NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI USA: Let’s Make America Healthy Again

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    I had the honor of attending the swearing-in ceremony for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after being confirmed Secretary of Health and Human Services.
    The ceremony was held in the Oval Office, a unique honor. 
    I’m looking forward to working with Secretary Kennedy in his commitment to radical transparency and conquering chronic illness. I believe this is a watershed moment for America. 
    The Make American Healthy Again movement held a press conference after RFK Jr’s swearing-in. Watch my remarks here, but the entire MAHA press conference with Del Bigtree is well worth watching. Truth is about to be revealed.

    The Senate DOGE Caucus met with Elon Musk, and I gave him my variance sheet comparing a reasonable pre-pandemic level of spending to this year’s outrageous $7.3 trillion. In 2019, the federal government spent $4.4 trillion. 
    We need to turn Elon’s brilliant DOGE efforts into long-term savings. Here’s the chart I shared with Elon. I’m an accountant and I’ve long been frustrated by how little Washington talks about the actual numbers. Three years ago, I asked my colleagues and the Washington press corps what the federal government spent and no one knew.  

    On February 21, I joined the Clay & Buck Show and the discussion turned to Ukraine. I was at Zelensky’s inauguration and he told me in 2019 he knew war with Putin was unwinnable. This war never should have started and never should have gone on this long. 
    On March 2, I joined The Cats Roundtable with John Catsimatidis to talk about Zelensky’s Oval Office meeting. President Trump is dedicated to peace and ending war with out-of-the-box thinking. 

    The American people deserve a full accounting of Joe Biden’s activities. 
    I sent another letter to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) highlighting multiple requests — some dating back to June 2021 — for records relating to Joe Biden and his family business dealings. For years, NARA failed to provide the requested records to both Sen. Chuck Grassley and myself. 
    Although former President Biden is no longer in office and he pardoned his son Hunter and other family members, we believe it is of importance to review these records so the American people have a full accounting of Joe Biden and his family’s activities while Joe Biden was in government. 
    READ: Fox News — Grassley, Johnson demand NARA turn over Biden records relating to email aliases, family business dealings

    Congratulations to Finn Peterson, a junior at the Prairie School in Racine, for earning a spot in the U.S. Senate Page Program this semester. 
    Pages play an important role in the daily operation of the Senate. They live in Washington, D.C. for the semester and attend Page School while working in the U.S. Senate. Pages deliver correspondence and legislative material within the Capitol and Senate office buildings, prepare the Chamber for Senate sessions, and work on the Senate floor.
    Contact my office and the Senate Page Coordinator for more information on the program for 16 or 17-year-olds in their junior year of high school.

    I had the pleasure of meeting Meredith Clark, a senior at Green Lake High School, and her dad. Clark is a national recipient of the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. She plans to attend Ripon College and then veterinary school at Colorado State University. 
    Samsung funds these scholarships to show appreciation for U.S. veterans who came to Korea’s aid during its struggle against communist forces in the Korean War.

    A group from Wisconsin’s Disabled American Veterans (DAV) was in Washington. The organization has over 14,000 members in Wisconsin and helps provide resources and fulfill promises made to our nation’s Veteran heroes. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Highlights Stories of WA Businesses, Farms, Organizations Harmed by Trump’s Illegal Funding Freezes Ahead of Joint Address

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray has been a leading voice calling out the Trump administration for illegally freezing hundreds of billions of dollars owed to communities across the country, including hundreds of millions of dollars for Washington state
    ***WATCH VIDEO HERE; DOWNLOAD HERE***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a virtual press conference with businesses and organizations across Washington state—from Bremerton, to Skagit County, to Vancouver, to Okanogan—who are being harmed by Trump’s ongoing illegal freezes on vast swaths of federal funding owed to Washington state and communities across the country, putting critical projects, jobs, and entire businesses at risk. Senator Murray has been raising the alarm nonstop and working to get out information on what Trump’s illegal funding freezes mean for people across the country since his Day One Executive Orders went into effect—these illegal Executive Orders are right now blocking hundreds of billions of dollars in funding from going out the door.
    Joining Senator Murray for the press conference today were: Michael Frazier, Executive Director of Viva Farms in Skagit County; Rena Shawver, Executive Director of Okanogan County Community Action Council in Okanogan; Richard Schwarz, the CEO of Safe Boats in Bremerton; and Greg Franks, President of Manor Management Services, the management agency for Smith Tower in Vancouver. All four speakers represent businesses and organizations that have had federal funding they are owed frozen, cut off, or thrown into uncertainty because of the illegal actions of this administration.
    Ahead of President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress, Senator Murray is lifting up the stories of real people in Washington state who are being hurt by Donald Trump’s reckless and illegal moves—from his indiscriminate mass firings across the federal workforce that will undermine services we all rely on and put lives at risk, to his illegal funding freezes that are seriously harming businesses and organizations across Washington state and putting them in financial jeopardy. Senator Murray’s statement on why she won’t be attending the Joint Address tonight is HERE.
    “Despite what we may hear later tonight—the true state of our union is that Musk and Trump have ground it to a halt, by blocking important funding in total disregard of the law and total lack of concern over how their actions put American jobs at risk,” Senator Murray said on the press call today. “You won’t hear that from Trump tonight. But I can tell you—we are hearing it at my office, where the phones are still ringing off the hook with calls from business owners, farmers, workers, cities, Tribes, nonprofits, and so many other people who are seeing what this funding freeze means for the work they do, for the people they serve, and are desperate to raise the alarm. Trump and Musk may not want to hear about the damage they are causing—but I am not going to let them ignore it.”
    “Viva Farms is a Skagit and King County based nonprofit farm-business training organization and incubator farm with a 15-year history of success growing the next generation of farmers. Our main focus is economic development: supporting farmers on their path to viability while supporting the larger food and agricultural economy. And, as a training program, we are concerned with the next generation of farmers; who will grow our food for the future? Including Viva’s Team, dozens of farm owners and their employees, over 100 people earn their livelihoods directly through our work, and all of this is at risk because of the current funding freeze,” said Michael Frazier, Executive Director of Viva Farms, based in Skagit County. Right now, because of Trump’s Executive Orders and subsequent actions to recall contracted federal funding, Viva Farms’ future is uncertain—they are unable to access a total of about $5 million awarded, multi-year federal grants, $1 million of which was to be spent this year. The loss of these funds could be catastrophic to the future of Viva Farms and many of the farmers they serve.
    “Rural safety net programs for disaster relief, emergency assistance for basic needs, and job support are essential to the economic health of our entire community. The kind of programming that will run out of these facilities provide a safety net for working families and people in crisis. We hope to see the funding for these resiliency hubs come through soon,” said Rena Shawver, Executive Director of Okanogan County Community Action Council (OCCAC) in Okanogan, which supports working families and low-income residents with lifeline emergency services that help them get back on their feet. Right now, Trump’s Day One Executive Orders are blocking a $20 million Community Change Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for OCCAC from moving forward—this funding will create a Food Hub to store the county’s food for assistance programs, and a multipurpose Community Center in Omak that would house job-training, daycare, energy assistance, and other programs to help the community become more resilient to the effects of poverty and disasters. The award was announced in December 2024 and the facility has been in design and development for over a decade. EPA was working on the contract with OCCAC for the funds when the freeze occurred; OCCAC now has not heard from the EPA since January 24th.
    “We design and manufacture aluminum boats for coast guards, militaries, first responders. We’re a 100 percent employee-owned small business… Following the Executive Order that paused foreign assistance programs, we received stop work orders for all of our foreign military and security cooperation contracts that were issued through the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL). The majority of those boats were already in production and partially completed. Then we received additional stop work orders for the Mark VI patrol boats that we’re currently building for Ukraine, as well as for all the weapons systems for the Island-class Coast Guard cutters that are being refurbished for Ukraine by another shipyard. The Ukraine contract was stopped even though we have four boats completely done, two more in production, and have ordered most of the long lead materials for the remaining two. And now we’re being asked questions that lead us to at least fear that it’s possible that that contract could be cancelled in its entirety… In total, about 90 employees out of our total of 300 have been affected by these stop work orders. And then probably the most serious immediate concern is that late last month, we were also notified that we were not going to be paid for the work that we had completed on these programs—our invoices were issued after the Executive Order, but prior to the stop work orders on these contracts. That policy affects several millions of dollars worth of invoices and is clearly contrary to the terms of our contracts,” said Richard Schwarz, CEO of Bremerton-based Safe Boats International. SAFE Boats’ operations have been significantly disrupted since Trump took office—the company was told to stop building ships for partnered countries and wait for a 90-day review before it can restore the manufacturing or before contracts are canceled. Six SAFE Boats contracts awarded by the Navy, State Department, and Coast Guard have been placed on hold.
    “After nearly 60 years of local organized labor leaders coming together and providing 170 affordable rental homes in Vancouver, Washington, to low- and extremely-low-income seniors, Smith Tower is in need of improvements to preserve the affordability and the structure for the next 60 years or more. Our government must ensure the predictable and timely delivery of funding commitments already made by HUD and EPA in order to avoid additional costs which could derail the project entirely and put at risk the stability and safety of these seniors’ homes and hundreds of jobs,” said Greg Franks, President of Manor Management Services, the management agency for Smith Tower in Vancouver, Washington. Smith Tower was awarded a $10 million loan through HUD’s Green and Resilient Retrofit Program in 2024, as well as an $11.5 million loan from EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund—this funding, although already awarded, is currently frozen by the Trump administration and at risk.
    Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered on today’s press call, are below and video is HERE:
    “Thank you so much for coming on today and sharing your stories; it is so important that people hear what is happening to all of you.
    “As we all know, President Trump is coming to Congress tonight to give what is called the State of the Union, but I don’t think it’s right to call it a State of the Union because he’s going to be really ignoring the state of emergency that he and Elon have created through a very reckless and illegal funding freeze, and massive cuts.
    “We have seen Trump put on this show before, and he is going to blow by the facts and reality of the harm that’s been caused, regardless of what’s actually happening—regardless of what’s actually happening, he’ll probably say that the state of the union is strong.
    “Maybe for billionaires like him and Elon Musk—but I will tell you, for families across the country, for our small businesses, for our farms and people in Washington state who are just trying to get by, he has made life harder and made things a lot worse.
    “He gave the richest man in the world the keys to the kingdom. And now, they’re cutting off funding that Congress, all of us, passed—and they’re doing it left and right.
    “This is not making us safer. It is not making us stronger. It’s causing chaos, and it is costing us jobs.
    “The illegal funding freeze is choking off funding for infrastructure and energy projects, investments to lower people’s electric bills.
    “It is grinding cancer research to a halt, as researchers now are being cut off from the funds that they need to do things like replenish their basic lab supplies.
    “It is putting our family farms and businesses in jeopardy, as farmers who took steps like installing solar panels, or upgrading their greenhouses—helping them save money while counting on federal assistance they were promised—they’re suddenly being stiffed by the billionaires who are now running the government.
    “The freeze is hurting our forests and our parks. It is endangering our families, as groups like the Northwest Youth Corp have to suspend their crews and interns because their funds have been frozen—even funds for work they had already completed!
    “It is hurting organizations like Safe Boats, which you will hear from in a minute. And they do the work that is critical to our national security—they will tell you about that—and now the Trump administration is really putting them in financial straits.
    “Not to mention Tribes across our state who are still waiting on funding they were owed.
    “Or in Waitsburg, Washington, where the frozen funding is risking their water main bursting—they can’t now get access a grant for a project to protect drinking water from flooding and earthquakes, wildfires and more. It is frozen; they can’t get to it.
    “So, despite what we are going to hear tonight here, the true state of our nation is that Musk and Trump have ground it to a halt because they are blocking important funding—in total disregard of the law, by the way—and total lack of concern over how their actions put Americans and American jobs at risk.
    “Probably won’t hear that from Trump tonight—but I can tell you, we are hearing it in my office. The phones are still ringing off the hook with calls from business owners, farmers, workers, cities, Tribes, nonprofits, so many people who are seeing what this funding freeze means for the work they are doing, for the people that they serve, and they are desperate to raise the alarm.
    “You know, this is not like turning a light switch on and off, no harm is done. This is like fighting a fire, one President Trump himself set—and as long as they ignore this problem, or worse, keep fanning the flames—the worse it is going to get.
    “Now, we have seen the impact we can have by speaking out. When everybody raising their voices and saying ‘we don’t want our country to be behaving like this.’ We have seen that if we raise the alarm, and raise our voices, and bring enough shame down on their heads—it is possible to get this administration to reverse the course.
    “But we also know, we’ve got to be loud. We’ve got to be clear about what is at stake.
    “They may not want to hear about the damage they are causing—but I am not going to let them ignore it.
    “That is why tonight I am holding this call, so we can lift up the stories of people who actually are on the receiving end of Trump and Musk’s devastating freeze and who can say a bit, tell us about what is at stake for them, their communities, our country, if we don’t get things back on track.
    “So I really appreciate all of you in coming on this today and sharing your stories so people understand what’s at stake and what’s happening to you.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Fires used to terrify city residents. New research suggests climate change could see this fear return

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Bowman, Professor of Pyrogeography and Fire Science, University of Tasmania

    Fire rages in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles in January 2025 eley archives/Shutterstock

    For centuries, fire was one of the major fears for city-dwellers. Dense cities built largely of wood could – and did – burn. In 1666, a fire in a bakery went on to destroy two-thirds of the city of London, leaving 85% of residents homeless. In 1871, fire burned out huge areas of Chicago. In World War II, bombing raids by Allied forces largely destroyed cities such as Dresden in Germany and Tokyo in Japan.

    The threat of large-scale urban fires drove authorities to spend more on urban firefighting and require buildings to use less flammable material. Fire alarms, fire engines and automatic sprinklers have done much to reduce the chance of uncontrolled spread.

    But will our sense of safety endure in the age of climate change? In January, we saw swathes of Los Angeles burn – even in the northern winter. Driven by low humidity and high winds, numerous large fires encroached on the city, destroying outlying suburbs. Climate change made the fires worse, according to climate scientists.

    Now we have new research on the question of whether climate change will make large city fires more likely. A research team from China, Singapore and Australia have gathered a decade’s worth of data on fires from almost 3,000 cities in 20 nations, home to one-fifth of the world’s population.

