NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – Youth from Bukavu appeal to major powers: “Stop provoking wars and massacres in Congo”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – “You who have the power to provoke war, please stop fueling it in our country,” is the appeal addressed to the major powers by 40 young people from Bukavu, the capital of the Congolese province of South Kivu, which was captured on February 16 by the M23 rebels with the support of Rwandan troops (see Fides, 17/2/2025).In the appeal, which was sent to Fides, the young people point out the hypocrisy of those who, behind the scenes, are fueling the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo with the help of Rwanda. “You are using this small and poor country, Rwanda, to exterminate the Congolese in Kivu and plunder their natural resources. You pretend to be humanitarians who help us with food, while you are the ones causing wars and bloodshed in our region.”Under the pretext of fighting the Rwandan rebel group FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, heirs of the old regime responsible for the 1994 massacres), and protecting the Rwandan-speaking population in the province, Rwanda has been intervening in North and South Kivu for decades, either directly with its own troops or indirectly by supporting armed militias like the M23. All this with the aim of taking possession of Congolese natural resources (which are then exported from Rwanda to international markets and sold to the world’s high-tech industries), as the youth of Bukavu emphasize in their letter. “If you want to profit from our mineral resources, then come, but respect human life. Why are we being persecuted in this way?” the appeal reads. “You call us for dialogue, but how can we do that if you are after our wealth? Join the Congolese who seek a unity in peace and respect for every human being. Do not buy the minerals that have been plundered from our land, do not buy the blood of the Congolese.”The letter concludes with an appeal to “our young brothers and sisters in the country”: “One God, the Father of all, who sees us all as his children, loves us without discrimination and desires our happiness and peace, not tribulation. Where do wars, divisions, and hatred come from? From the selfishness of people who pursue their own interests and have lost their sense of good. The world is passing quickly; we came into the world empty-handed, and we will leave it empty-handed. To create peace, we need love, forgiveness, dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation.””In these difficult times, only God remains for us,” the young people conclude. “We are not afraid: God has never failed. Let us hold hands. Let us be careful what we say in public and not betray our country by joining the invaders for money. Together we will find a way to send them back to their land. Let us stand together so that we are not dependent on the countries that plunder our natural resources.”(L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 5/4/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OCEANIA – Debt crisis in the Pacific: Jubilee Year campaign aims to provide relief

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Port Moresby (Agenzia Fides) – “Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa are Pacific countries at risk of experiencing the worst consequences of internal and external debt. The Caritas Internationalis Jubilee campaign, ‘Transform Debt into Hope,’ should convince everyone to be vigilant about what political elites could do to avoid the dire circumstances of debt growth,” writes Father Giorgio Licini, missionary of PIME (Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions) and Caritas collaborator of the Episcopal Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, in a letter sent to Fides. “About fifty civil society and religious organizations around the world support the ‘Turn Debt into Hope’ petition and campaign. However, there are none from Oceania,” Father Licini points out, referring to the specific situation in Papua New Guinea, the country where he lives.”Papua New Guinea,” he points out, “owes creditors approximately 50 billion kina (approximately 11 billion euros, ed.), as the country prepares to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of its independence in September. The country’s solid financial position in the first two decades after independence from Australia, when the national currency was essentially equal to or more than the US dollar, is now a distant memory.” “The country,” he explains, “is classified as rich in resources but has poor human development indicators. About 75 percent of the population lives in poverty or has only the bare necessities of life, often in remote and inaccessible areas lacking basic services. The debt accumulated in recent years is more or less evenly distributed between domestic and foreign debt.”Corruption is a social challenge: “The perception that the country is at least partially determined by corruption and mismanagement is strong. Gaining government positions and jobs is widely perceived as an opportunity for personal enrichment, with family, clan, and allies benefiting in every way possible,” the missionary reports. “Yet,” he continues, “with clear political will, Papua New Guinea can curb corruption, keep its debt under control, and avoid the worst results seen in other developing countries, which are now unable even to pay the interest on their debts.”In light of this global concern, Caritas Internationalis has launched a campaign in the 2025 Jubilee Year entitled “Turn Debt into Hope,” which puts into practice the call for debt relief suggested by Pope Francis in the Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year.There are concrete figures on the current “debt crisis,” which affects more than 100 countries: The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank estimate that 60 percent of low-income countries are in “debt distress” or are on the verge of defaulting on their repayment obligations. “As many as 48 developing countries,” says Father Licini, “spend more on debt interest payments than on health and education, further perpetuating inequality and poverty. More than 3.3 billion people live in these countries.”And while rich countries hold the majority of the debt, “the cost of borrowing for developing countries is two to twelve times higher, trapping many of them in a cycle of rising debt,” Father Licini notes. “In 2023, countries in the Global South spent 12.5 times more on debt repayment than on combating climate change, making them vulnerable to its devastating impacts. What we urgently need, then, is a bold commitment from governments and financial institutions to stop the debt crisis now: the cancellation of unjust and unsustainable debts to prevent debt crises from recurring by addressing their root causes.” They also call for “a reform of the global financial system to prioritize people and the planet” so that the same crisis cannot repeat itself cyclically.A particular goal of the Caritas Internationalis campaign, according to the missionary, “is the cancellation of ‘unsustainable debt,’ i.e., debt that cannot truly be repaid.” At the international level, the petition will be presented wherever world leaders gather to discuss politics and economics, for example at the G7 summit in Canada in June, the G20 summit in South Africa in November, and the COP30 summit in Brazil. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 5/4/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Votes No on Republicans’ Destructive Budget Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Welch Votes No on GOP’s Destructive Budget Senate Republicans rejected Welch-led amendment to help hardworking Vermonters 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance and Judiciary Committees and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, voted against the Senate Republicans’ budget plan early this morning:
    “Since taking office, President Trump has made it crystal clear that he’s willing to bulldoze programs hardworking Americans rely on to line the pockets of billionaires. It’s truly outrageous that Republicans agreed to this cruel budget, which will have disastrous long-term consequences for Americans across the country—from farmers and seniors in Vermont to Social Security beneficiaries and small businesses in Texas. I voted no on the GOP’s budget,” said Senator Welch.
    Senator Welch filed 61 amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget plan. The Senator’s amendments aim to help working families through the affordability crisis, defend vital government services and disaster aid from Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), and combat President Trump’s reckless, illegal agenda. Senate Republicans rejected Senator Welch’s amendment to block tax cuts to billionaires paid for by cutting meals for hungry seniors and eliminating child care services for families.
    Senate Republicans’ budget, unveiled Wednesday, attacks Medicaid, Medicare, and the health care of seniors, children, people with disabilities, and rural patients; threatens Social Security for millions; raises costs for working families and enables President Trump’s trade war; jeopardizes support and health care for veterans; and gives DOGE a greenlight to destroy the federal government—all in the service of paying for Trump’s tax cut to billionaires.  
    Senator Welch offered amendments to the Republican budget resolution aimed to:   
    Address the Affordability Crisis: 
    An amendment to block tax cuts to billionaires paid for by cutting meals for hungry seniors and eliminating child care services for families. 
    Amendments to support federal dairy programs, organic farmers, and young and beginning farmers. 
    An amendment to address the impacts of disasters in rural communities.   
    An amendment to promote innovation, domestic job creation and U.S. competitiveness. This amendment would support Vermont’s growing semiconductor industry and America’s Tech Hubs. 
    Amendments to block the extension of tax cuts for the wealthy and large corporations until all federal services are provided. 
    Defend Federal Programs and Disaster Aid from Elon Musk: 
    Amendments to prohibit cuts to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and to improve rural access to nutrition programs. 
    Amendments to protect and defend rural broadband deployment and promote internet affordability.   
    An amendment to prohibit the elimination of over-to-phone identity verification for Social Security beneficiaries. 
    Amendments to prohibit the reduction or elimination of funding for rural care providers, health centers, and critical access hospitals.   
    Amendments to limit affiliates of the Department of Government Efficiency’s ability to access federal payment systems and personally identifiable information of Social Security beneficiaries. 
    An amendment to protect disaster survivors’ data privacy during any interaction with Department of Government Efficiency personnel. 
    An amendment prohibiting any reduction in disaster response and recovery programs for States and local communities. 
    Combat Trump’s Reckless and Illegal Agenda:   
    Amendments to preserve relations between the United States and Canada, and to prohibit Canadian energy tariffs that raise energy costs domestically.  
    An amendment to block legislation that enables U.S. troops to operate in Gaza to assist in the displacement or removal of Palestinians from Gaza. 
    An amendment to prevent enforcement of the Alien Enemies Act, unless there is a declared war between the United States and any foreign government, or an invasion of predatory incursion is perpetrated. 
    An amendment to prevent the arrest, detainment and deportation of college students and faculty on the grounds they have expressed views the sitting administration objects to. 
    An amendment that would block legislation banning the Associated Press from the White House. 
    An amendment that would preserve United States-Denmark relations. 
    An amendment to address global hunger including hiring aid workers and facilitating the dispersal of aid into Gaza 
    In addition, Senator Welch cosponsored 31 amendments. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: VE Day 80 street party applications open

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Last updated:

    Liverpool City Council is waiving road closure fees for residents who want to hold street parties between Thursday 8 May and Sunday 11 May to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

    The Government is encouraging communities around the country to host their own street or home celebrations – with flags and bunting, games, fancy dress, music and dance.

    To help communities get their street party planning under way, the Council is asking organisers to fill in a special online form which can then start the process of getting all the relevant permissions in place.

    The Council normally charges around £3,000 to shut a road, but is making an exception for VE Day events – and will also supply road closure signage and any traffic management cones to be located in and around the area.

    Any resident who is considering hosting a street party just needs to meet some simple criteria:

    The event must be:

    • Organised and funded by the applicant
    • In a residential road
    • The organiser must pay for public liability insurance worth up to £1 million
    • Most residents in a street must agree to the event
    • A Temporary Events Notice is needed if alcohol is to be sold

    Please note: major roads and key bus routes cannot be closed, so please bear that in mind when submitting requests.

    To express an interest in hosting a party, an online form found on the council’s street party page must be submitted. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 30 April. Full information can be found at www.liverpool.gov.uk/streetparties.

    Other events in Liverpool to mark VE Day include:

    Sunday 4 May
    Beating Retreat on Castle Street in the city centre at 1pm
    A full 50-piece band comprising the Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association Pipes and Drums accompanied by The Scot Guards Association Pipes & Drums, the Wirral Pipe Band and the 103 Artillery Pipes and Drums will perform a selection of tunes, and the Liverpool Town Hall balcony will be dressed with red, white and blue banners.

    Thursday 8 May
    Let the Nation’s Bells Ring Loud at 6:30pm
    The bells at Liverpool’s two Cathedrals and Liverpool Parish Church will lead churches across the city in ringing out as part of the nation’s “Together We Chime” VE80 initiative.

    Illuminated civic buildings
    Key civic buildings across the city including St George’s Hall and Cunard Building will be illuminated in red, white, and blue in the evening.

    Beacon Lighting on Exchange Flags at 9.30pm
    In a moment of national unity, four beacons behind Liverpool Town Hall will be lit as a powerful symbol of peace and remembrance accompanied by civic dignitary speeches and a lone piper. The four beacons will be positioned in locations that mirror the four bunker walls that still sit under the site today. This space was key for operations during WWII, and air for the bunker was provided via a ventilation shaft built into the Nelson Monument on the site.

    Thursday 8 May – Sunday 11 May
    Western Approaches Museum from 10am – 6pm
    To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day there will be celebrations, talks, singing and games at the former headquarters for the Battle of the Atlantic – and entry for children is only £1.

    Sunday 11 May
    Service at Liverpool Parish Church
    A special VE Day Service will take place at St Nicholas’ Church, providing invited guests a time to reflect and honour those who served and those who continue to serve.

    Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Harry Doyle, said: “We’re doing our best to make it as easy as possible for people to hold street parties, and I would encourage communities to get involved in marking this historic anniversary.

    “The series of events during the week will give people an opportunity to reflect on the significance of what happened eight decades ago.”

    Lord Mayor, Cllr Richard Kemp, said: “VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today, but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since.

    “It is vital that we never forget the sacrifices that were made by so many people in our city during World War II that eventually led to Victory in Europe.”

    Guy Lewinsohn, CEO, Ashtrom Properties, which owns Exchange Flags, said: “Exchange Flags is honoured to play a key role in Liverpool’s 80th VE Day celebrations by hosting the lighting of the beacons. As a site which is routed in wartime history and home to the Western Approaches Command Headquarters, where vital naval operations were led against the German U-boat threat, Exchange Flags holds a strong connection to the legacy of VE Day.

