwide effort, themed: “South Africa is a water-scarce country – clean up and protect our water resources,” to encourage communities to take ownership of their local rivers, streams, and wetlands by actively protecting and restoring these essential water ecosystems.

    In alignment with Nelson Mandela Month, the campaign promotes hands-on public involvement and aims to strengthen a culture of environmental responsibility and water stewardship across the country.

    The Clear Rivers Campaign was first introduced in 2016 as an initiative to inspire action and awareness around the state of South Africa’s water resources. Since then, it has grown into a cornerstone movement encouraging communities to dedicate time during the month of July, particularly on Mandela Day, to clean up nearby rivers, streams, wetlands and canals.

    Healthy rivers are not only essential for human survival and environmental health, but they are also central to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of communities. In many parts of the country, especially in rural areas, rivers are relied upon for drinking water, cooking, fishing, washing, and sustaining livestock. Indigenous riverbank vegetation also supports wildlife, helps prevent erosion, and provides materials for everyday use and small business crafts.

    Rivers hold deep cultural and spiritual meaning for many South Africans. From ancestral rituals to religious ceremonies such as baptism and ceremonial cleansing, clean and accessible rivers are sacred spaces for reflection, healing and heritage. The degradation of these natural sites does not just pollute the environment, it diminishes cultural identity and connection.

    Economically, rivers and wetlands are sources of natural materials used to build homes, weave baskets, craft mats, and support local artisanal trades. When managed sustainably, these resources can help strengthen local economies and create pathways to economic resilience and dignity.

    Beyond clean-ups, the Clear Rivers Campaign is part of a broader drive to entrench environmental awareness and behavioural change in everyday life. It highlights the need for integrated and inclusive water resource management, where individuals, communities, and institutions work together to protect freshwater systems from pollution, misuse, and neglect.

    The Clear Rivers Campaign further seeks to strengthen the country’s efforts to promote water security, environmental awareness and behavioural change.

    The Department encourages South Africans to take action in their communities, whether by organising river clean-up drives, adopting sections of rivers for long-term care, or educating others on the importance of keeping water ecosystems healthy and pollution-free.

    “By taking part in the Clear Rivers Campaign, citizens are not only cleaning rivers, but they are also helping to secure the country’s water future, protect biodiversity, and honour the legacy of a leader who believed in collective responsibility. Clean water begins with clean rivers and protecting them is a duty shared by all,” said departmental spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Water and Sanitation, Republic of South Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt: Dr. Rania Al-Mashat Participates in Several Events on Expanding Fiscal Space for Developing Countries, National Frameworks and Platforms, and Aligning Capital Flows with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)


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    As part of her ongoing participation in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain, within the Egyptian delegation headed by H.E. Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, on behalf of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, participated in a number of events concerning expanding fiscal space for developing countries, national frameworks and platforms, aligning capital flows with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and a new vision for debt.

    Expanding Fiscal Space for Developing Countries and a New Vision for Debt

    H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat participated in a panel titled “Expanding Fiscal Space: A New Vision for Debt and Development Finance,” with the participation of Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, Chair of the UN Expert Group on Debt and the UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda; Ms. Rola Dashti, Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA); and Ms. Zuzana Brixiova, Director of Macroeconomics, Finance and Governance Division at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

    The Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation emphasized that the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development represents a pivotal moment for fulfilling the international community’s commitments for achieving SDGs, particularly after the successive crises the world is facing, which undermine the ability of developing and emerging countries to meet the requirements of the development path.

    H.E. Minister Al-Mashat highlighted the importance of implementing the recommendations of the UN expert group’s report on solving the debt problem in Global South countries. 

    These included 11 key recommendations, among them: redirecting and renewing resources of existing funds in multilateral development banks and the International Monetary Fund to enhance liquidity, adopting policies to extend maturities and finance loan repurchases, reducing debt service during crises, reforming the G20 Common Framework to include all middle-income countries, and reforming the Debt Sustainability Analyses (DSA) of the IMF and World Bank to better reflect the situation of low and middle-income countries, among other recommendations.

    H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat expressed her aspiration that the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development will contribute to taking concrete steps towards restructuring the global financial system, which has become inadequate for the magnitude of challenges and changes facing developing and emerging countries. She noted that rising debts and decreasing investments undermine the ability of developing and emerging countries to catch up. She also stressed the need to overcome global challenges and return to the multilateral development cooperation system.

