NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Switzerland and US sign new agreement on the exchange of trainees and young professionals

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Bern-Wabern, 11.10.2024 – Switzerland and the US today signed a new agreement in Bern on the exchange of trainees and young professionals. The agreement will make it easier for young Swiss people to receive training in the US, and for Americans to do the same in Switzerland, for short periods. This new agreement replaces the agreement from 1980.

    State Secretary for Migration Christine Schraner Burgener signed the new agreement in Bern today. It will take effect from 30 November, and is aimed at young Swiss people between 18 and 35 years old. Those wishing to participate must either be in training or have a vocational diploma or higher education qualification. People who do not meet these requirements may still be eligible if they have some professional experience. In particular, they must be seeking to complete their studies or to improve their skills in their specialisation.

    For both Swiss and American participants, residence and work permits are issued for up to 12 months, with the possibility of a 6-month extension.

    Purpose of the agreement

    The new agreement makes it easier for young professionals from both countries to obtain visas, and opens up the exchange programme to a wider range of people than under the 1980 agreement. The immersive experience of training abroad allows participants to improve their language, cultural and social skills.

    Under the old programme, more than 100 people each year from Switzerland and as many from the United States benefited from an exchange in the 1980s and early 1990s. This number has fallen steadily since the 2000s, mainly because of changes in the requirements for obtaining a US visa.

    Switzerland also has trainee exchange agreements in place with Argentina, Australia, Chile, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, Tunisia and Indonesia. Switzerland also has individual agreements with the member states of the European Union; however, these are no longer applied because the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the EU offers more favourable conditions.

    Since the first trainee agreement was concluded (with Belgium in 1936), almost 40,000 Swiss trainees have been able to work temporarily abroad. Conversely, more than 58,000 foreign trainees have had the opportunity to experience the Swiss work environment.

    Address for enquiries

    SEM Information and Communication, medien@sem.admin.ch

    Publisher

    State Secretariat for Migration
    https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Venezuela: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on post-election developments

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Venezuela: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on post-election developments – Government.se

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    Statement by Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    The European Union continues to follow developments in Venezuela with great concern. Reports from international election observation missions clearly state that the presidential elections on 28th July did not meet international standards of electoral integrity.

    Despite its own commitment, the National Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE) has not yet published the official voting records (“actas”) of polling stations. Without evidence to support them, the results published on 2nd August by the CNE cannot be recognised. Any attempt to delay the full publication of the official voting records will only cast further doubt on the credibility of the officially published results.

    Copies of the electoral voting records published by the opposition, and reviewed by several independent organisations, indicate that Edmundo González Urrutia would appear to be the winner of the Presidential elections by a significant majority.

    The European Union thus calls for further independent verification of the electoral records, if possible by an internationally reputed entity.

    At this critical time, it is important that demonstrations and protests remain peaceful. The European Union calls for calm and restraint. Venezuelan authorities, including security forces, must fully respect human rights, including freedom of expression and of assembly.

    The European Union is seriously concerned about the growing number of arbitrary detentions and the continued harassment of the opposition. The European Union calls on Venezuelan authorities to put an end to arbitrary detentions, repression and violent rhetoric against members of the opposition and civil society, and to release all political prisoners.

    The European Union welcomes the efforts of regional partners, with whom it remains in close contact, to promote dialogue and a negotiated solution to the crisis.

    Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way for Venezuela to restore democracy and to solve the current humanitarian and socio-economic crisis.

    The statement published on the website of the European Council

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sweden’s development assistance for health 2023

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Sweden’s development assistance for health 2023 – Government.se

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    Report from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    In 2023,Sweden’s development assistance for health totalled approximately SEK 5.7 billion. Support to health care in Ukraine, access to SRHR, and fundamental health and vaccination campaigns are important focus areas.

    Download:

    Sweden’s development assistance for health amounted to approximately
    SEK 5.7 billion in 2023, accounting for 10.4 per cent of Sweden’s total
    development assistance, excluding deductions for asylum costs. Approximately SEK 3.4 billion (equivalent to 61 per cent) of this was channelled via the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The remaining funds, just over SEK 2.2 billion (corresponding to 39 per cent), were channelled via Sida’s bilateral, regional and global strategies.

    The total amount of development assistance for health has varied over the years. In 2020–2021, it was record high in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Percentage-wise, total development assistance for health in 2023 decreased slightly compared to pre-pandemic levels. During the period 2019–2023, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs managed a larger financial share of Sweden’s development assistance for health than Sida.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft enterprises released more than 3 million fry into Russian waters

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft’s production and processing enterprises released more than 3.3 million fish fry of various species into their natural habitat in August–October.

    Preservation of biological diversity in the regions of presence, including replenishment of water resources with valuable fish species, is one of the main priorities of Rosneft’s environmental activities. At the request of oil workers, young fish are grown in nurseries, where optimal conditions for development are created: appropriate temperature conditions, high-quality nutrition and optimal water composition, which increases the chances of survival of the fry in the natural environment.

    In the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug, RN-Yuganskneftegaz employees released more than 1.5 million young Siberian sturgeon into water bodies. Tyumenneftegaz specialists released more than 200,000 young muksun, a valuable species of the whitefish family, into the Baibalakovskaya channel, from where the grown fish migrate to the Ob River. Kondaneft also replenished the rivers of the Ob-Irtysh basin with 440,000 sturgeon young, and Sibneftegaz with 140,000 young broad whitefish.

    Employees of the Slavneft-Krasnoyarskneftegaz and RN-Vankor enterprises released more than 650 thousand young sterlet of the Yenisei population into the Yenisei River in the Sukhobuzimsky District of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The release site was determined by ichthyologists taking into account the hydrological conditions of the water body, temperature, chemical composition of the water, as well as the natural food base necessary for this type of fish. Together with young specialists of RN-Vankor, schoolchildren from the Movement of the First took part in the release.

    Employees of the East Siberian Oil and Gas Company released more than 17,000 grayling fry into the Yenisei River in the Republic of Khakassia. The Yenisei waters were also replenished by RN-Shelf-Arktika – the company’s ecologists released almost 110,000 fry of the endangered Siberian sturgeon into the river. Thanks to the systematic work on artificial stocking, which is carried out by the Company’s subsidiaries, the population of valuable fish species in Siberian reservoirs has grown significantly in recent years.

    During the summer-autumn period, Bashneft released more than 100,000 sterlet, muksun, and salmon fry into the reservoirs of the Republic of Bashkortostan and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, which helps restore the ecosystems of the rivers and lakes of these regions. In September, a batch of 100,000 sterlet fry bred in specialized fish farms of the Holy Mother of God Kazan Monastery was released into the Belaya River in Bashkortostan, as well as into the Nizhnekamsk Reservoir in the Republic of Tatarstan. The sterlet was carefully transported to the release site in vehicles equipped with special devices for supplying and regulating oxygen levels and monitoring water temperature. Activists from the children’s and youth organization “Movement of the First” took part in the release of the fry.

    Workers of the Novokuibyshevsk Oil Refinery, together with their children and activists of the “Movement of the First”, released 13 thousand sterlet fry into the Volga near the village of Vinnovka in the Samara Region. The enterprise has been systematically engaged in the reproduction of the Volga’s bioresources for 10 years.

    Employees of the Syzran Oil Refinery, together with members of the Movement of the First, released more than 40,000 sterlet fry into the Saratov Reservoir. The sterlet is a native Volga fish that, due to a number of unfavorable factors, is on the verge of extinction. Thanks to a special program, in which Rosneft enterprises are also participating, the sterlet population in the Volga is gradually growing.

    The Company’s subsidiaries located in the Irkutsk Region took part in the fish stocking campaign. Verkhnechonskneftegaz released 19,000 carp fry (each fry weighs 0.5 g) into the Belaya River. Under favorable conditions, the carp fry reaches a weight of 1-1.5 kg in a year. Employees of the Angarsk Petrochemical Company released 1,500 fry of the Baikal population of Siberian sturgeon, listed in the Red Book of Russia, into Lake Baikal. This is the second year in a row that ANHK has released this valuable representative of cartilaginous fish. In natural spawning conditions, the survival rate of Baikal sturgeon is low, so breeding fish in an artificial environment and subsequent stocking is an effective way to maintain the population of fish species valuable to the region.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft October 11, 2024

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/220890/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Gradual trade recovery underway despite regional conflicts, policy uncertainty

    Source: World Trade Organization

    The October update of the WTO’s Global Trade Outlook and Statistics largely reaffirms the April forecast, pointing to a gradual recovery in merchandise trade despite widening regional conflicts and increasing policy uncertainty. However, at the regional level, we have seen weaker-than-expected European trade and stronger-than-expected Asian exports.