    “With our courtyard facing Liverpool Town Hall and the square housing the iconic Nelson Monument, this location serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom. As the owners of this prestigious Grade A commercial office scheme, we are proud to commemorate this historic milestone.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wavertree Academy secures Government funding for September opening

    Source: City of Liverpool

    King’s Leadership Academy Wavertree, a non-selective free school, is set to open in September following confirmation from the Department for Education that it is entering into a funding agreement.

    The Secretary of State for Education has agreed that the multi-academy trust, the Great Schools Trust, can open the school with its first cohort of 210 year 7 students. The school will eventually provide 1050 places for students aged 11 to 16.

    A planning application has now been submitted to Liverpool City Council by the Department for Education (DfE) for students to use modern purpose-built temporary classrooms when the school opens in September.

    This is adjacent to the former office building of computer game company Sony, located on Wavertree Technology Park, where the new school will be built. It is projected that the new school building will open in 2028.

    Benjamin Barker, Principal of King’s Leadership Academy Wavertree, said: “We are delighted to have the funding agreement in place. When the new building is complete, it will provide state-of-the-art classrooms and facilities and be a fantastic learning environment for our students.

    “Since announcing our intention to open the co-educational King’s Wavertree, there has been strong interest and support from the local community and across the city.

    “We are now focused on letting the 210 parents who have an offer of a place at the school know the good news so we can start preparing to welcome our first cohort of pioneering students in September.”

    Shane Ierston, Chief Executive of the Great Schools Trust, added: “The agreement with the DfE to move forward with King’s Wavertree is a landmark day for our multi-academy trust. It also offers families of all faiths a broader choice to access high-quality secondary education for their child.

    “Our trust is built on our core ASPIRE values and King’s Wavertree will have an unwavering commitment to providing every child with the tools and skills to achieve their full potential and thrive in an ever-changing world.”

    King’s Wavertree is the fifth secondary school in the Great Schools Trust. In Merseyside, the Trust has two secondary schools: King’s Liverpool in Dingle and King’s Hawthornes in Bootle, rated as “Good” by Ofsted.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Anfield landlord fined for HMO breaches

    Source: City of Liverpool

    A landlord has been hit with a bill of more than £16,000 for multiple disrepair and other issues at an HMO (House of Multiple Occupation) property in Anfield.

    Patrick Duggan, of 34 Arkles Lane, L4 2SP, was found guilty of breaching HMO Management Regulations and HMO licensing conditions at Sefton Magistrates’ Court on 25 March.

    Liverpool City Council’s Private Sector Housing team inspected the Arkles Lane property in 2023, identifying numerous breaches of The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006.

    These include issues with fire safety, structural defects with the boundary wall and multiple disrepair issues including damp and mould.

    Mr Duggan also failed to provide relevant documentation within a specified timeframe to the Council, in breach of HMO licensing conditions.

    Following a trial in January, where a magistrates’ bench reviewed the facts of the case and heard evidence, District Judge James Clark sentenced Mr Duggan after he was found guilty by the bench of 12 charges.

    District Judge Clark commented that Mr Duggan did have mechanisms in place with respect to the management of the building, but that they were ultimately insufficient.

    The property is no longer rented out.

    It is the latest case to be brought to court by Liverpool City Council. In 2024, a total of 33 prosecutions and fines worth £342,584 were secured, and a further 11 Civil Penalty Notices were issued, with fines totalling £59,862.

    Liverpool City Council’s Private Sector Housing team inspected the Arkles Lane property in 2023, identifying numerous breaches of The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006.

    These include issues with fire safety, structural defects with the boundary wall and multiple disrepair issues including damp and mould.

    Mr Duggan also failed to provide relevant documentation within a specified timeframe to the Council, in breach of HMO licensing conditions.

    Following a trial in January, where a magistrates’ bench reviewed the facts of the case and heard evidence, District Judge James Clark sentenced Mr Duggan after he was found guilty by the bench of 12 charges.

    District Judge Clark commented that Mr Duggan did have mechanisms in place with respect to the management of the building, but that they were ultimately insufficient.

    The property is no longer rented out.

    Councillor Sam East, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Every tenant deserves to live in a property that is safe and warm, and this house was neither.

    “We want to work with landlords to help them meet the conditions of their license, but where they won’t we will take enforcement action, including taking cases to court if necessary.

    “This property really was not fit for human habitation so I am pleased that it is no longer being offered for rent.

    “If people are concerned about breaches of HMO or landlord licensing conditions, or believe a house does not have a licence when it should do, they should let us know via our website.”

    To report poor property conditions or anti-social behaviour from a rental property, email privatesector.housing@liverpool.gov.uk or report it online.

    For advice and to hear how to report anti-social behaviour, click here.

    To report fly-tipping, click here.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN deplores deadly attack on city in central Ukraine

    Source: United Nations 2-b

    Peace and Security

    The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine has strongly condemned a missile strike in Kryvyi Rih on Friday which killed more than a dozen people, including at least nine children, and left several others injured.

    Matthias Schmale said he was outraged by reports of yet another Russian attack on the city, which is located in the Dnipro region.

    “This attack follows a deeply disturbing pattern of repeated attacks on populated areas across Ukraine that continue to kill and maim civilians,” he said, noting that the country’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, was “still reeling” from a massive attack the night before.

    “The cost to families is unbearable. Civilians are protected under international humanitarian law. They are not a target,” he said.

    Young lives lost

    In response to the incident, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine.

    “We are devastated by the horrific attack in Kryvyi Rih that reportedly killed at least nine children and injured many more, including one as young as three months old,” said UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Regina De Dominicis.

    The missile reportedly struck a residential neighbourhood in the Saksahanskyi district in the early evening, when many families gathering ahead of the weekend, she said, adding that it landed near a playground, tearing through homes, schools and a restaurant.

    “Among the scenes of devastation, parents were seen weeping, cradling the body of their dead son. No child should ever suffer such terror. No parent should ever endure such pain,” she said.

    Stolen futures

    UNICEF and partners are on the ground supporting affected families and coordinating with local authorities to deliver emergency assistance.

    Ms. De Dominicis noted that more than 2,500 children have been killed or injured, and millions of young lives have been upended, since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

    “Every child killed is a future stolen,” she remarked.  “The brutal use of explosive weapons in populated areas and attacks on civilian facilities and infrastructure, which disproportionally harm children, must end.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Launches No KYC, 100x Leverage, $50 Welcome Bonus, and Double Deposit – Start Trading Today!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin continues to trade below $85,000 and analysts predict that the crypto market will remain volatile, holding spot positions may not generate short-term profits. Recent economic shifts, including policy announcements such as President Trump’s tariff decisions, have brought some stabilization, but the volatility remains. For investors seeking to maximize returns in these uncertain times, BexBack Exchange offers a powerful solution. With 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and a $50 welcome bonus for new users, BexBack empowers traders to seize market opportunities. And with no KYC requirements, it provides a seamless and efficient way to trade.

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    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with President Macron of France: 5 April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    PM call with President Macron of France: 5 April 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister spoke with President Macron following this week’s announcement that the US will impose additional tariffs.

    They agreed that a trade war was in nobody’s interests, but nothing should be off the table and that it was important to keep business updated on developments.

    The Prime Minister and President also shared their concerns about the global economic and security impact, particularly in South East Asia.

    Following discussions between military planners in Ukraine this week, they discussed the good progress that has been made on the Coalition of the Willing.

    The Prime Minister and President agreed to stay in close contact over the coming weeks.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Fights to Amend GOP Tax Bill to Prevent Cuts to Medicaid Benefits; Moral Effort Voted Down by Senate GOP 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock Fights to Amend GOP Tax Bill to Prevent Cuts to Medicaid Benefits; Moral Effort Voted Down by Senate GOP 

    Senator Reverend Warnock offered a bipartisan amendment to the Senate GOP budget resolution that would prevent cuts to Medicaid if it hurt benefits or services

    The Senate GOP budget resolution would cut $880 billion from Medicaid

    President Trump claimed he would not sign any GOP tax bill that would cut Medicaid benefits, echoing the sentiments of Washington Republicans

    However, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found GOP plans to cut Medicaid could not be achieved without “major cuts to Medicaid”   

    The amendment failed 48-51

    WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock fights to amend GOP tax bill

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) fought to amend the Senate GOP budget resolution to guarantee that cuts to Medicaid would not impact benefits or services, decrease coverage, or slash provider payments. Although Washington Republicans claimed the proposed $880 billion Medicaid cuts would target waste, fraud, and abuse rather than benefits, GOP Senators failed to back up their words with any action. By voting down the Senator’s amendment, Washington Republicans are leaving the health care of Medicaid recipients, including 1.3 million Georgia children, on the chopping block.

    “My colleagues have claimed their proposal to cut up to $880 billion from Medicaid is just cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. So, here’s their chance to back up their words with action,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.“If they are so confident that they can cut $880 billion from Medicaid without children, without seniors, or the severely disabled losing benefits or coverage, then they should vote for my amendment. But if my amendment is voted down, it is a sad admission that my colleagues value the financial health of the richest of the rich over the physical health of millions of children and seniors.”

    Senator Reverend Warnock has long championed efforts to expand affordable health care access, starting with his advocacy to close the health care coverage gap in Georgia. In addition to pushing for solutions to close the coverage gap, the Senator is committed to preserving and protecting access to health care for millions of Georgians.

    Full remarks can be watched HERE and found below:

    Mr. President, I know we assert this a lot around here, but I really rise to offer a very simple amendment: no cuts in Medicaid benefits, no cuts in Medicaid coverage.

    My colleagues have claimed their proposal to cut up to $880 billion from Medicaid is just cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. So, here’s their chance to back up their words with action.

    If they are so confident that they can cut $880 billion from Medicaid without children, without seniors, or the severely disabled losing benefits or coverage, then they should vote for my amendment. 

    But if my amendment is voted down, it is a sad admission that my colleagues value the financial health of the richest of the rich over the physical health of millions of children and seniors. 

    I urge my colleagues to support my amendment with Senator Kelly and others.  

    ….

    I notice that my colleague from Idaho did not say that they will not cut coverage, if the Senator believes they can do this without kicking a single person off Medicaid, you should vote for my amendment. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coalition of the Willing Military Chiefs in Ukraine ahead of crucial meetings next week

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Coalition of the Willing Military Chiefs in Ukraine ahead of crucial meetings next week

    As part of the UK’s leading efforts to build a Coalition of the Willing to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine, the Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin met with Ukrainian and French counterparts in Kyiv.

    Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin met with Ukrainian and French counterparts in Kyiv.

    • UK continues to lead international efforts to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine.
    • Defence chiefs meet in Kyiv to coordinate military planning of multinational force to deter future Russian aggression.
    • Visit comes as Defence Secretary John Healey prepares to host meetings of defence ministers in Brussels.

    As part of the UK’s leading efforts to build a Coalition of the Willing to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine, the Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin met with Ukrainian and French counterparts in Kyiv.  

    The meetings focused on how to build on Ukraine’s current capabilities to put the country in the strongest possible position for the future.

    The Defence Chiefs addressed the structure, size and composition required of any future reassurance force in Ukraine. With 30 countries expected to contribute to the Coalition, the UK’s leadership has been critical in pulling together partners and allies around the world.

    Discussions will continue this coming week as the Defence Secretary hosts the next meeting of Coalition of the Willing defence ministers in Brussels with his French counterpart on Thursday and chairs the Ukraine Defence Contact Group with his German counterpart on Friday.

    The UK and France will convene defence ministers from coalition nations to discuss the next stages of planning to support the security arrangements which will be needed to prevent any further Russian aggression. Discussions will build on the military planning that has taken place over the last few weeks with nations looking at contributing their own capabilities to support any future force.

    Meanwhile, the Ukraine Defence Contact Group will bring together around 50 nations to drive forward additional military support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian attacks. The UK convened and chaired the UDCG for the first time in February, with 46 nations in attendance, raising extra 1.5billon Euros in military aid for Ukraine.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    Our coalition of nations, working at pace and willing to stand with Ukraine for the long-term, is a stark contrast to Russia who stand alone with only North Korea for a friend.

    As Putin prevaricates over a ceasefire, we will continue to ramp up our military planning, exploring the air, sea and land forces that could support a lasting peace in Ukraine.

    However, we will not jeopardise the peace by forgetting about the war. That’s why in the week ahead we will also convene the Ukraine Defence Contact Group to supply Ukraine with the military equipment they need to put them in the strongest possible position as they fight back brutal continuing Russian attacks.

    The Chief of the Defence Staff’s visit follows a series of high-level engagements hosted in both Paris and London in the past month, with the Prime Minister travelling to Paris and hosting leaders in London and the Defence Secretary conducting simultaneous visits to France as well as joining an operational planning meeting alongside the Prime Minister at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ). 

    Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:

    The UK is ironclad in our support for Ukraine, which is why we’re stepping up for a just and lasting peace. 

    Our meetings looked at how we can build on the formidable capabilities of the Ukrainian Army and put them in the strongest possible position to deter Russian aggression.

