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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Security: Три роки від початку повномасштабного вторгнення в Україну: Конкретні кроки, підтримані Євроюстом на шляху до відповідальності

    Source: Eurojust

    Члени групи JIT активно працюють над спільною прокурорською стратегією, яка надає пріоритет розслідуванню злочину агресії, злочинів катувань, жорстокого поводження та фільтрації щодо місць незаконного утримання, а також злочину геноциду.

    З березня 2022 року Агентство провело 22 координаційні зустрічі між JIT та іншими національними органами влади, які розслідують ймовірні основні міжнародні злочини, скоєні в Україні. Це дозволило залученим країнам обмінюватися даними про свої внутрішні розслідування, обговорювати стратегії та пріоритети, а також координувати слідчі заходи.

    Євроюст повністю зобов’язується надалі підтримувати важливу роботу групи JIT, і виділив близько півмільйона євро на фінансування своєї діяльності.

    Робота групи JIT підтримується роботою Міжнародного центру переслідування злочину агресії проти України (ICPA) та Бази даних доказів основних міжнародних злочинів (CICED), які розміщуються та керуються Євроюстом.

    ICPA: досягнутий прогрес у розробці солідного пакету матеріалів справ щодо злочину агресії

    За останні шість місяців ICPA досяг значного прогресу у створенні солідного пакету матеріалів для укладення справ. Цей пакет базується на спільній слідчій та прокурорській стратегії щодо злочину агресії, узгоджену учасниками ICPA.

    Пакет матеріалів для укладення справ призначений для передачі майбутньому офісу прокурора можливого спеціального трибуналу або іншим юрисдикціям.

    Центр ICPA забезпечив і продовжує забезпечувати збір і попередній аналіз потенційних доказів, які можуть стосуватися осіб на найвищому рівні військового і політичного керівництва. Слідчі дії не обмежуються офіційними посадами, які можуть обіймати окремі особи.

    Оскільки агресія в Україні триває, зростає кількість доказів, які активно досліджуються ICPA.

    ICPA отримав додаткове фінансування, а в січні 2025 року його діяльність була продовжена ще на шість місяців. З цією метою була підписана поправка до Угоди про внески між Євроюстом та Службою інструментів зовнішньої політики Європейської комісії.

    CICED: понад 3 700 файлів доказів

    CICED – це унікальна спеціалізована судова база даних, створена Євроюстом для збереження, аналізу та зберігання доказів основних міжнародних злочинів. CICED дозволяє Агентству підтримувати національні судові органи у виявленні доказів, розташованих в іншій країні, які можуть бути важливими для їхніх власних розслідувань. На сьогоднішній день до CICED було подано понад 3 700 файлів доказів з 16 країн.

    У січні 2025 року завдяки новому інструменту перекладу було перекладено файли доказів, поданих національними органами, з 19 мов на англійську. Це радикально нове рішення значно прискорило аналітичну роботу Агентства. Завдяки цьому функція пошуку в базі даних стала більш точною, а відповіді на запити на інформацію від національних органів влади можуть надаватися швидше.

    Євроюст активно працює над тим, щоб відповідати на запити національних органів влади для підтримки їхніх розслідувань основних міжнародних злочинів. Крім того, Агентство проактивно визначає файли, які вважаються корисними для поточних національних розслідувань.

    Довідкова інформація:

    З початку війни Євроюст був на передньому краї у підтримці відповідальності за російські злочини. Всього через три тижні після повномасштабного вторгнення Росії у 2022 році Євроюст підтримав створення спільної слідчої групи JIT, якa зараз складається з України, шести країн-членів ЄС, за участю МКС та Європолу, а також Меморандуму про взаєморозуміння зі Сполученими Штатами.

    В умовах фрагментованої і складної оперативної обстановки, коли війна триває, а докази розташовані в країнах з різними правовими системами, група JIT дозволяє партнерам обмінюватися інформацією безпосередньо і в режимі реального часу. Це також допомагає членам групи JIT оптимізувати свої розслідування, оскільки залучені до неї національні органи тепер можуть зосередитися на активному укладенню справ.

    Євроюст надає групі JIT юридичну та аналітичну експертну підтримку, а також матеріально-технічне й фінансове забезпечення.

    У лютому 2023 року Євроюст запустив Базу даних доказів основних міжнародних злочинів (CICED) на основі термінового внесення змін до мандату Євроюсту після вторгнення в Україну.

    Міжнародний центр переслідування злочину агресії проти України (ICPA), створений у липні 2023 року, також розміщений у Євроюсті і разом з CICED підтримує роботу групи JIT.

    З березня 2022 року Євроюст бере активну участь у роботі Робочої групи ЄС з заморожування та конфіскації, створеної Європейською Комісією для забезпечення ефективного застосування санкцій ЄС проти російських та білоруських олігархів, включених до переліку, на всій території Європейського Союзу. Євроюст надає операційну підтримку Робочій групі шляхом координації виконання країнами-членами санкцій Європейського Союзу через кримінальне право.

    Разом з Офісом Генерального прокурора України Євроюст є співголовою робочого напрямку національних розслідувань Діалогової групи з питань притягнення до відповідальності за міжнародні злочини, вчинені в Україні. Метою цього робочого напрямку є визначення ключових викликів в справах основних міжнародних злочинів та спільні пропозиції щодо рішень на політичному рівні, наприклад, щодо використання доказів з відкритих джерел у розслідуванні та судовому переслідуванні міжнародних злочинів в контексті України.

    Додаткова інформація:

    Для отримання додаткової інформації про різні заходи, вжиті Євроюстом з початку війни в Україні, відвідайте нашу спеціальну веб-сторінкуe.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: VATICAN/ANGELUS – The Pope hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital asks for prayers and carries the pain of the world in his heart

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Sunday, 23 February 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Pope Francis is hospitalized at the Gemelli hospital in Rome with the diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia. The medical bulletin released yesterday evening, Saturday 22 February, spoke of a “reserved prognosis” and reported the respiratory crisis the Pontiff had experienced early in the morning. Prayers have been raised to heaven from all over the world for the health of the Successor of Peter. And he, in the words of his ordinary magisterium that he continues to spread from his hospital bed, invites us to pray and implore divine mercy for all the multitudes tormented by wars and violence in all parts of the world.In the text prepared for the Angelus and released at midday by the Holy See Press Office at the request of the Pontiff himself, the Bishop of Rome, referring to the conflict in Ukraine, defines tomorrow’s date – which marks exactly three years since the beginning of that war – as “a painful and shameful occasion for the whole of humanity!”. And while he renews his “closeness to the martyred Ukrainian people”, the Pope invites us to “pray and remember the victims of all armed conflicts, and to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel and throughout the Middle East, Myanmar, Kivu and Sudan”.The Pontiff, in the released text, also refers to his health conditions: “I am confidently continuing my hospitalization at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy! I sincerely thank the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick”. Pope Francis also thanks those who have written to him in recent days: “I I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me”.In the text of the Angelus, Pope Francis also addressed the permanent deacons who have gathered in Rome in recent days to celebrate the Jubilee together, by crossing the Holy Door of the Vatican Basilica. “You,” wrote Pope Francis in the text prepared for the Angelus, “dedicate yourselves to the Word and to the service of charity; you carry out your ministry in the Church with words and deeds, bringing God’s love and mercy to everyone. I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and – as today’s Gospel suggests – to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, that transforms evil into goodness and engenders a fraternal world. Do not be afraid to risk love!”.This morning, the deacons who had come to Rome from all over the world for their Jubilee pilgrimage took part in the Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for Fundamental Questions of Evangelization in the World). During the liturgical celebration, 23 new permanent deacons from different countries were ordained, and Archbishop Fisichella also read the text of the homily prepared for the occasion by Pope Francis. A homily in which the Bishop of Rome, inspired by the readings of the liturgy of the day, wove his reflections starting from the experience of “gratuity”, “a term certainly appreciated by you deacons, gathered here for the celebration of the Jubilee” according to the words of the Pontiff. The Bishop of Rome invited the deacons to pause “on this fundamental dimension of Christian life and of your ministry”, showing how only gratuity represents the source of forgiveness, selfless service and communion that characterize every authentic diaconal vocation. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 23/2/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Cyber A.I. Group Announces Significant Expansion of Acquisition Pipeline Supporting Company’s Global Buy-and-Build Strategy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI and NEW YORK and PARIS, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cyber A.I. Group, Inc. (“CyberAI” or the “Company”), an emerging growth Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and IT services company engaged in the proactive acquisition of a broad spectrum of Cybersecurity service providers on an international basis, announced today that it has significantly increased its pool of potential acquisitions on a global basis. The announcement was made by Walter Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of Cyber A.I. Group.

    “As an emerging international company committed to significant growth through a highly proactive M&A process, the expansion of our pool of potential targets supports our ability to ultimately identify the best and most synergistic acquisitions,” noted Mr. Hughes. “Demonstrated by our recent announcements, we are positioning CyberAI to become a major player in the global Cybersecurity industry, scaling our operations in key markets worldwide. We believe our recent additions underscore our commitment for a truly international footprint as our pipeline continues to expand.”

    “Focused on global reach and leveraging the capital markets to accelerate our M&A strategy, CyberAI is targeting $100 million in annualized revenue over the next twelve to eighteen months,” added Darren Minton, Cyber A.I. Group’s Vice Chairman and President. “The addition of potential strategic international acquisitions, particularly in the UK, will support the Company’s international focus when it lists on the Main Board of the London Stock Exchange, after reaching the necessary annualized threshold requirements. It should be understood, of course, that CyberAI’s management will ultimately acquire only the best of the best of the prospective acquisition targets.”

    The expanded pipeline now represents over 300 acquisition targets across the following locations:

    • United States: 265
    • United Kingdom: 27
    • Europe: 42
    • Israel: 18

    Mr. Hughes concluded, “While there is no assurance that each of these acquisitions will be completed, the pure size of the pipeline creates an enormous prospective opportunity for CyberAI. Management conducts exhaustive due diligence and highly disciplined financial analysis prior to entering into a definitive agreement. Targets need to be committed to technology innovation, demonstrate significant growth and want to be part of a larger organization on the path to public ownership.”

    It is anticipated that New York-based ThinkEquity LLC, an investment bank specializing in public and private capital raises, will provide principal financing for the acquisitions. On October 18, 2024, CyberAI announced the execution of an investment banking agreement with ThinkEquity in support of CyberAI’s M&A strategy. For more information, please visit: www.think-equity.com.