    Since the last report, inflation has fallen, as expected, in advanced economies, prompting central banks to begin lowering interest rates. We expected these developments to boost consumption and investment, thereby increasing demand for imports. In particular, we projected that Asian economies would lead the trade recovery, while North America, Europe and other regions would contribute more modestly, yet positively.

    Broadly speaking, these expectations have materialized. As shown in Chart 1, we now anticipate a 2.7% increase in global merchandise trade volume in 2024, slightly up on our previous estimate of 2.6%. However, the forecast for 2025 has been revised downward, from 3.3% to 3.0%. Trade growth in 2024 and 2025 will likely be accompanied by real global GDP growth of 2.7% at market exchange rates, both this year and next.

    While the overall figures for global trade and output have remained stable, notable shifts in regional trade growth are emerging. Downside risks to the forecast have also intensified, particularly with the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, which could further disrupt trade flows.

    Two key differences stand out between the current forecast and the previous one. First, trade growth in European economies has been weaker than expected, affecting both imports and exports. Second, export growth in Asian economies has been stronger than expected.

    As illustrated in Chart 2, Asia is expected to contribute more than any other region to global export growth in 2024, adding 2.8 percentage points to the projected 3.3% growth in exports. The region is also expected to contribute 1.4 percentage points to the 2.0% import growth foreseen for this year. Meanwhile, North America is expected to contribute 0.6 percentage points to import growth in 2024, partly offsetting Europe’s negative contribution of -0.8 percentage points. Regional trade contributions should stabilize in 2025, aligning more closely with medium-term trends.

    The stronger-than-expected export performance in Asia has been driven by increased exports of electronics, automotive products and other manufactured goods from China, with other Asian economies such as India, Viet Nam and Singapore also reporting robust export growth. On the downside, Europe’s export decline has been led by a contraction in the automotive and chemicals sectors, both of which are concentrated in Germany.

    The outlook for services trade remains more positive than for goods, with the value of global commercial services trade in US dollars rising 8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2024. More comprehensive services data will be released later this month, but continued strong growth is anticipated for the second quarter.

    Returning to merchandise trade, we are seeing increasing evidence of trade fragmentation driven by geopolitical concerns. Trade is increasingly conducted among like-minded economies, a trend accelerated by the war in Ukraine. However, we have yet to observe a broader shift towards regionalization or near-shoring on a global scale.

    The full report is available here.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK government seals further £225 million investment in Teesside renewables industry with financing deal

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    One of the largest factories in the global offshore wind sector will expand and support even more jobs after UK Export Finance worked with Korean investors to secure new financing.

    • UK Export Finance and Korea Trade Insurance Corporation have guaranteed new financing for a major South Korean investment into Teesside.

    • This has unlocked new £225 million in financing from Standard Chartered Bank and HSBC UK for SeAH Steel Holding’s construction of a wind tech factory near Redcar. 

    • The financing supports an additional investment which will help the mega-factory to produce wider range of components for the offshore wind sector and meet latest industry demands.

    Based in Teesside, one of the world’s largest offshore wind technology factories will become even bigger after new government support for a South Korean investor. 

    Supported by backing from UK Export Finance (UKEF), SeAH Wind UK has now made an additional £225 million investment into wind technology manufacturing in Teesside. This brings their total investment into the site at Teesworks Freeport up to £900 million. 

    This was made possible after SeAH Steel Holding received financial guarantees from UKEF and Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-Sure) – the UK and South Korean export credit agencies – meaning that it could access £225 million in new financing for its ongoing factory build. 

    UKEF and K-Sure first supported the project in 2023. New support brings their joint backing for this project up to £590 million, with Standard Chartered Bank and HSBC UK providing the finance. 

    Wind monopiles act as the foundation for most offshore wind turbines and are critical to the growth of the global renewable energy sector. Upon completion of the factory, SeAH Wind UK will export to US and European markets. 

    New financing means that the factory will be able to produce even bigger monopiles and a wider range of products to meet industry demands, supporting the UK’s place in the global offshore wind supply chain. 

    The project will create up to 750 jobs by 2027 – a milestone in the development of a thriving offshore wind and renewables industry in North-East England.  

    Chris Sohn, Chief Executive of SeAH Wind UK, said: 

    With the proactive support of UKEF, our project is progressing smoothly. As we approach the completion of the factory construction, we are committed to ensuring its successful finalisation. We aim to become the first monopile manufacturing company in the UK and make a significant contribution to the UK economy.

    Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance, said: 

    This investment shows that there is international confidence in the UK economy and its ability to support the industries of tomorrow.

    UK Export Finance is helping to secure overseas investment in Teesside and around the UK through its financing offer. By working with HSBC UK, Standard Chartered and K-Sure to support investment into this project, the government is bolstering North-East England’s position as a leader in renewable energy expertise.

    Ian Stuart, CEO of HSBC UK, said: 

    We are delighted to provide our continuing support to SeAH Group for its new offshore wind monopile manufacturing factory in Teesside, North-East England. Through its expanded manufacturing capabilities, the factory will significantly contribute to the needs of the offshore wind industry and play an essential role in addressing the growing demand for renewable energy. This project underscores the importance of export finance in helping our clients grow their operations globally and facilitating their journey to net zero.

    Yoshi Ichikawa, Head of Structured Export Finance for Europe, Standard Chartered, said:  

    We are proud to build on our previous financing provided in November 2023, to support SeAH Group’s additional investment and enhancement of the UK supply chain in the wind sector. It is an example of the important role we play in helping our clients and sectors to make credible progress on their net zero ambitions, while supporting economic development across our markets.

    SeAH Wind UK, a subsidiary of South Korean steel company SeAH Steel Holding, announced its decision to invest and broke ground at Teesworks Freeport in 2022.  

    The ongoing construction has already created major contracts for the UK supply chain in manufacturing, construction and logistics, including a £100 million contract for British Steel. 

    UKEF’s support was provided under the Export Development Guarantee (EDG) product, which is available for overseas companies investing in new UK exporting opportunities and has also secured a major investment into Welsh paper manufacturing at Shotton Mill, Deeside.

    Notes to editors

    • UKEF’s Export Development Guarantee (EDG) helps companies who export from or plan to export from the UK access high-value loan facilities for general working capital or capital expenditure purposes. 

    • Of the new financing, UKEF guaranteed over £157 million whilst K-Sure guaranteed over £67 million.  

    • This follows previous financing worth £367 million in 2023, of which £257 million was guaranteed by UKEF and £110 million by K-Sure.

    Contact

    Media enquiries:

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Decisions of Innofactor Plc’s Extraordinary General Meeting and the organizing meeting of the Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Innofactor Plc Stock Exchange Release October 11, 2024, at 13:00 Finnish time

    Removing the transfer restrictions on the remuneration shares of the members of the Board of Directors

    In previous Annual General Meetings, Innofactor has approved decisions regarding the remuneration of the Board of Directors. It has been decided that Innofactor requires Board Members to hold the shares they receive as annual compensation for the duration of their Board Membership. This means that there is a restriction on the transfer of these shares during their tenure.

    According to the proposal presented in the meeting invitation, the General Meeting decided to remove all transfer restrictions on all shares received as compensation by the Board Members elected at Innofactor Plc’s Annual General Meeting on March 27, 2024, prior to the date of the Extraordinary General Meeting.