    I am encouraged by the strength of unity we’ve seen between our European and international allies.

    This work delivers on the Prime Minister’s four-point plan to support Ukraine by ramping up delivery of weapons and equipment, boosting Ukraine’s defensive capabilities in the long term, working with allies to develop robust security assurances, and keeping up pressure on Putin. 

    The UK is fully committed to working with allies to step up support to ensure Ukraine remains in the strongest possible position, which is why £4.5 billion of military support will be provided this year – more than ever before.

    The Defence Secretary has been clear that supporting Ukraine is vital to the security of stability of Europe, which is essential to the UK economy. The UK’s national security is a foundation for the government’s Plan for Change.

    Last month, the Prime Minister announced a historic £1.6bn deal to provide more than five thousand air defence missiles for Ukraine in a boost for UK jobs and growth. The Chancellor also announced a £2.26 billion loan to bolster Ukrainian defence capabilities from frozen Russian assets.

    The MOD has sent around 400 different capabilities to Ukraine, with a new £150 million package including drones, tanks and air defence systems announced on 12 February 2025, a £225 million package including drones, boats and munitions announced on 19 December 2024, and 650 lightweight multirole missiles announced on 6 September 2024.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio delivers remarks to the press

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio delivers remarks to the press in Brussels, Belgium, on April 4, 2025.

    Transcript: https://www.state.gov/secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-remarks-to-press-2/
    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu4F76pENC0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: McCaul, Dr. Arthur Herman Highlight AUKUS as Key to Countering the CCP, Maintaining High-Tech Supremacy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Dr. Arthur Herman, a senior fellow and director of the Quantum Alliance Initiative at Hudson Institute, penned an op-ed in National Review highlighting how AUKUS — the security pact between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia — provides a strategic advantage against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), both at sea and in the high-tech realm. 

    National Review

    The U.S. Has a Game Changer in the Struggle for High-Tech Supremacy

    Congressman Michael McCaul and Dr. Arthur Herman 

    April 3, 2025 

    In the great-power competition with the United States’ adversaries, none is more formidable than the Chinese Communist Party.

    Emboldened by four years of appeasement policies, the CCP is on the march — escalating its military activities, conducting aggressive drills around Taiwan, and increasing its belligerence in the South China Sea.

    The tension in the Indo-Pacific is nearing a breaking point. Given China’s unholy alliance with Russia, Iran, and North Korea — and America’s friendship with Taiwan and defense treaty with the Philippines — any surge of CCP aggression in the region could catapult the world into a snowballing conflict.

    There is one key to avoiding this World War III scenario: deterrence. And as the future of warfare rapidly develops, high-tech supremacy will be the decisive key. That’s why — as President Trump has said — China’s recent DeepSeek challenge to American AI leadership serves as a wake-up call. We must commit greater focus and resources to high-tech supremacy — not only in AI, but in a range of technologies that will define military deterrence in peacetime and determine victory in a time of war.

    […]

    Instead of peace through strength, the Biden presidency brought instability and conflict through weakness. But in the midst of its abysmal foreign policy record was one bright spot: a security pact established in 2021 between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, to work together on a cluster of advanced technologies. 

    AUKUS will change the game when it comes to countering the generational threat posed by China.

    […]

    To ensure the program’s success, Congress passed an initiative, led by one of us (Michael McCaul, chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee), to exempt Australia and the U.K. from lengthy and burdensome licensing requirements. These requirements, while meant to protect our sensitive technology from falling into the wrong hands, also prohibited our trusted allies from using U.S. tech for our collective defense goals.

    Congress was explicit: The administration “shall provide” defense articles and technology to these allies, whose export control regimes are similar to our own. But when the Biden administration removed the licensing requirements, it quickly nullified that action by releasing a list of excluded technologies. The list was so lengthy that it swallowed up the exemption. In other words, the Biden administration undermined congressional intent and re-created lengthy burdens for technology sharing with our allies, inexplicably undercutting its one true foreign policy success in the process.

    The excluded-technologies list must be immediately trimmed if we want to keep up with China in the technology race that will determine the future balance of power.

    […]

    In our brave new age of great-power competition, our high-tech posture will be as important as our military force posture; in fact, one will determine the other. Just as in World War II the integration of mass production by commercial companies was the key to victory, so too will integration of advanced technologies like AI, quantum, and autonomous systems be key to deterrence — and to victory if war breaks out.

    Except this time, we won’t have to rely on American industry alone for needed breakthroughs and deployments. Instead, we can work with key allies to achieve our most important national security goals — including supremacy at sea — and prevent the next world war from breaking out.

    As Ronald Reagan told us, “We know only too well that conflict comes not when the forces of freedom are strong, but when they are weak.” For too long, the forces of freedom have been weak in the face of CCP aggression. AUKUS can change that.

    Click here to read the full op-ed in National Review.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: What Makes a True Leader & 2024’s Extreme Weather Events | WEF | Top Stories Week

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    This week’s top stories of the week include:

    0:15 What makes a true leader? – Platon is known for his portraits of the world’s most powerful people. Over the past 30 years, he has photographed presidents and celebrities, as well as dictators. But despite his time spent in the world’s corridors of power, Platon’s own idea of leadership comes from a much humbler context. A hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    3:17 These cities gain wetland status – Urban wetlands perform critical jobs, from safeguarding against floods to filtering water, sequestering carbon, and enhancing biodiversity. But development and pollution can place wetlands under pressure. The Wetland Accreditation Scheme was created in 2015 to encourage cities to commit to protecting their wetlands through policy changes and conservation efforts.

    4:54 2024 extreme weather status – Floods, storms and heatwaves caused extraordinary destruction and disruption, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. The World Meteorological Organization lists 151 events that were worse than ever seen before. Temperatures soared to 49.9°C in Western Australia’s outback, record rains battered Spain, sparking floods and landslides, the Philippines saw 6 typhoons in a single month.

    6:34 How space affects human health – Astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore were meant to spend 8 days on the International Space Station, but a spacecraft malfunction left them in orbit for 9 months. Their time in space will have affected their bodies in many ways and medical scientists are taking note.

    _____________________________________________

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
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    #WorldEconomicForum

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 100 children killed or wounded every day since Gaza ceasefire broken

    Asia Pacific Report

    The chief of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees has described Gaza as “no land” for children, as two rallies were held in New Zealand’s largest city Auckland today to mark Palestine Children’s Day.

    Citing the UN agency for children UNICEF, Phillipe Lazzarini said that “at least 100 children are reported killed or injured every day in Gaza” since Israel broke the truce with Hamas on March 18.

    “The ceasefire at the beginning of the year gave Gaza’s children a chance to survive and be children,” said Lazzarini, who is Commissioner-General of UNRWA.

    “The resumption of the war is again robbing them of their childhood. The war has turned Gaza into a ‘no land’ for children. This is a stain on our common humanity.

    The two Auckland Palestinian solidarity events today marking April 5 — one a children’s activities gathering in Albert Park and the other a regular weekly rally at “Palestine Corner” in downtown Te Komititanga Square — were among 25 activist happenings across the country on week 78 of continuous protests.

    In Albert Park, one of the organisers said the children “had lots of fun — painting, drawing, listening to stories, making collages, playing games with Palestinian themes and some families had picnics.”

    In “Palestine Corner”, several teachers spoke of the realities of the genocide in Gaza, protesters carried placards with photos and names of children killed by the Israeli bombing, while children coloured pictures and blew bubbles.

    Adults holding pictures of children killed in the bombing of Gaza since the ceasefire was broken by the Israeli forces this week. Image: APR

    Huge toll on children
    Reporting from Deir el-Balah, Gaza, Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum reports that children have been among the most severely affected by the continuing Israeli war on Gaza.

    “Many of them have been killed, injured and orphaned and we can see that thousands of children have lost their limbs and they are suffering from severe trauma,” he said.

    “As the UNRWA spokesperson stated: 51 percent of Gaza’s population are children and they make up the largest proportion of those that were killed since the war began back on October 7, 2023.

    A girl drawing at the Rotunda in Auckland’s Albert Park today. In the foreground are olive trees with the slogan “Free Palestine”. Image: Del Abcede/APR

    “For many children here in Gaza, displacement has taken a very heavy, huge toll on them.

    “They have been repeatedly displaced, forced to flee their homes and right now they are forced to live in overcrowded shelters and tents and on the rubble of their destroyed homes and residential buildings.”

    The Palestinian Human Rights Organisations Council (PHROC) — made up of nine groups — has written to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk to demand action on Israel in protest over the killing of children.

    Israeli forces continued to kill Palestinians on a genocidal scale in Gaza and had created “conditions of life unfit for human survival,” the council told Turk.

    Israel’s “intent to eliminate and eventually destroy Palestinians across unlawfully occupied Palestine” is also evident in occupied West Bank, the council said.

    The council called on Turk to clearly label Israel’s conduct as genocide, pressure the Israeli government to end its genocide, ensure accountability for Israeli perpetrators, and mobilise the UN to implement a plan to end genocide against Palestinians across the occupied territory.

    Boys decorating pictures with Palestinian poppies at the Rotunda in Auckland’s Albert Park today. Image: Del Abcede/APR

    Albanese’s mandate renewed
    Meanwhile, Francesca Albanese will continue to serve as Special Rapporteur until 30 April 2028, a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Council announced after the vote today in Geneva by the UNHRC to retain her.

    The UN Human Rights Council defied the efforts of Israel, the US, The Netherlands and other Western countries trying to unseat Albanese, who has been special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 for the past three years.

    Albanese had faced a smear campaign for many months by deniers of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians, which she had warned about in October 2023.

    She documented the crimes against humanity, notably in her devastating report Anatomy Of A Genocide in April 2024.

    Children painting and drawing Palestinian themes in the Rotunda at Auckland’s Albert Park today. Image: Del Abcede/APR
    “Palestinian kids matter” . . . images of the 500 children who have been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire was broken by the IDF at the start of last month. Image: Del Abcede/APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on March 27, 2025 2025-04-05 Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of March 27, 2025.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2

    Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of March 27, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

    (The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)

    Wu Qian: Friends from the media, good afternoon. Welcome to this month’s regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense (MND). First of all, I would like to introduce a group of friends in red jackets. They are the faculty and student representatives from Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), welcome!

    Today, I have one piece of information to announce on the top.

    The Chinese MND hosted the first meeting of International Military Cooperation Organs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States for 2025 in Qingdao, Shandong Province, from March 26 to 27. Over 30 representatives from defense ministries of the SCO member states and the SCO Secretariat attended the meeting. The participants had in-depth discussions on deepening defense and security cooperation within the SCO framework and expressed willingness to maintain close communication to prepare for the upcoming Defense Ministers’ Meeting of the SCO Member States to be held in China.

    Now the floor is open for questions.

    Journalist: President Xi attended the plenary meeting of the delegation of the PLA and the PAP during the third session of the 14th NPC and delivered an important speech, emphasizing the need to promote high-quality development and implement the 14th Five-Year Plan for military development. Could you provide an update on the progress of the military’s 14th Five-Year Plan? What are the key challenges going forward?

    Wu Qian: Over the past four years of implementing tasks in the 14th Five-Year Plan, the military has made great efforts to achieve its centenary goal and strengthen combat effectiveness. A number of major outcomes have been reached, in particular on producing new quality combat capabilities. The strategic capabilities of the PLA in fulfilling its missions in the new era have been continuously strengthened. However, there are still many challenges and arduous tasks remained. We are now in a key stage of overcoming challenges and winning this uphill battle.

    Follow the guidance of President Xi’s important speech, the military will bolster confidence, address challenges, and redouble our efforts in implementing the plan. First, striking a balance between progress and quality. We will continue to improve strategic management and strengthen process control. While ensuring progress is made on time, we will strive to realize performance targets and prevent any compromise in quality for meeting deadlines.

    Second, striking a balance between cost and benefit. We will remain committed to a path of high-quality, high-effectiveness, low-cost and sustainable development. We will leverage civilian strengths and resources, properly allocate defense resources and investment, and make the use of defense budget more precise and efficient.

    Third, striking a balance between the overall plan and key priorities. We will strengthen general coordination and targeted adjustment, and concentrate efforts on major projects and key initiatives, so as to advance the implementation of the overall plan through breakthroughs in key areas.

    Fourth, striking a balance between development and supervision. We will put more emphasis on supervision and build a comprehensive and effective regulatory system to forge synergy and ensure development quality, timely formation of capabilities, and the red line of no corruption.

    Fifth, striking a balance between implementation of the plan and formation of capabilities. We will innovate models for generating combat power, establish a rapid response and conversion mechanism for advanced technologies, and accelerate the transition from project delivery to capability delivery, ensuring the timely formation of a strong and capable combat force.

    Journalist: The leader of the Taiwan region, Lai Ching-te, recently made separatist remarks claiming that the two sides across the Taiwan Strait are “not subordinate to each other” and called the mainland a “foreign hostile force”. In mid-March, the PLA conducted a military exercise near Taiwan. Some said that the exercise was a countermeasure against Lai Ching-te’s separatist rhetoric and recent movements between Taiwan and the US. What’s your comment?

    Wu Qian: As the Chinese saying goes, “When the heaven is about to destroy someone, it first makes them having lunatic ideas.” Taiwan is a part of China. It has never been a nation. It wasn’t in the past. It is not at present, and it will never be in the future.

    Recently, naval and air troops of the PLA Eastern Theater Command conducted readiness patrols and joint exercises in areas around Taiwan to test and enhance their war-fighting capabilities. It serves as an effective punishment and deterrence against the “Taiwan independence” separatists and a stern warning against external interfering forces. It is fully legitimate and necessary.

    The people’s military will resolutely implement the Party’s overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era. We will remain ready and able to fight and win at all times, and will take resolute measures to defeat any separatist attempt for “Taiwan independence”.

    Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of March 27, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

    Journalist: The US Defense Secretary will visit the Philippines and the two sides may discuss responding to China’s activities in the South China Sea and US support to Philippine forces. Meanwhile, Philippine’s ambassador to the US said recently that this visit would show China the solid bond between the Philippines and the US and his country was confirmed that US security commitment would not change. Do you have any comment?

    Wu Qian: Military cooperation between the US and the Philippines should not harm security interests of other countries or undermine regional peace and stability. By the way, if we look back into history, the US actually maintains an astonishing record in reneging on promises and betraying allies.

    Journalist: Will the Chinese and US militaries have high-level engagements soon? Please give us an update on the China-US military relationship.

    Wu Qian: On China-US mil-mil engagement, the two sides had some discussions and preliminary consensus. We will advance accordingly. Building a stable China-US mil-mil relationship serves the shared interests of both sides and is a common expectation of the international community. As the Latin proverb goes, set your course by the stars, not follow the waves. On growing the China-US mil-mil relationship, we should follow the principle of mutual-respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, strengthen communications and dialogues, and properly handle differences. We hope with efforts from both sides, the mil-mil relationship can grow on a sound and stable track.

    Journalist: I have two questions. The first one. It is reported that China’s aircraft carrier Fujian has recently set sail for its seventh sea trial. Some analysts suggest that the focus of this trial is catapult launch and arrested landing. Can you confirm this?

    The second question. It is reported that in response to China’s increasing defense budget in 2025, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary said that China’s rapid military buildup, combined with a lack of transparency, is a “matter of serious concern for Japan and the international community.” Additionally, reports suggest that the Japan Self-Defense Forces recently established a Joint Operations Command, and due to concerns over a potential armed attack on Taiwan by the mainland, Japan plans to deploy long-range missiles in Kyushu by the end of 2025. What is your comment on this?

    Wu Qian: I have no information to release on your first question. The sea trial is a routine arrangement for the construction of PLANS Fujian. Please take it easy.

    As for your second question, regarding China’s 2025 defense budget, we have provided a detailed explanation. The size, structure, and usage of the budget is open, transparent and beyond reproach. In fact, Japan, as a country that launched aggressive wars during World War II, is the least qualified to criticize defense budgets of other nations. The international community should be alerted to Japan’s recent efforts in breaking its pacifist constitution and the “exclusively defense-oriented” policy. Japan has significantly increased its defense spending and developed long-range offensive capabilities, heading down the path of military expansion. Such behavior is exactly what peace-loving countries, particularly those once invaded by Japanese militarists, need to be vigilant against and opposed to.

    This year we will have the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. We urge the Japan side to take lessons from history, adhere to the path of peaceful development, act prudently in the field of military security, and stop misinterpreting China’s defense policies and military strategies, so as to avoid further eroding its credibility among its Asian neighbors and the international community. It must be emphasized that the Taiwan question is none of Japan’s business, and we firmly oppose Japan’s attempts to exploit this matter for its own agenda. Only by upholding the one-China principle and resolutely opposing “Taiwan independence” can peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait be ensured.

    Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of March 27, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

    Journalist: According to foreign media reports, the recent G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting issued a joint statement expressing concerns over China’s expansion of its nuclear arsenal, and the situation in the East and South China Seas. The statement emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and opposes any unilateral alteration of the status quo through force or coercion. What is your comment on this?

    Wu Qian: The G7 statement ignores facts and is a vicious slander on China and a brutal interference in China’s internal affairs. We strongly condemn and resolutely oppose it. China follows a policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons and a defensive nuclear strategy. We have been maintaining our nuclear arsenal at the minimum level required for national security. On the nuclear issue, the G7 should reflect on its own actions and has no qualification to criticize China.

    Regarding the East and South China Seas, China is engaging in peaceful dialogue and consultation with relevant countries to resolve disputes. At the same time, we remain steadfast in safeguarding our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. China firmly opposes interference from external forces and any provocative acts that undermine regional peace and stability. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and the Taiwan question brooks no foreign interference. The one-China principle is a wide consensus of the international community and a fundamental norm in international relations. Any attempt to separate the island from its motherland will inevitably end in complete failure.

    We urge the G7 to break away from its Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice, stop the finger-pointing and preaching at others. This approach won’t work on the Chinese military.

    Journalist: It is reported that China, Iran, and Russia recently conducted “Security Belt 2025” joint exercise. Could you provide more details?

    Wu Qian: In accordance with the annual plan and the consensus reached by China, Iran and Russia, the three countries’ naval forces conducted “Security Belt 2025” joint exercise near Iran’s Chabahar Port from March 9 to 13. Following the theme of “Building Peace and Security Together”, the three sides sent over 10 vessels, as well as special operations and diving units, to the exercise. Focusing on counter-terrorism and counter-piracy operations, the troops trained on subjects including maritime target striking, VBSS (visit, board, search and seizure), damage control, and joint search and rescue. The exercise tested tactical command coordination and interoperabilities of the participating forces, and deepened military trust and practical cooperation among the three countries. During the exercise, the troops also had on-board visits and cultural and sports exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and friendship. Since 2019, China, Iran, and Russia have successfully conducted five joint maritime exercises. China is willing to actively engage in maritime security cooperation with all parties, and make new contributions to world and regional peace and stability.

    Journalist: The pace of the China-India dialogue on many fronts has significantly increased. We’ve just seen the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on Border Affairs (WMCC) meeting was conducted a few days ago. What are the latest developments regarding the disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)?

    Wu Qian: On the 33rd meeting of the WMCC, the MFA has already released the information on it, and the two sides have agreed to continue to take effective measures to safeguard peace and tranquility along the China-India border.

    The Chinese Military is willing to work together with our Indian counterparts to implement a fair and just solution to the border issue. We are committed to contributing our wisdom and strength to the vision of a harmonious dance between the Chinese dragon and the Indian elephant, and to fostering a sound and stable military-to-military relationship.

    Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of March 27, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

    Journalist: The Ministry of State Security has reportedly disclosed information about four members of the “Information, Communications, and Electronic Force Command” of Taiwan. What is your comment on this?

    Wu Qian: Justice has long arms. Those who play with fire should have no illusion of escaping. No one who pushes for “Taiwan independence” or engages in seceding the motherland would be spared by justice.

    Journalist: It is reported that the first round of direct recruitment of military officers for 2025 has recently started, receiving wide attention among university graduates. Could you provide more details about this?

    Wu Qian: To attract great talent and college graduates to join the military, the CMC Political Work Department has recently launched the first round of direct recruitment of military officers for 2025. Currently, tens of thousands of college graduates from universities and disciplines included in the “Double World-Class Project” have registered through the official website (http://81rc.81.cn or http://www.81rc.mil.cn). Direct recruitment is an important channel for selecting and replenishing active-duty military (police) officers, and an effective means to optimize the structure and improve the quality of officers. The aim is to attract and leverage talents from across the nation.

    The path to a strong military lies in the personnel. A first-class military needs first-class talent. The Chinese military welcomes you to dedicate your youth and realize your dreams in the military. A brilliant life awaits you here.

    Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of March 27, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

    Journalist: I have two questions. First, the US and the Philippines held a joint exercise before the visit of the US Defense Secretary to the Philippines. Some experts believe that the two countries are going to have more exercises in the South China Sea and other areas in the future. Will the PLA have any response? Second, recently, the US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth initiated an opinion poll on social media, discussing whether to change the US Department of Defense to the Department of War. Pete has said previously that the US did not seek to have a war with China but would rebuild its military to prepare for war. What’s your comment on that?

    Wu Qian: On the military cooperation between the Philippines and the US, I have already commented. Here, I would like to emphasize one point on the South China Sea issue: China firmly opposes interference from outside countries. The Chinese military will take all necessary measures to protect our national sovereignty and interests and to safeguard regional peace and stability.

    On your second question, whether the US Department of Defense changes its name or not is an internal affair of the US, and we will not comment on that. However, we firmly oppose the US’s previous rhetoric which instigates China-US confrontation. We urge the US to abandon its zero-sum mentality and not to project its hegemonic mentality onto China. We hope that the US can refrain from provoking confrontation and take effective measures to safeguard a stable China-US military relationship. The Chinese military will firmly respond to any threat and provocation with a stronger will, stronger capabilities, and more reliable means.

    Journalist: It is reported that China and Thailand are conducting “Blue Strike-2025” joint naval training. Could you provide more details?

    Wu Qian: In accordance with the annual plan and the consensus reached between the navies of China and Thailand, the two sides started the “Blue Strike-2025” joint naval training near Zhanjiang of China’s Guangdong Province on March 26, which will last till April 2. A total of 11 vessels and two marine detachments will participate in the exercise. Starting from March 26, the training will cover subjects including joint maritime strike operations, air defense and missile defense, maritime search and rescue, as well as counter-terrorism and anti-piracy operations. It is aimed to promote technical and tactical exchanges between the two navies and strengthen their capabilities of jointly addressing maritime security threats. This marks the sixth iteration of the “Blue Strike” joint naval training. By strengthening training collaboration, the two navies will further deepen cooperation, share experiences, and foster friendship and trust. This holds significant importance for maintaining regional peace and stability.

    Journalist: Foreign media reports say that the Ream Naval Base of Cambodia which is constructed with the assistance of China will start operating in early April this year. It is also said that government leaders from Cambodia and Chinese representatives will participate in the opening ceremony. Can you confirm that? And does this mean there will be new cooperation between the Chinese and Cambodian militaries?

    Wu Qian: In recent years, the military cooperation between China and Cambodia has been deepened and the two sides have had cooperation including joint training and personnel training in the Ream Naval Base. As for information on other activities, please follow up on our authoritative information release.

    Journalist: I have two questions. The first question is that media reports say that the PLA is currently building at least three barges that can be used in landing operations against Taiwan. These barges are equipped with springboards over 100 meters in length, allowing tanks to traverse sandy beaches and directly move to the shore. Can you confirm this? My second question is that the leader of the Taiwan region Lai Ching-te is set to raise the income of Taiwanese servicemen to address the problem of a lack of personnel and a high rate of departure. Taiwan’s military authorities also said this is a response to the decrease in its personnel. What’s your comment on that?

    Wu Qian: On your first question about the military equipment, I have no information to release.

    For your second question, any small trick pushed by the DPP authorities to seek independence and resist unification with force is futile and a dead-end. This will not stop the historical trend of reunification. The PLA has full capability to destroy any attempt to seek independence and resist unification

    Journalist: The US Indo-Pacific commander said recently that the PLA’s exercises around Taiwan are not only exercises but preparations for an invasion of Taiwan. The US military will put its priority in the Indo-Pacific theater. According to Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, the PLA’s exercises may one day turn into real battles. Taiwan recently held the first “Mini Han Kuang” drills to enhance its combat readiness and capabilities. Do you have any comment?

    Wu Qian: The exercises conducted by the PLA are targeted against “Taiwan independence” separatists and foreign interference. The Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China that allows no foreign interference. The activities conducted by the PLA Eastern Theater Command around Taiwan Island are aimed to improve the real combat capabilities against separatism and interference. They are necessary actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and strong deterrence against joint retrogressive provocation made by the US and Taiwan.

    As for the comment from the DPP, I want to let them know that any attempt to seek independence by force is futile and cannot change its destiny of being a failure.

    Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of March 27, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

    Journalist: According to reports, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Romeo Brawner recently said that the Philippines and its allies are trying to expand the Squad group to India and South Korea to counter China in the Indo-Pacific region. He also said that the Squad is an unofficial cooperation platform among the Philippines, the US, Japan and Australia in terms of military affairs, intelligence sharing, as well as joint exercises and operations. Do you have any comment?

    Wu Qian: The remarks of the Philippine side are creating antagonism and confrontation. We firmly oppose that. China believes that military cooperation between relevant countries should not target any third party and should not undermine regional peace and stability.

    Journalist: I have two questions. Firstly, in recent years, the mainland has conducted many joint military exercises around Taiwan. The Wall Street Journal recently published a report titled China is Ready to Blockade Taiwan. Some military experts from Western countries believe that the mainland is more likely to take an approach of isolation and pressure. What’s your comment on this? Second, the mainland has conducted many military exercises in recent years and the rhetoric of “reunification by force” has emerged. These have attracted international attention. Taiwan also announced its so-called 17 strategies in response. Many worry that the cross-strait relationship will move to another Taiwan Strait Crisis like what we had in 1996. What’s your comment on that?

    Wu Qian: On your first question, Taiwan is China’s Taiwan. The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair. Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people to decide. The reports you mentioned are deliberately instigating confrontation across the Strait. The exercises taken by the PLA around Taiwan are targeted at “Taiwan independence” separatists and foreign interference. The aim is to safeguard China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity and the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

    For your second question, I want to point out that the separatist act of “Taiwan independence” and foreign interference are the root cause of the tension across the Taiwan Strait. We are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and utmost efforts, but we will never allow Taiwan to be separated from the motherland. The higher the “Taiwan independence” supporters jump, the closer they will be to death.

    Wu Qian: Before I conclude, I’d like to introduce to you the faculty and student representatives from Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT). We are glad to have them observing the press conference. The BIT was the first science and engineering university founded by the CPC and the first defense industry university in the PRC. Since its founding 85 years ago, the BIT has prioritized virtue and professionalism in cultivating talent, emphasized national defense and industries in serving the nation and the military, and championed openness, inclusiveness and excellence in achieving innovative development. A great number of leading scientists, trailblazers, and heavyweights have come out from the university.

    Living in this great era, today’s students of BIT shoulder great responsibilities. Wish all of you carry on BIT’s revolutionary traditions, work hard to scale the heights of science, and build and defend the nation with your iron will and scientific knowledge.

    If there are no other questions, here concludes today’s press conference. To conclude, I wish you every success in your work and good luck in everything in this bright season of spring.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two men sentenced for brutal murder of former friend

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two young men who plotted and carried out a deadly attack on a former friend have been found guilty of murder.

    Keahn Williams, 20 (08.09.03) of Coulsdon, was found guilty of the murder of Lucas Sutton at the Old Bailey on 26 April 2024. Kai Nelson-Palmer (05.04.07) of Croydon, was also found guilty of his murder at the same court on 30 April 2024.

    On 14 August 2024 the defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment at Southwark Crown Court. Williams will serve a minimum term of 23 years’ and Nelson-Palmer a minimum term of 16 years’. This can now be reported following the lifting of reporting restrictions.

    The court heard how 22-year-old Luas Sutton was lured to an address in Croydon and fatally stabbed as he walked back from a local shop on 23 May 2023.

    Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, led the investigation and said: “The evidence gathered and presented to the jury built up a clear picture of a plot to lure Lucas to an address in Croydon, act as if nothing was wrong, and then violently attack him.

    “Lucas and one of the defendants had been friends but in the minds of the group, Lucas had crossed them by attempting to get rid of a firearm he had been holding onto. This perceived betrayal was the motivation for this deadly attack.

    “It is clear in the weeks leading up to the murder that Lucas realised he was in danger but he did not suspect it was from those he thought of as his friends.

    “This was a pre-meditated, callous act that has left Lucas’s family and friends utterly devastated. While those responsible have been held to account for their actions, I know this will do little to ease the unbearable pain Lucas’s loved ones continue to endure.”

    In a joint statement, Lucas’s family said:“The murder of Lucas has left a large hole in our lives which can never be filled. Lucas wasn’t perfect, he made mistakes but he was ours. He had a bright future ahead of him, but it has been taken away from him. They have not only taken away a nephew but a son, a grandson, a brother, a cousin, a father, a partner, a friend and so much more. We sit at home in the evening almost expecting him to come in with a smile on his face, but he never does.

    “He leaves behind his young son who will have to grow up without his best friend and father. It breaks our heart that he will never see his Dad again, we sometimes see him watching his friends playing with their dads, and we just think he will never have that.”

    At around 19:00hrs that day, Lucas walked to a flat in Princess Road, Croydon. At the address he was joined by Keahn Williams and Kai Nelson-Palmer.

    Whether Lucas knew the others were going to be there is not clear, but he left the flat with Williams and Nelson-Palmer to walk to a shop to buy drinks.

    Unbeknownst to Lucas, they had been exchanging Snapchat messages in the days leading up to the meeting with the intention of attacking him. As they returned from shop in Northbrook Road, Williams produced a knife and stabbed Lucas who was caught completely unaware.

    He dropped the drinks he was holding and ran, pursued by Williams and Nelson-Palmer. Williams caught up with him as he ran along Mayo Road and stabbed him again before both the assailants fled. Lucas burst into a local pub asking for help but collapsed on the floor. The emergency services attended but despite their efforts Lucas sadly died a short time later in hospital.

    Both attackers fled back in the direction of the address where they had originally met, Williams later left the scene in a taxi.

    Detectives attended the scene and through CCTV analysis began to build a picture of the events that had taken place. This showed Williams wearing a distinctive balaclava as he chased Lucas down the street. A similar item of clothing was later recovered at an address linked to him. Detectives established some of the events that had taken place in the weeks leading up to the attack.

    Lucas’s family and friends spoke about how he had seemed withdrawn and afraid – he had confided that he had upset people and feared for his safety.

    On the strength of the evidence available, Williams and Nelson-Palmer were arrested in the week following the murder. Analysis of Nelson-Palmer’s phone revealed the plotting that had taken place between them.

    A 19-year-old man was acquitted of Lucas’ murder at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 3 April 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: AI’s ‘Oppenheimer moment’: Why new thinking is needed on disarmament

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    By By Juliette Maigné

    Peace and Security

    The Artificial Intelligence (AI) race needs to slow down and IT firms should instead be focusing on the bigger picture to ensure that the technology is not misused on the battlefield, UN disarmament experts and leaders of ‘big tech’ companies have insisted. 

    Engaging with the tech community is not “a nice to have” sideline for defence policymakers – it is “absolutely indispensable to have this community engaged from the outset in the design, development and use of the frameworks that will guide the safety and security of AI systems and capabilities”, said Gosia Loy, co-deputy head of the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR).

    Speaking at the recent Global Conference on AI Security and Ethics hosted by UNIDIR in Geneva, she stressed the importance of erecting effective guardrails as the world navigates what is frequently called AI’s “Oppenheimer moment” – in reference to Robert Oppenheimer, the US nuclear physicist best known for his pivotal role in creating the atomic bomb.

    Oversight is needed so that AI developments respect human rights, international law and ethics – particularly in the field of AI-guided weapons – to guarantee that these powerful technologies develop in a controlled, responsible manner, the UNIDIR official insisted.

    Flawed tech

    AI has already created a security dilemma for governments and militaries around the world.

    The dual-use nature of AI technologies – where they can be used in civilian and military settings alike – means that developers could lose touch with the realities of battlefield conditions, where their programming could cost lives, warned Arnaud Valli, Head of Public Affairs at Comand AI.

    The tools are still in their infancy but have long fuelled fears that they could be used to make life-or-death decisions in a war setting, removing the need for human decision-making and responsibility. Hence the growing calls for regulation, to ensure that mistakes are avoided that could lead to disastrous consequences.

    “We see these systems fail all the time,” said David Sully, CEO of the London-based company Advai, adding that the technologies remain “very unrobust”.

    “So, making them go wrong is not as difficult as people sometimes think,” he noted.

    A shared responsibility

    At Microsoft, teams are focusing on the core principles of safety, security, inclusiveness, fairness and accountability, said Michael Karimian, Director of Digital Diplomacy.

    The US tech giant founded by Bill Gates places limitations on real-time facial recognition technology used by law enforcement that could cause mental or physical harm, Mr. Karimian explained.

    Clear safeguards must be put in place and firms must collaborate to break down silos, he told the event at UN Geneva.

    “Innovation isn’t something that just happens within one organization. There is a responsibility to share,” said Mr. Karimian, whose company partners with UNIDIR to ensure AI compliance with international human rights.

    Oversight paradox

    Part of the equation is that technologies are evolving at a pace so fast, countries are struggling to keep up.

    “AI development is outpacing our ability to manage its many risks,” said Sulyna Nur Abdullah, who is strategic planning chief and Special Advisor to the Secretary-General at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

    “We need to address the AI governance paradox, recognizing that regulations sometimes lag behind technology makes it a must for ongoing dialogue between policy and technical experts to develop tools for effective governance,” Ms. Abdullah said, adding that developing countries must also get a seat at the table.

    Accountability gaps

    More than a decade ago in 2013, renowned human rights expert Christof Heyns in a report on Lethal Autonomous Robotics (LARs) warned that “taking humans out of the loop also risks taking humanity out of the loop”.  

    Today it is no less difficult to translate context-dependent legal judgments into a software programme and it is still crucial that “life and death” decisions are taken by humans and not robots, insisted Peggy Hicks, Director of the Right to Development Division of the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR).

    Mirroring society

    While big tech and governance leaders largely see eye to eye on the guiding principles of AI defence systems, the ideals may be at odds with the companies’ bottom line.

    “We are a private company – we look for profitability as well,” said Comand AI’s Mr. Valli.

    “Reliability of the system is sometimes very hard to find,” he added. “But when you work in this sector, the responsibility could be enormous, absolutely enormous.”

    Unanswered challenges

    While many developers are committed to designing algorithms that are “fair, secure, robust” according to Mr. Sully – there is no road map for implementing these standards – and companies may not even know what exactly they are trying to achieve.  

    These principles “all dictate how adoption should take place, but they don’t really explain how that should happen,” said Mr. Sully, reminding policymakers that “AI is still in the early stages”.

    Big tech and policymakers need to zoom out and mull over the bigger picture.

    “What is robustness for a system is an incredibly technical, really challenging objective to determine and it’s currently unanswered,” he continued.

    No AI ‘fingerprint’

    Mr. Sully, who described himself as a “big supporter of regulation” of AI systems, used to work for the UN-mandated Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization in Vienna, which monitors whether nuclear testing takes place.  

    But identifying AI-guided weapons, he says, poses a whole new challenge which nuclear arms – bearing forensic signatures – do not.

    “There is a practical problem in terms of how you police any sort of regulation at an international level,” the CEO said. “It’s the bit nobody wants to address. But until that’s addressed… I think that’s going to be a huge, huge obstacle.”

    Future safeguarding

    The UNIDIR conference delegates insisted on the need for strategic foresight, to understand the risks posed by the cutting-edge technologies now being born.

    For Mozilla, which trains the new generation of technologists, future developers “should be aware of what they are doing with this powerful technology and what they are building”, the firm’s Mr. Elias insisted.

    Academics like Moses B. Khanyile of Stellenbosch University in South Africa believe universities also bear a “supreme responsibility” to safeguard core ethical values.

    The interests of the military – the intended users of these technologies – and governments as regulators must be “harmonised”, said Dr. Khanyile, Director of the Defence Artificial Intelligence Research Unit at Stellenbosch University.

    “They must see AI tech as a tool for good, and therefore they must become a force for good.”

    Countries engaged

    Asked what single action they would take to build trust between countries, diplomats from China, the Netherlands, Pakistan, France, Italy and South Korea also weighed in.

    “We need to define a line of national security in terms of export control of hi-tech technologies”, said Shen Jian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (Disarmament) and Deputy Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China.

    Pathways for future AI research and development must also include other emergent fields such as physics and neuroscience.

    “AI is complicated, but the real world is even more complicated,” said Robert in den Bosch, Disarmament Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the Conference on Disarmament. “For that reason, I would say that it is also important to look at AI in convergence with other technologies and in particular cyber, quantum and space.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McCaul Statement on 3-Year Anniversary of War in Ukraine

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs — released the following statement on the 3-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine.

    “Three years ago today, Putin sent his army into Ukraine, shattering peace in Europe and threatening global stability. Putin’s autocratic friends in China, Iran, and North Korea quickly came to his aid — bolstering Russia’s defense industrial base and sending thousands of troops to fight and kill the Ukrainian people. Make no mistake: This unholy alliance formed by our adversaries seeks to undermine western values, weaken U.S. national security, and upend the global balance of power.

    “I agree with President Trump that this would never have happened had he been in office. There’s a reason these hostile regimes did not attack sovereign territories during his first term: He projected peace through strength. All the pain and bloodshed in Europe could have been prevented if Democrats — under both the Obama and Biden administrations — had stood up to Putin sooner.

    “This war has raged for three years too many. Putin could stop the killing today, but since he refuses — President Trump has answered the call to help put an end to the fighting. As he and his team continue negotiations, I urge them to ensure the agreement holds the Kremlin accountable for its crimes and contains serious teeth to ensure Putin cannot resurrect his quest to recreate the Soviet Union by taking Ukraine. Only then will lasting peace be secured.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: ADB Signs MOU with AIIB, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to Support Feasibility Study for Caspian Green Energy Corridor

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    ADB, AIIB, and the energy ministries of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the Feasibility Study for the Caspian Green Energy Corridor Project. The initiative is part of ADB’s regional technical assistance for the project.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for multiple offences including cyber-flashing

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A survivor of domestic abuse has encouraged others to report to police and get the justice they deserve, on the day her perpetrator was jailed.

    Adam Woodhouse, 35 (15/10/1989) of Edrick Walk, HA8 appeared at Harrow Crown Court on Friday, 4 April where he was jailed for five years, after previously being convicted of multiple offences including cyber-flashing, arson with intent and stalking.

    Woodhouse subjected the victim to a year of abuse after their relationship ended. This included bombarding her with hundreds of abusive messages and phone calls, recording videos of her outside her address and smashing her garden pots and car windows. Amongst the excessive messages, Woodhouse text the victim saying “I will go to prison for murder of you.”

    In July 2024, Woodhouse broke into the victim’s address, stealing all sets of house keys and her car.

    Woodhouse continued to bombard the victim with abuse and in September 2024, he set fire to a moped outside her address, trapping the victim and her children inside. Following a quick response by the London Fire Brigade, those inside were rescued and uninjured. After the fire, Woodhouse called the victim and laughed at her, gloating about his actions. Whilst evading police for the arson offence, Woodhouse then sent images of his genitals to the victim which were unsolicited and threatening.

    He was arrested on 30 September in Lincolnshire. During interview, Woodhouse was extremely aggressive towards officers, stealing interview papers and swearing. Whilst in the custody cell, he urinated over the cell and under the door. He was further arrested for criminal damage.

    After being charged, Woodhouse pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, stalking, cyber-flashing, burglary, taking without consent and criminal damage.

    He appeared at Harrow Crown Court on Friday, 4 April where he was sentenced to five years in prison. He was also issued with a lifetime restraining order against the victim after being described as a “dangerous offender” by the judge.

    Following the sentencing, the victim said:

    “What Adam has put my children and I through has ruined our lives completely, and I would never want any other woman to go through this.

    “I would say to any other women who are experiencing domestic abuse to be brave, come forward and get support from the police to get the justice you deserve.

    “I have felt very supported by DC Olivia Fox and from working closely together we have managed to get justice today.”

    Detective Constable Olivia Fox from the North West Public Protection Unit said:

    “Woodhouse demonstrated that he was an abusive domestic perpetrator, repeatedly targeting this young woman to the point this abuse took over her life.

    “Woodhouse made it his mission to make this woman’s life hell and treated her like she was a possession that he owned. He would then ‘love-bomb’ her and attempt to persuade her that she needed him.

    “She was so terrified of Woodhouse that she initially withdrew supporting the investigation out of fear.

    “It takes an brave person to pick up with an emotionally draining investigation again and I commend her tenacity and strength. I hope that today’s sentence allows her to move forward with her life.”

    “Victims of domestic abuse can often feel lonely and isolated and I understand that many have perceptions that the police won’t be able to help.

    “We are better trained than ever to investigate reports of domestic abuse and will continue to work with our partner agencies to ensure that all victims of domestic abuse get justice.”

    To read more about the ongoing work from Met Police to tackle violence against women and girls, read more here: 100th conviction as part of Met’s VAWG crackdown | Metropolitan Police

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: With US bombers at the ready, can Trump cut a deal with Iran and avoid a war?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellor’s Strategic Fellow, Victoria University

    The United States and Iran are once again on a collision course over the Iranian nuclear program.

    In a letter dated early March, US President Donald Trump urged Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to negotiate a new deal. The new deal would replace the defunct nuclear agreement negotiated in 2015 between the United States, Iran and five other global powers.

    Trump withdrew from that agreement, called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), during his first term.

    Trump gave the Iranians a two-month deadline to reach a new nuclear deal. If they don’t, the US will bomb the country. In recent days, American B-2 bombers and warships have been deployed to the region in a show of force.

    In response, Tehran has agreed only to indirect negotiations. It has ruled out any direct talks while under a US policy of “maximum pressure”.

    Down to the ‘final moments’

    The danger of US or combined American-Israeli military actions against Iran has never been greater.

    Trump says the US is down to the “final moments” should Tehran persist with moving towards a military nuclear capability.

    His national security advisor, Mike Waltz, has gone further, demanding Iran shut down its entire nuclear program.

    Khamenei and his generals have promised a “harsh response” to any military venture. Iran has vowed to target all American bases in the region.

    France, one of key negotiators in the 2015 deal, said this week a failure to secure a new deal would make a military confrontation “almost inevitable”.

    In a positive sign, however, Washington is reportedly “seriously considering” Iran’s offer for indirect negotiations. And Trump is now suggesting Iran may actually be open to direct talks.

    On the threshold of a nuclear bomb

    It would be a folly to expect a quick result that could satisfy an impatient Trump. This is especially true given Trump is under intense pressure from his close friend, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    Netanyahu has long advocated for military action as the best way to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and eliminate its other military capabilities, as well as its regional influence.

    The Iranian Islamic regime has repeatedly said its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. However, the US and its allies – in particular Israel – have remained highly sceptical of Tehran’s intentions.

    Following Trump’s withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, Tehran has substantially expanded its nuclear program, to the chagrin of the other signatories to the deal (Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China).

    It has installed more advanced centrifuges and accelerated uranium enrichment to 60%, just below weapons-grade level. The country is now at a nuclear weapon threshold. It is believed to be capable of assembling an atomic bomb within months, if not weeks.

    Israel’s devastating military operations against Iran’s allies in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, as well as direct exchanges with Iran, have prompted some in the Iranian leadership to advocate for crossing that threshold.

    As I document in my book, Khamenei also remains highly distrustful of Trump and the US political class in general.

    Khamenei initially dismissed Trump’s letter last month as a “deception” from the leader of a country he has long considered an “arrogant power” that wants to dictate to Iran, rather than negotiate with it.

    One of his senior advisers, former Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi, berated Washington for engaging in “psychological warfare”.

    And the current foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said direct negotiations would be futile unless Washington changed its policy of maximum pressure against Iran. This would involve removing sanctions against his country.

    What the two sides want

    Despite this historic distrust of the US, Tehran has found it expedient to offer indirect talks for a possible deal. However, the two sides remain far apart in their respective demands.

    Washington, at the very least, would want Tehran to indefinitely limit its uranium enrichment to 3.7% – the level it had agreed to in the 2015 deal. Washington would also demand close oversight by the US and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

    Tehran’s minimum demands would include the US unfreezing Iranian assets, lifting all sanctions against Iran and guaranteeing a nuclear deal will not be rescinded by future American administrations.

    Neither side could meet these demands, however, without first engaging in substantive confidence-building measures. Since Trump withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, the onus is on him to jump-start the process. He could do this by:

    • unfreezing Iranian assets in the United States
    • lifting some sanctions to enable Iran to purchase non-lethal items from the West, including new civilian aircraft from Boeing and Airbus which were voided following the JCPOA’s dismantling
    • withdrawing the threat of a US, Israeli or combined military action.

    Given the depth of the long-standing enmity and distrust between the parties, the chances of reaching a new nuclear deal seem further away than the drums of war.

    However, given Trump’s unpredictability and the serious domestic and foreign policy challenges facing the Iranian regime, a deal also cannot not be completely ruled out.

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

    – ref. With US bombers at the ready, can Trump cut a deal with Iran and avoid a war? – https://theconversation.com/with-us-bombers-at-the-ready-can-trump-cut-a-deal-with-iran-and-avoid-a-war-253828

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ukraine’s membership not part of peace deal: NATO Chief

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte clarified in Brussels on Friday that Ukraine’s potential NATO membership will not be included as part of any peace agreement.

    Speaking at a press conference following a NATO foreign ministers meeting, Rutte reaffirmed that member states had agreed at last year’s Washington summit that Ukraine’s accession to the Alliance is “irreversible.” However, he emphasized that there was never a promise to Ukraine to include NATO membership in any peace deal.

    The two-day meeting also saw concerns raised over sweeping new U.S. tariffs announced by President Donald Trump. Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide warned on Thursday that such tariffs could contradict NATO’s founding principles. He suggested that economic measures undermining trade among NATO allies risk weakening the alliance as a whole.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Danish PM urges unity with Greenland amid US pressure

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has called for unity between Denmark and Greenland in response to growing pressure from the United States, emphasizing that the two parts of the Kingdom must remain closely aligned to safeguard their shared interests.

    She made the remarks in an interview with Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq during her three-day visit to Greenland from Wednesday to Friday. The visit marked an important step in Denmark’s effort to consolidate ties with Greenland.

    “There is no doubt that many (people) in Greenland feel unsafe, because the insecurity is real,” Frederiksen said. “It is a pressure that has unfortunately been created, and which we are doing our best to handle.”

    The prime minister said that the most effective response to U.S. pressure is, for Greenland and Denmark, to stick together. “Regardless of what internal discussions we may have within the Realm, we must stand united. That is the clearest signal we can send,” she said.

    Frederiksen’s remarks came as U.S. Vice President JD Vance reaffirmed Washington’s growing strategic interest in Greenland. In an interview with American media outlet Newsmax on Thursday, Vance described Greenland as critical to U.S. national security and pledged that the United States would protect its interests there “come hell or high water.”

    Vance also suggested that the United States could offer financial incentives to Greenlanders, claiming that Denmark currently provides approximately “60,000 (U.S.) per year per person in Greenland.” He said that the United States could offer “way more money than that.”

    At a press conference with Greenlandic officials in Greenland’s capital of Nuuk on Thursday, Frederiksen told the United States “You cannot annex other countries — not even under the pretext of international security.”

    She questioned “When you seek to take over part of the Kingdom (of Denmark)’s territory, when we are subjected to pressure and threats by our closest ally, what are we to think about the country we have admired for so many years?”

    Greenland, once a Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, though Denmark retains control over foreign affairs and defense. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: To Improve Republican Budget Resolution, Shaheen Offers Dozens of Amendments that Would Lower Health Care Costs, Shield Families and Businesses from Rising Prices, Keep Americans Safe and Secure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a top member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations and Armed Services Committees and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will offer dozens of amendments to the budget resolution tonight that would make health care more affordable, lower the costs of energy bills, protect American consumers and businesses from rising prices imposed by President Trump’s tariffs and keep Americans safe by enhancing military preparedness, strengthening our air traffic controller workforce, cracking down on drugs and investing in the northern border. 

    “Let’s be very clear: Tonight’s budget resolution process is all about slashing critical services and raising costs on families to free up dollars for tax cuts to the wealthiest in the country. Meanwhile, I’m offering opportunities for bipartisan collaboration to deliver commonsense solutions for Americans grappling with high costs,” said Shaheen. “Americans want, expect and deserve their elected representatives to work together to make progress on the issues they’re facing – and partisan exercises like this do nothing to make their lives better. I’m working to cut through Washington dysfunction and advocate for Granite Staters.” 

    Below is an overview of the dozens of amendments Senator Shaheen is introducing for consideration tonight. 

    To help lower everyday costs, Shaheen introduced amendments that would: 

    • Protect Americans from a national sales tax that raises costs on clothing, toys, electronics and energy. 
    • Help families struggling with high grocery bills by restoring cancelled federal food assistance programs. 
    • Support American jobs and manufacturers hurt by Trump’s tariffs. 
    • Enhance housing affordability by preventing construction cost increases due to tariffs and delays and expanding investment in housing development. 
    • Help households afford groceries, including preventing broad tariffs which would raise the price of food or cuts to food aid for families. 
    • Prevent funding cuts to child care or early childhood education programs helping New Hampshire families. 
    • Support affordable housing in disaster recovery by rebuilding with resilient and cost-effective methods, especially those that lower home insurance rates. 
    • Lower sugar prices for American businesses and consumers harmed by the U.S. sugar program. 

    To help make health care more affordable and accessible, Shaheen introduced amendments that would: 

    • Prioritize Affordable Care Act tax credits that give 22 million Americans access to affordable, quality health insurance. 
    • Ensure that Medicaid expansion programs aren’t eliminated by drastic cuts to federal funding, including New Hampshire’s Granite Advantage covering more than 60,000 Granite Staters. 
    • Ensure that patients suffering from diabetes do not face unnecessary barriers to care, including access to $35 insulin. 
    • Ensure hospitals and doctors working in rural areas can keep their doors open and continue providing lifesaving care for their patients. 
    • Ensure that our community health centers can continue to provide vital care to their patients. 

