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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI USA News: WEEK TEN WINS: President Trump Fuels America’s Golden Age

    Source: The White House

    Ten weeks into his second term, President Donald J. Trump keeps delivering transformative wins for the American people — empowering our workers, securing our nation, and cementing our leadership as the envy of the world.

    Here is a non-comprehensive list of wins in week ten:

    • President Trump’s effort to secure the homeland continued in force.
      • The Trump Administration directed the successful apprehension of a key MS-13 gang leader — an illegal immigrant living in Virginia and operating as one of the top three MS-13 leaders in the U.S.
      • ICE arrested 370+ illegal immigrants as part of a major operation in Massachusetts — many of whom have serious criminal convictions and charges, including murder, child rape, fentanyl trafficking, and armed robbery.
    • President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imports of foreign automobiles and certain auto parts to end unfair trade practices and protect national security.
      • United Auto Workers: “We applaud the Trump administration for stepping up to end the free trade disaster that has devastated working class communities for decades. Ending the race to the bottom in the auto industry starts with fixing our broken trade deals, and the Trump administration has made history with today’s actions.”
    • President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all goods from countries that import Venezuelan oil to sever the financial lifelines of the corrupt Maduro regime.
    • President Trump’s unrelenting pursuit of American manufacturing dominance continued to deliver results.
      • Hyundai announced a $20 billion investment in the U.S., which will create 14,000 new jobs. The investment includes $5.8 billion for a new steel plant in Louisiana, which will create nearly 1,500 jobs.
      • Schneider Electric announced it will invest $700 million over the next four years in U.S. energy infrastructure.
      • Rolls-Royce is expected to shift production to the U.S. and expand its domestic workforce.
      • Vietnam announced it will cut duties on U.S. imports, including liquefied natural gas and automobiles.
    • President Trump continued to pursue peace through strength around the world.
      • U.S. airstrikes eliminated dozens of ISIS jihadis hiding within a cave complex in Somalia.
      • Following U.S.-led negotiations, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a Black Sea ceasefire.
    • President Trump’s economic agenda delivered more relief for Americans.
      • Large egg prices have dropped nearly 60% since last month amid the Trump Administration’s efforts to combat the avian bird flu and repopulate the chicken supply.
      • New data showed new home sales rose 5.1% over last year — with median home prices down 1.5% over last year and 3% over January.
    • The President signed several key executive orders to improve our nation.
      • President Trump signed an executive order aimed at making Washington, D.C., safe, beautiful, and the greatest capital city in the world.
      • President Trump signed an executive order on election integrity, including requiring proof of citizenship in voter registration, setting standards for voting equipment, identifying election fraud, and banning foreign interference in elections.
      • President Trump signed executive orders to protect America’s bank account against waste, fraud, and abuse and modernize payments.
      • President Trump signed an executive order exempting agencies with national security missions from federal collective bargaining requirements in order to bolster border, national, and energy security.
      • President Trump signed an executive order to remove anti-American propaganda from federal museums and national parks.
      • President Trump ordered the immediate declassification of all FBI files related to the sham Crossfire Hurricane investigation.
    • The Department of the Interior disbursed $350 million in energy revenues from the Gulf of America to oil-and-gas-producing states, including Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
    • The Department of the Interior announced nearly $40 million in total receipts from its first oil and gas lease sales of the year.
    • The Department of Commerce blacklisted more than 50 Chinese companies in a bid to reduce the Chinese Communist Party’s intellectual property theft.
    • The Department of Housing and Urban Development canceled taxpayer-backed mortgages for illegal immigrants.
    • The Department of Energy slashed unnecessary bureaucratic red tape that accounted for 60% of costs when building and purchasing new laboratories.
    • The Department of Health and Human Services axed $300 million in grants to California related to radical gender ideology and DEI.
    • The Department of Health and Human Services formally warned California for allowing graphic sex education, including about sex toys and “role-plays,” to be taught to children as young as ten years old.
    • The Department of Education revoked waivers that allowed certain colleges to divert federal funds intended for low-income students and students with disabilities to illegal immigrants.
    • The Department of Education launched an investigation into the California Department of Education for withholding information from parents about their child’s gender identity.
    • The Department of Education launched an investigation into Portland Public Schools and the Oregon School Activities Association for allowing a male student athlete to compete in a girls’ track and field competition.
    • The Department of Agriculture reinstated critical reports canceled by the Biden Administration, including the July Cattle Report and the County Estimates for Crops and Livestock — giving farmers the data needed to make important decisions for their operations.
    • The Department of Agriculture announced an investigation into California for possible noncompliance with President Trump’s executive order on radical transgender ideology.
    • The Department of the Treasury announced sanctions against additional Iranian intelligence officers involved in the probable death and cover-up of FBI Special Agent Bob Levinson.
    • The Department of Labor canceled nearly $600 million in “America Last” grants, including millions for “gender equity in the Mexican workplace” and “assisting foreign migrant workers” in Malaysia.
    • The Department of Justice seized hundreds of thousands of dollars of cryptocurrency intended to support Hamas and other terrorist organizations.
    • The Environmental Protection Agency terminated a $2 billion Biden-era grant to a non-governmental organization linked to partisan politics.
    • The Environmental Protection Agency announced it “successfully completed its mission assignment in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.”
    • The Office of Management and Budget cut a wasteful $3 billion Biden-era slush fund.
    • The Small Business Administration announced actions to reverse Biden-era mismanagement of its Core 7(a) loan program.
    • The U.S. Coast Guard awarded a $1 billion contract for dozens of heavy icebreaker ships — which play a critical role in the defense of American interests.
    • The University of Michigan announced it will end its “diversity, equity, and inclusion”-related programming following President Trump’s executive order earlier this year.
    • President Trump’s nominees continue to be confirmed at a rapid pace, with the Senate confirming Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios, National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya, and Office of Management and Budget Deputy Director Dan Bishop.
    • President Trump pardoned Devon Archer, a former business partner of Hunter Biden whose key testimony in the Biden corruption scandal made him a target for prosecution by the Biden Administration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Tax Systems Must Be Aligned with Sustainable Development, Economic and Social Council Told

    Source: United Nations 4

    While Technology Optimizes Collections, Globalization, Digitization Also Open Loopholes to Evasion

    (Note:  Full coverage of today’s Economic and Social Council meetings will be made available after their conclusion.)

    Speakers stressed the need for stronger global action to harness the power of taxation as a catalyst for sustainable development at today’s Economic and Social Council special meeting on international cooperation in tax matters.

    As the United Nations framework convention on this topic moves into the negotiating stage, the special meeting brings together Member States, members of the UN Committee of Experts on International Tax Cooperation (UN Tax Committee) and other stakeholders.  This year’s meeting addressed two themes:  inclusive and effective international tax cooperation and gender inclusivity through tax policy.

    In his opening remarks, Robert Rae (Canada), President of the Economic and Social Council, highlighted the 20 years of dialogue between the Council and the UN Tax Committee — comprising 25 members nominated by Governments and appointed by the UN Secretary-General — as “an effective model of how the United Nations system can mainstream specialized policy areas” across the broader development agenda.  “Fair tax systems and effective fiscal policies are powerful tools to mobilize resources [and] reduce inequalities,” he said. 

    Echoing that, Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, noted that developing countries continue to lose significant resources through tax avoidance and evasion.  Stronger domestic tax administration and effective international engagement are necessary to address this.  It is further important to address systemic gender disparities by revealing hidden biases in tax policies, he added.

    Liselott Kana, Co-Chairperson of the UN Tax Committee, outlined the work of the expert body, including its updates to the UN Model Tax Convention and the Manual for the Negotiation of Bilateral Tax Treaties.  These updates “have significantly increased the UN Model’s profile and its influence in bilateral tax treaty negotiations”, she said.  The Committee’s work has expanded beyond traditional international tax issues to address domestic resource mobilization, she said, adding:  “This is the real world in which tax policymakers and decision makers have to operate.”

    Maria José Garde, Director-General of Taxation at the Ministry of Finance of Spain, highlighted that country’s experience with a highly digitalized tax administration.  Digitalization makes it possible for tax administration to become more efficient, facilitate compliance and simplify processes.  It also facilitates the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data to fight fraud and tax evasion.  However, it has also opened the door for tax evasion and avoidance, she pointed out.  Taxation does not only mean collecting taxes — “it’s also a powerful instrument to make progress and against inequality” through progressive policies that tax major fortunes or corporations, she pointed out.

    In a panel discussion moderated by Mathew Gbonjubola, Co-Chairperson of the UN Tax Committee, speakers examined challenges and opportunities to strengthen domestic resource mobilization.

    Ramesh Narain Parbat, Head of Tax Policy Division, Central Board of Direct Taxes at the Ministry of Finance of India, shared lessons from his country’s pathway towards a double-digit growth rate in direct tax collection.  He highlighted two financial social-welfare schemes — both linked to a unique identification number, enabling digitalization and obliteration of leakages.  The Government has also encouraged mobile-based digital payment platforms, which vegetable vendors now use to deposit and save money more efficiently, he said.

    The global tax system today reflects old economic realities, he said, noting that taxing rights have historically been tied to physical presence, which is outdated in today’s digital economy.  Digital businesses can make a lot of money in different countries, but pay little or no taxes.  Further, a fair allocation of tax rights must recognize the interconnected global supply chain value creation, he stressed.

    Africa Loses $100 Billion Yearly to Illicit Financial Flows

    Chenai Mukumba, Executive Director of Tax Justice Network Africa, noted that Africa loses $88.6 billion to $100 billion annually due to illicit financial flows — “resources that should be funding public services”.  Multinational corporations exploit gaps in transfer pricing rules, tax treaties and secrecy jurisdictions, reducing the continent’s tax base.  This has caused many African Governments to revert to regressive tax systems.  Kenya’s July 2024 protests over tax hikes illustrate this, she pointed out, adding:  “Overreliance on consumption taxes disproportionately affects lower-income populations, while high-net-worth individuals and large corporations remain undertaxed.”  “The current international tax system is fragmented,” and dominated by exclusive decision-making bodies, she said.  A UN tax convention could establish binding rules on corporate taxation, transparency and exchange of information, ensuring all countries have equal decision-making power.  African countries need a greater share of taxing rights to reflect the economic activities occurring within their borders.  “This looks like redesigning tax treaties to prevent excessive revenue losses and ensuring a fair allocation of profits,” she said. 

    “Tax is a jealously guarded sovereign right,” said Ben Dickinson, Deputy Director of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Centre for Tax Policy and Administration.  Countries choose to collaborate on taxation only where international collaboration is important for their domestic policy goals.  Also drawing attention to United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) partnership with Tax Inspectors Without Borders, he said it has helped countries realize over $2.4 billion in additional revenues.

    While there has been important progress in international corporate taxation, “no one area of tax policy will suffice to mobilize the scale of revenues required”, he warned.  Therefore, it is crucial to look at all policy areas, including value added tax, personal income tax, social security contributions and property taxation.

    The second part of the same panel discussion focused on “Taxation of Cross-Border Services — a multi-faceted approach” and featured the following panellists:  Thulani Shongwe, Head, African Multilateral Cooperation, African Tax Administration Forum; Marcio Ferreira Verdi, Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations; and John Connors, Chair, Global Tax Commission, International Chamber of Commerce.

    …

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Guilty of Disaster Fraud Costing Georgia Church Millions

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant, Acting as Insurance Adjuster, Bilked Albany Church Damaged by Hurricane Michael

    ALBANY, Ga. – A Texas man acting as an insurance adjuster cheated an Albany church out of millions of dollars paid out by its insurance company to repair its facilities, which were heavily damaged by Hurricane Michael in 2018 and are still not fully repaired.

    Andrew Mitchell aka “Andrew Aga,” 45, of Kemeh, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud before U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands on March 27. Mitchell faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. The Court will determine a sentencing date. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “It is disheartening to see someone willing to defraud a place of worship in the wake of a major natural disaster, especially when its congregation trusted the defendant and all those involved to act lawfully and help them repair their historic downtown facility after Hurricane Michael,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker. “Together with our federal prosecutorial team, investigators from the Georgia Insurance Commissioner’s Office thoroughly examined years of fraud to ensure that Andrew Mitchell is held accountable for his crime.”

    “At a time when victims were still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Michael, Andrew Mitchell took advantage of that vulnerability for his own personal gain,” said Georgia Insurance Commissioner John F. King. “I am proud of our investigators and their work in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to protect hardworking Georgia families and hold the defendant responsible for his actions.”

    According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on Pine Avenue in Albany was damaged by Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 hurricane that made landfall near Mexico Beach, Florida, on Oct. 10, 2018. The storm’s eyewall struck the Albany community as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of up to 115 miles per hour and significant rainfall. Friendship Baptist Church sustained damage; an initial inspection revealed at least $216,000 in damages. The facility was insured by Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Brotherhood Mutual issued a check for $183,207.89 on Nov. 15, 2018, to Friendship Baptist to cover partial repairs, which was sent via the United States Postal Service (USPS) and was deposited.

    In November 2018, a man identifying as Eric Goldberg and who claimed to be associated with Blue Key Construction, met with the church’s pastor, Carl White, to discuss serving as the contractor. A second meeting was held on Nov. 20, 2018, between Goldberg and White, along with Friendship Missionary Baptist Church’s Board of Directors Co-Chairperson Willie Thomas. Goldberg provided a contract authorizing Mitchell, aka “Aga,” to act as a public adjuster.

    In December 2018, Mitchell began emailing Brotherhood Mutual representing himself as a Georgia public adjuster employed by International Consulting Group. He was reportedly associated with several corporate entities including but not limited to International Consulting Group; Texas Wind Consultants, LLC; and Loss Consultants of Texas, LLC d/b/a Texas Claim Consultants. In January 2019, Mitchell emailed Brotherhood Mutual an itemized estimate for repairs at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church totaling roughly $2.1 million on the letterhead of “Georgia Claim Consultants.” In February 2019, Mitchell provided Brotherhood Mutual with a second repair estimate for approximately $5 million. On March 4, 2019, Mitchell emailed an adjustor with Syndicate Claims a proof of loss indicating that the damages to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church would cost $7.1 million to repair. On March 13, 2019, Mitchell emailed a follow-up proof of loss indicating the total repair cost was $6.1 million.

    On July 10, 2019, the insurance company issued a check to the church and Mitchell for $3,376,102.18, mailed to Albany. Mitchell emailed asking the check be reissued and made jointly payable to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and Loss Consultants of Texas, LLC, d/b/a Texas Claim Consultants. On July 19, 2019, Brotherhood Mutual issued the check payable to the church and Mitchell, which was mailed to the church. On July 24, 2019, Mitchell emailed Brotherhood Mutual requesting that the payees be changed to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and Loss Consultants of Texas, LLC d/b/a Texas Claim Consultants. He also asked that the reissued check be mailed to an address in Lake Shores, Texas. On July 24, 2019, Brotherhood Mutual issued the check and mailed it as requested. An endorsement on behalf of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church was forged.

    On July 30, 2019, C.W. received and negotiated a check for $50,000 from Texas Wind Consultants, LLC, which Mitchell hand-delivered to C.W. in Albany. On July 31, 2019, Blue Key Construction submitted an invoice totaling $2.4 million for works allegedly performed for Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. On Nov. 26, 2019, Mitchell submitted a proof of loss totaling $7.495 million.

    On December 11, 2019, the insurance company issued a check jointly payable to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Broad Avenue, Inc. and Loss Consultants of Texas, LLC d/b/a Texas Claim Consultants for $2,762,783.93. This check was mailed to Mitchell in Kemah, Texas. An endorsement on behalf of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church was forged.

    On March 4, 2020, C.W. received and negotiated a check for $50,000 from Texas Wind Consultants, LLC, which Mitchell hand-delivered to C.W. in Albany. On June 19, 2020, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Broad Avenue, Inc. allegedly signed a contract with Blue Key Construction for $18.6 million. Pastor White denied knowledge of this contract or signing it on behalf of the Church. Representatives of Blue Key Construction denied ever having prepared, signed or entered into this contract.

    On Nov. 20, 2020, Mitchell submitted an invoice from a heating and air company for $950,000. A heating and air company representative stated that they did not prepare the invoice. An inspection at the church revealed that the work represented in the invoice was not performed. Mitchell also submitted a certification of completion from Blue Key Construction stating that substantial completion would be reached on March 31, 2021, per a Dec. 19, 2019, contract for over $18 million in repairs.

    On Jan. 6, 2021, Brotherhood Mutual issued a check jointly payable to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and Loss Consultants of Texas, LLC d/b/a Texas Claim Consultants for $544,512.80. This check was mailed to Mitchell in Kemah, Texas. An endorsement on behalf of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church was forged.

    On Sept. 30, 2021, Mitchell emailed Brotherhood Mutual the fraudulent $18.6 million contract between Blue Key Construction and Friendship Missionary Baptist Church; the church received less than one-third of the proceeds paid out by Brotherhood Mutual for damages. Blue Key Construction did not fully repair the church facilities, and the company halted construction in Feb. 2021 after receiving approximately $150,000 from Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and approximately $2.3 million from Mitchell. Mitchell lied to Blue Key Construction representatives that the insurance company refused payment beyond approximately $2.5 million.

    In June 2022, Mitchell met with Friendship Missionary Baptist Church representatives to voice their concerns about incomplete repairs; the defendant lied that Brotherhood Mutual was withholding further payments. In total, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance issued $6,866,606.80 in payments intended exclusively for the church’s hurricane repairs.

    The case was investigated by the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Fire Safety.

    Criminal Chief Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case for the Government.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Warns of Putin’s Deceit in Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire Talks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, yesterday delivered remarks on the Senate floor warning that Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted as negotiations to achieve a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict continue in Riyadh.
    In his remarks, Chairman Wicker explored the 20-year history of Putin’s lies in the service of fulfilling his true ambition: to resuscitate the old Soviet empire. He added analysis on the many ways that Vladimir Putin is still actively trying to undermine American interests, including through the imprisonment of U.S. citizens, previous attacks on U.S. soldiers, and a large nuclear strike complex specifically designed to threaten the United States.
    Chairman Wicker also made brief comments about the state of negotiations with Russia in Riyadh. In his remarks, Wicker noted the extreme asymmetry between Russian and American readouts of negotiations, and how concessions made by Ukraine differ from those made by Russia during talks.
    Ukraine, the Chairman said, has made a good-faith effort to reach an honorable settlement, while Russia appears to be attempting to extract concessions in an effort to boost its negotiating position. Chairman Wicker added that President Trump understands the kind of character that he is dealing with in Vladimir Putin and his true goals.
    Read Chairman Wicker’s full remarks in full below.
    Mr. President, I rise this afternoon to offer some remarks on the situation in Europe and the prospects for peace in Ukraine.
     
    We should start with recent positive developments. President Trump and President Zelenskyy have demonstrated remarkable resolve and remarkable wherewithal.
     
    Just this week, we heard news from the peace talks in Saudi Arabia. Ukraine publicly expressed openness to prisoner exchanges, a welcome development. Notably, Russia did not express such willingness.
     
    We should applaud Ukraine’s overtures. An agreement is within reach that reflects the common cause of the United States and Ukraine.
     
    Separately, much ink has been spilled on the economic investment deal. Less has been said about why the United States is interested in an investment deal with Ukraine. President Trump recognizes that America is better off when Ukraine is free, strong, and industrious. The economic investment deal shows that our president wants peace, and that he wants an honorable peace – one that endures, one that ensures the prosperity and protection of Ukraine and the United States.
     
    This peace will require that Russia put down its weapons in an enduring and verifiable way. It’s clear that Vladimir Putin does not share President Trump’s desire for peace. As Putin’s representatives prepare to sit down with American diplomats, President Putin has ordered salvo after salvo of missiles and drones to strike Ukrainian apartments, killing non-combatant women and children. These are not the gestures of a statesman who wants to negotiate peace. We’re dealing with a tyrant who speaks the language of war and terror.
     
    We have to deal with him, but that’s who he is.
     
    In recent decades, several successive United States presidents have extended the hand of peace to Mr. Putin. Each one of them had different tactics, but none of them achieved the outcome they desired. In this series of failed diplomacy, the common denominator was not the American presidents. Regardless of party, the common denominator was and is Russia’s dictator Vladimir Putin, a war criminal.
     
    So, we need to remind the American people of exactly what kind of strongman we’re dealing with here – the  kind of strong man we’re trying to negotiate with, the kind of strong man we’re forced to negotiate with.
     
    Vladimir Putin regrettably is not interested in peace, He’s interested in a phony deal. He’s shown this with his words, his acts of violence, and the peace agreements he has shredded.
     
    Dictators frequently tell us who they really are. In 2007, Putin stood before the Munich Security Conference, and he rejected a world in which nations cooperate. In his other writings, he has publicly mourned the collapse of the Soviet Empire, and he dreams of its resurrection. In 2021, President Putin wrote an essay laying the groundwork for his invasion of Ukraine. This was a year before the recent invasion. In it, he rejected the very right of the Ukrainian people to exist as a distinct and self-governing nation.
     
    This essay is full of lies; it would have made Adolf Hitler proud. But it shows one thing is true: Mr. Putin is a Russian imperialist to the core. Here’s a man who believes the greatest historical tragedy of the last 40 years was the collapse of the Soviet power and influence over Eastern Europe.
     
    Putin publicly proclaims his delusions of grandeur, but he has not stopped at words and speeches. He has used any means necessary to continue his decades-long political warfare against NATO. And he’s ruthlessly worked to achieve the empire he craves.
     
    In the year after his Munich speech, Vladimir Putin and his army invaded their neighbor, the Republic of Georgia. In the year after his essay about Ukraine, he invaded Ukraine. Mr. Putin no longer technically works for the KGB, but he still thinks like a KGB agent – the kind that uses chemical weapons to poison people living in Russia and all over the world. Exacting revenge on his critics without regard for international borders. He jails reporters and activists.
     
    Why does he do this? Because dictators actually live in fear of their own people.
     
    Putin has imprisoned scores of Americans in Russian gulags. He’s killed and kidnapped American citizens across the globe. His commandos have targeted our soldiers in Afghanistan. He has no respect for our country, or for human life in his country or any other country.
     
    And he has the weaponry to back up his threats. Mr. Putin sits atop the world’s largest and most diverse nuclear arsenal. And I might add that this arsenal is postured specifically at us to destroy the United States.
     
    In another perverse action, I have to say this, Mr. Putin has tried to co-opt Christianity, if you can believe that. He’s twisted a religion of repentance into a propaganda machine. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow professes to lead the Russian Orthodox Church. In reality, Kirill is a puppet of Vladimir Putin. His father baptized Vladimir Putin, and now Kirill follows his father’s footsteps by sanctifying the dictator’s crimes, Kirill has blessed the 2022 invasion of Ukraine absurdly claiming that the Russians are fighting against evil. As Patriarch, he blessed the invasion as Russia bombs Ukrainian women and children. Kirill invokes God’s name to justify Putin’s butchery. Kirill is the very definition of the prophet Isaiah’s portrait of corruption: corrupt men like him, those who call evil good, and good evil. Shame on this phony Patriarch.
     
    President Putin has publicly shared his imperialistic dreams. He has violently pursued those goals, even in God’s name. And along the way, he’s torn to shreds every ceasefire deal he’s ever signed.
     
    Now, before World War I, the Kaiser’s regime in Germany called a treaty a “mere scrap of paper.” Well, Vladimir Putin feels the same. He has no regard for the Budapest Memorandum. He has no regard for the INF Treaty. He has no regard for the Minsk Agreement. In each case, Putin has lied, stolen, and misdirected to further his empire-building ambitions.
     
    And that’s what he’s trying to do with the negotiations today. President Trump is interested in peace. President Zelenskyy is interested in peace. President Putin values peace as little as any piece of shredded paper he would deceitfully sign.
     
    Many people do not realize that the Ukrainians have been valiantly and steadily weakening Putin’s forces. Half a million Russian soldiers – half a million souls – have either been killed or injured so severely that they cannot return to the battlefield. That’s half a million Russian moms without sons, wives without husbands. That toll is steep and the blame rests upon one person: the man who ordered the invasion, Vladimir Putin and his imperialistic vision. Russia is barely managing to sustain this war, and I think Mr. President, the American people do not know this, but Russia’s barely hanging on.
     
    They are struggling from heavy battlefield costs and economic sanctions. We should not support a peace deal that could let Russia up off the mat and reconstitute its army. Both the previous and the current Secretaries-General of NATO expect that Russia will not be ready to threaten NATO conventionally for 5 to 7 years. The wrong deal with Russia could allow them to be off to the races sooner, and Russia wants just that.
     
    As we’ve seen this week, Putin is trying to work the peace process deceptively to skew it in his favor. This week, his office has pushed out messages from the peace talks in Riyadh. Putin’s officials maintain that the United States is prepared to lift a number of sanctions the West imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
     
    I certainly hope that’s not true. These Kremlin officials claim that we will soon readmit Russia to SWIFT. SWIFT, of course, is the global financial system that Russia depends on for global trade. Putin relies on trade to finance his war machine.
     
    The Russians also think we’re prepared to grant sanctions relief for any company that ships goods on vessels flying the Russian flag, or that could claim any ties to food production, shipping, or securities. Such a deal would be full of loopholes. Such a deal would be designed to let Russia, which is on the ropes, off the mat.
     
    Mr. Putin’s men asked for all of this, and yet they offer little in return. They won’t even talk about prisoner exchanges. That’s breathtaking, especially when Ukraine has publicly expressed openness to a ceasefire. They’re the ones that have publicly said they’ll agree to a ceasefire. Mr. Putin and his negotiators have never proclaimed that.
     
    The Ukrainians, who’ve been ruthlessly attacked, have extended the hand of peace. Russia still has not, even though it demands so much. Putin says he’s willing to work toward peace, but his demands show that he is lying. His demands make it clear that he intends to use the sanctions relief to rearm. It would be a mistake to grant sanctions relief to Russia without reciprocal support for Ukraine. Doing so would devastate the prospect of a lasting peace. And let me repeat: Mr. Putin has never agreed to a ceasefire to a treaty that resulted in a lasting peace.
     
    As we negotiate in Saudi Arabia, the United States must remember that Russia is barely managing to sustain this war. The economic and battlefield price is very costly for Mr. Putin. Undoing these sanctions would instantly lower Putin’s cost. It would evaporate the leverage these financial penalties have given to the United States and the free world.
     
    As I close, let me reiterate, Mr. President: many have tried to negotiate with Vladimir Putin on his terms. I think President Trump is beginning to understand that peace comes through American and Ukrainian strength, that dictators respond to power because it’s the only thing they respect.
     
    We need to see this Russian dictator and war criminal for what he is: a murderous dictator who hopes he can back us into a corner during the peace process, and thus pursue another invasion.
     
    If Vladimir Putin lives up to a ceasefire or peace treaty with Ukraine, it will be the first time ever. Vladimir Putin has a long track record and it’s filled with lies, violence, and treachery.
     
    That’s who we’re dealing with. We have to deal with him, but that’s who we’re dealing with. Getting a deal with him will be a challenge. We must bear history in mind if we are to reach a settlement that benefits the free countries of the world.
     
    Thank you, Mr. President, and I yield the floor.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Statement on Trump Administration Executive Order Disenfranchising Legal Georgia Voters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock Statement on Trump Administration Executive Order Disenfranchising Legal Georgia Voters

    The Trump Administration’s Executive Order puts onerous requirements that restrict the ability of US citizens to access the ballot
    Under this Executive Order, military IDs or driver’s licenses would not be sufficient in registering to vote in Georgia through the federal voter registration form
    Less than half of Georgians have a current U.S. passport necessary for easily registering to vote under this new executive order
    Noncitizen voting is virtually nonexistent; 2024 audit by Georgia Secretary of State found only 9 instances of noncitizen voting out of 8,200,000 registered voters 

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s unlawful effort to place unnecessary and onerous bureaucracy between eligible Georgians and the ballot box.

    “Today, bad actors in Washington are working to squeeze people out of their democracy by putting bad faith bureaucratic processes between you and your right to vote. Make no mistake: if you are an eligible Georgia voter without a passport, the President is trying to make it harder for you to vote.

    I have always believed that it’s reasonable for voters to have to identify themselves in order to cast a ballot, and I support voter ID policies that don’t unnecessarily burden eligible voters. What I have opposed, and will continue to oppose, is using IDs to target and exclude certain voters by creating another barrier to casting a fair and legal ballot. Bad faith actors want to make voting so hard that even having a driver’s license isn’t enough. This EO is a shameful attempt to disenfranchise eligible Americans. 

    “We will fight this. And win.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Turkey is an incredibly powerful broker in the current world crisis, and a masterful negotiator

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Natasha Lindstaedt, Professor in the Department of Government, University of Essex

    A Turkish military ship in the Bosphorus. Atakan Divitlioglu/Shutterstock

    While Turkey’s government is struggling to deal with mass protests at home (after Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was imprisoned), in foreign affairs it is in an increasingly strong position as a key power broker in deals with Europe, the US and Russia. At the crossroads between Asia and Europe, Turkey is strategically important to just about everyone, and is emerging as a clever negotiator.

    Since the early 2000s, Turkey has relied on a foreign policy approach that emphasised cooperation instead of competition. Economic ties were a priority, which helped Turkey steadily improve its relationships with Russia, Iran and Syria.

    While remaining a part of Nato and a major trading partner with the European Union, Turkey views its ties with Russia, Ukraine, China and countries in the Middle East as equally important. Turkey has shown that it will work with whatever government benefits its interests, and has taken advantage of regional conflicts to be a convenient ally when needed.

    At the same time, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has no qualms about confronting both friends and rivals equally, giving it strategic flexibility.

    Rocky relationship with Russia

    Turkey is Russia’s second biggest trading partner. Ankara continues to rely on Russian gas and banking networks, doing over US$60 billion (£46.3 billion) in trade annually with Moscow. The Turkish relationship with Russia improved dramatically in 1995 when Russia stopped supporting the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) and Turkey stopped supporting Chechen rebels.

    Since then, Turkey has maintained a functional relationship with Russia, while never being pliant to Moscow.

    Turkey was critical of Russia setting up military bases in Syria, in Tartus and Khmeimim and as it controls the airspace in northern Syria it also has the ability to restrict Russian access. Ankara has also used its military presence in Idlib, in northern Syria, to check Russian influence in the past. Turkey’s drone offensive in Idlib in 2020 helped the Syrian opposition and pushed back Syrian government and Russian-backed activity in the north-west.

    The importance of the Black Sea

    The Black Sea is another area of competition where Turkey has emerged with the upper hand during the war in Ukraine. Russia aimed to exercise control over the Black Sea, even seizing several Ukrainian ports which affected global grain supply in 2022.

    But Turkey negotiated the release of millions of tonnes of grain and has ensured the safety of shipping routes through the Black Sea by enforcing the Montreux Convention. This 1936 agreement granted Turkish control over the shipping route between the Black Sea (through the Bosporus Strait, the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles, through which hundreds of millions of tons tonnes of cargo pass each year) and the Mediterranean.

    Citing the agreement, Turkey also restricted Russian reinforcements into the Black Sea, which has restricted Russian naval power considerably.


    Shutterstock

    Though Turkey has not levied sanctions on Russia and has kept its revenue streams open, Turkey also does not accept the Russian annexation of Crimea. With more than 5 million Turks claiming to have Crimean Tatar roots, Crimea has both strategic and historical importance to Turkey.

    Yet, Turkey maintains communication with Moscow (and Erdoğan and Vladimir Putin are “dear friends”). Complicating this “friendship” is the fact that Turkey also supports Ukraine, supplying it with Bayraktar TB2 drones, heavy machine guns, laser-guided missiles, electronic warfare systems, armoured vehicles and protective gear.

    Ultimately, Turkey wants Ukraine to remain independent in order to check Russian naval power in the Black Sea. As such, Turkey is likely to work with Nato to ensure that Ukraine is not defeated.

    To that end, Turkey is willing to contribute peacekeepers to a post-ceasefire settlement, under the right conditions.

    Meanwhile, Turkey has used the Ukraine conflict to diversify its supply routes for energy (relying more on suppliers from the Caucasus region and central Asia), to reduce its dependence on Russia. Turkey is in a strong position, especially with the discovery of gas reserves in the Black Sea and eastern Mediterranean. Ankara aims to become an energy hub facilitating the transit of gas from the Caucasus, central Asia and Russia to Europe through the Trans-Anatolian natural gas pipeline.

    Turkey and Syria

    Turkey’s relationship with its neighbour Syria has also been pragmatic and shrewd. Turkey was able to pursue rapprochement with Syria in 2005, when Bashar al-Assad became the first Syrian president to visit Turkey since Syria gained its independence in 1946.

    But while Erdoğan maintained a relationship (to prevent Syria from moving even closer to Iran), he ultimately chose to abandon this relationship when it no longer suited him. He hosted anti-Assad figures in Turkey from time to time, and created a safe zone on its border which housed displaced Syrians and armed fighters. He gave rebels the go-ahead to oust Assad in 2024.

    Just as the war in Syria provided Turkey with opportunities, so too has the conflict in Ukraine. Ankara has strengthened its bargaining position and pushed for greater diplomatic and economic concessions from western allies. Turkey is taking advantage of the US’s retreat from Nato to push for closer cooperation with Europe.

    Turkey also is taking advantage of Donald Trump’s more lenient policies towards Russia to improve its relationship with the US. This is primarily based on wanting to improve defence cooperation. During the cold war, Turkey relied on the US for arms, funding and equipment, but was not able to use these weapons without US authorisation.

    After 1989, Turkey carved out different markets for its weapons imports and faced US sanctions for buying S-400 surface-to-air missiles from Russia in 2020. Turkey would like to purchase F-35 supersonic fighter jets from the US, and is hoping that the US will move away from sanctioning third countries that have engaged with Russia.

    Whose critical ally?

    Turkey has made sure that it is not seen by the US as a junior partner in the Middle East region. For example, when Turkey launched operations in north-east Syria in 2019, where it repeatedly fired close to US forces, the US offered no military response.

    The US sees Turkey as a key ally in spite of some different strategic goals. In addition to its geopolitical importance, Turkey also hosts US and Nato military forces at several of its bases and US nuclear weapons (20 B61 nuclear bombs) at its Incirlik Air Force Base.

    Turkey now wants to expand its diplomatic and military footprint. As a member of the G20, with one of the 20 biggest economies in the world and the second largest and second most powerful military force in Nato after the US, it has a lot of power. And in geopolitical juggling, currently Turkey is in the luxurious position of everyone wanting Ankara to be on their side.

    Natasha Lindstaedt 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. Turkey is an incredibly powerful broker in the current world crisis, and a masterful negotiator – https://theconversation.com/turkey-is-an-incredibly-powerful-broker-in-the-current-world-crisis-and-a-masterful-negotiator-253084

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: What users need to know about privacy and data after 23andMe’s bankruptcy filing

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Aileen Editha, PhD Candidate in Law, Queen’s University, Ontario

    News of 23andMe’s bankruptcy has reignited concerns about data privacy, particularly what happens to customers’ personal and genetic information. (Shutterstock)

    23andMe, one of the first companies to provide direct-to-consumer genetic testing kits, has filed for bankruptcy. Since its founding in 2006, it has sold over 12 million DNA kits, with high-profile users including Oprah Winfrey and Warren Buffett.

    The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 23 under the United States Bankruptcy Code. This means 23andMe — now considered a debtor-in-possession — will start restructuring its finances and operations under court supervision.

    Despite the bankruptcy filing, 23andMe said it’s not shutting down. Having secured US$35 million in financing for the restructure, 23andMe has stated in an open letter that it will continue operating. Customers still have full access to their accounts, reports and data.

    News of the bankruptcy has reignited concerns about data privacy, particularly what happens to customers’ personal and genetic information. Considering 23andMe’s past challenges and controversies, these concerns are understandable.



    Read more:
    The 23andMe data breach reveals the vulnerabilities of our interconnected data

    In 2023, hackers exploited old passwords to gain access to the personal information of 6.9 million people. While 23andMe said no genetic data was compromised, information like family trees, birth years and geographic locations were. Some of the stolen data was later put up for sale on a hacking forum.

    In addition to the breach and resulting legal suits, the company has been in financial trouble since 2021. In 2024, 23andMe laid off 40 per cent of its workforce and saw all its independent directors resign unanimously in response to CEO Anne Wojcicki’s decision to take the company private. Wojcicki has since stepped down.

    Data as assets

    A key concern now is what will happen to customer data during the bankruptcy process. The possibility of new ownership has some customers concerned about how their sensitive genetic information will be handled in the future.

    23andMe’s privacy policies say the following:

    “If we are involved in a bankruptcy, merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, your Personal Information may be accessed, sold or transferred as part of that transaction and this Privacy Statement will apply to your Personal Information as transferred to the new entity.”

    This means 23andMe could technically sell customer information as part and parcel of the company to ensure competitive bids. This information includes both individual-level data, such as genotypes, diseases and traits, as well as de-identified data that doesn’t include names or addresses.

    23andMe is one of the first companies to provide direct-to-consumer genetic testing kits.
    (Shutterstock)

    The company could also expand licensing agreements with pharmaceutical companies, which would allow them to use customer information for research. For instance, 23andMe’s “discovery collaboration” with GlaxoSmithKline allows consumer data to be used for research on novel drugs.

    23andMe has stated customer data will remain protected during the bankruptcy process, since any buyer “will be required to comply with applicable law with respect to treatment of customer data.”

    It is also important to note, however, that 23andMe may emerge successful from its restructuring. Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t mean a company will necessarily cease to operate. Many companies, including rental car company Hertz, General Motors and Red Lobster, all filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but eventually recovered and continued business operations. 23andMe could follow a similar path.

    How privacy laws affect consumer data

    In commercial spheres, an individual’s genetic information is treated the same as their personal information under privacy laws. The extent to which customers should be concerned also depends on where they are located.

    For instance, the European Union and United Kingdom’s General Data Protection Regulation will provide additional protections to customers.

    Customers in Canada have some protection under the Personal Information and Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), as they are legally permitted to withdraw consent to the use of their personal information so long as they provide reasonable notice. However, this may still be limited by legal or contractual agreements.

    A 23andMe user’s ancestry results are displayed beside a saliva collection kit in Wilmington, Del. in 2018.
    (Shutterstock)

    In the U.S., however, the situation is much more complicated as there continues to be a lack of a harmonized legal approach to consumer privacy. Some U.S. states have enacted laws to better protect consumer privacy, like California’s Consumer Privacy Act and the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act.

    However, U.S. federal legislation like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, better known as HIPAA, doesn’t apply because 23andMe isn’t classified as a health-care agency or an associate of a health-care organization.

    What should consumers do?

    There are numerous uncertainties surrounding the situation, like whether or not 23andMe will eventually cease to operate and who it might sell to. Additionally, regardless of whether or not 23andMe is sold, its privacy policies can change anytime.

    In light of these uncertainties, concerned customers should err on the side of caution and delete their accounts. It is, however, important to note that 23andMe and its laboratory partners may still retain some consumers’ personal and genetic information, even after accounts are deleted.

    Concerned customers should make sure to withdraw their consent and request the deletion of both their individual-level and de-identifed data from the database. California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta and Ontario’s Privacy Commissioner Patricia Kosseim have also given this advice.



    Read more:
    With 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, what happens to consumers’ genetic data?

    The anxiety and concern surrounding 23andMe’s future is an indicator that a harmonized and effective framework is needed to regulate consumer privacy.

    As legal scholars Sara Gerke, Melissa B. Jacoby and I. Glenn Cohen aptly stated in their recent research article, “a legal system that relies heavily on privacy statements to protect customer data leaves customers vulnerable to unexpected uses of their data, with limited remedies.”

    Without clear regulations, consumers are forced to rely on the word of companies. With genetic data at stake, it’s imperative that policymakers take action to protect consumer privacy in the face of uncertainty.

    Aileen Editha 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. What users need to know about privacy and data after 23andMe’s bankruptcy filing – https://theconversation.com/what-users-need-to-know-about-privacy-and-data-after-23andmes-bankruptcy-filing-253012

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Sword Group : Notice of Convocation to the Shareholders for the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company on April 28 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Ladies and Gentlemen shareholders are hereby notified that they are summoned to the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting on April 28, 2025, at 11:00 am at the registered office to deliberate on the following agenda:

    Under the authority of the General Meeting acting under the quorum and majority conditions of an Ordinary General Meeting:
    – Reading of the management report of the Board of Directors, including the report on the management of the Group, and report on the conclusion of the agreements referred to in article L.441-7 of the amended law of 10 August 1915 relating to the financial year ended 31 December 2024;
    – Reading of the Statutory Auditor’s report on the 2024 financial statements, the Group’s consolidated financial statements and on the performance of his assignment;
    – Approval of the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024;
    – Approval of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024;
    – Appropriation of net income for the year ended 31 December 2024;
    – Discharge of the Directors for their management during the 2024 financial year;
    – Report on the remuneration paid to the Directors during the 2024 financial year;
    – Approval of the report on the remuneration and appointments policy;
    – Appointment of a new Director;
    – Approval of Directors’ annual remuneration;
    – Discharge of the réviseur d’entreprises agréé (approved statutory auditor) in respect of its engagement for the 2024 financial year;
    – Renewal of the mandate of the réviseur d’entreprises agréé [approved statutory auditor];
    – Powers for formalities.

    Authorised by the General Meeting, under the conditions required for Extraordinary General Meetings as to quorum and majority:
    – Cancellation of the share buyback programme adopted by the Extraordinary General Meeting of 28 April 2023 and authorisation to be given to the Board of Directors for the Company to buy back its own shares as part of a new buyback programme;
    – Authorisation to be given to the Board of Directors to reduce the share capital by cancelling shares acquired as part of the Company’s purchase of its own shares;
    – Powers for formalities.

    Any shareholder, regardless of the number of shares owned, has the right to participate in the General Meetings, to be represented by proxy, or to vote by correspondence.

    For information:
    The documents and information that must be communicated to the General Meeting as well as the unique vote by correspondence and proxy form (“Unique Form”) are available on the company’s website (https://www.sword-group.com/investors) and at the registered office during an uninterrupted period starting the day of the publication of this notice and ending the day after the General Meeting. Each shareholder upon production of their title may obtain a free copy of the documents under the applicable legal conditions.

    Addition of items to the agenda and the right to submit resolution proposals:
    One or more shareholders holding together at least 5% of the company’s share capital have the right to add new items to the agenda of the General Meeting and/or propose resolution projects concerning items already included or to be included in the agenda.

    Such a request must be made in writing and addressed to the Company either by postal mail (to the registered office attention Stéphanie Desmaris) or by email (to investorrelations@sword-group.lu) for receipt no later than April 6, 2025.

    The request must include either (i) the text of the new proposed agenda item(s) and the text of the corresponding resolution(s) along with an explanation or (ii) an alternative resolution project concerning an existing agenda item with a clear indication of which agenda item it concerns and an explanation. Additionally, the request must contain contact details (name, surname, phone number, postal or email address) of a contact person to allow the Company to acknowledge receipt of the request within forty-eight (48) hours as well as proof attesting to the shareholder status and representation of at least 5% of the company’s shares in the form of a confirmation issued by a financial intermediary, provided that the requester must hold this status on the “Record Date” (see definition below).

    Right to ask written questions (via electronic means):
    Shareholders have the right to ask questions regarding items on the agenda of the General Meeting. The Company commits to responding to these questions within the limits of measures it can take to ensure the identification of shareholders, the smooth running of the General Meeting and its preparation, as well as the protection of confidentiality and its commercial interests.

    General Meeting – Participate by voting by correspondence, by proxy, or through a representative:
    Only shareholders whose shareholder status appears directly or indirectly in the company’s shareholder register on the “Record Date” will have the right to participate by voting by proxy or by correspondence at the General Meeting. The “Record Date” is set for April 15, 2025.

    The Ordinary General Meeting will validly deliberate on the agenda items if at least 25% of the issued share capital is present or represented. Resolutions concerning items on the agenda will be adopted by a simple majority of the votes validly cast by represented shareholders.

    The Extraordinary General Meeting will validly deliberate on the agenda items if at least 50% of the issued share capital is represented. Resolutions concerning items on the agenda will be validly adopted if they are approved by at least two-thirds of the votes cast.