    Board of Directors’ remuneration

    The General Meeting decided that the remuneration for the Chairman of the Board and Board Members will remain unchanged, in accordance with the decision made at Innofactor’s Annual General Meeting on March 27, 2024. However, for the Board Members elected at the Extraordinary General Meeting, the remuneration will be paid entirely in cash, proportionate to the length of their term, taking into account any remuneration already paid to the continuing Board Members. Therefore, the General Meeting decided to pay the Chairman of the Board 5,000 euros per month and Board Members 2,500 euros per month for the duration of their term, with the monthly cash remuneration for continuing Board Members reduced by 50 percent if they have already received a share-based remuneration. No separate meeting fees will be paid.

    Additionally, the General Meeting decided that the remuneration already paid to the Board Members in accordance with the decision made at Innofactor’s Annual General Meeting on March 27, 2024, will be paid in full, and no repayment of the already paid remuneration will be required based on the length of their term.

    The General Meeting decided that for those Board Members who were not re-elected and whose term ended at the conclusion of the Extraordinary General Meeting, the monthly cash remuneration, as determined by the decision of the Annual General Meeting, will be paid until the date of the Extraordinary General Meeting.

    Composition of the Board of Directors

    The General Meeting decided that the Board of Directors shall have four members. Mr. Sami Ensio and Mr. Risto Linturi were re-elected as members to the Board of Directors, and Mr. Antti Kummu and Mr. Timo Larjomaa were elected as new members of the Board of Directors for a term that begins at the conclusion of the Extraordinary General Meeting and ends at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting. The term of those Innofactor Board Members who were not re-elected ended at the conclusion of the Extraordinary General Meeting.

    At the organizing meeting held after the Extraordinary General Meeting, Mr. Antti Kummu was elected as Chairman of the Board.

    The Board elected Mr. Antti Kummu as the chairman of the remuneration committee and Mr. Timo Larjomaa and Mr. Risto Linturi as its members.

    The minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting will be available on Innofactor Plc’s web site at https://www.innofactor.com/invest-in-us/general-meeting/ as of October 25, 2024, at the latest.

    Espoo, October 11, 2024

    INNOFACTOR PLC

    Board of Directors

    Additional information:
    Sami Ensio, CEO
    Innofactor Plc
    Tel. +358 50 584 2029
    sami.ensio@innofactor.com

    Distribution:
    NASDAQ Helsinki
    Main media
    http://www.innofactor.com

    Innofactor
    Innofactor is the leading driver of the modern digital organization in the Nordic Countries for its about 1,000 customers in commercial and public sector. Innofactor has the widest solution offering and leading know-how in the Microsoft ecosystem in the Nordics. Innofactor has about 600 enthusiastic and motivated top specialists in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The Innofactor Plc share is listed in the technology section of the main list of NASDAQ Helsinki Oy. http://www.innofactor.com #ModernDigitalOrganization #PeopleFirst #CreatingSmiles #BeTheRealYou

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s Opening Remarks at the 14th ASEAN-UN Summit [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

     
     
    Mr. Chair, Prime Minister Siphandone, thank you for your warm welcome and congratulations on your leadership of ASEAN this year. 
     
    Distinguished leaders of ASEAN,
     
    Excellencies,
     
    Ladies and gentlemen,
     
    For nearly six decades, the family of South-East Asian countries has blazed a path of collaboration.
     
    Every day, you grow more integrated, dynamic and influential.
     
    And our ASEAN-UN partnership is growing ever stronger, too and it is today a strategic partnership from the UN point of view.
     
    The ASEAN-UN Plan of Action is making important progress across the political, security, economic and cultural fronts.
     
    I am particularly grateful for the important contribution of ASEAN members to our peacekeeping operations.
     
    Allow me to express my total solidarity with the Indonesian delegation. Two Indonesian peacekeepers [serving in Lebanon] were wounded by Israeli fire. We are together with you and the Indonesian people at this time.
     
    I also welcome your work on the preparation of the Community Vision 2045.
     
    This region has always been about looking ahead.
     
    And so is the Pact for the Future, adopted last month at the United Nations.
     
    We need to keep looking ahead.  
     
    Let me point to four key areas. 
     
    First, connectivity — your theme for the year.
     
    We start with a fundamental objective: technology should benefit everyone.
     
    Across Southeast Asia, broadband and mobile internet connectivity has soared. Yet the digital divide persists. 
     
    And a new divide is now with us — an Artificial Intelligence divide. 
     
    Every country must be able to access and benefit from these technologies.
     
    And every country should be at the table when decisions are made about their governance.
     
    The Pact for the Future includes a major breakthrough — the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of Artificial Intelligence that would give every country a seat at the AI table.
     
    It also calls for international partnerships to boost AI capacity building in developing countries.
     
    And it commits governments to establishing an independent international Scientific Panel on AI and initiating a global dialogue on its governance within the United Nations.
     
    Second, finance. 
     
    International financial institutions can no longer provide a global safety net – or offer developing countries the level of support they need.
     
    The Pact for the Future says clearly: we need to accelerate reform of the international financial architecture.
     
    To close the financing gap of the Sustainable Development Goals. 
     
    To ensure that countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their long-term development. 
     
    And to strengthen the voice and representation of developing countries.
     
    This includes calling on G20 countries to lead on an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion a year.
     
    Substantially increasing also the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks.
     
    Recycling more Special Drawing Rights.
     
    And restructuring loans for countries drowning in debt.
     
    Third, climate.
     
    ASEAN countries are feeling the brunt of climate chaos – disasters like Super Typhoon Yagi – while the 1.5 degree goal is slipping away.
     
    We need dramatic action to reduce emissions.
     
    The G20 is responsible for 80 per cent of total emissions – they must lead the way.
     
    I welcome the pioneering Just Energy Transition Partnerships in Indonesia and Vietnam.
     
    By next year, every country must produce new NDCs aligned with limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
     
    Developed countries must keep their promises to double adaptation finance.
     
    And we need to see significant contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund.
     
    Every person must be covered by an alert system by 2027, through the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All Initiative. 
     
    We must secure also an ambitious outcome on finance at COP29.
     
    Fourth and finally, peace.
     
    I recognize your constructive role in continuing to pursue dialogue and peaceful means of resolving disputes from the Korean Peninsula to the South China Sea. 
    And I salute you for doing so in full respect of the UN Charter and international law – including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
     
    Meanwhile, Myanmar remains on an increasingly complex path.
     
    Violence is growing.
     
    The humanitarian situation is spiralling.
     
    One-third of the population is in dire need of humanitarian assistance.  Millions have been forced to flee their homes. 
     
    Seven years after the forced mass displacement of the Rohingya, durable solutions seem a distant reality.
     
    I support strengthened cooperation between the UN Special Envoy and the ASEAN Chair on innovative ways to promote a Myanmar-led process, including through the effective and comprehensive implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and beyond.
     
    The people of Myanmar need peace. And I call on all countries to leverage their influence towards an inclusive political solution to the conflict and deliver the peaceful future that the people of Myanmar deserve.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    ASEAN exemplifies community and cooperation.
     
    You are far more than the sum of your parts.
     
    In a world with growing geopolitical divides, with dramatic impacts on peace and security and sustainable development, ASEAN is a bridge-builder and a messenger for peace.
     
    Peace that is more necessary than ever, when we see the immense suffering of the people in Gaza, now extended to Lebanon, not forgetting Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and so many others.
     
    Allow me to tell you that the level of death and destruction in Gaza is something that has no comparison in any other situation I have seen since I became Secretary-General.
     
    I am extremely grateful for your constant efforts to keep our world together.
     
    You play a key role in shaping a world that is prosperous, inclusive and sustainable with respect for human rights at its heart.
     
    And you can always count on my full support and that of the United Nations in this essential effort.
     
    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 5th Joint BoC – ECB – NY Fed Conference – Welcome Speech

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Luis de Guindos, Vice-President of the ECB, gives the Welcome speech for the 5th Joint BoC – ECB – NY Fed Conference on 1. October, 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S0OZ2DAIc4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over £1million extra support secured for York residents

    Source: City of York

    Financial support to help residents cope with the cost of living crisis is being extended until the end of end of March 2025.

    The Council has been allocated £1,037,906 for the next six months and residents are urged to make sure they claim all benefits that they are eligible for.  

    This Household Support Funding (HSF) from the Government will be used in York to provide a variety of financial assistance to help residents meet essential expenses. These include:

    • £500,000 – a direct payment will be made before Christmas to working aged people who receive Council Tax Support
    • £180k – a discretionary application scheme will be available to support any other residents struggling to meet their bills, including pensioners
    • £70k – support for the Council’s food and fuel voucher scheme
    • £80k – advice and support to maximise residents’ income and promote take-up of unclaimed benefits
    • £80k – community food and support to run Warm Places this winter
    • £60k – administration and delivery of two Talk Money information and support campaigns
    • £10k – York Energy Advice funding for offering advice and energy-saving measures for households
    • £30k – support to identify, contact and support financially-vulnerable residents to claim.

    Councillor Katie Lomas, joint Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion, said:

    “Nearly half of the £1,037,906.47 we’ve been allocated through the Household Support Fund (HSF), will be issued as direct payments for working-age residents who are receiving Council Tax support. This translates to a cash payment of around £115 for every qualifying resident and we’re contacting those who are eligible, to make sure they receive this vital support.

    “Of the remaining funds, £180,000 will be allocated to a discretionary support scheme, which will be open to applications to anyone struggling with their finances. We’ll also be allocating money from the HSF to continue supporting Warm Places and energy advice services to support people with the effects of rising energy costs this winter, as well as community food support and support to take up unclaimed benefits.”

    Councillor Bob Webb, with joint responsibility for financial inclusion, said:

    “We reckon as many as 1,600 people in York are missing out on Pension Credit. It’s really important that they know about it and claim the extra £100s as well as unlocking other benefits like the Winter Fuel Payment.

    “We know that between April and June 2024, an extra 31 residents claimed Pension Credit who are benefiting from a total extra £134,825 to help them through these uncertain financial times.

    “We’re writing to over 450 residents who we know are eligible for Pension Credit because they already claim Council Tax Support and Housing Benefit. Information on the 1,150 or so other eligible people is held by the Government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and can’t be shared for data protection reasons. So, we’ve been reaching out to them through other council services and voluntary sector organisations, to help people check their eligibility and to support them to apply.”

    Anyone who needs help to claim Pension Credit can click here, or contact these local support services:

    Anyone who needs help to claim Council Tax Support can click here or contact these local support services:

    • Age UK York – 01904 634061
    • OCAY – 01904 676200
    • Citizens Advice York – 0808 278 7895
    • CYC Benefits Advisors – 01904 552044
    • Peasholme Charity – 01904 466866
    • York Carers Centre – 01904 715490.

    More information for residents on other benefits is here or click here. 

    The next Talk Money campaign to encourage residents to claim all they can, spend less and get good advice, will run from Monday 4 November to Friday 15 November.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Island Voices lecture series explores the theme of ‘Home’

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Island Voices lecture series explores the theme of ‘Home’

    11 October 2024

    A series of literary lunchtime lectures are currently running in the Tower Museum as part of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Island Voices programme.

    This year the lectures will explore the theme of ‘home’ in the work of local writers from the English, Irish and Ulster-Scots traditions.

    Island Voices features talks by Belfast-born Réaltán Ní Leannáin, Maureen Boyle from Sion Mills, and Alan Millar from the Laggan Valley in East Donegal, the series will explore identity and belonging within the context of our shared languages of English, Irish and Ulster-Scots.

    Irish Language writer Réaltán Ní Leannáin opened the series with a lecture entitled ‘From Burgu to Belfast’.

    The next lecture on Thursday, 24 October will feature Sion Mills writer Maureen Boyle speaking about ‘Writing ‘Strabane’ – Blessing a Town Into Poetry’.

    In 2018 Maureen was commissioned by Radio 4 to write a poem on the town her family came from for a series called ‘Conversations on a Bench’.  In this talk, Maureen will explore the process of the poem’s creation, the motivation to write it, the research involved and the process of translating research into poetry.

    The final lecture in the series features Alan Millar with his talk ‘Hame an awa – Scots wurds in Irish toonlands’. It will take place on Thursday, 28 November.

    Born and reared in the Laggan of East Donegal, Alan Millar will explore the interconnections of locality and language running through his own work, using as his touchstone the glossary and subscribers list of Newton-Cunningham poet George Dugall’s ‘The Northern Cottage’, published exactly 200 years ago this year. The glossary, filled with Ulster-Scots dialect still spoken today, is layered through with many words now lost to the Laggan, but still alive in other places, creating a sense of shared Scots language, running past into present, between Fintown and the Shetlands.

    Encouraging people to attend the series of lectures Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council said: “Home means something different to each individual. It doesn’t always have to be a place, home can be a feeling in your heart or even a memory of a time when you felt safe.  Home is so important to us all and I would encourage everyone to go along to these lectures to see how central the theme is to all the voices which call our island home.”

    Pól Ó Frighil, from Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Languages Team, which organises the event, added: “We are delighted to have these three incredible writers joining us for Island Voices this year. The backgrounds and life experiences of Réaltán, Maureen and Alan mean they each have a unique concept of ‘home’ and it will be wonderful to see how this has translated into their works.

    “We hope that our programme of lectures adds to the greater public understanding of the unique literary traditions of English, Irish and Ulster-Scots.” 

    All talks in the series are free but booking is essential. Each one will begin at 1pm and there are light refreshments available from 12.30pm. To book your place please contact the Tower Museum, T: (028) 7137 2411 or email [email protected] 

    Further information: Pól Ó Frighil, Languages Team, Derry City and Strabane District Council, [email protected]

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for murder after detectives retrieve CCTV that disproves his claim of self-defence

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man who claimed self-defence after he murdered Bajram Luli has been jailed.

    Sabin Manda, 32 (27.08.92) of no fixed address appeared at Inner London Crown Court on Friday, 11 October where he was sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 17 years.

    Manda had previously been found guilty of murdering 27-year-old Bajram Luli at the same court on Thursday, 26 September.

    The pair had been involved in a dispute over drugs in Sudbury Heights Avenue, Greenford, on 11 March 2024.

    Manda claimed he attacked Bajram in self-defence after fearing for his own life. However following the incident he went ‘off the grid’ claiming he was worried about possible retaliation.

    In the meantime, detectives had secured CCTV footage which captured the attack and showed it was unprovoked. As a result of extensive enquiries using a range of techniques Manda was located and arrested.

    Detective Inspector Adam Guttridge, Specialist Crime South, said: “The investigation team worked long and hard to locate footage of this incident that helped disprove Sabin Manda’s version of events.

    “Our enquiries confirmed that he launched an unprovoked attack on Bajram and Manda will now face many years in prison where he can contemplate the consequences of his actions.

    “I sincerely hope that can only hope his conviction brings some comfort to Bajram’s family. My thoughts are with them today. ”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Paddy Tyre Tribute Concert Planned for the Guildhall

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Paddy Tyre Tribute Concert Planned for the Guildhall

    11 October 2024

    The life and music of Derry man Paddy Tyre will be celebrated at a special concert in the Guildhall on December 5th.

    Paddy, well-known throughout the City and District, passed away suddenly on July 8th, just hours after he and his family met with the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr. The family had requested the meeting to seek the mayor’s support for a charity walk organised by Paddy’s daughters, Rosin Hamill, Aoife Tyre and granddaughter Kirstie Hamill, to raise funds for the Foyle Down Syndrome Trust. Rosin and Aoife’s children, Zara and Tiernan, were both born with Down Syndrome just 11 days apart 

    Tragedy struck after their visit with the mayor, as Paddy passed away suddenly that evening. In honour of Paddy’s memory, Mayor Barr committed to hosting a concert – it is planned for the day before Paddy would have celebrated his 76th birthday.

    Reflecting on the day, Mayor Barr said: “Paddy was such a warm, engaging man, and we shared a wonderful afternoon in the Mayor’s Parlour. He spoke with so much love for his family and music. We even laughed about his ‘famous’ bacon and egg pub breakfast, which he promised to make for me. His passing that same evening was such a shock, and my heart broke for his family. Organising this concert to honour Paddy feels like a fitting way to remember someone who brought so much joy through music.”

    Helping to organise the concert on behalf of the Tyre family is Paddy’s daughter Rosin, she explained: “We were brought up with music, it was such an integral part of our family and our daily lives, so this concert is a very fitting way to remember our daddy. After Zara and Tiernan were born music became even more important to us as we have seen the effect music has on them. It has helped their social skills, their language skills, their mobility… everything really. Zara was her Granda’s princess, and he waited patiently on her each day to play one of her many favourite nursery rhymes that was always jazzed up using a bass guitar, we had nursery rhyme time like no other. Tiernan loved to watch his Granda play the guitar and has now started to play himself, following in his Granda’s footsteps. With the proceeds from this concert going to charity this is their Granda’s last way of supporting the charity that has and will continue to support both his grandchildren. We are obviously all dealing with losing our dad so suddenly, but planning this concert is really helping us. Music was so important to daddy, and we are getting such strength from it now.” 

    Paddy’s wife Evelyn added: “Paddy’s love for music has always been there, and I remember buying him his first guitar in 1970 from local music shop Deery’s. The first band he played in was The Saints, and music has always been a massive part of our marriage, family and home.” 

    In his heyday Paddy Tyre was a member of the Derry Showband scene and even performed in a play that was written about the Showbands in the Rialto, after this he made his living gigging and playing in venues all around the country. As he settled into retirement it was the Strabane-based Music to Your Ears Group where Paddy found a new home. Made up of men who love to sing and perform together, Paddy found a camaraderie which he cherished. He performed regularly with the group bringing back to life many of the tunes he had enjoyed in his showband days. 

    Fittingly, it is now the Music to Your Ears Group who will lead this tribute to Paddy. Led by Eamon Lynch and Mickey Joe Harte the group will perform on the Guildhall stage and will also provide the backing for other musicians on the night. Performers confirmed so far include many who Paddy played with over the years including, Legacy, Jim McDermott, Damian McAdams, Martin McColgan and Son, along with a special performance from the Foyle Down Syndrome Group. 

    Paddy’s children will also be performing on the night in a very personal tribute to their dad. There will also be pre-recorded performances from young Zara and Tiernan. 

    Rosin added, “We had so much support already, from the musicians and bands which Daddy worked with over the years and have agreed to perform on the night, and from local people already asking where they can get tickets. 

    “All proceeds from the concert will be split between the Foyle Down Syndrome Group and the Mayor’s charity – The Bud Club. My mum Evelyn, and all of us as a family, are very grateful to the mayor for giving us the opportunity to host an event like this in our daddy’s memory, we hope people come along to support the charities and enjoy the music.” 

    Tickets are £10 and are available from Foyle Down Syndrome Trust, Thrift Charity Shop in Northside Shopping Centre, from any family member or by contacting [email protected].

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tourism Conference inspires collaboration and growth

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council held its annual 2024 Tourism Conference on Thursday 10th October at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, bringing together local businesses and industry leaders to highlight local strengths, network and discuss the latest trends and innovations for the sector.

    The conference programme featured a diverse line up of speakers including John McGrillen, Chief Executive, Tourism NI, Helen McGorman, Head of Trade Engagement, Tourism Ireland, Nicola Lyons, Head of Production, Screen NI and Leann Duffy, Head of Marketing and Sales, Game of Thrones Studio Tour.

    Opening the 2024 Tourism Conference, Chair of ABC’s Economic Development & Regeneration Committee Alderman Paul Greenfield said,

    “I am delighted to welcome local businesses from across the Borough to learn about the latest developments and innovations from Industry leaders and hear from those passionate about the future of the sector.

    Our local tourism and hospitality stakeholders are vital in the growth and sustainability of the sector. We hope today inspires continued collaborative working between businesses as well as with Council for the shared goal of a thriving tourism destination.”

    With a focus on the power of continued collaboration, the conference provided an opportunity for local tourism and hospitality providers to meet face to face, share information and learn from industry experts on the opportunities available from sector organisations such as Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland and also as part of the developing Screen Industry in Northern Ireland.

    Sustainability was a key theme for this year’s conference, highlighting the importance of becoming leaner and greener, consumer trends around sustainable travel and what that means for businesses on the ground. Discussions explored new opportunities in the sector, as well as ways in which tourism can continue to evolve and adapt in the face of challenges.

    ABC Council is committed to drive tourism for the borough by providing memorable and unique visitor experiences, particular welcome was extended to the Borough’s new Experience Development Programme participants, some of whom are new to the Tourism sector and in attendance. It is through these initiatives ABC Council continues to showcase its culture and stories, celebrating local food and orchard produce and delivering world class signature events to a domestic, national and international audience.

    The Tourism Conference 2024 was compered by former broadcaster and journalist Karen Patterson.

    The Council provides ongoing support to local tourism and hospitality providers through the Tourism, Arts and Culture Department. For more information and advice contact:

    *protected email*

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Channel Islands jointly agree to support Manche Iles Express10 October 2024 The Government of Jersey, States of Guernsey, and the Sark Chief Pleas have collectively agreed to financially support the France-Channel Islands passenger-only fast ferry service Manche Iles Express for… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    10 October 2024

    The Government of Jersey, States of Guernsey, and the Sark Chief Pleas have collectively agreed to financially support the France-Channel Islands passenger-only fast ferry service Manche Iles Express for 2025 operations.

    The request for financial support by the Departmental Council of La Manche (DCLM) was made in response to increased operating costs which put the viability of the service at risk.

    Since being established, it is estimated that the DCLM has committed over €20m to the service. The Channel Islands’ support is conditional on the scheduled service operating as intended in 2025.

    The Channel Islands’ combined contribution is €370,000: 

    • The Government of Jersey has committed €200,000
    • The States of Guernsey, through the Committee for Economic Development €167,000
    • The Sark Chief Pleas €3,000.

    The DCLM are also seeking additional funding from the adjacent ports of Carteret, Diélette and Granville, who also benefit from the Manche Iles Express services.

    Jersey’s Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten Morel,  said: “From increasing tourism, enabling business opportunities, or simply connecting friends and family across the channel, Islanders have benefitted from the passenger services offered by Manche Iles Express for two decades, and it continues to provide a valuable service. It is important we therefore support the service in the short term whilst working together on a longer-term solution.”

    The Chief Minister in the States of Guernsey, Deputy Lyndon Trott, said: “With our cultural connections to Normandy, and the attraction of the likes of the Maison de Victor Hugo, Guernsey offers an excellent destination for summer French visitors wishing to come to and experience what the Islands have to offer. Losing the service would be a significant loss to the Bailiwick Islands and our wider economies and am pleased to confirm the Bailiwick of Guernsey’s support of the service next year and we look forward to working with DLCM to develop the service beyond 2025.”​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE hosts workshop on mitigating money laundering and terrorism financing risks in the evolving digital asset ecosystem

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE hosts workshop on mitigating money laundering and terrorism financing risks in the evolving digital asset ecosystem

    OSCE hosts workshop on mitigating money laundering and terrorism financing risks in the evolving digital asset ecosystem | OSCE
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    Home Newsroom News and press releases OSCE hosts workshop on mitigating money laundering and terrorism financing risks in the evolving digital asset ecosystem

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Anti-trafficking practitioners meet in Italy for first Mediterranean regional simulation-based training exercise

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Anti-trafficking practitioners meet in Italy for first Mediterranean regional simulation-based training exercise

    A staged police search during the final phase of the week-long anti-human trafficking simulation training exercise conducted in Vicenza, Italy (CoESPU/Vicenza) Photo details

    The first Mediterranean regional simulation-based training exercise for anti-trafficking practitioners from OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation concluded today in Vicenza, Italy, at the premises of the Centre of Excellence for Stability Police Units (CoESPU).
    In the framework of this week-long training, more than 50 anti-trafficking practitioners from Italy, Malta, Spain, Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia came together to solve complex cases of human trafficking. The training scenario incorporated complex and diverse migratory flows across multiple States, demonstrating how criminal groups exploit the vulnerability of migrants and displaced persons to traffic them into labour exploitation, sexual exploitation or forced criminality. The training brought together a wide range of professionals from across the anti-trafficking ecosystem, including prosecutors, labour inspectors, social workers, criminal and financial investigators, lawyers, NGO workers and migration officers. Participants were trained on their individual roles, as well as on how to effectively co-operate with their counterparts in the identification of trafficking victims and detection, investigation and prosecution of human trafficking crimes. In this context, the practitioners had the chance to practice and master their skills in multi-agency collaboration, applying victim-centred and trauma-informed approaches.
    “With Mediterranean security indivisible from security within the OSCE region at large, the Mediterranean regional simulation-based training exercise demonstrated the lasting value and continued collaboration between the OSCE, participating States, and Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation, and how strengthening efforts to combat trafficking in human beings contributes to improved security across the wider region,” said Dr. Kari Johnstone, the OSCE’s Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, in her closing remarks.   
    First implemented in 2016, the OSCE’s simulation-based trainings remain a highly relevant training tool to enhance the capacity of OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation to promptly identify and assist presumed victims of trafficking in human beings as well as investigate and prosecute perpetrators through the use of a multi-agency, victim-centred, trauma-informed, gender-sensitive and human rights-based approach. 
    This activity was implemented with the financial support from the Governments of France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, Switzerland and the US, as well as the Republic of Italy, which also provided in kind contributions.
    For more information on simulation-based trainings, please visit Simulation-based training | OSCE

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: IBCA Newsletter, 10 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s newsletter that was circulated on 10 October 2024.

    Documents

    IBCA Newsletter, 10 October 2024

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    Details

    Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s newsletter that was circulated on 10 October 2024.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 October 2024

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Nam: “In “Harmony” pure leadership qualities are developed, without any admixture of ambition”

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    As a child, she played “Timurovtsy” and helped her neighbors, and when she grew up, she headed a volunteer organization at the Polytechnic. Director of the Center for Volunteer Projects “Harmony”, Deputy Director of the Humanitarian Institute, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Linguistics and Pedagogy Tatyana Nam became the winner of the St. Petersburg volunteer community award “FORM OF GOOD – TOP25 Kindest People of St. Petersburg” in early September.

    Tatyana Anatolyevna has been running Harmony since 2015, supervising dozens of projects and events. Combining teaching with volunteer work, she has become a mentor for many students, helped them find their place in life, choose the path that their soul lies in. We often see Tatyana Nam surrounded by young people at various events, we know about the volunteers she has trained, but we don’t know much about her.

    So what is Tatyana Nam like? What in life helps her “to be, and not to seem?” Read intoday’s episode of the special project “Persona”.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/polytech-media/Tatyana-we-are-in-harmony-developing-pure-leadership-qualities-without-admixture-of-ambition/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Beibu Gulf Port welcomes first China-Europe freight train

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

    The Beibu Gulf Port in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region welcomed its first-ever China-Europe freight train from Minsk in Belarus on Tuesday. Loaded with 3,240 tonnes of imported potash fertilizer, the train covered a distance of 11,341 kilometers on its 20-day journey through Belarus, Russia, and Kazakhstan before crossing into China via Alashankou, a land port located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Iceland hosts Arctic Allies

    Source: Government of Iceland

    On 9 October, the Chiefs of Defence of Iceland, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden and the United States met in Keflavík, Iceland, to discuss priorities and perspectives in relation to the security situation in the Arctic.

    As the strategic importance of the Arctic continues to grow, the Chiefs of Defence discussed opportunities for increased regional cooperation, including in response to challenges brought about by climate change, economic activities and increased maritime traffic. Two and a half years following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, they also discussed increased Russian military build-up and the importance of maintaining situational awareness in the region.

    These key annual meetings between close Allies serve to coordinate and deepen partnerships and strengthen shared situational awareness. Iceland hosted the meeting, chaired by the Director General of Iceland’s Directorate for Defence, which is part of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Fighting environmental crime focus of regional workshop in Montenegro

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Fighting environmental crime focus of regional workshop in Montenegro

    Participants of the regional workshop “Fighting Environmental Crime in Montenegro and the Balkans region”, organized by the Environment Protection Agency of Montenegro, the French Embassy in Podgorica, and the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Plavnica, 10 October 2024. (OSCE) Photo details

    In the last decade, a pronounced form of environmental crime has been present in Montenegro and the region, including illegal activities in forestry, land, stone, riverbeds and sand exploitation, destruction of nature’s biodiversity, as well as illegal construction, which poses a significant threat to natural resources and public health. In the fight against environmental crime, a holistic approach, co-operation and data exchange amongst institutions is of key importance.
    This was conclusion of the regional workshop “Fighting Environmental Crime in Montenegro and the Balkans region”, organized by the Environment Protection Agency of Montenegro, the French Embassy in Podgorica, and the OSCE Mission to Montenegro from 8 to 10 October at the Plavnica Eco Resort.
    The event gathered around 50 representatives of the police, judicial and prosecutorial institutions, international organizations and NGOs from the region, as well as from Bulgaria, Greece and France, who discussed the ways of fighting against crimes that affect the environment and institutional co-operation and coordination in addressing environmental crimes.
    Opening the event, Stephen Harmon, the OSCE Mission’s Security Co-operation and Governance Programme Manager, stated that the OSCE worked with Montenegrin institutions to strengthen their capacity and efficiency in addressing environmental crime. “We supported the ‘Environmental crime in Montenegro’ analysis, which detailed environmental crimes in the country, together with recommendations on how to combat them. “A long time ago we were given one task, to be stewards of this world, our home the only one we will ever have. Our efforts have been poor at best. We are gathered here to renew our commitment in unity to that task,” said Harmon.
    The Ambassador of France to Montenegro, Anne-Marie Maskay, said that the country’s diverse ecosystems, including national parks, rivers, and coastal areas, were under siege from various forms of environmental crime. “While Montenegro has made substantial progress in establishing a legal framework to protect its environment, significant gaps remain. The implementation of this framework is often incomplete due to insufficient resources, lack of trained personnel, and also corruption that hamper the effective monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations,” said Ambassador Maskay. She added that more stringent laws were necessary that specifically addressed environmental crime, but also underscored the need to establish specialized environmental police units.
    Zoran Brđanin, Director of the Police Directorate, stated that police analysis, intelligence and operational data and initiated investigative criminal and misdemeanour proceedings show the presence of environmental crime in Montenegro. “It is precisely for this reason that the Police Directorate recognized this form of crime in the latest update of the Serious and Organized Crime Threat Assessment – SOCTA and included it in the list of national priorities. In the coming period, the Police Directorate will implement proactive investigative measures and actions to prove criminal acts related to the abuse of official position and provision of logistical support to persons who carry out criminal activities in forestry. In addition, conventional measures and actions and will be intensified during the wood cutting season,” said Brđanin.
    Milan Gazdić, Director of the Environment Protection Agency of Montenegro, stated that activities such as illegal logging, wildlife smuggling and hazardous waste disposal disrupt ecosystems and undermine the efforts for sustainable development. “This workshop provides an opportunity to strengthen co-operation among all actors. With the knowledge and commitment of all present, I am convinced that we will make significant progress in the fight against environmental crime,” said Gazdić, adding that one of the key results in Montenegro will be the formation of the National Working Group, which represents an important step towards improving the efficiency of environmental protection in Montenegro.
    This three-day regional workshop was a follow-up on the event the Mission organized in June, when representatives of Montenegrin institutions gathered to discuss their co-operation in promoting environmental protection and addressing environmental crimes.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni attends Med9 Summit in Cyprus

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    11 Ottobre 2024

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, is in Cyprus today to attend the 11th Med9 Summit.