    About Cyber A.I. Group

    Cyber A.I. Group, Inc. (“CyberAI”) is an international company engaged in the acquisition and management of worldwide Cybersecurity and IT services firms. CyberAI is pursuing a highly proactive “Buy & Build” strategy to rapidly expand operations internationally by acquiring a broad spectrum of IT services companies and repositioning them to address fast-growing market needs for Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence markets. The Company has developed an active pipeline of 300+ perspective acquisitions which are in various stages of analysis. The Company’s initial target is to acquire multiple companies representing aggregate revenues annualizing $100 million. CyberAI’s business model is focused on the acquisition and consolidation of IT services worldwide with proven ability in broad conventional technology services with strong cash flow and enhance performance through A.I.-driven Cybersecurity initiatives. This emphasis on conventional companies with strong revenues and EBITDA distinguishes CyberAI from the explosion of A.I. startups that may be pinning their future on a single technological breakthrough which may never materialize. This “Buy & Build” strategy provides CyberAI with the maximum flexibility for diversification and risk management for moving into new fields and addressing fast moving market opportunities. For additional information, please visit: cyberaigroup.io.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/49a8e0a7-5585-4e85-9e76-58ffd3961a6f

    The MIL Network –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Employment barometer in the 4th quarter 2024 – Slight increase in employment in 4th quarter 2024

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Home Affairs

    In the 4th quarter 2024, total employment (excluding agriculture) in Switzerland rose by 0.9% compared with the same quarter of the previous year (seasonally adjusted, +0.1% over previous quarter). Enterprises reported 17.1% fewer vacancies than a year earlier. Difficulties recruiting personnel have declined slightly. In addition, the employment outlook remained positive despite enterprises’ cautious estimates. These are some of the latest findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Gilead’s lenacapavir could revolutionize HIV prevention, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Gilead’s lenacapavir could revolutionize HIV prevention, says GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    Gilead Sciences has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted its New Drug Application (NDA) submissions for lenacapavir for HIV prevention. Lenacapavir was granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for HIV prevention by the FDA in October 2024 and will be reviewed by the FDA under priority review. The FDA has set a target action date of June 19, 2025, under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA). If approved, lenacapavir has the potential to revolutionize HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Stephanie Kurdach, Infectious Disease Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Gilead’s lenacapavir, an HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, is already marketed in the US, EU, and numerous other countries, under the brand name Sunlenca, for the treatment of adults with multidrug-resistant HIV. If approved by the FDA, lenacapavir will become the first and only twice-yearly injectable for HIV PrEP.”

    Conventional PrEP is administered orally once daily, but according to Phase III clinical trial data, lenacapavir demonstrated superiority in preventing HIV infections when compared with the once daily comparator, Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate). Further, lenacapavir was generally well-tolerated with no new safety concerns observed.

    Key opinion leaders (KOLs) interviewed by GlobalData have expressed positive opinions on the development of lenacapavir for PrEP. KOLs were largely in agreement that the trial data was impressive, and the route of administration and frequency of administration make lenacapavir a practical and promising option, although they also expressed concerns about cost, long term efficacy, and the potential development of resistance mechanisms.

    Kurdach continues: “Lenacapavir’s route of administration and frequency of administration make it an enticing option for PrEP, not only for those at-risk of HIV infection in the US, but also in areas where adherence to a daily oral PrEP regimen is low, such as sub-Saharan Africa.”

    Gilead also recently announced the submission of marketing authorization applications to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for lenacapavir for PrEP. One of the applications seeks European Commission authorization, and the other application would facilitate availability of the PrEP regimen in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that 2.6 million people received at least one dose of PrEP in the WHO African region in 2023. According to GlobalData epidemiologists, there were 491,201 people receiving PrEP in the US and 263,726 people receiving PrEP in the 5EU* in 2023. Between 2023 and 2033, these numbers are expected to increase by over 30% in the US and by nearly 40% in the 5EU. These projections indicate the need for more convenient PrEP options worldwide.

    Kurdach concludes: “Lenacapavir has the potential to transform HIV prevention, which could translate to increased PrEP adherence rates, and lower incident cases of HIV worldwide.”

    *France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: World’s largest atlas on display

    Source: State Library of NSW

    World’s largest atlas, Earth Platinum, on display in the Mitchell Library Reading Room

    The world’s largest atlas, Earth Platinum, is now on display in the Mitchell Library Reading Room until Monday 10 March.

    The 128-page atlas weighs 150 kilograms and there are only 31 copies in the world. 

    More than 100 international cartographers, geographers and photographers went into the making of the book.

    The book was conceived at Millennium House, a specialist book publisher in Sydney, and was printed in Italy and bound in Hong Kong. 

    Plan your visit

    Want to learn more about maps?

    Join us for a special Family Sunday: March into maps on Sunday 9 March 2025 from 10 am.
    This free event is suitable for the whole family. Learn more

    MIL OSI News –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Kyivstar Selects Mavenir to Deliver Enhanced Enterprise Fixed-Mobile Convergence Services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    READING, United Kingdom, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider building the future of networks, has been selected by Kyivstar, the leading Ukrainian digital operator, part of VEON Group (Dubai, UAE) to deliver enhanced Enterprise fixed and mobile connectivity for the operator’s B2B customers. Kyivstar has partnered with Mavenir to deploy its leading-edge, future-proof architecture and full-stack solution, including hardware, software and containerized platform.

    The FMC solution includes Converged Telephony Application Server (CTAS), Media Resource Function (MRF), Element Management System and Analytics Platform providing enterprise services. Mavenir also brings in-depth knowledge of the Ukrainian market, and an ability to deliver the solution with short timelines. Defne, a specialist in providing innovative voice solutions for the enterprise market, will be working alongside Mavenir to deliver some of the niche business services, whilst Mavenir will be responsible for the overall solution. Investment in world-class connectivity infrastructure remains a high priority for Kyivstar despite the conditions in the region.

    Kyivstar CIO, Andriy Zhukovskyi, said: “Connectivity is incredibly important in Ukraine at this time, and our role is to keep deploying the best services to all our customers. Mavenir has demonstrated to us that they have a world-class solution that meets the needs of our Enterprise customers, showcasing the ability to deliver on time – despite the extremely challenging environment in which we are working.”

    Dr. Virtyt Koshi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, EMEA at Mavenir, added: “The team at Kyivstar is committed to deliver cutting edge services, and we’re proud to be the preferred partner for this new Enterprise and Business Services capability.”

    -x-

    About Kyivstar:

    Kyivstar is Ukraine’s largest communications operator, serving more than 23.3 million mobile subscribers and over 1.1 million Home Internet fixed line customers (as of September 2024). The company provides services across a wide range of mobile and fixed line technologies, including 4G, Big Data, Cloud solutions, cybersecurity, digital TV, and more. Kyivstar plans to invest USD 1 billion into the development of new telecom technologies in Ukraine over 2023-2027. Kyivstar has allocated over UAH 2 billion over the past two years to help Ukraine overcome wartime challenges, including providing support for the Armed Forces, clients and social projects. Kyivstar is a part of VEON, global digital operator. The Group’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq (New York) stock exchange. Kyivstar has been operating in Ukraine for 27 years and is recognized as the largest taxpayer in the communications sector, the best employer and a socially responsible company. For more information: www.kyivstar.ua

    About Mavenir:

    Mavenir is building the future of networks today with cloud-native, AI-enabled solutions which are green by design, empowering operators to realize the benefits of 5G and achieve intelligent, automated, programmable networks. As the pioneer of Open RAN and a proven industry disruptor, Mavenir’s award-winning solutions are delivering automation and monetization across mobile networks globally, accelerating software network transformation for 300+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers. For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com

    Meet Mavenir at Mobile World Congress 2025, Barcelona, Mar 3-6, 2025.

    To explore Mavenir’s latest innovations and learn more about how Mavenir is delivering the Future of Networks – Today, visit us in Hall 2 (Stand 2H60) at #MWC25.

    PR Contacts: pr@mavenir.com and pr@kyivstar.net

    The MIL Network –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Information on unaudited Financial statements for the twelve month period as at 31st of December of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Urbo Bankas, a Lithuanian capital bank, generated a net profit of EUR 7.4 million in 2024. The Bank’s loan portfolio grew by 30.6% to EUR 414.5 million last year, while the Bank’s assets at the end of the year stood at EUR 634.8 million, or 15.8% more than a year earlier (EUR 548.1 million). 

    “2024 was a good year for the Lithuanian economy. At a time when even the major European countries such as Germany and France were struggling, our economy has adapted and demonstrated both impressive GDP growth (compared, again, to the European Union) and high consumer expectations, which are also contributing significantly to the positive economic trends. It has been a good year for our bank as well – we have maintained consistent, sustainable growth and improved our performance in all key categories of banking activity, from the number of loans issued or the deposit portfolio to the bank’s assets and shareholders’ equity,” says Marius Arlauskas, Head of Administration of Urbo Bankas.

    In addition to the aforementioned almost one-third increase in the loan portfolio, the deposits held with Urbo Bankas reached EUR 543.9 million at the end of December last year, up EUR 76.4 million year-on-year. The Bank’s net interest income increased by a tenth, or EUR 2.1 million, to EUR 22.9 million. The annual net profit for 2024 of EUR 7.4 million was EUR 857 thousand lower than in 2023, which, according to Mr. Arlauskas, was due to lower commission income and investments in the bank’s developments.

    “In 2024, the bank entered a new phase of its development – we changed the long-standing name of Medicinos Bankas and became Urbo, we renewed our visual identity, and we moved our headquarters, which had been located on Pamėnkalnio Street in Vilnius, to the central business district of Vilnius, Konstitucijos Avenue, and settled down in Artery, a modern and sustainable business centre,” shares the Head of Administration of the Bank.

    In the last quarter of last year, net service fee and commission income of Urbo Bankas decreased by 29.9% (EUR 1.5 million) to EUR 3.5 million compared to the last quarter of 2023, mainly due to a 70.2% (EUR 0.8 million) decrease in payment collection income and an 88.2% (EUR 0.4 million) decrease in brokerage income. The net result from foreign currency operations decreased by 26.5% (EUR 0.9 million) to EUR 2.4 million in the reference period.

    “Looking at economic trends, there is little doubt that this year will be better than the last one: there is no threat of new spikes in inflation, GDP should grow by at least 3%, and wage growth, although not reaching a tenth, should remain high. It is expected that the Euribor base rate may be lowered to 2% this year, all of which will increase both the demand for Lithuanian exported goods and services and domestic consumption,” says Mr. Arlauskas, adding that the positive economic trends will also have a positive impact on the bank’s long-term performance.

    The shareholders’ equity of Urbo Bankas was EUR 64.3 million on the last day of the previous year and has increased by 13.3% during the year since 31 December 2023, when it was EUR 56.7 million. At the end of 2024, customer service network of Urbo Bankas consisted of 25 territorial branches with 280 employees.

    For more information please contact: Julius Ivaška, Head of Business Division, tel. +370 601 04 453, e-mail media@urbo.lt

    Attachment

    • Unaudited Financial Statements 2024-12-31

    The MIL Network –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Societe Generale: Appointment within the Societe Generale Group

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    APPOINTMENT WITHIN THE SOCIETE GENERALE GROUP

    Press release

    Paris, 24 February 2025

    Societe Generale announces the appointment of Lubomira Rochet as Executive Vice President in charge of Retail Banking activities in France, Private Banking and Insurance, as well as the Group’s Chief Operating Office (technology, procurement and real estate). She will join the Bank in April 2025. Lubomira will also become a member of the Group Executive Committee.

    Lubomira Rochet’s mission will be to assist Slawomir Krupa, Chief Executive Officer of Societe Generale, in overseeing Retail Banking activities in France (both SG retail network and BoursoBank), Private Banking and Insurance, as well as the activities of the Group’s Chief Operating Office (including technology, procurement and real estate).

    Lubomira Rochet is an accomplished leader with proven expertise in business transformation, digital businesses and in all aspects of customer relations, particularly for retail activities. She has held high-level responsibilities in these areas on a global scale with a compelling track record. Her technical skills, extensive experience, strategic vision and leadership will be key assets in advancing the development and transformation of the Group and our retail activities in France. She will contribute to enhancing our performance in terms of customer experience and satisfaction, business growth and operational efficiency to support our teams on the ground.