    Conditions for voting by post, by proxy or by mandatary:
    Shareholders registered on the “Record Date” may give voting instructions to the Chief Executive Officer or to a third party of their choice to vote at the General Meeting. To give voting instructions to the Chief Executive Officer, shareholders must send to the Company (attention Stéphanie Desmaris) the Unique Form duly completed, dated, and signed along with, if applicable, the registration certificate to be received at the latest by email (to investorrelations@sword-group.lu) on April 24, 2025.

    The Chief Executive Officer will vote in accordance with the instructions given by the shareholder in the aforementioned Unique Form. If no voting instruction is given in the aforementioned Unique Form, the Chief Executive Officer will vote in favor of the resolutions proposed by the Board of Directors on the agenda.

    The above-mentioned standard form is available on the company’s website.
    Shareholders who wish to revoke a Unique Form already sent to the Company can do so at any time by delivering another completed, dated, and signed form with a later date at the latest on April 24, 2025.

    This notice shall serve as a notice of convocation unless any modifications are made to the agenda following requests for the inclusion of resolution proposals submitted by shareholders.

    Luxembourg, March 28, 2025
    For the Board of Directors
    The President

    Attachment

    • Sword Group_Notice of OEGM 28 April 2025_published_280325

    The MIL Network –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Mine Action Plays Critical Role ‘in Rebuilding Shattered Communities, Supporting Survivors, Forging Peace’, Says Secretary-General, in International Day Message

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, observed on 4 April:

    Around the world, more than 100 million people are at risk from landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices.

    From Afghanistan to Myanmar, from Sudan to Ukraine, Syria, the Occupied Palestinian Territory and beyond, these deadly devices litter rural and urban communities, indiscriminately killing civilians and blocking vital humanitarian and development efforts.

    Even when the guns fall silent, these remnants of war remain, lurking in fields and on pathways and roadways, threatening the lives of innocent civilians and the livelihoods of communities.

    Year in and year out, the brave mine action personnel of the United Nations work with partners to locate and remove these weapons, provide education and threat assessments, and ensure people can live, work and travel safely.  They do so at great risk — as demonstrated most recently in Gaza.

    This year’s theme for the International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action — Safe Futures Start Here — reminds us of the critical role of mine action in rebuilding shattered communities, supporting survivors and forging peace.

    I appeal to all States that have not yet done so to ratify and fully implement the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.  The humanitarian norms and principles enshrined in these treaties must be upheld and preserved.

    And I urge States to uphold the global commitments in the recently adopted Pact for the Future to restrict or refrain from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, and to support all efforts to end the threat of explosive ordnances.

    Mine action works.  Together, let’s commit to build safe futures — starting here and now.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Sentenced To 20 Years For Illegally Possessing A Pistol And Ammunition Used In Two Murders

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Savannah, Georgia – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney for the Middle District of Florida and Acting United States Attorney Tara M. Lyons for the Southern District of Georgia announce that Chief U.S. District Judge R. Stan Baker has sentenced Victor McMillar (33, Savannah) to 20 years in prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Judge Baker also recommended that McMillar serve his prison sentence at a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility as far from Savannah as possible. A federal jury found McMillar guilty on October 24, 2024. 

    According to court documents and trial testimony, on November 3, 2018, McMillar fired eleven .40 caliber rounds from a Smith & Wesson pistol into the vehicle driven by a husband and wife down a residential street in Savannah. The couple was shot multiple times, and both were both transported to a hospital. The husband died from his gunshot wounds. His wife survived but suffered permanent injury. Two days later, McMillar shot and killed an acquaintance who had witnessed the first murder. This time McMillar used a Glock .40 caliber pistol and fired eleven times. The acquaintance was found dead in the street, struck by at least three bullets to his head. McMillar planted the Smith & Wesson pistol on the body of the second victim. DNA swabs taken from the Smith & Wesson pistol would later match to McMillar. 

    Following the murders, McMillar was arrested by the Savannah Police Department and later indicted for the murders. McMillar was acquitted in Chatham County Superior Court on October 17, 2023. Following the acquittal, McMillar was indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. 

    Prosecutors from the Middle District of Florida were assigned as Special Assistant United States Attorneys to prosecute McMillar. During preparation for trial, special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) discovered that McMillar had attempted to erase a cellphone left at the first murder scene. The ATF agents obtained a search warrant for McMillar’s iCloud account, which McMillar failed to delete. McMillar’s iCloud account had several pictures of firearms taken on October 22, 2018, including a photograph of a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, identical to the murder weapon. Additional cellphone forensic evidence placed McMillar at the scene of both murders.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Savannah Police Department. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Lasry and Frank Talbot.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Tourists are cancelling trips to the US – here’s how this could affect its economy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ross Bennett-Cook, PhD Researcher, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University

    The United States is one of the top three most visited countries in the world. The big draw cards – cities such as San Francisco, New York and Chicago and national parks such as Yosemite – have attracted international tourists for decades. This combined with its role as a global business powerhouse meant it had 66.5 million visitors in 2023 – and the 2024 figure is expected to be higher still.

    But a lot has changed in recent months, and 2025’s figures may not be as strong. The 2024 reelection of Donald Trump as the president of the United States and the consequential changes in foreign diplomacy and relations, alongside internal cultural shifts, are starting to change global attitudes towards the US – attitudes that appear to be affecting tourists’ desire to visit the US.

    In a recent report by research firm Tourism Economics, inbound travel to the US is now projected to decline by 5.5% this year, instead of growing by nearly 9% as had previously been forecast. A further escalation in tariff and trade wars could result in further reductions in international tourism, which could amount to a US$18 billion (£13.8 billion) annual reduction in tourist spending in 2025.

    There is already some evidence of travel cancellations. Since Trump announced 25% tariffs on many Canadian goods, the number of Canadians driving across the border at some crossings has fallen by up to 45%, on some days, when compared to last year. Canada is the biggest source of international tourists to the US. Air Canada has announced it is reducing flights to some US holiday destinations, including Las Vegas, from March, as demand reduces.

    According to a March poll by Canadian market researcher Leger, 36% of Canadians who had planned trips to the United States had already cancelled them. According to data from the aviation analytics company OAG, passenger bookings on Canada to US routes are down by over 70% compared to the same period last year. This comes after the U.S. Travel Association warned that even a 10% reduction in Canadian inbound travel could result in a US$2.1 billion (£1.6 billion) loss in spending, putting 140,000 hospitality jobs at risk.

    An unwelcoming environment?

    Some would-be visitors have cited an unwelcoming political climate as part of a concern about visiting the US – including angry rhetoric about foreigners, migrants and the LGBTQ+ community. The Tourism Economics report also cited “polarizing Trump Administration policies and rhetoric” as a factor in travel cancellations.

    There are other factors that may influence travellers from, for instance, western Europe, which represented 37% of overseas travel to the US last year. These include US tariffs pushing prices up at home and the US administration’s perceived alignment with Russia in the war in Ukraine.

    Canadian trips to the US are going down.

    Research by YouGov in March found that western European attitudes towards the US have become more negative since Trump’s reelection last November. More than half of people in Britain (53%), Germany (56%), Sweden (63%) and Denmark (74%) now have an unfavourable opinion of the US. In five of the seven countries polled, figures for US favourability are at the lowest since polling began in November 2016.

    Border issues

    Some high-profile cases at the US border could also be putting off tourists. In March, a British woman was handcuffed and detained for more than ten days by US Customs Enforcement after a visa problem. In the same month, a Canadian tourist was detained after attempting to renew her visa at the US-Mexico border. During the 12-day detention, she was held in crowded jail cells and even put in chains.

    Mexico is the US’s second largest inbound travel market. Tourism Economics suggests that issues around new border enforcement rules will raise concerns with potential Mexican tourists. During Trump’s first term in office, Mexican visits to the US fell by 3%. In February this year, air travel from Mexico had already fallen 6% when compared to 2024.

    Many countries including Canada have been updating their travel advice for the US. For instance, on March 15 the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office updated its advice for the US, warning visitors that “you may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules”. The previous version of advice, from February, had no mention of arrest or detention. Germany has made similar updates to its travel advisory, after several Germans were recently detained for weeks by US border officials.

    Multiple European countries, including France, Germany, Denmark and Norway have also issued specific travel warnings to transgender and non-binary citizens, as US authorities demand tourists declare their biological sex at birth on visa applications. This comes as the US has stopped issuing of passports with a X marker – commonly used by those identifying as non-binary – for its own citizens.

    Alternative destinations

    As thousands of travellers cancel their trips to the US, other destinations are seeing a spike in interest. Hotels in Bermuda have reported a surge in enquiries as Canadians relocate business and leisure trips away from the US, with some predicting a 20% increase in revenue from Canadian visits.

    Europe too has reported increased bookings from Canada, with rental properties experiencing a 32% jump in summer reservations when compared to last year, according to some reports.

    There are already growing concerns that visa and entry restrictions will disrupt fans and athletes from enjoying 2026 men’s Fifa World Cup, held on sites in the US, Canada and Mexico. Visitors from some countries, such as Brazil, Turkey and Colombia, could wait up to 700 days to obtain visas. The International Olympic Committee has also raised concerns over the 2028 Olympics Games in Los Angeles, although US officials have insisted that “America will be open”.

    With mounting visa delays, stricter border enforcement and growing concerns over human rights and anti-minority rhetoric, the United States risks losing its appeal as a top holiday destination. The long-term impact on its tourism industry may prove difficult to reverse.

    Ross Bennett-Cook 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. Tourists are cancelling trips to the US – here’s how this could affect its economy – https://theconversation.com/tourists-are-cancelling-trips-to-the-us-heres-how-this-could-affect-its-economy-252858

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lawler Leads Bipartisan Group Urging State Department to Enforce Military Assistance Prohibitions on Azerbaijan

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Washington, D.C. – 3/27/2025… Today, a bipartisan coalition of representatives, led by Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), and Gabe Amo (RI-01), sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio pressing for the continued enforcement of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act. Section 907 pauses U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan until Baku stops its ongoing aggression against Armenia, occupation of Armenian territory, and human rights violations, including the detention and abuse of Armenian prisoners of war (POWs). While assistance remains paused at the moment, conditions in Azerbaijan and Armenia necessitate a continuation of this. 

    The letter highlights Azerbaijan’s 2023 military assault on Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), which forcibly displaced 120,000 Armenians in an act that is widely recognized as ethnic cleansing. The letter also condemns Azerbaijan’s destruction of ancient Armenian Christian heritage and its deepening ties with Russia and Iran, which run counter to U.S. national security interests.

    “Amid the persistent threat of authoritarian expansionism throughout the region and across the world, it is imperative that the Trump Administration makes clear to governments that undermine U.S. interests that their actions will not be met with impunity – much less material financial support,” wrote the lawmakers. 

    The Armenian Assembly of America praised the effort, stating: “The Assembly welcomes this bipartisan initiative spearheaded by Congressman Lawler. As long as Azerbaijan continues unjustly to hold Christian Armenian hostages and evade accountability for its hostile acts against Armenians, including the violent ethnic cleansing of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, it is imperative that Section 907 remain firmly in place,” said Mariam Khaloyan, Congressional Relations Director of the Armenian Assembly of America. 

    “The ANCA welcomes this bipartisan Congressional call on Secretary Rubio to enforce Section 907 – ending U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan,” stated Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America. “In the wake of Azerbaijan’s genocidal ethnic cleansing of the indigenous Armenian Christians of Artsakh – amid its ongoing occupation of sovereign Armenian territory and illegal detention of Armenian hostages – we cannot ask U.S. taxpayers to subsidize this oil-rich, violent, and corrupt foreign dictatorship.  We thank Representatives Lawler, Pallone, Bilirakis, and Amo – and each of the Representatives who joined with them – for their moral clarity and strong pro-peace leadership.”

    The letter garnered 60 bipartisan signatures and specifically urges the Secretary to enforce Section 907 and refrain from using waiver authority to send aid to Azerbaijan while the government continues to engage in this malign behavior. This letter also serves as a follow-up to the leading members’ Armenian Protection Act of 2024, which aimed to prevent the Executive Branch from exercising this waiver authority.

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

    ###

    A copy of the full letter can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz, Frankel, Lawmakers Urge Trump Administration To Reverse Illegal Gutting Of U.S. Agency For Global Media

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    Lawmakers: These Actions Are Not Just Illegal And Wasteful, They Run Counter To Our Interests of Promoting Free Expression, Combating Censorship

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, and U.S. Representative Lois Frankel (D-Fla.), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security and Department of State, led a bicameral letter urging United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) Acting CEO Victor Morales and Special Advisor Kari Lake to rescind the Trump administration’s illegal actions to dismantle the agency, terminate grants for several government-funded outlets worldwide, and place Voice of America and other federal staff on administrative leave. In addition to Schatz and Frankel, the letter was signed by Democratic members of the their respective committees including U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), as well as U.S. Representatives Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), Norma Torres (D-Calif.), and Mike Quigley (D-Ill.).

    “Congress reaffirmed its commitment to your agency, its mission, and its personnel by funding the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) at $866.9 million in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, 2025, and expects that each of the entities will continue their unique mission of broadcasting content to audiences around the world,” the lawmakers wrote. “Your decisions to terminate the grants to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia (RFA) (in addition to withholding funds for the BenarNews service), Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Open Technology Fund; place on administrative leave Voice of America (VOA), Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Technology, Services, and Innovation, and other federal staff; cancel hundreds of contracts; and pull transmissions from the air violate several provisions in the appropriations bill.”

    The lawmakers continued, “These actions are not just illegal and wasteful, they run counter to our interests. America’s authoritarian adversaries are investing billions in state-backed media, targeting the same countries USAGM entities reach. With an audience of 427 million people speaking more than 60 languages, USAGM networks are a trusted and reliable source of information in the face of state censorship, including in the People’s Republic of China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, and Afghanistan, and across Eastern Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The technology developed by the Open Technology Fund and used across grantees will leave users who are dependent on their tools to circumvent censorship stranded. Once America loses the trust of these audiences, it will be difficult to get it back.”

    “We respectfully request that you rescind the actions you have taken to date and refrain from any further downsizing or terminations, and that you ensure you are in compliance with your legal requirements, including to consult and notify Congress of any proposed changes and to meet congressional spending directives,” the lawmakers concluded.

    The full text of the letter is below and available here.

    Dear Acting CEO Morales and Ms. Lake:

    You are at the helm of an agency with a critical mission to increase freedom of expression, circumvent censorship, and deliver objective, accurate, and relevant information to hundreds of millions of people worldwide. This mission directly supports U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.

    Given its importance, we write to express our concerns with the decisions you have made in response to the March 14, 2025 Executive Order titled “Executive Order on Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy.”

    Congress reaffirmed its commitment to your agency, its mission, and its personnel by funding the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) at $866.9 million in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, 2025, and expects that each of the entities will continue their unique mission of broadcasting content to audiences around the world. Your decisions to terminate the grants to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia (RFA) (in addition to withholding funds for the BenarNews service), Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Open Technology Fund; place on administrative leave Voice of America (VOA), Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Technology, Services, and Innovation, and other federal staff; cancel hundreds of contracts; and pull transmissions from the air violate several provisions in the appropriations bill. This includes sections 7015 and 7063, and the provisions under the United States Agency for Global Media heading, of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024, as carried forward by the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, 2025.

    Additionally, the actions you have taken to significantly downsize the agency, including termination of the new building lease and closeout costs, will cost the U.S. taxpayer hundreds of millions of dollars.

    These actions are not just illegal and wasteful, they run counter to our interests. America’s authoritarian adversaries are investing billions in state-backed media, targeting the same countries USAGM entities reach. With an audience of 427 million people speaking more than 60 languages, USAGM networks are a trusted and reliable source of information in the face of state censorship, including in the People’s Republic of China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, and Afghanistan, and across Eastern Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The technology developed by the Open Technology Fund and used across grantees will leave users who are dependent on their tools to circumvent censorship stranded. Once America loses the trust of these audiences, it will be difficult to get it back.

    In 2020, when then-USAGM CEO Michael Pack instituted mass firings, then-Senator Rubio led a bipartisan effort to have such actions reversed. In the letter, Senator Rubio and colleagues stated:

    “We are at a critical moment in history where malign actors including Russia, China, and Iran, are using advanced tools and technology to undermine global democratic norms, spreading disinformation, and severely restricting their own free press to hamper access to independent news for their citizens. As these and other authoritarian regimes further crack down domestically, their citizens turn to outside media as their only trustworthy source of unbiased, accurate news.”

    This is no less true today.

    We are equally troubled that these actions put staff across all of those entities, who have faithfully served the interests of the U.S. government, at risk if they are forced to return to authoritarian countries where they may be subject to harassment, persecution, or arbitrary arrest. The agency appears to have no plan in place to address these risks. Already, 1,300 VOA staff and 75 percent of RFA U.S.-based staff have been put on leave.

    We respectfully request that you rescind the actions you have taken to date and refrain from any further downsizing or terminations, and that you ensure you are in compliance with your legal requirements, including to consult and notify Congress of any proposed changes and to meet congressional spending directives. We request that you respond to this letter no later than April 4, 2025 confirming your intent to do so.

    Thank you for your attention to this matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the High Commission on Ukraine

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the High Commission on Ukraine

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commission – Oral update on Ukraine. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    High Commissioner, your update lays bare the toll this war has taken, bringing death, injury and lasting family separation to innocent children of Ukraine.

    It is almost impossible to read your report or listen to your update without shock or dismay: toddlers sexually assaulted, other children summarily executed by Russian troops. Over 600 dead. Thousands forcibly separated and deported to Russia.

    Children in occupied territories are also particularly vulnerable. Multiple reports lay bare the systematic indoctrination and militarisation of children in these areas. Of the 20,000 children reported to have been deported to Russia, only a handful have returned. Forced passportisation and punishment for speaking Ukrainian and studying the Ukrainian school syllabus are widely documented. A callous Russian attempt to erode Ukraine’s future by trying to reshape the identities of its youngest citizens, and wipe out Ukrainian culture, language and identity.

    The Russian state must be held fully accountable for its actions. Ukrainian children are entitled to a childhood in which their rights are safeguarded, and a future which is free from war.

    High Commissioner, your report highlights the worsening mental health of Ukraine’s children.

    What more can we do to support Ukraine with expertise from countries who have experienced similar trauma for children and young people in past conflicts?

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Niger

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Christina Markus Lassen (Denmark):

    The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the cowardly terrorist attack by Islamic State in the Greater Sahara in Kokorou, Niger, on 21 March, which resulted in the deaths of at least 44 civilians and 13 severely injured.

    The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the authorities and the people of Niger, and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

    The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

    The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice.  They underscored the importance for all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate with the authorities of Niger as well as all other relevant authorities in this regard.

    The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.  They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Remarks On Accepting Star of Ukraine Award

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) received the Star of Ukraine Award, the U.S. Ukraine Foundation’s highest honor, on March 27, 2025. Below are the Senator’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

    “I am so humbled by this recognition. Clearly, in the selection process, Nadia and Bob McConnell didn’t mind a bit of good old-fashioned nepotism! No, no. The fact that I get to share a name with the longest-standing advocates for Ukraine in Washington is just a very fortunate coincidence. On the other hand, it is not by chance that Ukraine emerged from the Soviet Union onto the long, arduous path toward proud and sovereign democracy. It is not by accident that the Ukrainian people have repeatedly resisted Russian subversion and invasion with their flag planted firmly in the West.

    “From Nadia and Bob’s vision grew an institution that has walked hand-in-hand with our Ukrainian friends at every step of the way. I’m grateful to the entire Foundation team for the essential work you’ve done over the past three decades to help sustain and enrich the U.S.-Ukraine relationship. And I’ve been proud to share your cause.

    “I was proud to stand with freedom-loving people trapped behind the Iron Curtain, and to take up President Reagan’s promise in his message to the Captive Nations: that ‘your struggle is our struggle, your dream is our dream, and someday you, too, will be free.’ I believed then – and believe now – that when Soviet communism crumbled, the West had an interest in helping newly liberated nations like Ukraine find their way. I believed then – and now – that even as NATO fulfilled its founding purpose, the trans-Atlantic alliance would remain the essential cornerstone of the West’s defense.

    “In pursuit of a freer and more stable world, it’s been a privilege to work over the years with so many of you here tonight. But it is also an obligation. So I hope you’ll forgive me for saying things that those in this room already understand…Reiterating principles you already believe in…Acknowledging a reality you already know to be true…But which we cannot fail to impress upon others.

    “Peace is a noble goal. And few deserve it more than the people of Ukraine, who feel the absence of peace most viscerally…When they stand in the rubble of their homes, their schools, and their churches…And when they say goodbye to children or parents bound for the front, some never to return.

    “If there’s anyone who I’ll take at their word when they say they want peace, it’s the people who had peace stolen from them…The nation whose unique identity has led Kremlin totalitarians – time and time again – to starve, subjugate, and try to destroy it.

    “If the past three years of suffering have served any purpose, it has been to remind the West of a truth that Ukraine has known for generations. Peace is a noble goal. But as our friends on the front lines understand in their bones, the price of peace matters. It matters today like it mattered in 1938, when the West took an aggressor at his word and trusted that his aims were modest, that he acted in good faith, and that appeasement would yield ‘peace for our time’.

    “Will the price of peace yet again be fawning Western weakness? Will we entertain Putin’s claim on Russian speakers beyond his borders like the West acquiesced to Hitler’s claim on German speakers?

    “The past three years have shown again how easily aggressors can twist history to suit their whims and provide fig leaves for their apologists, fifth columns, and useful idiots in the West.

    “We’ve seen a neo-Soviet imperialist spin medieval fictions to erase Ukraine’s history while his troops work to erase its modern sovereignty. But real history still offers real lessons. And if we fail to heed them, we only have ourselves to blame.

    “In 1985, when I was very new to the Senate, Margaret Thatcher came to Washington and addressed a joint session of Congress. Her message was clear: ‘Wars are not caused by the build up of weapons. They are caused when an aggressor believes he can achieve his objectives at an acceptable price. The war of 1939 was not caused by an arms race. It sprang from a tyrant’s belief that other countries lacked the means and the will to resist him.’ We know the Iron Lady was right. And we saw her words ring true three years ago.

    “America was in retreat from Afghanistan. Despite Putin’s invasions of Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine in 2014, Europe was still in denial about the urgent requirements of collective security. And a tyrant concluded – rightly – that our deterrence was neither capable nor credible. Of course, what he failed to account for was the unshakeable resolve of Ukraine. For three years now, we’ve watched the Ukrainian military adapt and innovate faster than America and Western allies could hope to, ourselves. Under constant siege, they’ve managed – for one thing – to become world leaders in tactical drones.

    “Ukrainians have seen the future of war…and they’re mastering it. Turning our backs on such capable partners isn’t just immoral. It’s self-defeating. Today – finally – European allies are making strides toward more capable forces of their own. But after three years, America is no more credible in the commitments we make to stand with our allies or defend our own clear interests. And our own capabilities are in decline. The continuing resolution Congress passed earlier this month was only the latest missed opportunity to get serious about restoring American hard power.

    “This war is a reminder that what happens in one region has implications in another… That weakness in the face of one adversary would invite aggression from another even closer to home…That our credibility was not divisible. Allies half a world away in Asia have told us the same – that Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression matters to those who live in China’s shadow. America can’t afford to ignore these lessons. But that’s exactly what some of the President’s advisors are urging him to do.

    “When the President’s envoys trumpet the magnanimity of a thuggish autocrat, they do so under the watchful eyes of his friends in Beijing, Tehran, and Pyongyang. When his representatives in negotiations masquerade as neutral arbiters, or legitimize sham elections, or treat aggressor and victim as morally equivalent, they do so in full view of longtime partners across the globe – some who know the taste of aggression, and some who have good reason to fear its imminent arrival.

    “When American officials court the favor of an adversary at the expense of allies…When they mock our friends to impress an enemy…They reveal their embarrassing naivete.

    “Unless we change course, the outcome we’re headed for today is the one we can least afford: a headline that reads ‘Russia wins, America loses’…An illusory peace that shreds America’s credibility, leaves Ukraine under threat, weakens our alliances, and emboldens our enemies.

    “Back in 1940, FDR warned that ‘no man can tame a tiger into a kitten by stroking it’. But of course, by then, stroking and appeasement had already invited world war. And America was already on its way to spending more than a third of its GDP on fighting and winning it.

    “War is a heck of a lot more expensive than deterrence. After military spending hit 37% of GDP during World War II, it reached 13.8% during Korea, 9.1% during Vietnam, and 6% during the Reagan buildup that sealed the Cold War. The principle behind that build-up has returned as the most popular phrase in Washington today: peace through strength. But too many of those who use it – particularly among the President’s advisors – don’t seem ready to summon the resources and national will it requires. They ought to go back to the wisdom of President Reagan’s friend, Mrs. Thatcher. The rest of her advice to Congress goes like this: ‘Our task is to see that potential aggressors, from whatever quarter, understand plainly that the capacity and the resolve of the West would deny them victory in war and that the price they would pay would be intolerable.’

    “We have a lot of work to do on this front. The ‘resolve of the West’ will require that we actually stand with the West. Instead of mocking European allies and partners, it’ll mean building a stronger trans-Atlantic alliance…And continuing the work championed by another of tonight’s worthy honorees, Jens Stoltenberg.

    “Threatening ‘intolerable costs’ will require credibility. The best way to lose credibility – with allies in Europe and with friends further afield – is to abandon Ukraine as beyond the scope of our interests.

    “Just this week, the director of the CIA told my Senate colleagues that Ukraine and its people have been underestimated, and that they would ‘fight with their bare hands if they have to, if they don’t have terms that are acceptable to an enduring peace.’

    “Imagine, then, what would be possible at the negotiating table if we had given Ukraine the tools it needed on the battlefield when they needed them most. Imagine Ukraine’s leverage today if the West had armed it to the teeth from the get-go. And consider what’s still possible if America chooses today to stand behind our friends…If we committed to helping Ukraine secure a just and enduring peace.

    “I’ll close with an observation the great historian, Bernard Lewis, attributed to a Turkish general. It goes like this: ‘The Americans are dangerous allies. You never know when they are going to turn around and stab themselves in the back.’

    “To cut off Ukraine is to stab ourselves in the back. So is the denigration of allies who have fought and died alongside us. The Americans should be dangerous allies. The kind so dangerous that enemies of democracy, sovereignty, and free commerce wouldn’t dare to doubt our commitments or our resolve.

    “We’ve got a long road ahead. But I’m proud to share it with all of you. Thank you very much.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Euronext publishes its 2024 Universal Registration Document

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Euronext publishes its 2024 Universal Registration Document

    Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris – 28 March 2025 – Euronext, the leading pan-European market infrastructure, today announces that it has filed its 2024 Universal Registration Document, prepared in ESEF format (European Single Electronic Format), including the 2024 Annual Financial Statements and Directors’ Report to the Stichting Autoriteit Financiële Markten (the “AFM”), on 28 March 2025, as competent authority under Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.

    The 2024 Universal Registration Document has been filed in English and is available in ESEF format on Euronext’s website at:
    https://www.euronext.com/en/investor-relations/financial-information/financial-reports

    Printed copies of the official version filed to the AFM in ESEF format are available at the registered office of Euronext N.V.: Beursplein 5 1012 JW Amsterdam The Netherlands.

    CONTACTS  

    ANALYSTS & INVESTORS – ir@euronext.com

    Investor Relations        Aurélie Cohen                 

            Judith Stein        +33 6 15 23 91 97          

    MEDIA – mediateam@euronext.com 

    Europe        Aurélie Cohen         +33 1 70 48 24 45   

            Andrea Monzani         +39 02 72 42 62 13 

    Belgium        Marianne Aalders         +32 26 20 15 01                 

    France, Corporate        Flavio Bornancin-Tomasella        +33 1 70 48 24 45                 

    Ireland        Andrea Monzani         +39 02 72 42 62 13                 

    Italy         Ester Russom         +39 02 72 42 67 56                 

    The Netherlands        Marianne Aalders         +31 20 721 41 33                 

    Norway         Cathrine Lorvik Segerlund        +47 41 69 59 10                 

    Portugal         Sandra Machado        +351 91 777 68 97                

                   

    About Euronext  

    Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway and Portugal.

    As of December 2024, Euronext’s regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal host over 1,800 listed issuers with around €6 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 25% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices.

    For the latest news, go to euronext.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    Disclaimer

    This press release is for information purposes only: it is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and is provided “as is”, without representation or warranty of any kind. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Euronext does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Euronext will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this publication may be regarded as creating any right or obligation. The creation of rights and obligations in respect of financial products that are traded on the exchanges operated by Euronext’s subsidiaries shall depend solely on the applicable rules of the market operator. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Euronext. This press release speaks only as of this date. Euronext refers to Euronext N.V. and its affiliates. Information regarding trademarks and intellectual property rights of Euronext is available at www.euronext.com/terms-use.

    © 2025, Euronext N.V. – All rights reserved. 

    The Euronext Group processes your personal data in order to provide you with information about Euronext (the “Purpose”). With regard to the processing of this personal data, Euronext will comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation, “GDPR”), and any applicable national laws, rules and regulations implementing the GDPR, as provided in its privacy statement available at: www.euronext.com/privacy-policy. In accordance with the applicable legislation you have rights with regard to the processing of your personal data: for more information on your rights, please refer to: www.euronext.com/data_subjects_rights_request_information. To make a request regarding the processing of your data or to unsubscribe from this press release service, please use our data subject request form at connect2.euronext.com/form/data-subjects-rights-request or email our Data Protection Officer at dpo@euronext.com.

    Attachment

    • Euronext_URD 2024 Publication

    The MIL Network –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Sword Group: Availability of the 2024 Financial Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    According to the current regulations, Sword Group announces that its 2024 Financial Report has been made available to the public.

    It was sent to the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) and was also filed with the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

    It can be viewed and downloaded on the website of the company:

    2024 FINANCIAL REPORT

    Dividend
    €2.0 gross per shre
    Ex-date: April 30, 2025
    Payment: May 2, 2025
    Pending approval at the Annual General Meeting on April 28.

    Calendar
    24/04/25 | 2025 First Quarter Revenue

    24/07/25 | 2025 Second Quarter Revenue

    About Sword Group
    Sword has 3,200+ IT/Digital specialists active in 50+ countries to accompany you in the growth of your organisation in the digital age.
    As a leader in technological and digital transformation, Sword has a solid reputation in complex IT & business project management.
    Sword optimises your processes and enhances your data.

    Attachment

    • SwordGroup_Availability of the 2024 Financial Report_V28032025

    The MIL Network –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Lectra: availability of 2024 Annual Financial Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Lectra: availability of 2024 Annual Financial Report

    Paris, March 28, 2025 – Lectra announces that its 2024 Annual Financial Report has been released and filed with the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des marchés financiers).

    The 2024 Annual Financial Report containing the Management Report, the Report on Corporate Governance and Sustainability Report is now available in the ESEF format (European Single Electronic Format) and in PDF version on the company’s website: https://www.lectra.com/fr/investisseurs.

    A condensed English version of the Annual Financial Report 2024 is also available on the company’s website: https://www.lectra.com/en/investors.

     About Lectra

    As a major player in the fashion, automotive and furniture markets, Lectra contributes to the Industry 4.0 revolution with boldness and passion by providing best-in-class technologies.The Group offers industrial intelligence solutions – software, equipment, data and services – that facilitate the digital transformation of the companies it serves. In doing so, Lectra helps its customers push boundaries and unlock their potential. The Group is proud to state that its 3,000 employees are driven by three core values: being open-minded thinkers, trusted partners and passionate innovators.Founded in 1973, Lectra reported revenues of 527 million euros in 2024. The company is listed on Euronext, where it is included in the following indices: CAC All Shares, CAC Technology, EN Tech Leaders and ENT PEA-PME 150.

    For more information, visit lectra.com.

    Lectra – World Headquarters: 16–18, rue Chalgrin • 75016 Paris • France
    Tel. +33 (0)1 53 64 42 00 – www.lectra.com
    A French Société Anonyme with capital of €37,966,274 • RCS Paris B 300 702 305

    Attachment

    • LECTRA_Report available_Financial Report 2024

    The MIL Network –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Equasens: 2024 annual results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Villers-lès-Nancy, 28 March 2025 – 6:00 p.m. (CET)

    PRESS RELEASE

    2024 annual results

    • Full-year results adversely affected by difficult economic conditions in H1 combined with continuing investment efforts:
      • Revenue: €216.8m (-1.4%)
      • Current Operating Income: €45.1m (-19.2%)
      • Net profit attributable to Group shareholders: €36.2m (-23.0%)
    • At the same time, profit margins remained high, and even improved over the year:
      • Current operating income / Revenue: 20.8% on a reported basis (H1: 19.3% and H2: 22.3%)
      • Solid balance sheet structure: financial surplus remains strong at €79.5m
      • Annual dividend proposal: €1.25 per share
    • 2025 outlook:
      • Return to revenue growth of close to 10% by the end of 2025
      • Deployment of new solutions integrating artificial intelligence
      • New cloud solutions generating recurring revenues
      • Strategy of external growth in France and Europe maintained
    2024 RESULTS (€m) 2023
    Reported basis    		 2024
    Reported basis    		 Change / Reported basis of which External growth
    Revenue 219.7 216.8 -3.0 -1.4% 7.2
    Current Operating Income (COI) 55.8 45.1 -10.7 -19.2% 0.1
    Net Profit 48.9 37.8 -11.1 -22.7%  
    Net Profit attributable to the Group 47.0 36.2 -10.8 -23.0%  

    On 28 March 2025, the Board of Directors of EQUASENS, chaired by Thierry CHAPUSOT, examined and approved the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 in the presence of the Statutory Auditors and Sustainability Auditor. The audit procedures for the consolidated accounts have been completed. The auditors’ report will be issued after the management report has been reviewed and the procedures for filing the annual report have been completed.

    2024 COI (€m) / Division 2023
    Reported basis    		 2024
    Reported basis    		 Change / Reported basis of which
    External growth
    Pharmagest 36.7 30.7 -6.0 -16.4% 0.2
    Axigate Link 10.4 10.2 -0.2 – 2.3%  
    e-Connect 6.7 4.8 -1.9 -28.0%  
    Medical Solutions 2.2 0.2 -2.0 -92.0% -0.1
    Fintech -0.2 -0.8 -0.6 –  
    Current Operating Income 55.8 45.1 -10.7 -19.2% 0.1

    2024 highlights

    • January: Acquisition of a 70% majority stake in DIGIPHARMACIE, an expert in digitisation and management of pharmacy supplier invoices. In November, the company was registered subject to conditions for inclusion in the French electronic invoicing reporting platform (Plateforme de Dématérialisation Partenaire or PDP);
    • In December: Acquisition of a 90% stake in CALIMED, a practice management software editor for private practice surgeons, general practitioners and specialists.

    Detailed Analysis by Division

    PHARMAGEST Division: a contraction in earnings reflecting lower like-for-like sales and investments to strengthen teams in Europe (COI/Sales: 18.8% in 2024 and 20.4% for H2 alone)

    The decline in the Division’s operating income was mainly attributable to the unfavourable economic climate in the first half of the year, which led to a sharp drop in sales in France in the configuration and hardware segment.
    In this context, the Division’s business development strategy, focused on acquiring new customers and rolling out new software and hardware solutions, helped contribute to renewed momentum in the second half of the year.
    And without calling into question the efforts to ramp up teams in the first half, cost rationalization measures were implemented which contributed to a profit margin of 21.1% in H2 for historical activities.
    It should be noted that the temporary dilutive effect from the most recent changes in scope on the Division’s average profitability is 0.7% in 2024.

    AXIGATE LINK Division: a consistently high rate of profitability (COI/Sales: 31.8% in 2024 and 34.8% for H2 alone)

    The Division delivered a significant performance in H2 driven by growth in revenue in most of its businesses. This growth makes it possible to absorb the costs of deploying new SaaS solutions (TitanLink) and extending the homecare service offering (DomiLink) for the relevant regional care coordination entities (CRT).

    E-CONNECT division: current operating income declined in response to lower sales (COI/Sales: 42.9% in 2024 and 40.5% for H2 alone)

    As previously reported, the Division’s sales and earnings were boosted in 2023 by the announcement of the discontinuation of Application Reader Terminal sales and strong demand from non-Group software publishers in response.

    Despite this less favourable context, by adopting rigorous cost control and maintaining steady sales with Group software publishers, the division’s profit remained high.

    MEDICAL SOLUTIONS Division: a year of transition from the Ségur programme to a focus on new software solutions (COI/Sales: 2.2% in 2024 and 4.4% for H2 alone)

    Following the roll-out of MédiStory 4 and the Ségur programme, the Division is building a new business model based on a strategy of cross-selling and recurring revenues.
    The cost of developing new software solutions, notably the LOQUii AI voice consultation assistant, launched in Q4 2024, as well as the overhaul of distribution channels, are temporarily impacting the Division’s profitability.

    FINTECH Division: a deterioration in operating income in the second half of the year (COI/Sales: -38.1% in 2024 and -73.4% in H2 alone)

    After a rather encouraging first half, the default of a business contributor forced the Division to book a provision for impairment of €0.5m.

    2024 consolidated balance sheet highlights

    • Cash flow after interest and tax came to €46.9m.
      • In addition to dividends, financial resources are mainly devoted to R&D investments, IT infrastructure and external growth (€21.1m) and debt reduction (€12.6m).
      • Despite these significant investments, the financial surplus remains favourably oriented at €79.5m, compared with €79.3m at 12/31/2023, giving the Group considerable autonomy and investment capacity to support its growth strategy.
      • It should be noted that IFRS 16 lease liabilities and put options for minority shareholders are now recorded under “Other liabilities”.

    Proposed dividend

    The Board of Directors will propose the payment of a gross dividend of €1.25 per share for fiscal 2024 at the Annual General Meeting on June 25, 2025.

    2025 outlook

    Backed by investments in R&D, infrastructure and human capital both in France and in Europe, the Group maintains its target of a return to revenue growth in 2025, with positive momentum in H1 followed by a marked acceleration in H2, with anticipated nominal growth of close to 10%.

    This growth trajectory will be bolstered by:

    • Innovation and Artificial Intelligence as drivers of differentiation, for example LOQUii or id. genius;
    • The gradual transition of new solutions to a SaaS business model to boost recurring revenues;
    • The deployment of new high value-added solutions, such as id. express, id. pay, or solutions for large-scale deployment, like Kap-eCV;
    • The Group’s patient-focused strategy and multi-professional interoperability, with PandaLab and Multimeds.

    While profitability remains solid, it will continue to be impacted by the ongoing investments to prepare for this growth trajectory, which will be based on the Group’s ability to deliver innovative, value-creating offerings to its customers.

    Financial calendar:

    • 31 March 2025: Presentation of FY 2024 results
    • 12 May 2025: Publication of Q1 2025 revenue
    • 25 June 2025: Annual General Meeting
    • 31 July 2025: Publication of Q2 2025 revenue
    • 26 September 2025: 2025 H1 results
    • 5 November 2025: Publication of Q3 2025 revenue
    • 5 February 2026: Publication of FY 2025 revenue

    About Equasens Group

    Founded over 35 years ago, Equasens Group, a leader in digital healthcare solutions, today employs over 1.300 people across Europe.
    Equasens Group’s specialised business applications facilitate the day-to-day work of healthcare professionals and their teams, working in private practice, collaborative medical structures or healthcare establishments. The Group also provides comprehensive support to healthcare professionals in the transformation of their profession by developing electronic equipment, digital solutions and healthcare robotics, as well as data hosting, financing and training adapted to their specific needs.
    And reflecting the spirit of its tagline “Technology for a More Human Experience”, the Group is a leading provider of interoperability solutions designed to improve coordination between healthcare professionals, their communications and data exchange resulting in better patient care and a more efficient and secure healthcare system.

    Listed on Euronext Paris™ – Compartment B

    Indexes: MSCI GLOBAL SMALL CAP – GAÏA Index 2020 – CAC®SMALL and CAC®All-Tradable
    Included in the Euronext Tech Leaders segment and the European Rising Tech label

    Eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (“Service à Réglement Différé” – SRD) and equity savings accounts invested in small and mid-caps (PEA-PME).
    ISIN: FR 0012882389 – Ticker Code: EQS

    Get all the news about Equasens Group www.equasens.com and on LinkedIn

    CONTACTS

    Analyst and Investor Relations:
    Chief Administrative and Financial Officer: Frédérique Schmidt
    Tel: +33 (0)3 83 15 90 67 – frederique.schmidt@equasens.com

    Financial communications agency:
    FIN’EXTENSO – Isabelle Aprile

    Tel.: +33 (0)6 17 38 61 78 – i.aprile@finextenso.fr

    Forward-looking statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements that are not guarantees of future performance and are based on current opinions, forecasts and assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions about Equasens’ current and future strategy and the environment in which Equasens operates. These involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results or other events, to materially differ from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those detailed in Chapter 3 “Risk factors” of the Universal Registration Document filed with the French financial market authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers or AMF) on April 29, 2024 under number D.24-0366. These forward-looking statements are valid only as of the date of this press release.

    Attachment

    • EQUASENS_PR_20250328_2024 FY RESULTS_EN

    The MIL Network –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: XploraDEX $XPL Token Sparks Investor Surge as Demand Skyrockets Across XRP Ecosystem

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, Switzerland, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The XRP community is witnessing a breakout moment as investor enthusiasm for the $XPL Token, the native asset powering XploraDEX, surges at an unprecedented rate. Built as the first AI-powered decentralized exchange on the XRP Ledger, XploraDEX is igniting intense interest from both institutional and retail investors looking to capitalize on a new generation of intelligent trading tools.

    In less than a week, the $XPL Token Presale has already seen participation from unique wallets, with multiple whale wallets initiating large, strategic purchases—confirming what early adopters already know: XploraDEX could be the defining DeFi moment for XRPL in 2025.

    GET $XPL TOKENS ON PRESALE

    AI Meets DeFi on XRPL – A Timely Catalyst for a Bullish Ecosystem

    As XRP continues to hold its position as a top-tier blockchain for fast and low-cost transactions, the ecosystem has long lacked a sophisticated DeFi layer to compete with Ethereum and Solana. XploraDEX fills that void and goes further by introducing AI-based trading intelligence, predictive analytics, and fully autonomous liquidity management.

    We didn’t just want to build a DEX, we wanted to build a trading experience that learns, evolves, and helps every user become more profitable,” said a spokesperson from the XploraDEX team. The presale interest we’re seeing validates that vision.

    What’s Fueling the $XPL Presale Frenzy?

    Real Utility from Day One: $XPL isn’t just a governance token, it powers access to exclusive trading tools, fee discounts, staking rewards, and AI analytics modules.

    Market Timing: As AI narratives continue to dominate 2025 investment trends, XploraDEX offers the first DeFi-native opportunity to gain exposure to the AI revolution directly on XRPL.

    Community Momentum: With XRP influencers, Telegram groups, and crypto Twitter amplifying the opportunity, the $XPL presale is turning into one of the most talked-about launches this quarter.

    Whale Activity: Blockchain tracking confirms that top-tier XRP holders are participating heavily, indicating high confidence in the long-term value proposition of XploraDEX.

    BUY $XPL ON PRESALE

    A Deeper Look at $XPL Token Utility

    The XploraDEX platform is built around an ecosystem where $XPL fuels everything. Holders get:

    • Access to AI-powered auto-trading tools
    • Deep fee discounts for frequent users
    • Staking for passive income in XPL and partner tokens
    • Liquidity mining incentives for early DEX participants
    • Governance rights to shape the future of the protocol
    • Priority placement in partner IDOs and DeFi launches

    With such integrated functionality, demand for $XPL isn’t just hype—it’s utility-driven.

    Buy $XPL Tokens Now: https://sale.xploradex.io

    The Window Is Narrowing – Don’t Get Left Behind

    The $XPL Presale is unfolding in structured phases, with token prices increasing at each stage. As of this release, Phase 1 is nearly 80% filled, and momentum is accelerating with every new wallet joining the ecosystem.

    Investors looking to secure their allocation are urged to act quickly before the current tier sells out.

    Conclusion: XploraDEX Is More Than a DEX, It’s XRPL’s AI Frontier

    In a crypto market hungry for substance, XploraDEX brings together innovation, speed, and scalability, all layered with intelligence. The $XPL token represents a chance to be early—not just in a platform, but in an entire category: AI DeFi on XRPL.

    Join the $XPL Presale While Allocations Last: https://sale.xploradex.io

    Stay connected and Join the XploraDEX AI Revolution

    Website | $XPL Token Presale | X | Telegram

    Contact:
    Oliver Muller
    oliver@xploradex.io
    contact@xploradex.io

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the XploraDEX. 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. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. 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. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. 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. 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 assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. 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.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e770c0f4-1d82-4d5d-b1c4-1700b5f759d1

    The MIL Network –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: BNP Paribas SA: Restatement of new 2024 quarterly series in the 2025 format

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PRESS RELEASE

    Paris, 28 March 2025

    This restatement has no impact on the Group’s published 2024 results and changes only the analytical breakdown of business lines, divisions and Corporate Centre segment. However, it impacts the risk-weighted assets of the various business lines, divisions and Group.
    ​
    In order to present a consistent reference with the presentation of the financial statements and the results applied from 1 January 2025, the quarterly series for the 2024 financial year include the main effects described below:
    ​

    • The change in the allocation of normalized equity from 11% to 12% of risk-weighted assets: as part of the coming into force of the finalisation of Basel 3 (Basel 4) on 1 January 20251, and in line with its CET1 target of 12%, the Group decided to change the normalized equity allocated to its business lines, excluding Insurance, to 12% of risk-weighted assets, from 11% previously, as of 1 January 2025;
    • The impact of this transposition (Basel 4)1 on the level of risk-weighted assets;
    • Full consolidation in the prudential scope of entities under the exclusive control of the Arval business as if it had occurred on 1 January 2024 (instead of 1 July 2024);
    • The geographical focus (sale and run-off of businesses in 10 countries) carried out by Personal Finance. It leads to the reclassification of income and business data from the non-strategic or non-core perimeter (equivalent to the activities put into run-off) in the Corporate Centre. Personal Finance’s profit and loss account therefore corresponds to the remaining strategic or core perimeter ;
    • A change in revenue allocation methodology between Wealth Management and Corporate Centre;
    • The business indicators at BNL are restated to take into account a precise breakdown of deposits by category (current, savings and term) and off balance sheet savings (assets under Discretionary Portfolio Management now included).

    ​
    ​
    ​The following non-audited appendices detail the 2024 quarterly results in line with these developments.

    • Appendix 1: 2024 restated Group profit & loss, unchanged compared to 2024 Published Group profit & loss
    • Appendix 2: Effects of the restatement on operating divisions
    • Appendix 3: Effects of the restatement on Corporate Centre
    • Appendix 4: Effects on deposits and off balance sheet savings of BNL
    • Appendix 5: New quarterly restated series​ for all operating divisions and businesses

    ​
    ​NEW QUARTERLY SERIES IN EXCEL FORMAT ARE AVAILABLE ON THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE: HTTPS://INVEST.BNPPARIBAS.COM

    Calendar
    ​
    •      9 APRIL 2025: START OF THE QUIET PERIOD
    •      24 APRIL 2025: RELEASE OF 1Q25 RESULTS

    • 13 May 2025: Annual General Meeting
    • 19 May 2025: 2024 Dividend detachment date
    • 21 May 2025: 2024 Dividend payment date
    • 10 June 2025: Deep Dive Personal Finance
    • 26 June 2025: Deep Dive Commercial & Personal Banking in France
    • 24 July 2025: release of 2Q25 results

    Investor relations contact

    Bénédicte Thibord – benedicte.thibord@bnpparibas.com

    Equity
    Raphaëlle Bouvier-Flory – raphaelle.bouvierflory@bnpparibas.com
    Lisa Bugat – lisa.bugat@bnpparibas.com
    Didier Leblanc – didier.m.leblanc@bnpparibas.com
    Olivier Parenty – olivier.parenty@bnpparibas.com
    Guillaume Tiberghien – guillaume.tiberghien@uk.bnpparibas.com

    Debt & Rating agencies
    Didier Leblanc – didier.m.leblanc@bnpparibas.com
    Olivier Parenty – olivier.parenty@bnpparibas.com

    Retail & ESG
    Antoine Labarsouque – antoine.labarsouque@bnpparibas.com

    E-mail : investor.relations@bnpparibas.com

    1 Transposition into European law of the finalisation of Basel 3 (Basel 4) by Regulation (EU) 2024/1623 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 575/2013, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 19 June 2024.

    Attachment

    • 1Q25_Restatement_GB_VF

    The MIL Network –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Revolutionizing Plastic Recycling Through Irradiation

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The IAEA is harnessing the power of radiation technologies, through its NUTEC Plastics initiative, to assist countries in dealing with plastic pollution on two fronts: at the point of source, by introducing new technologies to improve plastic recycling; and in the ocean, where the bulk of plastic waste ends up.

    “The focus on the first front is on reducing plastic waste volumes through innovative upcycling, increasing the re-purposing of hard-to-recycle plastics into valuable products and developing bio-based plastics,” said Celina Horak, Head of the IAEA Radiochemistry and Radiation Technology Section. “With the help of the NUTEC Plastics initiative, nine countries across Asia, Latin America and Africa are in the process of establishing radiation-assisted pilot plants.”

    The role of irradiation in helping beat plastic pollution will be discussed during the IAEA’s upcoming Third International Conference on Applications of Radiation Science and Technology. Gathering hundreds of experts from radiation-related physics, chemistry, materials science, biology and engineering fields in Vienna, Austria, from 7 to 11 April 2025, #ICARST2025 will be accessible to anyone interested via livestreaming.

    International events will also be held in October 2025 in the Republic of Korea, featuring IAEA tools for circular economy assessment and for technological maturity level, and in November 2025 in the Philippines, the first international high level forum on NUTEC Plastics. Both events will include the other aspect of the NUTEC Plastics initiative, the marine monitoring component, where nuclear science is used to identify, trace and monitor plastics in the ocean, particularly microplastics.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 283 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team based at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) visited the site’s diesel storage tanks today and saw no signs of damage or spillage, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

    The IAEA team requested access to the storage tanks to assess the situation there first-hand following an unconfirmed report this week about a significant leak of diesel fuel.

    During their visit to the fuel storage area located outside the ZNPP perimeter, the IAEA team reported that the levels in the storage tanks were normal, there were no traces of spilled fuel and no evidence of any repair work being carried out.

    The status of the ZNPP’s three storage tanks is important for nuclear safety and security as the plant relies on diesel emergency generators for power if all access to electricity from the grid is lost, as has happened eight times during the military conflict. The ZNPP needs power to cool its six reactors and for other essential safety functions.

    “As the IAEA is continuously present at the ZNPP, we were able to quickly examine the storage tanks ourselves and provide independent and reliable information about the situation there to the international community. This is another example underlining the importance of the IAEA’s presence at the nuclear facilities in Ukraine. We will remain at these sites for as long as it is needed to help prevent a nuclear accident,” Director General Grossi said.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: WENDEL: Availability of the 2024 Universal Registration Document 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    2024 Universal Registration Document 

    Wendel’s Universal Registration Document for the year ended December 31, 2024, was filed with the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF) on Thursday, March 28, 2025. It is available to the public, in French, pursuant to the regulations in force. 

    It includes: 

    • the 2024 annual financial report, 
    • the Supervisory Board’s report on corporate governance, 
    • the Statutory Auditors’ reports, 
    • information regarding the fees paid in 2024 to the Statutory Auditors, 
    • required information regarding the share buyback program, 
    • the social, societal and environmental information constituting the preparation of the sustainability statement. 

    This document may be viewed under “Regulated information” and “Shareholders’ Meetings” in the “Investors” section of Wendel’s website (www.wendelgroup.com/en) as well as on the website of the AMF (www.amf-france.org). It will also be available at the Company’s head office, located at 2-4, rue Paul-Cézanne, 75008 Paris – France. 

    An English version of the Universal Registration Document will be available on Wendel’s website no later than   April 8, 2024.

    Shareholders’ Meeting as of May 15, 2025

    Wendel informs its shareholders that the Shareholders’ Meeting will be held on Thursday May 15, 2025, at 3 p.m. (Paris time) at the Auditorium Cézanne Saint-Honoré, located at 2-4, rue Paul-Cézanne, 75008 Paris.

    Agenda

    Thursday, April 24, 2025

    Q1 2025 Trading update – Publication of NAV as of March 31, 2025 (post-market release)

    Thursday, May 15, 2025

    Annual General Meeting

    Wednesday, July 30, 2025

    H1 2025 results – Publication of NAV as of June 30, 2025, and condensed Half-Year consolidated financial statements (post-market release)

    Thursday, October 23, 2025

    Q3 2025 Trading update – Publication of NAV as of September 30, 2025 (post-market release)

    Friday, December 12, 2025

    2025 Investor Day

    About Wendel

    Wendel is one of Europe’s leading listed investment firms. Regarding its principal investment strategy, the Group invests in companies which are leaders in their field, such as ACAMS, Bureau Veritas, Crisis Prevention Institute, Globeducate, IHS Towers, Scalian, Stahl and Tarkett. In 2023, Wendel initiated a strategic shift into third-party asset management of private assets, alongside its historical principal investment activities. In May 2024, Wendel completed the acquisition of a 51% stake in IK Partners, a major step in the deployment of its strategic expansion in third-party private asset management and also announced in October 2024 the acquisition of 75% of Monroe Capital. Pro forma of Monroe Capital, Wendel manages more than 33 billion euros on behalf of third-party investors, and c.7.4 billion euros invested in its principal investments activity.

    Wendel is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris.

    Standard & Poor’s ratings: Long-term: BBB, negative outlook – Short-term: A-2 

    Wendel is the Founding Sponsor of Centre Pompidou-Metz. In recognition of its long-term patronage of the arts, Wendel received the distinction of “Grand Mécène de la Culture” in 2012.

    For more information: wendelgroup.com

    Follow us on LinkedIn @Wendel 

    Attachment

    • PR_Wendel_URD2024

    The MIL Network –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: US’s new ‘America First’ intelligence approach downplays Russia and ignores climate change

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Hastings Dunn, Professor of International Politics in the Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham

    The recently appointed US director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, and other top intelligence officials appeared before the Senate intelligence committee to discuss the US intelligence services’ annual threat assessment (ATA).

    Most of the committee’s time and attention was focused on the revelation by the editor of the Atlantic magazine that he had been inadvertently added to an insecure chat group, in which top security officials discussed detailed plans for an attack on Yemen. Gabbard and her colleagues steadfastly refused to admit that this had been a security breach. It was an unhelpful distraction from the main event, a discussion of the latest ATA report.

    Produced annually, the ATA is a combined assessment by 18 US intelligence agencies, headed up by the Office for National Intelligence and the Central Intelligence Agency, of the major threats to national security in America. The 2025 version is the first of Donald Trump’s second term and reflects Trumpism’s major shift from America’s previous security priorities in three ways.

    First, the assessment gave priority to what it identified as domestic security threats over those posed by foreign adversaries. Second, the report ignored climate change as a critical threat to US security. And third, there was an unprecedented softening of the language in relation to Russia.

    In her opening statement Gabbard identified “cartels, gangs and other transnational criminal organisations” as “what most immediately and directly threatens the United States and the wellbeing of the American people”.

    These threats are closer to home, but they hardly warrant their lead billing – particularly given the way that Trump himself has regularly invoked the threat of “world war three” ever since he started his campaign to return to the White House more than two years ago.

    But what they do indicate is an America increasingly focused on the narrow predilections of its president and his Maga supporters.

    An even more notable omission is the absence of any mention of climate change, either as an existential threat to human life as we know it or as a force multiplier to other threats such as migration, environmental disasters or famine.

    This led to a testy exchange between Gabbard and Senator Angus King, an independent senator from Maine. King asked the director of national intelligence: “Has global climate change been solved? Why is that not in this report? And who made the decision that it should not be in the report when it’s been in every one of the 11 prior reports?” Gabbard replied: “What I focused this annual threat assessment on … are the most extreme and critical direct threats to our national security.”

    This was an unconvincing response, given that the 2025 ATA specifically notes the security impact of melting sea ice in the Arctic. The report also notes increasing cooperation between Russia and China in the Arctic and a growing Chinese footprint in the region.

    Russian threat relegated

    But the most notable difference in this year’s ATA concerns Russia. The Trump administration’s new approach to Moscow and the Russian leadership infuses the language and substance of this year’s intelligence report. The 2024 threat assessment led the section on Russia with the assertion that Moscow “seeks to project and defend its interests globally and to undermine the United States and the west”.

    In 2025, the headline finding about the threat from Russia is that the Kremlin’s objective is “to restore Russian strength and security in its near abroad against perceived US and western encroachment”. This, the report said, “has increased the risks of unintended escalation between Russia and Nato”.

    Gone are the references to Russia as “a resilient and capable adversary across a wide range of domains”. Instead, this year’s ATA downplays the actual threat that the Kremlin poses to America’s interests by describing Russia merely as an “enduring potential threat to US power, presence and global interests”.

    The 2025 report also assesses that Russia “has seized the upper hand in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and is on a path to accrue greater leverage to press Kyiv and its western backers to negotiate an end to the war that grants Moscow concessions it seeks”. It doesn’t question why that might be the case or how it could be reversed.

    Moreover, it presents the Kremlin’s malign influence activities as aimed at countering threats. This affords them an unprecedented degree of legitimacy and implies that the west poses a threat to Russia. This, of course, has long been a favourite talking point of Vladimir Putin’s.

    Change of policy

    More than just a change in threat assessment, the 2025 ATA doubles down on a change in policy. The report takes as a given that “Russia retains momentum (in) a grinding war of attrition … (which) will lead to a gradual but steady erosion of Kyiv’s position on the battlefield, regardless of any US or allied attempts to impose new and greater costs on Moscow.”

    The inevitable conclusion is that the US should not pressure Russia to halt its illegal and brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. Rather Washington’s approach to security should accommodate the Kremlin’s ever multiplying conditions for a ceasefire.

    The report’s language on China is less ambiguous. It describes Beijing as “the most comprehensive and robust military threat to US national security” and as likely to “continue to expand its coercive and subversive malign influence activities to weaken the United States internally and globally”.

    The report also notes that Beijing is critical to the alignment of all four major state actors that pose threats to the US: China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.

    But China, and the other state adversaries, still take second place in America’s national security thinking to accommodate the administration’s inwardly focused “America First” mindset. This is not merely an indication of the isolationist tendencies in the foreign policy approach of Trumpism. It’s a deliberate abdication of US global leadership.

    Trump and his team may believe that this will make America more secure – and the 2025 threat assessment is framed in a way that justifies such an approach. But it fails to provide any credible evidence that it might succeed.

    David Hastings Dunn has previously received funding from the ESRC, the Gerda Henkel Foundation, the Open Democracy Foundation and has previously been both a NATO and a Fulbright Fellow.

    Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

    – ref. US’s new ‘America First’ intelligence approach downplays Russia and ignores climate change – https://theconversation.com/uss-new-america-first-intelligence-approach-downplays-russia-and-ignores-climate-change-253154

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Senegal sees French troops depart as west Africa reassesses colonial ties

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ezenwa E. Olumba, Doctoral Research Fellow, Conflict, Violence, & Terrorism Research Centre, Royal Holloway University of London

    France has handed over control to the Senegalese government of two military bases in Senegal’s capital, Dakar that it has used for decades. The move follows an announcement in late 2024 by Senegal’s president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, that all foreign troops would be required to leave the country.

