Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: National Board of Health and Welfare to assess possibility of donating medical equipment and supplies to disaster-affected or war-torn areas

    Source: Government of Sweden

    In response to requests – mainly from Türkiye and Syria – for support to foreign disaster-affected or war-torn areas, the Government has tasked the National Board of Health and Welfare with assessing the possibilities of providing assistance. The agency should examine what medical equipment or materials, or other supplies, may be needed to provide care, and can be donated from available stock or Sweden’s regions after all domestic needs have been met. The Government is allocating SEK 45 million for this purpose.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Swedish Government Offices Yearbook 2021

    Source: Government of Sweden

    How many people work at the Government Offices? What was the central government budget like last year? How many acts and ordinances were issued last year? The answer to these and other questions can be found in the Swedish Government Offices Yearbook 2021.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The areas of responsibility of the ministers at the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs

    Source: Government of Sweden

    The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs has four ministers with responsibility for issues concerning social welfare, including public health, health care, social insurance, care of older people, social services, civil society and sport. Responsibilities are divided among the ministers as follows.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: involve.me Launches First-Ever Conversational AI Agent for Funnel Creation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Vienna, Austria – 31th July 2025 – involve.me, a leading funnel builder platform, proudly announces the beta release of its AI Agent, the first conversational AI for funnel creation. Designed to transform how businesses build and optimize sales and marketing funnels, the AI Agent allows users to generate, customize, and refine high-converting funnels using simple English prompts. Users can create interactive landing pages & website embeds with quizzes, forms, surveys and calculators simply by chatting with AI. This marks a new era of user-friendly, intelligent funnel design.

    “Over the past year, ‘vibe-coding’ platforms like Lovable and Bolt have gained traction by letting users describe apps in natural language and generate prototypes using AI. While visually impressive, these apps often mask underlying issues (bugs, unhandled edge cases, and security vulnerabilities) that make them unfit for live, business-critical use. What works in a demo rarely works in the real world,” said Vlad Gozman, CEO at involve.me.”

    The involve.me AI Agent acts as a virtual funnel expert, capable of generating multi-step funnels, landing pages, and website embeds based on natural language input. Users can then chat with the AI to refine elements in real-time and use the traditional drag-and-drop editor alongside it. This dual approach ensures the user stays in complete control of the creative process every step of the way, while using the stress-tested infrastructure of the platform already used by over 4500 customers.

    “We handle our customers’ customer data, so it was crucial to blend the magic of conversational AI funnel generation with the robustness and reliability of business-grade software” Gozman said when talking about deploying the AI Agent at scale in real-world business use-cases.

    Key Highlights of the AI Agent:

    • Conversational funnel creation: The AI Agent allows users to build complete sales and marketing funnels simply by typing plain English prompts in a chat interface. Whether the user needs a lead generation form, a product quiz, or a pricing calculator, the AI iteratively translates ideas into working funnels. Users can ask the AI to make further tweaks in conversations.
    • Dual editing experience with full control: The AI Agent works alongside involve.me’s drag-and-drop editor, allowing for seamless collaboration between AI-powered automation and manual customization. This hybrid approach keeps users in control.

    “Unlike tools that generate code from scratch, involve.me’s AI Agent builds with production-tested components native to our funnel platform, ensuring security, stability, and reliability from the start”, says Gozman.

    • Built by AI using native components: The AI Agent can leverage many features and building blocks of involve.me. It can implement a multi-page funnel structure, add context relevant content elements, write the required copy, map answers to outcomes and more. And involve.me plans to roll out fast iterations, adding more and more tools, with the aim of eventually making it “the most knowledgeable user of the platform”, according to Gozman.  
    • Eliminates the learning curve: New users can get started without watching tutorials or reading through the knowledge base. The AI acts as a personal assistant, turning user requests into funnel features that users can tweak conversationally or by drag & drop.
    • Agency-level output, in-house: It eliminates the need for external help, as it puts the power of expert-level funnel creation in every user’s hands. The AI Agent is like an involve.me super-user on demand, delivering results that typically require hours of training or help from an agency.
    • The AI Agent is available at no extra cost for all involve.me users, across both free and paid plans: This makes AI-powered funnel creation accessible to businesses of any size, without additional overhead.
    • It’s built on a model-agnostic foundation, supporting multiple large language models (LLMs): This flexible setup means involve.me isn’t tied to any single provider and can easily integrate more advanced models as they emerge, keeping users consistently equipped with the latest AI capabilities.

    The current beta release of the AI Agent focuses on funnel creation and editing, but this is only the initial phase of its development. The AI Agent will expand to support full design & logic customization, end-to-end workflow creation, automation, and more. As part of the beta launch, users have the opportunity to shape the future of the AI Agent by providing feedback, suggesting new use cases, and helping prioritize upcoming features in collaboration with the involve.me team.

    About involve.me

    involve.me is an AI-enhanced funnel platform designed to help businesses convert website visitors into qualified leads through interactive, conversion-optimized experiences. Featuring a powerful drag-and-drop editor, over 300 templates, and a suite of personalization features, involve.me enables users to create everything from product finders and quote calculators to lead magnets and appointment forms.

    With the launch of the chat-native AI Agent, involve.me extends its commitment to innovation, combining ease-of-use with deep customization and intelligent automation. The platform integrates with over 60 tools, supports advanced analytics, and is fully GDPR-compliant, making it a trusted solution for companies across sectors and sizes.