    Slawomir Krupa, Chief Executive Officer, comments: “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Lubomira Rochet to the Group Executive Committee. She will assist me in overseeing Retail Banking activities in France and will also bring her extensive expertise to our projects for the further growth of our retail banking activities and the technological transformation of the Group. Her talent and creativity will further enhance the blend of different skills and wide-ranging experiences within the Group’s leadership team. I wish her every success in her new role.”

    Biography 
    Lubomira Rochet has held strategic positions throughout her career in the technology, digital, and retail sectors. From 2003 to 2007, she was responsible for strategy at Sogeti (Capgemini), before leading innovation and startups in France for Microsoft from 2008 to 2010. In 2010, she joined the digital marketing agency Valtech and became the Managing Director of this agency in 2012. From 2014 to 2021, she drove the digital transformation of L’Oréal as Chief Digital Officer and was a member of the Executive Committee. Since 2021, she has been a Partner at JAB Holding Company LLC. Lubomira also served as an independent Director on the Board of Directors of Societe Generale from 2017 to 2024. An economist by training, Lubomira Rochet is a graduate of the École Normale Supérieure de Paris-Saclay, Sciences Po Paris, and the College of Europe in Bruges.

    Press contact:  
    Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com

    Societe Generale

    Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with more than 126,000 employees serving about 25 million clients in 65 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.

    The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:

    • French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
    • Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
    • Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.

    Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).

    For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com.

    Attachment

    • 20250224-press-release-societe-generale-group-appointment

    The MIL Network –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Exosens strengthens its position as a key supplier to Senop for night vision image intensifier tubes highlighting increasing demand for night vision goggles

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EXOSENS STRENGTHENS ITS POSITION AS A KEY SUPPLIER TO SENOP FOR NIGHT VISION IMAGE INTENSIFIER TUBES HIGHLIGHTING INCREASING DEMAND FOR NIGHT VISION GOGGLES

    PRESS RELEASE
    MÉRIGNAC, FRANCE – FEBRUARY, 24th 2025

    • Exosens announces that Senop, a Finnish provider of high-tech optronic solutions including night vision goggles, has placed several significant orders for its Photonis white phosphor 4G intensifier tubes, to be delivered over 2025.
    • Third contracts signed with Senop since 2021 confirming Exosens position as the strategic supplier of image intensifier tubes for Baltic and Nordic countries underscoring the potential for material new sales in this area.
    • Rising demand for Night Vision goggles driven by increased military budgets and demonstrated criticality of night vision.
    • Exosens continue to fully benefit from this increasing demand as the strategic supplier of image intensifier tubes to NATO member states and their allies.

    Exosens strengthens its position as a key supplier to Senop for night vision image intensifier tubes

    Exosens, announces the signature of new contract with Senop, a Finnish provider of high-tech optronic solutions including night vision goggles (NVGs). Several major orders for Photonis (Exosens’ brand) white phosphor 4G intensifier tubes, have been placed and will be delivered throughout 2025.

    This is the third contract with Senop since 2021, after Exosens supplied a first batch of Photonis 4G image intensifiers with white phosphor screens for Senop’s EVA NVGs. A large order followed in 2022, and now, a third contract for the new EVA M development for an undisclosed customer.

    The new Senop EVA M is a compact night vision device for dismounted soldiers that enables mobile low-light combat including last features and usability improvements based on findings from user experiences in recent conflicts.

    Rising night vision market driven by increased military budgets and demonstrated criticality of night vision in high-intensity warfare

    The increase of night vision capabilities has become a strategic priority for many nations due to recent geopolitical challenges, such as the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which emphasized night vision criticality on the battlefield. The night vision market is fully benefitting from increased defense budgets since 2022, with the European Union seeing an average 6% rise in military spending, and countries like Sweden boosting their budgets by over 30%.

    Baltic and Nordic regions are even more exposed to military spending increase given geopolitical context in the region. Many countries are modernizing their defense capabilities, with a specific focus on improving low-light operational capabilities.

    Senop as well as other night vision goggles OEM relies on Photonis products to meet this demand quickly and effectively, reinforcing the importance of Exosens fast delivery capabilities. With over 40 years of experience in image intensifier technology, Exosens has established itself as the strategic supplier to NATO member states and their allies.

    Exosens: Technology enhancing military performance

    With Senop’s high-quality casings and ergonomic designs combined with Exosens’ state-of-the-art night vision technology, the result provides a significant advantage on the battlefield Photonis’ 4G tubes provide exceptional visibility at very low light levels (to Night Level 5) and the compact, lightweight structure of the EVA M makes it ideal for the mobility of soldiers on operations.

    “Innovation is at the heart of our strategy,” said Exosens CEO, Jérôme Cerisier, “We are committed to providing armed forces with night vision technologies that not only meet but exceed current operational requirements, ensuring tactical superiority on the battlefield.”

    With a constant commitment to innovation and R&D, Exosens continues to anticipate the future needs of armed forces by developing reliable solutions that meet the most stringent MIL-SPEC standards.

    Exosens will publish its full-year 2024 results on 3 March 2025, before market opening.

    About Exosens

    Exosens is a high‐tech company, with more than 85 years of experience in the innovation, development, manufacturing and sale of high‐end electro‐optical technologies in the field of amplification, detection and imaging. Today, it offers its customers detection components and solutions such as travelling wave tubes, advanced cameras, neutron & gamma detectors, instrument detectors and light intensifier tubes. This allows Exosens to respond to complex issues in extremely demanding environments by offering tailor‐made solutions to its customers. Thanks to its sustained investments, Exosens is internationally recognized as a major innovator in optoelectronics, with production and R&D carried out on 12 sites, in Europe and North America and with over 1,700 employees. Exosens is listed on compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris ﴾Ticker: EXENS – ISIN: FR001400Q9V2﴿. Exosens is included in the MSCI France Small Cap, CAC Small, CAC Mid & Small and CAC All-Tradable indices, and is a member of Euronext Tech Leaders segment.

    For more information: exosens.com.

    About Photonis

    Photonis is a leading product brand of Exosens, a high-tech company with more than 85 years of experience in the innovation, development, manufacture and sale of high-end electro-optical technologies. Photonis offers its customers photo-detection and low light conditions imaging solutions for extremely demanding environments such as Defense & Security, Nuclear Safety, Life Science and Industrial & Non-Destructive testing. Photonis is internationally recognized as a leading brand.

    Media relation

    Brunswick Group – exosens@brunswickgroup.com
    Laetitia Quignon, + 33 6 83 17 89 13
    Nicolas Buffenoir, + 33 6 31 89 36 78

    Forward-looking statements

    Certain information included in this press release are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which Exosens operates, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the forward-looking statements included in this press release. These risks include those described in chapter 3 of Exosens’ registration document approved by the French Autorité des marchés financiers under number I.24-0010 on 22 May 2024.

    Attachment

    • EXOSENS – Press release – SENOP – Final

    The MIL Network –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU scientists have identified a promising compound for creating a new anti-tumor drug

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Researchers from Novosibirsk State University, together with colleagues from the Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS, as well as Ireland, have proven the presence of high anti-cancer activity in a chemical compound that includes cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMP), they are also called host defense peptides. In the future, this compound may become the basis for creating a new effective antitumor drug.

    — This work took quite a long time, three or four years. But as a result, we managed to demonstrate high activity of the compounds on tumor cell cultures. And, in addition, we were able to study the mechanisms of its action at the molecular level — today this is a mandatory condition for registering any new anti-cancer drug at the global level, — said Andrey Pokrovsky, Head of the Department of Fundamental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, NSU, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized cancer as the second leading cause of death worldwide, with the number of diagnosed cases increasing each year. Chemotherapy remains the mainstay of cancer treatment, but the ability of cancer cells to evade drugs through a number of mechanisms is a major hurdle in therapy.

    This, as well as the rather serious side effects inherent in a number of drugs used in chemotherapy, is one of the main reasons for the active search for new methods of treating the disease. And one of the promising areas here is peptide therapy.

    Previously, the combination of AMP with a bioactive molecule showed good results in the creation of antimicrobial drugs. It was also found that some peptides specifically recognize and bind to membrane proteins of tumor cells, exerting an antitumor effect. It was this property that the Novosibirsk scientists used in their study.

    — As a result, the obtained compound provided targeted delivery to cancer cells of one agent causing DNA damage and a second agent preventing reparation. Thus, it is possible to achieve programmed cell death in tumor tissues. It is clear that at this stage we are not talking about a medicine; for this, the compound needs to go through a long path of preclinical and clinical trials, but this part of the work is beyond the competence and capabilities of the team that conducted this study, — noted Andrey Pokrovsky.

    Interest in such compounds among Russian manufacturers is not very high yet – currently in our country the production of pharmaceuticals whose action is based on peptides is practically not developed. But on a global scale this direction is developing rapidly, and the presence of relevant competencies and experience in carrying out such research projects among NSU employees can be considered work for the future.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: Who is Friedrich Merz, the man now most likely to lead Germany? Eight things to know

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ed Turner, Reader in Politics, Co-Director, Aston Centre for Europe, Aston University

    With the social democrat Olaf Scholz conceding defeat to the centre right in Germany’s election, the man most likely to be named the next chancellor will be Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz.

    The CDU has emerged as the largest party with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) second – its best-ever result in a federal election.

    Merz will have to assemble a coalition government, which will involve some tough negotiations, but Europe’s leaders can be expected to treat him as a “chancellor in waiting”. Here are eight things to know about the man about to take one of the most important political positions in Europe.

    1. He’s taking his party further to the right

    The first thing you need to know about Merz is that he and former chancellor Angela Merkel were longstanding rivals and sparring partners. Back in the early 2000s, after Merkel became leader of the CDU, she ousted Merz from his role as the party’s parliamentary leader, taking on the role herself.

    Merkel never made Merz a minister, and indeed he decided not to run for parliament again in 2009, having already begun to focus on his various private sector interests (as a lawyer but also a company board member). Merz was critical of Merkel’s decision to shift the CDU to the centre ground and was concerned it would open up space for the AfD to move into.




    Read more:
    What is the AfD? Germany’s far-right party, explained


    When Merz did become party leader in 2022, he began rewriting of the party’s programme in a much more conservative direction.

    2. He’s an economic liberal

    Merz takes a very different economic view to Merkel, at least in the latter years of her chancellorship. In 2003, he argued for a radical simplification of Germany’s tax rules such that a tax return could be calculated on the back of a beer mat.

    His party’s 2025 manifesto argued for deregulation and tax cuts to boost Germany’s sluggish growth. Part of this, Merz argued, should be funded by more conditionality being applied to welfare recipients, with a complete stop on benefits for recipients who refused to take any form of work on. In 2024, he also said he’d do “everything” to stop the EU taking on common debt.

    3. He’s a social conservative

    In his younger years, Merz was in the Catholic youth movement. He has a record of voting against abortion and has made a few awkward comments about homosexuality (saying of Klaus Wowereit, a gay mayor of Berlin, “I don’t mind as long as he doesn’t come near me”). In a strange comment, he once referred to his wife and daughters as evidence he didn’t have a problem with women. In a TV debate with Scholz, Merz was asked about Donald Trump’s recognition of only two genders, and reacted: “You can understand his position.”

    In 2000, Merz spoke of a German Leitkultur (loosely, “leading culture”, as contrasted with “multiculturalism”) – a term now in common parlance in Merz’s CDU.

    4. He’s a transatlantacist

    From 2009 to 2019, Merz chaired the Atlantic Bridge, a prominent German organisation devoted to strengthening relations between Germany and the US. He is a transatlanticist by instinct and recently sent a hand-written note to Donald Trump congratulating him on his election, noting his “strong mandate for leadership”. However, in a statement on election night, Merz pledged to “achieve independence” from the US and recognised that Trump is “largely indifferent” to Europe’s fate.

    5. He’s pro-European

    With some caveats (for instance around common debt and cooperation over refugees) Merz is a pro-European. He was a member of the European parliament between 1989 and 1994, and has been clear that closer European cooperation is an essential part of Europe’s answer to Trump.

    He has also patched up relations with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen (with whom, as a Merkel ally and CDU liberal he had little instinctive attraction), and sees potential in cooperation with her and with Manfred Weber, a CSU politician and leader of the European parliament’s centre-right MEPs.

    Merz has also pledged to visit Warsaw and Paris to rebuild relations after a difficult period under Scholz.

    6. His dealings with the far right have been controversial

    Merz has been consistently inconsistent when it comes to relations with the AfD. He mused in 2023 about the possibility of cooperation at a local level, noting that “we are obliged to recognise democratic elections”, before rowing back.

    In November 2024, Merz said he and his party would not attempt to pass legislation in the national parliament if it meant relying on AfD votes to do it. But he shocked the nation in January 2025 when he did precisely that – pushing forward a hardline immigration plan with the AfD’s support.




    Read more:
    What happened in the German parliament and why is the far right hailing it as a ‘historic’ moment?


    The volte face earned him criticism from his nemesis, Merkel – although that’s not something likely to have concerned him unduly.

    7. He’ll be hemmed in by coalition politics

    Merz will need to strike a deal with multiple other parties in order to govern. That will make his flagship programme of tax cuts hard to achieve, since cuts to welfare or climate spending would be anathema to all potential coalition partners.

    Germany’s other parties instead want Merz to reconsider Germany’s “debt brake” – the constitutional rules that restrict government borrowing. He’ll be under even more pressure to do so given a broad consensus over the need to raise defence spending.

    Perhaps it will take a conservative fiscal hawk to assemble the necessary two-thirds majorities in both chambers of parliament for change.

    8. He’d like to visit… Tibet?

    Finally, among rather thin pickings in popular reporting on Merz’s hobbies, a softball interview last summer told us he likes modern classical music and Beethoven, and one day hopes to visit Tibet.

    But holidays will be some way from his priorities at the moment. There is a strong desire in Europe for Germany to play a more active leadership role once again. At a time when Trump is noisily backing away from underscoring European security and supporting Ukraine, Merz is keenly aware of the void being opened up, and is determined that Germany, with its European allies (including even the UK) will step up.

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

    – ref. Who is Friedrich Merz, the man now most likely to lead Germany? Eight things to know – https://theconversation.com/who-is-friedrich-merz-the-man-now-most-likely-to-lead-germany-eight-things-to-know-247643

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Globe Telecom, Nokia collaborate on network APIs to provide banks with enhanced security #MWC25

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release
    Globe Telecom, Nokia collaborate on network APIs to provide banks with enhanced security #MWC25

    • Globe tests Nokia’s Network Exposure Platform (NEP) to enhance security in financial services.

    24 February 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Globe Telecom, one of the largest telecommunications operators in the Philippines with over 60 million subscribers, today announced that it is collaborating with Nokia to provide banks and other enterprises with enhanced security through the utilization of network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

    Globe Telecom, which already uses a host of other Nokia solutions including 5G RAN, is testing Nokia’s Network Exposure Platform in expanding and simplifying the number of APIs available to the operator and its enterprise partners to enable the creation of security-focused applications. APIs provide access to deep functionality and data within networks, allowing application developers to utilize those network capabilities to build new use cases for their customers.

    “With cyberattacks on banking services accelerating, it is crucial that we make available the latest network-powered technologies to our enterprise customers and help them safeguard against fraud. We are now at the stage of testing how Nokia’s NEP can support our customers in the banking and enterprise sectors with security verification tools to prevent fraudulent transactions,” said Joel Agustin, Globe’s Head of Service Planning and Engineering.

    Nokia Network Exposure Platform (NEP) is an implementation of the GSMA Operator Platform, a standard for a common platform exposing operator capabilities to developers. Globe Telecom and Nokia contribute to GSMA Open Gateway and Linux Foundation CAMARA, both of which are leading the way to harmonize the efforts of operators around the world through the development of standards-based APIs. 

    Nokia NEP complements and integrates with Nokia’s Network as Code platform with developer portal, which aligns with the GSMA Open Gateway aggregator concept and provides a cloud-based platform to connect and monetize service provider networks with application developers.
    Since launching the Network as Code platform in September 2023, Nokia’s ecosystem of Network as Code platform partners has grown to 48 currently and includes BT, Orange, StarHub, Telefonica, and Telecom Argentina. Nokia’s commitment to API monetization extends beyond network-side aggregation and includes hyperscalers like Google Cloud; Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) platform providers such as Infobip; large system integrators such as Global Logic; vertical independent software vendors like Elmo; and the world’s largest public API hub through Nokia’s recent acquisition of Rapid.

    “We are very pleased to work with Globe Telecom, along with our growing developer community, in the building of new applications that strengthen security for financial service providers in the Philippines. Nokia NEP will help Globe Telecom organize, control, and secure the way its network is integrated into developer ecosystems and platforms, ensuring choice, flexibility, and security in creating new application use cases,” said Shkumbin Hamiti, Head of Network Monetization Platform, Cloud and Network Services at Nokia.

    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.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
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    The MIL Network –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: Friedrich Merz has won Germany’s election. But as the far right soars, forming a government may be difficult

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Matt Fitzpatrick, Professor in International History, Flinders University

    Friedrich Merz’s centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has captured the highest proportion of votes in Germany’s election on Sunday. The celebrations could be short-lived, though, as the task of forming a government now looms.

    As it stands, Germany’s public broadcaster has projected Merz’s CDU and its Christian Social Union (CSU) counterpart in Bavaria to win 208 seats in the Bundestag (28.5%). The ousted Social Democratic Party (SPD) has been reduced to 121 seats (16.5%), while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved its biggest-ever result of 151 seats (20.7%).

    Other minor parties have failed to meet the 5% threshold in the proportional German parliamentary system, limiting the possible options for a government to take shape.

    Merz’s party did lift its vote share compared to its record low in 2021. And German voters have given him the opportunity to attempt forming a governing coalition.

    However, his electoral strategy may have made it harder to solve a number of problems, many of them of his own making. Here are four key things his victory has failed to do, which could make governing in Germany more difficult.

    1. Stem the number of voters to the far right

    With the German economy in the doldrums, Merz would have easily won on the question of economic management alone. Strangely, however, his electoral strategy mimicked the anti-migrant rhetoric of the far-right AfD.

    By noisily electioneering on the policy of stemming the flow of migrants and insisting at every opportunity that migrants (particularly those from the Middle East) were a threat to the German way of life, Merz has given legitimacy to what had been fringe policies.

    Yet, the election results show that the Germans who were motivated to vote for an anti-migrant party went for the most virulent version (the AfD) – particularly in the old East Germany – and not Merz’s centre-right imitation.

    Instead of stealing votes from the AfD, Merz has substantially contributed to the record showing of the far-right party by making immigration – and radical approaches to it – a central issue.

    The smiles on the face of the AfD leadership after the election tell the story. The party may not be in government, but its policies will in all likelihood be pursued by a Merz government.

    2. Exclude the left from German politics

    The day before the election, Merz railed against “green and left crazies” and insisted “there is no longer left politics in Germany”.

    The SPD vote did sink dramatically off the back of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s ineffectual and lacklustre term in office. But the left-wing Die Linke party (The Left) rode the wave of anti-AfD and anti-Merz sentiment to return from the wilderness with its best election showing in almost a decade.

    In particular, a rousing speech by Die Linke leader Heidi Reichinneck helped lift the mood on the left in response to Merz’s anti-migrant stance. Die Linke is back in the Bundestag, at least for another term.

    3. Create a governing coalition

    Merz has spent the past few weeks breaking taboos by working with the German far right and roundly abusing his opponents using the kind of intemperate language rarely seen in German politics. Now, he is faced with building a governing coalition.

    He has painted himself into a corner. He has called the Greens party and Die Linke “crazies”. And his closest ideological ally, the Free Democrats (FDP), appear to have failed to reach the 5% hurdle to enter parliament after voters punished the party for effectively blowing up the last coalition government.

    So shockingly poor was the FDP’s result, its leader, Christian Lindner, has offered his resignation.

    Previously, a “grand coalition” between the CDU and SPD has been able to form a stable government. This was especially so under former-Chancellor Angela Merkel, the longtime CDU leader.

    The centre-left SPD vote might just be large enough to form a coalition government with Merz’s CDU. Whether the SPD would do so after being shocked in the past few weeks by Merz’s dalliances with the far right remains an open question.

    Scholz, the SPD leader, has categorically ruled out serving in a Merz cabinet. Whether he might resign to make way for a grand coalition remains to be seen, should one prove mathematically possible.

    That leaves only the far-right AfD – the only other party potentially large enough to allow Merz to form a two-party coalition government. Merz has ruled out a CDU-AfD coalition as a threat to German democracy.

    Merz will either have to radically revise his attitudes towards the parties to his left or break his word not to allow the far right into government. If he did the latter, he may very well become Germany’s 21st century Franz von Papen, the Weimar Republic-era leader widely viewed as having helped usher the Nazis to power in the 1930s.

    4. Exorcise the ghost of Angela Merkel

    Merz’s career has been marked by his inability to overcome Merkel and her vision of the CDU as the umbrella party of the democratic centre.

    After dragging his party to the right, Merz has posted an electoral result lower than anything Merkel ever gained.

    Even if his party is able to cobble together a coalition government, Merz will still sit in the shadow of his more democratically popular, centrist predecessor.

    Matt Fitzpatrick receives funding from the Australian Research Council. He is the President of the History Council of South Australia.

    – ref. Friedrich Merz has won Germany’s election. But as the far right soars, forming a government may be difficult – https://theconversation.com/friedrich-merz-has-won-germanys-election-but-as-the-far-right-soars-forming-a-government-may-be-difficult-250621

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Friedrich Merz has won Germany’s election. But as the far right soars, forming a government may be difficult

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Fitzpatrick, Professor in International History, Flinders University

    Friedrich Merz’s centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has captured the highest proportion of votes in Germany’s election on Sunday. The celebrations could be short-lived, though, as the task of forming a government now looms.

    As it stands, Germany’s public broadcaster has projected Merz’s CDU and its Christian Social Union (CSU) counterpart in Bavaria to win 208 seats in the Bundestag (28.5%). The ousted Social Democratic Party (SPD) has been reduced to 121 seats (16.5%), while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved its biggest-ever result of 151 seats (20.7%).

    Other minor parties have failed to meet the 5% threshold in the proportional German parliamentary system, limiting the possible options for a government to take shape.

    Merz’s party did lift its vote share compared to its record low in 2021. And German voters have given him the opportunity to attempt forming a governing coalition.

    However, his electoral strategy may have made it harder to solve a number of problems, many of them of his own making. Here are four key things his victory has failed to do, which could make governing in Germany more difficult.

    1. Stem the number of voters to the far right

    With the German economy in the doldrums, Merz would have easily won on the question of economic management alone. Strangely, however, his electoral strategy mimicked the anti-migrant rhetoric of the far-right AfD.