    “Senegal is an independent country, a sovereign nation, and sovereignty does not allow for the presence of foreign military bases,” Faye told Agence France-Presse in November.

    Unlike in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, where military juntas have expelled French and American troops in recent years, this move comes from a democratically elected leader. Faye secured a decisive victory in Senegal’s 2024 presidential election and came to power despite efforts by the former president, Macky Sall, to extend his rule beyond constitutional limits.

    Other democratic nations in west Africa seem to be reassessing their ties with western powers, too. The Ivory Coast, for example, has called for the end of its colonial-era military pact with France. And there are indications that US forces may soon be asked to leave Ghana.

    The fact that democratically elected governments are taking a similar stance to military leaders in the region should prompt deeper reflection on the factors driving these decisions.

    Younger generations of African leaders, shaped by decades of witnessing foreign-backed governments fail to boost development and security, are increasingly focused on decolonising their countries. This shift has also been driven by growing public awareness of the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources by some former colonial powers.

    Some observers attribute these developments to disinformation campaigns targeting France and other western governments. But the reality is that foreign interventions and paternalistic policies in Africa have done little to benefit African populations.

    Senegal’s push for sovereignty

    To further distance itself from France, the Senegalese government plans to replace the CFA franc with a national currency. The CFA franc, which is controlled by the French treasury, is a currency used in 14 countries in west and central Africa. It gives French companies easier access to natural resources in African countries where it is used.

    The move to replace it could test Senegal’s relationship with France. In 2019, when Italy’s former deputy prime minister, Luigi Di Maio, raised concerns about the impact of the CFA franc on Africa’s development, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, dismissed the issue, stating: “I will not respond”.

    Alongside economic reforms, Senegal is also reshaping its public spaces. It will soon begin renaming streets and landmarks that were previously associated with colonial figures. And the government wants to update school textbooks and create a department that will manage how Senegal’s national heritage is documented.

    There is a broader regional movement to replace colonial-era street names. In Niger’s capital, Niamey, Avenue de Gaulle, named after the former French general and statesman, has been renamed Avenue Djibo Bakary after the city’s first post-independence mayor.

    Similar efforts are underway in central Africa. In March 2025, a court ruling in Uganda mandated the removal of British colonial monuments and renaming streets that honour “crooks and historical figureheads”.

    Among the figures affected include Maj. Gen. Henry Edward Colville, an early commissioner of the Uganda Protectorate, and Frederick Lugard, a key colonial administrator in Africa. Lugard also played a central role in creating Nigeria for British colonial rule.

    Political shifts in the Sahel

    A political shift seems to be taking place in Africa, particularly in the Sahel. In the 1960s, during the early years of African independence movements, many leaders from the continent took up arms against the colonial establishment.

    This included Amílcar Cabral, leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde in Guinea-Bissau, as well as Nelson Mandela, who co-founded Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress party in South Africa.

    They were treated as threats to the colonial order, at least outside their own supporter base. Cabral was assassinated in 1973 by political rivals, with the alleged support of the Portuguese security establishment.

    Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years by the South African apartheid regime he opposed, was on the US government’s terrorist list until 2008 despite being released from custody in 1993 and becoming the country’s first black president in 1994.

    The rhetoric and actions of many military-led governments in the Sahel, along with some democratically elected leaders, echo those of Africa’s early independence movements. Like their predecessors, these leaders are often condemned by foreign governments, yet they appear to have growing support among people in the region.

    Public rallies held by Captain Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso regularly draw large crowds. The same is true for the military leaders in Niger. Traoré was even welcomed by cheering crowds during the recent inaugurations of democratically elected presidents in Senegal and Ghana.

    This is an unusual reception for a leader who came to power through a military coup. Such moments reflect the sentiment of millions who see these leaders less as military rulers and more as symbols of resistance against foreign influence.

    Some analysts have warned of instability following the expulsion of foreign troops from the Sahel. But decades of foreign military interventions have done little to improve security in the region. Counterinsurgency operations have not only failed to contain violence – the influence of insurgent groups has grown.

    According to a February 2025 report by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, the Sahel has been the epicentre of violence in Africa for four consecutive years. More than 10,000 deaths were attributed to militant Islamist violence in the region throughout 2024, with civilians being the primary targets.

    Africa must take the lead in addressing its security and economic challenges, engaging with international partners on equal terms rather than as a passive participant. African leaders should prioritise security, education and development while opening dialogue with disaffected groups that feel excluded from political and economic opportunities.

    Ezenwa E. Olumba 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. Senegal sees French troops depart as west Africa reassesses colonial ties – https://theconversation.com/senegal-sees-french-troops-depart-as-west-africa-reassesses-colonial-ties-251978

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: White snus: why ‘tobacco free’ doesn’t mean risk free

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alma Larsdotter Zweygberg, Doctoral Researcher, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet

    White snus is becoming more popular with teenagers Jeppe Gustafsson/Shutterstock

    A habit that is worrying health authorities in Sweden where increasing numbers of teenagers are taking what’s known as “snus” is also concerning football authorities in England where one-fifth of professional players are regularly indulging because they say it improves their game.

    White snus consists of small, tobacco-free pouches containing nicotine, plant-based fibres and flavourings. These pouches look a like a cross between a tea bag and a tablet of chewing gum, and they’re put between the lip and the gum to give users a burst of nicotine without some of the drawbacks of tobacco. Nicotine strength varies widely between different white snus products.

    Traditional snus, a moist brown tobacco product, is almost exclusive to Sweden. However, the introduction of white snus – also known as nicotine pouches – has led to rapid global expansion.

    The rise in popularity of white snus around the world can be attributed to aggressive social media marketing campaigns where “Zynfluencers” are sponsored to promote white snus in their lifestyle content and the product is advertised across social media. While marketing for cigarettes and vapes is strictly regulated in the EU, the rules for white snus are up to the individual countries to decide. Many countries don’t regulate white snus so consumers – even very young ones – can order the nicotine pouches easily.

    It’s not just English male professional footballers who’re fans of white snus. In Sweden, 15% of young women aged 16-29 use white snus daily, while only 2.5 % smoke cigarettes daily in the same age group.

    Some commercials target women by suggesting that white snus offers a discreet “clean” way to feel the benefits of a nicotine hit. They highlight that users report a rush of endorphins that can relieve stress and pain and improve mood and memory – without the smell of cigarette smoke and the inconvenience of smoking or vaping breaks.

    Some nicotine pouch commercials target female consumers.

    The marketing of white snus often stresses that they are “tobacco-free” because the pouches do not contain tobacco leaf. But that label can be misleading – the nicotine in these products is usually derived from tobacco leaves.
    Some also confuse tobacco-free with nicotine-free. Both these misconceptions can make consumers think that the pouches are safe.

    Advertisements often emphasise how white snus can be used anywhere and enhance social situations, while offering a variety of flavours from coffee to spearmint and black cherry, and serving as an alternative to cigarettes, vapes and traditional forms of tobacco.

    Despite their growing popularity – and marketing attempts to associate white snus with healthier nicotine use – little is known about the specific health risks of white snus. But a lack of research into the effects of nicotine pouches does not mean they are safe.

    A healthy alternative?

    The nicotine pouch was originally developed by a nicotine replacement therapy company in the early 2000s – but they didn’t gain traction until 2016 when the tobacco snus company Swedish Match introduced their product Zyn, which became a leading nicotine pouch brand in the US. Zyn is now owned by Philip Morris International, one of the world’s largest tobacco companies White snus is not an approved nicotine replacement therapy, which means that it is not recommended as an aid to quit smoking.



    Read more:
    Why nicotine pouches may not be the best choice to help you to stop smoking

    While nicotine-free white snus exists, most products on the market contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive, so many of those who try a nicotine product – no matter which one – will find it hard to stop using it. Nicotine has several effects on the body, including increased heart rate and activation of the brain’s reward system, which contributes to its appeal.

    Young people are especially sensitive to the addictive properties of nicotine. The wide range of white snus flavours available, often fruit, menthol or candy, may further lower the threshold for use.

    But research suggests that nicotine may also have a negative impact on brain development. Other potential risks include a negative effects on cardiovascular and oral health. But long-term effects specific to white snus remain unclear. Few studies have been conducted, and many of the existing ones have been sponsored by the tobacco industry. There is a need for large, independent, high-quality studies to assess long-term health risks.

    With many young people using white snus, the unanswered questions about its health effects become more pressing. Until more research is available, it’s important to stay cautious: “tobacco-free” does not mean risk free.

    Rosaria Galanti receives funding from Karolinska Institutet; University of Novara (IT); for teaching and research collaborations

    Alma Larsdotter Zweygberg 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. White snus: why ‘tobacco free’ doesn’t mean risk free – https://theconversation.com/white-snus-why-tobacco-free-doesnt-mean-risk-free-252085

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: A new natural history GCSE is welcome – but climate change needs to be part of the whole curriculum

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alison Anderson, Professor of Sociology, University of Plymouth

    MStoylik/Shutterstock

    The recent announcement that young people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will have the opportunity to take a new GCSE in natural history from September 2025, driven by a campaign led by naturalist Mary Colwell, is welcome news.

    The new qualification will include practical skills to pursue a career in the natural world, including observation, monitoring, recording and analysis. It will also include immersion in outdoor activities, and has support from the Natural History Museum, the Field Studies Council and the Wildlife Trusts.

    However, while this will go some way to further bring sustainability and climate concerns into schools, the qualification is optional. It compartmentalises a subject that needs to be woven across the curriculum, so that every child is equipped to deal with the challenges we face and can appreciate that it impinges on every aspect of life.

    In England, the whole national curriculum is under review. This provides a crucial opportunity to embed climate change and sustainability education throughout the curriculum. The independent review’s recent interim report identifies a need for a “greater focus on sustainability and climate science”.

    It makes welcome reference to the need for the curriculum to keep pace with rapid social, environmental and technological change, and to equip young people to deal with future challenges.

    This is in line with the findings of my research, with colleagues. We explored young people’s views of climate change education in secondary schools, carrying out a national survey of 1,000 14- to 18-year-olds and two follow-up in-depth workshops.

    We found that young people consistently identified climate change as the top concern for their future lives, putting it above the cost of living crisis and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Seven in ten teenagers told us they would welcome the opportunity to learn more about climate change in school. The same number thought climate change education should be included across all subjects.

    Teach the Future, a youth-led organisation campaigning to improve education on the climate emergency and ecological crisis, published a shadow curriculum and assessment review interim report. These findings, gathered from the responses of over 500 young people, highlight the marginalisation of climate change and nature on the current English curriculum.

    Woven through learning

    Our research shows there needs to be a step change in how the education system prepares young people for a rapidly changing world. Engaging them meaningfully with the issues and practical solutions may motivate them to consider a green career.

    In maths, for example, mathematical concepts could be introduced through calculating the effect of introducing solar panels on the school roof. Pupils could measure air quality, or calculate the carbon footprint of different food choices. The evidence suggests that a project-led approach, rooted in experiential learning locally relevant to the student, would be particularly effective.

    Climate can be part of the whole curriculum.
    Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

    Our report also found that current teaching on climate tends to focus narrowly on impacts and rarely on solutions. This may contribute to many young people’s sense of climate change anxiety, leaving them feeling demotivated and disenfranchised.

    There is much that could be learnt from the approach taken by Scotland. Its learning for sustainability vision takes a cross-curricular, solutions-focused approach. Young people are often involved in creatively solving problems or finding solutions to questions that are meaningful to them.

    Tools for understanding

    My research suggests it is not enough for students to be taught facts and figures about climate change and biodiversity loss. They need to be provided with the critical thinking and media literacy skills to meaningfully engage with the issues.

    There is much mis- and disinformation on climate circulating online. With the rise of artificial intelligence, the distinction between fact and fiction is becoming increasingly difficult to discern. An emphasis on media literacy and critical thinking skills would help young people generate and evaluate ideas for tackling the crisis.

    Overhauling and refreshing England’s current curriculum and assessment system will not be easy. Even if climate change is increasingly included, this still may take place too slowly.

    The interim report makes clear that the intention is to continue “with our ‘evolution not revolution’ approach”, which will inform the final report to be published this autumn. However, there is an urgent need to act quickly if we are to avoid catastrophic climate change.

    Professor Alison Anderson received funding from the AHRC Impact Acceleration Account for this research project which was conducted in association with the British Science Association.

    – ref. A new natural history GCSE is welcome – but climate change needs to be part of the whole curriculum – https://theconversation.com/a-new-natural-history-gcse-is-welcome-but-climate-change-needs-to-be-part-of-the-whole-curriculum-253080

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Verulamium Park’s St Michael’s Street entrance reopened after new footpath installed

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date: 28 Mar 2025

    A temporary elevated footpath has been installed in a Verulamium Park flood plain to allow the reopening of its St Michael Street entrance.

    The entrance was closed last year after persistent flooding at Bell Meadow, which is beside the River Ver, damaged its tarmac path.

    An inspection found that parts had become slippery, eroded and a potential hazard to park users.

    St Albans City and District Council, which owns the park, was advised it had no option but to close off the meadow for health and safety reasons.

    Various plans to allow a reopening were considered with the task being complicated by the park’s status as a scheduled ancient monument due to its Roman past.

    Any digging or disturbance to the ground requires Historic England’s permission.

    A decision was taken to adopt a temporary solution and commission the building of a bespoke metal footpath.

    It has now been installed allowing for the reopening of the meadow and the St Michael’s Street entrance.

    The metal path is raised high enough to avoid being covered with flood water and straddles the frequently flooded sections of the tarmac path.

    It is suitable for wheelchair users or baby buggies and includes passing places to allow for them to move along in both directions. A wider structure would have been prohibitively costly and require permission for digging into protected ground.

    The metal path also has various safety features including rails on either side to guard against people accidentally stumbling off.

    A grant of £50,000 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund financed the project.

    In the longer term, the Council will look to build a new footpath and boardwalk as part of a multi-million-pound project to improve the environment of the park around its two artificial lakes.

    Amanda Foley, the Council’s Chief Executive, said:

    I am delighted that the St Michael’s Street entrance has now been reopened and I know that many of our residents will be too.

    Regular park users understood that we had no option but to close off the meadow which has been repeatedly flooded for reasons outside of our control. I thank them for the patience they have shown while we looked at a solution.

    We were determined to find one despite the challenging  financial climate we are faced with and the park’s scheduled ancient monument status.

    It is likely the installed footpath will be there for a couple of years or so while we finalise and implement our plans to improve the area around the artificial lakes.

    We will keep our residents informed of our progress on this ambitious project which will be transformational for the park.

    Photo: the new footpath in Bell Meadow, Verulamium Park.

    Media Contact: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727 819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 29, 2025
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