    H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated Egypt’s efforts to promote financing for development through innovative mechanisms such as debt swap programs with Germany and Italy, and the signing of a new agreement with China. She pointed to the credibility and trust between Egypt and international financing institutions, which facilitated the mobilization of more than $15.6 billion in development financing for the private sector since 2020.

    Reforming the Global Financial Architecture: Aligning Capital Flows with Development and Climate Goals

    In a related context, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat participated in a high-level session titled “Reforming the International Financial Architecture: Aligning Capital Flows with Development and Climate Goals,” organized by the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI), the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), and the Belt and Road Green Development Council (BRIGC).

    Participants included Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN); Mr. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA); Professor Kevin Urama, Chief Economist of the African Development Bank; and Ms. Carla Louveira, Minister of Finance of Mozambique, among others.

    H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat reaffirmed that achieving inclusive and sustainable development in the African continent cannot be based solely on borrowing or on mobilizing domestic resources. Instead, it is essential to integrate both approaches to ensure sufficient and sustainable financing for development projects.

    H.E. Minister Al-Mashat also emphasized that Egypt is working to achieve a delicate balance between domestic and international financing, guided by a clear vision that mobilizing domestic resources supports sustainability, while international partnerships provide momentum for implementing major strategic projects.

    Regarding the global financial structure,H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat added that the current international financial system has led to a deepening of the disparity in capital flows between developing, emerging, and developed countries, and limits financing opportunities in southern countries. She asserted that developing countries, especially African nations, still bear unfair financial burdens due to the high cost of financing compared to developed countries, and this disparity weakens our ability to achieve the SDGs within set timelines.

    H.E. Minister Al-Mashat mentioned that capital flows are moving in the opposite direction, away from the countries  with the greatest needs, despite the high-return investment opportunities these countries offer. She underscored that instead of capital flowing towards high-yield development opportunities, we observe outflows due to increased risks associated with global fluctuations, which limits the ability of countries to attract long-term financing. She concluded that serious reforms are urgently needed in the international financial system.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Surveys Major NJ TRANSIT, Amtrak Infrastructure Project

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    KEARNY, N.J. – This morning, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) was joined by NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri and Amtrak Acting Senior Vice President of Capital Delivery Jim Short for a tour and status update on the progress on the new Portal North Bridge, which spans the Hackensack River between Kearny and Secaucus. The ongoing project is set to replace the current 114-year-old swing bridge, which opens for maritime traffic and is a frequent source of delays and frustration for the 200,000 NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak customers that cross the Hackensack River each day.

    “Hundreds of thousands of people rely on NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak every single day. It’s imperative we take steps to bolster their operations at every turn so that our public transit infrastructure continues to serve our region’s economy and passengers along the Northeast Corridor. I’m proud to have helped secure significant federal funding for this $2.2 billion project, including $495 million from Amtrak and roughly 50 percent of the remaining $1.73 billion from key federal transit programs I’ve long championed. I was pleased to see the project’s progress and hear it is on track to open on budget and ahead of schedule in 2026,” said Senator Booker.

    “Senator Booker has been a tireless advocate for infrastructure that delivers real results, and his support has been instrumental in bringing the Portal North Bridge project to this point,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. “His visit today comes as we mark major progress, with structural work complete and the first track set to open in 2026.”

    “Portal North Bridge continues to be a model for all major infrastructure projects across America, and Senator Booker’s championing of the project is a major factor in driving the successful construction of this project,” said Amtrak Acting Senior Vice President of Capital Delivery Jim Short. “Between the great progress taking place on the project and the strong collaboration with our partners at NJ TRANSIT, and the advocacy of the United States Department of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and so many more, this is a project that will make train travel in New Jersey better than it has ever been.”

    The Portal North Bridge is a new, modern two-track, high-level, fixed-span bridge that will improve service and capacity along this section of the Northeast Corridor. The new Portal North Bridge rises 50 feet over the Hackensack River, nearly doubling the height clearance and will allow marine traffic to pass underneath without interrupting rail traffic.

    The Portal North Bridge project remains on time and on budget, with both tracks set to open in 2026.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Statement on Republicans’ Voting to Slash Medicaid and Increase Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), issued the following statement:

    “In this moment where I have heard the stories of so many families who are struggling to afford their basic needs, like groceries, housing, health care, and monthly bills, the Republican Party has failed them. 

    “Donald Trump promised to lower costs and help Americans make ends meet. 

    “Instead, this bill has something to hurt almost everyone – and Americans who are already struggling will pay the harshest price.  

    “The only winners are the wealthiest few, and the biggest corporations. 

    “This bill will strip health insurance from nearly 17 million Americans, cut more than $900 billion from Medicaid, increase annual health care costs by as much as $900 for families, and leave hundreds of hospitals at risk of closure, denying people access to quality care. 

    “Families will now also be paying more for energy, with electricity rates in New Jersey expected to rise 20 to 30 percent. Over 3 million Americans will lose access to much-needed food aid when they need it to help make ends meet. And the national debt will climb nearly $4 trillion higher. 

    “For months, I’ve heard from people across New Jersey and throughout the country who will suffer as a result of this bill. They are seniors, working parents, people with disabilities, small businesses, farmers, and low-income families. By passing this bill, Senate Republicans have failed them all.

    “There is only one beautiful thing about this bill: it is a clarion call for change in Washington. 

    “As we fight for the change we deserve, I will continue to stand up for New Jerseyans, for working people, for our nation’s children, for people with disabilities, and for all Americans who will be hurt by these disastrous policies.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Statement on Paramount’s Decision to Settle Trump’s Bogus Lawsuit Against 60 Minutes  

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    WASHINGTON, July 2 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released a statement on Paramount’s decision to settle Trump’s bogus lawsuit against the program 60 Minutes.

    The decision by the Redstone family, the major owners of Paramount, to settle a bogus lawsuit with President Trump over a 60 Minutes report he did not like is an extremely dangerous precedent in terms of both the First Amendment and government extortion.

    Paramount’s decision will only embolden Trump to continue attacking, suing and intimidating the media which he has labeled “the enemy of the people.” It is a dark day for independent journalism and freedom of the press — an essential part of our democracy. It is a victory for a president who is attempting to stifle dissent and undermine American democracy.

    It’s pretty obvious why Paramount chose to surrender to Trump. The Redstone family is in line to receive $2.4 billion from the sale of Paramount to Skydance, but they can only receive this money if the Trump administration approves this deal. In other words, the Redstone family diminished the freedom of the press today in exchange for a $2.4 billion payday.

    Make no mistake about it. Trump is undermining our democracy and rapidly moving us towards authoritarianism and the billionaires who care more about their stock portfolios than our democracy are helping him do it.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Baldwin Statement on Wisconsin Supreme Court Striking Down 1849 Abortion Ban

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement on the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that strikes down the 1849 state law that had banned abortions in nearly every situation that went into effect after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade:

    “Three years ago, the activist U.S. Supreme Court stripped millions of Americans of their constitutional right to make their own health care decisions, sending Wisconsin women to live under an 1849 criminal abortion ban. This archaic criminal abortion ban was passed before the Civil War, decades before women had the right to vote, and just a year after Wisconsin became a state,” said Senator Baldwin. “Today’s ruling tells women across Wisconsin that we will not go back. Today’s ruling tells women that our government trusts you to make decisions about your own body and your future. Today’s ruling tells women in our state that they are not second-class citizens. But, this fight is not over. Every woman, in every zip code, in every state deserves the same rights and freedoms. I will not stop fighting until we make that a reality and pass my bill to restore the right to abortion nationwide and allow women to make their own health care decisions without interference from judges or politicians.”

    Senator Baldwin has long led the charge to restore abortion access nationwide, including leading the entire Senate Democratic caucus in introducing the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025, legislation to guarantee access to abortion everywhere across the country and restore the right to comprehensive reproductive health care for millions of Americans. Last week, Senator Baldwin spoke on the Senate floor, underscoring the impact of the Dobbs decision in Wisconsin, which forced women to travel out of state just to access health care. Additionally, Senator Baldwin has introduced the  Right to Contraception Act, a bill at the federal level to put into law Americans’ right to contraception, which the Supreme Court first recognized more than half a century ago in its Griswold v. Connecticut decision, and the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act, legislation to provide women the support they need to access reproductive health services by providing grants to organizations, including abortion funds, to offset the cost of travel-related expenses.

    A video of Senator Baldwin’s floor speech from the anniversary of Roe v. Wade is available for download here.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Georgia Republicans Join Warnock in Bipartisan Fight to Save Jobs from Senate GOP Tax Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Georgia Republicans Join Warnock in Bipartisan Fight to Save Jobs from Senate GOP Tax Bill


    Today, Republican members of the Georgia State Legislature urged Senate Finance Committee leadership to preserve solar deployment and manufacturing credits, per Axios

    Senator Reverend Warnock has been a fierce advocate for protecting manufacturing jobs in Georgia, which are at risk as the Senate GOP looks to fund a billionaire tax cut

    Senator Warnock released a report that found that repealing clean energy tax credits could cost Georgia up to 42,000 jobs

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) was joined by 16 Georgia Republican state lawmakers in calling for the preservation of the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit (AMPTC) and solar deployment tax credits, which will help create thousands of Georgia jobs. The GOP letter states that protecting these tax credits, which were championed by Senator Warnock, will “secure America’s energy supply and promote Georgia’s manufacturing jobs and investments.”

    “I’m glad Georgia Republicans are joining my commonsense effort to protect Georgia jobs and pro-business tax credits from the GOP tax bill,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.“Cynical Washington politicians are trying to kill Georgia jobs, which overwhelmingly benefit rural and Republican districts, in order to fund a tax cut for billionaires. If Washington were serious about bringing American manufacturing back to the United States, they would listen to these GOP lawmakers.”

    The GOP letter follows the release of the Senator’s comprehensive report that found Georgia risks losing up to 42,000 good-paying jobs if Washington Republicans repeal the clean energy tax credits. Since the tax credit’s passage as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, clean energy jobs and investments exploded across the country, but nowhere was that growth more potent than in Georgia. In less than three years, 51 new projects in Georgia worth over $28 billion have been announced or boosted by the clean energy tax credits. According to the Senator’s report, in Georgia, nearly all the new investments and new jobs are in counties outside of the Atlanta region. Over 70 percent of the new investments and 83 percent of new jobs are in counties with median family incomes below the national median. More than 95 percent of the new jobs and investments are in counties where the percentage of people with a bachelor’s degree is below the national average.

    Last month, Senator Warnock returned to his hometown to continue his public pressure campaign urging Congressional Republicans to protect clean energy tax credits fueling an expected 42,000 Georgia clean energy jobs. He also authored an op-ed in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia’s paper of record, making the case for protecting these good-paying jobs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney meets with the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the leadership of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association and member CEOs.

    Prime Minister Carney and the leaders discussed ongoing negotiations with the United States, and the work to pursue a deal by July 21, 2025. They discussed the impacts on the sector and the need to build up a made-in-Canada supply chain as well as diversify our trading partners.

    The Prime Minister underscored the federal measures to safeguard Canadian auto workers and businesses from unjust tariffs, and the adjustment of counter-tariffs on July 21 based on the state of negotiations. Prime Minister Carney affirmed that the government’s focus remains on securing the best deal for Canadian workers and industries.

    The leaders also discussed opportunities to make Canada’s auto sector more sustainable and competitive in the face of shifting trade relationships, market conditions, and supply chains.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Announces $76,950 DOT Grant to Tazewell County Airport Authority

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    Griffith Announces $76,950 DOT Grant to Tazewell County Airport Authority

    The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded Tazewell County Airport Authority, based in Richlands, Virginia, a $76,950 grant. The funding supports a tree removal project that helps bring the airport into conformity with current standards. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “Local airports lead tree removal projects to mitigate potential safety hazards to aircraft and passengers.

    “This DOT grant for $76,950 helps Tazewell County Airport Authority identify and eliminate obstructions to its airport.”

    BACKGROUND

    As part of the grant funding, the Tazewell County Airport Authority will acquire easements for 5 of the 7 parcels containing obstructions.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Hlabisa honours memory of lives lost in Eastern Cape floods

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    During his department’s Budget Vote presentation on Wednesday, Velenkosini Hlabisa, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, took a moment to honour the lives lost in the recent catastrophic disaster that occurred just two weeks ago. 

    This tragedy claimed the lives of approximately 102 people in the Eastern Cape.

    This follows the South African Weather Service’s prediction of severe weather, including heavy rainfall, snow and strong winds, which led the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal to activate their disaster response plans.

    However, the Eastern Cape experienced particularly devastating impacts, with torrential rains leading to unprecedented floods in districts such as Nelson Mandela Bay, Chris Hani, and OR Tambo.

    “Families lost everything in a matter of hours. Sadly, over 100 South Africans – children, parents, and grandparents – lost their lives,” the Minister said. 

    The severe floods not only washed away homes and infrastructure, but Hlabisa said they also shattered the very fabric of families and communities, leaving thousands homeless and schools submerged.

    In a moment of reflection, the Minister extended condolences to those affected: “On behalf of the Ministry and the Departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, we offer our deepest condolences to every grieving family and to every person who has lost not only a loved one but also a sense of stability and hope.”

    As a mark of respect, the National Assembly observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased.

    Meanwhile, in response to the devastation, the Minister has since authorised the National Disaster Management Centre to officially classify the events as a National Disaster, facilitating immediate and necessary interventions. 

    “We are now urgently working to support the affected provinces and municipalities, not just with words but with the resources they need to recover and rebuild,” the Minister said. 

    Meanwhile, he announced that technical assessment teams have already been deployed, with work being coordinated through the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) to evaluate the damage to essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges and sanitation systems. 

    “This powerful partnership strengthens our rapid response and operational readiness during emergencies,” the Minister added, highlighting the collaboration with the South African National Defence Force to enhance national capacity.

    In addition, the Minister said South Africa is concurrently holding the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20), focusing specifically on disaster risk reduction. 

    “Through the G20, we learn from the world and share our experiences,” said the Minister. 

    He stressed the significance of global cooperation in addressing disaster-related challenges.

    With the first G20 technical meeting having taken place earlier this year in KwaZulu-Natal, Hlabisa said attention now turns to the second meeting scheduled for next week in Johannesburg. 

    The working group will address critical areas such as ecosystem-based approaches and nature-based solutions for disaster risk reduction, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and strategies for disaster recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

    “These focus areas are more than just abstract policy themes; they are lifelines for the future,” the Minister stated. 

    “They are the answers we seek when we ask: How do we prevent the next floods from becoming a national tragedy? How do we ensure communities bounce back stronger, not just survive?”

    As South Africa continues to grapple with the repercussions of this disaster, he said the country is now shifting its commitment to recovery, resilience, and international collaboration. 

    The Minister also announced a budget allocation for Cooperative Governance amounting to R410.9 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period.

    He said that a staggering 96.7% of this budget is earmarked for intergovernmental transfers and support to various entities that deliver tangible and measurable improvements in the lives of South Africans.

    In addition to the allocations for Cooperative Governance, Hlabisa said Traditional Affairs will see an appropriated budget of R195 530 million for the fiscal year 2025/26. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Capito Bipartisan Rural Broadband Protection Act Passes the Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the statement below following the Senate passage of the bipartisan Rural Broadband Protection Act. The bill, which Klobuchar leads with Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a more thorough vetting process to ensure that providers applying for federal funding are capable of delivering reliable broadband access to underserved, rural communities. 

    “We should be able to bring high-speed internet to every family in Minnesota— regardless of their zip code,” said Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation will help Americans connect to work, school, health care, and business opportunities by ensuring the companies that apply for federal funding to build out broadband infrastructure can get the job done. As co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, I’ll keep fighting to close the digital divide and ensure Minnesota families can reliably access the high-speed internet they need.” 

    “I have long been dedicated to making sure West Virginians have the broadband connectivity they need and deserve. This legislation expands on my previous broadband efforts, and is a product of many discussions I’ve had with small rural service providers and local leaders in West Virginia. As we continue our efforts to close the digital divide in West Virginia – this bill will make sure that Universal Service Fund dollars are not wasted, and ensure that funding is being used properly to fund broadband deployment in rural areas. The Senate passage of this legislation is another positive step in connecting every last home, school, and business in West Virginia. I urge the House to quickly pass this legislation,” Capito said.

    Klobuchar has long led efforts to expand broadband access, support rural broadband, and bridge the digital divide.

    The Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, Klobuchar’s legislation with Former House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) to expand high-speed internet nationwide, served as the basis for the program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Klobuchar is working hard to ensure the program is implemented expeditiously and as Congress intended. In June 2025, after the Department of Commerce announced substantial changes to the implementation of the BEAD program, she and Former House Majority Whip Clyburn called on the Administration to reverse course and fully implement broadband. 

    Klobuchar is also committed to strengthening the  Universal Service Fund (USF), which promotes universal access to broadband and other telecommunications services and supports critical connections for schools, libraries and healthcare facilities in rural communities. Currently, the USF is primarily funded through landline fees, disproportionately impacting seniors, who are more likely to use landlines than other Americans. In June 2025, she again joined the USF Working Group to improve this funding structure. In January 2025, she joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in filing an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of upholding the USF. The Court ruled in their favor in June 2025. In March 2023, Klobuchar also reintroduced bipartisan legislation, with Senators John Thune (R-SD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Jerry Moran (R-KS), to strengthen the USF’s funding mechanism. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia is experiencing a full-fledged cyclical cooling of the economy for the first time, says Central Bank head

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    St. Petersburg, July 2 (Xinhua) — Russia has entered a period of cyclical cooling of the economy, which is inevitable, Elvira Nabiullina, head of the Central Bank of Russia, said at the Financial Congress in St. Petersburg on Wednesday.

    According to E. Nabiullina, earlier economic downturns in Russia were associated with external shocks, and for the first time the country is fully going through a period of cyclic overheating with cyclic cooling. In this situation, as she pointed out, the main task is to manage long-term growth, and therefore it is necessary to direct resources where they give the greatest return.

    Sberbank CEO German Gref also noted that there are signs that the Russian economy has begun to slow down sharply. Among the reasons for this phenomenon, he named the high key rate in the country, the crisis in the raw materials markets, the fall in prices for key export goods and difficulties in the labor market. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The first batch of new Russian Baikal aircraft will be delivered to the airline in 2026

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, July 2 (Xinhua) — The first five Russian light multi-role aircraft “Baikal” will be delivered to the Aurora airline at the end of 2026, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov said in the Federation Council of the Russian Federation on Wednesday.

    The aircraft was developed by Baikal-Engineering under a contract with the ministry. It is a nine-seat aircraft, which is being created for regional airlines to replace the An-2 aircraft. The first test flight of Baikal took place in January 2022.

    The aircraft design uses a new Russian-made VK-800 engine. According to A. Alikhanov, its certification will take place this year. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: China plays a significant role in maintaining international order and multilateralism – Kyrgyz expert

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BISHKEK, July 2 (Xinhua) — China offers an alternative path to global governance that is focused on justice and mutual benefit. The country plays an important role in maintaining international order and multilateral cooperation, Kyrgyz political scientist, professor of international relations at Ala-Too International University Kubanychbek Taabaldiev said in an interview with Xinhua.

    Historically, China has thought in global terms, he said. With centuries of wisdom, China’s rulers have always put stability at home and in their neighbors first, and the current Chinese leadership continues to adhere to this philosophy.

    “The growth of China’s image in the international arena is the result of the country’s strategic, multi-layered approach to all aspects of modernity, and especially to global positioning,” noted K. Taabaldiev, adding that this can be regarded as evidence of China’s increased influence in world affairs, in particular in the context of strengthening the country’s economic, technological and diplomatic power.

    As the expert pointed out, China has become one of the world’s leading economic centers, a major trading partner for many countries and an important investor, especially within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. He drew attention to the fact that the implementation of this initiative and the results already being achieved have strengthened the positive perception of China in the Global South.

    “In an increasingly complex world undergoing fundamental changes and major global political players trying to maintain their superiority, China, with its pragmatic foreign policy and measured response to crises, plays a significant and growing role in maintaining the international order and multilateral cooperation,” the Xinhua source emphasized.

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN. K. Taabaldiev noted that China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, actively participates in peacekeeping missions, as well as in global agreements on sustainable development, climate conservation and security.

    “China adheres to the position of recognizing the role of the UN in the world order and consistently supports its efforts in resolving international problems through its institutions,” the political scientist stated, pointing out that China opposes unilateral approaches in resolving international problems, the policy of double standards and the dominance of individual states in the international system, emphasizing the importance of true multilateralism.

    “It is clear that China is demonstrating a desire to form a more just, inclusive and multipolar system of international relations,” the expert added.

    Speaking about the three global initiatives put forward by China (the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative) and the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity, K. Taabaldiev noted that they find understanding and support in the international community, including the countries of the Global South.

    “China’s initiative to form a community with a shared future for mankind and the launch of three global initiatives demonstrate the country’s desire to make an active contribution to rethinking and reforming the global governance system. This means that China offers an alternative path to global governance that is focused on inclusiveness, fairness and mutual benefit,” said K. Taabaldiev.

    In his view, China’s indicative effect in the global economy is that over the past decades it has demonstrated rapid economic growth, infrastructure modernization, and the fact that poverty reduction is possible when based on its own realities and priorities.

    “The basis for such effective changes was the country’s development model, which is based on a combination of state strategic planning and market mechanisms. And this model attracts the attention of many countries around the world. China’s economic successes and the changes caused by this within the country have an impact on the Global South,” the expert said.

    China’s policy, as K. Taabaldiev noted, is aimed at strengthening international cooperation, and this is already being implemented through the Belt and Road initiative, as well as bilateral and multilateral agreements. China provides a platform for the development of trade, investment and exchange of experience, creating opportunities for mutually beneficial growth.

    Touching upon the Chinese model of people’s democracy, the political scientist emphasized that it represents a unique political approach, visibly different from Western models of governance. The main thing here is that the Chinese system involves the entire population of the country in governance through the implementation of the policy of the ruling political force in the interests of both the state and the people. Such a policy promotes broad participation of the people from the stage of discussing ideas to the stage of implementing decisions. And for the countries of the Global South, K. Taabaldiev is sure, this can be a source of inspiration in several aspects.

    “Firstly, the path to development and stability can be built on its own cultural, historical and institutional foundations, rather than by copying Western models. Secondly, the Chinese governance system emphasizes practical efficiency, consensus, long-term planning and broad participation of the population in solving specific problems,” the expert said, adding that China has introduced a new concept of democracy with national specifics into world politics, which presupposes the formation of a society of cultural diversity. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Hamas says consultations on Gaza ceasefire proposals

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    GAZA, July 2 (Xinhua) — Palestinian Hamas movement said on Wednesday it is holding consultations to discuss mediators’ proposals for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

    As noted in the statement, Hamas “acts with a high sense of responsibility” and is consulting on the mediators’ proposals to reach an agreement that will guarantee an end to Israeli aggression, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the delivery of emergency humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave.

    “The mediators are making intensive efforts to bridge the gap between the parties, reach a framework agreement and begin a new round of serious negotiations,” the statement said.

    US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced Israel’s agreement to the terms of a 60-day ceasefire and called on Hamas to accept the deal.

    “I hope for the good of the Middle East, Hamas accepts this deal because it won’t get better, it will only get worse,” Trump warned on the Truth Social social network.

    Hamas and Israel have held several rounds of indirect talks in recent months, but no final ceasefire agreement has been reached. In previous talks, Hamas demanded a complete end to the fighting, while Israel insisted on only a temporary truce.

    Israel resumed full-scale military action in Gaza on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire. At least 6,454 Palestinians have been killed and 22,551 wounded since then, according to figures released by Gaza’s health authority on Wednesday.

    The total number of Palestinians killed since the start of the current round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in October 2023 has risen to 57,012, with the total number of wounded reaching 134,592, the ministry added. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pennsylvania Man Going to Prison for 20 Years for Receipt of Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Dylan C. Irvin, 26, of Bradford, PA, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that sometime in June or July 2023, Irvin engaged in sexual activity with a 13-year-old female (victim). Irvin used his cellular telephone to record the sexual activity and then received the video on a Snapchat account he controlled. On March 5, 2024, Irvin was arrested on state charges related to the sexual contact, at which time his cell phone was seized. A search of the phone recovered the video of Irvin and the victim.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Eric Butler.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pennsylvania Man Going to Prison for 20 Years for Receipt of Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Dylan C. Irvin, 26, of Bradford, PA, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that sometime in June or July 2023, Irvin engaged in sexual activity with a 13-year-old female (victim). Irvin used his cellular telephone to record the sexual activity and then received the video on a Snapchat account he controlled. On March 5, 2024, Irvin was arrested on state charges related to the sexual contact, at which time his cell phone was seized. A search of the phone recovered the video of Irvin and the victim.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Eric Butler.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Greenville Man Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison for Ponzi Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Greenville man was sentenced Monday to 63 months in prison and three years of supervised release for mail fraud in connection with a multi-year investment fraud scheme. Willard Timothy Sutton, age 64, pled guilty to the charge on February 26, 2025.  The court also ordered Sutton to pay $8,986,162 in restitution to the victims of the offense.

    “The defendant orchestrated a complex and brazen Ponzi scheme that exploited the trust of hard-working North Carolinians, based upon his own greed,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “We are committed to holding those accountable who prey on the citizens in our communities for personal gain.”

    “Mr. Sutton ran a local business for many years, purporting to help those with poor or no credit get much needed vehicle loans. When he ran into financial trouble, he chose to commit a federal crime rather than admit his business was failing. The FBI hopes today’s sentence and restitution offers some sense of justice to those who trusted him to legitimately invest their hard-earned money,” said James C. Barnacle Jr., the FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, between at least 2019 and 2023, Sutton conducted a largescale Ponzi scheme in connection with an investment program offered through his business, Greenville Auto World, LLC (GAW).  As a result of the scheme, more than 65 victims in Eastern North Carolina suffered net losses totaling approximately $9 million.  Federal investigators estimate that Sutton collected more than $63 million in investor funds during the offense period.

    GAW was a “buy here pay here” (BHPH) car dealership.  BHPH dealerships enable customers with poor or no credit history to finance the purchase of a vehicle directly through the dealership, rather than through a bank or credit union.  Such loans typically carry significantly higher interest rates than traditional car loans.  Between approximately 2012 and 2023, as part of an investment program sponsored, promoted, and administered by GAW, Sutton sold BHPH finance contracts to outside investors through direct solicitation, referrals, and word-of-mouth advertisement.

    Beginning in approximately 2019, Sutton falsely and fraudulently led BHPH investors to believe that their investments were safe and secure, and that GAW was collecting sufficient repayments from loan customers to be able to fully pay the principal and interest owed to them.  In truth, GAW was collecting millions from investors, but it did not have the means to service the debt through BHPH revenue or any other legitimate business income.

    To conceal GAW’s financial condition, and forestall the collapse of his business, Sutton operated the BHPH program as a Ponzi scheme in which Sutton would (in a typical transaction) sell a legitimate loan contract to one investor and then sell one or more false and fabricated versions of that same contract to other investors without their knowledge.  Sutton then used the proceeds of the fraudulent sales to pay off earlier investors. Among other things, the defendant forged loan customer signatures to the fake contracts and provided fake title documents to investors to convince them that their investments were appropriately secured.   

    In approximately 2022, to generate additional funds to meet GAW’s massive debts to investors, Sutton solicited some BHPH investors to help finance GAW’s vehicle inventory.  Sutton falsely and fraudulently represented to these investors that he was using their funds to purchase vehicles when, in fact, the funds were being used to conceal and perpetuate the Ponzi scheme.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the sentencing concluded. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Charlotte Field Office, investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuted the case for the government.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-83-M.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Greenville Man Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison for Ponzi Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Greenville man was sentenced Monday to 63 months in prison and three years of supervised release for mail fraud in connection with a multi-year investment fraud scheme. Willard Timothy Sutton, age 64, pled guilty to the charge on February 26, 2025.  The court also ordered Sutton to pay $8,986,162 in restitution to the victims of the offense.

    “The defendant orchestrated a complex and brazen Ponzi scheme that exploited the trust of hard-working North Carolinians, based upon his own greed,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “We are committed to holding those accountable who prey on the citizens in our communities for personal gain.”

    “Mr. Sutton ran a local business for many years, purporting to help those with poor or no credit get much needed vehicle loans. When he ran into financial trouble, he chose to commit a federal crime rather than admit his business was failing. The FBI hopes today’s sentence and restitution offers some sense of justice to those who trusted him to legitimately invest their hard-earned money,” said James C. Barnacle Jr., the FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, between at least 2019 and 2023, Sutton conducted a largescale Ponzi scheme in connection with an investment program offered through his business, Greenville Auto World, LLC (GAW).  As a result of the scheme, more than 65 victims in Eastern North Carolina suffered net losses totaling approximately $9 million.  Federal investigators estimate that Sutton collected more than $63 million in investor funds during the offense period.

    GAW was a “buy here pay here” (BHPH) car dealership.  BHPH dealerships enable customers with poor or no credit history to finance the purchase of a vehicle directly through the dealership, rather than through a bank or credit union.  Such loans typically carry significantly higher interest rates than traditional car loans.  Between approximately 2012 and 2023, as part of an investment program sponsored, promoted, and administered by GAW, Sutton sold BHPH finance contracts to outside investors through direct solicitation, referrals, and word-of-mouth advertisement.

    Beginning in approximately 2019, Sutton falsely and fraudulently led BHPH investors to believe that their investments were safe and secure, and that GAW was collecting sufficient repayments from loan customers to be able to fully pay the principal and interest owed to them.  In truth, GAW was collecting millions from investors, but it did not have the means to service the debt through BHPH revenue or any other legitimate business income.

    To conceal GAW’s financial condition, and forestall the collapse of his business, Sutton operated the BHPH program as a Ponzi scheme in which Sutton would (in a typical transaction) sell a legitimate loan contract to one investor and then sell one or more false and fabricated versions of that same contract to other investors without their knowledge.  Sutton then used the proceeds of the fraudulent sales to pay off earlier investors. Among other things, the defendant forged loan customer signatures to the fake contracts and provided fake title documents to investors to convince them that their investments were appropriately secured.   

    In approximately 2022, to generate additional funds to meet GAW’s massive debts to investors, Sutton solicited some BHPH investors to help finance GAW’s vehicle inventory.  Sutton falsely and fraudulently represented to these investors that he was using their funds to purchase vehicles when, in fact, the funds were being used to conceal and perpetuate the Ponzi scheme.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the sentencing concluded. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Charlotte Field Office, investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuted the case for the government.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-83-M.

    MIL Security OSI –