    By noisily electioneering on the policy of stemming the flow of migrants and insisting at every opportunity that migrants (particularly those from the Middle East) were a threat to the German way of life, Merz has given legitimacy to what had been fringe policies.

    Yet, the election results show that the Germans who were motivated to vote for an anti-migrant party went for the most virulent version (the AfD) – particularly in the old East Germany – and not Merz’s centre-right imitation.

    Instead of stealing votes from the AfD, Merz has substantially contributed to the record showing of the far-right party by making immigration – and radical approaches to it – a central issue.

    The smiles on the face of the AfD leadership after the election tell the story. The party may not be in government, but its policies will in all likelihood be pursued by a Merz government.

    2. Exclude the left from German politics

    The day before the election, Merz railed against “green and left crazies” and insisted “there is no longer left politics in Germany”.

    The SPD vote did sink dramatically off the back of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s ineffectual and lacklustre term in office. But the left-wing Die Linke party (The Left) rode the wave of anti-AfD and anti-Merz sentiment to return from the wilderness with its best election showing in almost a decade.

    In particular, a rousing speech by Die Linke leader Heidi Reichinneck helped lift the mood on the left in response to Merz’s anti-migrant stance. Die Linke is back in the Bundestag, at least for another term.

    3. Create a governing coalition

    Merz has spent the past few weeks breaking taboos by working with the German far right and roundly abusing his opponents using the kind of intemperate language rarely seen in German politics. Now, he is faced with building a governing coalition.

    He has painted himself into a corner. He has called the Greens party and Die Linke “crazies”. And his closest ideological ally, the Free Democrats (FDP), appear to have failed to reach the 5% hurdle to enter parliament after voters punished the party for effectively blowing up the last coalition government.

    So shockingly poor was the FDP’s result, its leader, Christian Lindner, has offered his resignation.

    Previously, a “grand coalition” between the CDU and SPD has been able to form a stable government. This was especially so under former-Chancellor Angela Merkel, the longtime CDU leader.

    The centre-left SPD vote might just be large enough to form a coalition government with Merz’s CDU. Whether the SPD would do so after being shocked in the past few weeks by Merz’s dalliances with the far right remains an open question.

    Scholz, the SPD leader, has categorically ruled out serving in a Merz cabinet. Whether he might resign to make way for a grand coalition remains to be seen, should one prove mathematically possible.

    That leaves only the far-right AfD – the only other party potentially large enough to allow Merz to form a two-party coalition government. Merz has ruled out a CDU-AfD coalition as a threat to German democracy.

    Merz will either have to radically revise his attitudes towards the parties to his left or break his word not to allow the far right into government. If he did the latter, he may very well become Germany’s 21st century Franz von Papen, the Weimar Republic-era leader widely viewed as having helped usher the Nazis to power in the 1930s.

    4. Exorcise the ghost of Angela Merkel

    Merz’s career has been marked by his inability to overcome Merkel and her vision of the CDU as the umbrella party of the democratic centre.

    After dragging his party to the right, Merz has posted an electoral result lower than anything Merkel ever gained.

    Even if his party is able to cobble together a coalition government, Merz will still sit in the shadow of his more democratically popular, centrist predecessor.

    Matt Fitzpatrick receives funding from the Australian Research Council. He is the President of the History Council of South Australia.

    – ref. Friedrich Merz has won Germany’s election. But as the far right soars, forming a government may be difficult – https://theconversation.com/friedrich-merz-has-won-germanys-election-but-as-the-far-right-soars-forming-a-government-may-be-difficult-250621

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: China didn’t violate any rules with its live-fire naval exercises. So, why are Australia and NZ so worried?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National University

    In recent days, the Chinese Navy conducted two live-fire military exercises in waters near Australia and New Zealand, sparking concern in both countries.

    The Albanese government lodged a diplomatic protest with Beijing. China responded by saying it was “deeply surprised and strongly dissatisfied” by Australia’s response.

    What exactly happened?

    The presence of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (or PLA Navy) ships was well known. Australia’s Department of Defence put out a media release on February 13 indicating it was “aware” of the three ships operating to the northeast of Australia.

    Over the next week, the ships gradually made their way along Australia’s east coast through its exclusive economic zone in the Tasman Sea, which extends 200 nautical miles (370km) from a country’s coastline.

    On February 21, the PLA Navy gave short notice of its intent to conduct a possible live-fire exercise in the high seas between Australia and New Zealand. The next day, the ships conducted a second live-fire exercise. A live fire exercise can take many forms, such as using live rounds against stationary sea targets or the testing of new weapons systems.“

    Once Australia and New Zealand received China’s notification of its exercises, a maritime and air exclusion zone was created in the vicinity of the Chinese ships, and trans-Tasman commercial flights were diverted.

    Both exercises took place in “international waters”, which means no country has sovereignty over them. Neither Canberra nor Wellington contested China’s right to conduct these exercises, as the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea places no constraints on high-seas military operations.

    The United States, for example, has conducted such high-seas weapons tests in the past, causing Qantas flights across the Pacific to be occasionally diverted.

    If they were legal, why were Australia and NZ upset?

    Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles was critical of the short notice China gave both countries of its intention to use live rounds of ammunition.

    Typically, Marles said, standard protocol is to provide between 12 to 24 hours notice of such exercises. This allows enough time to warn other ships in the area and for airlines to divert their flights.

    However, because the exercises took place in the high seas, the protocol is more ambiguous. This became the key point of differentiation with China. Beijing could argue its warships are under no legal obligation to tell anyone what they are doing on the high seas. As Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said,

    China’s actions are in full compliance with international law and international practices, and will not affect aviation flight safety.

    This is also the first instance of China conducting Tasman Sea military exercises. As such, it poses a challenge for how Australia and New Zealand should respond to future Chinese conduct.

    The PLA Navy has been sailing more frequently around the Australian coast and has observed Australian military exercises conducted with defence partners, such as Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2023.

    Why did China conduct the exercises here?

    This is an important question since China could have just as easily conducted these exercises closer to its own shores.

    Part of the answer lies in China having the capacity and capability to project its military force far beyond its own shores.

    These types of activities are also important intelligence gathering exercises. Each Chinese Navy visit will give it more experience in waters where it does not frequently sail, while also gauging how Australia and New Zealand respond.

    Given the increasing cooperation between China and some Pacific Island nations, such as the Cook Islands and Solomon Islands, we should expect the Chinese Navy will become a more frequent visitor to the region.

    What can Australia and NZ do about it?

    As Australia and New Zealand are strong supporters of the rules-based international order on which the law of the sea is based, there is very little they can legally do to obstruct China. Nevertheless, three options are available.

    First, enhanced air and naval surveillance of China’s activities in these waters is legally permissible. Constantly shadowing the PLA Navy in the South Pacific, though, would be a drain on stretched defence resources.

    Both countries would also need to ensure their navies are not in the line of fire to avoid an accident that could spiral into a major conflict.

    Second, Australia and New Zealand could work though bodies such as the International Maritime Organization and International Civil Aviation Organization to settle on agreed practices on how much advance notification is required for high seas live-fire tests.

    Finally, both countries could push for negotiations on a regional “naval code of conduct”. Similar codes have been agreed upon by both China and the US in the past. Incidents like this could prove to be a catalyst for more.

    The South Pacific will increasingly be a strategically contested maritime space. Australia and New Zealand frequently deploy their navies for humanitarian operations in neighbouring Pacific states and engage in exercises with their military partners. The US Navy is also becoming more active in the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea to counter China, as are the navies of other nations, such as the United Kingdom, France and Japan.

    With the potential for these various navies to be operating at the same time in the region, negotiating some basic “rules of the sea” would be a prudent and a helpful confidence-building measure to avoid a potential conflagration.

    Donald Rothwell receives funding from Australian Research Council.

    – ref. China didn’t violate any rules with its live-fire naval exercises. So, why are Australia and NZ so worried? – https://theconversation.com/china-didnt-violate-any-rules-with-its-live-fire-naval-exercises-so-why-are-australia-and-nz-so-worried-250618

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Zelensky says ‘ready’ to resign to exchange peace

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks to the media before a European Council summit in Brussels, Belgium, June 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced readiness Sunday to step down in exchange for peace in Ukraine and the country’s admission to NATO.

    “If there is peace for Ukraine, if my resignation is really necessary, I am ready. I would exchange it for NATO if such conditions are proposed. Immediately,” Zelensky told a press conference in Kiev.

    Kiev is seeking alternative security guarantees, including the EU membership for economic security guarantees and the external financing of the 800,000-strong Ukrainian army if Ukraine is not admitted to NATO, Zelensky said.

    The Ukrainian leader said he will insist on clear security guarantees for Ukraine in the minerals deal with the United States.

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Ancient Greek vessel returned home from US museum

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    An ancient Greek artifact has been returned to its homeland following a repatriation ceremony at the Greek embassy in Washington, local media reported on Sunday.

    The 12-cm-tall Attic black-figure lekythos – a vessel used for oil storage – depicts a battle between a Giant and Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare in Greek mythology, as well as the patron of Athens.

    Dating from between 630 and 500 B.C., according to Greece’s Culture Ministry, the artifact carries significant historic and cultural value.

    Greek archaeologists confirmed that it was excavated in 1910 from a tomb at the ancient cemetery of Kerameikos in Athens, near the Acropolis. The vessel was removed from a Greek museum under unclear circumstances between 1936 and 1973, as noted in the Greek ministry’s archives. It later came into the possession of the Glencairn Museum in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, having been donated by an individual who purchased it at a Sotheby’s auction in New York in 1973.

    During the ceremony, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni expressed gratitude on behalf of the government and people to the Glencairn Museum for facilitating the artifact’s return. The repatriation was initiated by the museum’s Board of Directors as part of a review of the origins of its collections. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Trump ‘confident’ about striking deal to end Ukraine conflict soon: White House

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump returns to the White House via Marine One in Washington, D.C., the United States, Feb. 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Washington can successfully negotiate the end of the Ukraine conflict “this week,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Saturday.

    “The president, his team are very much focused on continuing negotiations with both sides of this war to end the conflict, and the president is very confident we can get it done this week,” Leavitt was quoted by top U.S. political website “The Hill” as saying on the South Lawn after returning from the Conservative Political Action Conference.

    Leavitt also said that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been involved in discussions about a proposed deal with the Ukrainians to harness raw minerals.

    “When it comes to the critical minerals, this is an important piece for the president. It’s very important for the president, because it will recoup American tax dollars,” Leavitt said, according to “The Hill” report.

    Meanwhile, the Speaker of Ukraine’s Parliament has said that the Ukrainian government will start working in earnest from the beginning of next week to conclude an agreement on earth minerals and security assurances with the United States, according to reports from Ukraine.

    Ruslan Stefanchuk, who is close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said Friday that the Ukrainian government will have an expert team start from Monday working toward signing an agreement with the United States.

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: A 380-million-year-old fossil ‘fish’ from Scotland has been discovered in Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gavin Charles Young, Departmental Visitor, Materials Physics, Research School of Physics, Australian National University

    3D printouts of the _Palaeospondylus australis_ holotype, enlarged x20. Carole Burrow

    Queensland is renowned for its fossils of Australia’s largest back-boned animals – dinosaurs, of course, like the Jurassic Rhoetosaurus, the Cretaceous Wintonotitan, and other large sauropods.

    However, our new paper published in the journal National Science Review documents the smallest vertebrate fossil animal described so far from the state.

    It’s a highly enigmatic tiny “fish” from a remote location close to the Northern Territory border. It lived in the shallow margins of a marine environment about 400 million years ago.

    A scattering of its skeletal elements was preserved in a small limestone outcrop at the southern end of the Toomba Range, on the edge of the Simpson Desert.

    Palaeospondylus, a fossil enigma

    Our paper describes a new species of the genus Palaeospondylus, only the second known. Remarkably, for the last 135 years, Palaeospondylus has been represented by a single species that lived in northern Scotland, on the other side of the world from our discovery.

    Unlike nearly all fossil fish of that age, Palaeospondylus was “naked”, lacking external dermal bones and scales. But it did have a mineralised internal skeleton.

    It is the oldest example from the fossil record to show a segmented vertebral column (a sort of backbone), hence its name – Greek for “ancient vertebra”.

    Palaeospondylus gunni specimen from Achanarras Quarry, northern Scotland.
    Carole Burrow

    The type species Palaeospondylus gunni is known from thousands of fairly complete specimens, almost all from a single flagstone quarry.

    When first described in 1890, it attracted a flurry of competing interpretations in Europe and North America. Which group of animals did it belong to?

    Since its discovery, it has been assigned to almost all major jawless and jawed vertebrate groups. All specimens were compressed, making the skeletal elements “melt” together. Imagination has always played a great role in trying to identify its parts.

    Even after the advent of 3D scanning, three recent studies reached different conclusions. According to those, Palaeospondylus was related either to chondrichthyans (sharks), or tetrapods (the land vertebrates). Or maybe it was a stem jawed vertebrate – branching separately from the base of the evolutionary tree for all vertebrates with jaws.

    The Queensland Palaeospondylus

    The story of discovery of our new Queensland species, Palaeospondylus australis, began in 1977.

    In the 1960s, geologist Reg Sprigg had predicted oil and gas beneath the northern Simpson Desert. The Bureau of Mineral Resources was conducting seismic surveys and microfossil sampling across the Georgina Basin, immediately to the north.

    Microfossils are tiny fossils that can only be studied with a microscope, but are crucial to determining the age of the rock. Numerous sedimentary rock samples are collected, preferably limestones, because these can be dissolved in acid. The insoluble microfossils can then be identified and studied in the acid residues.

    In 1977, I collected bits of limestone from an obscure gully in the Cravens Peak Beds, the sandstone forming the main ridge of the Toomba Range. Surprisingly, these produced a rich collection of Devonian fish microfossils. This was the first evidence that an arm of the sea had extended into central Australia during the Early Devonian (about 400 million years ago).

    The 1977 Cravens Peak limestone samples before being processed in acid.
    Carole Burrow

    In the 2000s, palaeontologist Carole Burrow at the Queensland Museum was investigating the internal structure of Devonian fish microfossils to assist in dating the rocks.

    In the Cravens Peak samples, she noticed some distinctively shaped, tiny elements composed of an unusual honeycomb-like tissue. Carole hypothesised this could be a new species of Palaeospondylus, the only record from outside Scotland.

    So, in 2006, we organised another field trip to this remote location.

    The 2006 field trip participants (Tim Senden, Tim Holland, Carole Burrow, John Long, Gavin Young) looking south from the end of the Toomba Range, the last rock outcrop for around 500 km across the Simpson Desert.
    Bruce Burrow

    Returning to the Queensland Museum after our field trip, Carole’s colleague from the Netherlands, palaeontologist Jan den Blaauwen, sent her new images showing similar honeycomb-like structure in the Scottish Palaeospondylus gunni.

    Carole was acid-etching the newly collected samples so she could extract any microfossils. Luckily, she noticed a slightly larger specimen appearing on the rock surface (although still tiny, only about 3.6 millimetres long). It was highly interesting because it seemed bilaterally symmetrical.

    Could this be a braincase (the bony capsule inside the skull that encloses the brain)? She immediately stopped acid etching before it disintegrated into crumbs.

    Palaeospondylus australis holotype, QMF 52826, ventral braincase exposed on the limestone surface by acid etching (left), and trimmed for CT scanning (right).
    Carole Burrow, Gavin Young

    The first uncrushed braincase

    At the Australian National University, our sample was carefully trimmed before CT scanning, revealing the first uncrushed braincase of Palaeospondylus known to science.

    It’s now the holotype – defining type specimen – for our new species. And we have about 400 other elements with the same honeycomb structure which belong to it, too.

    The unique uncrushed preservation of this braincase, revealed by CT scanning and 3D printing techniques, provides the first details of brain structure in this tiny animal from 400 million years ago.

    These include the shape of the cranial cavity and inner ear canals, the position of the pituitary gland and optic nerve openings, and details of the carotid arteries and jugular veins for blood supply to the brain.

    3D scan image, the first view of the upper braincase surface of Palaeospondylus, showing the large opening into the cranial cavity.
    Jing Lu/Insitute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Beijing

    More questions remain

    It is noteworthy that our curiosity-driven research into ancient brain morphology can be traced back to economically driven geological surveys of nearly 50 years ago, conducted to support exploration for oil and gas across central Australia.

    As with any research result, there are now new questions to be investigated. The honeycomb tissue seems unique to Palaeospondylus, but could be a precursor to calcified cartilage of some other groups, including modern sharks.

    Alternatively, it could be an early evolutionary stage for the spongy tissue (endochondral bone) filling the inside of most bones in modern land vertebrates, including humans.

    The unique holotype of our new species clearly shows that previous interpretations of the crushed Scottish material included many structures that were not part of the braincase.

    We’ve also now demonstrated that a recent study in the leading science journal Nature, which proposed that Palaeospondylus was closely related to our tetrapod ancestors, relied on many erroneous interpretations of braincase structure.

    Of one thing we can be sure – Palaeospondylus was not a stem tetrapod.


    Acknowledgements: Carole Burrow from Queensland Museum contributed greatly to this article.

    Gavin Charles Young has received funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. A 380-million-year-old fossil ‘fish’ from Scotland has been discovered in Australia – https://theconversation.com/a-380-million-year-old-fossil-fish-from-scotland-has-been-discovered-in-australia-250054

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: A Chinese own goal? How war games in the Tasman Sea could push NZ closer to AUKUS

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

    The appearance of three Chinese naval vessels firing live rounds in the Tasman Sea has caused understandable alarm in New Zealand and Australia. But this has more to do with the geopolitical context than the actual event.

    In fact, the Chinese navy is allowed to conduct exercises in the Tasman and has wide freedoms on the high seas in general. So far, China appears to be acting in accordance with both the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea.

    While New Zealand would have preferred more notice of the Chinese navy’s intentions, there was no obligation to provide this.

    Nor is what is occurring in the Tasman similar to the more aggressive sabre-rattling the Chinese military has displayed around the South China Sea, most recently involving both the Australian and Philippine navies.

    And in September last year, just a few days after Australian and New Zealand vessels sailed through the Taiwan Strait, the Chinese test-fired a nuclear-capable intercontinental missile into the South Pacific.

    For China, of course, Taiwan and parts of the South China Sea are highly disputed territory. The Tasman Sea is not. But what is disputed is China’s role and influence in the Pacific – and this, rather than a minor naval exercise, is what is causing headaches in Canberra and Wellington.

    The Cook Islands factor

    The surprise agreement signed by the Cook Islands and China under a fortnight ago, aimed at “deepening blue economy cooperation”, is the immediate context for that concern.

    The deal avoids controversial areas such as security and policing. But it moves Chinese influence into infrastructure support for wharves, shipbuilding and repair, and ocean transportation.

    What really challenges New Zealand’s foreign policy is how this opens the South Pacific up to even greater Chinese influence and activity. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has signalled it is time to reset the relationship with the Cooks.

    For its part, China has asserted that its relationship with the Cook Islands “is not directed against any third party and should not be subject to or disrupted by any third party”.

    In other words, China has told New Zealand to butt out of a major development in the historically close diplomatic and political relationship with its Pacific neighbour.

    A Chinese own goal?

    All of this is happening within a rapidly shifting geopolitical sphere. US President Donald Trump is unilaterally attempting to upend the old US-led world order, and other major powers such as Russia and China are adapting.

    New Zealand’s relations with China were already difficult. The Security Intelligence Service and Government Communications Security Bureau have both identified state-sponsored Chinese interference in domestic affairs, breaches of the parliamentary network and other malicious cyber activity.

    The question now is whether China has scored an own goal with its recent actions. Because while it might prefer New Zealand to operate a more independent foreign policy – balancing its relations with east and west – the opposite may now be more likely.

    In times of international stress and uncertainty, New Zealand has always tended to move towards deepening relationships with traditional allies.

    Whether it is the fear of Russian invasion in the 19th century, or Japanese invasion in the 20th century – and whether or not those threats are real or imagined – New Zealand reverts to form.

    It has been this way for nearly 150 years and is likely to occur again. New Zealand is already grappling with how to respond to the Trump administration’s redrawn global system and will be looking for ways to deepen the friendship.

    At the same time, the government now seems committed to joining a new arms race and increasing defence spending as a proportion of GDP. And the supposed benefits of joining the second tier of the AUKUS security pact may now become that much easier to sell politically.

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

    – ref. A Chinese own goal? How war games in the Tasman Sea could push NZ closer to AUKUS – https://theconversation.com/a-chinese-own-goal-how-war-games-in-the-tasman-sea-could-push-nz-closer-to-aukus-250615

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese car fleet in Russia surpasses 2.3M units

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A drone photo shows passenger cars to be exported at a port in Lianyungang, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Feb. 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As of Jan. 1 this year, nearly 2.36 million Chinese-brand passenger cars have been registered in Russia, said a recent report released by the analytical agency Autostat.

    Experts noted that Chinese-brand cars account for 5 percent of the country’s total registered passenger vehicles, meaning one in every twenty cars is from a Chinese automaker.

    The report shows that Chery leads among Chinese cars in Russia, accounting for over 20 percent of all registered Chinese vehicles with 528,200 units. Geely follows with 422,400 cars, while Haval ranks third with 404,300 units.

    Among individual models, the Haval Jolion crossover is the most popular, with 164,200 units registered. The Chery Tiggo 7 PRO MAX crossover also reached the 100,000 milestone, registering 104,000 units. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Valls faces Kanak ‘first people’ clash with loyalists over independence talks

    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk

    French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls’ first two days in New Caledonia have been marred by several clashes with local pro-France, anti-independence movements, who feared he would side with their pro-independence opponents.

    However, he remained confident that all stakeholders would eventually come and sit together at the table for negotiations.

    Valls arrived in the French Pacific territory on Saturday with a necessary resumption of crucial political talks regarding New Caledonia’s political future high on his agenda, nine months after the deadly May 2024 civil unrest.

    His visit comes as tensions have risen in the past few days against a backdrop of verbal escalations and rhetoric, the pro-France camp opposing independence stressing that three referendums had resulted in three rejections of independence in 2018, 2020, and 2021.

    But the third referendum in December 2021 was boycotted by a large part of the pro-independence, mainly Kanak community, and they have since disputed the validity of its result (even though it was deemed valid in court rulings).

    On Saturday, the first day of his visit to the Greater Nouméa city of Mont-Dore, during a ceremony paying homage to a French gendarme who was killed at the height of the riots last year, Valls and one of the main pro-France leaders, French MP Nicolas Metzdorf, had a heated and public argument.

    ‘First Nation’ controversy
    Metzdorf, who was flanked by Sonia Backès, another major pro-France local leader, said Valls had “insulted” the pro-France camp because he had mentioned the indigenous Kanak people as being the “first people” in New Caledonia — equivalent to the notion of “First Nation” people.

    Hours before, Valls had just met New Caledonia’s Custom Senate (a traditional gathering of Kanak chiefs) and told them that “nothing can happen in New Caledonia without a profound respect towards [for] the Melanesian people, the Kanak people, and the first people”.

    French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls (second from left) meets pro-France supporters as he arrives in New Caledonia on Saturday as French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc looks on. Image: NC la 1ère

    Metzdorf told Valls in an exchange that was filmed on the road and later aired on public broadcaster NC la 1ère: “When you say there are first people, you don’t respect us! Your statements are insulting.”

    “If there are first peoples, it means there are second peoples and that some are more important than others.”

    To which Valls replied: “When you are toying with these kinds of concepts, you are making a mistake.”

    🗣 Manuel Valls en Nouvelle-Calédonie : échange tendu entre le ministre des Outre-mer et des personnalités non-indépendantistes

    👉 Nicolas Metzdorf et Sonia Backès lui reprochent certaines prises de position depuis la reprise des discussions

    📱💻 https://t.co/f5YyK6KDUf pic.twitter.com/GKa938egkR

    — La1ère.fr (@la1ere) February 22, 2025

    Every word counts
    The 1998 Nouméa Accord’s preamble is largely devoted to the recognition of New Caledonia’s indigenous community (autochtone/indigenous).

    On several occasions, Valls faced large groups of pro-France supporters with French tricolour flags and banners (some in the Spanish language, a reference to Valls’s Spanish double heritage), asking him to “respect their democratic (referendum) choice”.

    Some were also chanting slogans in Spanish (“No pasaran”), or with a Spanish accent.

    “I’m asking for just one thing: for respect towards citizens and those representing the government,” an irate Valls told the crowd.

    Questions have since been raised from local organisations and members of the general public as to why and how an estimated 500 pro-France supporters had been allowed to gather while the French High Commissioner still maintains a ban on all public gatherings and demonstrations in Nouméa and its greater area.

    “We voted three times no. No means no,” some supporters told the visiting minister, asking him not to “let them down”.

    “You shouldn’t believe what you’ve been told. Why wouldn’t you remain French?”, Valls told protesters.

    “I think the minister must state very clearly that he respects those three referendums and then we’ll find a solution on that basis,” said Backès.

    However, both Metzdorf and Backès reaffirmed that they would take part in “negotiations” scheduled to take place this week.

    “We are ready to make compromises”, said Backès.

    Valls carried on schedule
    Minister Valls travelled to Northern parts and outer islands of New Caledonia to pay homage to the victims during previous insurrections in New Caledonia, including French gendarmes and Kanak militants who died on Ouvéa Island (Loyalty group) in the cave massacre in 1988.

    During those trips, he also repeatedly advocated for rebuilding New Caledonia and for every stakeholder to “reconcile memories” and sit at the negotiation table “without hatred”.

    Valls believes ‘everyone will be at the table’
    In an interview with local public broadcaster NC la 1ère yesterday, the French minister said he was confident “everyone will be at the table”.

    The first plenary meeting is to be held this afternoon.

    It will be devoted to agreeing on a “method”.

    “I believe everyone will be there,” he said.

    “All groups, political, economic, social, all New Caledonians, I’m convinced, are a majority who wish to keep a strong link within France,” he said.

    He also reiterated that following New Caledonia’s Matignon (1988) and Nouméa (1998) peace accords, the French Pacific territory’s envisaged future was to follow a path to “full sovereignty”.

    “The Nouméa Accord is the foundation. Undeniably, there have been three referendums. And then there was May 13.

    “There is a before and and after [the riots]. My responsibility is to find a way. We have the opportunity of these negotiations, let’s be careful of the words we use,” he said, asking every stakeholder for “restraint”.

    “I’ve also seen some pro-independence leaders say that [their] people’s sacrifice and death were necessary to access independence. And this, also, is not on.”

    Valls also said the highly sensitive issue of “unfreezing” New Caledonia’s special voters’ roll for local elections (a reform attempt that triggered the May 2024 riots) was “possible”, but it will be part of a wider, comprehensive agreement on the French Pacific entity’s political future.

    A mix of ‘fear and hatred’
    Apart from the planned political negotiations, Valls also intends to devote significant time to New Caledonia’s dire economic situation, in post-riot circumstances that have not only caused 14 dead, but also several hundred job losses and total damage estimated at some 2.2 billion euros (NZ$4 billion).

    A first, much-expected economic announcement also came yesterday: Valls said the State-funded unemployment benefits (which were supposed to cease in the coming days) woud now be extended until June 30.

    For the hundreds of businesses which were destroyed last year, he said a return to confidence was essential and a prerequisite to any political deal . . .  And vice-versa.

    “If there’s no political agreement, there won’t be any economic investment.

    “This may cause the return of fresh unrest, a form of civil war. I have heard those words coming back, just like I’ve heard the words racism, hatred . . . I can feel hope and at the same time a fear of violence.

    “I feel all the ferments of a confrontation,” he said.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Conservative CDU/CSU leads German federal election

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Germany’s conservative bloc, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), has taken the lead in the country’s 2025 federal election, according to preliminary results released by German public broadcaster ARD on Sunday evening.

    According to ARD’s latest vote counts, CDU/CSU secured 28.5 percent of the vote, followed by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) with 20.6 percent and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) with 16.5 percent.

    The Greens came in fourth with 11.8 percent, ahead of Die Linke with 8.7 percent. The Free Democratic Party (FDP) and Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) are projected to receive 4.4 percent and 4.9 percent, respectively.

    The election will determine the composition of the next Bundestag, Germany’s lower house of parliament. A party must receive at least 5 percent of the national vote to gain representation in the Bundestag.

    According to ARD, voter turnout during this election reached 84 percent, the highest level since 1990. The newly elected parliament will select Germany’s next chancellor following coalition negotiations among parties.

    Friedrich Merz, chancellor candidate of the CDU/CSU, vowed to move swiftly to form a new government. “Tonight we will celebrate and from tomorrow we start working,” Merz said after the vote. “The world out there is not waiting for us.”

    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged the SPD’s historic defeat and stated that he would remain in office until a new coalition government is formed.

    “This is a bitter election result for the Social Democratic Party, it is also an electoral defeat,” Scholz said. “I have the responsibility for the election result.”

    Christian Lindner, who has served as FDP chairman for over 11 years, announced on social media that he will retire from politics after the election.

    The FDP withdrew from the ruling coalition last year following disagreements with Scholz’s SPD.

    The AfD, on the other hand, has approximately doubled its results from the 2021 election. Alice Weidel, co-leader of the AfD, said that her party is now firmly rooted in mainstream society, calling the election the “historically strongest result.”

    The AfD has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the CDU/CSU in the upcoming coalition negotiations. However, Merz has ruled out the possibility of forming a coalition with the AfD.

    Cooperation with the AfD has long been considered taboo by Germany’s major political parties.

    While acknowledging the challenges of forming a government under current circumstances, Merz said he would strive for the goal of having a government in place by Easter.

    On matters of diplomatic policy, he emphasized the need to strengthen Europe step by step, with the goal of achieving independence from the United States. During an appearance on ARD and ZDF’s TV program “Berliner Runde,” Merz noted that the Trump administration has been “largely indifferent” to the fate of Europe.

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM calls for fair global governance, stronger multilateralism

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China calls for establishing a fair and equitable global governance system and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while briefing Chinese media on his visits to Britain and Ireland, attending the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany, chairing the UN Security Council’s high-level meeting in New York, and participating in the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in South Africa.

    China will take the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations as an opportunity to work with all parties to draw wisdom from history, usher in a new era of multilateralism, build a fair and equitable global governance system, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Wang said.

    As the current international landscape undergoes transformation and turbulence, with growing deficits in peace, development and governance, global governance has reached a historical crossroads, he said.

    The international community has high expectations for how to strengthen the role of the UN and jointly address global challenges and regional hotspots, he added.

    He said that as the rotating president of the UN Security Council for February, China chaired the Security Council’s high-level meeting on “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance” to reaffirm the original aspiration of the United Nations, build consensus on multilateralism and inject new momentum into strengthening global governance.

    During the discussion, all parties agreed that the role of the UN is indispensable, the trend toward multilateralism is irreversible, and reforming and improving global governance cannot be delayed, Wang said.

    Regarding this year’s MSC focus on multipolarity, Wang said that despite the complex challenges facing the world, peace, development and win-win cooperation remain unstoppable trends of the times.

    The historical shift toward multipolarity and economic globalization is irreversible, he added.

    A multipolar world is not only a historical inevitability but is also becoming a reality, Wang said, stressing that China will be a factor of certainty in this multipolar system and strive to be a steadfast constructive force in a changing world.

    Noting that the G20 Summit will be held on the African continent for the first time this November, he said it is an “African moment” for both the G20 and global governance, demonstrating historic changes in the international political and economic landscape and carrying great significance.

    Wang also said that during the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, China proposed listening to Africa’s voice, taking its concerns seriously, supporting its actions, and empowering Africa’s development through G20 cooperation to achieve common prosperity and progress, a proposal widely recognized by participants.

    China will play an active and constructive role in G20 cooperation, firmly support South Africa’s presidency, and encourage all parties to focus on the theme of “Unity, Equality and Sustainability” to meet the common expectations of the Global South, Wang added.

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ChildFund – Keep Ukrainian Children Learning. One Day They Will Rebuild Their Country

    Source: ChildFund New Zealand

    We are grateful to the New Zealanders who continue to support children in Ukraine. They need us more than ever, as we enter the fourth year of the war.
    “This war has gone on so long, some children have never been inside a school,” says Josie Pagani CEO of ChildFund.
    “This is the generation who will have to rebuild Ukraine. They will be the builders, engineers, teachers, and leaders of the future. It’s not just that they deserve to be safe, to learn, to have a future like any other child. It’s also that they are literally the future of Ukraine.”
    ChildFund will keep supporting Ukrainian children, with the help of donations from the New Zealand public, and support from The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
    Since 2022, ChildFund’s partners implementing the Ukraine Regional Refugee Response have:
    • Reached over 3,700 caregivers and children with psychosocial support and counselling services
    • Provided access to child friendly spaces, supporting access for 2,383 children to play activities and facilities
    • Provided child dedicated food bags to 8,237 children and caregivers
    • Provided access to additional education and training services for 204 children and young people
    • Provided referrals, assistive devices and systems strengthening for 88 children with disabilities and service providers.
    Since Russia invaded, more than 4,000 schools and educational institutions in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed.
    “We are asking New Zealanders to keep supporting these efforts. Ukrainian children need decent food, safe places to learn. They need to be able to play like other children, and get the counselling they so desperately need.”
    “We don’t know how this war will end. But we do know these children will be tasked with rebuilding their country and their communities. They need our support more than ever.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Human Rights – The medical humanitarian needs in Ukraine remain as urgent as ever

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Kyiv, 24 February 2025 – Three years after Russian forces invaded Ukraine, dramatically escalating an international armed conflict that began in 2014, people continue to bear the burden of the war’s devastation as seen through their lost lives, lost limbs, and lost homes. 

    The resulting medical humanitarian needs are clearer than ever. The strain on Ukraine’s medical services has only increased, exacerbated by frequent attacks on hospitals, ambulances and medical structures.

    Since 2022, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has seen more patients with war-related trauma in need of early rehabilitation, namely post-amputation physiotherapy. There is also an increase in the number of patients requiring treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. In areas close to the frontlines, daily shelling means that some of the most vulnerable, including older people and people with chronic conditions, have extremely limited access to medical care.

    MSF runs an early rehabilitation project with centres in Cherkasy and Odesa, where people receive early post-operative physiotherapy, mental health support and nursing care following incidents of violent trauma. MSF treated 755 patients in 2023 and 2024. From one year to the next, there was a 10 per cent increase in the number of patients requiring post-operative care for leg amputations.

    In 2024, half of all patients in the project were diagnosed with either post-traumatic stress disorder, or depression. The need for mental health support in Ukraine is significant. In addition to the centres in Cherkasy and Odesa, MSF has established a project focused on post-traumatic stress disorder in Vinnytsia.

    “The ferocity of this war has not diminished, and the medical humanitarian needs have only grown more complex. Even if the war were to end tomorrow, hundreds of thousands of people would require years of long-term physiotherapy, or counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder. Ensuring this care requires an ongoing humanitarian commitment.”

    – Thomas Marchese, MSF Head of Programmes in Ukraine

    Today, Ukraine’s healthcare system faces immense pressure, balancing emergency responses with the ongoing needs of patients affected by the war. For three years, drone and missile attacks have been a daily occurrence, in some cases striking cities more than 1,000 kilometres from the frontline. Medical facilities and systems have been forced to adapt to treating patients in bunkers or basements, as well as to frequent power cuts from attacks on energy infrastructure.

    In response to this, MSF operates ambulances, transferring patients from overburdened hospitals near the frontline to medical facilities in central and western Ukraine with greater capacity. Over the past three years, MSF ambulances have transferred more than 25,000 patients, more than half of whom had injuries caused by violent trauma.

    In 2024, MSF mobile clinic and ambulance teams working near the frontlines saw a significant increase in referrals for patients with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and cancer. In 2023, these cases accounted for 24 per cent of all referrals, rising to 33 per cent in 2024. However, regular shelling and strikes mean that the access of MSF’s teams is not guaranteed. Many of those living with chronic conditions are older, and less mobile, in some areas, people have begun living in their basements or in bunkers, due to the intense shelling.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Talks relaunch on India trade deal to boost UK’s growth agenda

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Talks relaunch on India trade deal to boost UK’s growth agenda

    UK-India free trade talks are being relaunched, with a visit to India by the Business and Trade Secretary.

    • UK-India trade talks kick off in New Delhi today with Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds meeting with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal
    • Deal aims to deliver economic growth and bring Indian economy – world’s third largest by 2028 – within reach for more UK businesses
    • Push to attract investment will take place in financial capital Mumbai and tech hub Bengaluru by Investment Minister Poppy Gustafsson

    The relaunch of talks on a UK-India trade deal will take place today [Monday 24 February], as UK ministers arrive in India to negotiate a huge economic prize helping to deliver on the growth agenda.

    India is forecast to have the highest growth rate in the G20 for the next five years and set to become the world’s third biggest economy by 2028. With an expected 95 million strong middle class by 2035, there are more and more opportunities every day for UK businesses to sell to consumers in India ready to buy British.

    Securing trade deals with massive global economies like India demonstrates the UK’s commitment to free and fair trade and how this Government will support jobs, prosperity, and real change for the British people as part of the Plan for Change.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    Securing a trade deal with what is soon-to-be the third biggest economy in the world is a no-brainer, and a top priority for me and this Government. That is why I’m flying to New Delhi with our top negotiating team to show our commitment to getting these talks back on track.

    Only a pragmatic government can deliver the economic growth and stability that the British public and British businesses deserve, delivering on the Plan for Change.

    Growth will be the guiding principle in our trade negotiations with India and I’m excited about the opportunities on offer in this vibrant market.

    Trade ministers from both countries will kickstart negotiations on a modern economic deal with two-days of focused discussions – the first time both negotiating teams have formally got around the table under this government.     

    Standard Chartered UK CEO and Head, Client Coverage UK, Saif Malik said:

    We warmly welcome efforts to strengthen trade ties with one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing markets. As a leading global bank operating in India for over 160 years, the opportunities for British businesses are significant.

    Whether it’s improved access to India’s growing consumer market, opportunities in manufacturing, infrastructure and innovation, or collaboration in financial and professional services, the relaunch of trade talks can unlock even greater trade, investment and prosperity across the UK-India corridor.” 

    Chair of UK India Business Council Richard Heald said:

    The UK Government’s visit reaffirms its commitment for a new ambitious and future-focused trade & investment relationship with India. 

    We are delighted to note the progress on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Success in the FTA will support further economic growth for the world’s 5th and 6th largest economies. It will catalyse collaboration beyond into other areas too. Importantly, it will signal the UK and India are strategic partners. This is truly an exciting chapter of the UK-India partnership.

    The talks will open against a backdrop of Indian commerce and artisans on a joint visit to Delhi’s National Crafts Museum. The pair will also spend time visiting BT India’s office in Gurugram – one of the largest UK employers in India – to see first-hand how UK tech and Indian talent are helping solve global challenges.

    As part of the visit, Investment Minister Poppy Gustafsson will address investors in two of the country’s foremost business centres Mumbai and Bengaluru, to sell the UK as the best and most connected place for Indian businesses to invest.

    India has been the second biggest source of FDI into the UK for five consecutive years in terms of number of projects. In terms of value, the most recent stats show a 28% year-on-year increase in investment stock at the end of 2023.

    The UK offer for Indian investors has never been stronger, she will tell businesses, thanks to the government’s drive to restore economic stability and boost investor confidence as part of the Plan for Change.

    The UK and India are currently the sixth and fifth largest global economies respectively, with a trade relationship worth £41 billion and investment supporting over 600,000 jobs across both countries.

    A trade deal could unlock new opportunities for businesses and consumers in all regions and nations of the UK, support jobs, boost wages, and back the high-growth sectors identified in the government’s upcoming Industrial Strategy, such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, financial services, and professional and business services.

    Notes to editors

    • GDP figures are sourced from the IMF World Economic Outlook October 2024
    • FDI project numbers are sourced from DBT inward investment results 2023/24
    • FDI stock values are sourced from ONS foreign direct investment involving UK companies 2023
    • Trade values sourced from  ONS UK total trade all countries July to September 2024
    • Jobs supported by investment across both countries are sourced from Grant Thornton

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    Published 23 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: UNICEF – Three years on: One in five children in Ukraine has lost a relative or friend since the escalation of war

    Source: UNICEF Aotearoa NZ

    One in five children in Ukraine has reported losing a close relative or friend since the escalation of war three years ago, according to survey data released by UNICEF.
    “For far too long, death and destruction have remained a constant in the lives of children in Ukraine,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. 
    “This level of violence causes immense fear and suffering and disrupts every aspect of a child’s life.” 
    Ukraine’s third year of full-scale war was even deadlier for children than the preceding year. The number of child casualties in 2024 rose by more than 50 per cent compared to 2023. More than 2,520 children have been killed or injured since February 2022. The true number is likely far higher, as these figures account only for child casualties verified by the UN. 
    More than 1,600 education facilities and nearly 790 health facilities have been verified as damaged or destroyed over the past three years. The war has left children and teenagers facing profound loss and deprivation, affecting their development and well-being, at critical stages in their lives. 
    Experiences during the first three years of life influence children’s lifelong health and learning. Yet three-year-olds in Ukraine have only known war. Parents report feeling physically and emotionally exhausted, impacting family life. The essential services that young children and their parents rely on have also been disrupted by the war. 
    Adolescence is also a particularly challenging time for children in Ukraine. Almost one-third of teenagers reported feeling so sad or hopeless that they stopped doing their usual activities. These sentiments are more common among girls. Mental health challenges for children and young people in Ukraine are worsening due to isolation. Many children consistently spend hours sheltering in basements, missing opportunities to socialize and learn. Nearly 40 per cent of children study only online or through a mixture of in-person and remote classes. The impact on learning has been profound with an average educational loss of two years in reading and one year in maths. 
    UNICEF works with partners across Ukraine to provide critical lifesaving support including access to health care, safe water, cash assistance, education and child protection services to children across frontline areas. Together, we repair and rehabilitate water and sanitation networks and ensure families with children have access to fuel and clothing to keep them warm during the harsh winters. At the same time, UNICEF works with the Government and partners to support recovery and long-term development, and foster social cohesion, through strengthening systems that serve children and their families. This includes ensuring that child and social protection, health and education systems can provide timely and quality essential support, care and opportunities to children. 
    There are currently 6.86 million Ukrainian refugees registered globally, almost one million of whom are living in Poland. For refugee children, access to school remains a challenge with half of school-age children in refugee-hosting countries not enrolled in national education systems, impacting their opportunity to learn and interact with their peers, as well as to develop essential skills that will be critical to the recovery of Ukraine. 
    UNICEF continues to work with governments, municipalities and local partners to strengthen systems that provide refugee children with quality education, health care and protection services. 
    “Children must always be protected from the impacts of war in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law,” said Russell. 
    “More than anything, children in Ukraine need sustained peace, and the chance to realize their full potential.”
    UNICEF Aotearoa is running an emergency appeal for Ukraine here:  Ukraine Emergency: Donate for Children’s Survival | UNICEF Aotearoa: https://www.unicef.org.nz/appeals/ukraine-emergency
    Multimedia materials available here: https://weshare.unicef.org/Package/2AM4080FDL1J
    UNICEF child and adolescent survey available here:  Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study | UNICEF : https://www.unicef.org/ukraine/en/reports/hbsc-study

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    February 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: GENERAL UPENDRA DWIVEDI, CHIEF OF THE ARMY STAFF EMBARKS ON A OFFICIAL VISIT TO FRANCE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 23 FEB 2025 9:34AM by PIB Delhi

    General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), departed on an official visit to France from 24th to 27th February 2025, as part of efforts to bolster India-France defence cooperation.

    On 24th February 2025, the COAS will engage with senior military leadership of France at Les Invalides, Paris. The day will begin with a Guard of Honour followed by discussions with General Pierre Schill, CEMAT (Chef d’État-Major de l’Armée de Terre – the French Army Chief). The aim of the meeting will be to foster stronger military ties between the two nations. The itinerary also includes a visit to the École Militaire, the prestigious Military School and Institution Complex in Paris, where the COAS will be briefed on Future Combat Command (CCF). Additionally, General Dwivedi will be briefed at the Technical Section of the French Army (STAT) and visit the Battle Lab Terre at Versailles.

    On 25th February 2025, General Dwivedi will travel to Marseille, where he will visit the 3rd Division of the French Army and will be briefed on the mission and role of the 3rd Division, the bilateral exercise SHAKTI, India-France training cooperation, and the French Army modernisation programme (Scorpion). The following day, General Dwivedi will visit Carpiagne to witness a dynamic demonstration of the Scorpion Division with live firing exercises.

    On 27th February 2025, the COAS will visit the Neuve Chapelle Indian War Memorial to lay a solemn wreath in honour of the fallen Indian soldiers who participated in World War I. Later in the day, he will deliver a talk at the École de Guerre, the French Joint Staff College, highlighting the evolving nature of modern warfare and India’s strategic vision.

    General Dwivedi’s visit aims to strengthen the military collaboration between India and France, exploring new avenues of cooperation and enhancing strategic partnerships between the two nations’ armed forces.

    *****

    SC

    (Release ID: 2105610) Visitor Counter : 19

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 24, 2025
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