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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/HOLY LAND – The relic of the blood of Saint Francis brought to the Holy Land during a pilgrimage to invoke peace

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Rome (Agenzia Fides) – “After 800 years, we bring Saint Francis back to the Holy Land to try to be, like him, able to cross borders in a wounded place, just as, eight centuries ago, the Poverello went on a pilgrimage to the holy places in an equally difficult time, marked by the Crusades, with the desire to build bridges and not walls.” This is how Brother Matteo Brena, Commissioner of the Holy Land of the Friars Minor of Tuscany and coordinator of the Committee for the 800th anniversary of the stigmata of St. Francis, announces that from September 30 to October 5, together with 10 other people, brothers and lay people, he will carry the relic of the blood of St. Francis of Assisi to the Holy Land, while war rages and the populations of these troubled territories are in suffering, fear, mourning and precariousness.”We set out,” continues Brother Matthew, “with a great desire in our hearts: to be that “little remnant” that knows how to be the bearer, in this new dramatic situation for the Middle East, of a sign of consolation and a word of hope. From the wounds, a new life” was the motto of the eighth centenary of the stigmata of St. Francis; and we, by bringing to Jerusalem and Bethlehem the relic of his blood, which flowed from the signs of the passion on his body, try to tell those brothers and sisters that it is possible to inhabit the wounds with hope and with a desire for the future.”The delegation, made up of four brothers and six lay people, including representatives of the Franciscan Youth and the Secular Franciscan Order, will travel between Jerusalem and Bethlehem to bring the relic to the Christian communities of the area, meeting the local population and visiting some of the symbolic places of the commitment of Christians to pacify the land where Jesus lived. One of the highlights of the trip will take place on October 2: the twinning between the Basilica of Gethsemane, a place that preserves the memory of the dramatic hours of Christ’s passion, and the Sanctuary of La Verna will be sanctioned. The twinning will also sanction the link between the two hermitages. The ceremony will take place in the presence of Fra’ Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, and Fra’ Livio Crisci, Provincial Minister of the Friars Minor of Tuscany.”This year,” adds Brother Brena, “the Basilica of Gethsemane is one hundred years old since its construction in 1924, together with the Basilica of the Transfiguration, by the Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi, who died in 1960 in Rome in the convent of the Delegation of the Holy Land. We will therefore also participate in the initiatives of this centenary.””United in prayer, let us accompany our brothers on the pilgrimage between Jerusalem and Bethlehem,” say the Franciscan Fraternities throughout Italy. 800 years ago, in September 1224, Francis of Assisi received the Stigmata on the mountain of La Verna, near Arezzo. On that occasion, the brother conformed to the crucified Christ and a part of his habit, soaked in the blood of his side, became an important relic, a perpetual testimony of that event, preserved by the Friars Minor. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 28/9/2024)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/NIGERIA – Bishop of Ahira: “If there is a lesson we can learn from the past, it is that it is important to listen to one another”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Claretian Missionaries – Delegation West Nigeria  

    Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – “If there is a lesson we can learn from this, it is that it is important to listen to one another, as in a family,” says the Bishop of Ahiara in Nigeria, Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, to Fides.“Between father, mother and children there can be misunderstandings, but ultimately children must obey their parents,” stresses Bishop Simeon Okezuo Nwobi. To understand the Bishop’s statement, it is necessary to look back at the recent history of his diocese.The diocese of Ahiara was the subject of a controversial episcopal appointment after Peter Ebere Okpaleke was appointed as local bishop by Pope Benedict XVI on December 7, 2012, (see Fides, 7/12/2012). Given the strong opposition in the diocese to which he was assigned, Bishop Okpaleke was unable to take office.On June 8, 2017, during a private audience with a delegation from the diocese, Pope Francis expressed his “deep regret” for the matter (see Fides, 9/6/2017) and asked “that every priest or church official incardinated in the diocese of Ahiara, both those who reside there and those who live and work elsewhere or abroad, write me a letter asking for forgiveness; everyone should write to me individually and personally; we must all share this pain.In this letter1. obedience to the Pope must be expressed unequivocally, and2. the writer must be ready to recognize the bishop whom the Pope sends and appoints.3. The letter must be sent within 30 days from today and by July 9. Anyone who does not do so will be ipso facto suspended and removed from office a divinis.”On February 19, 2018 (see, Fides 19/2/2018), a communication from the then Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples announced that the Holy Father “received, in the months of June and July 2017, as he had requested, a total of 200 letters from individual priests of the Diocese of Ahiara in which they reaffirmed their obedience and fidelity to him.” However, it was also pointed out that it was difficult for him to work with the bishop “after all these years of conflict.” “In view of the repentance shown, the Holy Father did not wish to impose canonical sanctions and entrusted the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples to responding to each of the priests individually; the Congregation invited each priest to reflect on the grave damage caused to the Church of Christ and hoped that in the future such unreasonable acts of resistance to a bishop appointed by the Holy Father will not be repeated; it also called on the clergy to make gestures of forgiveness and reconciliation towards the bishop,” the statement reads.At the same time (see Fides, 19/2/2018) the Pope accepted the resignation of Bishop Peter Ebere Okpaleke of Ahiara.After appointing an Apostolic Administrator “Sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis” in the person of Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, on May 3, 2024 Pope Francis appointed Simeon Okezuo Nwobi as Bishop of Ahiara (see Fides, 3/5/2024), who had already been appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the diocese on October 14, 2023.”My appointment was greeted with joy and I was overwhelmingly accepted by the faithful,” says Bishop Okezuo Nwobi. “The faithful show me their solidarity and even the people of Ahiara who live in the diaspora in different parts of the world have shown me their support so that I can carry out the task entrusted to me by the Holy Father in the best possible way. Therefore, I can say that I believe that the future of the Diocese of Ahiara is bright; the Church is alive,” he concludes. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 28/9/2024)
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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak took part in the Youth Day of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Alexander Novak took part in the Youth Day of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    September 28, 2024

    Alexander Novak took part in the Youth Day of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    September 28, 2024

    Alexander Novak took part in the Youth Day of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    September 28, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Alexander Novak took part in the Youth Day of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak took part in the Youth Day as part of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”, which traditionally brings together representatives of the youth community – schoolchildren, students, postgraduates and young specialists in the fuel and energy sector.

    The Youth Day was held in the format of the intellectual game “Who Wants to Become an Energy Specialist”, co-hosted by Alexander Novak.

    Three teams took part in the game, which included managers and representatives of key companies in the industry and students from specialized universities.

    The oil and gas industry was represented by the Chairman of the Management Board of PJSC Gazprom Neft Alexander Dyukov and a first-year master’s student in the Oil and Gas Engineering program at the Tyumen Industrial University Maria Sivkova. The mining industry team included Vladimir Rashevsky, a member of the Supervisory Board of the NP Market Council Association, and Ilya Stepanov, a fifth-year student in the Transport Systems of Mining Production program at the Empress Catherine II St. Petersburg Mining University. The electric power industry was represented by Andrey Ryumin, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of PJSC Rosseti, and Egor Sergeev, a first-year master’s student in the Electric Power Industry and Electrical Engineering program at the National Research University MPEI.

    Participants answered questions regarding the history of mineral extraction, the geography of significant industry facilities in Russia and other countries, scientific discoveries, the technological process of energy resource production, etc.

    The players had the opportunity to use hints twice – from the audience and experts, who were the rectors of the country’s leading industry universities. Each team answered all seven questions and earned the maximum number of points.

    Thus, all three teams won the main prize. The students received the opportunity to intern at the companies PAO Gazprom Neft, the association NP Market Council, PAO Rosseti, and the mentors were invited to intern at the Government of Russia.

    “Energy is one of the most high-tech areas where modern digital technologies are being implemented today. Therefore, it is especially pleasant to see talented, proactive schoolchildren, students, young industry specialists in this hall, with whom the future of our energy sector is connected. As you know, Russia is one of the world leaders in the fuel and energy sector, and it is very important for us to maintain these positions,” said Alexander Novak.

    At the end of the game, Alexander Novak awarded participants of professional competitions in the oil and gas complex and energy sector: IT Championship of the Oil Industry, International Engineering Championship CASE-IN, All-Russian Competition of Graduation Qualification Works with commemorative diplomas.

    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://government.ru/nevs/52831/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: APOSTOLIC JOURNEY – Pope in Belgium: Synodal process should be a return to the Gospel, not a pursuit of “trendy” reforms

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    Saturday, September 28, 2024

    Vatican Media

    Brussels (Agenzia Fides) – “The synodal process must be a return to the Gospel; it must not have among its priorities some ‘fashionable’ reform, but ask: how can we bring the Gospel to a society that no longer listens to it or has distanced itself from the faith? Let us all ask ourselves this question”. On the penultimate day of the Apostolic Journey to the heart of Europe, Pope Francis meets the Bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, seminarians and pastoral workers of Belgium in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Koekelberg, offering the local Catholic community, and the entire Western Church, a profound reflection on what he himself defines as a “crisis of faith” that the West itself is experiencing. A crisis, the Pontiff underlines, which is pushing the Catholic community “to return to the essential, that is, to the Gospel, so that the good news that Jesus brought into the world may be announced again to everyone, making all its beauty shine”. But Christ, he points out, is not a negative experience, on the contrary it is “a time that is offered to us to shake ourselves, to question ourselves and to change. It is a precious opportunity – in biblical language it is called kairòs – to be awakened from torpor and to rediscover the paths of the Spirit. When we experience desolation, in fact, we must always ask ourselves what message the Lord wants to communicate to us”. This “crisis of faith”, underlines the Bishop of Rome, shows us how the West has passed “from a Christianity placed in a hospitable social framework to a Christianity ‘of minority’, or rather, of testimony”. And this, he continues, “requires the courage of an ecclesial conversion, to start those pastoral transformations that also concern the customs, the models, the languages of faith, so that they are truly at the service of evangelization”. In this perspective, “this courage is also required of priests. To be priests who do not limit themselves to preserving or managing a heritage of the past, but pastors in love with Jesus Christ and attentive to grasping the questions of the Gospel, often implicit, as they walk with the holy People of God, a little in front, a little in the middle and a little at the back”. Hence the reflection on the synodal process, which in a few days will see a further step forward with the celebration of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly in the Vatican. Finally, the Pope recommends to the Church of Belgium to be merciful: “In the face of the experience of evil, we simply apply earthly justice that says: ‘whoever makes a mistake must pay’. However, the justice of God is superior”. And, dwelling on the concept of justice, the Pontiff also speaks of abuse (last night in the Apostolic Nunciature he met 17 victims of abuse by the Belgian clergy, ed.) thanking the Catholic community “for the great work” done “to transform anger and pain into help, closeness and compassion. Abuse generates atrocious suffering and wounds, also undermining the path of faith. And there is a need for so much mercy, so as not to remain with a heart of stone in the face of the suffering of the victims, to make them feel our closeness and offer all the help possible, to learn from them to be a Church that serves all without subjugating anyone”. In greeting those present, Francis recalls a work by Magritte, an illustrious Belgian painter entitled “The Act of Faith”. The canvas represents a door closed from the inside, which however is broken in the center, it is open to the sky: “It is a gash, which invites us to go beyond, to turn our gaze forward and upward, to never close ourselves in. This is an image that I leave you, as a symbol of a Church that never closes its doors, that offers everyone an opening to the infinite, that knows how to look beyond”. “Walk together, you and the Holy Spirit, to be a Church like this. Without the Spirit, nothing Christian happens,” concluded the Pope, who at the end of the meeting went to the royal crypt, beneath the church of Our Lady of Laeken, where the tombs of many members of the Royal House of Belgium are gathered. Welcomed by the King and Queen, the Pope stopped in front of the tomb of King Baudouin in silent prayer. Subsequently, in front of the King and those present, he praised his courage, when he chose to “leave his post as King so as not to sign a murderous law”. In 1992, in fact, the sovereign abdicated for 36 hours so as not to sign the law on the legalization of abortion. Finally, the Pope urged the Belgians to look to him at this time when criminal laws are making their way, hoping that his cause for beatification will proceed. (FB) (Agenzia Fides 28/9/2024) Share:

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: AFRICA/KENYA – Resignation and succession of the Bishop of Isiolo

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    Saturday, September 28, 2024

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father Francis has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the Diocese of Isiolo presented by HE Mgr. Anthony Ireri Mukobo, IMC. He is succeeded by HE Mgr. Peter Munguti Makau, IMC, until now Coadjutor Bishop of the same Diocese. (Agenzia Fides 28/9/2024) Share:

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: APOSTOLIC JOURNEY – Pope in Belgium: May the synodal process be a return to the Gospel and not a pursuit of “trendy” reforms

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    Saturday, September 28, 2024

    Vatican Media

    Brussels (Agenzia Fides) – “The synodal process must be a return to the Gospel; it must not have among its priorities some ‘fashionable’ reform, but ask: how can we bring the Gospel to a society that no longer listens to it or has distanced itself from the faith? Let us all ask ourselves this question”. On the penultimate day of the Apostolic Journey to the heart of Europe, Pope Francis meets the Bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, seminarians and pastoral workers of Belgium in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Koekelberg, offering the local Catholic community, and the entire Western Church, a profound reflection on what he himself defines as a “crisis of faith” that the West itself is experiencing. A crisis, the Pontiff underlines, which is pushing the Catholic community “to return to the essential, that is, to the Gospel, so that the good news that Jesus brought into the world may be announced again to everyone, making all its beauty shine”. Christ, he points out, is “a time that is offered to us to shake ourselves, to question ourselves and to change. It is a precious opportunity – in biblical language it is called kairòs – to be awakened from torpor and to rediscover the paths of the Spirit. When we experience desolation, in fact, we must always ask ourselves what message the Lord wants to communicate to us”. This “crisis of faith”, underlines the Bishop of Rome, shows us how in certain areas of the world we have gone “from a Christianity placed in a hospitable social framework to a Christianity ‘of minority’, or rather, of testimony”. And this, he continues, “requires the courage of an ecclesial conversion, to start those pastoral transformations that also concern the customs, the models, the languages of faith, so that they are truly at the service of evangelization”. In this perspective, “this courage is also required of priests. To be priests who do not limit themselves to preserving or managing a heritage of the past, but pastors in love with Jesus Christ and attentive to grasping the questions of the Gospel, often implicit, as they walk with the holy People of God, a little in front, a little in the middle and a little at the back”. Hence the reflection on the synodal process, which in a few days will see a further step forward with the celebration of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly in the Vatican. Finally, the Pope recommends to the Church of Belgium to be merciful: “In the face of the experience of evil, we simply apply earthly justice that says: ‘whoever makes a mistake must pay’. However, the justice of God is superior”. And, dwelling on the concept of justice, the Pontiff also speaks of abuse (last night in the Apostolic Nunciature he met 17 victims of abuse by the Belgian clergy, ed.) thanking the Catholic community “for the great work” done “to transform anger and pain into help, closeness and compassion. Abuse generates atrocious suffering and wounds, also undermining the path of faith. And there is a need for so much mercy, so as not to remain with a heart of stone in the face of the suffering of the victims, to make them feel our closeness and offer all the help possible, to learn from them to be a Church that serves all without subjugating anyone”. In greeting those present, Francis recalls a work by Magritte, an illustrious Belgian painter entitled “The Act of Faith”. The canvas represents a door closed from the inside, which however is broken in the center, it is open to the sky: “It is a gash, which invites us to go beyond, to turn our gaze forward and upward, to never close ourselves in. This is an image that I leave you, as a symbol of a Church that never closes its doors, that offers everyone an opening to the infinite, that knows how to look beyond”. “Walk together, you and the Holy Spirit, to be a Church like this. Without the Spirit, nothing Christian happens,” concluded the Pope, who at the end of the meeting went to the royal crypt, beneath the church of Our Lady of Laeken, where the tombs of many members of the Royal House of Belgium are gathered. Welcomed by the King and Queen, the Pope stopped in front of the tomb of King Baudouin in silent prayer. Subsequently, in front of the King and those present, he praised his courage, when he chose to “leave his post as King so as not to sign a murderous law”. In 1992, in fact, the sovereign abdicated for 36 hours so as not to sign the law on the legalization of abortion. Finally, the Pope urged the Belgians to look to him at this time when criminal laws are making their way, hoping that his cause for beatification will proceed. (FB) (Agenzia Fides 28/9/2024) Share:

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three protesters charged with criminal damage

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Three Just Stop Oil protesters will appear in court charged with criminal damage after soup was thrown at two Van Gogh paintings in the National Gallery.

    Stephen Simpson, 61, of Bradford, West Yorkshire; Phillipa Green, 24, of Penryn, Cornwall and Mary Somerville, 77, of Bradford, West Yorkshire will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 30 September.

    The three were arrested by police following the incident on Friday, 27 September.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Readout of UN Secretary-General’s meeting with the Secretary of State of the Holy See

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See.

    The interlocutors discussed cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See and exchanged views about international and regional issues of mutual concern, including the war in Ukraine.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman McCaul on the Death of Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    Washington, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul issued the following statement on the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed by an Israeli airstrike.

    “Hezbollah is a brutal Iran-backed terrorist organization that has massacred and maimed people across the Middle East and around the world, including hundreds of Americans, for decades. For over 30 years, Hassan Nasrallah led Hezbollah terrorists as they attacked Israel, destabilized Lebanon, and murdered Syrians as an ally of Bashar al-Assad, Iran, and Russia. Nasrallah and the other Hezbollah leaders eliminated in recent weeks had the blood of thousands on their hands. The world is much safer without these evil terrorists.

    “Israel did not start this escalation. Hezbollah has subjected Israel to near-daily attacks for almost 12 months since Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack. The United States would never tolerate constant attacks on our homeland, and nor should Israel. Hezbollah must immediately fully comply with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, including moving its terrorist forces away from the border with Israel and entirely stopping its rocket and missile attacks. And the United States must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel, including promptly supplying defense articles and other military support, while Israel takes necessary action to restore its security.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Appeal to trace man absconded from mental health facility

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man who has absconded from a mental health facility in Kingsbury.

    Officers were called shortly after 15:00hrs on Saturday, 14 September and informed that Trevor St Martins, 56, had absconded while on an escorted visit to shops.

    Detectives have carried out extensive enquiries to locate him but he remains missing.

    St Martins is described as 6ft tall and of medium build.

    When last seen, he was wearing a black top, black jeans and a black hat.

    Members of the public are advised not to approach him. For an immediate sighting call 999.

    If you know of his whereabouts, please call 101 quoting CAD 4057/14.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vladimir Stroyev held a working meeting with Donetsk colleagues from the “University Shifts”

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On September 25, 2024, during a working visit to Donetsk, the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev held a meeting with participants of the University Shifts project.

    The rector met with the director’s advisor for educational work at secondary school No. 9 in the city of Snezhnoye, Tatyana Pilipenko, and the physical education teacher at Shakhtyorsky secondary school No. 18, Alina Shandyuk.

    Let us recall that for a number of years, the staff of the State University of Management headed by Vladimir Stroyev has been creating methodological support for youth tourism for school teachers from the DPR within the framework of the project “University Shifts”. Tatyana Pilipenko and Alina Shandyuk have been cooperating with the State University of Management since the very first “University Shift” that took place at our university, helping to develop methodological recommendations as part of working groups.

    As a result of the discussion, it was decided to expand the range of scientific and practical developments for the system of higher and additional education to implement the national task of training personnel to improve management in the tourism sector. The decision was made in accordance with the current task of achieving value sovereignty through the study of the history of Russia and the constituent elements of the cultural code of a Russian.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 09/28/2024

    в ходе рабочего визита в Донецк ректор Государственного университета управления Владимир Строев провёл встречу с участницами проекта «Университетские смены»….” data-yashareImage=”https://guu.ru/wp-content/uploads/Визит-в-ДНР.-Универсмены.jpg” data-yashareLink=”https://guu.ru/%d0%b2%d0%bb%d0%b0%d0%b4%d0%b8%d0%bc%d0%b8%d1%80-%d1%81%d1%82%d1%80%d0%be%d0%b5%d0%b2-%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%be%d0%b2%d1%91%d0%bb-%d1%80%d0%b0%d0%b1%d0%be%d1%87%d1%83%d1%8e-%d0%b2%d1%81%d1%82%d1%80%d0%b5/”>

    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.

    Vladimir Stroyev held a working meeting with Donetsk colleagues from the “University Shifts”

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Administrator Surveys Damage in Florida as Hurricane Helene Response Efforts Continue

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Administrator Surveys Damage in Florida as Hurricane Helene Response Efforts Continue

    FEMA Administrator Surveys Damage in Florida as Hurricane Helene Response Efforts Continue

    WASHINGTON — Today, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is in Florida surveying damage and assessing the need for federal resources to support Hurricane Helene response activities. 

    This whole-of-government effort includes the support of more than 2,300 federal personnel and voluntary agencies across six states. More than 800 FEMA personnel are deployed to assist with response efforts and are working to determine the scope of the storm’s impact and coordinate resource support and assistance.

    The Biden-Harris Administration approved emergency declarations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. This type of declaration allows federal resources to begin flowing immediately as damage assessments are conducted to determine what additional resources may be available if a major disaster is declared.

    FEMA’s priority remains providing life-saving and life sustaining support to affected areas. FEMA deployed Urban Search and Rescue teams with more than 1,270 personnel and Swift Water Rescue Capabilities to affected states. Our non-profit partners including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Convoy of Hope, Heart to Heart International and others are actively supporting survivors by providing emergency sheltering, food, water, clean up kits, healthcare supplies and other disaster relief items. Team Rubicon teams are helping to clear roads while the Salvation Army deployed seven mobile feeding units and crews.

    As people begin to assess damage, it is important to continue listening to local officials for instructions and be aware of the possibility of life-threating post-storm hazards. People can download the free FEMA App available in English and Spanish languages to receive real-time weather alerts and find local emergency shelters in their area.

    People who need help reconnecting with loved ones missing after the hurricane can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and provide as much detail available to assist operators in potentially locating missing loved ones. More than 540 American Red Cross volunteers are in the affected areas supporting communities with sheltering needs, reunification efforts and post-storm care.

    What People Can Do Now

    • If you evacuated, do not return home until local officials say it is safe to do so.
       
    • Stay out of floodwaters. People experiencing heavy rain and flooding should not wade through flood waters, which can contain debris, chemicals, waste and wildlife, as well as downed powerlines that can electrically charge the water. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
       
    • Be safe during an outage. If you are without power, use only flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for emergency lighting.
       
    • Text instead of calling. While cellular service is limited in several areas, it’s easier to get in touch with loved ones by texting instead of calling.
       
    • Use generators safely. If there is a power outage, use generators safely. Always use them outdoors and at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages. Make sure to keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding.
       
    • For people who are beginning to clean up, make sure to document any property damage with photos and video contact your insurance company for assistance and next steps.
       
    • People with a National Flood Insurance Program insurance policy who suffered flood damage can begin filing a claim with a phone call to their flood insurance agent or company.

    Responding to Hurricane Helene is a Whole-of- Community Effort

    Non-profit and charitable organizations are on the frontlines of the response to Hurricane Helene, providing critical support to people and communities. Here are just a few examples of the important work some of these organizations are doing on the ground.

    • American Red Cross (ARC) has more than 540 Red Cross responders deployed to affected areas with another 350 responders in route. As of Saturday morning, at least 1,900 people are in more than 80 shelters. More than 30 ARC Emergency Response Vehicles are supporting and 24 additional vehicles are in route. Anyone who needs a safe place to go can find information on redcross.org or by downloading the free Red Cross Emergency app by texting GETEMERGENCY to 90999.
    • Salvation Army is in Georgia providing meals at six emergency shelters. In Florida, a total of five mobile feeding units are in Tallahassee and 12 are in Perry. The Salvation Army is also responding to requests for cleanup kits and blankets. In North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky, the Salvation Army is responding to requests for meal service to communities affected by the storm. More response information is available at helpsalvationarmy.org.
    • Capacity Path Relief deployed two teams for community support in Florida’s Big Bend and southwest coastal areas and is expanding support to fill requests from numerous counties. Additional teams are collaborating with local EOCs and coordinating with agency and feeding partners. They are also offering mental health support to teams supporting the response.
    • Convoy of Hope is stationed in Perry, Florida and is distributing disaster supplies to survivors and is communicating with the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office to provide support as needed.
    • Heart to Heart International (HHI) is in Florida with hygiene kits and pharmaceuticals/healthcare supplies for survivors if needed. 
    • Crisis Cleanup is currently working to help survivors clean up damage from Hurricane Helene. Organizations that would like to help can register at www.crisiscleanup.org/register. 
    • Food for the Poor will deliver five pallets of hygiene kits to Catholic Charities in Saint Petersburg and Tampa, Florida and are deploying disaster kits which include tarps and hygiene kits, women’s care kits and children’s activity kits.
    • Operation Hope is prepared to support survivors with assistance applications, insurance claims, disaster recovery plans and document recovery. Survivors can find information by visiting www.operationhope.org. 

    mashana.davis

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Filip Ivanović, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Filip Ivanović, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro.

    The Secretary-General and the Deputy Prime Minister discussed the accession process of Montenegro to the European Union, developments in the Western Balkans, the implementation of the Pact for the Future, and cooperation between the United Nations and Montenegro.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. They discussed cooperation between the United Nations and Kazakhstan, including the proposal from Kazakhstan to establish a Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan, in Almaty.

    They also exchanged views on developments in Afghanistan and Central Asia, as well as the Summit of the Future.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Hurricane Helene power outages leave millions in the dark – history shows poorer areas often wait longest for electricity to be restored

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Chuanyi Ji, Associate Professor of Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

    Strong winds from Hurricane Helene, one of the most powerful storms to hit the Southeast, flooded roads and cut power in multiple states. AP Photo/Mike Carlson

    Hurricane Helene left more than 4 million homes and businesses in the dark across Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas after hitting Florida’s Big Bend region as a powerful Category 4 storm late on Sept. 26, 2024. As Helene’s rains moved inland, and mountain rivers caused devastating flooding, officials warned that fixing downed utility lines and restoring power would take days in some areas.

    Electricity is essential to just about everyone – rich and poor, old and young. Yet, when severe storms strike, socioeconomically disadvantaged communities often wait longest to recover.

    That isn’t just a perception.

    We analyzed data from over 15 million consumers in 588 U.S. counties who lost power when hurricanes made landfall between January 2017 and October 2020. The results show that poorer communities did indeed wait longer for the lights to go back on.

    A 10 percentile drop in socioeconomic status in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s social vulnerability index was associated with a 6.1% longer outage on average. This corresponds to waiting an extra 170 minutes on average for power to be restored, and sometimes much longer.

    The top map shows the total duration of power outages over eight storms by county. The lower map is a comparison with socioeconomic status taken into account, showing that counties with lower average socioeconomic status have longer outages than expected.
    Ganz et al, 2023, PNAS Nexus

    Implications for policy and utilities

    One likely reason for this disparity is written into utilities’ standard storm recovery policies. Often, these polices prioritize critical infrastructure first when restoring power after an outage, then large commercial and industrial customers. They next seek to recover as many households as they can as quickly as possible.

    While this approach may seem procedurally fair, these recovery routines appear to have an unintended effect of often making vulnerable communities wait longer for electricity to be restored. One reason may be that these communities are farther from critical infrastructure, or they may be predominantly in older neighborhoods where power infrastructure requires more significant repairs.

    Commercial areas are often higher on the priority list for faster power recovery in an outage. This store was still closed for several days during Texas’ widespread outages in 2021.
    Montinique Monroe/Getty Images

    The upshot is that households that are already at greater risk from severe weather – whether due to being in flood-prone areas or in vulnerable buildings – and those who are least likely to have insurance or other resources to help them recover are also likely to face the longest storm-caused power outages. Long outages can mean refrigerated food goes bad, no running water and delays in repairing damage, including delays in running fans to dry out water damage and avoid mold.

    Our study spanned 108 service regions, including investor-owned utilities, cooperatives and public utilities. The differential impact on poorer communities did not line up with any particular storm, region or individual utility. We also found no correlation with race, ethnicity or housing type. Only average socioeconomic level stood out.

    How to make power recovery less biased

    There are ways to improve power recovery times for everyone, beyond the necessary work of improving the stability of power distribution.

    Policymakers and utilities can start by reexamining power restoration practices and power infrastructure maintenance, such as replacing aging utility poles and trimming trees, with disadvantaged communities in mind.

    Power providers already have granular data on power usage and grid performance in their service regions. They can begin experimenting with alternative recovery routines that consider the vulnerability of their customers in ways that do not substantially affect average recovery duration.

    People in some Fort Myers, Fla., neighborhoods still lacked water and electricity more than a week after Hurricane Ian in 2022.
    Montinique Monroe/Getty Images

    For socioeconomically vulnerable regions that are likely to experience long outages because of their locations and possibly the aging energy infrastructure, utilities and policymakers can proactively ensure that households are well prepared to evacuate or have access to backup sources of power.

    For example, the U.S. Department of Energy announced in October 2023 that it would invest in developing dozens of resilience hubs and microgrids to help supply local power to key buildings within communities when the wider grid goes down. Louisiana plans several of these hubs, using solar and large-scale batteries, in or near disadvantaged communities.

    Policymakers and utilities can also invest in broader energy infrastructure and renewable energy in these vulnerable communities. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Justice40 program directs that 40% of the benefit from certain federal energy, transportation and housing investments benefit disadvantaged communities. That may help residents who need public help the most.

    Severe weather events are becoming more common as global temperatures rise. That increases the need for better planning and approaches that don’t leave low-income residents in the dark.

    Chenghao Duan, a Ph.D. student at Georgia Tech, also contributed to this article. This article, originally published on Feb. 7, 2024, has been updated with Hurricane Helene’s rising power outage toll.

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

    – ref. Hurricane Helene power outages leave millions in the dark – history shows poorer areas often wait longest for electricity to be restored – https://theconversation.com/hurricane-helene-power-outages-leave-millions-in-the-dark-history-shows-poorer-areas-often-wait-longest-for-electricity-to-be-restored-240001

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Maksim Ryzhenkov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Maksim Ryzhenkov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus. The Secretary-General and the Foreign Minister discussed UN–Belarus relations, human rights and regional security developments, including the war in Ukraine.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: World Heart Day – Palazzo Chigi lights up in red

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: Government of Italy

    September 28, 2024

    the Presidency of the Council of Ministers adheres to the “World Heart Day – World Heart Day 2024”, scheduled for Sunday 29 September. Therefore, on the evening between 28 and 29 September, the façade of Palazzo Chigi is illuminated by the color red, symbol of the initiative.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA, Federal Family Helene Response Update

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    FEMA, Federal Family Helene Response Update

    WASHINGTON — Together with state, tribal and federal partners, FEMA is actively supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts. Although the immediate threat of the storm is passing, there are still post-storm hazards that can be life-threatening. Everyone in affected areas should continue to follow instructions from local officials to stay safe. 

    FEMA is not waiting to begin its work assessing impacts. Working with our state partners, we have requested that multiple teams begin flying aerial imaging missions. 

    At the direction of President Biden, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in Florida today surveying damage and assessing the need for federal resources. 

    FEMA has more than 800 deployed staff supporting states affected by the hurricane. Our distribution centers are fully stocked and ready to provide commodities and equipment to any impacted state as required. 

    FEMA is coordinating a federal force of more than 3,200 personnel each contributing their expertise and manpower to this mission. 

    • Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas activated the Surge Capacity Force (SCF). The SCF makes rostered federal employees available to support FEMA’s response and recovery missions. 
    • Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) deployed a total of 24 teams (over 1,270 personnel) to affected states. In Florida, eight US&R teams are actively responding. All teams are equipped with Swift Water Rescue Capabilities. In Georgia, two teams are deployed to support rescue operations. In North Carolina there are four teams. Additional teams and four Swift Water Mission Ready Packages are in route to the impacted areas.
    • U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) crews continue to respond with vessels and aircraft to assist search and rescue and damage assessment activities. Coast Guard personnel are working response activities, including assessing damage to USCG infrastructure and providing opportunity for USCG personnel to assess impacted personal and family property. The Coast Guard continues to respond to urgent distress to save lives, assist those impacted by the storm and support the rapid reopening of impacted ports.
    • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has teams positioned to provide temporary emergency power, with others prepared to deploy if needed. In addition to temporary emergency power, personnel assist the states with assessments of critical infrastructure including water/wastewater treatment facilities, debris management and road and bridge inspections as needed. They have activated six emergency operation centers in the region to coordinate operations. 
    • Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) has Public Health Emergencies in effect for Florida and Georgia to address the health impacts of Hurricane Helene. The declarations give the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) health care providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Their staff on the ground have begun initial assessments of the public health and health care infrastructure. The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has positioned medical responders who can move to impacted communities in the region. These personnel include Health Care Situational Assessment teams and National Disaster Medical System’ (NDMS) Disaster Medical Assistance Teams along with several tons of medical equipment and supplies to provide medical surge support.
    • Department of Energy (DOE) activated the Energy Response Organization (ERO) and is closely monitoring impacts and restoration efforts related to Helene, including power, fuel and supply chain interruptions. The ERO and field responders are in contact with industry partners and local officials. DOE responders deployed to the Florida Emergency Operations Center, Georgia Emergency Operations Center and the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center. 
    • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working closely with federal, state, local and Tribal partners to help water systems, prepare for debris management and ensure facilities, including Superfund sites, maintain critical public health and environmental protections. The agency has personnel on the ground in regional and national operations centers who are offering technical assistance and guidance to those affected by Helene. 
    • American Red Cross (ARC) has more than 540 Red Cross responders deployed to affected areas with another 350 responders are in route. As of Saturday morning, reporting indicates that at least 1900 people are still in just over 80 shelters as evacuation orders are lifted. We anticipate this number may change in the coming days and are transitioning from evacuation centers to emergency shelters where needed. There are more than 30 Emergency Response Vehicles currently supporting this event and 2 dozen additional are en route. ARC is prepared to support mass fatality and reunification efforts as well as emergency feeding. Anyone who needs a safe place to go can find information on redcross.org or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by texting GETEMERGENCY to 90999.
    • Salvation Army is in Georgia providing meals at six emergency shelters. In Florida, they have a total of 17 mobile feeding units that will serve Tallahassee (5 units) and Perry (12 units). They have teams in Perry, FL, serving the impacted areas with hot meals. Local service delivery is underway to affected communities, including shelter feeding and two feeding locations. The Salvation Army is also responding to requests for cleanup kits and blankets. In North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky, the Salvation Army is responding to requests for meal service to communities affected by the storm. More information is on helpsalvationarmy.org. 
    • USA.gov published a one-stop-shop for hurricane information.

    alex.fonseca

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman Attends the UN General Assembly High-Level Week

    Source: USAID

    The following is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:

    This week, Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman traveled to New York City to attend meetings and events during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). On Monday, she began her engagements by participating in a panel discussion on AI and the Future of Sustainable Development, hosted by OpenAI and the Center for Global Development. Four nonprofits presented their work with AI, and the panel discussed how the public sector can leverage AI to build a more prosperous and equitable future for all, while mitigating risks such as digital divide and information manipulation. 

    Deputy Administrator Coleman also participated in a ministerial roundtable chaired by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and co-hosted by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Inter-American Development Bank President Ilan Goldfajn, and World Economic Forum President Børge Brende. The meeting brought together key actors to galvanize energy and support for new approaches and partnerships to address forced displacement and advance sustainable development outcomes. Deputy Administrator Coleman emphasized the need to chart a new path forward that brings humanitarian, development, and peace actors together with the private sector and civil society to address the root causes of these trends, reduce humanitarian need, prioritize prevention, and advance and sustain development.

    On Monday evening, the Deputy Administrator delivered remarks at a plenary session of the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting 2024, highlighting the Women in the Sustainable Economy (WISE) initiative – a partnership launched by Vice President Kamala Harris in 2023 to bolster women’s economic security in green and blue sectors. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced more than $392 million in new WISE commitments, including several that advance USAID programs, bringing total WISE commitments to $1.85 billion. Deputy Administrator Coleman then announced that the Skoll Foundation joined USAID’s Climate Gender Equity Fund as the newest donor, and launched a new USAID public-private partnership, called Advancing Women for Resilient Agricultural Supply Chains, that integrates women’s empowerment into corporate sustainability approaches together with PepsiCo, Danone, McCormick & Co., Nespresso, and Unilever. 

    On Tuesday, Deputy Administrator Coleman attended the American Leaders Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) event, hosted by the UN Foundation and the Center for Sustainable Development. Deputy Administrator Coleman participated in a fireside chat about the U.S. government’s commitment to advancing the SDGs around the world. 

    The Deputy Administrator also met with Lolwah Rashid al-Khater, Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, to discuss ongoing humanitarian and recovery efforts in Yemen, Gaza, and Sudan. 

    Deputy Administrator Coleman also attended an investor roundtable discussion to highlight opportunities to partner with the U.S. government through Power Africa, Prosper Africa and the Millenium Challenge Corporation to invest in West African power generation. 

    On Wednesday, the Deputy Administrator participated in the launch of the Private-Sector Humanitarian Alliance, a new public-private initiative the Government of Albania proposed during its presidency of the UN Security Council in September 2023. During the launch, Deputy Administrator Coleman highlighted USAID’s approach in engaging the private sector on humanitarian assistance and applauded the Alliance’s role in pioneering private-sector engagement.  

    Deputy Administrator Coleman also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova Mihail Popșoi to reaffirm the United States’ continued commitment to Moldova’s democracy and EU accession path. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed USAID’s support for the growth of the Moldovan economy, as well as both governments’ efforts to expose and counteract ongoing Russian attempts to meddle in Moldova’s upcoming elections. 

    On Wednesday evening, the Deputy Administrator attended President Joe Biden’s Leaders Reception.

    On Thursday, Deputy Administrator Coleman participated in a CEO-level roundtable hosted by Bank of America to discuss current challenges to and opportunities for investing in Ukraine. Deputy Administrator Coleman detailed USAID’s support to key sectors of the Ukrainian economy, including with respect to energy, agriculture, and transportation, and discussed with other panelists insurance availability and the investment landscape. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Mexico on the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly – Press Conference | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Press Conference by Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico on the margins of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly.

    Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alicia Bárcena, today (27 Sep) told journalists in New York that Mexican migrants contribute 400 billion dollars a year to the US economy and said the US government should “seriously” consider “documenting and regularising at least those Mexicans that have been in the US for more than ten years.”

    Talking to the press on the margins of the UN General Assembly’s General debate, Bárcena was asked about the situation in Venezuela.

    She said, “the international community has to allow Venezuelans to take their own decisions with certain sovereignty. So that’s where Mexico is, at the moment. That doesn’t mean we are not interested. Of course we are interested, very interested. And we continue talking, between us, among us. But we don’t believe in intervention. We are a country that has, as a policy, as a principal, non-intervention and respect for the sovereignty of other countries.”

    Asked about the current spat with Spain over the non-invite of Spain’s King Felipe to president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum’s inauguration, Bárcena said, “what Mexico had asked for was a sort of encounter of redress,” for Mexico’s Indigenous people, for events related to the Spanish conquest 500 years ago.

    She said, “we could really combine it with something very positive as well, which is this great coexistence that we have today,” noting that many Mexicans, including herself, are of Spanish descent.

    The Foreign Minister said, “what we have to consider is that what the President of Mexico requested was not answered at the time. In other words, it’s not a recent problem, it’s a problem from before. But the Government of Spain was invited to the inauguration. Of course it was. The thing is that the President was invited, the Minister was invited, the corresponding Spanish authorities were invited.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23qRJUfCRNo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇲🇪 Montenegro – Deputy Prime Minister Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Filip Ivanovic, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

    —————————————-

    مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
    请在联合国网络电视（UN Web TV）观看中文版视频
    Regardez cette vidéo en français sur UN Web TV
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    Смотрите это видео на русском на UN Web TV
    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1c/k1cpcvf8hd

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYxvDBh8-Qk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Vice President Harris on Hurricane  Helene

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    My heart goes out to everyone impacted by the devastation unleashed by Hurricane Helene. Doug and I are thinking of those who tragically lost their lives and we are keeping all those who loved them in our prayers during the difficult days ahead.
    President Biden and I remain committed to ensuring that no community or state has to respond to this disaster alone. Federal personnel are on the ground to support families that have been impacted so that critical resources like food, water, and generators are available. We have also approved emergency declarations for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee – making resources and funding available to maximize our coordinated response efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. As we continue to respond and as communities recover, our administration will remain in constant contact with state and local officials. I have been briefed by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and will continue to receive regular updates. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Diverse international products attract visitors at 21st China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning

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

    Diverse international products attract visitors at 21st China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning

    Updated: September 29, 2024 07:30 Xinhua
    A visitor buys products from Yemen during the 21st China-ASEAN Expo at Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 28, 2024. Products from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, such as durians, cookies and rosewood, as well as those from other countries including Russian sausages and Peruvian alpaca-fur stuffed toys have enjoyed popularity at the 21st China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A staff member (1st L) introduces products from Nepal during the 21st China-ASEAN Expo at Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 28, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors buy cookies from Vietnam during the 21st China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 28, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors buy products from Thailand during the 21st China-ASEAN Expo at Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 28, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors buy products at the Belt and Road International Pavilion during the 21st China-ASEAN Expo at Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 28, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Peruvian alpaca-fur stuffed toys are on display during the 21st China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 28, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors buy Malaysian durians during the 21st China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 28, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors buy products at Vietnam Pavilion during the 21st China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 28, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A girl tries Australian chocolate products at the Belt and Road International Pavilion during the 21st China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 28, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Jeyhun Aziz oglu Bayramov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan

    Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2

    he Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Jeyhun Aziz oglu Bayramov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

    They discussed the cooperation between the United Nations and Azerbaijan in the context of Azerbaijan’s Presidency of COP29, including the finalization of a new climate finance goal.

    They also exchanged views on the progress of the talks on the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and demining.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA and Partners Respond to Hurricane Helene Across the Southeast

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA and Partners Respond to Hurricane Helene Across the Southeast

    FEMA and Partners Respond to Hurricane Helene Across the Southeast

    WASHINGTON — Across the Southeast, FEMA is working closely with federal, state, tribal and local officials to coordinate and respond to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.  

    Anticipating the need for additional federal resources, the Biden-Harris Administration granted emergency declarations for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee to assist these states with preparation and response efforts in the immediate aftermath of the storm. 

    FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. and the Regional Response Coordination Center in Atlanta are activated 24-hours to coordinate moving personnel, commodities and response assets as needed. 

    Summary of additional efforts to date: 

    • FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan are assessing damaged areas with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state officials. 
    • More than 3,200 FEMA staff and federal partners are deployed and assisting with Hurricane Helene response.
    • Search and Rescue Teams and swift water rescue assets are continuing life-saving missions in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina, completing more than 600 rescues so far. Additional teams are deployed to South Carolina and Tennessee to assist state response efforts.
    • FEMA teams are embedded with state and local partners at Emergency Operation Centers to facilitate requests for federal support.  
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55423″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/2c86ff206d3032cb8ad64acddce7dae3.jpg?itok=jz133fW2″ alt=”Caption:

    Dekle Beach, Fla. – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie and FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan tour damage and discuss ongoing response operations for Hurricane Helene in Florida. (FEMA photos by Kirk Hanlin, Jaclyn Rothenberg)

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Dekle Beach, Fla. – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie and FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan tour damage and discuss ongoing response operations for Hurricane Helene in Florida. (FEMA photos by Kirk Hanlin, Jaclyn Rothenberg)
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55429″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/9456822f04bb66c9514cabfa9fb544d3.jpeg?itok=Uoa23LOf” alt=”Caption:

    St. Petersburg, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2024) – Colorado Task Force conducts search and rescue after Hurricane Helene.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    St. Petersburg, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2024) – Colorado Task Force conducts search and rescue after Hurricane Helene.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55425″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/79549d6cca51ae339c4a647e03240e68.jpg?itok=UgYd59o0″ alt=”Caption:

    Haywood County, NC– Massachusetts Task Force 1 is working alongside federal, state, and local agencies to conduct urban search and rescue operations near Haywood County, NC. On September 27, members of MA-TF1 made successful rescues of two people and multiple pets during search and rescue operations in active flood areas. (Photo Credit: Scott McGuire, MA-TF1)

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Haywood County, NC– Massachusetts Task Force 1 is working alongside federal, state, and local agencies to conduct urban search and rescue operations near Haywood County, NC. On September 27, members of MA-TF1 made successful rescues of two people and multiple pets during search and rescue operations in active flood areas. (Photo Credit: Scott McGuire, MA-TF1)

    mashana.davis

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hurricane Helene weakens to storm, death toll topping 30 in U.S.

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Hurricane Helene has led to the death of more than 30 people in the United States though it has weakened to a tropical storm after landfall.

    The death toll has reached at least 35 across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, including the death of at least 17 people in South Carolina, according to a report by The Associated Press on Friday.

    Hurricane Helene hit Florida’s Big Bend area Thursday night as a Category 4, but its impact carried far beyond into the states of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Once expected to reach eight feet of rainfall, Florida’s Big Bend area received more than 15 feet.

    Near 4 million people have had their power lines cut due to the storm and are without power, according to PowerOutage.US., which tracks and records power outages across the country. There is no news on when the outages will be restored.

    In Georgia, around 115 buildings have been made structurally unsound, as officials rush to rescue those trapped inside. It has been reported that 50 Tennessee citizens are stuck on the roof of Unicoi County Hospital due to rising floodwaters. In North Carolina, 290 roads have been closed due to severe flooding and landslides. The state received close to 30 inches of rain due to the hurricane.

    Currently, efforts are underway to free people trapped in buildings and areas inaccessible by foot. State patrols are sending out boats and choppers as part of their water rescue teams. The National Guard has deployed teams to Florida to help with any requests for assistance.

    U.S. President Joe Biden has approved emergency declarations in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama prior to the landfall of Hurricane Helene.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China willing to enhance cooperation with UN in promoting world peace, development: Chinese FM

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) — China is willing to enhance cooperation with the United Nations in promoting world peace and development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday at a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

    Meeting Guterres at the UN headquarters on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th UN General Assembly, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, congratulated the UN on its success in convening the Summit of the Future. The adoption of the Pact for the Future reflects the common aspirations of most countries and is a document that embodies the principles of multilateralism.

    China stands ready to enhance cooperation with the UN, so as to promote world peace and development, translate the vision of the Pact for the Future into reality, and chart a better future for humankind, Wang said.

    Upholding the authority of the UN and letting the UN play the core role in international affairs is more important than ever, now that the international landscape becomes increasingly complicated and global challenges and risks are highlighted, Wang said.

    China fully supports the work of the UN, including the reform of the current framework governing international finance, as well as the UN’s role as the main channel coordinating the application of artificial intelligence in global governance, Wang said.

    China’s support for the UN also involves facilitating the organization’s active pursuit for the resolution of the Ukraine crisis and the conflict in Gaza, so that the UN is capable of better maintaining world peace and security, he said.

    Appreciating China’s long-term support for the UN and the country’s active contribution to the Summit of the Future, Guterres expressed the hope that all parties will put their commitment into action, jointly implementing the hard-won Pact for the Future.

    In today’s world where the risk of fragmentation is setting back the process of globalization, Guterres called on all members of the international community to join hands in opposing protectionism, saying that the UN, while expecting and believing that China will continue to play an important role in international affairs, will spare no effort for peace and fulfill its responsibility for development. Enditem

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM attends general debate of 79th session of UNGA

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivers a speech at the general debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 28, 2024. [Photo/Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivered a speech at the general debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday. 

    Wang warned against any expansion of the Ukraine crisis. “The top priority is to commit to no expansion of the crisis, no escalation of the tension and no provocation by any party,” he said, urging efforts to push for the de-escalation of the situation at an early date.

    He said China is committed to playing a constructive role, as well as engaging in shuttle mediation and promoting peace talks regarding the crisis.

    On the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Wang said there must not be any delay in reaching a comprehensive ceasefire in the Middle East, and the fundamental way out lies in the two-state solution.

    China always supports the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights and supports Palestine’s full UN membership, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Concert pays tribute to a brilliant composer

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A concert featuring the works of Russia-born Jewish composer Aaron Avshalomov (1894-1964), commemorating his 130th birthday, took place on Sept 12 at the Shanghai Symphony Hall. Conducted by the composer’s grandson, David Avshalomov, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra opened the evening with his best-known piece, Peiping Hutongs.

    The audience was treated to a unique audio feast including familiar Peking Opera tunes, a bustle at a marketplace, and even a solemn funeral procession, giving them a vibe of life in Beijing’s byways and broadways from dawn to dusk.

    Peiping Hutongs is widely recognized as one of Aaron Avshalomov’s most iconic works. Previously, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra took this piece in 2017 to Switzerland, playing at the Lucerne Festival, one of the leading international classical music festivals.

    Aaron Avshalomov was born in Siberia, Russia, and came to China in 1918. He lived in Beijing for several years, and settled in Shanghai in 1929, where he kicked off a prolific music career before leaving for the United States to join his family in 1947.

    He created a synthesis of Chinese musical elements and Western techniques of orchestra composition, including several operas based on Chinese folklore and historical figures, such as Kuan Yin, The Twilight Hour of Yan Kuei Fei, and The Great Wall.

    Many of his important works were premiered in Shanghai, receiving widespread critical acclaim.

    The Great Wall, for example, was sponsored by Soong Ching Ling, the wife of Sun Yat-sen, a pioneering Chinese revolutionary leader, and her younger sister Soong Mei-ling, and was highly praised and recommended by leading figures in the literary and art scene, such as Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang, playwright Xia Yan and director Fei Mu.

    In 1935, Aaron Avshalomov was requested by renowned Chinese musician He Lyuting to orchestrate the theme song composer Nie Er produced for a movie about Chinese fighting against the Japanese aggression in 1935. This made him the first to orchestrate what would become the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China — March of the Volunteers.

    Aaron Avshalomov and his son Jacob Avshalomov in Portland in 1961.

    Aaron Avshalomov’s son, Jacob, was born in Qingdao, Shandong province, in 1919, but spent most of his childhood in Shanghai. He returned to the US with his mother in December 1937. Jacob Avshalomov studied composition and became a composer in the US.

    However, his most important work was with the Portland Youth Philharmonic, which he conducted for 44 years, teaching youngsters to play like professionals. The orchestra was “for a long time the best youth orchestra in the US, maybe in the world”, David Avshalomov said about his late father, who died in 2013.

    Jacob Avshalomov compiled the correspondence with his father while he was in China, and wrote a family biography, Avshalomovs’ Winding Way: Composers out of China — A Chronicle, published in 2008.

    Friends familiar with Jacob Avshalomov’s career described him as a person “speaking Chinese with standard Beijing accent” and “a pillar of the city’s cultural life”. The city here refers to Portland, Oregon.

    “This double autobiography assembles the letters of Aaron with a narrative by Jacob to tell in their own words how two very different people overcame daunting obstacles and brought great music to appreciative audiences in China and America,” reads a review by George Alderson, who used to perform in the Portland Youth Philharmonic, on Amazon.

    Through music, now the family linage with China has extended to David Avshalomov, an American classical composer and conductor. This is his second visit to China. The last time was in 1982, when he visited Beijing, Xi’an, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Shanghai.

    David Avshalomov’s interpretation on Sept 12 was praised by Tao Xin, professor of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, as “filled with longing and strong emotions”. Tao also praised the second piece, Violin Concerto in D Major, featuring soloist Liu Ming, concertmaster of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. He wrote in his review the next day, saying “with her superb techniques and delicate musicality, Liu Ming and the orchestra presented the glory, joy and peacefulness of traditional Chinese culture”.

    Prior to the concert, David Avshalomov visited the former Pathe Villa, the old venue of Pathe Recordings in Shanghai, where his grandfather Aaron Avshalomov used to work, and where the first recording of March of the Volunteers was made.

    To prepare the concert, David Avshalomov said he spent hundreds of hours to renew his memories by reading history books and listening to old soundtracks, in particular, the version recorded in 1937 in Shanghai which his grandfather might be on the recording site.

    He also said he was moved by, and appreciated, the people who knew his grandfather and described him as a kind and generous person.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shanghai showcases works of over 15 global graffiti artists

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Shanghai A.F.A collaborates with the globally renowned Museum of Graffiti from the United States to present its first Chinese exhibition at ROJO Art Space: “Street Echoes – Global Graffiti Art Exhibition.” The exhibition will run from October 1 to December.

    After nearly a year of preparation, the exhibition features over 15 graffiti artists from around the world, including Museum of Graffiti Founder Alan Ket and the legendary figure John Andrew Perello, also known as Jon One. These artists come from various countries, including the United States, Switzerland, France, South Korea, and China.

    Joy Chang, the exhibition director, said that graffiti art, like any other art form, has now become one of the mainstream art forms and has undergone significant changes over the years.

    “From the late 20th century to the present, graffiti art has transitioned from underground to mainstream. In the past, graffiti artists used public spaces to express their ideas and will through words and images. Now, graffiti is gradually influencing young trends, spreading this art form to younger demographics through collaborations across fashion brands, music, and sports,” Chang explained.

    “We aim to enhance people’s understanding of graffiti art through the exhibition and offer Chinese consumers and the public the opportunity to acquaint themselves with top graffiti artists from around the world and their esteemed works,” she added.

    She said that at the exhibition venue visitors can witness the scenes such as New York subway cars, skate parks, rooftop billboards, public restrooms, and phone booths — locales where graffiti artists originally brought their creations to life in urban settings.

    In addition to showcasing hundreds of influential graffiti artworks from around the globe to the audience, the exhibition also features live painting.

    During the live painting session, Jon One expressed, “I really appreciate the creative approach of Chinese artists. I have incorporated elements from the East and Asia into my artworks, adding a fresh perspective to graffiti while maintaining the tradition of street art. I believe this is what makes it unique.”

    Alan Ket, who founded the world’s first graffiti art museum in 2018, remarked, “Bringing the Museum of Graffiti to China is a very big deal for the museum because our mission is to present, to exhibit, to preserve, and to educate about this art form. And coming here gives us an opportunity to share all the history all the things that we’ve learned, all about the people and the development over 50 years.”

    Dedicated to promoting graffiti, Ket said, “It is my hope that many people come here to see this exhibition to learn what we believe is a very important art form.”

    As a veteran in the graffiti scene, Ket encourages aspiring artists who are just beginning to explore graffiti to courageously pick up their brushes and delve into the history.

    “There is a long history before today. The more that you have an understanding of the past, the better it will be to make new works. Then the biggest thing is you have to practice, pick up paint, learn from fail and start again,” he emphasized.

    To offer more opportunities for Chinese graffiti enthusiasts and those unfamiliar with graffiti to learn more about this art form, Ket intends to publish more related books in the future.

    “I believe we are open to moving around the world and presenting wherever the opportunities come anywhere in China, anywhere in Asia, really anywhere in the world, but our focus is on education,” Ket affirmed.

    MIL OSI China News –