    To help enhance public safety and keep families secure, Shaheen introduced amendments that would: 

    • Make investments in the Air Traffic Controller workforce and overturning the reckless firing of hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration personnel critical to aviation safety. 
    • Support her Cooper Davis Act and limit illegal drug sales on social media. 
    • Improve cell service and communications for emergency services along the northern border. 
    • Ensure that DHS has the technology needed to monitor and defend the U.S.-Canada border against the flow of drugs and illegal migration. 
    • Raise pay for U.S. Bureau of Prisons correctional officers in New Hampshire and across the country. 
    • Preserve funding for programs that support survivors of sexual and domestic violence. 
    • Ensure local law enforcement agencies and communities are not left with the bill for unfunded federal mandates. 
    • Prioritize the deportation of undocumented individuals who pose threats to our national security or public safety. 
    • Ensure that increased funding for the DOJ and DHS is focused on stopping the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. 
    • Restore retention incentives and union protections for federal correctional officers and staff, including those at FCI Berlin. 

    To help lower American households’ energy costs, Shaheen introduced amendments that would: 

    • Protect Americans from higher energy costs for gas, heating oil and propane due to broad tariffs. 
    • Protect bipartisan investments that lower energy costs, promote electric grid reliability and improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, including addressing PFAS contamination. 
    • Protect families, farmers and businesses from higher energy costs by ensuring energy saving and renewable energy projects funded by Congress continue. 
    • Prevent Congress from blocking state or local governments from updating their building codes to protect life and property, reduce losses from disasters or lower energy costs for families. 
    • Support energy efficient building construction and retrofits to lower energy costs and enhance electric grid reliability. 
    • Support resources that help make home heating more affordable, including energy assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and weatherization. 

    To help bolster America’s national security and support American service members and their families, Shaheen introduced amendments that would: 

    • Support military service members, veterans and families, including by protecting family members who were recently fired from federal employment solely because they were new to a job. 
    • Replenish the defense industrial base ramping up to support Ukraine. 
    • Replenish the defense industrial base ramping up to support the defense of Taiwan. 
    • Ensure that federal employees essential to national security are not impacted by federal hiring freezes or reduction in force (RIF) initiatives. 
    • Require oversight over wasteful spending. 
    • Protect DoD’s policy that ensures service women receive the same coverage for contraception as civilian women. 
    • Ensure that U.S. farmers do not suffer economic harm due to the freeze on U.S. assistance. 
    • Call on the Administration to use the REPO Act authorities to seize Russian assets and support Ukraine. 

    Additional amendments introduced by Shaheen would: 

    • Prevent a reduction in postal service for rural America, including by preventing closure of processing centers. 
    • Ensure that Americans are protected against fraud, price gouging and higher rental and housing prices caused by illegal price information sharing. 
    • Support funding to assist Afghan SIVs and refugee resettlement. 
    • Cut more than $40 billion in wasteful agriculture spending going to large corporate farm operations while preserving benefits to small family farms. 
    • Ensure strong funding for the Northern Border Regional Commission. 
    • Prevent adding $5 trillion of tax cuts to the national debt and raising interest rates when the Federal Government is already paying $1 trillion per year in interest. 
    • Support American farmers and address world hunger. 
    • Address corruption and conflicts of interest from Special Government Employees like Elon Musk by prohibiting them from receiving federal contracts while they’re working for the government. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Consumers are boycotting US goods around the world. Should Trump be worried?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Bradshaw, Professor of Marketing, Royal Holloway University of London

    US alcohol has been removed from sale in the Canadian province of British Columbia. lenic/Shutterstock

    As politicians around the world scramble to respond to US “liberation day” tariffs, consumers have also begun flexing their muscles. “Boycott USA” messages and searches have been trending on social media and search engines, with users sharing advice on brands and products to avoid.

    Even before Donald Trump announced across-the-board tariffs, there had been protests and attacks on the president’s golf courses in Doonbeg in Ireland and Turnberry in Scotland in response to other policies. And in Canada, shoppers avoided US goods after Trump announced he could take over his northern neighbour.

    His close ally Elon Musk has seen protests at Tesla showrooms across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. New cars have been set on fire as part of the “Tesla take-down”, while Tesla sales have been on a deep downward trend. This has been especially noticeable in European countries where electric vehicles sales have been high, and in Australia.

    This targeting of Trump and Musk’s brands are part of wider boycotts of US goods as consumers look for ways to express their anger at the US administration.

    Denmark’s biggest retailer, Salling Group, has given the price label of all European products a black star, making it easy for customers to avoid US goods.

    Canadian shoppers are turning US products upside down in retail outlets so it’s easier for fellow shoppers to spot and avoid them. Canadian consumers can also download the Maple Scan app that checks barcodes to see if their grocery purchases are actually Canadian or have parent companies from the USA.

    Who owns what?

    The issue of ostensibly Canadian brands being owned by US capital illustrates the complexity of consumer boycotts – it can be difficult to identify which brands are American and which are not.

    In the UK, for example, many consumers would be surprised to learn how many famous British brands are actually American-owned – for example, Cadbury, Waterstones and Boots. So entwined are global economies that attempts by consumers to boycott US brands may also damage their local economies.

    This complexity is also present in Danish and Canadian Facebook groups that are dedicated to boycotting US goods. Consumers exchange tips on how to swap alternatives for American products.

    The fact that Facebook is a US-based company only demonstrates how deeply embedded consumer culture is in US technologies. European businesses often depend on American operating systems and cloud storage while consumers rely on US-owned social media platforms for communication.

    Even when consumers succeed in weeding out American products, if they pay using Visa, Mastercard or Apple Pay, a percentage of the price will nonetheless be rerouted to the US. If a touch payment is made with Worldpay, the percentage could be even greater.

    These American financial services show just how embedded US businesses are in retail in ways that consumers may not appreciate. In practice, an absolute boycott of US business is almost unimaginable.

    All-American brands

    But American branding is not always subtle. In addition to brands directly connected to the US administration – such as the Trump golf courses and Tesla – many other companies have always been flamboyantly American. Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Budweiser are just some examples where their American identities and proudly on show.

    As such, it’s possible that consumers will increasingly avoid blatantly American brands. They may be less concerned about the complexities and contradictions of a more comprehensive boycott.

    Consumer actions where the goal is political change are known as “proxy boycotts” because no particular company is the ultimate target. Rather, the brands and firms are targeted by consumers as a means to an end.

    Do boycotts work?

    A classic example of a proxy boycott took aim at French goods, particularly wine, in the mid-1990s. This was in response to president Jacques Chirac’s decision to conduct nuclear tests in the Pacific. The large-scale consumer boycotts contributed to France’s decision to abandon its nuclear tests in 1996.

    In Britain, for example, French wines in all categories lost market share as demand fell during the boycott. At the time, it cost the French wine sector £23 million (about £46 million today).

    These boycotts are a reminder that the interplay between corporations, brands and consumer culture are inevitably embedded in politics. The current political impasse demonstrates that consumers can participate in politics, not just with their votes, but also with their buying power.

    Trump clearly wants to demonstrate American strength. The “liberation day” tariffs, which were higher than most observers expected, bear this out. But many US corporations will now be worrying about how consumers in the US and around the world might respond. Trump could see a mass mobilisation of consumer power in ways that will give the president something to think about.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Consumers are boycotting US goods around the world. Should Trump be worried? – https://theconversation.com/consumers-are-boycotting-us-goods-around-the-world-should-trump-be-worried-253389

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: England’s non-woodland trees freely mapped for first time

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    England’s non-woodland trees freely mapped for first time

    England’s trees outside woodlands have been mapped by satellite and laser are freely available for first time revealing they make up 30% of nation’s tree cover.

    Street Trees. Credit: Forestry Commission

    • Some of the most iconic trees in our landscape highlighted in unique survey.
    • Mapping will help to accurately identify locations of nature depletion and allow for more targeted tree planting

    England’s non-woodland trees have been mapped for first time, revealing these trees make up nearly third of our nation’s tree cover.  

    Using one of the very latest methods of laser detection and satellite imagery, the country’s top tree scientists at the UK Government’s Forest Research agency built a comprehensive picture of non-woodland trees across England. 

    The innovative map goes live today (Saturday 5 April). 

    By providing a better national picture, the groundbreaking map will allow conservation groups and local authorities to target tree planting efforts more accurately. The map can pinpoint lone trees that could be connected to nearby wooded areas to create better habitat for wildlife in support of the Government’s manifesto commitment to expand nature-rich habitats and help achieve our legal target to increase England’s woodland canopy to 16.5%. 

    Forestry Minister Mary Creagh said:  

    Our precious street trees improve air quality, mark the changing seasons and provide us with peace, shade and joy. Their value simply cannot be overstated.

    “This groundbreaking new tree census will not only help us better understand our current tree canopy cover, but allow us to identify areas where we can create more nature rich habitats for wildlife and people to enjoy as part of our Plan for Change” 

    Sir William Worsley, Chair of Forestry Commission said: 

    “This has been a real endeavour by the team – the results are spectacular and will be invaluable to us as we strive to meet our legal target to increase tree planting cover. 

    “The map fills critical data gaps about our national tree assets, helping us understand this natural resource and the benefits it brings, including carbon storage. Many people – from citizens to governments – will use the map to make evidence-based decisions to improve management and protection of our trees.” 

    Freddie Hunter, Head of Remote Sensing at Forest Research, said:    

    Freddie Hunter, Head of Remote Sensing at Forest Research, said:    

    “This is an exciting moment. By using a combination of aerial and satellite technology, we have been able to locate and measure all trees outside of woodland (TOW) for the first time. By combining the National Forest Inventory woodland map and the TOW map we have a complete picture of tree canopy in England.  

    “We used laser technology mounted on planes and images of the Earth’s surface captured by satellites to identify tree canopy cover across the breadth of the country. This will be vital in informing future tree-planting and monitoring.”

    Trees outside woodlands are defined as single trees in urban and rural areas and are some of the most iconic trees in our landscape, ranging from sprawling tree-lined hedgerows to the much-loved trees on our streets and in our parks.  These trees play an important role in storing carbon, regulating temperatures, and mitigating against the impacts of climate change, such as flooding and over-heating of our towns and cities. They also have a huge role in improving health and wellbeing – not least by reducing the impacts of air pollution. 

    The project is funded by Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme. The government is committed to turbocharging nature’s recovery and the launch of the new map is the latest step to improve nature and tree-planting across our communities as part of the Plan for Change.  This follows recent announcements on a new national forest, increasing timber in construction to boost forestry and  sustainable housebuilding , and the establishment of a dedicated tree-planting taskforce. The government has also recently announced up to £400 million for trees and peat, as part of the Nature for Climate Fund. 

    The map is fully automated thanks to its use of spatial datasets and can be updated regularly to capture changes in tree canopy cover. For more information, visit Trees Outside Woodland Map – Forest Research. The map can be viewed online on the NCEA ArcGIS Online web portal (Trees Outside Woodland), and is free to download from the Forestry Commission open data download website National Trees Outside Woodland Map.

    Additional Information: 

    • Forest Research is Great Britain’s principal organisation for forestry and tree-related research and is internationally renowned for the provision of evidence and scientific services in support of sustainable forestry.
    • The map is derived from LIDAR data from 2016 to 2022 and satellite data from 2021 to 2024. It is therefore not fully representative of trees in 2025.
    • The map is based on remote sensing, data analysis and algorithmic prediction combined with expert calibration, meaning an algorithm has predicted which of the features on the input data were trees. The feature detection accuracy of trees outside woodlands is 95%.
    • The data set was derived from the Vegetation Object Model (VOM) LIDAR Vegetation Object Model (VOM), The National Lidar Survey (National LIDAR Programme – data.gov.uk), and Sentinel-2 (Sentinel-2 – Sentinel Online) imagery using spatial algorithms.
    • The map will also be available via open web services from Defra’s Data Services Platform (DSP) later this month.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Neonatal care leave and pay right for thousands of new parents

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Neonatal care leave and pay right for thousands of new parents

    New entitlement will give thousands of eligible new parents each year with children in neonatal care a right to additional leave and pay.

    • New right to neonatal care leave and pay enters into force this weekend.
    • Parents of babies in neonatal care are entitled to an additional 12 weeks of leave and pay if eligible, on top of parental leave, as of tomorrow (6 April)
    • The Government is supporting working families and protecting working people’s payslips, delivering on our Plan for Change.

    Thousands of new parents each year will gain a day one right to leave and pay, if eligible, if they have a child in neonatal care as of tomorrow [Sunday 6 April].  

    Our Plan for Change relies on families having security in work. By protecting payslips and providing them with the support at work they need through these measures, we’re putting more money into the pockets of working people, delivering national renewal and growing the economy. 

    These measures will change the dial from where it is now, where working families have been faced with the challenge of going to work whilst their newborn baby is sick in neonatal care. 

    They will allow eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave (and, if eligible, pay) on top of any other leave they may be entitled to, including maternity and paternity leave.  

    In a meeting between Justin Madders, the Employment Rights Minister, and campaigners from the charities The Smallest Things, Bliss and Working Families,   

    Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said:  

    The campaigners and parents who have had to experience their children in neonatal care are an inspiration to us all and show just how much this new leave and pay entitlement is needed for families up and down the UK.  

    We know that many employers already go above and beyond the statutory minimum, which is why as part of our Plan for Change we’re creating a level playing field that ensures parents, wherever they work, have the vital relief they need to switch off from work and focus on their newborn baby. 

    Women’s Health Minister Baroness Merron said:  

    No parent should have to choose between being with their vulnerable newborn or returning to work. Our action today will make all the difference to families going through an incredibly stressful time.  

    We are giving parents peace of mind so they can focus on their family. At the same time, we are reforming the NHS and maternity and neonatal services to ensure that everyone receives the personalised, compassionate care that they deserve. 

    The new Neonatal Care Leave will apply to parents of babies who are admitted into neonatal care up to 28 days old and who have a continuous stay in neonatal care of 7 full days or longer.  

    These measures will aim to relieve some of the pressure on working families, providing the support families need to allow them to be by their child’s side without having to work throughout or use up their existing leave.    

    The Government’s Employment Rights Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament, was introduced to upgrade workers’ rights across the UK, tackle poor working conditions and benefit businesses and workers alike. This includes bringing forward employment reforms, such as establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for millions of workers.  

    Other measures being introduced by this Government include support for employers through the menopause and strengthened protections against unfair dismissal for pregnant women and new mothers.  

     Catriona Ogilvy, founder of parent-led charity The Smallest Things said: 

    The Smallest Things is thrilled that Neonatal Care Leave and Pay will finally be available to families from tomorrow (6 April). 

    This new law is the result of a decade of tireless campaigning by those who truly understand – neonatal parents themselves.  

    They know the journey doesn’t end when babies come home from hospital. Neonatal Leave will give families back stolen time. Time to be with their baby without the worry of work or pay. Time to bond. And time to begin to recover – both physically and mentally. 

    Neonatal parents and carers needed more time. From tomorrow, they’ll get it.

    Bliss Chief Executive Caroline Lee-Davey said: 

    At Bliss we know just how important it is that babies born premature or sick have both parents at their side in neonatal care during their challenging first weeks and months of life, playing a hands-on role in their care. 

    That is why Bliss is so proud to have led campaigning for the introduction of the Neonatal Care (Leave & Pay) Act, which will provide thousands of employed parents every year with the assurance that they can take the time to be with their sick baby when they need it most.  

    We now look forward to working with the Government and employers to ensure that all parents who are eligible know about this new entitlement, as well as the wider information and support that they can access from Bliss throughout their neonatal journey.

    Jane van Zyl, Chief Executive, Working Families said: 

    We are delighted to see the introduction of this new entitlement after having worked with policymakers on its development. 

    Having additional leave and pay will mean parents can be by their baby’s side when they need them most. By giving families some breathing space and the ability to manage childcare for older siblings, this policy will help relieve some of the financial and emotional strain families are under. 

    We hope employers will build on this support by developing enhanced neonatal polices, as many compassionate employers have already, and consider flexible working, a little of which can go a long way in supporting families. 

    Nisha Marwaha, Director of DE&I at Virgin Media O2 said: 

    Introducing paid neonatal care leave as a day one right is a lifeline for parents whose babies require medical care shortly after birth. 

    At Virgin Media O2, we’re proud to have been one of the first UK businesses to introduce paid neonatal leave more than two years ahead of it becoming a legal requirement. We’ve seen first-hand the difference it has made to our employees, allowing them to focus on caring for their sick baby and take time away from work with our full support. 

    That’s why we welcome the introduction of the legislation that will benefit around 60,000 new parents each year so they can be there for their loved ones when it counts, without having to worry about work.

    Liz Jeffery, Vice President for People Experience at Sony Music, said: 

    When a baby is born prematurely or requires neonatal care after birth, it can be a very difficult time for parents.  

    Since 2018, Sony Music staff have been entitled to full pay during the period in which a baby is born before full term or spends time in neonatal care, ensuring they are financially supported until parental leave begins.  

    This policy has been a huge benefit for our employees over the past seven years and we are pleased to see that the law is changing to support other families going through these experiences.” 

    Jackie Henry, managing partner for people and purpose at Deloitte UK, said:  

    Family-friendly policies can have a profound impact in supporting people in the modern workplace.  

    That’s why at Deloitte UK, we provide 12 weeks’ paid neonatal care leave as part a wider package of policies and benefits, including six months’ paid family leave, and paid time off for caring responsibilities and fertility treatment.  

    Families come in all shapes and sizes, so policies like these allow our people to focus on what matters during some of the most important moments of their lives.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Leads Colleagues in Calling on Trump Administration to Reinstate Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, led 18 of his colleagues in urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to reconsider the Trump Administration’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans who applied for TPS under its designation in 2023. The Administration’s decision has been temporarily put on hold by a court order, postponing the harm it will cause to approximately 350,000 people who remain at risk of losing TPS.
    “Contrary to your assertion that ‘there are notable improvements in several areas, such as the economy, public health, and crime that allow for these nationals to be safely returned,’ the country conditions in Venezuela have deteriorated significantly since 2023, as discussed in detail below,” the senators wrote. “There is no credible evidence demonstrating substantive improvements in the human rights or security situation at this time. Nicolas Maduro’s third term began in January 2025 and has thus far has been characterized by political violence, violent crime, and corruption. Indeed, he remained in power through violent repression surrounding his July 2024 election, which the United States and international observers deemed fraudulent. Numerous credible sources have documented how the regime uses waves of repression, including politically motivated arrests and forcible disappearances, to maintain power. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the Maduro regime was holding over 1,000 political prisoners as of March 10, 2025.”
    “For the reasons discussed above, we ask that you reconsider your February 1, 2025 decision and instead extend TPS for Venezuelans in the United States for the maximum statutory period of 18 months. Congress intended TPS to be both a humanitarian tool and a pragmatic response to unstable conditions abroad,” they continued.
    Kaine has long advocated for TPS for vulnerable people from countries around the world, such as Cameroon, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Sudan, and Ukraine. Amid spiking violence in Haiti in 2024, Kaine also urged the Biden Administration to extend TPS for Haiti and urged the Trump Administration to reconsider the cancelation of this designation in 2025.
    In addition to Kaine, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
    Full text of the letter follows below and is available here.
    Dear Secretary Rubio and Secretary Noem:
    We ask that you reconsider your February 1, 2025 decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans who applied for TPS under the 2023 designation. While a court order has temporarily postponed the harms that will be caused by this decision, approximately 350,000 people remain at risk of losing TPS.
    Contrary to your assertion that “there are notable improvements in several areas, such as the economy, public health, and crime that allow for these nationals to be safely returned,” the country conditions in Venezuela have deteriorated significantly since 2023, as discussed in detail below.
    There is no credible evidence demonstrating substantive improvements in the human rights or security situation at this time. Nicolas Maduro’s third term began in January 2025 and has thus far has been characterized by political violence, violent crime, and corruption. Indeed, he remained in power through violent repression surrounding his July 2024 election, which the United States and international observers deemed fraudulent. Numerous credible sources have documented how the regime uses waves of repression, including politically motivated arrests and forcible disappearances, to maintain power. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the Maduro regime was holding over 1,000 political prisoners as of March 10, 2025.
    Through draconian legal measures and organized violence, the Maduro regime is engaging in an active campaign to violate human rights and repress civil society. For example, the National Assembly passed an “anti-NGO law” that provides legal pretext for targeting human rights defenders, political opposition, and journalists. In this environment, organized crime and humanitarian crisis have grown.
    Governance in Venezuela has broken down, leaving the basic needs of its citizens unmet – sufficient food, clean water, and medicines are inaccessible for most. The United Nations World Food Program estimates that approximately 40 percent of the population is experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity, and that four million people require urgent food assistance. The Venezuelan government is unable or unwilling to provide justice or protection for its citizens. In fact, the government of Venezuela is frequently itself a perpetrator or beneficiary of human rights abuses.
    The current conditions in Venezuela described above clearly continue to meet the requirement of INA §244(b)(1)(C) that “there exist extraordinary and temporary conditions in the foreign state that prevent aliens who are nationals of the state from returning to the state in safety.” Insofar as you have found that “even assuming the relevant conditions in Venezuela remain both ‘extraordinary’ and ‘temporary,’ termination of the 2023 Venezuela TPS designation is required because it is contrary to the national interest,” the lack of notice and opportunity for stakeholders and the public to comment on the termination and the national interest before it went into effect makes your decision legally infirm and deeply flawed policy-wise.
    On March 31, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ordered that the decision to vacate the extension of the 2023 designation and to terminate that designation be postponed pending further litigation. In a seventy-eight-page decision, the court relied on “[t]he lack of support for the vacatur – both legal and evidentiary” in postponing your decision.  
    For the reasons discussed above, we ask that you reconsider your February 1, 2025 decision and instead extend TPS for Venezuelans in the United States for the maximum statutory period of 18 months. Congress intended TPS to be both a humanitarian tool and a pragmatic response to unstable conditions abroad. While DHS has the authority to terminate TPS, that authority must be exercised with diligence, transparency, and fidelity to the law.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Video: Kaine Speaks on Senate Floor to Oppose ‘Economic Idiocy’ of Tariffs, Program Cuts to Pay for Billionaire Tax Breaks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO IS AVAILABLE HERE.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, spoke on the Senate floor to highlight his strong opposition to Republicans’ budget plan. President Donald Trump and Republicans are proposing using the revenue from tariffs and massive, across-the-board cuts to programs that Virginians rely on—including Medicaid—to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Republicans are using a legislative process known as “reconciliation,” which allows certain legislation to be expedited and passed in the Senate by a simple majority, avoiding the 60-vote threshold needed for most other legislation.
    “President Trump deemed these tariffs as ‘reciprocal tariffs,’ but I got another phrase for them: They are economic idiocy,” said Kaine. “They will hurt our families, they will hurt our businesses, they will hurt our farmers, and all the economic signs suggest that President Trump is flipping the world’s strongest economy toward recession.”
    “President Trump started with the strongest economy in the world the day he was inaugurated—a strong stock market, strong consumer confidence, strong growth rates and growth projections, manufacturing up, infrastructure up, America building again,” Kaine continued. “In two months, his chaotic economic idiocy has turned it around… the American economy has nothing but red lights and question marks all over it.”
    “Trump says these are reciprocal tariffs—we are putting tariffs on nations who are treating us unfairly in trade. But he’s imposing tariffs even on nations that put no tariffs on U.S. products, that have no trade barriers on U.S. products,” Kaine continued. “He said he was imposing tariffs on nations where the U.S. has trade deficits … but guess what? We have trade surpluses with Brazil, Australia, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Singapore, and the U.K. So what did Donald Trump do? He put tariffs on them anyway.”
    “The tariffs are not designed to punish adversaries since we are hurting allies and treating them worse than adversaries in many ways. The tariffs are not designed to lower trade barriers since nations with no trade barriers are still getting socked. The tariffs are not designed to counter trade deficits since nations where we have trade surpluses are getting socked,” Kaine said. “So why do them at all? Why punish Americans with a national sales tax, which all the economists say is the largest peacetime tax ever imposed in U.S. history?”
    “It’s about raising money to fund a tax cut for the rich,” Kaine continued. “These tariffs will raise $6 trillion over the course of the next 10 years—about $600 billion all taken out of the pockets of everyday Americans who are paying more for groceries, who are paying more for building supplies when they do a home renovation, farmers who are paying more for fertilizer… the $6 trillion dollars that these tariffs will raise all come out of the pocketbooks of Americans who are working hard and who don’t want to pay more taxes.”
    “President Trump and my colleagues here are setting up a budget where they’ll take that $6 trillion and they’ll add to it all of these ‘slash-and-burn’ cuts,” Kaine said. “They’ll combine the tariff revenue with the savings from Medicaid cuts or cuts to school nutrition or cuts to the Pell Grant program, and then they will take all of that revenue and hand it over to the richest people in this country, many of whom are the richest people on the Planet Earth.”
    “That’s what we’re going to fight against in this budget, and in the same way that we succeeded by getting Republicans to vote with us against the Canadian tariffs a few days ago, it is my hope that when we get to the end of this process, we will have some Republican colleagues, in this house and the next, who will stand up against a President who thinks one man can shatter the economy and impose costs on everyday people to benefit himself and his friends,” Kaine concluded.

    MIL OSI USA News –