    The researchers found for every 1°C increase in air temperature, outdoor fires (rubbish and landfill) increase 4.7% and vehicle fires 2.5%. If the world accelerates its burning of fossil fuels under a high emissions scenario compatible with a 4.3°C temperature rise by century’s end, outdoor fires in cities would soar 22% and vehicle fires 11%. But building fires are projected to actually fall 5%. Thankfully, this emissions scenario is now less likely.

    The Great Fire of London destroyed most of the city in 1666.
    HodagMedia/Shutterstock

    What did this research find?

    To make these findings, the researchers aggregated the fire incident data from 2,847 cities located in 20 countries over the 2011–20 decade and analysed them to see how air temperature influences the frequency of three types of fires: outdoor, structural and vehicle. They found a strong correlation.

    Of the 20 nations, New Zealand looks likely to have the highest increase in fires, soaring 140% over 2020 figures by 2100.

    When we think of fires in a city, we usually think of structural fires – a building going up in flames.

    The research suggests building fires would actually decrease 5% by 2100. This is unexpected, and might suggest uncertainty about this finding.

    Interestingly, this research found the fewest structural fires occurred at air temperatures of 24°C, a temperature which humans find optimal. When it’s hotter or cooler than that, more buildings catch fire.

    Why? It’s likely due to our behaviour. We spend more time indoors when it’s very cold or very hot outside, which the authors suggest could make us more likely to accidentally cause fires by using electrical appliances and fireplaces which have a fire risk.

    By contrast, outdoor and vehicle fires do increase linearly as temperatures rise. Most vehicle fires come from an equipment or heat source failure, which are both likely to increase as temperatures rise. We are also more likely to have a car crash when it’s hotter, and vehicle fires often come after a crash.

    Vehicle fires will become more common as the climate changes, according to this research.
    Rodrigo Teixeira/Pexels, CC BY-NC-ND

    Outdoor fires become more likely because heat dries out fuels and favours fire spread. Rubbish dumps can spontaneously catch fire when temperatures are too high – even underground. This happens because chemical reactions are accelerated in warmer temperatures, causing waste materials to heat up faster. If the extra heat isn’t dissipated, waste can become so hot that it catches fire on its own.

    We should take these estimates with a grain of salt. This is because they project recent statistical patterns into an uncertain future, and draw on a data set not perfectly suited to the task. The data set stops in 2020, before the electric vehicle transition gathered speed. EVs have a different risk profile for accidental fires.

    As the authors note, there are large barriers to getting a coherent understanding of fire risk. “Despite multiple efforts, we have been unsuccessful in obtaining fire data from Africa and South America,” they write.

    Their estimates also relate to a high-emissions future which is hopefully becoming less likely, though the general pattern of the results are similar under less severe climate projections.

    Most importantly, it’s not yet clear why temperature influences urban fires. This uncertainty raises questions over whether simple projections of current patterns into the future are realistic or appropriate.

    Cities aflame?

    Arguably the most important contribution of this new research is to show us that our cities are not inherently protected from fire.

    For city authorities, this research points to the need to manage combustible materials, from piles of mulch to dry urban parks and even home gardens. Storage yards, rubbish dumps and recycling centres will also need to be managed.

    Fire used to be a major concern for cities, and it could be again. Cities and fire are uneasy bedfellows, and climate change will worsen the situation.

    David Bowman is an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow and also receives funding from the New South Wales Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre, and Natural Hazards Research Australia.

    Calum Cunningham receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Fires used to terrify city residents. New research suggests climate change could see this fear return – https://theconversation.com/fires-used-to-terrify-city-residents-new-research-suggests-climate-change-could-see-this-fear-return-251056

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: America or Europe? Why Trump’s Ukraine U-turn is a fork in the road for New Zealand

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato

    The aftermath of one of the most undiplomatic – and notorious – White House meetings in recent history reveals a changed world.

    Having berated Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky for supposedly not wanting peace with Russia and failing to show sufficient gratitude to the United States, President Donald Trump has now paused all military aid to Ukraine.

    This equates to about 40% of the beleaguered nation’s military support. If the gap is not quickly covered by other countries, Ukraine will be severely compromised in its defence against the Russian invasion.

    This has happened while the Russian army is making slow but costly gains along the front in eastern Ukraine. Trump’s goal appears to be to force Zelensky to accept a deal he does not want, and which may be illegal under international law.

    New Zealand is a long way from that front line, but the implications of Trump’s unilateral abandonment of Ukraine still create a serious foreign policy problem.

    Aside from its unequivocal condemnation of Russia’s actions, New Zealand has provided Defence Force personnel for training, intelligence, logistics and liaison to the tune of nearly NZ$35 million. The government has also given an additional $32 million in humanitarian assistance.

    At the same time, New Zealand has supported global legal efforts to hold Russia to account at both the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. With Trump undermining these collective actions, New Zealand faces some stark choices.

    Allies at war

    While a genuine ceasefire and eventual peace in Ukraine are the right aims, Trump’s one-sided proposal has involved direct talks between Russia and the US, excluding all other parties, including the actual victims of Russian aggression.

    With eery parallels to the Munich Agreement of 1938 between Nazi Germany, Britain, France and Italy, peace terms could be dictated to the innocent party. Ukraine may have to sacrifice part of its territory in the hope a wider peace prevails.

    In exchange, Ukraine may be given some type of “security assurance”. But what that arrangement would look like, and what kind of peacekeeping force might be acceptable to Russia, remains unclear.

    If the current UK and European ceasefire proposals fail, Europe could be pulled more directly into the conflict. Since the Trump rebuff, European leaders are embracing Zelenskyy more tightly, wary of an emboldened Russia threatening other states with substantial Russian populations such as in Estonia and Latvia.

    European boots on the ground in Ukraine could escalate the existing war into a much larger and more dangerous conflict. The complexities of this new reality are now spilling over in the United Nations.

    A fork in the road

    While the Security Council finally agreed on a broad statement in favour of a lasting peace, just what that might look like has seen opposing resolutions in the General Assembly.

    On February 18, 53 countries, including New Zealand, voted in favour of a resolution condemning Russian aggression and calling for the return of Ukrainian territory. The resolution passed, but the US, Russia, Belarus and North Korea voted against it.

    The US then put up its own resolution calling for peace, without recognising Russian aggression or the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory. New Zealand supported this, too.

    Those two votes clearly signal a fork-in-the-road moment for New Zealand.

    As well as the wider consequences and potential precedents of any Ukraine peace settlement for security in Europe and the Pacific region, there is the immediate problem of supporting Ukraine.

    With the US and Europe – both traditional allies of New Zealand – now deeply divided, whatever path the government chooses will directly affect present and future security arrangements – including any possible “pillar two” membership of AUKUS.

    Potentially complicating matters further, Trump’s civilian lieutenant Elon Musk has publicly advocated for the US leaving the UN and NATO. Whether or not that happens, the threat alone underscores the gravity of the current situation.

    No option without risk

    Ultimately, if Trump decides to force Zelensky to the negotiating table against his will, and Europe continues urging and supporting him to fight on, New Zealand will have to take sides. It cannot take both.

    The National-led coalition government will either have to abandon the stance New Zealand has taken on the Russian invasion over the past three years, or wait for Europe’s response and align with efforts to support a rules-based international order.

    The first option would mean stepping back from that traditional foreign policy position, cutting military support for Ukraine (and trusting the Trump process), and probably ending sanctions against Russia and diplomatic efforts for legal accountability.

    The other path would mean spending more on military aid, and possibly deploying more defence personnel to help fill the gap Trump has created.

    No option is without risk. But, on balance, the European approach to international affairs seems closer to New Zealand’s worldview than the one currently articulated by the Trump administration.

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

    – ref. America or Europe? Why Trump’s Ukraine U-turn is a fork in the road for New Zealand – https://theconversation.com/america-or-europe-why-trumps-ukraine-u-turn-is-a-fork-in-the-road-for-new-zealand-251459

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Subbies deserve safety at work too

    Source: Worksafe New Zealand

    A forestry subcontractor was failed by poor risk management from the two businesses above him, both of which have been sentenced for their inaction.

    39-year-old Misha Tremel was killed while manually felling trees on a small block at Clevedon in June 2022. The qualified tree feller had been brought in by Turoa Logging Limited, which was harvesting 7,800 tonnes of pine on behalf of the forest managers Pulley Contracting Limited.

    The trees being manually cut by Mr Tremel were windthrown, meaning they had been bent and damaged by wind. WorkSafe and the forestry industry strongly recommend that such trees are harvested using machines.

    WorkSafe’s investigation found Turoa Logging had not properly reassessed its harvesting plan after nearby trees were cut by machinery and had not ensured safe felling practices were followed. Pulley Contracting did not do enough to identify the ongoing risks to workers and should have been auditing Turoa Logging more thoroughly.

    “Businesses must manage their risks and cannot contract their way out of responsibility. Contractors on smaller sites like this are owed the same level of care as those in large-scale operations,” says WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Paul West.

    Mr Tremel was a much-loved husband and father who was originally from Ukraine. His death continues to be a shattering loss for his young family to process.

    “Businesses must consult, cooperate and coordinate as part of a contracting chain. WorkSafe recommends health and safety is always built into contract management,” says Paul West.

    Forestry had the highest fatality rate of any sector in 2024, with 16.58 deaths per 100,000 workers. Under its new strategy, WorkSafe is turning about 15 percent of its targeted frontline activity to the forestry sector because of the high rate of harm, particularly for Maōri.

    WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. When they do not, we will take action.

    Read more about health and safety obligations in contracting

    Background

    • Turoa Logging Limited and Pulley Contracting Limited were sentenced at Manukau District Court on 4 March 2025.
    • Both companies were ordered to pay a combined total of $335,680 in fines and reparation
    • Both companies were charged under sections 36(1)(a), 48(1) and (2)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015:
      • Being a PCBU having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, while the workers were at work in the business or undertaking, did fail to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed workers to a risk of death or serious injury.
    • The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.

    Media contact details

    For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively:

    Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Blasts Trump for Abandoning Ukraine, Calls Out Defense Under Secretary Nominee for Failing to Clearly State Russia Started the War

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    March 04, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee—criticized President Trump’s dangerous decision to halt all military aid to Ukraine, abandoning our democratic partner as they defend themselves against Putin’s unjustified war of choice and undermining U.S. interests at home and abroad. Additionally, Duckworth pressed Trump’s Under Secretary of Defense for Policy nominee, Elbridge Colby, on whether he would state clearly that Russia invaded Ukraine. Mr. Colby refused to answer. Duckworth’s full remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.
    “Donald Trump’s decision to pause all military aid to Ukraine is a shameful abandonment of our democratic partners, our interests and our fundamental American values,” said Duckworth. “As this Administration continues to surrender to Putin and weaken our national security, I pushed Mr. Colby to state clearly that Russia invaded Ukraine. His inability to acknowledge basic, public facts about Russia’s unjustified war against Ukraine demonstrated that he is unfit to lead our brave men and women in uniform and make policy decisions at the Pentagon.”
    Duckworth has repeatedly spoken out in response to President Trump’s capitulation to Vladimir Putin and Russia. Last week, Duckworth joined her fellow Democratic colleagues on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in issuing a statement condemning Trump and Vice President Vance’s rhetoric during their meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
    Duckworth has repeatedly pressed Trump’s nominees to clearly state that Russia invaded Ukraine. Last week, Duckworth pressed Deputy Secretary of Defense nominee Stephen Feinberg to admit that Russia was the one who started the war. Ultimately, Mr. Feinberg refused to answer. Trump’s nominees’ inability to plainly state that Russia invaded Ukraine emboldens Russia and our foreign adversaries while weakening relationships with our democratic partners and allies.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Tenaris completes its USD700 Million Share Buyback Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LUXEMBOURG, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tenaris S.A. (NYSE and Mexico: TS and EXM Italy: TEN) (“Tenaris”) announced today the completion of its USD700 million Share Buyback Program announced on November 10, 2024 (the “Program”).

    During the Program, which ran from November 11, 2024, to (and including) March 4, 2025, the Company purchased a total of 36,862,132 ordinary shares, representing 3.17% of the total issued share capital at the beginning of the Program, for a total consideration of €668,198,121, or approx. USD700 million.

    As of March 4, 2025, the Company held in treasury 90,762,598 ordinary shares (including 53,900,466 ordinary shares bought pursuant to the USD 1.2 billion Share Buyback Program), equal to 7.81% of the total issued share capital.

    Tenaris intends to cancel treasury shares purchased under the Program in due course.

    Details of the above transactions are available on Tenaris’s corporate website under the Share Buyback Program Section https://ir.tenaris.com/share-buyback-program.

    Some of the statements contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements. These risks include but are not limited to risks arising from uncertainties as to future oil and gas prices and their impact on investment programs by oil and gas companies.

    Tenaris is a leading global supplier of steel tubes and related services for the world’s energy industry and certain other industrial applications.

    Giovanni Sardagna        
    Tenaris
    1-888-300-5432
    www.tenaris.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei Cloud Stack Announces Six Scenario-specific Solutions for Carriers to Drive Efficiency, Revenue Growth, and Digital Inclusion

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Cloud Stack Announces Six Scenario-specific Solutions for Carriers to Drive Efficiency, Revenue Growth, and Digital Inclusion

    [Barcelona, Spain, March 4, 2025] At MWC 2025, during the Huawei Cloud Carrier Forum, themed “Take a Cloud Leap to Transform from Telco to Techco”, Huawei released six Huawei Cloud Stack-based scenario-specific solutions for carriers around the world, as well as a Telco2Techco Cloud Leap Program. They aim to help carriers enhance operational efficiency and generate new revenue streams through cloud innovation.
    Shang Haifeng, President of Huawei’s Huawei Cloud Stack Business Dept, delivering an opening speech through digital human

    Today, more and more carriers are transforming themselves from traditional telecommunications companies (telcos) to technology companies (or techcos). Shang Haifeng, President of the Huawei Cloud Stack Business Dept at Huawei, said: “This [telco-to-techco] transformation is not just about adopting new technologies; it is about redefining the role of carriers in a digital-first world. At Huawei Cloud, we are proud to partner with global carriers on their journey to becoming techcos.”
    Johnny Lyu, CTO of International Business, Huawei Cloud Stack, delivering a keynote

    In recent years, carrier transformation has typically started with an all-cloud transformation for boosting operational efficiency and enriching services for an enhanced customer experience. Johnny Lyu, CTO of International Business at Huawei Cloud Stack, said: “Huawei Cloud Stack offers a reliable cloud foundation. Today, we are releasing six scenario-specific solutions for carriers, helping them improve the efficiency of their businesses, platforms, and services, and start a second growth curve.”
    Huawei Cloud Stack’s six scenario-specific solutions for carriers include three for enhancing internal operational efficiency and three out-of-the-box solutions aimed at driving external revenue growth.
    Leap to Cloud to improve efficiency
    FinTech: This solution supports secure, high-performance, and flexible operational capabilities for Mobile Money. It helps ensure the compliance of both mobile financial services and data while enhancing user experience for their customers.
    Marketing big data: This solution offers an efficient, one-stop, cloud-native data foundation with 200 built-in data models for simplified development. It guarantees 99.999% availability on the cloud, supporting customer acquisition and retention by carriers.
    AICC: A solid, centrally managed cloud foundation for Artificial Intelligence Contact Center (AICC) ensures 24/7 availability for services such as digital ambassadors for customer service, AI scheduling, and AI voice analytics.
    Spark innovation with out-of-the-box solutions
    Smart government: Huawei Cloud Stack provides a unified cloud operations platform, enhancing capabilities in product listing, metering and billing, and customer management. This enables better public services for both businesses and residents as well as digitalized, modernized city governance.
    Smart education: This solution offers course management, remote classrooms, and exam management on the cloud. A high-concurrency, high-performance platform supports AI-generated live captions in multiple languages as well as knowledge graphs.
    Cloud phone: Huawei Cloud Stack supports cloud-based virtual phones with pre-installed apps, such as gaming and office tools. These virtual phones can serve as data backups for users, with flexible permissions control, helping carriers drive 4G conversion among subscribers.
    Launch ceremony of Huawei’s Telco2Techco Cloud Leap Program

    Huawei Cloud Stack, together with Orange, Zain Kuwait, iSoftStone, and ULearning, jointly launched the Telco2Techco Cloud Leap Program underpinned by six scenario-specific solutions for carriers. Focusing on 10+ innovative service scenarios, this program offers project support, marketing support, training, enablement, and more, helping carriers accelerate the transition from telcos to techcos.
    MWC Barcelona 2025 is held from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1.In 2025, commercial 5G-Advanced deployment will accelerate, and AI will help carriers reshape business, infrastructure, and O&M. Huawei is actively working with carriers and partners around the world to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Global Industry Partners Jointly Release Net5.5G Best Practices & Deployment Guide Whitepaper

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Global Industry Partners Jointly Release Net5.5G Best Practices & Deployment Guide Whitepaper

    [Barcelona, Spain, March 4, 2025] At MWC Barcelona 2025, the Broadband Development Congress (BDC), hosted by the World Broadband Association (WBBA), was a resounding success. Themed “Smarter Broadband: Investment. Innovation. Intelligence,” the congress attracted over 200 industry leaders from global industry organizations, standards organizations, government agencies, carriers, and device vendors. Attendees exchanged views on key issues, including the Net5.5G evolution path, network technology innovation, and commercial practices.
    Ryan Qiu, Vice President of Huawei’s Data Communication Product Line, delivering a keynote speech titled “Accelerating Net5.5G Innovation, Striding to an Intelligent Era”

    In his keynote speech at the congress, Ryan Qiu, Vice President of Huawei’s Data Communication Product Line, noted that the integration of AI into carriers’ strategies is gaining momentum, with Net5.5G serving as a catalyst for the in-depth convergence of networks and AI. To address this trend, Huawei has introduced AI WAN, a cutting-edge solution that comprehensively empowers IP networks in the Net5.5G era using AI. Featuring a three-layer architecture comprising AI routers, AI new connections, and AI new brain, this solution enables carriers to unlock new network value across diverse scenarios, including individual, home, and enterprise settings.
    Industry Consensus on Net5.5G: Global Leaders Call for Enhanced Cooperation
    At the congress, global industry leaders from organizations such as the WBBA, IPv6 Forum, International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T), and Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) reached a consensus during the “Fireside Chat: Forward-Looking Dialogue on the Evolution of Next-Gen Networks.” Net5.5G has now become an industry-wide consensus, making significant strides in areas including industry development, policy formulation, and commercial practices. The leaders called for enhanced industry collaboration and continued joint efforts to drive the commercial success of Net5.5G, thereby guiding the sustainable development of the Internet industry.
    Establishment of Net5.5G Industry Cooperation Mechanism and Phased Progress of Global Pioneer Program
    With the advent of the Net5.5G era, the WBBA, IPv6 Forum, ITU-T, IETF, and Network Innovation and Development Alliance (NIDA) have collaborated to establish a next-generation network cooperation mechanism. While the WBBA and IPv6 Forum drive industry consensus, the ITU-T explores future network needs, the IETF spearheads the formulation of network technology standards, and the NIDA defines network construction standards and facilitates technology adoption. This multi-party collaboration marks a new phase of global network upgrades and lays a solid foundation for an intelligent society.
    The Global Net5.5G Pioneer Program has made steady progress. At the congress, industry leaders jointly released the latest progress of the program. To date, a number of outstanding Net5.5G pioneers have emerged globally, including 18 visionary pioneers, 2 region pioneers, and 18 business pioneers.
    Accelerated Net5.5G Commercial Deployment and Release of Best Practices Whitepaper
    Multiple carriers shared their experience and achievements in Net5.5G commercial deployment. As the integrated operator in Spain by user count, MasOrange builds an efficient capacity growth, ultimate experience and intent-based automation Net5.5G converged IP network. 400GE/800GE, SRv6 + slicing meet traffic surging and automatic network scheduling requirements, and supports new services such as edge computing in the future. Based on Network Digital Map，through AI empowerment, MasOrange will stride to AN L4, a new phase of intelligent evolution.Turkcell, a digital carrier in Türkiye, has built a stable, flexible, and experience-centric target network by leveraging key Net5.5G technologies such as 400GE/800GE, SRv6/slicing, and Network Digital Map. This network features ultra-high bandwidth, ultra-low latency, ultra-high reliability, and intelligence, significantly enhancing customer service experience and generating new business value. In addition, the WBBA has released the Net5.5G
    Best Practices & Deployment Guide Whitepaper, showcasing global Net5.5G best practices and providing valuable insights and inspiration for the industry.
    As Net5.5G continues to evolve, the WBBA urges global industry organizations to strengthen industry cooperation and jointly drive industry innovation in technical standards, policies, and commercial practices to foster a thriving data communications ecosystem.
    MWC Barcelona 2025 is held from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1. In 2025, commercial 5G-Advanced deployment will accelerate, and AI will help carriers reshape business, infrastructure, and O&M. Huawei is actively working with carriers and partners around the world to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world. For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King in Armed Services Hearing: “Shouldn’t Diplomacy Be Based on the Truth?”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King challenged Elbridge Colby, the nominee to serve as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, to answer if Russia was responsible for starting the war in Ukraine. Over the course of King’s time in the Senate, he has consistently asked nominees whether they will tell the truth to the President despite the political pressures of any moment in time. Today’s exchange was consistent with the Senator’s track record, but Colby’s responses fell short of expectations.
    During the line of questioning, Mr. Colby declined to answer Senator King’s direct questions and refused to condemn Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine or acknowledge the looming threat to national security if the U.S. withdraws its support of Ukraine. The exchange comes the morning after President Trump announced a pause on aid to Ukraine following a contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenksyy last week in the Oval Office.
    “Mr. Colby, the Vice President characterized you as a truth teller — someone who would tell the truth to power. Yet today you have not told the truth about who started the war in Ukraine. I will give you one more chance: who started the war in Ukraine,” asked Senator King.
    “Well, Senator to tell the truth I don’t think I am saying anything untrue but it is important to be discreet and say things at the appropriate time and place,” replied Colby.
    “The problem is you tell us you’re going to tell the tell truth to power and the most obvious truth is that Russia invaded Ukraine. Everybody in the world knows that and you will not say it here today because it appears that you don’t want to offend the President but that is the whole point of the Vice President’s testimony that you will say truth to power, but you will not do it here today on the record. This is an obvious truth. It reminds me of the old country song, ‘who will you believe? Me or your own lying eyes?’ We all saw it,” said Senator King.
    “The way I see it is diplomacy especially during a delicate period where I am hoping things that get back on track and head toward peace,” responded Colby.
    “Shouldn’t diplomacy be based on the truth? Well, you have made non-point I suppose,” said Senator King.
    Later in the hearing, Senator King provided Colby another opportunity to defend support for Ukraine, asking him whether or not the recent announcement to cut aid to Ukraine was a smart policy decision. Again, Mr. Colby failed to answer King’s questions directly.
    “One more truth to power question. Last week the United States ceased supporting the restoration and protection of the electric grid in Ukraine which the Russians have continuously targeted. Yesterday the administration announced the cut off of military aid to Ukraine. Do you believe that those two things together undermining the security of Ukraine in this critical moment are good ideas,” questioned Senator King.
    “As I said I think the critical thing at this point is for advancing the peace process and for us and Kyiv to cooperate,” said Colby.
    “You are all about policy. Do you think the cut off of aid Ukraine is good policy,” asked Senator King.
    “I am only seeing the recent reports but the President has a plan for us to end this war and a sustainable model for a sovereign Ukraine and a Europe that can be more defensible. That is the route we should all take,” replied Colby.
    Senator King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and the Select Senate Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), has been a vocal supporter for Ukraine, voting in support of bipartisan bill last spring that would help Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan defend themselves. In the days prior to that vote, he spoke on the Senate floor to his colleague that Ukraine’s fight is a “battle for the soul of Democracy in the world.”  In January 2023, Senator King travelled with Armed Services Chairmen Jack Reed (D-R) in a visit to meet Ukraine President Vladimir Zelenskyy in Kiev. Most recently, he joined CBS’ 60 Minutes to explain why walking away from Ukraine would be the nation’s greatest geopolitical mistake since World War II.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Minority Leader Sen. Harold Jones II to Hold Press Conference on Legislation to Ban DEI from Georgia Schools

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (March 4, 2025) — On Wednesday, March 5, Senate Minority Leader Sen. Harold Jones II (D–Augusta) will hold a press conference with the NAACP Defense Legal Fund, the Georgia State Conference of NAACP, the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, the ACLU of Georgia and the League of Women Voters on Senate Bill 120. SB 120 would prevent public schools, local education agencies and public postsecondary institutions from promoting, supporting, or maintaining programs or activities that advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion.  

    EVENT DETAILS:                      

    • Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
    • Time: 11:15 a.m.
    • Where: Georgia State Capitol, South Steps, 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA, 30334
    • This Event is Open to the Public.

    MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

    We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    # # # #

    Sen. Harold V. Jones II serves as the Democratic Leader. He represents the 22nd Senate District, which includes portions of Richmond County. He may be reached at 404.656.0036 or via email at harold.jones@senate.ga.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Education for Democracy, Agreement on Conservation of Marine Biological Diversity among Several Resolutions Adopted by General Assembly

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Poland’s President Warns of Resurgence of ‘Russian Imperialism’, Calls War on Ukraine ‘Beginning of Effort to Violently Destroy International Order’

    The General Assembly, over the course of two meetings today, adopted seven resolutions — some drawing more contention than others — and heard an address by the President of Poland.

    International Day for Judicial Well-being

    First, the General Assembly took up the draft resolution titled “International Day for Judicial Well-being” (document A/79/L.52).  Introducing the text, Lionel Rouwen Aingimea, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Nauru, stressed that — while the judiciary “serves as a cornerstone of justice” — challenges faced by judicial officers have long been overlooked.

    However, the representative of the United States said that his delegation will request a recorded vote — and vote no — “because this resolution represents the internationalization of the self-care movement and the migration of it into domains where it does not belong”.

    The Assembly then adopted the resolution by a recorded vote of 160 in favour to 1 against (United States), with 3 abstentions (Haiti, Madagascar, Syria).  Through the text, the General Assembly decided to proclaim 25 July of each year the International Day for Judicial Well-being.

    Education for Democracy

    Next, the Assembly considered the draft resolution titled “Education for democracy” (document A/79/L.56).  The representative of Mongolia introduced that text, emphasizing that an inclusive education system empowers individuals and strengthens governance institutions.  The text therefore calls for investments in quality education and lifelong learning, also urging Member States to harness the potential of digital technologies to advance education for democracy, he said.

    The representative of the United States said that his delegation will again call for a recorded vote — and vote no — on this draft “because much of the text violates United States policies”.  Specifically, he said that its discussion of misinformation and disinformation is an “unequivocal red line for the United States”, as these terms are “intentionally nebulous and ill-defined so they can be wielded as tools of censorship”.

    The Assembly then adopted the resolution by a recorded vote of 151 in favour to 1 against (United States), with 8 abstentions (Argentina, Belarus, Fiji, Madagascar, Russian Federation, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Syria).  Through the text, the Assembly strongly encouraged Member States and education authorities to integrate education for democracy — along with civic education and human-rights education, among others — into their education standards.

    After the vote, the representative of the Russian Federation noted that “democracy does not have a universal definition or a single model”.  She also disassociated from the text’s reference to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), stating that mention of the Office in a resolution about education is “unjustified” — a point echoed by Nicaragua’s representative.

    Iran’s representative, meanwhile, said that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Education 2030 Incheon Declaration are “absolutely non-legally binding”.  Disassociating from relevant paragraphs, he said that Iran’s national plans and programmes “will be our final source of action and reference”.  Argentina’s representative also disassociated from several paragraphs, stressing that “every State, within its own sovereignty, has the right to participate [in the 2030 Agenda] — or not”.

    UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan

    The Assembly then turned to the draft resolution titled “United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan” (document A/79/L.57/Rev.1).  Introducing that text, the representative of Kazakhstan said that the Centre aims to address the specific needs of Central Asian countries, which each possesses unique challenges and opportunities that are shaped by diverse socioeconomic contexts, cultural realities and environmental conditions.

    The representative of the Russian Federation then noted that the countries of Central Asia are “unified by a shared history, similar geographic and social conditions and shared challenges in development”.  Therefore, they must coordinate efforts and find shared regional solutions.  “This, in turn, meets the current trends to regionalize efforts in the area of development,” he noted.

    The Assembly then adopted the text without a vote, through which it decided to formalize the Centre in Almaty, Kazakhstan.  Further, it requested the Secretary-General to appoint its Head and further decided that the costs of all its activities shall be met by voluntary contributions.

    After the vote, several delegates expressed concern over the process by which this text was negotiated.  Switzerland’s representative said that her delegation would have preferred more transparency and inclusivity, while the representative of Türkiye said that the wider membership was not sufficiently consulted during negotiations.  Mexico’s representative expressed hope that “this way of carrying out multilateral negotiations will not be repeated in other processes”.

    Meanwhile, the representative of the United States said that Kazakhstan “needs neither an expanded UN system nor the SDGs in order to prosper — it should instead make sovereign decisions for its people and cast aside the burden of soft global governance”.  For her part, Australia’s representative — also speaking for Canada and New Zealand — welcomed the adoption.

    International Day of Peaceful Coexistence and International Day of Hope

    The Assembly also considered the draft resolution titled “International Day of Peaceful Coexistence” (document A/79/L.53).  Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister for Transportation and Telecommunications of Bahrain, introducing that text, said that it reaffirms the role of Member States and other stakeholders in promoting tolerance, respect for religious and cultural diversity and human rights.

    The representative of the United States again said that his delegation will call for a recorded vote on this text — and vote no — expressing concern that the resolution “advances a programme of soft global governance that is inconsistent with US sovereignty”.  He added:  “Simply put, globalist endeavours like Agenda 2030 and the SDGs lost at the ballot box; therefore, the US rejects and denounces the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the SDGs.”

    He also expressed concern that the resolution’s titular reference to “peaceful coexistence” could be “co-opted to imply the United Nations’ endorsement of China’s ‘Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence’”.  Speaking in exercise of the right of reply, China’s representative said that such principles are “widely recognized by the international community and contained in many international instruments”.

    Adopting the resolution by a recorded vote of 162 in favour to 3 against (Argentina, Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions (Paraguay, Peru), the Assembly decided to proclaim 28 January as the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, to be observed annually.

    The Assembly then turned to the draft resolution titled “International Day of Hope” (document A/79/L.54).  Introducing it, Kiribati’s representative said that hope is “a force that has carried humanity through the darkest of times and propelled us towards a future of possibility, resilience and renewal”.  However, he expressed disappointment over the decision by the United States to force a vote.

    On that, the delegate of the United States said that the text “contains references to diversity, equity and inclusion that conflict with US policies that seek to eliminate all forms of discrimination and create equal opportunities for all”.  He added: “In a world that faces many challenges, funding and effort should be allocated to critical causes and crises, rather than International Days.”

    The Assembly then adopted the text by a recorded vote of 161 in favour to 1 against (United States), with 4 abstentions (India, Paraguay, Peru, Türkiye), through which it decided to declare 12 July the International Day of Hope.

    “What we’ve just seen this morning is a clear example of the lack of commitment by the United States to a culture of peace, to the United Nations as a whole and to multilateralism in general,” stressed the representative of Cuba, after the vote.

    Agreement on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction

    The Assembly also took up the draft resolution titled “Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction” (document A/79/L.55).  Singapore’s representative, introducing the text, called on States to ratify the agreement. He also made an oral revision to replace “welcome” with “take note of” regarding signatures and ratifications of the agreement to date.

    The Assembly then adopted that text, as orally revised, without a vote.  By its terms, the Assembly called on all States and regional economic integration organizations that have not done so to consider signing, ratifying, approving or accepting the Agreement as soon as possible.

    However, the representative of the Russian Federation disassociated from consensus, stating that mechanisms to establish marine protected areas without appropriate scientific research “run the risk of abuse and unsubstantiated restriction of rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of States on the high seas”.  His counterpart from the United States, meanwhile, said that her country is “currently reviewing its policies and does not take a position on this matter”.

    Eightieth Anniversary of the End of the Second World War

    The Assembly also adopted, without a vote, a text titled “Eightieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War” (document A/79/L.51), which requested the holding of a special meeting of the Assembly to commemorate all victims of the Second World War in the second week of May in 2025 and every five years thereafter.

    The representative of the Russian Federation, introducing that text, said that 2025 marks the eightieth anniversary of the victory over Nazism, fascism and Japanese militarism.  Paying tribute to the millions who were sacrificed for that victory — including 27 million from the Soviet Union — he said that the international community has a shared duty to honour that victory.

    However, Ukraine’s representative underscored that it is the “height of cynicism” for a State engaged in an unprovoked war of aggression to attempt to unite nations around the memory of the Second World War.  She added:  “Despite the high price paid for peace, the promise of ‘never again’ remains unfulfilled — today, Europe is witnessing the most brutal war since Hitler.”

    The representative of the United Kingdom, similarly, pointed to the “fundamental irony of Russia summoning us here today”, having presented a resolution “to mark the end of one war in Europe having started another”.  Lithuania’s representative added:  “Today, Russia instrumentalizes the memory of the Second World War to justify its own crimes, both past and present.”  Poland’s representative, also speaking for a group of 34 other European States, spotlighted the Russian Federation’s “cynicism of using ‘de-Nazification’ to justify its illegal aggression and occupation of part of an independent UN Member State”.

    “We have to say this — the sponsor of this resolution simply does not live by the words of the UN Charter,” stressed the representative of Canada, also speaking for Australia and New Zealand.  “Russia’s aggression — and we must name it precisely — and its bid to expand its territory at the expense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other States is incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter,” he said.

    For his part, the representative of the United States said that the “Russia-Ukraine war has waged on for far too long”, urging that the “UN be guided by its original purpose and unite to end the bloodshed”.  All Member States should recommit themselves to the “old vision of peace that propelled us out of the devastation and despair of World War II”, he added.  Israel’s representative said:  “It is our responsibility not only to remember but to ensure that future generations carry this memory forward to prevent history from repeating itself.”

    Speaking in exercise of the right of reply, the delegate of the Russian Federation expressed concern about the politicized statements delivered by the delegates of Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania and the United Kingdom.  It is the actions of European States, she said, that are hampering the settlement of the Ukraine conflict.

    Appointments to Joint Inspection Unit

    In other business, the Assembly decided, without a vote, to appoint Makiese Kinkela Augusto (Angola), Victor Moraru (Republic of Moldova), Jesús Miranda Hita (Spain) and Marcel Jullier (Switzerland) to the Joint Inspection Unit of the United Nations system, for a five-year term beginning 1 January 2026 and expiring on 31 December 2030.

    Address by President of Poland

    The General Assembly also heard an address by Andrzej Duda, President of Poland.  Noting that recent years have demonstrated how fragile peace and security are, he spotlighted the resurgence of “Russian imperialism”.  The 2014 attack on Ukraine marked “just the beginning of an effort to violently destroy the international order”, he said.

    Detailing Poland’s security cooperation, he pointed to the United States missile base in Redzikowo — an example of the “American security umbrella over Europe” — as well as recent talks with United States President Donald J. Trump.  Poland is also active in collective security systems and UN peacekeeping missions, and he also highlighted the Three Seas Initiative, which aims to improve connectivity among 13 countries across Central and Eastern Europe.

    “Poland has never imposed its views on anyone” or colonized another country, he went on to say.  Recalling his country’s long history, he invoked the construction of a powerful seventeenth-century State, gradual partitions, loss of independence, a 123-year-long independence struggle, the achievement of independence in 1918 and the destruction of that independence “by the two totalitarian regimes of the twentieth century:  Russian communism and German Nazism”.

    In the last 30 years of Poland’s history — after it broke free from the Russian Federation’s sphere of influence — it transformed from a backward, poor country with high unemployment into a highly developed State and the twenty-first largest economy in the world, he pointed out.  “Only peace can provide optimal conditions for development,” he said, adding that it is necessary to defend peace with real force.

    The representative of the Russian Federation, taking the floor under a point of order after the address, said that his delegation “had doubts” regarding the expediency of conducting today’s meeting.  “The President of Poland spent a lot of time on debating our country,” he said, adding that — although the Council adopted a text calling for peace between the Russian Federation and Ukraine — one of Poland’s leaders “talked about the logic of military focus” and providing support to Ukraine.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Irish And U.K. Nationals Charged With Multi-State Construction Fraud That Targeted Vulnerable Homeowners

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Leslie R. Backschies, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of a Complaint in Manhattan federal court charging JAMES DINNIGAN, a/k/a “Charlie Ward,” and MARTIN MAUGHAN, a/k/a “Lawrence Rogers,” with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their participation in a multi-year, multi-state organized construction fraud scheme that targeted at least 24 victims, including numerous elderly and vulnerable victims. MAUGHAN was transferred from state custody to federal custody this afternoon and will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Robyn Tarnofsky.  DINNIGAN is in federal immigration custody and will be transferred to the Southern District of New York.  

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “As alleged, these defendants and their co-conspirators carried out a brazen scheme to defraud vulnerable members of our community by posing as legitimate home repair contractors and tricking homeowners into paying for thousands of dollars in unnecessary and unwanted home repairs.  Today’s charges should serve as a reminder that this Office and its law enforcement partners are committed to investigating and bringing to justice those who seek to enrich themselves by victimizing vulnerable members of our community.”

    Acting Assistant Director in Charge Leslie R. Backschies said: “James Dinnigan and Martin Maughan allegedly enticed prospective consumers with illegitimate home improvement advertisements before intentionally destroying their property to extort unanticipated additional costs. These illegal foreign nationals allegedly laid the foundation to prey upon a vulnerable population across the northeast, ultimately stealing a significant sum from elderly victims. The FBI remains committed to protecting our citizens from any fraudulent company attempting to cement false promises to garner illicit profits.”

    As alleged in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

    Between at least in or around October 2023 through at least in or about February 2025, DINNIGAN and MAUGHAN participated in a construction fraud scheme involving dozens of victims in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and several other states.  Participants in the scheme were usually foreign nationals from Ireland and the United Kingdom who were illegally in the U.S. and falsely posed as legitimate home repair contractors.

    The scheme generally proceeded as follows: To get hired by the victims, members of the scheme made false statements to victims about their operation of legitimate home repair businesses, their occupation as contractors or engineers, and about home improvement and construction projects the victims needed to obtain. After being hired, members of the scheme tricked victims into paying for additional unwanted or unnecessary home repairs and other construction, including by purposefully damaging or destroying the victims’ property. The perpetrators of the scheme then forced victims, including through threats, into paying them tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

    DINNIGAN, MAUGHAN, and other perpetrators of the scheme communicated with victims using cellphones and email.  The victims frequently wrote checks and transferred money to bank accounts controlled by members of the scheme, including into an account at a particular financial institution in Manhattan, New York.  The perpetrators of the scheme also operated websites in the names of at least two purported construction companies:  Local Masonry and Construction and Pine Valley Home Improvements, Inc.  Below are screenshots from websites that the perpetrators used to lure victims into the scheme:

    The FBI has identified more than two dozen victims—many who are elderly individuals—who have lost at least $1 million as a result of this scheme. 

    DINNIGAN entered the U.S. on or about April 4, 2023, using a tourist visa.  A review of relevant records has revealed no known documentation showing that DINNIGAN departed the U.S. as required, or that DINNIGAN applied for and received authorization to legally remain in the U.S.  On or about February 25, 2025, DINNIGAN was encountered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) in Champlain, New York.

    On or about August 9, 2023, MAUGHAN was encountered by CBP officers in the vicinity of Laredo, Texas.  MAUGHAN was subsequently ordered removed from the U.S. to the United Kingdom on or about October 30, 2023.  According to MAUGHAN’s order of removal, he was prohibited from reentering or attempting to reenter the U.S. for a period of five years.  On or about February 7, 2025, MAUGHAN was found inside the U.S. when he was arrested at the Boston Logan International Airport moments before departing on a flight to Dublin, Ireland. 

    If you believe that you have additional information about this scheme or if you believe you have been a victim of the defendants or their co-conspirators, please contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov, and reference this case.

    *               *                *

    DINNIGAN, 27, of Ireland, and MAUGHAN, 31, of the United Kingdom, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison. 

    The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. 

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York and Philadelphia field offices.  Mr. Podolsky also thanked CBP; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations; Lower Merion Police Department; Cheltenham Police Department; Bernards Township Police Department; and Lambertville Police Department for their assistance in the investigation. 

    The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon D. Harper is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from paralegal specialist William A. Coleman IV.

    The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact descried therein should be treated as an allegation. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump is Undermining American Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; and Chris Coons (D-DE), Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; as well as U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; Gregory R. Meeks (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Jim Himes (D-CT), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party; issued the following joint statement in response to President Donald Trump’s systematic efforts to isolate the United States from longstanding partners and allies and decimate the federal workforce: 

    “President Trump’s early statements and actions are threatening the national security of our country. Since taking office a little more than a month ago, the president has alienated nearly every international partner and ally we have, leaving us isolated in an increasingly dangerous world as Russia, North Korea, Iran, and China work together. We need partners and allies to effectively address the multitude of national security threats we face—or could face. Yet, Trump has shown more alignment with Vladimir Putin, who threatens the international rules-based order, than with our long-standing partners and allies. This was most recently and appallingly demonstrated by Trump’s order yesterday to freeze delivery of all U.S. military aid to Ukraine, even as it endures constant bombardment and the decimation of its people.  

    “At the same time, and acting under the president’s direction, Elon Musk is destroying our federal national security workforce, terminating thousands of men and women with deep expertise and a proven commitment to securing our interests around the world. This has weakened our ability to respond to international crises by decimating our global foreign assistance investments, our nuclear safety protections, and our cyber security, just to name a few. And the federal workforce that hasn’t been fired yet is living under constant threat. Chaos at our national security departments and agencies does little to promote a secure America. It does the opposite. We should all be afraid that Trump has turned over access to these locations and our national security workforce to Musk and a collection of his staff, many of whom have no clue what they are reviewing and have never held security clearances.  

    “We are speaking out and urging others to join us before it’s too late. Because make no mistake—this is a concerted effort by Trump and Musk to dismantle our system of government and exploit our weakness to consolidate power that benefits the very countries threatening our national security. It is time to act for the sake of our national security and the American people we were elected to serve.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: “Europe must ensure its own defense, not rely on US”

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    Interview given by M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, to France Inter (Paris, March 3, 2025)

    (…)

    On Friday evening, millions of French people saw the United States President repeatedly yelling: “You’re gambling with World War III”. World War III – the words were uttered by Donald Trump. Is that something to be afraid of?

    THE MINISTER – It’s not the first time Donald Trump has uttered those words. Would we rather the press conference had gone differently? The answer is yes. Do we see Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a great resistance figure, a hero? The answer is yes. Is it our role to issue indictments or lessons in morality? No.

    It’s not about either indictments or lessons in morality. I’m asking you the question. What do you say to French people who were terrified as they watched television on Friday evening? Is there a threat, yes or no?

    THE MINISTER – Of course. Never has the risk of a war on the European continent, in the European Union, been so great, because for nearly 15 years now the threat has constantly been getting closer, and the front line has constantly been getting closer. That’s why France, President Macron, has been saying for seven years now that we must step up our defence to deter the threat. What we’re witnessing today, what we witnessed in London yesterday, was a whole portion of Europeans waking up after refusing to see the reality of things.

    And are we also witnessing a spectacular rapprochement between Donald Trump’s United States and Russia? Last night the US Secretary of Defence said the United States will be ceasing all offensive cyber operations, all digital attacks against Russia.

    THE MINISTER – The United States has chosen to embark on dialogue with Vladimir Putin’s Russia to bring it to the negotiating table and put an end to the war in Ukraine. We’ve always said that we’ve attempted dialogue and it hasn’t had all the effects we might have expected, and that we must get Vladimir Putin to negotiate through pressure. That’s the strategy we’re continuing to conduct here in Europe…

    We Europeans, not the Americans obviously.

    THE MINISTER – We Europeans. As for that decision, it’s true that I found it a bit difficult to understand, because when it comes to cyber attacks the European Union countries are constantly under that form of attack by Russia.

    That’s it. In other words, can we no longer rely on the Americans to defend us in that way, as you say?

    THE MINISTER – I think it’s in the United States’ interest, it’s even the United States natural destination to be on the side of Ukraine. If Ukraine were to capitulate, it would not only be terrible news for that country, terrible news for the Europeans, but it would be a terrible admission of weakness for the United States of America. And it’s in this spirit that we’re talking to the US administration at every level.

    In this spirit, let’s be clear about this: is that what emerged from yesterday’s summit in London – that we have the bulk of the work to do, as the British Prime Minister said, to defend Europe and resolve this conflict, but not without the Americans? Never without the Americans? Can’t we do it without the Americans? Is that what emerged?

    THE MINISTER – What emerged from yesterday’s summit in London were two things. In the short term, and to put an end to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, we want the United States, through pressure, to get Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table and agree to put an end, once and for all, to these imperialist ambitions that have been pushing the front line closer and closer to us. And the other ambition…

    At the risk of seeing them both talking, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, without us and without the Ukrainians.

    THE MINISTER – And the second thing, which is just as important, is that we don’t want to be in the situation we’re in today ever again. In other words, Europe must ensure its own defence and its own security, and we must put in place the necessary resources so that we never again have to ask the United States what it can do for European security, so we can ensure it ourselves.

    At the risk of seeing Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump talking to each other about a ceasefire, without us and without the Ukrainians.

    THE MINISTER – Everyone can talk to whoever they wish. What’s important for us is for this war to end and for the peace that is reached to be accompanied by enough guarantees to ensure the threat never moves closer to our borders again.

    Well, on that point, we read in the press this morning that the British and French want a one-month truce in the fighting. So is this truce in the fighting a prerequisite for being able to discuss peace?

    THE MINISTER – It’s a prerequisite, because this truce in the air, at sea and on energy infrastructure will enable us to confirm Vladimir Putin’s good faith, when he engages in that truce. And that’s when the real peace negotiations will start – because we want peace, but we want a solid and durable peace. A peace that definitively ends what’s been happening for 15 years in the east of the continent.

    Understood. When you say in the air, at sea and on logistical infrastructure, does that mean no withdrawal of troops on the ground, no withdrawal of Russian troops on the ground?

    THE MINISTER – Initially, it’s a way of confirming that Russia really is willing to put an end to this war.

    What makes you think the Russians and the Americans will accept it, this French and British plan?

    THE MINISTER – Because during the discussions we had last Monday, a week ago to the day, with President Donald Trump and his team, it was in that spirit that he was thinking about a resolution to the crisis.

    Is Emmanuel Macron expected to return to Washington to talk about it again?

    THE MINISTER – It’s not expected as of today, and the contacts between Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump are very frequent.

    When Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, talk about sending soldiers to Ukraine in a second phase, once the truce has been obtained, does that mean taking on board the risk of a direct confrontation with the Russians?

    THE MINISTER – No, it’s about creating the conditions through military capabilities, once peace has been reached, to definitively deter the threat. It’s what we observe in Europe and other places in the world: through the presence of military capabilities, the threat doesn’t materialize, preventing, as it were, the response from coming.

    OK. So what’s the reaction of our European partners? Giorgia Meloni, for example, the Italian leader, is against – absolutely against – sending troops on the ground to Ukraine?

    THE MINISTER – All the Europeans are fully conscious, because 10 years ago, almost to the day, we saw the Minsk agreements and a ceasefire in Ukraine that was violated 20 times before Russia invaded Ukraine. Everyone’s conscious that a ceasefire isn’t sufficient, that peace must be accompanied by every guarantee to ensure that the fighting stops definitively and that Ukraine’s sovereignty can be respected.

    But how are the 27 presenting themselves? Because on Thursday there’s a meeting that’s really absolutely crucial for Europe’s future.

    THE MINISTER – Indeed, everyone is convinced that it’s the Europeans who will provide the bulk of these military capabilities, and then each according to their capabilities and their wishes.

    Well, we need your thoughts on the discussion about the nuclear deterrent which Emmanuel Macron says he’s ready to begin at the request of the future German chancellor. So France is the only [EU] country to possess a nuclear weapon. Is it going to – how shall I put it? – make that nuclear weapon available to our European allies, as the French far right accuses it of?

    THE MINISTER – The answer is no. What President Macron has said is that he’s ready to ensure that those European partners who so wish can deepen strategic dialogue with us about this issue, which may be linked, if need be, with exercises by deterrence forces. The idea isn’t to share the nuclear deterrent, but to develop a culture of strategic deterrence in Europe.

    And how does that happen in practical terms? Does it mean that in the future, the French President can decided to press the red button if the vital interests of, for example, the Baltic countries or Poland or Romania or Moldova are threatened?

    THE MINISTER – It goes through appropriate channels and not in the France Inter studio, because when it comes to the nuclear deterrent there’s a form of ambiguity that surrounds it and guarantees its effectiveness.

    What does a form of ambiguity mean?

    THE MINISTER – Well, you don’t say everything about the nuclear deterrent.

    Fine. Do you really think a resumption of dialogue between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump is possible?

    THE MINISTER – Yes, I think it’s possible. I think there’s a desire on both sides, because there’s a shared awareness that it’s in Ukraine’s interest, in the Europeans’ interest and in the Americans’ interest to ensure we halt Vladimir Putin’s imperialist tendencies.

    Is France working on that?

    THE MINISTER – France is obviously working on it.

    How?

    THE MINISTER – First of all by talking regularly to both parties. I myself spoke at the weekend to my US counterpart and my Ukrainian counterpart, and I got an appreciation of the extent to which the intention really is to re-engage in dialogue. And the Europeans are also going to continue the discussions, and in the wake of yesterday’s summit I’ll be bringing together the Europeans from Europe’s northern flank this morning, to talk about the conversations held yesterday evening. (…)./.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: LanzaTech Announces Progress on Strategic Actions to Sharpen Business Focus and Improve Cost Structure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Executing initiatives to streamline priorities and drive approximately $30 million of annual cash operating expense reductions

    Reschedules fourth quarter and full-year 2024 earnings conference call

    CHICAGO, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LanzaTech Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNZA) (“LanzaTech” or the “Company”), a carbon management solutions company, today announced progress on strategic actions being taken to transition the Company from an innovation hub to a profitable enterprise. Additionally, the Company has rescheduled its fourth quarter and full-year 2024 earnings call to March 31, 2025, to more closely align with the filing of its Annual Report on Form 10-K.

    “Over the last two decades, LanzaTech has been at the forefront of carbon management innovation, pushing the boundaries to establish new products and markets,” said Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, Chair and CEO of LanzaTech. “As we shift the Company’s focus from research and development to globally deploying our proven technology, we are pursuing partnership opportunities for technologies that are ready to stand on their own and sharpening our focus on high-impact commercial projects that align more with a path to profitability. As part of this transition, we continue to action plans to right-size our cost structure and expect to achieve significant annual cash cost savings as a result.”

    Along with the recently announced intention to spin out the Company’s synthetic biology platform referred to as LanzaX, LanzaTech is evaluating scale up opportunities for its nutritional protein capabilities referred to as LanzaTech Nutritional Protein (“LNP”). This strategic approach is designed to enable these platforms to access the capital required to accelerate the development of their independent pipelines of existing projects. It will also enable LanzaTech to have a sharper focus on the growth priorities of the Company’s core biorefining operations, including the technology’s inclusion in integrated waste-based ethanol to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (“SAF”).

    Examples of high-priority commercial projects under development include a project in the United Kingdom and a project in the European Union, each 30-million gallon per year, waste-based ethanol-to-SAF facilities that will leverage the LanzaTech and LanzaJet CirculAir™ solution to form an efficient and economically compelling offering that provides the aviation industry with a platform to produce waste-based SAF globally.

    Additionally, the Company is implementing strategic measures to scale its business globally with greater cost efficiency. This includes evaluating its global footprint, with anticipated consolidations expected to reduce the workforce by approximately 10 to 15 percent. These measures, combined with the LanzaX and LNP strategic opportunities, and other cost savings plans, have the potential to result in approximately $30 million of annual cash operating expense reductions.

    LanzaTech Reschedules Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Earnings Call
    The Company announced today that it has rescheduled its previously announced earnings release and conference call. The Company now intends to release its fourth quarter and full-year 2024 earnings results on Monday, March 31, 2025, and host its conference call the same day at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The change is to more closely align the Company’s earnings call with the filing of its Annual Report on Form 10-K.

    The conference call may be accessed via a live webcast on a listen-only basis through the Events and Presentations section of LanzaTech’s Investor Relations website. An archive of the webcast will be available for twelve months.

    To attend the live conference call via telephone, domestic callers can access by dialing (800) 225-9448 and international callers can access by dialing (203) 518-9708, and using the conference identification code LANZA.

    A replay of the conference call will be available shortly after the call ends and can be accessed by domestic callers by dialing (844)-512-2921 and by international callers by dialing (412)-317-6671, and entering the access identification code 11157950. The replay will be available until 11:59 pm Eastern Time April 14, 2025.

    About LanzaTech
    LanzaTech Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNZA) is a leading carbon recycling company transforming waste carbon into sustainable fuels, chemicals, materials, and protein for everyday products. Using its bio-recycling technology, LanzaTech captures carbon generated by energy-intensive industries at the source, preventing it from being emitted into the air. LanzaTech then gives that captured carbon a new life as a clean replacement for virgin fossil carbon in everything from household cleaners and clothing fibers to packaging and fuels. By partnering with companies across the global supply chain like ArcelorMittal, Coty, Craghoppers, and LanzaJet, LanzaTech is paving the way for a circular carbon economy. For more information about LanzaTech, visit https://lanzatech.com.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding, among other things, the plans, strategies, and prospects, both business and financial, of LanzaTech. These statements are based on the beliefs, assumptions, projections and conclusions of LanzaTech’s management. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are outside LanzaTech’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. LanzaTech cannot assure you that it will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and you should not rely on forward-looking statements.

    Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including those concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events or results of operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by or include the words “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “plans,” “scheduled,” “anticipates,” “intends” or similar expressions. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: timing delays in the advancement of projects to the final investment decision stage or into construction; failure by customers to adopt new technologies and platforms; fluctuations in the availability and cost of feedstocks and other process inputs; the availability and continuation of government funding and support; broader economic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, supply chain disruptions, employment conditions, and competitive pressures; unforeseen technical, regulatory, or commercial challenges in scaling proprietary technologies, business functions or operational disruptions; and other economic, business, or competitive factors, and other risks and uncertainties, including the risk factors and other information contained in LanzaTech’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as other existing and future filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Any forward-looking statement herein is based only on information currently available to LanzaTech and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. LanzaTech undertakes no obligations to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Contacts:

    Kate Walsh
    VP, Investor Relations
    Investor.Relations@lanzatech.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Secretary Hegseth Considers Gutting Workforce for Reducing Civilian Deaths, Pentagon Policy Nominee Agrees with Warren: Civilian Harm Prevention is Crucial to National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    March 04, 2025
    Trump Defense Policy Nominee Elbridge Colby agrees that following the laws of war is “a very important part of the picture that I think is part of the role of the USDP.” 
    Video of Exchange (YouTube) 
    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, questioned Mr. Elbridge Colby, nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)) about his vision to prioritize civilian harm prevention. Senator Warren also underscored the danger of President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth firing top Judge Advocates General last month. 
    Mr. Colby agreed that preventing civilian deaths strengthens U.S. national security, including by reducing the risks to our own troops. This comes as the Washington Post reports that the Pentagon is set to make “deep cuts to the civilian workforce focused on reducing civilian harm in U.S. military operations.” Senator Warren highlighted that preventing civilian harm is not a partisan issue. In fact, Secretaries of Defense under President Trump’s first term and under President Biden all took steps to prevent civilian harm. 
    “Following the laws of war helps set us apart from terrorists and from adversaries like Russia, which has targeted civilians in Ukraine,” said Senator Warren. 
    “Observing the laws of war, understanding them in a reasonable way – that’s consistent with combat effectiveness and military effectiveness and achieving our goals in deterrence,” said Mr. Colby. “I think that’s a very important part of the picture that I think is part of the role of the (Under Secretary of Defense for Policy), if confirmed.” 
    Senator Warren also called attention to, and Mr. Colby agreed with, the importance of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, whom American troops rely on for legal advice and Senator Lindsey Graham has praised as “the conscience of the military.”
    Transcript: Hearing to Consider the Nomination of Mr. Elbridge A. Colby to be Under Secretary of Defense for PolicySenate Armed Services CommitteeMarch 4, 2025 
    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and congratulations on your nomination, Mr. Colby. The U.S. military does not target innocent civilians. Not only because that’s what’s right, it is also that’s what’s effective. General Stanley McChrystal coined the term “insurgent math” – you may remember hearing about this – meaning that for every innocent civilian you kill, you create 10 new enemies. U.S. strikes killed as many as 48,000 civilians between 2001 and 2021. You can do the math on that. 
    Now, most people know that killing civilians is wrong and should be rare. And when it has happened, our troops file reports. But too often those reports don’t actually receive a response from anyone, and we don’t learn how to avoid future accidents that result in civilian deaths. 
    And that’s why Congress passed several reforms into law to reduce civilian harm and improve our guidance for our servicemembers, including establishing the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence. This Center helps make military operations more effective and it also supports troops in preventing and responding to civilian harm. 
    So let me ask you, Mr. Colby: if confirmed, will you oversee implementation of these reforms? Do you agree that preventing civilian deaths enhances U.S. national security, including reducing the risks to our own troops?
    Mr. Elbridge Colby, nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Policy: I do agree with that, Senator. 
    Senator Warren: Good, I’m glad to hear that. It’s very important. This isn’t a partisan issue. During the first Trump Administration, the Pentagon grew concerned about the number of civilian deaths resulting from operations that were in place to try to defeat ISIS and it launched a study. Secretaries Mattis, Esper, and Austin all took steps to improve civilian harm prevention across the administrations. So, today, the Center of Excellence helps commanders to sharpen their campaign plans so they can make smarter decisions about strikes that they need to deploy.
    So Mr. Colby, do you agree that commanders can make better decisions in the field when they’re equipped with training on how to avoid civilian casualties?
    Mr. Colby: I do, Senator. 
    Senator Warren: Good, I’m glad to hear that. Following the laws of war helps set us apart from terrorists and from adversaries like Russia, which has targeted civilians in Ukraine. And American troops also rely on the Judge Advocate General’s Corps for legal advice. Senator Graham – who himself was a JAG – rightly called JAGs “the conscience of the military.” 
    Mr. Colby, do you think it’s important that commanders have legal advice they can count on and trust?
    Mr. Colby: I do, Senator. 
    Senator Warren: Secretary Hegseth’s outspoken disregard for the rules of war endangers U.S. troops, and his firing of the top military lawyers of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force last month and his plans to reduce the rank of JAG leadership from a three-star role to a two-star role are deeply concerning. 
    If confirmed as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, your views will send a message from the top about whether the laws of war matter. I urge you to take this seriously. I appreciate your answers today. If you want to expand on any of them you’re welcome to do so. 
    Mr. Colby: Thank you, Senator. I’ve seen the reporters in the press, so I can’t speak about it authoritatively. I trust Secretary Hegseth’s judgement. What I would say is that, if confirmed, I certainly would take the laws of war very seriously. It’s something I’ve studied in the past and thought about a great deal. It’s part of the overall “Ends, Ways, Means and the Rational Use of Military Power.” Again, not to be too sanguine about it or blaise, but to say that observing the laws of war, understanding them in a reasonable way – that’s consistent with combat effectiveness and military effectiveness and achieving our goals in deterrence. I think that’s a very important part of the picture that I think is part of the role of the USDP, if confirmed.
    Senator Warren: I appreciate that Mr. Colby. I think that helps keep our warfighters safer and I also think it helps keep our nation safer. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Colleagues to Trump: Fire Elon Musk, Reinstate Agency Leaders and Federal Watchdogs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Schiff, Colleagues to Trump: Fire Elon Musk, Reinstate Agency Leaders and Federal Watchdogs

    Democratic lawmakers demand Trump reinstate fired Senate-confirmed officials and address Musk’s conflicts of interest, cite officials’ investigations and prosecutions of Musk’s companies
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined 40 of their Congressional Democratic colleagues in raising concerns about President Donald Trump’s unlawful firings of dozens of independent agency heads and Inspectors General (IGs), and calling attention to how many of these firings appear to benefit Elon Musk. The lawmakers also urged Trump to immediately reinstate the illegally fired individuals and remove Musk from his government role with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), on which there are still very few details, unless he addresses his conflicts of interest. 
    Musk and his companies have been the subject of at least 20 recent government investigations or prosecutions, including for possible violations of federal safety and labor laws. President Trump and Elon Musk’s removals of agency heads and career civil servants have affected at least 11 federal agencies that are conducting over 32 ongoing investigations, complaints, or enforcement actions against Musk’s companies.
    The lawmakers warned that failing to hold Musk accountable hurts American citizens and threatens the democratic system of checks and balances.
    “Nearly all of your decisions you made about who to fire appear to benefit Mr. Musk, and many target individuals and agencies that are currently investigating or prosecuting Mr. Musk or his companies for unlawful behavior,” wrote the lawmakers. “Many of these individuals have legal protections dictating why and how they can be removed from office. … Altogether, these firings either directly benefit Mr. Musk and his companies or remove guardrails that would hold them accountable to the rule of law.”
    “These firings have removed the exact individuals in our government who would hold Mr. Musk and his companies accountable for following the law and protect everyday Americans from threats to their health, welfare, safety, and economic well-being,” continued the lawmakers.
    The lawmakers’ letter lists several agency heads and watchdogs who were improperly fired while involved in oversight surrounding Musk, including but not limited to: National Labor Relations Board Chair Gwynne Wilcox, Federal Election Commission (FEC) Chair Ellen Weintraub, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Commissioners Jocelyn Samuels and Charlotte Burrow, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General Phyllis Fong.
    Several of Trump’s orders contradict legal protections for the relevant officials. For example, federal law requires the president to notify Congress before removing an inspector general, but Trump did not do so before firing over a dozen IGs. Shortly after the terminations, Senators Padilla and Schiff joined a letter to President Trump demanding that the IGs be reinstated. President Trump has violated federal law with respect to numerous other agency officials, including the Office of the Special Counsel, the head of the Merit Service Protection Board, and a member of the National Labor Relations Board. Federal courts have already intervened against many of these presidential actions.
    The letter was led by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), along with House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Gerry Connolly (D-Va.-11) and House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08). In addition to Padilla and Schiff, the letter is also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), as well as Representatives Becca Balint (D-Vt.-AL), Donald Beyer (D-Va.-08), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.-09), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.-05), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.-09), Danny Davis (D-Ill.-07), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-Ill.-04), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.-07), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (D-Ga.-04), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.-02), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Summer Lee (D-Pa.-12), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.-10), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-AL), Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.-02), Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.-03), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.-05), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.-01), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.-10), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai’i-02), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.-20), and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43).
    Senators Padilla and Schiff have fought against the Trump Administration’s federal workforce cuts and Inspectors General firings. Last month, Padilla, Schiff, and all other Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats demanded answers from Trump Administration nominees and acting officials on the removal or reassignment of career law enforcement officials across the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Padilla condemned Trump’s attempt to unlawfully fire more than a dozen Inspectors General during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. He previously sounded the alarm on concerning reports that DOGE will make wide-ranging, harmful cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) workforce and programs, hampering HUD’s ability to support vulnerable communities and combat the housing and homelessness crises. As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Padilla also denounced the illegal firing of FEC Chair Weintraub and led 10 Democratic Senators to demand President Trump rescind this decision. 
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear President Trump:
    We are concerned that you have engaged in an unlawful firing spree that includes dozens of Senate-confirmed government officials. Many of the individuals you have targeted lead federal agencies and offices that are investigating or prosecuting companies belonging to Elon Musk, one of your top advisors, for violations of a wide swath of federal safety, labor, intelligence, and other rules and laws. The firings of these officials threaten our democratic system of checks and balances and fail to hold Mr. Musk accountable for actions that may have hurt workers, endangered national security and citizens’ and small businesses’ data, ripped off taxpayers, damaged the environment, and broken federal election rules.
    You have fired scores of Senate-confirmed government officials over the past three weeks, including many individuals who have legal protections dictating why and how they can be removed from office. For example, federal law requires the president to notify Congress before removing an inspector general (IG) from office, but you did not do so before firing over a dozen IGs during your first week in office. You also failed to set forth the specific and substantive rationale for each IG’s firing. Members of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) can be removed “for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause,” and you removed an NLRB member with no justification. These and other firings are illegal.
    Nearly all of your decisions you made about who to fire appear to benefit Mr. Musk, and many target individuals and agencies that are currently investigating or prosecuting Mr. Musk or his companies for unlawful behavior. The fired individuals directly involved in pending or previous actions related to Mr. Musk and businesses include:
    NLRB Chair Gwynne Wilcox. In January 2024, the NLRB charged Mr. Musk’s astronautics company SpaceX with engaging in unfair labor practices; the NLRB also currently has at least a dozen unfair labor practices cases open against Mr. Musk’s automotive company Tesla;
    FEC Chair Ellen Weintraub. In 2024, the FEC adjudicated cases that alleged Mr. Musk may have violated campaign finance laws;
    Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commissioners Jocelyn Samuels and Charlotte Burrows. In September 2023, the EEOC sued Tesla for racial harassment and retaliation;
    U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) IG Phyllis Fong. In December 2022, the USDA IG investigated potential animal welfare violations at Musk’s brain implant company Neuralink; and
    U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) IG Paul Martin. The USAID IG was inspecting the use of Starlink terminals to support Ukraine.
    You also fired three other IGs from agencies that were investigating or had punished Mr. Musk’s companies.
    U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) IG Eric Soskin. In January 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an agency under the DOT, opened an investigation into Tesla over safety concerns in its remote and self-driving vehicles, and in September 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration, which is also part of DOT, proposed fining SpaceX $630,000 for failing to follow license requirements during rocket launches;
    U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) IG Robert Storch. In December 2024, the DoD IG reportedly opened an investigation into repeated failures by Musk and SpaceX to disclose their meetings with foreign leaders; and
    U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) IG Larry Turner. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration, part of the DOL, “has opened probes into and fined SpaceX, Tesla and Boring Company for worker injuries or unsafe working conditions.”
    You have also fired numerous other agency leaders and IGs who would have provided a check on potential wrongdoing by Musk and his companies. These federal watchdogs could have held Musk and his associates accountable for future violations of the law. These individuals include:
    Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) IG Sean O’Donnell. In 2019 and 2022, the EPA settled lawsuits with Tesla over Clean Air Act and hazardous waste law violations;
    U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) IG Mark Greenblatt. DOI had reviewed Musk’s rocket launch facility Starbase;
    U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Director David Huitema. OGE is an independent agency responsive for preventing conflicts of interest among federal officers and employees;
    U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Member Cathy Harris. MSPB is an independent agency that protects civil servants against partisan political and other prohibited practices;
    Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) Chair Susan Tsui Grundmann. FLRA is an independent agency that oversees labor-management relations for federal employees; and
    U.S. Office of the Special Counsel (OSC) Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger. OSC is an independent agency that protects whistleblowers and enforces restrictions on partisan political activity by government employees.
    Altogether, these firings either directly benefit Mr. Musk and his companies or remove guardrails that would hold them accountable to the rule of law. The firings also hurt everyday Americans. The individuals you have fired served important watchdog roles in our government. IGs “protect taxpayer money by rooting out corruption, fraud, waste and mismanagement.” Minority commissioners on multi-member commissions of independent agencies provide dissenting opinions to the majority and allow for balanced decision-making over significant issues. In addition to removing agency leadership, you and Mr. Musk are removing career civil servants who would conduct investigations and enforcement actions against lawbreakers. The impacts are vast: in total, your removals of agency heads and career civil servants have affected at least eleven federal agencies with more than thirty-two ongoing investigations, complaints, or enforcement actions on Mr. Musk’s companies.
    Mr. Musk has failed to address conflicts of interest related to his involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency while serving as CEO of multiple companies that have significant interests before the federal government. Musk is required to comply with federal conflict of interest prohibitions (18 U.S.C. § 208) that prohibit him “from personally and substantially participating in any particular matter that would have a direct and predictable effect on his financial interests,” but the White House has stated that he will be in charge of policing his own compliance with the law, and he has provided no indication of whether he is doing so. Now, these firings have removed the exact individuals in our government who would hold Mr. Musk and his companies accountable for following the law and protect everyday Americans from threats to their health, welfare, safety, and economic well-being. We urge you to immediately reinstate the illegally fired individuals and remove Mr. Musk from his government role unless he addresses his massive and glaring conflicts of interest as required by law.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Budget Committee Delegates Urge Top Managers to ‘Set the Tone’ for Stronger Accountability

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) delegates today urged the Secretariat to ramp up efforts to boost managerial accountability and internal controls, emphasizing the tone-setting role of top leaders in fostering a more effective United Nations.

    “A strong system of accountability is not just a bureaucratic requirement, it is the very foundation of the trust that binds this Organization to Member States and to the citizens of the world,” said Switzerland’s delegate, speaking also for Liechtenstein.  “Far from being a simple administrative reform, accountability is a fundamental principle that reflects our commitment to the values of the United Nations:  integrity, transparency and efficiency in the service of peace and sustainable development.”

    While the Secretary-General’s report highlights significant progress, it also stresses the persistent challenges that require determination and commitment to overcome, he said.  Exemplary leadership is essential for greater accountability as the UN Values and Behaviours Framework emphasizes inclusion, integrity, humility and humanity.  “A culture of accountability can only be built if those who lead the Organization embody these values on a daily basis,” he said.

    He said that other essential components for boosting accountability are the use of data and transparency, such as the UN Results Portal, which strengthens the trust of Member States.  In addition, sexual exploitation and abuse are an unacceptable betrayal of the Organization’s fundamental values while undermining public confidence.  His delegation welcomes the Secretary-General’s efforts to strengthen prevention and response mechanisms, including improving ClearCheck, a screening database, and the adoption of a victim-centred approach.

    The representative of Iraq, speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, underscored that accountability within the Organization requires managers and decision-makers at the highest levels to commit to the accountability system’s six components.  He emphasized the importance of weaving more results-based steps — of both institutional and personal accountability — into future Secretariat progress reports.  The Group also values the recommendations of the recent Joint Inspection Unit’s review of accountability frameworks in the United Nations system organizations.

    He asked senior managers to keep improving the presentation of the proposed programme budget and ensure resources are clearly linked to a continuously improving results-based budgeting framework.  “This should reflect existing mandates and the measures to achieve them,” he said.  Noting the Organization’s ongoing financial constraints, the Group believes it is even more urgent for the Secretariat to keep strengthening internal controls and monitor effective expenditures to fully implement agreed mandates and programmes.  The General Assembly has asked the Secretary-General to urge senior managers to meet the geographical targets contained in the senior managers’ compacts.  The Group also wants to understand the appropriate accountability measures that will be taken when the targets stipulated in the compacts have not been met.

    Accountability ‘Cornerstone of Effective Management’

    Israel’s delegate called accountability the cornerstone of effective management.  “It must be treated with the significance it deserves,” she said.  Her delegation welcomed progress on addressing misconduct and disciplinary issues, including the revision of policies on discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment and the abuse of authority.  “We call on the Secretariat to strengthen these efforts, ensuring a cultural shift where such misconduct is not only condemned in words, but eradicated in practice,” she said, adding that perpetrators must face real consequences, and every staff member must feel safe to report misconduct without a fear of retaliation.

    The increased availability of data and information will enhance the transparency of activities, investigations and their outcomes.  “Accountability is a principle that must be demonstrated from the very top of any organization,” she said, urging the UN leadership to “set the tone, ensuring that oversight is not only a bureaucratic exercise, but a force that safeguards the integrity of this Organization”.

    Secretariat Delivers Reports

    Karen Lock, Director of the Business Transformation and Accountability Division of the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance, presented the Secretary-General’s “Fourteenth progress report on accountability:  strengthening accountability in the United Nations Secretariat” (document A/79/696).  Noting that the Secretary-General’s management reforms have shifted the focus from process to results, she said the report recognized that this transformation can only happen over time and must be part of a process of continuous improvement.  While progress has been made in some elements of an accountability system that holds staff accountable for financial and programme performance, more needs to be done.

    Some of the detailed measures taken in 2024, laid out in Section II of the report, include improving the internal control process, such as using targeted workshops and guidance on deepening the integration of internal controls and risk management and enhancing enterprise risk management.  At the Secretariat-wide level, risk treatment and response plans were developed for 14 critical risks  with corporate risk owners monitoring the implementation of mitigation measures.  Sixty-four entities completed their risk assessments and have dedicated risk-governance practices in place.

    The Secretariat’s data protection and privacy policy, meant to guide the responsible handling of personal data, provides transparency and lays down necessary safeguards, she said.  The Secretariat has also disseminated the Secretary-General’s bulletin on the United Nations Values and Behaviours Framework, which aims to inform human resources processes, such as workforce planning, recruitment, learning and performance management.

    As the transparency of information lies at the core of accountability, the Secretariat has enhanced Member States’ portals, she said.  For example, the results portal (https://results.un.org) now provides information on when planned targets were met, exceeded or not reached.  The Workforce Portal now provides up-to-date information on staff and demographics.  The compendium of disciplinary measures contains detailed information based on nearly 14 years of practice in disciplinary matters and is available online on the human resources portal (https://hr.un.org).  “The report shows the Secretariat’s continued progress — not perfection — in reinforcing accountability as a central pillar of its management system,” Ms. Lock said.  “It includes planned activities in 2025 and beyond to drive continuous improvement.”

    Caroline Nalwanga, Vice-Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), presented that body’s related report (document A/79/772). The Advisory Committee trusts the Secretary-General will use existing resources to develop a maturity model for the accountability system and lay out a clear road map and benchmarks so progress can be noted and areas for improvements can be identified.

    Turning to the performance-appraisal system, ACABQ reiterates that the performance appraisal system must be strengthened and “that more efforts be made to ensure a link between high-level deliverables outlined by legislative bodies and individual staff workplans”.  An enhanced performance-appraisal system could not only show how performance has delivered results, but could better assess staff compliance with regulations, rules and the responsible stewardship of funds and resources.

    Regarding the review of the Organization’s system of internal controls, the Advisory Committee noted the Assembly’s request to review the first and second lines of defence in the accountability system, including human resources and asset management.  The Advisory Committee backs a comprehensive review that includes financial and budget management, information communications technology and supply chain management.  “The Advisory Committee trusts that the review will be followed by the strengthening of the exercise of second line of defence across different departments in the accountability framework,” she added.

    Fifth Committee Chair Egriselda Aracely González López (El Salvador) opened the meeting by thanking delegates for their monumental efforts during their final session in December 2024.  Their collective commitment allowed them to finalize a complex session within the established time frame.  She encouraged delegates to maintain the same momentum and spirit of collaboration as they forge ahead in this session and the second part of the resumed session.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Missouri Man Admits Child Pornography Charge, Sexual Contact with Teen

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A man from Overland, Missouri on Tuesday admitted possessing child sexual abuse material and engaging in sexual contact with a teen he’d met online.

    James Donald Goings, 36, pleaded guilty to one felony count of receipt of child pornography. He admitted that investigators were alerted by CyberTipline Reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children after Goings uploaded child sexual abuse material to a Google account. On July 21, 2022, St. Louis County Police Department officers conducted a court-approved search of Goings’ house and recovered computer equipment. Investigators then learned that Going traveled to Illinois and engaged in sexual contact with a 15-year-old that he met via Grindr and was in contact with another teen from Georgia that he’d also met on Grindr, Goings’ plea says. The second victim told investigators that on multiple occasions he had video calls with Goings during which Goings directed him to perform specific sexual acts on video, the plea says.

    Goings also possessed 2,500 images containing child sexual abuse material on a computer and 190 images in his Google account.

    Going is scheduled to be sentenced in June. The charge is punishable by five to 20 years in prison. He has also agreed to forfeit cell phones, computer equipment and storage devices.

    The St. Louis County Police Department and the Edwardsville (Illinois) Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Chapman is prosecuting the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Democrats Block Tuberville Bill to Protect Female Athletes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    “At least 900 medals that belonged to women went to men instead over the past few years.”
    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the U.S. Senate took a procedural vote on U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, his legislation to require federally-funded institutions to keep men out of women’s sports, locker rooms, and other spaces designated only for females. The bill did not receive the 60 votes needed to proceed. All 45 Democrats refused to stand up for female athletes and voted to block the bill. 
    Prior to the vote, Senator Tuberville called on his colleagues to pass this commonsense piece of legislation and preserve Title IX to keep a level playing field for current and future female athletes.
    Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s remarks can be found below, or on YouTube or Rumble.

    “Over the past four years, women’s sports and women’s protections, at all levels, have been under attack. Since the beginning of time, people have agreed that sex is assigned at birth and determined by God. But under [the] Biden administration, you had people claiming that men can get pregnant. Pure, absolute insanity. But it didn’t stop there. They weren’t content just to erase gender norms that have been accepted for thousands of years. No, they wanted to allow transgender men to participate in women’s and girls’ sports. This has been happening at schools all across our country. […] Young women have been forced to compete against men and even to share locker rooms and shower time. And on top of that, your taxpayer dollars are paying for it. Thankfully, President Trump signed an Executive Order—he said, ‘no more, no more federal money to any state that allows this to happen.’ But you have to understand, this only lasts as long as President Trump is in office. We need this vote, which is going to happen in around an hour, to pass so we can make this into law. This Executive Order that he signed can be reversed.
    […]
    Congress needs to act on this to protect women’s sports to ensure Title IX protections are preserved. My bill that we are voting on today in about an hour, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, would make sure women’s rights to equal competition, equal scholarships, safe locker rooms, and that they all are protected. This legislation has already passed the House just about a month ago – with two Democrats actually supporting it. I appreciate the support of all my Republican colleagues on this. You all have joined me in championing this important cause for the past three years. I especially want to thank Leader Thune for […] bringing my bill to the floor here in the United States Senate. This will be the third time. It is hard to get a bill on this floor, but it is important to understand that. I also want to thank my friend and former Democrat colleague Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia who was the only Democrat in the last few years to support this when he was in the Senate. But unfortunately, my Democratic colleagues have been radio silent on this very issue despite the fact that a recent poll shows 67% [of] Democrats do not want men in women’s sports. 67%.
    […]
    One of the most frequent talking points I’ve heard from the other side on this is that it isn’t a big deal and isn’t impacting that many women. That’s not true. At least 900 medals that belonged to women have gone to men just over the past few years of men competing against women. In Pennsylvania alone, 66 female athletes have lost placements to male competitors since 2020. How sad is that. For each woman, the medals that went to men, there are potentially hundreds of women who lost out on that opportunity. Not to mention the hundreds of girls who perhaps did not make a team at all because they didn’t have a spot [on the roster]—you can only have so many on a team. Or the many young women who missed out on a scholarship because a man, or biological boy,  took that scholarship. It’s not fair. [So] no, this is [not] a minor issue impacting a few Americans. […] I took the liberty of looking up how many women and girls participate in women’s sports in some of my Democrat colleagues’ home states. More than 77,000 girls participate in high school [athletics] in the state of Georgia. In Michigan, 114,000. In Virginia, 164,000. In New Hampshire, 17,000. Pennsylvania [has] almost 150,000. New Mexico [has] almost 20,000. Minnesota [has] 98,000. Arizona [has] 120,633. And don’t tell me it’s not going to affect these states when, today, my Democrat colleagues come on this floor that represent these states and vote against this bill. It will affect [women], and it will affect them for years. So, as you can see, men competing in women’s sports has a negative impact on a lot of different girls across this country. But you know, it’s not just trophies. It’s about playing time,  it’s about learning and being on a team, learning how to win and learning how to lose.
    […]
    Last week, my wife Suzanne and I were proud to welcome our first granddaughter, Rosie Grace. She’s about five or six days old. We want her to have the same opportunities that all the other girls have had over the years. She deserves [the same rights] to fair competition, scholarships, trophies. I already bought her first pair of golf clubs—at age five days old. But if Democrats have their way today, she may one day be forced to compete against a man. Let me tell you something, if she has to share a locker room with a boy, you’re looking at a grandfather that will raise hell. If they shower in the same showers, we’re going to have problems. So, what we’re creating here is more and more problems that our country doesn’t need. I heard a story the other day about a 6th grade girl in Minnesota who was changing in a college locker room after swim practice when a biological man who identified as a female walked in and came within 5-6 feet of her to grab something. Let me tell you something, her dad became unglued. You would have too. Anybody would. This isn’t even about politics. This is about right and wrong. 79% of Americans agree on this: allowing men to compete against women is just plain wrong. 79% of the entire country. And like I said earlier, 67% of my Democratic colleagues and their constituents say, ‘no way, Jose.’ It’s not going to happen. So, to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, you may want to check with your constituents before you make this vote today in about an hour.
    […]
    Because if polling is even close to correct, 8 out of 10 of your constituents do not want men competing against women. And if that doesn’t strike a chord with you, let me ask you this: Do you have daughters? Do you have granddaughters? Do you have nieces?  How would you feel if they trained for years – waking up early every morning, staying after school late practicing. Putting in those long hours when nobody else is watching. Missing spring breaks, family vacations, birthday parties, and holidays, making tremendous physical and financial sacrifices. All so they could one day have the opportunity either to win a trophy or win a scholarship. But then only to have that opportunity ripped away by a bigger, better, stronger, faster male athlete because they want to participate against women.
    […]
    Thanks to President Trump’s Executive Order, the NCAA recently announced men will no longer be allowed to compete against women on the college level. While this is a step in the right direction, the NCAA’s rules still allow, to this day, the NCAA to change the rules but they still allow men—biological boys or men—to enjoy in all the other benefits of being on a women’s team—practicing, dressing in the locker room, showering. But they just can’t compete in a game. That makes no sense. The NCAA needs to stand up for young women across this country and say, ‘no way.’ It just makes no sense, when [President Trump] made that [Executive Order]. To fully protect women, Congress needs to pass legislation on this, as I said earlier. We have got to pass it. It’s the only way it’s going to stop. Because the people out there that have lost their minds are going to continue to force this to happen. The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act would prevent a school from receiving federal funding if it lets boys compete in women. It’s the only way we can stop it. It also defines gender as male and female. What an idea, right?
    […]
    I hope we can put politics aside and in about, and hour [or] 45 minutes, do the right thing and protect women and girls in sports.”
    BACKGROUND:
    The issue of biological males in girls’ and women’s sports proved to be a winning message during the 2024 Presidential Election. Support continues to grow for keeping biological males out of women’s sports—a recent NYT poll found 79% of respondents said biological males who identify as women should not be allowed to participate in women’s sports. This number is a 10% increase from a 2023 survey where 69% of respondents agreed that biological males do not belong in women’s sports.
    This growing increase in support for keeping biological males out of girls and women’s sports isn’t a partisan issue. In the NYT poll, of the 1,025 people who identified as Democrats or leaning Democrat, 67% agreed that biological male athletes shouldn’t be allowed in women’s sports.
    The Trump administration has taken historic action to establish where it stands on the issue, including an Executive Order from President Trump himself recognizing two genders and the Department of Education’s announcement that it will revoke the disastrous Biden-era Title IX policies. President Trump has spoken about the need to keep biological males out of women’s sports on multiple occasions.
    However, there is still a need to make the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act permanent law. Now, Senator Tuberville faces another different challenge—getting Republican leadership to bring the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act (or S.9 for Title IX) before the Senate for a vote after leadership previously signaled support. The legislation is simple: 1) it bans federal funds from going to ANY institution that allows biological males in spaces designated for girls and women, and 2) ensures that Title IX provisions only recognize a person’s biological gender—or gender at birth.
    The U.S. House of Representatives quickly moved to pass the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act on January 14, 2025, a week after the bill’s reintroduction. Two Democrats—Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzales—joined Republicans in voting for its passage, bringing the vote to 218-206. Another Democrat congressman—Rep. Ron. Davis—voted “present.” The bill had no Democrat support when it passed the House in 2023, signaling that some Democrats are beginning to wake up to the fact that Americans do not want biological males competing against female athletes.
    One of Tuberville’s first acts after taking office in 2021 was offering an amendment to protect female athletes. Though the amendment had broad support, Senate Democrats blocked it from even being considered by a vote of 49-50.
    Senator Tuberville has continued to be the leader on preserving Title IX, introducing legislation such as the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act and the Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, and forcing Democrats to show the American people exactly where they stand on the issue of protecting female athletes.
    On June 23, 2022—the 50th anniversary of Title IX becoming law—the Biden Department of Education announced its proposed changes to Title IX that would allow biological males to compete in girls’ and women’s sports. Senator Tuberville led 21 of his Republican colleagues in submitting a “public comment” to then-ED Secretary Miguel Cardona that warned of the dangers of his proposal, should it be carried out. 
    In April 2023, Senator Tuberville reintroduced the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act to strip away funding from schools that allow biological males to participate in female sporting events. The U.S. House of Representatives passed this legislation, but Senate Democrats blocked it when Senator Tuberville brought it up for a vote on the Senate floor.
    In March 2024, Senator Tuberville once again forced the Democrats’ hand during a critical election year, when offering the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act as an amendment. ALL 51 Democrats at the time voted against allowing the bill to proceed.
    In March 2024, Senator Tuberville ALSO introduced a bill to ban men from competing in women’s U.S. Olympic sports, following USA Boxing’s announcement that it would allow men to box against women.
    IN THE NEWS:
    Not One Democrat Senator Voted to Protect Women’s Sports From Males
    White House Backs Tuberville’s Women’s Sports Legislation Ahead Of Senate Vote
    After This Vote, the Dems Show They Really Haven’t Learned Anything From Their 2024 Loss
    Democrats Stall Senate Bill To Protect Women’s Sports
    Bill to Ban Biological Males From Women’s Sports Blocked by Democrats
    Senate Dems face backlash after bill to prevent boys from playing girls’ sports fails to break filibuster
    Senate Dems Kill Legislative Effort to Protect Women’s Sports
    Senate Democrats block GOP bill to keep male-born athletes out of female sports
    Senate bid to prevent boys from playing girls’ sports get stuck on filibuster
    Fight To Protect Women’s Sports Could Stall In Senate
    Will Democrats stand up for women or let men destroy girls’ sports?
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Enstar Completes Previously Announced Transaction with Atrium Syndicate 609

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMILTON, Bermuda, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enstar Group Limited (“Enstar”) (Nasdaq: ESGR) announced today its Lloyd’s syndicate (“Syndicate 2008”), managed by Enstar Managing Agency Limited, has completed the previously announced transaction with Atrium Syndicate 609, managed by Atrium Underwriters Limited.

    Under the terms of the loss portfolio transfer agreement, Atrium Syndicate 609 ceded net loss reserves of approximately $196 million, based on Atrium’s carried reserves as at Q3 2024, to Enstar’s Syndicate 2008. The reinsurance relates to business underwritten in the 2023 and prior years of account, with all claims handling transferring to Syndicate 2008.

    Completion of the transaction followed receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of various other closing conditions.

    About Enstar

    Enstar is a NASDAQ-listed leading global insurance group that offers innovative capital release solutions through its network of group companies in Bermuda, the United States, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia, and other international locations. A market leader in completing legacy acquisitions, Enstar has acquired more than 120 companies and portfolios since its formation in 2001. For further information about Enstar, see www.enstargroup.com.

    Contact:

    For Enstar:
    For Investors: Matthew Kirk (investor.relations@enstargroup.com)
    For Media: Jenna Kerr (communications@enstargroup.com)

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Diginex Limited to Ring the Nasdaq Closing Bell on March 5, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diginex Limited (“Diginex Limited” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DGNX), an impact technology company specializing in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, announced today that it will ring the Nasdaq Closing Bell on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, marking a key milestone following its successful listing in January 2025.

    Diginex Limited’s Chairman and Founder, Miles Pelham, will lead the ceremony, joined by members of the board of directors, executive leadership, business partners, key advisors, and other stakeholders who have been instrumental in the Company’s success.

    “Ringing the Nasdaq Closing Bell is a momentous occasion for Diginex Limited as we continue expanding our presence in the sustainability focused RegTech space,” said Miles Pelham, Chairman and Founder of Diginex Limited. “This milestone reflects the dedication of our team, the support of our stakeholders, and our unwavering commitment to driving long-term value. We look forward to accelerating our mission of empowering businesses to operate more sustainably.”

    The ceremony will be broadcast live on the Nasdaq website at https://www.nasdaq.com/marketsite/bell-ringing-ceremony, with live footage and event highlights starting at 3:45 p.m. Eastern Time. Event photos and videos will be available shortly after the ceremony on Diginex Limited’s corporate website and social media channels.

    About Diginex Limited

    Diginex Limited is a Cayman Islands exempted company, with subsidiaries located in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Diginex Limited conducts operations through its wholly owned subsidiary Diginex Solutions (HK) Limited, a Hong Kong corporation (“DSL”) and DSL is the sole owner of (i) Diginex Services Limited, a corporation formed in the United Kingdom and (ii) Diginex USA LLC, a limited liability company formed in the State of Delaware. DSL commenced operations in 2020, and is a software company that empowers businesses and governments to streamline ESG, climate, and supply chain data collection and reporting. DSL is an impact technology business that helps organizations address the some of the most pressing ESG, climate and sustainability issues, utilizing blockchain, machine learning and data analysis technology to lead change and increase transparency in corporate social responsibility and climate action.

    Diginex’s products and services solutions enable companies to collect, evaluate and share sustainability data through easy-to-use software. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://www.diginex.com/.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results disclosed in the Company’s filings with the SEC.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Diginex
    Investor Relations
    Email:ir@diginex.com

    IR Contact Europe
    Anna Höffken
    Phone: +49.40.609186.0
    Email: diginex@kirchhoff.de

    IR Contact US
    Jackson Lin
    Lambert by LLYC
    Phone: +1 (646) 717-4593
    Email: jian.lin@llyc.global

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Hanmi Financial to Participate in the Piper Sandler Western Bank Forum

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hanmi Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: HAFC, or “Hanmi”), the parent company of Hanmi Bank (the “Bank”), today announced its participation in the Piper Sandler Western Bank Forum on Monday, March 10 and Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Marina del Rey, CA.

    Anthony Kim, Chief Banking Officer, and Ron Santarosa, Chief Financial Officer, will host one-on-one and small group meetings throughout the day.

    A copy of the presentation being used for meetings with institutional investors will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.hanmi.com.

    About Hanmi Financial Corporation
    Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Hanmi Financial Corporation owns Hanmi Bank, which serves multi-ethnic communities through its network of 32 full-service branches, five loan production offices and three loan centers in California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Hanmi Bank specializes in real estate, commercial, SBA and trade finance lending to small and middle market businesses. Additional information is available at www.hanmi.com.       

    Investor Contacts:
    Romolo (Ron) Santarosa
    Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
    213-427-5636

    Lisa Fortuna
    Investor Relations
    Financial Profiles, Inc.
    lfortuna@finprofiles.com
    310-622-8251

    Source: Hanmi Bank

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 04.03.2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Stock Exchange Release
    4 March 2025 at 22:30 EET

    Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 04.03.2025

    Espoo, Finland – On 4 March 2025 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows:

    Trading venue (MIC Code) Number of shares Weighted average price / share, EUR*
    XHEL 2,620,152 4.76
    CEUX 1,073,651 4.75
    BATE – –
    AQEU 100,000 4.75
    TQEX – –
    Total 3,793,803 4.76

    * Rounded to two decimals

    On 22 November 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to offset the dilutive effect of new Nokia shares issued to the shareholders of Infinera Corporation and certain Infinera Corporation share-based incentives. The repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 25 November 2024 and end by 31 December 2025 and target to repurchase 150 million shares for a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 900 million.

    Total cost of transactions executed on 4 March 2025 was EUR 18,043,327. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 142,405,206 treasury shares.

    Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement.

    On behalf of Nokia Corporation

    BofA Securities Europe SA

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 931 580 507
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons, Foreign Relations Committee Democrats condemn Trump and Vance’s disgraceful Oval Office outburst during meeting with Zelenskyy and reiterate support for Ukraine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) issued the following statement condemning President Trump and Vice President Vance’s rhetoric during their meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: 
    “Today’s behavior by President Trump and Vice President Vance would be more shocking if it wasn’t the new normal that this administration is forcing on our allies, partners and even our own citizens. Russia has not been able to break Ukraine’s spirit nor its will to fight. We are certain President Trump’s childish tantrum will not reach that objective either. Ukrainians have strong bipartisan support for their fight in Congress and Ukrainian flags continue to hang across our communities in the United States. We stand with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and will continue to condemn Putin’s aggression toward the brave and honorable citizenry of Ukraine.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Mitigating the risks posed by AI-generated accounts on social media – P-000304/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Digital Services Act (DSA)[1]obliges providers of very large online platforms (VLOPs) to identify, analyse and assess the systemic risks stemming from their services, and consider the role of algorithmic systems and intentional manipulation, including by inauthentic use or automated exploitation of the service.

    Artificial intelligence (AI)-generated accounts on social media could therefore be considered in such risk assessments. The risks related to the intentional manipulation stemming from AI-generated accounts and the content generated by them may have negative effects for civic discourse or electoral processes, and negative consequences to mental well-being.

    The Commission issued guidelines[2] to VLOPs with best practices to mitigate election-related risks, including labels for AI-generated content.

    The Code of Conduct on Disinformation[3] includes strong measures to address the spread of disinformation via VLOPs signatories, including dissemination of AI-generated content. A workstream has been established as part of the Code’s Taskforce to address the challenges raised by AI for disinformation.

    Under the AI Act[4], providers of generative AI must ensure that AI-generated content can be detected. The AI Act also introduces disclosure obligations for certain AI systems, like chatbots, to make users aware that they are interacting with a machine, and a labelling obligation for deep fakes and AI-generated text if it is intended to inform the public on public interest matters.

    VLOPS under the DSA will also have to accept the EU Digital Identity Wallet[5] for logging into their online services upon the voluntary request of the user.

    Together, these measures provide an effective set of rules to address the problems raised.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act).
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52024XC03014&qid=1714466886277
    • [3] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/code-conduct-disinformation
    • [4] Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence and amending Regulations (EC) No 300/2008, (EU) No 167/2013, (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1139 and (EU) 2019/2144 and Directives 2014/90/EU, (EU) 2016/797 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Artificial Intelligence Act).
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/display/EUDIGITALIDENTITYWALLET/EU+Digital+Identity+Wallet+Home
    Last updated: 4 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Providing EU resources and support to improve operating conditions for the Italian National Fire Brigade – E-003035/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. According to the EU Treaties[1] Member States are primarily responsible for the management of disasters[2], including forest fires. The Commission supports coordination and complements Member State actions through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism[3] and its early warning tools, including the Copernicus’ European Forest Fire Information System (EFISS)[4]. The Commission also encourages the use of the Galileo Emergency Satellite Warning Service and supports the development and maintenance of Member States response capabilities to wildfires through rescEU[5] and the European Civil Protection Pool[6]. The Commission encourages the share of best practices in prevention and preparedness with a variety of tools[7][8].

    2. As announced by the President of the European Commission in the Political Guidelines 2024-2029, the Commission intends to put forward a Quality Jobs Roadmap, developed together with the social partners to support fair wages and good working conditions for all EU workers, including those in the public safety sector.

    3. Advanced technologies used in EFISS, and the European Flood Alert System[9] play a key role in the detection and response to potential disasters. The Commission also encourages the use of advanced technologies in this field through multiple instruments, such as the Track 1 technical assistance and the Knowledge for Action in Prevention & Preparedness (KAPP)[10] grants as well as the Horizon Europe[11] programme including its disaster risk reduction activities[12] and the EU Mission: Adaptation to Climate Change area[13].

    • [1]  Article 196 TEU https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:C:2016:202:FULL
    • [2]  Whether natural or man-made.
    • [3]  https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en
    • [4]  https://forest-fire.emergency.copernicus.eu/
    • [5]  https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/union-civil-protection-mechanism-resceu_en
    • [6]  https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/european-civil-protection-pool_en#:~:text=The%20EU%20established%20the%20European%20Civil%20Protection%20Pool,European%20response%20to%20human-induced%20disasters%20and%20natural%20hazards.
    • [7]  Including pre-positioning of fire-fighters during fire seasons, advisory missions, and peer reviews of their national disaster management systems, including of Italy’s, published in January 2025 (https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/stories/italy-ucpm-wildfire-peer-review-final-report-published-and-handed-over)
    • [8]  Furthermore, the European Regional Development Fund National Programme for Security for Legality 2021 — 2027 in Italy includes a project on smart forest environmental monitoring of EUR 30 Million. This involves the development and deployment of a system to collect, manage, integrate and correlate environmental monitoring data, together with automatic alert mechanisms to support a network for the control and verification of criminal activities in forest, rural and peripheral areas of cities. The aim is to provide the Forestry, Environmental and Agri-food Unit Command of the Carabinieri with adequate control tools for data and information to strengthen legality and combat environmental crime.
    • [9]  https://www.copernicus.eu/en/european-flood-alert-system
    • [10]  https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/knowledge-action-prevention-preparedness-2024
    • [11]  https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
    • [12]  https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/cluster-3-civil-security-society_en
    • [13]  https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/adaptation-climate-change_en
    Last updated: 4 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Greek farmers’ economic collapse and upcoming protests – E-000784/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000784/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Galato Alexandraki (ECR)

    Greek farmers are in despair as production costs have soared. Fuel, fertiliser and animal feed prices have increased by up to 100 % while the prices of their own products remain frozen. Meanwhile, uncontrolled imports of cheap agricultural products from non-EU countries, which do not meet European quality and health standards, exacerbate unfair competition, putting an economic stranglehold on many small and medium-sized holdings.

    Faced with this situation and given the indifference shown to their demands, farmers are mobilising and are planning to take to the streets with their tractors to demand solutions. They are also speaking out against delays in the payment of compensation for damage caused by natural disasters and against the lack of transparency in the distribution of EU aid, which means funds never reach those producers who have actually been affected.

    In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.What immediate measures will be taken to reduce unsustainable production costs, especially as regards fuel, energy and agricultural supplies?
    • 2.How is it checking that EU funds are being distributed in a transparent manner and that they promptly reach farmers in real need?

    Submitted: 20.2.2025

    Last updated: 4 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – National right-to-die laws and differences in patient treatment across Europe – E-000811/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000811/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dario Nardella (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Camilla Laureti (S&D), Giorgio Gori (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D), Pina Picierno (S&D), Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Irene Tinagli (S&D), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Raffaele Topo (S&D)

    On 11 February 2025, Tuscany became the first region in Italy to approve a bill regulating the right to die, establishing that the regional health service must, subject to specific conditions and time frames, grant patients the freedom to choose to end their life.

    Tuscany was acting on a motion for a citizens’ initiative bill and in a persistent legislative vacuum, as highlighted by the Constitutional Court which, in judgment No 242 of 2019, decriminalised assisted suicide and laid down the prerequisites for patient access to the procedure. Some European countries have already regulated assisted dying, while others have not enshrined the right to choose, making for an extremely fragmented landscape in which the people are the ones to suffer from the stark differences.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission believe that, on this point, the Member States are in violation of the principles laid down in Article 35 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (‘Health care’)?
    • 2.Will it take steps to limit the regulatory fragmentation and ensure legal uniformity in the recognition and protection of the right to die for EU citizens?

    Supporter[1]

    Submitted: 21.2.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Alessandro Zan (S&D)
    Last updated: 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –