Category: DJF

MIL-OSI USA: Ellzey Supports FY26 MilCon-VA Bill to Strengthen Military and Support Veterans
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jake Ellzey (Texas, 6)

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Jake Ellzey (TX-06) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:

“This bill keeps faith with our veterans and military families. It fully funds veterans’ health care, invests in military housing, and strengthens the infrastructure our servicemembers rely on,” said Congressman Ellzey. “It also ensures taxpayer dollars are focused where they belong, supporting those who served.”

The FY26 MilCon-VA bill provides $453 billion in total funding, including $131.4 billion for veterans’ medical care and $2 billion for Military Family Housing. It includes over $1.2 billion to improve Guard and Reserve facilities and prohibits taxpayer funds for DEI programs, gender surgeries at the VA, or medical care for illegal aliens. It also blocks the VA from purchasing resources from China and protects veterans’ Second Amendment rights.

“Our job is simple—putting our servicemembers and veterans first,“ Ellzey said.

Key Provisions of the FY26 MilCon-VA Appropriations Act:
- $453 billion in total funding, including $152 billion in discretionary funding—$5 billion above last year.
- $131.4 billion for veterans’ medical care, fully meeting the FY26 Budget Request.
- $2 billion for Military Family Housing, focused on improving conditions for servicemembers and their families.
- Over $1.2 billion for Guard and Reserve facility construction.
- Prohibits funds for DEI programs and gender surgeries at the VA, and protects Hyde-like language.
- Supports veteran homelessness initiatives, including the Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program.
- Prevents VA from reporting veterans to the FBI without a judge’s consent.
- Blocks VA medical care for illegal aliens.
- Prohibits the VA from purchasing resources from China.
- Continues investment in military infrastructure, including projects in the Indo-Pacific.
- Maintains prohibitions on closing Naval Station Guantanamo Bay or building facilities for detainees on U.S. soil.
MIL OSI USA News –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ellzey Supports FY26 MilCon-VA Bill to Strengthen Military and Support Veterans
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jake Ellzey (Texas, 6)

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Jake Ellzey (TX-06) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:

“This bill keeps faith with our veterans and military families. It fully funds veterans’ health care, invests in military housing, and strengthens the infrastructure our servicemembers rely on,” said Congressman Ellzey. “It also ensures taxpayer dollars are focused where they belong, supporting those who served.”

The FY26 MilCon-VA bill provides $453 billion in total funding, including $131.4 billion for veterans’ medical care and $2 billion for Military Family Housing. It includes over $1.2 billion to improve Guard and Reserve facilities and prohibits taxpayer funds for DEI programs, gender surgeries at the VA, or medical care for illegal aliens. It also blocks the VA from purchasing resources from China and protects veterans’ Second Amendment rights.

“Our job is simple—putting our servicemembers and veterans first,“ Ellzey said.

Key Provisions of the FY26 MilCon-VA Appropriations Act:
- $453 billion in total funding, including $152 billion in discretionary funding—$5 billion above last year.
- $131.4 billion for veterans’ medical care, fully meeting the FY26 Budget Request.
- $2 billion for Military Family Housing, focused on improving conditions for servicemembers and their families.
- Over $1.2 billion for Guard and Reserve facility construction.
- Prohibits funds for DEI programs and gender surgeries at the VA, and protects Hyde-like language.
- Supports veteran homelessness initiatives, including the Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program.
- Prevents VA from reporting veterans to the FBI without a judge’s consent.
- Blocks VA medical care for illegal aliens.
- Prohibits the VA from purchasing resources from China.
- Continues investment in military infrastructure, including projects in the Indo-Pacific.
- Maintains prohibitions on closing Naval Station Guantanamo Bay or building facilities for detainees on U.S. soil.
MIL OSI USA News –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Stats SA moves into digitally powered future
Source: South Africa News Agency

Statistics South Africa has now commenced with the development of its digital business transformation strategy, which will guide the institution going forward.

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, outlined the institution’s plans when she tabled its Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon.

“This strategy aligns with South Africa’s Roadmap for Digital Transformation of government that aims to, amongst others, enhance data exchange for improved access to information for improved service delivery.

“Stats SA’s digital transformation journey commenced with the Household Survey programme, transitioning from a paper-based data collection approach to a computer assisted methodology, thereby streamlining survey operations, resulting in significant cost savings,” Ntshavheni said.

She revealed that the institution will, over the next five years, “reinvent its statistical products and processes”.

Key initiatives over the medium-term include:
- Researching the use of artificial intelligence in producing official statistics.
- Introducing web-based data collection methods in economic statistics programmes.
- Applying data science and modern methods to big data and alternative data sources.
- Exploring the use of cloud technology in Stats SA.
“The shift to digital platforms is designed to streamline survey operations, making it more efficient and user friendly,” she said.

Ntshavheni said Stats SA’s allocation is R2.7 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, rising to R2.91 billion in 2026/27 and reaching R3.04 billion in 2027/28.

“In a world defined by rapid change, complex challenges and competing narratives, official statistics provides us with one constant: the truth told in numbers.

“They serve as a mirror through which a nation sees itself not just as it is but how its evolving. From economic performance and health outcomes to education levels and environmental conditions, statistics are the evidence base upon which sound decisions are made.”

The Minister urged Parliamentarians to support the budget vote to equip Stats SA to help government navigate ever changing global dynamics.

“It is important to support this budget vote because we are navigating a path in a world that is undergoing rapid and profound changes, and this is equally true in the realm of statistics.

“Global fundamental shifts are reshaping every aspect of human life from the escalating impact of climate change to the swift advancements in artificial intelligence, the rise of digital economies, changing social dynamics and global political tensions.

“By accurately capturing and analysing these trends, we can better equip ourselves to respond to the challenges and opportunities they present – ensuring that our nation remains resilient and forward thinking in this ever-evolving landscape,” Ntshavheni emphasised.

She assured that the institution remains “unwavering in its commitment to the strategy of improving lives through data economic systems”.

“As the landscape of information technology and data analytics continues to transform, our focus is on harnessing the power of data to enhance the wellbeing of our citizens,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Photographer jailed after sexually assaulting two models
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Photographer jailed after sexually assaulting two models

A man who sexually assaulted two men has had his suspended sentence quashed and has been jailed after the Solicitor General intervened
Wayne Glover-Stuart [36] from Chiswick, West London, has had his suspended sentence overturned and jailed for three years after the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP referred his case to the Court of Appeal.

The court heard that Glover-Stuart, a former theatre producer, invited two men on separate occasions to an underwear modelling photoshoot.

During both incidents, Glover-Stuart touched the victims’ genitals before carrying out sexual assaults.

The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

Glover-Stuart’s crimes were appalling. He lured his victims into a vulnerable position abusing their trust before sexually assaulted them for his own gratification.

I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase this offender’s sentence following my intervention.

Wayne Glover-Stuart was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, for sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, on 16 April 2025 at the Inner London Crown Court.

On 1 July 2025, Glover-Stuart’s suspended sentence was quashed and jailed for three years after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

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Published 2 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New sign language boards at playgrounds hope to boost communication skills through play

Source: City of Leeds

Children at playgrounds around Leeds are being encouraged to learn sign language as new fun educational boards are installed.

Funded by the National Deaf Children’s Society, two boards have been put up at 10 playgrounds, showcasing the British Sign Language (BSL) fingerspelling alphabet and a selection of helpful words when playing.

Early years can have a profound impact on deaf children’s language and social skills and the aim is that the signs will improve and encourage interaction between all children through playful interaction in the playgrounds.

The grant was awarded as part of a scheme funding community projects that support the communication skills of deaf children.

Bryony Hughes runs Leeds Deaf Children’s Society, which is affiliated with the National Deaf Children’s Society, and was the one to apply for the grant.

She said: “We needed to use the money to improve the communication skills of local deaf children and we thought that putting the signs in parks was a way that we could reach as many families across Leeds as possible

“The aim is that if more people, deaf and hearing, learn some basic BSL then it improves the skills of all involved, and also helps deaf people feel less isolated.

“Our son is profoundly deaf and wears cochlear implants. When he’s not wearing them, we sign with him and it’s important that he has an additional way of communicating with us, and also with other deaf people.”

The sign language boards have been installed in children’s play areas at Pudsey Park, Horsforth Hall Park, Bramley Park, Yeadon Tarnfield Park, Stanningley Park, Springhead Park Rothwell, Heritage Village, Blands Avenue Allerton Bywater, Cross Flatts Park, and East End Park.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, and Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “The new signs are a great improvement to the playgrounds, encouraging interaction between all children, deaf and hearing. Learning basic BSL is useful to any person and we’re hoping that this will reach many local families and help them learn a new language.

“We work hard to be a child friendly city and it is important that all children feel represented and included in spaces designed for them.”

Angela Calder, of the National Deaf Children’s Society’s Community Grants programme, said: “This was a great idea from Leeds Deaf Children’s Society. We hope the new signs get people talking about British Sign Language and even using a few basic signs. It’s a really powerful way of helping deaf children feel more included.

“Our Community Grants programme is all about initiatives like this – enabling groups and communities all around the UK to make a real, tangible difference on the ground, helping deaf children and young people feel part of their communities.”

ENDS

This community grant was awarded as part of a pilot run by the National Deaf Children’s Society. For more information, please visit: www.ndcs.org.uk/community-grants

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev: The jury of the competition “Far East – Land of Adventures” will evaluate films based on places of military glory in the Far Eastern Federal District and the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

The jury of the All-Russian competition “The Far East – Land of Adventures” accepts films about travels along regional routes to places of military glory in the subjects located within the Far Eastern Federal District and the Arctic zone. A special nomination “Paths of Victory” has been created for this purpose.

“This year, our country celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. We must pass on the memory of the feat of our fathers and grandfathers who defended the Motherland and defeated fascism from generation to generation. The Far East and the Arctic made a significant contribution to the Victory, providing the country with resources and protecting transport routes. The Northern Sea Route became a vital artery for the delivery of goods and supplies to the rear. World War II ended in the Far East. Far Easterners and northerners, some at the front, some in the rear, brought the Victory closer as best they could. And now it is important to educate young people, to remind them of the price and efforts that went into the freedom of our country,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev.

The special nomination “Paths of Victory” is aimed at reviving military-historical tourism, preserving the memory of the country’s heroes through the creation of amateur videos about hikes to places of military glory in the Far East and the Arctic zone. Video reports and expeditions to places of military glory and feat of Soviet soldiers; places of battles, places of fortifications preserved since the Great Patriotic War; films about little-studied memorial places associated with the military glory of Russia, including films with the participation of searchers and reenactors are accepted for consideration in the nomination. Only films about hikes and expeditions filmed outside the city limits are accepted for the competition.

To take part, you need to make a short film up to 8 minutes long about your trip to the Far East or the Arctic and send it to the jury for evaluation via the website puteshestvendv.rf by January 15, 2026. The trip must have taken place no earlier than May 1, 2023 and no later than January 15, 2026. Video materials shot with both a professional camera and mobile devices are allowed to participate – the quality of the shooting is not a decisive criterion.

For winning the nomination “Paths of Victory” you can get 500 thousand rubles, for second place in this nomination – 300 thousand rubles, and for third place – 200 thousand rubles. Also, by decision of the jury, individual films can be rewarded with cash prizes.

Participants who submit a film for the “Paths of Victory” nomination can also compete for victory in the main nominations of the “Far East – Land of Adventure” competition.

Let us recall that the All-Russian competition “The Far East – Land of Adventures” is held with the support of the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in the Far Eastern Federal District, the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East, JSC “Corporation for the Development of the Far East and Arctic” and the NGO “Fund for the Development of Social Initiatives”.

Since the start of the 3rd season of the All-Russian competition “The Far East – Land of Adventures”, 95 films have been submitted to the jury.

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.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 3, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Mission with Nigeria

Source: IMF – News in Russian

July 2, 2025

Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV Consultation with Nigeria.1

The Nigerian authorities have implemented major reforms over the past two years which have improved macroeconomic stability and enhanced resilience. The authorities have removed costly fuel subsidies, stopped monetary financing of the fiscal deficit and improved the functioning of the foreign exchange market. Investor confidence has strengthened, helping Nigeria successfully tap the Eurobond market and leading to a resumption of portfolio inflows. At the same time, poverty and food insecurity have risen, and the government is now focused on raising growth.

Growth accelerated to 3.4 percent in 2024, driven mainly by increased hydrocarbon output and vibrant services sector. Agriculture remained subdued, owing to security challenges and sliding productivity. Real GDP is expected to expand by 3.4 percent in 2025, supported by the new domestic refinery, higher oil production and robust services. Against a complex and uncertain external environment, medium-term growth is projected to hover around 3½ percent, supported by domestic reform gains.

Gross and net international reserves increased in 2024, with a strong current account surplus and improved portfolio inflows. Reforms to the fx market and foreign exchange interventions have brought stability to the naira.

Naira stabilization and improvements in food production brought inflation to 23.7 percent year-on-year in April 2025 from 31 percent annual average in 2024 in the backcasted rebased CPI index released by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics. Inflation should decline further in the medium-term with continued tight macroeconomic policies and a projected easing of retail fuel prices.

Fiscal performance improved in 2024. Revenues benefited from naira depreciation, enhanced revenue administration and higher grants, which more-than-offset rising interest and overheads spending.

Downside risks have increased with heightened global uncertainty. A further decline in oil prices or increase in financing costs would adversely affect growth, fiscal and external positions, undermine financial stability and exacerbate exchange rate pressures. A deterioration of security could impact growth and food insecurity.

Executive Board Assessment2

Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They commended the authorities on the successful implementation of significant reforms during the past two years and welcomed the associated gains in macroeconomic stability and resilience. As these gains have yet to benefit all Nigerians, and with heightened economic uncertainty and significant downside risks, Directors emphasized the importance of agile policy making to safeguard and enhance macroeconomic stability, creating enabling conditions to boost growth, and reducing poverty.

Directors agreed that the Central Bank of Nigeria is appropriately maintaining a tight monetary policy stance, which should continue until disinflation becomes entrenched. They welcomed the discontinuation of deficit monetization and ongoing efforts to strengthen central bank governance to set the institutional foundation for inflation targeting. Directors also welcomed steps taken by the authorities to build reserves and support market confidence and praised reforms to the foreign exchange market that supported price discovery and liquidity. They called for implementation of a robust foreign exchange intervention framework focused on containing excess volatility, stressing that the exchange rate is an important shock absorber. Directors also agreed with staff’s call to phase out existing capital flow management measures in a properly timed and sequenced manner.

Directors called for a neutral fiscal stance to safeguard macroeconomic stabilization with priority given to investments that enhance growth. Directors also called for accelerating the delivery of cash transfers to assist the poor. They commended the authorities on advancing the tax reform bill, an important step towards enhancing revenue mobilization and creating fiscal space for development spending, while preserving debt sustainability.

Directors recognized actions to strengthen the banking system, including the ongoing process of increasing banks’ minimum capital. They welcomed the authorities’ efforts to boost financial inclusion and promote capital market development, while emphasizing the importance of moving to a robust risk‑based supervision for mortgage and consumer lending schemes as well as the fintech and crypto sectors. Directors welcomed progress made in strengthening the AML/CFT framework and stressed the importance of resolving remaining weaknesses to exit the FATF grey list.

To lift Nigeria’s growth outlook, improve food security, and reduce fragility, Directors highlighted the importance of tackling security, red tape, agricultural productivity, infrastructure gaps, including boosting electricity supply, as well as improved health and education spending, and making the economy more resilient to climate events. They noted that addressing structural impediments to private credit extension is also needed to support growth. Directors welcomed the IMF’s capacity development to support authorities’ reform efforts and agreed that enhancing data quality is critical for sound, data‑driven policymaking.

Table 1. Nigeria: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2023–26

	2023	2024	2025		2026
5/8/2025 13:03	Act.	Est.	Proj.		Proj.

National income and prices	Annual percentage change (unless otherwise specified)
Real GDP (at 2010 market prices)	2.9	3.4		3.4	3.2
Oil GDP	-2.2	5.5		4.9	2.3
Non-oil GDP	3.2	3.3		3.3	3.3
Non-oil non-agriculture GDP	3.9	4.1		3.7	3.7
Production of crude oil (million barrels per day)	1.5	1.5		1.7	1.7
Nominal GDP at market prices (trillions of naira)	234	277		320	367
Nominal non-oil GDP (trillions of naira)	221	260		303	351
Nominal GDP per capita (US$)	1,597	806		836	887
GDP deflator	12.6	14.5		11.4	11.4
Consumer price index (annual average)	24.7	31.4		24.0	23.0
Consumer price index (end of period)	28.9	15.4		23.0	18.0
Investment and savings	Percent of GDP
Gross national savings	31.8	39.6	37.5		37.7
Public	-0.1	3.9	2.2		1.7
Private	31.9	35.7	35.3		36.1
Investment	30.0	30.4	30.5		33.1
Public	3.2	4.8	5.4		5.5
Private	26.8	25.6	25.1		27.6
Consolidated government operations	Percent of GDP
Total revenues and grants	9.8	14.4	14.2		13.8
Of which: oil and gas revenue	3.3	4.1	5.1		4.9
Of which: non-oil revenue	5.8	9.2	8.8		8.8
Total expenditure and net lending	13.9	17.1	18.9		18.7
Overall balance	-4.2	-2.6	-4.7		-4.9
Non-oil primary balance	-4.9	-4.9	-7.2		-6.9
Public gross debt¹	48.7	52.9	52.0		50.8
Of which: FX denominated debt	18.1	25.5	25.8		24.8
FGN interest payments (percent of FGN revenue)	83.8	41.1	47.3		49.2
Money and credit	Contribution to broad money growth (unless otherwise specified)
Broad money (percent change; end of period)	51.9	42.7	17.9		22.3
Net foreign assets	10.5	30.4	2.1		7.2
Net domestic assets	41.3	12.3	15.8		15.1
Of which: Claims on consolidated government	20.1	-11.9	6.2		4.1
Credit to the private sector (y/y, percent)	53.6	30.1	17.9		18.2
Velocity of broad money (ratio; end of period)	2.7	3.3	2.2		2.1

External sector	Annual percentage change (unless otherwise specified)
Current account balance (percent of GDP)	1.8	9.2	7.0		4.6
Exports of goods and services	-12.8	-4.5	-6.0		1.3
Imports of goods and services	-4.4	-0.8	-6.8		8.4
Terms of trade	-6.1	-0.6	-7.4		-3.3
Price of Nigerian oil (US$ per barrel)	82.3	79.9	67.7		63.3
External debt outstanding (US$ billions)²	102.9	102.2	105.9		110.2
Gross international reserves (US$ billions, CBN definition)³	33.2	40.2	36.4		39.1
Equivalent months of prospective imports of G&S	5.4	5.7	7.5		7.7

Memorandum items:
Implicit fuel subsidy (percent of GDP)	0.8	2.1	0.0		0.0
Sources: Nigerian authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.
¹ Gross debt figures for the Federal Government and the public sector include overdrafts from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
² Includes both public and private sector.
³ Based on the IMF definition, the gross international reserves were US$8 billion lower in December 2024.

1 Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. Staff hold separate annual discussions with the regional institutions responsible for common policies in four currency unions—the Euro Area, the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, the Central African Economic and Monetary Union, and the West African Economic and Monetary Union. For each of the currency unions, staff teams visit the regional institutions responsible for common policies in the currency union, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the currency union’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis of discussion by the Executive Board. Both staff’s discussions with the regional institutions and the Board discussion of the annual staff report will be considered an integral part of the Article IV consultation with each member.

2 At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm. The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Julie Ziegler

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

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/07/01/pr-25231-nigeria-imf-staff-completes-2025-article-iv-mission

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 3, 2025

MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Debates Multifaceted Crisis in Haiti

Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

Meetings Coverage

9953rd Meting (AM)

The Security Council will discuss the situation in Haiti, which faces a multifaceted crisis amid ongoing gang violence. Members will hear a briefing by Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, on the activities of a United Nations’ support mission. Ghada Fathy Waly, Executive Director, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, is also expected to brief the 15-member organ..

For information media. Not an official record.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Huffman, Pallone, Castor, Padilla, Booker, Reed Lead Charge to Block Trump’s Dangerous Offshore Drilling Plan

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

June 16, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), U.S. House Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) along with 40 Democratic Colleagues in the House and Senate submitted formal comments to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), opposing any new or expanded offshore oil and gas leasing in the Trump administration’s proposed updates to the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas leasing program.

In their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers warned that more offshore drilling would threaten our national security, coastal communities, marine life, and local economies – all while handing more giveaways to an industry already sitting on millions of acres of unused leases. They urged the agency to exclude any new leasing in the final program.

“New or expanded oil and gas leasing poses risks to the health and livelihoods of our constituents, jeopardizes our tourism, fishing, and recreational economies, and threatens the marine life that inhabits our coastlines” the members wrote. “New, unnecessary lease sales will lock in decades more of pollution and climate impacts from an industry that already holds more than 2,000 offshore leases covering more than 12 million acres of federal water, of which only 469 leases are currently producing oil and gas. The United States is already the number one producer of oil and gas in the world. There is no need for increased leasing, especially when oil and gas companies continue to impose environmental and climate consequences, public health risks, and billions of dollars in cleanup costs on the American people.”

Members also reminded the Secretary of the long-standing legal restrictions that prevent the administration from offering lease sales in protected areas.

“We remind the agency that it cannot offer sales in areas permanently protected under Section 12(a) of OCSLA, including areas off the Atlantic coast, the Pacific off the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington, the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and portions of the Artic Ocean, including the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea planning areas. In 2017, during his first term, President Trump attempted to reverse President Obama’s Arctic and Atlantic withdrawals, but Judge Sharon Gleason for the District Court of Alaska determined that Section 12(a) does not give the president authority to revoke prior withdrawals. President Trump does not have the authority to reverse the Obama and Biden withdrawals, and his Executive Order of January 2025, which attempts to do so, is unlawful.”

During his first term, the Trump administration proposed 47 lease sales over five years, covering nearly every U.S. coastline. Fortunately, this program was never finalized due to litigation and strong bipartisan opposition. But now, with the Biden administration’s leasing plan under review and Secretary Burgum signaling that protections may be on the chopping block, lawmakers are raising the alarm once again.

At a budget hearing last week, Secretary Burgum refused to commit to protecting Florida’s Gulf Coast from new oil and gas leasing, saying only that “the administration may be considering opportunities.” This region has long been protected by both bipartisan legislation and administrative withdrawals – protections that are now under threat.

Read the full letter here.

Next Article Previous Article

MIL OSI USA News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Huffman Statement on Senate Passage of the Big, Ugly Bill

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

July 01, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the Senate passed President Trump’s Big, Ugly Bill:

“The Senate just jammed through a scorched-earth reconciliation bill so toxic that it is worse than the House version if you can believe it. It takes away healthcare from millions of Americans, rips food assistance from kids and seniors, and guts the very safeguards that protect our clean air and water — all to reward the same fossil fuel CEOs Trump asked for a billion-dollar campaign check. It props up the dirty energy of the past, suffocates clean energy, and sticks American families with higher costs, dirtier air and water, and growing floods, fires, and climate disasters.

“Republicans tried to push through the biggest public lands sell-off in modern history — and got rejected so badly they had to yank it. But make no mistake: this bill still guts protections, opens millions of acres to drilling, mining and logging, and rewrites the rules into a pay-to-play scheme for Trump’s billionaire donors. And this just adds to what the Trump administration is already doing to sell out our public lands to polluters and developers.

“This isn’t a beautiful bill; it’s a Big Betrayal. It slashes hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs. It kneecaps investments that are finally flowing to rural towns, Tribal Nations, and working-class communities. And it would drive up costs across the board — electricity, healthcare, food — forcing families to pay more just so fossil fuel CEOs and already wealthy corporations can rake in record profits. No wonder nearly two-thirds of Americans oppose it.

“Now it heads back to the House, where Republicans better be ready to explain why they’re ripping up healthcare and food assistance, selling out public lands, gutting clean air and water safeguards, and driving up energy bills, all so billionaires and Big Oil CEOs can get richer.”

###

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MIL OSI USA News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI China: First specialized container terminal of Dongying Port put into use in China’s Shandong

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

First specialized container terminal of Dongying Port put into use in China’s Shandong

Updated: July 2, 2025 21:31 Xinhua

A drone photo shows a container ship berthing at the container terminal of a dike in Dongying Port, east China’s Shandong Province, July 2, 2025. The first specialized container terminal of Dongying Port was put into use on Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua]

A drone photo shows a container ship berthing at the container terminal of a dike in Dongying Port, east China’s Shandong Province, July 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

A drone photo shows a container ship berthing at the container terminal of a dike in Dongying Port, east China’s Shandong Province, July 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Provides Update on State of Missouri’s Continued Disaster Response and Recovery Efforts
Source: US State of Missouri

JULY 2, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe shared the following updates on the State of Missouri’s support for communities recovering from the severe weather and flooding that has affected much of the state in 2025.

“Our state team members have done an outstanding job this year, working shoulder to shoulder with local counterparts to aid Missouri families and businesses recovering from an unprecedented string of damaging storms,” Governor Kehoe said. “These efforts—along with the work of our faith-based and volunteer disaster response partners, and the federal disaster support approved by President Trump—are making a tremendous difference as we move forward together as a state.”

On Monday, Governor Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-27 extending a State of Emergency in Missouri through August 31, 2025. The extension will help further assist with disaster recovery efforts, as additional flooding and severe storms occurred in Southwest Missouri over this past weekend. Governor Kehoe first declared a State of Emergency on March 14, 2025, through Executive Order 25-19 in preparation for severe weather. The State of Emergency declaration in Executive Order 25-19 was subsequently extended by Executive Order 25-22, Executive Order 25-23, and now Executive Order 25-27.

Some recent highlights on the state’s response include:
- More than $22 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) assistance has been provided to over 4,600 families in the City of St. Louis, St. Louis, and Scott counties. This funding follows President Trump’s June 9 approval of a federal Major Disaster Declaration for the May 16 tornado and severe storms that devastated parts of Missouri.
- During the activation of the Missouri National Guard to the City of St. Louis, guard members supported debris management collection at four drop-off sites and hauled hundreds of dump truck loads to the landfill. This support enabled the city and its residents to remove the equivalent of well over 200 football fields piled one foot high with debris.
- On June 14, Governor Kehoe signed Senate Bill 1 into law after the special session, allocating $100 million to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for disaster relief to help the City of St. Louis recover from the May 16 tornado that damaged or destroyed thousands of homes.
- More than $3.8 million in FEMA/SEMA assistance has been provided to over 750 households impacted by the March 14-15 storms and wildfires in Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Wayne, Webster, and Wright counties. President Trump approved Governor Kehoe’s federal Major Disaster Request for this disaster on May 21.
- Currently eight Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are open for residents impacted by the May 16 or March 14-15 severe storms to help with disaster assistance applications, answer questions, and upload required documents. Search Missouri locations at fema.gov/DRC. The fastest way to apply is at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If residents were impacted March 14-15, the deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance is July 22. For those impacted on May 16, the deadline is August 11.
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MIL OSI USA News –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ‘Summer Saturday’ LIRR & Metro-North Discounts Return

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the return of Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad “Summer Saturday” discount programs that enable monthly ticket holders to travel anywhere the railroads go and bring friends or family for just $1 each.

“This is all about putting more money in New Yorkers’ pockets,” Governor Hochul said. “Whether it’s Long Island Beaches, Broadway shows and baseball games in the city, or hiking in the Hudson Valley, taking the train is the best way to get around. And by allowing monthly pass holders to bring friends and family along for just a dollar, we’re making it easier and more affordable for New Yorkers to ride the rails this summer.”

The Summer Saturday discount program returns as customers of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad are enjoying sky high on-time performance.

On Saturdays from July 5 through Aug. 30, both railroads will honor all monthly tickets for travel to and from all stations within the LIRR or Metro-North Railroad regardless of what stations are printed on the ticket. Monthly ticket holders traveling Saturdays will also be able to bring up to two additional travelers for only $1 per person each way. Promotional $1 tickets can be purchased via the TrainTime app under Family Fares or on board without incurring an extra charge. 

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “If the best service in LIRR and Metro-North history wasn’t enough incentive to ride, these discounts should seal the deal. We’ve made it a priority to get creative on fares and give customers the best bang for their buck — no matter where they want to go, from Montauk to Manitou.”

Long Island Rail Road President Robert Free said, “Summer is time for outdoor fun with family and friends and the LIRR is ready to take you to everything that Long Island has to offer this summer at a great price. Summer Saturdays are an inexpensive way to access the fastest and most convenient way to travel between the City and Long Island. Skip the traffic and ride the rails to your favorite Long Island destinations.”

Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek said, “Metro-North is the best way to enjoy everything that the Hudson Valley has to offer and summer Saturdays are an affordable option for everyone to travel through the Hudson Valley and Connecticut. Bring the whole family on your next Metro-North trip this summer to see and do everything the region has to offer!”

There will be no cross-honoring of these discounted tickets between the railroads, meaning LIRR customers cannot use their monthly tickets to travel on Metro-North, and vice versa. Three Montauk Branch LIRR trains and one Ronkonkoma train and its Greenport connection are exempt from the program: the 7:13 a.m., 8:14 a.m. and 10:29 a.m. trains from Jamaica to Montauk, the 7:47 a.m. train from Penn Station to Ronkonkoma and its connection, the 9:14 a.m. train from Ronkonkoma to Greenport.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Monitoring for Sharks Along Long Island Beaches
Source: US State of New York

head of Fourth of July weekend and in preparation for beach and swimming season, Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on measures to watch out for sharks and other potentially dangerous marine life at Long Island State Parks this summer. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), expanded and updated surveillance capability, including new drones and drone operators, at Long Island State Park beaches.

“Our Long Island State Park beaches are cherished by New Yorkers and visitors alike — perfect places to get offline, get outside and enjoy the outdoors.” Governor Hochul said. “We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics at these beaches to help protect these treasured summertime traditions. I encourage all beachgoers to stay safe, stay alert and always follow the direction of lifeguards and park staff.”

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) lifeguards continuously scan and patrol the waters from shore and by surfboat and personal watercraft for any dangerous marine life, such as sharks. Park Police and Park staff actively patrol the beachfront as well, using drones to search the water for dangerous marine life or large schools of fish that may attract them. State Parks’ expanded surveillance capabilities this summer include: 
- Added 6 drones to its 22 currently in operation for a total of 28 drones;
- Trained 8 new drone pilots for a total of 48 drone operators among operations staff, lifeguards and Park Police; and
- Assigned one large enterprise drone to Park Police with thermal imaging, laser range finding, and high-quality cameras to allow for night-time surveillance and patrols in adverse weather conditions. This drone can also drop personal flotation devices in emergencies. 
When there are shark sightings and/or interactions in State Parks beaches, swimming is suspended, and all swimmers are cleared from the water. State Parks works with the DEC to confirm potential shark sightings. Swimming is allowed to resume at least one hour after the last confirmed sighting. State Park lifeguards, Park Police and park staff stay on high alert and patrol the waters for dangerous marine life. In addition, the Long Island Coastal Awareness Group, composed of more than 200 individuals from municipalities, agencies, and private beach operators stretching from Queens through Long Island, is notified so they may take appropriate action in their respective jurisdictions.

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons said, “Our staff is well prepared to safeguard beachgoers this summer season, and we’re excited to adopt the latest technology to be even more effective. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul and the Department of Environmental Conservation for their continued support and partnership in keeping these beaches as safe as possible. I encourage beachgoers to follow guidance and directions from parks staff and be shark smart while enjoying their summer fun.” 

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Visits to Long Island’s ocean beaches are a treasured part of summer plans for New Yorkers and out-of-state visitors alike. Being aware of rip currents, following the State’s shark safety guidance, and keeping in mind that our coastal areas are part of a wild and natural marine ecosystem will help swimmers avoid danger while enjoying some fun in the sun. Thanks to Governor Hochul, DEC and our partners at State Parks have the necessary tools to keep an eye on the water and help ensure all beachgoers recreate safely.”

New Yorkers are encouraged to follow shark safety guidance: 
- Avoid areas with schools of fish, splashing fish, or diving seabirds;
- Avoid swimming at dusk, night, and dawn;
- Avoid murky water;
- Swim, paddle and surf in groups;
- Stay close to shore, where your feet can touch the bottom; and
- Always follow the instructions of lifeguards and Parks’ staff.
Humans assume risk whenever they enter any wild environment, whether on land or in the water. Although it is impossible to eliminate risk altogether, ocean users can modify their behavior to minimize potential interactions with sharks and reduce overall risk. When in the ocean, follow DEC’s shark safety guidelines to minimize the potential for negative interactions with sharks.

New Technology Helps Improve Awareness of Rip Currents
In the Long Island Region of New York, State Parks purchased two virtual reality headsets to improve public awareness and understanding of the dangers of rip currents. Members of the public can use these headsets at water safety outreach events at New York State Parks’ beaches, May 31-September 6, 2025. The technology is bilingual, with instruction available in both English and Spanish. The headsets employ technology developed by Hofstra University Professor Jase Bernhardt and developer Frank Martin, funded by New York Sea Grant.

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along coastlines. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), lifeguards rescue tens of thousands of people from rip currents in the U.S. every year, but it is estimated that 100 people are killed by rip currents annually.

Rip currents usually form near a shallow point in the water, and can happen at any beach with breaking waves, including the beaches on the Great Lakes. If you are caught in a rip current, remain calm and don’t fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, and float or tread water if you begin to tire.  Learn more about rip currents.

The Long Island Region Water Safety Education Program initiative started at Robert Moses Field 5 last year. For summer 2025, programming has been expanded to other parks in the region, including:
- July 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunken Meadow State Park: Field 1 Boardwalk
- July 25 , 4-8 p.m., Robert Moses State Park: Field 5
- August 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Heckscher State Park
- August 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Wildwood State Park: Beachfront
- August 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunken Meadow State Park: Field 1 Boardwalk
- September 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Captree State Park: Dockside Festival
MIL OSI USA News –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: EU Climate Law: new way to reach 2040 targets

Source: European Union 2

The Commission has proposed an amendment to the EU’s Climate Law that would see a 2040 EU climate target of a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions, compared to 1990 levels. The proposal also sets out a more pragmatic and flexible way to reach the 2040 target.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: EU plan will make Europe a global leader in life sciences

Source: European Union 2

The European Commission has launched a new plan to make Europe a global leader in life sciences by 2030. The plan will accelerate innovation, facilitate market access, and build public trust in new technologies, ensuring Europe becomes the most attractive place in the world for life sciences.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Rochester Man Who Lured Minor to Hotel for Sex Pleads Guilty

Source: US FBI

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jonathan Woody, 31, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor, before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, maximum penalty of life and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that in January 2024, Woody engaged in sexually explicit online and text communications with a 13-year-old child that he met on social media. On January 2, 2024, Woody paid for an Uber to transport the child to a hotel in Greece, NY, where he rented a room. While at the hotel, Woody provided alcohol and marijuana and engaged in sexual acts with the child. After realizing that the child was missing from home, the child’s family called 911 to initiate a missing person investigation. The child returned home, at which time law enforcement learned of Woody’s interactions with the child. Subsequent investigation resulted in the identification and arrest of Woody.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 30, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.

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MIL Security OSI –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Admits Continuing to Sell Counterfeit Xanax on Dark Web

Source: US FBI

ST. LOUIS – A man from New York state on Tuesday admitted continuing to sell counterfeit Xanax on the dark web while out on bond after pleading guilty in a similar case.

John Cruz, 31, of Rochester, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of conspiracy to misbrand, introduce misbranded drugs and sell counterfeit drugs.

On Nov. 29, 2023, Cruz pleaded guilty to the same charge and admitted purchasing counterfeit Xanax, an anti-anxiety drug, on the darknet and then reselling it from at least October 2019 through May 2021.

As part of his guilty plea Tuesday, Cruz admitted that after pleading guilty and while out on bond, he continued the same conduct, operating a darknet website where he offered four different types of counterfeit/misbranded pills. An FBI Special Agent, acting in an undercover capacity, made several purchases from Cruz using cryptocurrency.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service made an undercover purchase from Cruz’ co-defendant, Jared James. On April 9, 2024, investigators conducted a court-approved search of James’ home and found pills in four colors. The day before, officers observed James take five packages to a post office that were addressed to locations in Little Rock, Arkansas; Burien, Washington; St. Paul, Minnesota; Richmond, Virginia; and Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Each package contained a bag with about 1,000 counterfeit or misbranded pills.

Investigators also seized $145,502 from an account Cruz held in the cryptocurrency Monero, representing the proceeds of his illegal pill sales.

Cruz is scheduled to be sentenced on October 7. Each count Cruz is facing is punishable by up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine.

James, 48, of Lexington, Kentucky, was sentenced in May to 32 months in prison after pleading guilty to the same charge.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Ware and Kyle Bateman are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: United Kingdom (UK) Reinforces Commitment to Ethiopia’s Economic Growth and Reform, Eyeing Key Investment Sectors

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The United Kingdom has significantly reinforced its commitment to boosting Ethiopia’s economic landscape, with Baroness Jane Ramsey of Wall Health, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Ethiopia, leading a crucial meeting with H.E. Semereta Sewasew, State Minister at the Ministry of Finance. As one of only 32 global Trade Envoys, Baroness Ramsey expressed her profound honor in her role and her eagerness to cultivate strong ties with Ethiopian partners and investors. The UK is keen to help Ethiopia expand and grow business and investment, aligning its support for Ethiopia’s economic reform efforts with both multilateral and bilateral development initiatives.

Discussions during the meeting centered on Ethiopia’s evolving business environment, with Baroness Ramsey acknowledging notable improvements in the investment climate. H.E. Semereta Sewasew stressed the vital need for regulatory reforms, especially within the banking sector, alongside reforms in foreign exchange and governance, to foster a more open and competitive investment environment.

The UK’s interest in Ethiopia spans several key sectors that are ripe for collaboration and investment. In telecommunications, the UK considers the potential introduction of a third operator to be “very, very important,” recognizing Ethiopia’s vast population and the opportunity to serve up to 200 million users. This development could significantly enhance connectivity across the country.

In the creative industries, a substantial investment of £120 million was discussed, aimed at supporting sustainable creative ventures. The goal is to help these industries expand and thrive, thereby promoting economic diversification and creating new jobs. The agro-industry sector also features prominently in the UK’s investment plans. A notable example is a $300 million project focused on advancing crop production for dairy processing. The discussion highlighted that this initiative is currently assessing its environmental and social impacts and will begin with the development of processing plants in its pre-production phase. The UK is actively investing in this sector, aiming to boost agricultural productivity and add value through processing.

Mining remains another key area, with gold mining specifically identified as a significant sector. This reaffirms the UK’s ongoing commitment to investing and collaborating within Ethiopia’s mining industry. In financial services, the UK expressed strong enthusiasm about engaging with Ethiopia’s newly opened financial sector. Emphasizing the importance of a competitive regulatory framework, particularly within banking, the UK sees great potential for growth and modernization.

Finally, progress was reviewed on major infrastructure projects, including new airports and Ethiopia Electric Power initiatives on the country’s east side. Updates on the approval processes for these projects underscored the ongoing efforts to advance Ethiopia’s infrastructure development.

H.E. Semereta Sewasew acknowledged that these sectors represent vital opportunities for strengthening UK-Ethiopia partnerships, driving economic growth, and fostering sustainable development. Baroness Ramsey reiterated the UK’s unwavering commitment to working closely with the Ethiopian government and stakeholders. She emphasized the importance of unlocking further investment and fostering a strong, mutually beneficial economic partnership, with the UK looking forward to continuing these vital discussions and collaborating on these important initiatives to support Ethiopia’s economic development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance, Ethiopia.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: CORRECTION: The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Wins Global Trade Review (GTR) Best Deals of 2025 for Türkiye Earthquake Response Financing

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-idb.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has been recognized with a GTR (Global Trade Review) Best Deals of 2025 for its innovative US$150 million Murabaha financing facility, to support Türkiye’s post-earthquake economic recovery.

Executed in close partnership with the Ministry of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Türkiye, the Industrial Development Bank of Türkiye (TSKB), and the Development and Investment Bank of Türkiye (TKYB), this landmark Shariah-compliant financing was the first Islamic trade finance facility designed for post-disaster recovery.

The financing was developed in response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye in February 2023, resulting in an estimated US$100 billion in damages and disrupting over 220,000 businesses. The facility delivered working capital support and laid the foundation for sustainable economic revival in key sectors including food security, agriculture, and trade.

Commenting on the award, Nazeem Noordali, Chief Operating Officer, ITFC highlighted, “This award is a testament to our continued commitment to support trade-driven resilience. By partnering with Türkiye’s public sector and key development banks, we have introduced an Islamic finance solution that strengthens recovery and supports long-term trade sustainability.”

Ms. Sedef Aydaş Head of Department the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Treasury and Finance, stated that ITFC is one of the first financing organizations showing its willingness to support Türkiye’s post-earthquake economic recovery and added that: “We as Ministry of Treasury and Finance are delighted and thankful to receive GTR Best Deal of 2024 with the first transactions with ITFC for its financing support to Türkiye regarding food security, agriculture and SME trade financing in the earthquake region. I hope the deals we had with ITFC will be one of the landmark projects for future transactions in various areas.”

The project has also accelerated the adoption of Islamic trade finance solutions in Türkiye’s public sector. TSKB and TKYB utilized the opportunity to develop new Shariah-compliant frameworks with strategic impact across other sectors like renewable energy, climate resilience, employment and inclusive development. It also opened new avenues for Islamic financing in Türkiye’s public sector, paving the way for future Murabaha based financing from international players.

Commenting on the award, Ms. Meral Murathan, Executive Vice President & Sustainability Leader of TSKB, said: “As Türkiye’s first privately-owned development and investment bank, we have been committed to supporting sustainable and inclusive development for the past 75 years. In the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquake, we placed the sustainable redevelopment of the affected regions at the core of our mission. The US$ 150 million Murabaha-based agreement we signed with ITFC in August 2024 marks the first cooperation between TSKB and ITFC. We are pleased to have structured this partnership to support trade-driven recovery and resilience in the earthquake-impacted areas by addressing the urgent needs of local businesses.”

The award was presented at the GTR Best Deals 2025 ceremony, where ITFC representative alongside officials from the Ministry of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Türkiye and TSKB.

İbrahim H. Oztop, the CEO of the Development and Investment Bank of Türkiye commented “We are very pleased to be involved in this transaction, executed in collaboration with ITFC, our partner institution. This financing not only represents a step forward in strengthening our corporate financing structure but also helps us to achieve our strategic goals. We consider this award as a recognition of our institution’s vision and mission on an international level.”

This recognition reinforces ITFC’s leadership in Islamic trade finance solutions and its contribution to achieving SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

Contact Us:
Tel: +966 12 646 8337
Fax: +966 12 637 1064
E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org

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About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$83 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity building tools, enabling them to successfully compete in the global market.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: The European Union (EU) and World Food Programme (WFP) enhance self-reliance and food security for refugees and host communities in Uganda

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of EUR 5 million from the European Union (EU) to support income-generating activities to enhance self-reliance and food security for refugees and host communities in Uganda.

Uganda hosts 1.9 million refugees and asylum seekers, making it the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa. The Government of Uganda’s national refugee policy allows refugees to work and move freely, but economic opportunities remain scarce in and around refugee settlements, meaning that humanitarian and development assistance are a lifeline for refugee families as they seek to build a self-reliant life in safety.

“Empowering refugees in Uganda to become self-reliant has never been more important,” said Genevieve Chicoine, WFP’s Acting Country Director in Uganda. “This vital contribution from the European Union will enable WFP to support thousands of refugees and host communities with the skills they need to earn a living and put food on the table.”

WFP supports 660,000 refugees in Uganda with cash transfers and in-kind food assistance, as well as programmes to increase self-reliance and improve the nutrition of mothers and their children.

This contribution from the EU will support the food security for 12,600 refugees in the Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements and 5,400 host community members. It includes training on best farming practices like regenerative agriculture, financial literacy skills for business management and resource growth, and nutrition assistance for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

“This partnership reflects a shift from delivering aid to delivering opportunity,” said Guillaume Chartrain, European Union Deputy Head of Delegation to Uganda. “Refugees and host communities are gaining the tools they need to shape their own futures. By investing in people’s skills and potential, we are supporting more stable, self-reliant communities—and that benefits everyone.”

This initiative is part of the European Union’s Action for Protection, Assistance and Durable Solutions for Displaced Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa (EUPADS), supporting efforts to address the root causes of displacement while reinforcing national policies for displaced people living in countries like Uganda.

WFP’s food assistance programmes in Uganda are facing critical funding shortfalls. In May, the agency was forced to halt food assistance for nearly one million refugees and reduce food rations for others to an unprecedented low of 22 percent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

MIL OSI Africa –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: The Republic of Korea supports food security for vulnerable communities in northern Mozambique

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes generous contributions from the Republic of Korea for the second consecutive year, totalling US$ 7.6 million to improve food security for communities affected by multiple shocks in northern Mozambique.

The contributions, comprising more than 5,000 metric tonnes of high-quality rice, will enable WFP to deliver life-saving food assistance to over 233,000 vulnerable people in Cabo Delgado Province.

The Republic of Korea has been a key partner to WFP in Mozambique, providing critical support at a time marked by protracted internal conflict, recurring climate shocks, and growing funding gaps. During the 2024-2025 cyclone season, northern Mozambique was hit by three cyclones in as many months, affecting more than 1.4 million people — many of whom were already reeling from the effects of the ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado province.

This generous contribution from the Republic of Korea will help prevent a further deterioration in food and nutrition security for the most vulnerable groups in the north.

“This support comes at a crucial time — it’s more than a donation, it’s a lifeline that helps protect people’s dignity and restore hope in a region that has endured far too much,” said Antonella D’Aprile, WFP Country Director in Mozambique.” Thanks to the continued solidarity of the Republic of Korea, we can reach the most fragile communities in Cabo Delgado with food assistance.

“This contribution reflects the strong partnership between the Republic of Korea and Mozambique, and our shared commitment to humanitarian values. In the face of conflict and climate shocks, it is essential to act with urgency and compassion. The ROK will continue to stand by Mozambique on the path to recovery and resilience,” referred Bok Won KANG, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Mozambique.

The Republic of Korea has been a long-standing partner of WFP in Mozambique. Since 2019, it has contributed more than US$ 16.3 million to support the country’s most vulnerable populations with lifesaving assistance and restoration of livelihoods.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

MIL OSI Africa –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Unveiling of twinning display at Preston Peace Garden
Source: City of Preston

A new information board celebrating Preston’s town-twinning has been unveiled at Preston Peace Garden.

The event welcomed visitors from Almelo, one of Preston’s twinned towns in the Netherlands and Preston’s oldest twin town since 1948. Almelo’s connection with Preston is textiles, with the main industry being cotton.

Town twinning began after the Second World War, promoting friendship and understanding across boarders as part of a shared commitment to lasting peace in Europe.

Councillor Sue Whittam, Mayor of Preston said:

“We have a strong and positive relationship with all four of our European twin towns and we were pleased to welcome representatives from Almelo as our special guests to mark this occasion.

“The display board gives information about our important twinning partnerships and is a valuable addition to the Peace Garden which was completed last year as part of the wider rejuvenation of Friargate”

The board is in memory of Ian Hall (1926 – 2025), Honorary Freeman and Honorary Alderman of Preston, and Derek Smith (1934 – 2024) former Chair of the Twinning Partnership. It recognises their long-standing commitment to Preston’s twinning work.

The original aim of establishing twin towns was that if towns could establish friendly links, crossing political frontiers, then their nations would be less inclined to enter into conflict. 

The modern concept of town twinning is to promote cultural and educational similarities and respect differences between the people of Europe. Bringing people together and allowing citizens of the twinned towns to experience and explore other cultures, whilst encouraging economic development and trade opportunities.

Alongside Almelo, Preston is also twinned with:
- Nȋme, France – since 1955
- Recklinghausen, Germany – since 1956
- Kalisz, Poland – since 1989
To read more about Preston’s special relationships with its twin towns see town twinning.

Photo caption: Mayor of Preston Councillor Sue Whittam and Mayor of Almelo, Richard Korteland stood next to the twinnin display.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stop the senseless vandalism in our play parks this summer

Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

Throughout the year, play parks across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon borough have experienced incidents of vandalism that not only cost the ratepayer money but also prevent children from enjoying vital play time and outdoor activities.

These acts of damage – ranging from broken swings and burned slides to graffiti and smashed glass – often lead to the temporary closure of parks until repairs can be made.

This means children across the borough miss out on safe, local spaces to play, exercise and socialise with friends – particularly during the school holidays when these parks are needed most. Vandalism discourages families from using the parks leading to less physical activity and community interaction.

“This senseless vandalism in our parks has got to stop,” commented Chair of the Policing and Community Safety Partnership, Councillor Julie Flaherty. “Many of our play parks have been heavily invested in and completely refurbished recently – yet these acts of destruction are causing unnecessary inconvenience to our communities, costing the ratepayer money and leaving our children without local play parks.

“Council investment has ensured that 43 of our 95 parks have been upgraded with inclusive features such as sensory equipment, wheelchair-accessible play items and communication boards. Some parks even have braille panels and quiet areas. The cost of damage to these isn’t just financial but causes emotional distress too.

“Unfortunately, a lot of this vandalism is caused by young people and anti-social behaviour, therefore during the summer months we would urge parents and carers to be aware of their children’s whereabouts. Know who they are with and tell them about the serious consequences of anti-social behaviour. If they are unsupervised, they may get into trouble whether acting intentionally or through association with others.”

The Council is encouraging local residents to help look after and protect these valued community spaces. Preventing vandalism requires a combination of community engagement, surveillance, education and regular maintenance. If you witness any acts of vandalism or anti-social behaviour in a local play park, please report it by calling 101 or report online: https://www.psni.police.uk/report

Together, we can keep our play parks safe, welcoming, and fun for all.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Sets Election Date to Fill Vacancy on International Court of Justice

Source: United Nations 4

Meetings Coverage

9952nd Meeting (AM)

The Security Council meets today to take up a note by the Secretary-General titled “Date of an election to fill a vacancy in the International Court of Justice”.

The election will be to fill the seat of Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf (Somalia), who informed the President of the International Court of Justice, pursuant to Article 13, of his resignation as a member of the Court, effective 30 September 2025.

Article 14 of the Statute of the Court provides that vacancies shall be filled by the same method as that laid down for the first election, subject to the following provision: the Secretary-General shall, within one month of the occurrence of the vacancy, proceed to issue the invitations provided for in Article 5, and the date of the election shall be fixed by the Security Council.

International Court of Justice

For information media. Not an official record.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remarks by STL on Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (with photo/video)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, at a media session on the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles today (July 2):

Reporter: You mentioned that the initial daily quota for Guangdong cars to enter Hong Kong urban area will be 100 and will increase gradually. I wonder how you come up with that number? Will there be a cap for the quota given the capacity of car parking spaces in Hong Kong? How will the Government ensure that there are enough parking spaces for those cars? Secondly, regarding road safety, will Guangdong drivers be required to take any mandatory training or test to familiarise themselves with Hong Kong’s driving rules or regulations? Will they be penalised for any violation? Finally, you mentioned that there will be vehicle examinations in Mainland before those cars can enter Hong Kong, can you elaborate on the roles of Hong Kong authorities in those examinations and what kind of examinations will be conducted?

Secretary for Transport and Logistics: As I have mentioned just now, today’s announcement covered the entry of Guangdong vehicles to Hong Kong. It comprises two parts. The first part is regarding the parking of vehicles in the automated car park organised and arranged by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) and the automated car park is situated at the artificial island of the Hong Kong-Macao-Zhuhai Bridge BCP (Boundary Control Point) area. That part will allow Guangdong vehicles to be parked and facilitate their visitors to transit via our Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

As for the part regarding the entry of Guangdong vehicles into the Hong Kong territory, we would like to advance the implementation so that we can achieve a simultaneous implementation, i.e. we will allow and facilitate the application by Guangdong vehicles for both parts, including the part for entry into the Hong Kong territory. Given that the entry of Guangdong vehicles into the Hong Kong territory will require vehicle examinations and also application for the date and time to enter the Hong Kong territory, this will inevitably involve some time for processing, so the implementation and the entry of vehicles into the automated car park organised by the AAHK will be earlier. As for application for the entry of Guangdong vehicles into the territory, due to the need for them to go through various procedures, we hope that we will advance and streamline. Hopefully before the end of this year, they will be able to enter into the Hong Kong territory. We would like to try out our system’s various procedures and make sure that the implementation is smooth and organised. We would also monitor the implementation situation, the reaction of the society, the community and also the user experience so that we will map out our roadmap for the gradual implementation and increase of the daily entry number. Although we start small, we would like to make an early head-start so that we have a firm and useful basis for us to advance quicker and on a larger scale.

As for the requirements for the vehicle inspection, basically the entry of this kind of Guangdong vehicles, they will have to follow the requirements under the Hong Kong law. The Transport Department has a series of requirements regarding the vehicle type and vehicle conditions. We will facilitate and arrange the vehicle inspection in the Guangdong Province so as to facilitate that all the vehicles, which have applied for the Scheme, will go through all the necessary requirements for vehicle inspection. As for the individuals, like the drivers of these Guangdong vehicles, they are required to hold valid driving licence in Guangdong and Mainland area. In other words, they are required to undergo very serious and robust procedures and checking as regards their capability to drive their own cars. The Transport Department will also discuss with the Guangdong authorities and map out detailed requirements and procedures so as to uphold our requirements as well as to facilitate such kind of drivers to come to Hong Kong and get the necessary driving permits in order to allow their cars to be driven into the Hong Kong territory.

Reporter: Can you please clarify whether the Government will surely launch or seek to launch the Scheme on a certain date in November and drivers from Guangdong can submit their applications? Given the Bureau has been criticised for delaying the launch quite a few times, can you give us a date? Secondly, does one quota mean one vehicle on the road for the Southbound Scheme? Given the Northbound Scheme has a daily quota of 500, but we have observed more than 500 vehicles at the road crossing border. Any difference between the two in terms of application? Have you estimated how many vehicles will be on the road daily when the Scheme is launched?

Secretary for Transport and Logistics: I would like to stress that it is our target and our aim to achieve simultaneous implementation of the entry of Guangdong vehicles into the Hong Kong territory and the parking of the vehicles in the HKIA automated car park. The simultaneous implementation of both parts of the Scheme will be implemented in November. As regards the exact timing, this will be an area subject to our detailed follow-up discussion between the Hong Kong and Guangdong authorities. As regards the number of the vehicles on the road, those vehicles parked into the HKIA automated car park as the Executive Director, Mr Yiu, just mentioned, there will be a total capacity of 1 800 car parking spaces and these car parking spaces are arranged and organised under an automated car park system which gives the efficiency and the certainty for the Guangdong drivers to park their vehicles. The actual number for admission of the parking of vehicles on a daily basis will of course be evaluated and assessed based on the average number of days of stay of these vehicles in the car park. We presume that will be reflected in their travel pattern when they take their transit arrangement in the HKIA. As regards the entry of the Guangdong vehicles into the Hong Kong territory, we will actively discuss with the Guangdong authorities in order to map out the exact number of stay and the duration of stay for these Guangdong vehicles in Hong Kong. Our current thinking is to allow them for a stay of three to a few days. This number is actually based on our assessment of our capacity and also our wish to allow these Mainland residents using Guangdong registered vehicles to stay in Hong Kong so that they can enjoy a full stay of experience in Hong Kong, they can go and visit different tourist spots, they can buy things, they can go to shopping malls and they can also participate in different conferences and activities in Hong Kong. But in any event, we will be flexible and we hope that the number of stay can enable them to have a good experience in Hong Kong.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: New York Construction Company Supervisor Sentenced for Attempting to Cover Up Role in Fatal Long Island Construction Incident

Source: US State of California

Richard Zagger, 58, of Blue Point, New York, was sentenced yesterday to one year in prison and two years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to a four-count indictment charging him with conspiracy and obstruction of official proceedings relating to an investigation into a fatal construction accident.

Zagger was a supervisor for Northridge Construction Corporation, located in East Patchogue, Long Island, New York. As part of his duties, Zagger was responsible for overseeing Northridge employees who were assembling a metal shed on the construction company’s office property. During the assembly, one of the employees fell from the improperly secured shed roof and died.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated the employee’s death and identified several violations of worker safety standards, including the failure to maintain the stability of a metal structure at all times during construction. Additionally, Zagger made false statements and conspired with others to make false statements to obstruct OSHA’s investigation of the accident.

Northridge Construction Corporation was previously sentenced to pay a $100,000 fine and complete a five-year term of probation for violating a worker safety standard causing the death of an employee and making false statements during the subsequent investigation.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) made the announcement.

Senior Trial Attorneys Daniel Dooher and Richard J. Powers and Trial Attorney Rachel Roberts of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: New York Construction Company Supervisor Sentenced for Attempting to Cover Up Role in Fatal Long Island Construction Incident

Source: United States Attorneys General 7

Richard Zagger, 58, of Blue Point, New York, was sentenced yesterday to one year in prison and two years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to a four-count indictment charging him with conspiracy and obstruction of official proceedings relating to an investigation into a fatal construction accident.

Zagger was a supervisor for Northridge Construction Corporation, located in East Patchogue, Long Island, New York. As part of his duties, Zagger was responsible for overseeing Northridge employees who were assembling a metal shed on the construction company’s office property. During the assembly, one of the employees fell from the improperly secured shed roof and died.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated the employee’s death and identified several violations of worker safety standards, including the failure to maintain the stability of a metal structure at all times during construction. Additionally, Zagger made false statements and conspired with others to make false statements to obstruct OSHA’s investigation of the accident.

Northridge Construction Corporation was previously sentenced to pay a $100,000 fine and complete a five-year term of probation for violating a worker safety standard causing the death of an employee and making false statements during the subsequent investigation.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) made the announcement.

Senior Trial Attorneys Daniel Dooher and Richard J. Powers and Trial Attorney Rachel Roberts of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby in stronger position amidst continued financial challenges

Source: City of Derby

Derby City Council has improved its financial stability, reducing its in-year overspend and reliance on reserves, despite the ongoing challenges facing local government.

In a report detailing the final accounts for the 2024/2025 financial year, that will be presented to the Council’s Cabinet next week, Derby is reporting a more stable financial position despite continuing pressures from significant increases in demand for social care and homelessness, inflationary increases and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Due to sensible interventions, Derby significantly improved its financial sustainability, managing predicted overspend down from an expected £9.643 million in Quarter 1 to £3.996 million at the end of the year. This position has been strengthened by £10.5 million of underspends across the organisation and welcomed additional government funding.

Crucially, reliance on General Fund reserves has also reduced, down to £0.493 million from a Quarter 1 forecast of £5.769 million as a large proportion of the final overspend was funded by contingencies held by the Council.

The figures that will go to Cabinet next week show that at the end of 2024/2025, the general reserve fund has a balance of £8.658 million, supporting the Council’s plan to replenish its reserves by £10.140 million over three years. Additionally, 100% of the £8.121 million 2024/2025 savings target has also been achieved.

Councillor Kathy Kozlowski, Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance said:

We’ve had to work hard as a council to get to this position, and I’m grateful to all our staff who have helped us find new ways of working. I’m very pleased to see our accounts moving to a place of greater financial stability because it puts us on a firmer footing for delivering the services our citizens need.

Derby is reporting a much better position than many other local authorities, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s recent announcement of a three-year Local Government comprehensive spending review and fair funding reforms for the sector is welcome news. However, we are not out of the woods yet and must continue to be vigilant.

The continued financial sustainability of the Council continues to be a priority for us, allowing us to invest more into essential services that support some of our most vulnerable residents whilst also creating resilience for the future.

The Council’s final year end position for 2024-2025 will be presented to Cabinet on Wednesday 9 June. The meeting will be available to watch on the Council’s YouTube channel. 

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Jive

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

Library No. 30 invites you to a jive master class. Participants will master the basic steps of this energetic dance, develop a sense of rhythm and musicality, and learn to work in pairs.

The master class will be held in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere, with an individual approach and support from an experienced instructor. Participants will immediately be able to apply the knowledge they have gained in practice.

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 access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

HTTPS: //bytle.mo.ru/Event/349828257/

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 3, 2025

Category: DJF

Photographer jailed after sexually assaulting two models

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A new information board celebrating Preston’s town-twinning has been unveiled at Preston Peace Garden.