    For more information on involve.me’s AI Agent, please visit: involve.me/ai-agent

    Media Contact:
    Jonathan Davies        
    Content Marketer
    involve.me
    jonathan@involve.me
    +43 676 54 53 047

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Action programme to combat antigypsyism

    Source: Government of Sweden

    The action programmes intend to complement the National plan to combat racism, similar forms of hostility and hate crime, and include both measures aimed at bringing to light and combating each form of racism, and measures aimed at combating racism at large.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Action programme to combat Islamophobia

    Source: Government of Sweden

    The action programmes intend to complement the National plan to combat racism, similar forms of hostility and hate crime, and include both measures aimed at bringing to light and combating each form of racism, and measures aimed at combating racism at large.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Focus on global stocktake at COP28

    Source: Government of Sweden

    From 30 November to 12 December, the world will gather in Dubai for the UN COP28 Climate Change Conference. This year’s meeting will focus on two issues in particular: global stocktake of climate action and phasing out fossil fuels.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: International Petroleum Corporation to release Second Quarter 2025 Financial and Operational Results on August 5, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    International Petroleum Corporation (IPC) (TSX, Nasdaq Stockholm: IPCO) will publish its financial and operating results and related management’s discussion and analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 07:30 CEST, followed by an audiocast at 09:00 CEST.

    Listen to William Lundin, President and CEO, and Christophe Nerguararian, CFO, commenting on the second quarter 2025 financial and operating results and the latest developments from IPC.

    Follow the presentation live starting at 09:00 CEST on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 on www.international-petroleum.com or using the link or dial-in details below:

    Presentation Link: https://ipc.videosync.fi/2025-08-05

    Dial-in numbers

    Canada/USA:   +1 786 697 3501
    UK:  +44 33 0551 0200
    Sweden:  +46 8 5052 0424

    Password

    Quote “IPC” when prompted by the operator

    International Petroleum Corp. (IPC) is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with a high quality portfolio of assets located in Canada, Malaysia and France, providing a solid foundation for organic and inorganic growth. IPC is a member of the Lundin Group of Companies. IPC is incorporated in Canada and IPC’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the Nasdaq Stockholm under the symbol “IPCO”.

    For further information, please contact:

    Rebecca Gordon
    SVP Corporate Planning and Investor Relations
    rebecca.gordon@international-petroleum.com
    Tel: +41 22 595 10 50
      Robert Eriksson
    Media Manager
    reriksson@rive6.ch
    Tel: +46 701 11 26 15

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains statements and information which constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable securities legislation). Such statements and information (together, “forward-looking statements”) relate to future events, including the Corporation’s future performance, business prospects or opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, unless otherwise indicated. IPC does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

    All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, forecasts, guidance, budgets, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “forecast”, “predict”, “potential”, “targeting”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “believe”, “budget” and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be “forward-looking statements”.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Action programme to combat Afrophobia

    Source: Government of Sweden

    The action programmes intend to complement the National plan to combat racism, similar forms of hostility and hate crime, and include both measures aimed at bringing to light and combating each form of racism, and measures aimed at combating racism at large.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Family pay tribute to a man murdered in east London

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The family of a man who was fatally stabbed in Ilford, have paid tribute to their son describing him as having a “remarkable ability to connect with everyone he met.”

    Gurjeet Singh, 30 known as Gary, died on Wednesday, 23 July at an address in Felbrigge Road, Ilford.

    In a statement, Gary’s family said:

    “Gary was a well-loved man who had a remarkable ability to connect with everyone he met. A true social butterfly, nothing brought him more joy than being surrounded by his family. Gary will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in our hearts forever.”

    Police were called by the London Ambulance Service to reports of an altercation at a residential address. Officers attended as Gary was treated for stab wounds. Despite the best efforts of the paramedics, he sadly died at the scene.

    On Wednesday, 23 July, officers arrested Amardeep Singh, 27 (03.02.1998) of Redbridge, IG3 on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey for trial on Monday, 5 January 2026

    Detectives also arrested a 29-year-old man and three women aged 29, 30 and 54. They have all since been bailed until October 2025 while enquiries continue.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Change in Top Management at Lufthansa Airlines

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    On September 1, 2025, Francesco Sciortino will join the Executive Board of Lufthansa Airlines and take over responsibility as Hub Manager for Frankfurt. He will also become Accountable Manager for the Lufthansa airline. Francesco Sciortino is currently a Member of the Executive Board and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Austrian Airlines. Previously, he was Managing Director and Accountable Manager at Germanwings and SunExpress. Francesco Sciortino is also a captain on Airbus A330/340 aircraft at Lufthansa.

    The previous Hub Manager for Frankfurt, Klaus Froese, has taken over the role on an interim basis and is transferring to Lufthansa’s Boeing 747 fleet as a captain as planned.

    Heiko Reitz, Member of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Airlines, will take over responsibility as Hub Manager for Munich on September 1, 2025. Jens Ritter, who holds this position in addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), will focus on the further development of Lufthansa Airlines as CEO and drive forward the consistent implementation of the turnaround program for the future.

    At the beginning of 2025, Lufthansa Airlines introduced two Hub Managers with explicit responsibility for improving operational processes between the Lufthansa teams and their partners at both locations in Frankfurt and Munich. Since then, operational stability and punctuality have improved significantly, as has customer satisfaction.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Anna Politkovskaya-Arman Soldin Prize for Courage in Journalism – Call for applications

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    The Anna Politkovskaya-Arman Soldin Prize for Courage in Journalism will be awarded for the third time in early November 2025, to coincide with the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, established in 2013 by the United Nations at France’s initiative, in memory of French journalists Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, assassinated in Mali.

    The aim of this prize is to distinguish the work of journalists and photojournalists committed to carrying out their essential role of informing people, in particular in theatres of conflict or during crises.

    Through this prize, France reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the defence of freedom of the press and pays tribute to two emblematic figures of journalistic courage, killed in the performance of their duties. First, the Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, whose investigations published in the Novaya Gazeta on corruption, human rights violations and the war in Chechnya cost her her life, along with six of her colleagues. Second, the Franco-Bosnian AFP journalist and photojournalist Arman Soldin, killed on 9 May 2023 in the field, whose work helped inform the entire world of the reality of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

    In 2024, the jury decided to recognize the work of Yuval Abraha, Israeli journalist, and Basel Adra, a Palestinian journalist, which focused on Israel’s settlements in the West Bank. Both journalists also belong to the Israeli-Palestinian collective that produced the documentary “No Other Land” last year, which won an Oscar in 2025.

    Journalists wishing to apply for the 2025 prize may submit their application to presse.dcp at diplomatie.gouv.fr using this form, until midnight on 30 August 2025: download the form (Word – 37 Ko).

    The Prize is accompanied by a lump-sum of €10,000, which must be used to finance a project carried out by the prizewinner.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Euro area bank interest rate statistics: June 2025

    Source: European Central Bank

    31 July 2025

    Bank interest rates for corporations

    Chart 1

    Bank interest rates on new loans to, and deposits from, euro area corporations

    (percentages per annum)

    Data for cost of borrowing and deposit interest rates for corporations (Chart 1)

    The composite cost-of-borrowing indicator, which combines interest rates on all loans to corporations, decreased in June 2025. The interest rate on new loans of over €1 million with a floating rate and an initial rate fixation period of up to three months remained broadly unchanged at 3.29%. The rate on new loans of the same size with an initial rate fixation period of over three months and up to one year fell by 7 basis points to 3.41%. The interest rate on new loans of over €1 million with an initial rate fixation period of over ten years decreased by 17 basis points to 3.54%. In the case of new loans of up to €250,000 with a floating rate and an initial rate fixation period of up to three months, the average rate charged fell by 7 basis points to 3.71%.

    As regards new deposit agreements, the interest rate on deposits from corporations with an agreed maturity of up to one year fell by 12 basis points to 1.93% in June 2025. The interest rate on overnight deposits from corporations fell by 5 basis points to 0.53%.

    The interest rate on new loans to sole proprietors and unincorporated partnerships with a floating rate and an initial rate fixation period of up to one year decreased by 14 basis points to 3.97%.

    Table 1

    Bank interest rates for corporations

    i.r.f. = initial rate fixation
    * For this instrument category, the concept of new business is extended to the whole outstanding amounts and therefore the business volumes are not comparable with those of the other categories. Outstanding amounts data are derived from the ECB’s monetary financial institutions balance sheet statistics.

    Data for bank interest rates for corporations (Table 1)

    Bank interest rates for households

    Chart 2

    Bank interest rates on new loans to, and deposits from, euro area households

    Data for cost of borrowing and deposit interest rate for households (Chart 2)

    The composite cost-of-borrowing indicator, which combines interest rates on all loans to households for house purchase, showed no change in June 2025. The interest rate on loans for house purchase with a floating rate and an initial rate fixation period of up to one year decreased by 9 basis points to 3.61%. The rate on housing loans with an initial rate fixation period of over one and up to five years stayed almost constant at 3.41%. The interest rate on loans for house purchase with an initial rate fixation period of over five and up to ten years remained broadly unchanged at 3.47%. The rate on housing loans with an initial rate fixation period of over ten years stayed constant at 3.12%. In the same period the interest rate on new loans to households for consumption decreased by 13 basis points to 7.40%, driven by both the interest rate and the weight effects.

    As regards new deposits from households, the interest rate on deposits with an agreed maturity of up to one year decreased by 7 basis points to 1.77%. The rate on deposits redeemable at three months’ notice stayed almost constant at 1.44%. The interest rate on overnight deposits from households remained broadly unchanged at 0.27%.

    Table 2

    Bank interest rates for households

    i.r.f. = initial rate fixation
    * For this instrument category, the concept of new business is extended to the whole outstanding amounts and therefore the business volumes are not comparable with those of the other categories; deposits placed by households and corporations are allocated to the household sector. Outstanding amounts data are derived from the ECB’s monetary financial institutions balance sheet statistics.
    ** For this instrument category, the concept of new business is extended to the whole outstanding amounts and therefore the business volumes are not comparable with those of the other categories. Outstanding amounts data are derived from the ECB’s monetary financial institutions balance sheet statistics.

    Data for bank interest rates for households (Table 2)

    Further information

    The data in Tables 1 and 2 can be visualised for individual euro area countries on the bank interest rate statistics dashboard. Additionally, tables containing further breakdowns of bank interest rate statistics, including the composite cost-of-borrowing indicators for all euro area countries, are available from the ECB Data Portal. The full set of bank interest rate statistics for both the euro area and individual countries can be downloaded from ECB Data Portal. More information, including the release calendar, is available under “Bank interest rates” in the statistics section of the ECB’s website.

    For media queries, please contact Nicos Keranis, tel.: +49 69 1344 7806

    Notes:

    • In this press release “corporations” refers to non-financial corporations (sector S.11 in the European System of Accounts 2010, or ESA 2010), “households” refers to households and non-profit institutions serving households (ESA 2010 sectors S.14 and S.15) and “banks” refers to monetary financial institutions except central banks and money market funds (ESA 2010 sector S.122).
    • The composite cost-of-borrowing indicators are described in the article entitled “Assessing the retail bank interest rate pass-through in the euro area at times of financial fragmentation” in the August 2013 issue of the ECB’s Monthly Bulletin (see Box 1). For these indicators, a weighting scheme based on the 24-month moving averages of new business volumes has been applied, in order to filter out excessive monthly volatility. For this reason the developments in the composite cost of borrowing indicators in both tables cannot be explained by the month-on-month changes in the displayed subcomponents. Furthermore, the table on bank interest rates for corporations presents a subset of the series used in the calculation of the cost of borrowing indicator.
    • Interest rates on new business are weighted by the size of the individual agreements. This is done both by the reporting agents and when the national and euro area averages are computed. Thus changes in average euro area interest rates for new business reflect, in addition to changes in interest rates, changes in the weights of individual countries’ new business for the instrument categories concerned. The “interest rate effect” and the “weight effect” presented in this press release are derived from the Bennet index, which allows month-on-month developments in euro area aggregate rates resulting from changes in individual country rates (the “interest rate effect”) to be disentangled from those caused by changes in the weights of individual countries’ contributions (the “weight effect”). Owing to rounding, the combined “interest rate effect” and the “weight effect” may not add up to the month-on-month developments in euro area aggregate rates.
    • In addition to monthly euro area bank interest rate statistics for June 2025, this press release incorporates revisions to data for previous periods. Hyperlinks in the main body of the press release lead to data that may change with subsequent releases as a result of revisions. Unless otherwise indicated, these euro area statistics cover the EU Member States that had adopted the euro at the time to which the data relate.
    • As of reference period December 2014, the sector classification applied to bank interest rates statistics is based on the European System of Accounts 2010 (ESA 2010). In accordance with the ESA 2010 classification and as opposed to ESA 95, the non-financial corporations sector (S.11) now excludes holding companies not engaged in management and similar captive financial institutions.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Focus on economic empowerment and men’s violence against women

    Source: Government of Sweden

    There is a need to further explore the connections between economic empowerment and preventing men’s violence against women, including economic violence. The Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union will therefore arrange a conference on this theme on 1–2 February. Sweden’s Minister for Gender Equality and Deputy Minister for Employment Paulina Brandberg will open the conference. In addition, European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli and Carlien Scheele, European Institute for Gender Equality Director will participate.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Entry restrictions on travel from China to be lifted, but Government continues to monitor developments

    Source: Government of Sweden

    At a press conference on 16 February, Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health Jakob Forssmed announced that the temporary entry restrictions on travel from China will be lifted. The restrictions meant that travellers from China were required to present a negative COVID-19 test result. The temporary entry restrictions will cease to apply on 18 February 2023.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 5 Reasons to Consider Payroll Outsourcing

    Source: APO

    Accurate and timely payroll impacts costs, tax compliance, and employee morale. Many organisations assume that insourced payroll is inherently superior. Yet in today’s dynamic business environment, this assumption can be more costly. It can burden valuable personnel, increase compliance risks, and saddle organisations with expensive, yet obsolete, software.

    Workplaces are becoming more complex through a wide variety of employment conditions, frequent regulation changes, and growth risks (especially when operating in multiple regions). Payroll systems don’t always keep up, which is why over a third of companies are dissatisfied with their internal payroll systems (http://apo-opa.co/45tJ0Ko).

    “The importance of accurate and timely payroll is undeniable. But assuming that insourcing payroll is inherently superior misses the mark. In today’s dynamic business environment, clinging to outdated internal systems is costly, diverts valuable personnel, and complicates software management,” says Heinrich Swanepoel, Head of Business Development at Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace.

    Outsourced payroll’s strategic advantages

    Outsourcing payroll is a strategic move that adds scale and flexibility to an organisation’s operations. Whether it’s for five or five thousand employees, one office or multiple countries, using an experienced and technologically capable outsourced payroll provider creates crucial advantages in workforce management and adaptability.

    Here are five key reasons why payroll outsourcing is a game-changer:

    1. Remove Legacy System Limitations and Costs: Outdated payroll software an expose you to delays, errors, and fragmented workflows. Outsourcing with modern technology provides flexibility. Providers can efficiently handle payroll tasks regardless of onboarding surges, market expansions, or workforce adjustments.
    1. Empower Staff for Higher-Impact Work: Outsourced experts add knowledge, coupled with payroll automation, secure collaboration tools, data integration, and enhanced financial visibility. They help key personnel in payroll, HR, and finance to focus on strategic, high-value priorities.
    1. Navigate Payroll Compliance: Outsourcing specialists make it their business to know local and international tax rules, labour laws, and data regulations. They use software with built-in compliance checks, audit trails, and secure document tracking. The provider shares and even inherits the responsibility of payroll software compliance such as GDPR, POPIA, SOC 1 & 2, and ISO 27001.
    1. Flexible payroll management: Outsourced payroll providers use scalable and flexible software to align with organisational changes, enabling their clients to adapt without reconfiguring payroll departments with restructuring or new hires.
    1. Access Advanced Features: Keeping up with new features and aligning them with operations is expensive and disruptive. Outsourced payroll providers introduce cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics as part of their core business strategies. They offer seamless integration with client business systems for real-time, fully compliant payroll operations that the client controls without adding technical risks.

    Evaluating an outsourced payroll partner

    Outsourcing payroll creates huge advantages. But not all outsourced payroll providers are the same. The best candidates combine human expertise with the advantages of modern cloud-native payroll platforms.

    To evaluate a provider, test their payroll expertise and compliance knowledge. Security and data protection are non-negotiable, and assess their track record with other clients. Look at what software they use—the capabilities of the software and how well their people can use those features are as important as the staff’s professional capabilities. Are they masters of their tools as well as their craft?

    Interrogate their service levels and how they extend capabilities to clients, such as self-service and ad hoc reporting. Evaluate the technology platform in terms of real-time data access, automated calculations, integration with HR and accounting tools, and compliance.

    “Outsourcing payroll isn’t just about saving time — it’s a strategic move that positions your business for growth, compliance, and agility,” says Swanepoel. “With the right partner, you can reduce costs, streamline operations, and focus your energy where it matters most: on your people and your business.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace.

    For media queries please contact:
    Victoria Lindsay:
    victoria@innocomm.co.za.

    About Deel Local Payroll:
    Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace (www.PaySpace.com), revolutionises payroll management. It offers online, multi-country payroll and HR management for businesses from start-ups through to enterprise in over 40 African countries, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Brazil.

    Cloud-native, Deel Local Payroll, is scalable, configurable, highly secure, and easy-to-use—delivering anytime, anywhere access. It features payroll automation, self-service features, automatic legislation and feature updates, customised reporting, and more.

    Since 2024, Deel Local Payroll has been part of Deel, operating as an independent subsidiary, serving its customers through the PaySpace platform. 

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OLAF Director-General Ville Itälä concludes 7-year mandate

    Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice

    Press release no. 23/2025

    PDF version

    The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) announces the departure of Ville Itälä, who has concluded his non-renewable seven-year term as Director-General of OLAF. Itälä played a pivotal role in strengthening the EU’s fight against fraud. During his tenure, OLAF closed 1,588 investigations, recommended the recovery of over €4 billion in misused EU funds, and prevented the undue spending of more than €810 million. 

    Appointed in 2018, Mr Itälä led OLAF through a period marked by major challenges and unprecedented developments in the protection of the European Union’s financial interests – from the COVID-19 pandemic, during which OLAF prevented the undue spending of billions on fake medical supplies and vaccines, to the EU’s response to Russian invasion of Ukraine, where OLAF worked to enforce sanctions and bolster Ukraine’s anti-fraud system. 

    During Mr Itälä’s tenure, OLAF successfully concluded numerous high-profile investigations and reinforced its role as a central pillar in the EU’s anti-fraud architecture. Moreover, over the course of seven years, OLAF continuously improved its effectiveness, built capacity and competences, helped to recover misused funds, protected citizens’ health and safety and safeguarded the environment. 

    Mr Itälä also enhanced OLAF’s cooperation with key anti-fraud partners including the European Court of Auditors (ECA) Europol, Eurojust, as well as the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), whose creation he witnessed.

    “It has been an honour to lead OLAF in its vital mission of protecting European taxpayers’ money and promoting integrity within the EU institutions. I am proud of what we have achieved together – from strengthening OLAF’s investigative capabilities to fostering strong partnerships across Europe and beyond. I extend my sincere thanks to my colleagues and partners for their unwavering dedication and professionalism,” said Ville Itälä. 

    With the conclusion of Mr Itälä’s mandate, current Deputy Director-General Salla Saastamoinen will assume the role of Acting Director-General of OLAF as of 1 August 2025, ensuring continuity of leadership until the appointment of a new Director-General, the selection process of which is ongoing. 

    OLAF remains fully committed to its mission to detect, investigate and prevent fraud and other illicit activities affecting the EU budget. The Office will continue its work in close cooperation with national, EU and international partners to safeguard Union’s financial interests. 

    Background 

    In line with procedures, the Director-General is appointed via a competitive selection process, followed by public hearings at the European Parliament and a formal appointment by the European Commission. As of the end of July 2025, the selection procedure remains in progress, with candidates being evaluated in accordance with applicable rules.

    OLAF mission, mandate and competences:
    OLAF’s mission is to detect, investigate and stop fraud with EU funds.    

    OLAF fulfils its mission by:
    •    carrying out independent investigations into fraud and corruption involving EU funds, so as to ensure that all EU taxpayers’ money reaches projects that can create jobs and growth in Europe;
    •    contributing to strengthening citizens’ trust in the EU Institutions by investigating serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU Institutions;
    •    developing a sound EU anti-fraud policy.

    In its independent investigative function, OLAF can investigate matters relating to fraud, corruption and other offences affecting the EU financial interests concerning:
    •    all EU expenditure: the main spending categories are Structural Funds, agricultural policy and rural development funds, direct expenditure and external aid;
    •    some areas of EU revenue, mainly customs duties;
    •    suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions.

    Once OLAF has completed its investigation, it is for the competent EU and national authorities to examine and decide on the follow-up of OLAF’s recommendations. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent national or EU court of law.

    For further details:

    Pierluigi CATERINO
    Spokesperson
    European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    Phone: +32(0)2 29-52335  
    Email: olaf-media ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (olaf-media[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
    euantifraud.bsky.social

    If you’re a journalist and you wish to receive our press releases in your inbox, please leave us your contact data.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA outlines intent to speed up patient access to innovative medical devices

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    MHRA outlines intent to speed up patient access to innovative medical devices

    Statement of Policy Intent sets out initial thinking on a new Early Access service to help patients benefit sooner from innovative medical devices that address unmet clinical needs.

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is setting out its intention to enable earlier access to innovative medical devices that address unmet clinical needs within the NHS. As part of this, capability will be invested to establish a new Early Access service to provide time-limited, conditional access to promising technologies ahead of full regulatory approval, where there is clear clinical need and supporting evidence of benefit for patients.

    Designed to support innovators, including small and medium-sized enterprises, the Early Access service aims to help bring safe and effective medical devices to patients more quickly. Focus initially will be on innovative diagnostic devices, particularly those supporting the NHS’s most urgent needs.  

    This forms part of the MHRA’s wider contribution to the UK Government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and the 10-Year Health Plan, and supports the UK’s ambition to be a global leader in medical device innovation.

    The Early Access service will use learnings from the Unmet Clinical Need Authorisation (UCNA) tool piloted in the Innovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP), and be shaped by stakeholder engagement with key sector representatives.

    The initiative sits within a broader programme of regulatory reform, including strengthened post-market surveillance and increased international collaboration. The MHRA will continue to work with industry, clinicians, NHS leaders and other partners to shape the pathway and support growth across the UK MedTech sector.

    Notes to editors  

    1. For more information on the statement of policy intent, visit [Statement of Policy Intent: Early Access to Innovative Medical Devices] (https://gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-policy-intent-early-access-to-innovative-medical-devices)

    2. For more information on the Innovative Devices Accelerated Pathway (IDAP) visit the MHRA website: The Innovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP) – GOV.UK

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ofqual to fine WJEC after 1,500 GCSE students received wrong results

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Ofqual to fine WJEC after 1,500 GCSE students received wrong results

    Awarding body faces £350,000 penalty for breaches that led to incorrect grades and reviews of marking failures that affected nearly 4,000 other exam papers.

    Ofqual is to fine awarding organisation WJEC £350,000 in total for breaching exams rules in 2 separate cases – including one that meant over 1,500 students received the wrong GCSE grades on results day. 

    The 1,527 students who received the incorrect results had taken WJEC’s Eduqas GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition qualification in summer 2024. 

    WJEC had failed to adjust teachers’ marking of coursework – which made up 50% of the qualification – to ensure results were in line with national standards. 

    It subsequently found that, while 17,610 results did not need to be changed, 847 students received lower grades and 680 got higher grades than they should have.  

    The students who received the incorrect lower grades were eventually issued with the correct grade in October 2024. In considering Ofqual guidance, WJEC decided those who received the incorrect higher grades should keep them, to avoid unfairly penalising students who may have already used those results.  

    Ofqual is set to fine WJEC £175,000 for this case, caused by an error in WJEC’s external moderation of teachers’ marking. 

    In the second case, WJEC reported that between 2017 and 2023 it had allowed 3,926 exam papers, out of 120,094 reviews of marking across 38 Ofqual-regulated qualifications, to be reviewed by the same assessors who had originally marked at least part of them, breaking regulations. 

    In this case, WJEC will be fined another £175,000 for breaching its Conditions of Recognition concerning how it conducted ‘reviews of marking’. 

    One student had their grade increased in 2024 after a fully independent review of marking was conducted. In response to the incident, WJEC issued credit notes as financial compensation to schools and colleges, for all affected reviews, totalling just over £219,000. 

    Amanda Swann, Ofqual’s Executive Director for General Qualifications, said:

    Students must be able to trust that their results accurately reflect their performance, and what they know, understand and can do. 

    These proposed fines reflect the serious nature of WJEC’s failures and our commitment to protecting the interests of students and maintaining the integrity of our qualifications system. This includes the requirement that GCSE, AS and A levels students are entitled to an independent review of their exam marks.

    Ofqual’s enforcement panel concluded a fine was appropriate and also took into account several mitigating factors. These included that WJEC had admitted the breaches, fully accepted responsibility, taken steps to prevent the problems happening again, and engaged fully with Ofqual. 

    Ofqual has today published 2 Notice of Intention (to accept a settlement proposal) documents for each case against WJEC. The documents give more details of the cases and invite interested parties to make representations ahead of final decisions:

    We continue to work closely with WJEC to ensure the mitigations they have put in place for this summer and subsequent exam series are effective. 

    Background information 

    Ofqual’s Taking Regulatory Action Policy  sets out how it will use its powers to take regulatory action.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Flagship play centre for disabled children

    Source: Scottish Government

    Three-year funding commitment supports expanded play and family support.

    A charity that supports disabled children and young people and their families can provide 300 more places throughout the year after opening new premises in Glasgow for the first time.

    The dedicated play centre, supported with £500,000 from the Scottish Government, joins existing premises in Dundee, Fife and Edinburgh where The Yard supports disabled children and young people, and their families.

    The new facility provides children with a sensory room, play hall and outdoor space, while also providing a meeting room for parents and carers to receive family support.

    The Scottish Government funding is part of a £2 million commitment over three years from 2024-25 to support The Yard to grow its services, including tailored support, and expand its spaces for disabled children and young people to play and socialise.

    Children and Young People’s Minister Natalie Don-Innes officially opened the new facility and joined a family session as part of The Yard’s school holiday programme.

    Ms Don-Innes said:

    “Working with charities is vital to improving outcomes for disabled children and their families. Our three-year funding will help The Yard to continue to grow and support more families across Scotland.

    “This wonderful new facility, backed by £500,000 Scottish Government funding, has allowed the Yard to expand to new premises in Glasgow for the first time. The smiles on the faces of the children and families who rely on The Yard for support show what a difference this service makes to their lives.”

    Celine Sinclair, CEO of The Yard said;

    “We are incredibly proud to launch our new Glasgow service, building on the success of our centres in Edinburgh, Dundee and Fife. The Yard team provide exemplary, safe, inclusive spaces where children can play, grow and connect, while families feel supported, empowered and included. We are just thrilled to be in the West of Scotland and would like to thank Scottish Government and our funders for helping us realise this ambition.

    “Working alongside our partners in Glasgow, this new service builds on our legacy and expands our reach to meet the needs of families and schools. As we continue developing The Yard into a nationally recognised Centre of Excellence, the opening of our Glasgow centre marks a major step forward in our mission to inspire and to help build meaningful inclusion across the country.”

    Background

    Up to £2 million funding for The Yard over three financial years from 2024-25 was confirmed in October 2023, subject to due diligence and approval of the budget by the Scottish Parliament.

    Providing this additional capital and resource funding has enabled The Yard to take forward development of a site in Glasgow and refurbishment in Dundee and to expand their existing services in Edinburgh and Fife.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Exciting new future for waterfront location

    Source: City of Plymouth

    One of the Plymouth’s waterfront locations is set for an exciting future thanks to a long-term agreement with Cattewater Harbour Commissioners.

    A 30-year lease on Commercial Wharf on Madeira Road is to be granted to the commissioners who want to invest, improve and manage the location, to continue to grow the visitor economy of marine visitors to our city from the water.

    The wharf is already home to 19 boathouses, which are used for a variety of commercial purposes, including marine, storage and leisure. The site includes the quay wall, a 17th century quay from the Mayflower Steps to a public access slipway as well as a public open space.

    The commissioner’s plan is to make the area a destination in itself, to create a more welcoming feel to this historic wharf, to attract more tourists, events, visitors and marine tourism including cruise, tall ships, superyacht and leisure passengers embarking or disembarking from the nearby Barbican Landing Stage, and visitor moorings.

    Cattewater Harbour Commissioners (CHC) took back ownership and responsibility for managing and maintaining the Barbican Landing Stage from the Council in early 2023 – a decision that not only saved the Council future maintenance costs, but meant that, CHC, as the Statutory Harbour Authority, had better access to resources and expertise to maintain the safe operation of the facility.

    Council leader Tudor Evans said: “We constantly review all our assets and as we have said before, try to find creative solutions for some of our properties that can unlock jobs, opportunities and prospects – and this certainly hits the mark.

    “It just makes sense for the wider good of the city. We do not have the resources or the expertise to carry out repairs to the sea wall – they do.

    “We still retain the long-term interest in the wharf, but this deal will allow the commissioners to create something special and look after this landmark using the expertise they have on tap. I can’t wait to see what they do!”

    Captain Richard Allan, CEO and Harbour Master, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners: “As we continue to grow the number of visiting leisure vessels to the Port, and invest in nearby facilities including toilets and showers, it’s a logical next step that we take on the lease of the wharf.

    “We have thousands of visitors who’s first experience of Plymouth is coming ashore at Commercial Wharf, we want to make this experience better, and we’re looking forward to ensuring the site provides one of the best step off points in the South West.”

    Cattewater Harbour is a trust port, an independent statutory body. There are no shareholders, or owners, and any surplus generated is reinvested into the port for the benefit of its stakeholders.

    Since April 2020, the Council’s Facilities Management have spent over £400,000 including over £300,000 on capital repairs to the sea wall. Significant capital expenditure, major repair and maintenance issues remain.

    As part of the tenancy agreement CHC will ensure the wharf remains in good repair – including structures, surfaces and sea walls. They will also be responsible for keeping the public spaces neat and tidy and have agreed to invest in critical maintenance and improvements to the site.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York welcomes over £1 million to tackle economic inactivity

    Source: City of York

    The Get Britain Working Trailblazer programme is aimed at reducing economic inactivity and supporting residents into good jobs, volunteering, and training opportunities.

    The funding, totalling £1,038,250, comes from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) and will support a wide range of local projects targeting groups most affected by long-term unemployment, including young people, disabled residents, unpaid carers, and veterans.

    Peter Roderick, Director of Public Health at City of York Council, said:

    “This funding is a real opportunity to make a difference in the lives of York residents who face barriers to employment due to health or personal circumstances. We’re proud to be delivering a programme that puts people first—offering tailored support, improving wellbeing, and helping individuals find meaningful work. It’s about building a healthier, more inclusive city.”

    Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy & Culture, added:

    “This investment aligns perfectly with our Economic Strategy and our ambition to create good jobs and a thriving local economy. By working with partners across the city, we’re scaling up what works and piloting new, innovative approaches. It’s a bold step forward in unlocking York’s hidden talent and ensuring no one is left behind.”

    The funding will support 15 York-specific schemes, including mental health hubs, youth mentoring, workplace health checks, and employer engagement initiatives. It also complements wider regional programmes such as wage subsidies and primary care interventions.

    The Council has committed to delivering all projects within the 2025/26 financial year, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact. A report detailing the funding will go to a joint councillor decision session on 5 August.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Philippines is a troublemaker in the South China Sea – Chinese Defense Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 30 (Xinhua) — The Philippines is a troublemaker and a source of danger in the South China Sea (SCS), Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said.

    Zhang Xiaogang made the remarks at a press conference on Wednesday, commenting on the Philippine defense minister’s statement that the Philippine military will resolutely respond to China’s “aggressive” actions in the South China Sea and reports that the Philippines is strengthening defense cooperation with the United States, Australia, Japan and India.

    The official representative called such statements a complete distortion of the facts and an attempt to shift the blame.

    The territorial boundaries of the Philippines have long been defined by a number of international treaties, and the islands in the South China Sea are outside these boundaries, Zhang Xiaogang noted.

    He noted that the Philippine side, however, illegally occupies individual reefs and islands of the Nansha Archipelago, which belongs to China, often provokes and creates obstacles for China at sea, and even condones extra-regional forces in escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

    China remains steadfast in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests, and will continue to resolutely oppose the Philippines’ encroachments and provocative actions in accordance with laws and regulations, Zhang Xiaogang concluded. –0–

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: China hopes relevant countries will not be manipulated by forces advocating for “Taiwan independence” – Chinese Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 30 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Wednesday expressed hope that countries that have established so-called “diplomatic ties” with Taiwan will not be repeatedly manipulated and used by forces advocating for “Taiwan independence.”

    “Instead, they should look into the situation, realize their mistakes, return to the right path and make the right decision as soon as possible that is in line with the historical trend and meets the long-term interests of their people,” the Chinese diplomat said at a regular departmental briefing.

    Guo Jiakun made the remarks while commenting on reports that Taiwanese leader Lai Qingde had postponed his visit to Latin American countries that have established so-called “diplomatic ties” with Taiwan because the United States did not allow him to make a transit stop in New York.

    The official representative recalled that the one-China principle is one of the basic norms of international relations and the general consensus of the international community. According to him, adhering to the one-China principle is great international justice, the cherished wish of the people, and the general trend of the times.

    The Lai Qingde administration’s separatist provocations will never succeed, they will not shake the firm international commitment to the one-China principle, and they will not be able to stop the historical trend toward China’s complete reunification, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman concluded. -0-

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia has already acquired immunity to Western sanctions – Russian President’s press secretary

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Moscow, July 30 (Xinhua) — Russia’s economy has already managed to develop immunity to Western sanctions, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, commenting on U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to introduce new restrictive measures.

    “We have been living under a huge number of sanctions for quite a long time. Our economy operates under a huge number of restrictions. Therefore, of course, we have already developed a certain immunity in this regard,” he said, answering a question about preparations for the introduction of new restrictions.

    Earlier, D. Trump announced that he was reducing the 50-day deadline he had set for reaching a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine to 10 days. If the negotiations fail, he plans to introduce new import duties, sanctions or “something else.” –0–

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Foreign Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BISHKEK, July 30 (Xinhua) — Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev on Wednesday met with his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov, who arrived in Kyrgyzstan on an official visit, the press service of the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry reported.

    As reported, the parties discussed a wide range of issues of Kyrgyz-Uzbek bilateral cooperation, exchanged views on current regional and international issues, and identified specific steps to implement the agreements reached at the level of heads of state and heads of government of the two countries.

    The ministers noted with satisfaction the high level of political dialogue and the dynamics of bilateral contacts at the highest and high levels. They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and expressed their readiness to continue joint efforts to bring Kyrgyz-Uzbek relations to a qualitatively new level.

    The parties also discussed cooperation in international and regional organizations, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. As noted, cooperation in these structures remains a key element of the partnership between the two countries.

    The heads of the foreign ministries of the two states confirmed their readiness to continue coordinating approaches to key regional and global issues, and also outlined specific joint measures to implement the Cooperation Program between the Foreign Ministries of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan for 2025-2026.

    “During the meeting, promising areas for further cooperation were identified and a schedule of upcoming events at the highest level was agreed upon,” the press service said in a statement. –0–

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: China deeply concerned about humanitarian catastrophe for Gaza population – Chinese Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 30 (Xinhua) — China is deeply concerned about the humanitarian catastrophe facing the people of the Gaza Strip and calls on all parties involved, especially Israel, to immediately stop military operations in Gaza and prevent a humanitarian crisis of an even greater scale, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday.

    The humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave is reportedly a major concern for the international community. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have raised the possibility of recognizing a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly. Meanwhile, Israel’s security cabinet is still considering the option of a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip and a blockade of cities where the Palestinian Hamas movement operates.

    Answering a question on the matter at a press briefing, Guo Jiakun said China is closely monitoring the current situation in the enclave and opposes Israel’s further escalation of military action in the region.

    “We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian catastrophe facing the people of the Gaza Strip. It has been 21 months since the new round of conflict began, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza has never been so dire,” the Chinese diplomat said.

    He cited a recent World Health Organization statement that of the 74 malnutrition deaths in Gaza since the start of the year, 63 occurred this month, including 25 children, in the latest evidence of a humanitarian catastrophe in the Palestinian enclave.

    “We call on the parties concerned, especially Israel, to immediately cease military action in Gaza, lift the blockade and siege of the enclave, fully restore humanitarian access there and prevent a wider humanitarian crisis,” the official representative stressed.

    Noting that the Palestinian issue remains a key issue in the Middle East, Guo Jiakun stated that a solution based on the principle of “two states for two peoples” is the only way out and China firmly supports the Palestinian people in establishing an independent State of Palestine.

    “China is willing to continue to cooperate with the international community to end the fighting in Gaza as soon as possible, ease the humanitarian crisis, realize the two-state solution, and achieve a comprehensive, fair and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman concluded. –0–

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: 8 dead, 18 missing after heavy rains hit northern China county /more details/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    SHIJIAZHUANG, July 30 (Xinhua) — Eight people have been killed and 18 others are missing following recent heavy rains in Xinglong County, north China’s Hebei Province, local authorities said Wednesday.

    The heavy rains caused serious damage to some villages in Liudaohe Township, the emergency rescue headquarters said, adding that the search and rescue operation was ongoing. –0–

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Defense Ministry urges relevant countries to approach Taiwan-related issues with caution

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 30 (Xinhua) — Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang on Wednesday called on relevant countries to exercise utmost caution when handling Taiwan-related issues.

    Zhang Xiaogang made the statement in response to recent reports that the United States did not allow Taiwanese leader Lai Qingde to make a planned “transit stop” in New York during his trip to Latin America.

    Zhang Xiaogang stressed that China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between any country and the Chinese region of Taiwan.

    “We urge the United States to strictly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, handle Taiwan-related issues with the utmost caution, and make joint efforts to promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relations,” the spokesman said.

    Commenting on reports that the US sent several active and retired military personnel as observers to the so-called Hanguang 41 exercises in Taiwan, Zhang Xiaogang stressed that the Taiwan issue is an exclusively internal affair of China that does not allow any external interference.

    He noted that China is firmly opposed to any form of collusion between the United States and Taiwan in the military sphere.

    The spokesman also warned Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party administration that any attempt to secure American support for its push for “Taiwan independence” and resist Chinese reunification by force was doomed to failure. -0-

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia’s Aeroflot Stabilizes Flight Schedule After IT Systems Failure

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Moscow, July 30 /Xinhua/ — Russian airline Aeroflot has fully stabilized its flight schedule after a major failure in its information systems, the company’s press service reported on Wednesday.

    On Tuesday, Aeroflot operated all 216 scheduled paired flights departing from Moscow and all 73 flights of the regional program. The airline’s official website and booking system are working correctly.

    On July 28, Aeroflot reported that there had been a failure in the company’s IT infrastructure, and dozens of flights had been cancelled. According to the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office, the failure was caused by a hacker attack, and a criminal case has been opened for unauthorized access to computer information. –0–

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