    Prior to the working sessions, President Meloni organised a quadrilateral meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Recommitting to advance gender equality in politics, in focus of ODIHR event

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Recommitting to advance gender equality in politics, in focus of ODIHR event

    Participants at the annual Women’s Power Breakfast organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) at the margins of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference. (OSCE/Piotr Dziubak) Photo details

    Recommitting to advance gender equality in politics was the topic of discussion at the annual Women’s Power Breakfast organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) at the margins of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference this week. ODIHR also presented the latest gender-responsive governance toolkit.
    “We urgently need men’s involvement to advance women’s political participation,” said ODIHR Director’s Alternate, Tea Jaliashvili. “They play a fundamental role in creating an environment where women are listened to and empowered to bring change, and so are the political parties – gatekeepers of democracy.”
    The event was joined by representatives of OSCE governments, European umbrella NGOs and international experts, who agreed that equal political participation of women and men is a precondition for further developing democratic institutions and gender-responsive governance.
    “Today, many people see the presence of 60 per cent of young women among university students as ‘female dominance’, while 60 per cent of men among members of parliament are seen as gender equality obtained. This leads me to the conclusion that, for many, male-dominated institutions are still seen as ‘natural’,” said Drude Dahlerup, professor at Stockholm University.
    ODIHR has been active in promoting the political participation of women across the OSCE region over the last thirty years. The Office has developed numerous tools to assist political parties, parliaments, governments and civil society in advancing gender equality.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Med9 Summit: Italy-Jordan-Cyprus-European Commission quadrilateral meeting

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    11 Ottobre 2024

    In the margins of today’s Med9 Summit in Paphos, the President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, organised a quadrilateral meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to discuss the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Jordan and other states in the region. This issue has become even more pressing in light of the most recent developments in the Middle East crisis.

    The leaders discussed concrete solutions to create the conditions for Syrian refugees to be able to voluntarily return to their homeland in a safe and sustainable way, in collaboration with the main humanitarian organisations operating in the region.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Concludes Visit to The Gambia

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 11, 2024

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • IMF staff and the Gambian authorities conducted productive discussions on economic policies to conclude the second review of the program under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement.
    • Economic recovery is strengthening while inflation has decelerated to single digits.
    • The Gambia’s reform agenda is advancing despite challenges to fiscal policy.
    • The IMF remains committed to supporting The Gambia and discussions will continue remotely and in Washington D.C. over the coming weeks to finalize agreement.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Ms. Eva Jenkner, conducted productive discussions with the Gambian authorities in Banjul from September 30 to October 11, 2024, on the second review of the program supported under the 36-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, which was approved in January 2024 for total access of SDR 74.64 million (about US$99.5 million). Discussions will continue remotely and in Washington D.C. over the coming weeks to finalize agreement. Subject to later approval by the IMF’s Executive Board, the completion of the review will enable a disbursement of SDR 8.29 million (about US$11.05 million), bringing the total disbursement under the arrangement to about US$33.2 million.

    At the conclusion of the discussions, Ms. Jenkner issued the following statement:

    “The authorities remain committed to their reform agenda and program objectives. Despite significant revenue collection efforts, fiscal outturns of the first half of 2004 were weaker than expected, mainly reflecting strong spending pressures stemming from the OIC Summit, accelerated infrastructure projects and emergency support to the national utility NAWEC. Regardless, ten out of eleven quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets under the ECF-supported program were met. Also, progress was made on significant structural benchmarks, such as audits of large taxpayers and improvements in public financial management, and the public debt-to-GDP ratio remains on a downward trajectory.

    “Economic activity is strengthening. Economic growth is estimated at 5.8 percent for 2024, supported by agriculture, services, telecom, and construction sectors. Tourist arrivals continued to recover, reaching a level closer to the pre-pandemic peak levels. Remittance inflows also strengthened. Inflation declined to 9.8 percent at end-August 2024, from a peak of 18.5 percent at end-2022.

    “Policy discussions focused on the implementation of the National Development Strategy for 2023-27 and further support for the structural transformation of the economy.

    “The Central Bank of The Gambia is committed to maintaining a monetary policy stance consistent with a convergence of the inflation rate towards its medium-term objective of 5 percent. It will also remain vigilant to ensure a market-determined exchange rate, a smooth functioning of the foreign exchange market, as well as a strong financial position.

    “While fiscal policy in 2024 remains largely anchored on the parameters of the budget approved by the National Assembly, the strong spending pressures from the OIC Summit and emergency support to NAWEC entailed major reallocations across budget lines, putting pressure on social spending. Staff advised the authorities to maintain fiscal responsibility and vigorously pursue their domestic resource mobilization and reform of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to increase the room for responding to large social and developmental needs and protecting the most vulnerable. Structural reforms under the program cover domestic revenue mobilization, public financial management, governance and transparency, management of SOEs, the business environment, and addressing climate-related risks and vulnerabilities. The medium-term fiscal framework aims to further reduce debt vulnerabilities.

    “We reaffirm our commitment to supporting The Gambia and the IMF team and the Gambian authorities will continue their constructive dialogue to conclude the second review of the ECF in time for the expected Board approval at end-December.

    “The mission would like to thank the Gambian authorities for their kind hospitality and candid discussions.”

    The mission met with His Excellency President of the Republic Barrow; His Excellency Vice-President Jallow; Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita; Minister of Public Service, Administrative Reforms and Policy, Baboucarr Bouy; Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia, Buah Saidy; Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority, Yankuba Darboe; National Auditor General, Modou Ceesay; and senior government and central bank officials. The mission team also had fruitful discussions with representatives of the private sector, civil society, and development partners.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Julie Ziegler

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/11/pr-24367-the-gambia-imf-staff-concludes-visit-to-the-gambia

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/ERITREA – Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia leaders hold Tripartite Summit in Asmara

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Friday, 11 October 2024 wars  

    Asmara (Agenzia Fides) – A joint tripartite committee of the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Eritrea and Somalia will work to promote strategic cooperation in all areas. This was agreed by the presidents of the three countries during their meeting yesterday, October 10, in the Eritrean capital Asmara. The Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki welcomed his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his Somali counterpart Hassnan Sheikh Mohamud, who hosted the meeting. In a joint statement, the heads of state of the three countries stressed the need to respect the fundamental principles of international law, in particular the greatest possible respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the countries in the region. They agreed to increase and deepen cooperation and coordination in order to improve the capacity of the Somali authorities to face the various internal and external challenges and to enable the Somali army to fight terrorism in all its forms and protect its territory and maritime borders.A position that is particularly aimed at Ethiopia, which signed an agreement with the separatist Somali region of Somaliland on January 1 of this year (see Fides, 9/1/2024). According to this agreement, in exchange for the transfer of a naval base and a stretch of coast from Ethiopia, Somaliland will be recognized as an autonomous state separate from the rest of Somalia. To date, no state has recognized Somaliland’s independence. The government in Mogadishu responded to this agreement first by strengthening relations with Turkey (see Fides, 22/2/2024) and later by establishing a strategic partnership with Egypt (see Fides, 30/8/2024), which has now been extended to Eritrea, another historical adversary of Ethiopia. On the sidelines of the meeting, the presidents of Somalia and Egypt also issued a joint statement reaffirming their support for the unity, independence, integrity and sovereignty of Somalia over its entire territory and rejecting unilateral measures that threaten the unity and sovereignty of the State. In addition to the situation in Somalia, the Asmara Summit also addressed the crisis in Sudan and its regional implications, security and cooperation between the countries bordering the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the establishment of coordination mechanisms between the three countries. All these issues are of crucial importance for the three states, but above all for Egypt, which must, on the one hand, defend navigation to and from the Suez Canal, an important source of income for its treasury, and, on the other, prevent Ethiopia from gaining control over the flow of the Nile water through the famous dam on the Blue Nile (Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam). For this reason, Egypt is also active in the Sudanese civil war, where it supports the Sudanese armed forces led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against the “Rapid Support Forces” (RSF) of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemeti). The latter accused the Egyptian Air Force of bombing some of their units near the capital Khartoum. These accusations were denied by Cairo. But various powers are directly and indirectly involved in the Sudanese civil war (see Fides, 15/4/2024). The Horn of Africa risks being affected by local conflicts (between Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia), regional conflicts (war in Sudan, rivalry between Ethiopia and Egypt) and tensions in the Middle East (involvement of the Yemeni Houthis in the war against Israel). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 21/10/2024)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/BURKINA FASO – Signing of the Second Additional Protocol to the Agreement between the Holy See and Burkina Faso on the legal status of the Catholic Church in Burkina Faso

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Ouagadougou (Agenzia Fides) – Today, 11 October 2024, the Second Additional Protocol to the Agreement between the Holy See and Burkina Faso on the legal status of the Catholic Church in Burkina Faso was signed in Ouagadougou, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso.According to the note published by the Vatican Press Office, the agreement was signed: on behalf of the Holy See by Archbishop Michael F. Crotty, titular of Lindisfarne, apostolic nuncio, and for the State of Burkina Faso, by His Excellency Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and citizens of Burkina Faso abroad.The Additional Protocol, which consists of a Preamble, seven articles and an appendix, further governs the procedure for issuing the certificate of legal personality in Burkina Faso law to public canonical juridical persons based in that nation, thus facilitating their evangelical mission in the promotion of the common good was signed in the Vatican on July 12, 2019 and ratified on September 7, 2020, the day on which it entered into force (see Fides, 8/9/2020).”The Second Additional Protocol”, says the Holy See’s communiqué, “which consists of a Preamble, seven articles and an appendix, further governs the procedure for issuing the certificate of legal personality in Burkina Faso law to public canonical juridical persons based in that nation, thus facilitating their evangelical mission in the promotion of the common good. It came into effect on the day of signing”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 11/10/2024)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PHILIPPINES – Mindanao Relgious Leaders Conference: “We are peacemakers”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Mindanao Religious Leaders Conference

    Davao (Agenzia Fides) – “We are peacemakers. Peace based on justice is our duty,” emphasize the members of the Mindanao Religious Leaders Conference, gathered on 8 and 9 October in Davao, in the south of the Philippines, in a final declaration in which they commit themselves to “working for peace and sustainable development”: a commitment “guided by the values of love, justice, harmony, respect, integrity, unity, reconciliation, spirituality and humanity,” says the document sent to Fides.This commitment, the text states, “is concretely manifested in the revitalization of our role in building peace through our platform ‘Mindanao Religious Leaders Conference’”. The religious leaders emphasize their responsibility and “moral obligation” to be “a dynamic peace movement” that can contribute to governance and peace in the Autonomous Province of Bangsamoro (with an Islamic majority), on the island of Mindanao and throughout the country. The declaration reaffirms the belief that interreligious dialogue can give a significant boost to peace in Muslim, Christian and indigenous communities by promoting “interreligious cooperation in a spirit of solidarity”. The religious representatives are also addressing the challenges in the south of the Philippines, such as “the marginalization of the Sulu Islands, environmental injustice, extremism and terrorism”. But it is precisely for this reason that they are able to assert the urgency of “peace dialogues and discussions” at all levels. These are to take place with politicians, with representatives of youth groups, with associations of indigenous peoples. An important element in this effort is also prayer, which is to take place in the various communities and also at joint meetings.The “Mindanao Religious Leaders Conference” is a continuation of the “Bishop-Ulama Forum” founded in Mindanao in 1996, which was later renamed the “Bishop-Ulama Conference” (BUC). The body brings together Christian and Islamic leaders in Mindanao to promote dialogue and peace initiatives. The BUC is made up of 24 Catholic bishops, 26 ulama and 18 Protestant bishops and pastors. The idea of bringing Christian and Islamic leaders together was conceived by Catholic Archbishop Fernando R. Capalla, then Archbishop of Davao, and Muslim religious leader Mahid M. Mutilan. After the peace agreement signed in the Philippines in 1996 between the government and the rebel group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), there was a desire to stabilize the conference and put the common moral and spiritual values of Christians, Muslims and other religions at the service of harmony and peace between the communities. The conference held in Davao these days, convened after a series of preparatory seminars, aims to renew this spirit and revitalize the original initiative. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 11/10/2024)
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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s Opening Remarks at the 14th ASEAN-UN Summit [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations – English

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    Mr. Chair, Prime Minister Siphandone, thank you for your warm welcome and congratulations on your leadership of ASEAN this year. 
     
    Distinguished leaders of ASEAN,
     
    Excellencies,
     
    Ladies and gentlemen,
     
    For nearly six decades, the family of South-East Asian countries has blazed a path of collaboration.
     
    Every day, you grow more integrated, dynamic and influential.
     
    And our ASEAN-UN partnership is growing ever stronger, too and it is today a strategic partnership from the UN point of view.
     
    The ASEAN-UN Plan of Action is making important progress across the political, security, economic and cultural fronts.
     
    I am particularly grateful for the important contribution of ASEAN members to our peacekeeping operations.
     
    Allow me to express my total solidarity with the Indonesian delegation. Two Indonesian peacekeepers [serving in Lebanon] were wounded by Israeli fire. We are together with you and the Indonesian people at this time.
     
    I also welcome your work on the preparation of the Community Vision 2045.
     
    This region has always been about looking ahead.
     
    And so is the Pact for the Future, adopted last month at the United Nations.
     
    We need to keep looking ahead.  
     
    Let me point to four key areas. 
     
    First, connectivity — your theme for the year.
     
    We start with a fundamental objective: technology should benefit everyone.
     
    Across Southeast Asia, broadband and mobile internet connectivity has soared. Yet the digital divide persists. 
     
    And a new divide is now with us — an Artificial Intelligence divide. 
     
    Every country must be able to access and benefit from these technologies.
     
    And every country should be at the table when decisions are made about their governance.
     
    The Pact for the Future includes a major breakthrough — the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of Artificial Intelligence that would give every country a seat at the AI table.
     
    It also calls for international partnerships to boost AI capacity building in developing countries.
     
    And it commits governments to establishing an independent international Scientific Panel on AI and initiating a global dialogue on its governance within the United Nations.
     
    Second, finance. 
     
    International financial institutions can no longer provide a global safety net – or offer developing countries the level of support they need.
     
    The Pact for the Future says clearly: we need to accelerate reform of the international financial architecture.
     
    To close the financing gap of the Sustainable Development Goals. 
     
    To ensure that countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their long-term development. 
     
    And to strengthen the voice and representation of developing countries.
     
    This includes calling on G20 countries to lead on an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion a year.
     
    Substantially increasing also the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks.
     
    Recycling more Special Drawing Rights.
     
    And restructuring loans for countries drowning in debt.
     
    Third, climate.
     
    ASEAN countries are feeling the brunt of climate chaos – disasters like Super Typhoon Yagi – while the 1.5 degree goal is slipping away.
     
    We need dramatic action to reduce emissions.
     
    The G20 is responsible for 80 per cent of total emissions – they must lead the way.
     
    I welcome the pioneering Just Energy Transition Partnerships in Indonesia and Vietnam.
     
    By next year, every country must produce new NDCs aligned with limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
     
    Developed countries must keep their promises to double adaptation finance.
     
    And we need to see significant contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund.
     
    Every person must be covered by an alert system by 2027, through the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All Initiative. 
     
    We must secure also an ambitious outcome on finance at COP29.
     
    Fourth and finally, peace.
     
    I recognize your constructive role in continuing to pursue dialogue and peaceful means of resolving disputes from the Korean Peninsula to the South China Sea. 
    And I salute you for doing so in full respect of the UN Charter and international law – including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
     
    Meanwhile, Myanmar remains on an increasingly complex path.
     
    Violence is growing.
     
    The humanitarian situation is spiralling.
     
    One-third of the population is in dire need of humanitarian assistance.  Millions have been forced to flee their homes. 
     
    Seven years after the forced mass displacement of the Rohingya, durable solutions seem a distant reality.
     
    I support strengthened cooperation between the UN Special Envoy and the ASEAN Chair on innovative ways to promote a Myanmar-led process, including through the effective and comprehensive implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and beyond.
     
    The people of Myanmar need peace. And I call on all countries to leverage their influence towards an inclusive political solution to the conflict and deliver the peaceful future that the people of Myanmar deserve.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    ASEAN exemplifies community and cooperation.
     
    You are far more than the sum of your parts.
     
    In a world with growing geopolitical divides, with dramatic impacts on peace and security and sustainable development, ASEAN is a bridge-builder and a messenger for peace.
     
    Peace that is more necessary than ever, when we see the immense suffering of the people in Gaza, now extended to Lebanon, not forgetting Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and so many others.
     
    Allow me to tell you that the level of death and destruction in Gaza is something that has no comparison in any other situation I have seen since I became Secretary-General.
     
    I am extremely grateful for your constant efforts to keep our world together.
     
    You play a key role in shaping a world that is prosperous, inclusive and sustainable with respect for human rights at its heart.
     
    And you can always count on my full support and that of the United Nations in this essential effort.
     
    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –