NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary reiterates UK’s ongoing support to Lebanon

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    World news story

    Foreign Secretary reiterates UK’s ongoing support to Lebanon

    British Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Lebanon and reiterated the UK’s ongoing support for Lebanon’s security, stability and future prosperity.

    British Foreign Secretary David Lammy with President Joseph Aoun

    As part of a regional visit, Foreign Secretary David Lammy visits Lebanon on Friday 4 July 2025. He reiterated the UK’s ongoing support for Lebanon’s security, stability and future prosperity. 

    The Foreign Secretary met with President General Joseph Aoun at the Presidential Palace. Discussions focused on the latest local and regional developments and UK-Lebanon bilateral relations.

    The Foreign Secretary spoke about the urgency of efforts to reach a lasting peace in Lebanon and the region. He stressed the importance of Lebanon and Israel implementing the ceasefire agreement in full, including the withdrawal of Israeli Forces and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) throughout the South.

    He commended the long-standing and strong bilateral partnership between Lebanon and the UK including with the LAF, both in the South and on the border with Syria. Since 2009, the UK has spent over £115 million to support the LAF with infrastructure, vehicles, training and equipment and since 2013 supported the establishment of the Land Border Regiments (LBRs) on the border with Syria.

    The Foreign Secretary also reiterated the UK’s support for UNIFIL and the role they play for stability in South Lebanon, as mandated in UNSCR 1701.  He called for urgent implementation of essential economic reforms and transparent processes for justice and accountability. 

    British Ambassador Hamish Cowell said:

    I was pleased to welcome British Foreign Secretary David Lammy to Lebanon, following unprecedented regional tensions. 

    Efforts must continue to secure a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon and allow the full deployment of the Lebanese Army to the south of the country, as the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon. 

    Stability in the Middle East is in everyone’s interest. The full implementation of UNSCR 1701 is crucial to Lebanon and the region’s future security.

    Lebanon’s path to recovery is dependent on essential reforms, including those required to secure an IMF agreement to rebuild the economy and unlock international investment.  

    The UK remains a steadfast partner to Lebanon and its people.

    The Foreign Secretary also visited Syria as part of his regional trip. This is the first by a UK Minister in 14 years and renews the UK-Syria diplomatic relationship. The Foreign Secretary met President Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani to reiterate the importance of an inclusive and representative political transition in Syria and offer continued UK support to the Syrian people.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 1 missing, 28 rescued after excursion boat capsizes in central China’s Hunan Province /long version/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    CHANGSHA, July 5 (Xinhua) — One person is missing and 28 others have been rescued after a sightseeing boat sank in central China’s Hunan Province on Saturday afternoon, local authorities said.

    A total of 29 people were thrown overboard after the 40-seater boat capsized at around 4:30 p.m. on Dongjiang Lake in Zixing City.

    By 18:00, 28 people had been rescued, one of them is in critical condition and is receiving medical assistance.

    A preliminary investigation showed that at the time of the incident, a sudden gust of wind with a speed of up to 30 m/s was recorded in the area.

    Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing, and further investigation into the circumstances of the incident is underway. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 9 killed, 11 injured in minibus collision in northern Egypt

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    CAIRO, July 5 (Xinhua) — At least nine people were killed and 11 others injured on Saturday when two minibuses collided on a highway in Egypt’s northern Menoufia province, the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population said in a statement.

    The department reported that the victims were taken to hospitals in Menoufia for emergency medical care.

    According to Egyptian news site Yom7, a preliminary investigation has shown that speeding may have been the cause of the accident. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese company and RDIF intend to jointly build a new benchmark for cooperation between the two countries in Beijing

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, July 5 /Xinhua/ — Chinese real estate developer China Railway Real Estate Group Co., Ltd. /CRREG/ and the Russian Direct Investment Fund /RDIF/ recently held talks to jointly build a new benchmark for cooperation between the two countries in Beijing, CRREG said.

    Li Dinghuan, General Manager of CRREG Beijing Branch, said that CRREG and RDIF are willing to give full play to their respective advantages and plan to build a “China-Russia Trade, Economic and Cultural Center /tentative name/” in the central business district of the Chinese capital to jointly create a new benchmark for China-Russia cooperation, provide a new platform for enterprises and chambers of commerce of both sides to expand economic cooperation and cultural exchanges.

    Vice President of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Anton Dan-Chin-Yu reported that trade and economic cooperation and cultural exchanges play an important role in bilateral relations between Russia and China. The Russian Direct Investment Fund is interested in cooperation with China in building a new Russian-Chinese trade, economic and cultural center in Beijing. By that time, the Russian Direct Investment Fund will attract Russian chambers of commerce and enterprises in the energy, finance, culture and education sectors to locate in the center.

    CRREG and RDIF also signed a memorandum on joint cooperation for the “Chinese-Russian Trade, Economic and Cultural Center /preliminary name/.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN chief condemns Russian strikes on Ukraine, warns of nuclear safety risk

    Source: United Nations 2

    In a statement issued by his spokesperson, António Guterres expressed alarm over the dangerous escalation and the rising toll on civilians.

    He reiterated that attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure are prohibited under international law and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

    “These strikes disrupted the power supply to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, once again underlining the ongoing risks to nuclear safety,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said.

    “The Secretary-General reiterates his call for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine as a first step towards a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions.”

    Fragile situation

    The airstrikes on Friday severed the nuclear plant’s last external power connection, forcing the ZNPP to rely on emergency diesel generators for more than three hours, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    Power was eventually restored, but the incident marked the ninth time the plant has lost all off-site electricity since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

    Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the nuclear watchdog, warned that the situation remains extremely fragile.

    “What was once virtually unimaginable – that a major nuclear power plant would repeatedly lose all of its external power connections – has unfortunately become a common occurrence,” he said.

    Nuclear safety deterioration

    Located in southern Ukraine, the Zaporizhzhia plant is the largest nuclear power facility in Europe. Although its six reactors have been in cold shutdown since 2024, they still require electricity to cool reactor cores and spent fuel pools to prevent overheating and potential radioactive release.

    During the blackout, 18 diesel generators were activated to maintain critical cooling functions. The plant has enough diesel on site for at least ten days, with contingency plans in place to secure further supplies if needed, IAEA reported.

    The ZNPP has become dramatically more vulnerable since the war began. Prior to the conflict, it had access to ten external power lines; it now relies on just one.

    IAEA teams remain based at the site and continue to monitor the situation closely.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK re-establishes diplomatic relations with Syria in first Ministerial visit for 14 years

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK re-establishes diplomatic relations with Syria in first Ministerial visit for 14 years

    The Foreign Secretary has visited Syria to renew our diplomatic relationship, eight months on from the collapse of Assad’s regime.

    • Foreign Secretary’s visit to Syria marks first by a UK Minister in 14 years and renews the UK and Syria’s diplomatic relationship.
    • Commitment to support Syria as the new Government seeks to rebuild Syria’s economy, deliver an inclusive political transition and forge a path to justice for the victims of the Assad regime.
    • New UK funding to assist with removal of Assad era chemical weapons and provide urgent humanitarian assistance in Syria, to bolster UK and Middle East security, tackle irregular migration, and deliver on the Government’s Plan for Change.

    Eight months on from the collapse of the Assad regime, the UK has officially re-established diplomatic relations with the Syrian Government following the Foreign Secretary’s visit to Damascus today.

    As the first UK Minister to visit in 14 years, the Foreign Secretary emphasised that the UK will support the Syrian Government to deliver its commitments to build a more secure and prosperous future for Syrians, increasing security in the wider region and the UK.

    The Foreign Secretary met President Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister al-Shaibani to reiterate the importance of an inclusive and representative political transition in Syria and offer continued UK support to the Syrian people.

    A stable Syria is in the UK’s interests. We want to ensure that Daesh’s territorial defeat endures, and they can never resurge, and we want to prevent vulnerable Syrians from being exploited by people smuggling gangs across Europe. Building closer diplomatic partnerships with Syria is critical to safeguard UK security, in line with the Government’s Plan for Change.

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:

    As the first UK Minister to visit Syria since the fall of Assad’s brutal regime, I’ve seen first-hand the remarkable progress Syrians have made in rebuilding their lives and their country.

    After over a decade of conflict, there is renewed hope for the Syrian people. The UK is re-establishing diplomatic relations because it is in our interests to support the new government to deliver their commitment to build a stable, more secure and prosperous future for all Syrians.

    A stable Syria is in the UK’s interests, reducing the risk of irregular migration, ensuring the destruction of chemical weapons, tackling the threat of terrorism and delivering the Government’s Plan for Change.

    During his visit to Syria, the Foreign Secretary met Syrian Civil Defence volunteers (White Helmets) to learn more about the vital work they carry out across the country, including with the safe removal of unexploded ordnance and emergency lifesaving medical work.

    The fall of Assad presents an opportunity for the new Syrian government to fully declare and destroy Assad’s evil chemical weapons programme. As part of the visit, the UK has committed an additional £2 million this financial year to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to support their vital work addressing the horrific legacy of Assad’s chemical weapons in Syria. The UK contribution will support the OPCW’s operational requirements in Syria as they help the Syrian Government fulfil their commitments to eliminate Assad’s chemical weapons once and for all.

    Demonstrating the UK’s continued commitment to sustainable development and Syria’s recovery from conflict, the Foreign Secretary met women-led businesses in Syria, which have been supported by the UK’s livelihoods and economic recovery programme.

    UK support is set to continue, with the additional £94.5 million package announced today, which will provide urgent humanitarian aid to Syrians, support Syria’s longer-term recovery through education and livelihoods, and support countries hosting Syrian refugees in the region.

    The Foreign Secretary will travel on to Kuwait where strengthening regional security and boosting bilateral relations will be top of the agenda in meetings with His Highness the Crown Prince, His Highness the Prime Minister and His Excellency the Foreign Minister. The Foreign Secretary will advocate for UK businesses to have access to new opportunities to support Kuwaiti growing markets– further advancing business engagement between UK and Kuwait and the wider region.   

    The Foreign Secretary will also announce a new partnership with Kuwait to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. New funding will help provide nutrition support and restore clean drinking water supplies, as Sudan faces both famine and a devastating cholera outbreak. Support will also be made available to fund lifesaving work in Somalia where conflict and the climate crisis are driving pressing humanitarian needs. 

    ENDS

    Notes to Editors:

    • The UK has provided £4.5bn of assistance to Syria and countries in the region since 2011.
    • Over the past two years the UK has provided more than £5m to the White Helmets in support of their lifesaving emergency medical, firefighting and search rescue services. This includes £2.25m this financial year to continue this work and ensure a smooth transition of their activities to the Government.
    • The UK has already provided £837,300 to the OPCW Syria Missions since the fall of Assad to support their immediate work in ensuring the safe and rapid destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 5 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Allister tells Glasgow 12th of Protocol risk to the UK

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    TUV leader Jim Allister told the ‘Glasgow Twelfth’ the very substance and existence of the United Kingdom was at risk because of the Protocol/Windsor Framework.

    “The constitutional basis of your membership of the U.K., the Act of Union 1707, and Northern Ireland’s, the Act of Union 1800, are identical in form and substance. Each is built on the twin pillars of a political union and an economic union. Art 3 of each of our Acts of Union affirm a political union through a single sovereign parliament for the whole nation; and each of our Articles 6 guarantee unfettered trade between and within all parts of the Kingdom.

    “It is the latter, of course, that has been trashed by the union-dismantling Windsor Framework, because it fetters trade with NI by establishing an EU border to entrap NI within its territory and control.

    “Whereas England, Scotland Wales left the EU, Northern Ireland was left behind under its Customs Code and in its Single market for goods, meaning in 300 areas of law we are governed by foreign laws we don’t make and can’t change. That is not just a democratic outrage, but a deliberate building block for Irish unity as NI is now governed in those 300 areas by the identical laws as the Republic of Ireland. And as these are the laws that shape our trade and economy they are inexorably building the stepping stone of an all-Ireland economy, which always was the intended design of the Windsor Framework.

    “Hence, why anyone worthy of the name ‘unionist’ rejects the Windsor Framework in all its parts.

    “In that rejection we ask for the support of our fellow citizens in Scotland who equally recognise threat to our Union when they see it, because you, like us, live under the blight of a separatist First Minister, though you are spared the obscenity of being told there was no alternative to the murder of your kith and kin.

    “Going forward, there is common cause in rebuilding and restoring our Union, so that the natural affinity between Scotland and Northern Ireland – which is reflected in what we celebrate today – is accentuated, not blocked with preposterous trade barriers and the heavy hand of EU colonial rule, from which you have been spared, but by which we are still benighted.

    “Your covenanting forefathers knew the strength and value of covenanting together to defend what mattered; may we together with determination covenant to not rest until all our nation is free of the foreign rule of Brussels diktats.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Khorgos Automobile Checkpoint Recognized as International Sanitary Land Port

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, July 5 (Xinhua) — The Horgos Port of Entry in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Friday was officially awarded the title of “international sanitary land port” after passing the assessment and acceptance by an expert team of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the spot, the press service of the Horgos city administration said.

    The assessment of an international sanitary port is carried out by WHO according to several criteria: the sanitary and hygienic infrastructure of the checkpoint, the hygiene management system and the capacity to respond to public health emergencies.

    The transformation of Horgos Port into an international sanitary land port greatly enhances its ability to respond to international public health emergencies and creates a safer environment for customs clearance, and is of great significance to serving the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road and ensuring global public health security.

    Situated on China’s border with Kazakhstan, the Khorgos checkpoint is the largest integrated border crossing in Xinjiang, handling both road and rail freight. It serves as a key hub in the key area of the Silk Road Economic Belt under construction. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: International health tourism booming on China’s Hainan Island

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HAIKOU, July 5 (Xinhua) — Located in the coastal town of Boao in south China’s Hainan Province, the Boao Lecheng International Health Tourism Pilot Zone is fast becoming a leading healthcare and innovation hub in China, attracting increasing attention from around the world.

    The pilot zone, which is considered the only special medical service zone in China, hosts more than 30 leading domestic and foreign medical institutions. With special policy support, the pilot zone has introduced 485 advanced drugs and medical devices that have been approved abroad but have not yet entered the domestic market, benefiting more than 130,000 patients.

    Canadian figure skating coach Mark Batka, suffering from growing tumors on his chest and back that were hampering his ability to work, decided to have surgery during a four-day recuperation trip to the pilot zone.

    “In Canada it’s more expensive and it takes time to get an appointment for the surgery. And since I was here, I decided to give it a try and I was very happy, I think it went very well,” he said.

    Mark Batka is just one of many foreign visitors who have taken advantage of the medical services at the pilot zone, which offers a world-class package of services, from premium medical check-ups and a combination of traditional Chinese and Western treatments to cultural experiences such as incense tasting, tea ceremonies and calligraphy.

    Boao Yiling Life Support Center, a leading provider of comprehensive medical services in the pilot zone, provides a wide range of services such as health care, disease prevention, specific therapies, rehabilitation and mental health.

    Janet Wong, who went on a Canadian wellness tour with Mark Batka, said she was impressed by the high-quality medical check-up she received at the centre.

    “We were so surprised from the very beginning when we arrived,” she said, adding that the treatment was excellent and the medical examination incredibly thorough.

    “In a way, it really does feel like a vacation,” said Stephanie Wing See Yau, another member of the Canadian group, calling the centre a truly world-class facility.

    “It’s really impressive how they’ve put all these treatments together in one place,” she said, noting that she was glad to see that there was a focus on overall wellness, not just physical wellness but mental wellness as well. She described her trip as a great experience and said she would definitely recommend it to friends.

    As part of the pilot zone’s efforts to develop health tourism, 25 specialized routes have been launched, tailored to different needs, from traditional Chinese medicine and chronic disease treatment to high-end medical check-ups and medical cosmetology. These routes are increasingly popular around the world. The pilot zone has also become a key platform supporting Hainan’s efforts to become a hub for international tourism and consumption.

    By the end of 2024, more than 410,000 people had taken medical tours in the pilot zone, which is 36.76 percent more than in the previous year. Since the beginning of this year, 188,300 tourists from countries such as Canada, Spain, Russia, Uzbekistan and Cuba have already visited the zone to use medical services.

    Kareldus Agas, an official with the International Tourism Promotion Department of Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, was deeply impressed by the comprehensive services at the pilot zone after visiting some wellness projects and traditional cultural activities, including calligraphy and cupping.

    He said that Boao Lecheng not only offers advanced medical services, but also a harmonious combination of relaxation, wellness and spiritual healing, creating a truly unforgettable experience. He expressed a strong desire to visit the area again, even without a medical request, just to enjoy the unique feeling of relaxation he felt there.

    The pilot zone has established partnerships with more than 180 pharmaceutical companies and medical equipment manufacturers from 20 countries, providing access to advanced international medical services for both domestic and foreign visitors, said He Ying, an official with the Boao Lecheng International Health Tourism Pilot Zone.

    He added that the zone will continue to strengthen its service platforms and capacity to receive foreign tourists with the aim of becoming a world-class health tourism destination.

    As part of its broader economic strategy, China is turning Hainan into a free trade port and aims to turn the province into a global tourist and consumer destination by 2035. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi: The Global Statesman of Our Times

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Since the Second World War, almost eight decades ago, no leader had captivated the global imagination until the late 2010s.

    The majority of the Cold War years were lost to the political turmoil that plagued the nations in the West. In the Soviet Union, the leaders were infamous for weakening the once grand empire. Even the American Presidents could not escape the curse of time, and eventually, the world entered the 20th century with crises that hinted at imminent conflicts.

    Back home in India, the political leadership was largely contained within one party, and further, within one family.

    Not choosing to align with a bloc, India went for the non-aligned movement, and in hindsight, we were everywhere, and yet, nowhere. When Chief Minister Narendra Modi was elevated to the higher office in Delhi in 2014, a nation of more than 120 Crore people was not only looking at a new leadership framework to guide the nation, but also a new perspective to take India’s message to the world.

    In Narendra Modi, the country saw the resolve of a national leader and the vision of a global statesman.

    The last eleven years have been of global turmoil. The 2010s witnessed the incapacity of several Western nations, including the United States of America, to shake off the economic horrors of the Great Recession of 2008.

    Just when the nations were getting their economic trajectory back on track, the pandemic, the most gruesome in a century, hit the world in 2020. This was followed by the global supply chain crisis in 2020-21, the Russia-Ukraine War in 2022, and the Middle East tensions in 2023. In the decade PM Modi has governed India, the world has been in a constant state of chaos.

    In this constant state of chaos, the political leadership across countries has been impacted as well. America saw the exit of a Democratic President in 2016, only to witness the return of another leader from the same party in 2020.

    Across Europe, governments found their mandates dented post-pandemic, if not snatched altogether. Even China, which began the 2010s with geopolitical heft, was marred in its economic challenges by early 2020s, and while the leadership remains, resistance against the Communist Party is attaining a point of inevitability.

    It is in this decade PM Modi cemented his position globally. While the combination of welfare programs, strong economic growth, prudent fiscal management, infrastructure push, and rapid digitalisation ushered the nation ahead under his leadership, the last decade was also of diplomacy with a difference.

    India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was no longer a mute spectator nor a submissive commentator. India’s assertion was visible in the early months of the Narendra Modi Government. Diplomacy had several facets, from rescue operations to humanitarian aids, from enhancing economic relations to collaborating on modern technologies.

    In 2022, PM Modi’s stellar move to balance national economic interests with geopolitical intricacies resulted in India increasing its share of oil imports from Russia. Eventually, even the Europeans had to follow India’s cue. Post-2023 and the October attack on Israel, India’s global stance on the Middle East was consistent with the sensitivities of the region.

    PM Modi’s diplomatic approach has been about prioritising the relationship before the returns, and that is what explains the constant push in African countries, and even some South American countries. Many countries that were earlier ignored under the previous governments are now active partners.

    Interestingly, the Modi Doctrine has also been about evolving with time. Eleven years is a long time, and countries do diverge on several issues. Case in question is Turkey. While the nation responded to India’s humanitarian aid with drones to Pakistan, PM Modi was quick to send them a direct reminder during his visit to Cyprus.

    Modi’s diplomacy has several shades, and several countries have embraced it as well, which explains the number of honours for the Prime Minister. Earlier today, PM Modi has been conferred with Ghana’s highest state honor, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, marking a significant milestone in his global recognition. This award is part of an impressive collection of 24 international honors celebrated by 140 crore Indians, symbolizing India’s relentless rise on the world stage.

    The accolades span a wide range of nations, including Cyprus’s Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Sri Lanka’s Mitra Vibhushana, Mauritius’ Grand Commander of the Order of the Star & Key of the Indian Ocean, Kuwait’s Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer, Guyana’s Order of Excellence, Barbados’ Order of Freedom, Nigeria’s Grand Commander of the Order, and Dominica’s Dominica Award of Honour.

    Additional distinctions come from Russia’s Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, Greece’s Grand Cross of the Order of Honour, France’s Grand Cross of the Legion, Egypt’s Order of the Nile, Republic of Palau’s Ebakl Award, Papua New Guinea’s Order of Logohu, Fiji’s Companion of the Order of Fiji, and Bhutan’s Order of the Druk Gyalpo.

    The list of honors continues with the US Government’s Legion of Merit, Bahrain’s King Hamad Order of the Renaissance, Maldives’ Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin, United Arab Emirates’ Order of Zayed Award, Palestine’s Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award, Afghanistan’s State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan, and Saudi Arabia’s Order of King Abdulaziz.

    PM Narendra Modi will be conferred with Trinidad and Tobago’s highest civilian honour, The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, his 25th sovereign honour.

    PM Modi is a global statesman of our times. Since Franklin D. Roosevelt, no leader has been so instrumental to a world that is rapidly changing. Eleven years in office, and only half done in all probability, the Prime Minister has a lot to offer to the world in terms of global leadership. He’s India’s strongest voice, sincerest messenger, and the most stupendous testament to a nation that is rediscovering its civilizational place in the world.

    (Tushar Gupta is a Delhi-based journalist and a political commentator)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to Texas floods

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on the flooding in Texas.

    Dr Martina Egedusevic, Impact Fellow in Green Futures, University of Exeter, said:

    “The devastating floods in Texas are a stark reminder of how intensifying extreme weather events driven by climate change are interacting with land-use change, urbanisation, and aging infrastructure to produce severe impacts.  While individual flood events are influenced by multiple factors, we know that warmer air holds more moisture, increasing the likelihood of intense rainfall.  In many urban areas like those affected in Texas, impervious surfaces prevent water absorption, overwhelming drainage systems and exacerbating flash flooding.

    “This underlines the importance of not only improving forecasting and emergency response but also investing in long-term, systemic approaches to flood resilience.  Nature-based solutions such as wetland restoration, reforestation, and sustainable urban drainage systems can complement engineering infrastructure by slowing runoff and increasing infiltration.  As our research in the UK and internationally shows, working with nature can help mitigate the worst effects of flooding while delivering co-benefits for biodiversity, air quality, and climate adaptation.

    “However, each region has its own hydrological and social context, so local knowledge and inclusive planning are essential.  Understanding where and why such flood events happen also means tackling the underlying vulnerabilities like poorly planned development, socio-economic inequalities, and environmental degradation.”

    Prof Bill McGuire, Professor Emeritus of Geophysical & Climate Hazards, UCL, said:

    “The tragic events in Texas are exactly what we would expect in our hotter, climate-changed, world.  There has been an explosion in extreme weather in recent years, including more devastating flash floods caused by slow-moving, wetter, storms, that dump exceptional amounts of rain over small areas across a short time.  This frequently overwhelms river catchments leading to severe damage to adjacent infrastructure and loss of life.  Such events will only become more commonplace as the global temperature continues to climb, driven by carbon dioxide emissions that still top 40 billion tonnes every year.”

    Dr Jess Neumann, University of Reading, said:

    “The devastating floods of Kerr County in Texas is a tragic reminder of the dangers of sudden extreme rainfall and flash flooding.

    “Flash floods are not uncommon in the Hill Country area of Texas, where the weather is easily influenced by a ready supply of moist air from the Gulf of Mexico.  When very heavy rain falls on steep hillsides, this can create the conditions for raging torrents to be created in previously dry river beds, in just a matter of hours.

    “Totals of 200mm (around 8 inches) of rainfall were originally forecast, which is a significant amount in any location.  In places, this is expected to have reached more than 12 inches of rain.  For context, in the UK, 50mm of rain a day is considered heavy rainfall with serious potential for flooding.

    “This terrible event, in which children are missing and many have died, raises critical questions about effective early warning systems, flood planning and preparedness in the region.

    “It cannot be right that a flood of this magnitude, in an area known to be at high risk of flash floods, caused such devastation and has taken so many people by surprise.”

    Prof Hannah Cloke, professor of hydrology at the University of Reading, said: 

    “For so many children to be swept away in a flood is an almost unimaginable horror.  Sadly, it can be the inability to see such a tragedy emerging that can be part of the failure of an early warning system for floods.  An alert system is a chain of human communication, and if one person in any part of the chain doesn’t respond as they should to take action, the system runs the risk of failure.  Human communication about events that have not yet occurred requires the use of imagination, and a lack of imagination can be lethal.

    “This downpour seems to have been well forecasted by multiple forecasters around the world, several hours in advance.  Warnings were issued, but the systems do not seem to have been in place to get information to those in harm’s way fast enough.  The timing of the flood, which happened in the middle of the night, would have meant that any last-minute actions to get out of the way of the water would have been hampered by darkness.

    “It is not good enough for authorities to say they were not aware that floods were coming.  Warnings were available but the message just didn’t get through.  This must be a reminder of the need to invest more effort in checking every aspect of early warning systems, from the science, to the communications, to the education required to spread more understanding of the risks and how to respond to them.”

    “Once again, we are left horrified and humbled by the dreadful power of the weather and the ability of our rivers to take lives.”

    Declared interests

    Prof Bill McGuire: “No conflicts of interest.”

    Dr Jess Neumann: “I am a trustee of the Charity River Mole River Watch.  We work with water companies including SES Water and the Environment Agency.  We receive funding for research from local Government, NGO’s and private business / industry.  No other conflicts of interest to declare.”

    Prof Hannah Cloke: “Works with and advises the Met Office, ECMWF and Environment Agency.”

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Carrying red wreath, Liverpool players join family for Diego Jota’s funeral

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Carrying a red floral wreath bearing his shirt number, Diogo Jota’s Liverpool teammates joined relatives and residents in a small Portuguese town on Saturday for the funeral of the soccer star, who died with his brother in a car crash on Thursday.

    Club captain Virgil Van Dijk, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and manager Arne Slot were among Liverpool teammates past and present who attended the service in Gondomar for the striker and his brother, Andre Silva.

    The English Premier League stars carried two floral tributes in the club’s red colour into the chapel, each in the shape of a shirt.

    The one carried by Van Dijk had the number 20 written in white flowers, which Jota wore on his Liverpool shirt.

    The other bore the number 30, which was worn by Jota’s brother, who played for FC Peñafiel in Portugal’s second division.

    Dressed in black and with their heads bowed, the teammates entered the church in silence. The only sound was the applause from the crowd outside.

    Rute Cardoso, who married her childhood sweetheart Jota only weeks before the fatal crash, arrived with relatives.

    Hundreds of residents of Gondomar, a small town in northern Portugal where Jota grew up, gathered outside.

    The private service was presided over by the Bishop of Porto, Manuel Linda.

    In an emotional homily addressed to Jota’s parents, his wife and their three young children, Linda said “solidarity in love is always stronger than death”.

    Teammates from the Portugal national squad including Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes, who both play in the English Premier League, also attended the service.

    “Jota will always be in our hearts. He will always be present at every breakfast, lunch, dinner, at all our national team get-togethers, at our PlayStation games, at our card games,” Silva told Portuguese broadcaster TVI.

    Jota’s death at the age of 28 sent shock waves through the world of soccer and beyond, with messages of condolences pouring in from national leaders as well as across the sport.

    Fans continued to lay flowers and other tributes to the striker on Saturday outside Liverpool’s Anfield stadium.

    The brothers were believed to have been driving to a ferry in Spain to travel to Britain when their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames after midnight on Thursday. Police said they suspected a tyre had burst.

    -Reuters

  • Carrying red wreath, Liverpool players join family for Diego Jota’s funeral

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Carrying a red floral wreath bearing his shirt number, Diogo Jota’s Liverpool teammates joined relatives and residents in a small Portuguese town on Saturday for the funeral of the soccer star, who died with his brother in a car crash on Thursday.

    Club captain Virgil Van Dijk, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and manager Arne Slot were among Liverpool teammates past and present who attended the service in Gondomar for the striker and his brother, Andre Silva.

    The English Premier League stars carried two floral tributes in the club’s red colour into the chapel, each in the shape of a shirt.

    The one carried by Van Dijk had the number 20 written in white flowers, which Jota wore on his Liverpool shirt.

    The other bore the number 30, which was worn by Jota’s brother, who played for FC Peñafiel in Portugal’s second division.

    Dressed in black and with their heads bowed, the teammates entered the church in silence. The only sound was the applause from the crowd outside.

    Rute Cardoso, who married her childhood sweetheart Jota only weeks before the fatal crash, arrived with relatives.

    Hundreds of residents of Gondomar, a small town in northern Portugal where Jota grew up, gathered outside.

    The private service was presided over by the Bishop of Porto, Manuel Linda.

    In an emotional homily addressed to Jota’s parents, his wife and their three young children, Linda said “solidarity in love is always stronger than death”.

    Teammates from the Portugal national squad including Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes, who both play in the English Premier League, also attended the service.

    “Jota will always be in our hearts. He will always be present at every breakfast, lunch, dinner, at all our national team get-togethers, at our PlayStation games, at our card games,” Silva told Portuguese broadcaster TVI.

    Jota’s death at the age of 28 sent shock waves through the world of soccer and beyond, with messages of condolences pouring in from national leaders as well as across the sport.

    Fans continued to lay flowers and other tributes to the striker on Saturday outside Liverpool’s Anfield stadium.

    The brothers were believed to have been driving to a ferry in Spain to travel to Britain when their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames after midnight on Thursday. Police said they suspected a tyre had burst.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: The 2024–2025 World Heritage Map is now published

    Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre

    The latest edition of the World Heritage Map is now available to order! This new design, poster-sized wall map features all 1,223 World Heritage properties, illustrated with stunning photographs from across the globe.

    This map offers a visual journey through the richness of World Heritage sites, the various countries where they are located and key data.

    The featured image on this year’s map presents the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a World Heritage site in Bulgaria. Recognized as a masterpiece of Thracian creative genius, the tomb is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved Hellenistic frescoes, reflecting the sophistication of Thracian culture and funerary art.

    Produced by the World Heritage Centre and Geo4Map, with the support of Bulgaria, the map can now be ordered from the World Heritage Centre website.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ukraine Attacks Russian Military Airfield Borisoglebsk

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Kyiv/Moscow, July 5 /Xinhua/ — Ukraine attacked the Borisoglebsk military airfield in the Voronezh region in western Russia on Saturday, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) reported on Telegram.

    The General Staff noted that the special operation was carried out to reduce the Russian Federation’s ability to carry out air strikes on Ukrainian territory, since Borisoglebsk is the base for Su-34, Su-35S and Su-30SM fighters.

    The attack hit a warehouse containing guided bombs, a training aircraft and probably other aircraft, the report said.

    The Russian Telegram channel Shot reports that the city of Borisoglebsk in the Voronezh region was subjected to an attempted attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to local residents, eight to ten powerful explosions thundered around two o’clock in the morning. According to preliminary data, air defense forces shot down several air targets over the city.

    There is no information about the consequences on the ground or about victims, Shot reports. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UN Tourism to Promote Sustainable Tourism Development in Uzbekistan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Tashkent, July 5 /Xinhua/ — UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili visited the Central Asian University for Environment and Climate Change Studies /Green University/ under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change as part of his visit to Uzbekistan. As reported by Dunyo news agency on Friday, UN Tourism and Green University signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at developing cooperation in the areas of sustainable tourism, ecology and education.

    It is noted that the document envisages strengthening the potential of Uzbekistan in the field of sustainable tourism through the training of qualified personnel and the exchange of best practices, increasing public understanding of the importance of sustainable tourism as a factor in positive changes for society and nature, promoting tourism as a tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, facilitating the implementation of innovative solutions for environmental protection, natural resource management and combating climate change, supporting scientific research and academic exchanges, and developing joint educational and awareness-raising programs.

    The memorandum also includes regular interaction between UN Tourism and Green University, coordination of joint projects, organization of training programs and exchange of best practices, the agency reported. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Wang Yi calls on China, France to step up humanitarian exchanges

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    PARIS, July 5 (Xinhua) — China and France should continuously deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, establish a model of civilizational exchanges between China and Europe and around the world, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and co-chairman of the 7th meeting of the China-France High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism, along with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, here on Friday.

    Guided by the consensus of the two leaders, China and France have accelerated cooperation in many fields and achieved rich results over the past year, Wang said. Highlighting the success of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, he noted that hundreds of events have been held and more than 6,000 French students have visited China for exchanges and studies.

    According to Wang Yi, the two sides have also started to hold thematic events, such as on carbon neutrality, preservation and restoration of cultural relics, or health care. This has demonstrated the viability of cultural and humanitarian exchanges between the two countries, he said.

    Against the backdrop of a changing international situation intertwined with upheavals, the more frequent conflicts occur, the greater the need for the calm educational power of humanitarian exchanges, the more chaotic the world becomes, the more necessary it is to join forces to cope with confusion and chart the right course, the minister said.

    The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France was not just a handshake between two independent countries, but also a meeting of two great civilizations, Wang said. The China-France high-level people-to-people exchange mechanism has actively promoted cultural exchanges between the two countries and greatly deepened mutual understanding between the two peoples, he added.

    The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that this year marks the beginning of the next 60 years of Chinese-French relations, and the mechanism of humanitarian exchanges is entering the second decade of its existence.

    Guided by the consensus of the heads of state, the two sides should carry forward the spirit of China-France diplomatic ties characterized by independence, mutual understanding, strategic vision and win-win cooperation, continuously deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, establish a model of civilizational exchanges between China and Europe and the world, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Wang said.

    In this regard, he made four proposals.

    First, the two sides should strengthen youth exchanges. Wang Yi called for fully implementing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s initiative to increase the number of French students studying in China to more than 10,000 in the next three years, and making full use of exchange programs.

    Secondly, it is necessary to develop cooperation at the subnational level. According to the minister, China and France should introduce new forms of exchanges and cooperation, intensify relations between sister cities, continue the work of the bilateral round table of mayors, and resume the work of the high-level forum on cooperation of local governments as soon as possible.

    Third, travel facilitation should be promoted. Wang Yi called on the French to visit China more often and expressed hope that France would continue to simplify visa procedures for Chinese citizens to create more favorable conditions for mutual people-to-people exchanges.

    Fourth, it is necessary to maintain a partnership driven by innovation. The minister called on the two sides to vigorously support the construction of the China-France Carbon Neutrality Center to promote green and low-carbon development, hold the second China-France Education Development Forum, and strengthen multilateral coordination to help build an open, inclusive and beautiful world.

    In turn, Jean-Néric Barrot praised the rich and fruitful humanitarian exchanges, calling them a valuable asset that maintains strong bilateral relations and helps France and China jointly address global challenges.

    France will continue to act in a spirit of openness and forward-lookingness, deepen cooperation with China in the fields of education, culture, scientific research, youth and cinema, as well as interaction at the subnational level, to build a close, high-quality and sustainable partnership, he said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder investigation launched following fatal stabbing in Vauxhall

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives have made two arrests following the death of a man in Vauxhall.

    On Saturday, 5 July at 05:38hrs police were called to a residential address at Bondway, SW8 following reports of an altercation.

    Met officers attended the scene alongside London Ambulance Service, who treated a man in his thirties for knife injuries. Sadly, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he died from his injuries.

    His next-of-kin have yet to be informed.

    Two men, a 35-year-old [A] and a 33-year-old [B] were arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.

    A crime scene is in place while police investigate the circumstances.

    If you know anything, please contact police by calling 101 stating CAD1719/5July. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.

    Detective Inspector Aytac Necati who is leading the investigation said:

    “Sadly, a man has lost his life in the most horrendous of circumstances. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

    “We understand the effect this will have on the local community, and will ensure that officers are deployed on reassurance patrols to respond to any questions or concerns.

    “Two men have already been arrested. Detectives are working hard to establish the circumstances of what happened. At this time, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Greenpeace chief recalls New Zealand’s nuclear free exploits, seeks ‘peace’ voice for Gaza

    Asia Pacific Report

    Greenpeace Aotearoa executive director Russel Norman today recalled New Zealand’s heyday as a Pacific nuclear free champion in the 1980s, and challenged the country to again become a leading voice for “peace and justice”, this time for the Palestinian people.

    He told the weekly Palestinian solidarity rally in Auckland’s central Te Komititanga Square that it was time for New Zealand to take action and recognise the state of Palestine and impose sanctions on Israel over its Gaza atrocities.

    “From 1946 to 1996, over 300 nuclear weapons were exploded across the Pacific and consistently the New Zealand government spoke out against it,” he said.

    “It took cases to the International Court of Justice, supported by Australia and Fiji, against the nuclear testing across the Pacific.

    “Aotearoa New Zealand was a voice for peace, it was a voice for justice, and when the French government bombed the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior here and killed Fernando Pereira, it spoke out and took action against France.”

    He said New Zealand could return to that global leadership as a small and peaceful country.

    New Zealand will this week be commemorating the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior by French secret agents on 10 July 1985 and the killing of Greenpeace photographer Fernando Pereira.

    Dawn vigil on Greenpeace III
    Greenpeace plans a dawn vigil on board their current flagship Rainbow Warrior III at Halsey Wharf.

    He spoke about the Gaza war crimes, saying it was time for New Zealand to take serious action to help end this 20 months of settler colonial genocide.

    “There are millions of people [around the world] who are trying to end this colonial occupation of Palestinian land,” Norman said.

    “And millions of people who are trying to stop people simply standing to get food who are hungry who are being shelled and killed by the Israeli military simply for the ‘crime’ of being born in the land that Israel wants to occupy.”

    Rocket Lab . . . a target for protests this week against the Gaza genocide. Image: David Robie/APR

    Norman’s message echoed an open letter that he wrote to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters earlier this week criticising the government for its “ongoing failure … to impose meaningful sanctions on Israel”.

    He cited the recent UN Human Rights Office report that said the killing of hundreds of Palestinians by the Israeli military while trying to fetch food from the controversial new “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation” aid hubs was a ‘likely war crime”.

    “Israel’s ongoing blockade of aid to Gaza has placed over 2 million people on the precipice of famine. Malnutrition and starvation are rife,” he said.

    Israel ‘weaponising aid’
    “Israel is weaponising aid, using starvation as a tool of genocide and is now shooting at civilians trying to access the scraps of aid that are available.”

    He said this was “catastrophic”, quoting Luxon’s own words, and the human suffering was “unacceptable”.

    Labour MP for Te Atatu and disarmament spokesperson Phil Twyford also spoke at the rally and march today, saying the Labour Party was calling for sanctions and accountability.

    He condemned the failure to hold “the people who have been enabling the genocide in Gaza”.

    “It’s been going on for too long. Not just the last [20 months], but actually the last 77 years.

    “And it is time the Western world snapped out of the spell that the Zionists have had on the Western imagination — at least on the political classes, government MPs, the policy makers in Western countries, who for so long have enabled, have stayed quiet in the face of the US who have armed and funded the genocide”

    For the Palestinian solidarity movement in New Zealand it has been a big week with four politicians — including Prime Minister Luxon — and two business leaders, the chief executives of Rocket Lab and Rakon, who have been referred by the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation over allegations of complicity with the Israeli war crimes.

    This unprecedented legal development has been largely ignored by the mainstream media.

    On Friday, protesters picketed a Rocket Lab manufacturing site in Warkworth, the head office in Mount Wellington and the Māhia peninsula where satellites are launched.

    Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, leading international scholars and the UN Special Committee to investigate Israel’s practices have all condemned Israel’s actions as genocide.

    Palestinian solidarity protesters in Auckland’s Queen Street march today. Image: David Robie/APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Greenpeace chief recalls New Zealand’s nuclear free exploits, seeks ‘peace’ voice for Gaza

    Asia Pacific Report

    Greenpeace Aotearoa executive director Russel Norman today recalled New Zealand’s heyday as a Pacific nuclear free champion in the 1980s, and challenged the country to again become a leading voice for “peace and justice”, this time for the Palestinian people.

    He told the weekly Palestinian solidarity rally in Auckland’s central Te Komititanga Square that it was time for New Zealand to take action and recognise the state of Palestine and impose sanctions on Israel over its Gaza atrocities.

    “From 1946 to 1996, over 300 nuclear weapons were exploded across the Pacific and consistently the New Zealand government spoke out against it,” he said.

    “It took cases to the International Court of Justice, supported by Australia and Fiji, against the nuclear testing across the Pacific.

    “Aotearoa New Zealand was a voice for peace, it was a voice for justice, and when the French government bombed the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior here and killed Fernando Pereira, it spoke out and took action against France.”

    He said New Zealand could return to that global leadership as a small and peaceful country.

    New Zealand will this week be commemorating the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior by French secret agents on 10 July 1985 and the killing of Greenpeace photographer Fernando Pereira.

    Dawn vigil on Greenpeace III
    Greenpeace plans a dawn vigil on board their current flagship Rainbow Warrior III at Halsey Wharf.

    He spoke about the Gaza war crimes, saying it was time for New Zealand to take serious action to help end this 20 months of settler colonial genocide.

    “There are millions of people [around the world] who are trying to end this colonial occupation of Palestinian land,” Norman said.

    “And millions of people who are trying to stop people simply standing to get food who are hungry who are being shelled and killed by the Israeli military simply for the ‘crime’ of being born in the land that Israel wants to occupy.”

    Rocket Lab . . . a target for protests this week against the Gaza genocide. Image: David Robie/APR

    Norman’s message echoed an open letter that he wrote to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters earlier this week criticising the government for its “ongoing failure … to impose meaningful sanctions on Israel”.

    He cited the recent UN Human Rights Office report that said the killing of hundreds of Palestinians by the Israeli military while trying to fetch food from the controversial new “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation” aid hubs was a ‘likely war crime”.

    “Israel’s ongoing blockade of aid to Gaza has placed over 2 million people on the precipice of famine. Malnutrition and starvation are rife,” he said.

    Israel ‘weaponising aid’
    “Israel is weaponising aid, using starvation as a tool of genocide and is now shooting at civilians trying to access the scraps of aid that are available.”

    He said this was “catastrophic”, quoting Luxon’s own words, and the human suffering was “unacceptable”.

    Labour MP for Te Atatu and disarmament spokesperson Phil Twyford also spoke at the rally and march today, saying the Labour Party was calling for sanctions and accountability.

    He condemned the failure to hold “the people who have been enabling the genocide in Gaza”.

    “It’s been going on for too long. Not just the last [20 months], but actually the last 77 years.

    “And it is time the Western world snapped out of the spell that the Zionists have had on the Western imagination — at least on the political classes, government MPs, the policy makers in Western countries, who for so long have enabled, have stayed quiet in the face of the US who have armed and funded the genocide”

    For the Palestinian solidarity movement in New Zealand it has been a big week with four politicians — including Prime Minister Luxon — and two business leaders, the chief executives of Rocket Lab and Rakon, who have been referred by the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation over allegations of complicity with the Israeli war crimes.

    This unprecedented legal development has been largely ignored by the mainstream media.

    On Friday, protesters picketed a Rocket Lab manufacturing site in Warkworth, the head office in Mount Wellington and the Māhia peninsula where satellites are launched.

    Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, leading international scholars and the UN Special Committee to investigate Israel’s practices have all condemned Israel’s actions as genocide.

    Palestinian solidarity protesters in Auckland’s Queen Street march today. Image: David Robie/APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Abuse of military force will increase conflicts – Chinese FM

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    PARIS, July 5 (Xinhua) — War is not a solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, and preemptive strikes obviously have no legitimacy, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and a member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said at a joint press conference with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Friday, stressing that the abuse of military force will only lead to further conflicts and hatred.

    Asked about the situation in the Middle East, Wang Yi noted that the Iranian nuclear issue could serve as an example of resolving international disputes through dialogue and negotiations, but now it is sliding into a new round of the Middle East crisis. China is watching what is happening with regret, the minister said, adding that the lessons of these events should be carefully understood.

    China’s position on the Iranian nuclear issue is clear and consistent, Wang Yi said. China attaches great importance to the repeated public commitments of Iran’s top leader to renounce developing nuclear weapons, he added. At the same time, China respects Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Foreign Minister emphasized.

    On this basis, relevant parties can speed up negotiations on a new international agreement to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue and fully place Iran’s nuclear activities under the strict control and protection of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Wang said, saying the road to peace lies ahead and history will test the sincerity of all parties.

    The recent military conflicts between Israel and Iran should not be repeated, the minister said, adding that the United States had set a negative precedent by openly firing on the nuclear facilities of a sovereign state.

    Wang Yi warned that if such actions lead to a nuclear catastrophe, the entire world would bear the consequences.

    The thesis of “peace through strength” is based on the logic of the politics of force, the minister said, calling for consideration of what will happen to rules and justice if only force dictates what is good and what is evil.

    Power cannot bring true peace. On the contrary, it can open Pandora’s box, Wang Yi added, asking how less powerful countries, especially small and medium ones, should survive.

    A genuine resolution to the situation with Iran’s nuclear program cannot bypass the key element of the Middle East problem, namely the Palestinian issue, the Foreign Minister said, adding that the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza must not continue any longer.

    The Palestinian issue cannot be put on the back burner, the legitimate aspirations of the Arab people should be realized as soon as possible, and the fair voice of the entire Islamic world should be heard, Wang Yi said.

    A two-state solution remains the only realistic way to break the cycle of chaos in the Middle East, and the international community must take more concrete and effective measures to advance it, he said.

    China and France, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, should uphold justice, shoulder responsibility, support the resolution of conflicts through dialogue and negotiations, oppose any double standards, and determine their positions and policies based on their understanding of what is right and what is wrong in a given situation, Wang Yi stressed.

    The UN and its Security Council should play their due role in consolidating peace, the foreign minister said, adding that China is ready to work with France to make unremitting efforts to achieve this goal. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update on policing in London following proscription of Palestine Action

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Palestine Action has now been proscribed by the UK Government and expressing support for them is a criminal offence in the UK.

    There are a number of events taking place in London this weekend and anyone attending should be aware that officers policing these will act where criminal offences, including those related to support of proscribed groups or organisations, are committed.

    Under the Terrorism Act 2000 (TACT), the Home Secretary may proscribe an organisation if they believe it is concerned in terrorism and it is proportionate to do so.

    Proscription makes it a criminal offence to invite or express support for a proscribed organisation through chanting, wearing clothing or display articles such as flags, signs or logos.

    You can read more about proscribed groups or organisations on the UK Government website.

    It is a criminal offence to:

    • belong, or profess to belong, to a proscribed organisation in the UK or overseas (Section 11 TACT)
    • invite support for a proscribed organisation (Section 12(1A) TACT)
    • express an opinion or belief that is supportive of a proscribed organisation (Section 12(1A) TACT)
    • arrange, manage or assist in arranging or managing a meeting in the knowledge that the meeting is to support or further the activities of a proscribed organisation, or is to be addressed by a person who belongs or professes to (Section 12(2) TACT)
    • wear clothing or carry or display articles in public in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that the individual is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation (Section 13 TACT)
    • publish an image of an item of clothing or other article, such as a flag or logo, in the same circumstances (Section 13(1A) TACT)

    If you have any concerns during an event speak to a police officer or event steward.

    If you see material supporting terrorism online report it – visit www.gov.uk/ACT

    You can also report suspicious activity by contacting the police in confidence on 0800 789 321.

    In an emergency, or if you need urgent police assistance, you should always dial 999.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update on policing in London following proscription of Palestine Action

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Palestine Action has now been proscribed by the UK Government and expressing support for them is a criminal offence in the UK.

    There are a number of events taking place in London this weekend and anyone attending should be aware that officers policing these will act where criminal offences, including those related to support of proscribed groups or organisations, are committed.

    Under the Terrorism Act 2000 (TACT), the Home Secretary may proscribe an organisation if they believe it is concerned in terrorism and it is proportionate to do so.

    Proscription makes it a criminal offence to invite or express support for a proscribed organisation through chanting, wearing clothing or display articles such as flags, signs or logos.

    You can read more about proscribed groups or organisations on the UK Government website.

    It is a criminal offence to:

    • belong, or profess to belong, to a proscribed organisation in the UK or overseas (Section 11 TACT)
    • invite support for a proscribed organisation (Section 12(1A) TACT)
    • express an opinion or belief that is supportive of a proscribed organisation (Section 12(1A) TACT)
    • arrange, manage or assist in arranging or managing a meeting in the knowledge that the meeting is to support or further the activities of a proscribed organisation, or is to be addressed by a person who belongs or professes to (Section 12(2) TACT)
    • wear clothing or carry or display articles in public in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that the individual is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation (Section 13 TACT)
    • publish an image of an item of clothing or other article, such as a flag or logo, in the same circumstances (Section 13(1A) TACT)

    If you have any concerns during an event speak to a police officer or event steward.

    If you see material supporting terrorism online report it – visit www.gov.uk/ACT

    You can also report suspicious activity by contacting the police in confidence on 0800 789 321.

    In an emergency, or if you need urgent police assistance, you should always dial 999.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder investigation launched after 85-year-old dies in Streatham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A murder investigation has been launched after an 85-year-old man was found dead at a property in Lambeth.

    Officers were called at around 13:00hrs on Friday, 4 July, by the London Ambulance Service to an address in Churchmore Road, Streatham. The male had sustained a number of injuries

    Despite the best efforts of emergency services to save his life, the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification has yet to take place.

    A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.

    A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

    DCI Sarah Lee, from Specialist Crime South – who is leading on the investigation – said:

    “We are working hard to piece together the events that unfolded in Churchmore Road yesterday, and offer our heartfelt condolences to the family of the victim and those affected by this tragic incident.

    “I would like to thank that those that are speaking to police and supporting the investigation already. We will continue to have an increased presence in the area whilst we continue our enquiries.

    “We are not currently looking for any other suspects.”

    Anybody with information can contact the police on 101, quoting crime reference 3581/04JUL.

    To remain 100% anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Winnie Ho visits Barcelona

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho met Deputy Mayor of Barcelona Jordi Valls Riera to discuss matters including housing policy and construction technologies as she began a two-day visit to the Spanish city yesterday.

     

    Ms Ho met the deputy mayor, who oversees housing policy, economic affairs and tourism yesterday morning. She briefed him on the implementation of government-led Light Public Housing (LPH) projects in Hong Kong that use Modular Integrated Construction.

     

    She highlighted that the first LPH project – at Yau Pok Road, Yuen Long – took only about one year to complete, and that the first phase of the project at Choi Hing Road in Ngau Tau Kok was completed in less than 18 months, a record for the construction of high-rise buildings in Hong Kong.

     

    Ms Ho also outlined that the Housing Bureau and the Hong Kong Housing Authority are engaged in continuously optimising the city’s housing ladder to encourage more young people and families to ascend it.

     

    She mentioned that in November the bureau will organise an international symposium in Hong Kong to showcase developments in construction technologies in Mainland China and Hong Kong to the world.

     

    Later on, Ms Ho visited a social housing project, Modulus Matrix: 85 Social Housing, where timber frames were used to reduce carbon emissions and a modular design was adopted to shorten construction time.

     

    Ms Ho then toured another social housing project, APROP-Glòries, in which converted containers are used to provide temporary accommodation to people in need.

     

    Ms Ho highlighted that governments of both Hong Kong and Barcelona are dedicated to increasing their housing supply through swift and pragmatic measures, and to providing accommodation to families with urgent housing needs.

     

    She added that she hoped the two places will continue to share experiences on relevant initiatives.

     

    Ms Ho then paid a courtesy call on Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Barcelona Meng Yuhong, and briefed her on the various housing initiatives being implemented by the bureau.

     

    These include leveraging the strengths of the Mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area to promote the development of housing construction technologies.

     

    Today, the housing chief visited another social housing project, 72 Social Housing Units, to learn about its design characteristics and energy-efficient living environment.

     

    In concluding her trip, Ms Ho observed that Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantage of having the strong support of the motherland while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world, as well as the strategic geographical benefit of being connected to the bay area.

     

    She added that the visit had demonstrated how Hong Kong is giving full play to its roles as a super connector and super value-adder.

     

    “I look forward to maintaining close exchanges with Portugal and Spain in areas including innovative construction technologies, people-oriented ‘Well-being design’ concepts and sustainable smart city development, and exploring further collaboration to create more opportunities for the industries and enterprises of the three places.”

     

    Ms Ho will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Direct flight connects China’s Urumqi with Kazakhstan’s Shymkent

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    URUMQI, July 5 (Xinhua) — A direct flight service was launched Saturday between Urumqi, capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Shymkent in Kazakhstan.

    The first flight, which was operated by Kazakhstan’s Scat Airlines, departed on the same day from Urumqi’s Tianshan International Airport. Flights on the new route are operated twice a week – on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

    Upon arrival from Urumqi to Shymkent, one of the transport hubs in the southern part of Kazakhstan, passengers can travel to Cairo, Istanbul, Moscow and others on the planes of the above-mentioned air carrier.

    According to the Tianshan Airport Administration, the opening of this air route will further promote exchanges between the two regions in trade, economy, tourism and culture. Meanwhile, the transfer service in Shymkent will make travel from Xinjiang to the Middle East and Europe more convenient, promoting the development of people-to-people exchanges and trade ties.

    In the first half of this year, 27 civil aviation airports in Xinjiang served 579 routes, including 26 passenger routes to Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas, including 21 cities in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, West Asia and Southeast Asia. Currently, air traffic connects Urumqi with 10 cities in five Central Asian countries. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Green Transformation Highlighted at Global Forum on Ecological Civilization in Guiyang

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    GUIYANG, July 5 (Xinhua) — The Eco Forum Global Guiyang, China’s only national-level global forum on ecological civilization, kicked off Saturday in Guiyang, southwest China’s Guizhou Province.

    This year’s event, entitled “Harmonious Coexistence of Humans and Nature – Global Co-development for Green Transformation,” attracted some 800 participants. The two-day forum will feature 20 thematic sub-forums on sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and environmental governance.

    The event will showcase and disseminate the latest environmentally friendly technologies and products in areas such as new energy and solid waste recycling.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Speaker of the Solomon Islands National Parliament Morris Toiraena praised the forum’s role in promoting international environmental cooperation.

    “The forum’s unwavering commitment to ecological civilization, aligned with China’s visionary concepts, policies and actions, serves as an inspiring example for all of us,” he said.

    Since its establishment in 2009, the forum has been successfully held 12 times. It currently serves as both a key platform for showcasing China’s progress in ecological civilization and a cultural bridge for promoting international exchanges and cooperation. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Ministry of Commerce: China accepts price commitments from 34 EU companies following anti-dumping investigation into imported brandy

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, July 5 (Xinhua) — China’s Ministry of Commerce on Saturday said it has accepted price commitments provided by 34 European Union (EU) brandy producers as part of a final ruling on an anti-dumping probe into EU brandy imports.

    The companies will not be subject to anti-dumping duties on exports to China if they comply with the agreed conditions, the agency said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Audience with teachers of Catholic schools in Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland, and with young people from the diocese of Copenhagen

    Source: The Holy See

    Audience with teachers of Catholic schools in Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland, and with young people from the diocese of Copenhagen, 05.07.2025
    This morning, in the Clementine Hall of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience teachers of Catholic schools in Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland, and with young people from the diocese of Copenhagen.
    The following is the Pope’s greeting to those present during the course of the meeting:

    Greeting of the Holy Father
    In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
    Peace be with you!
    Good morning and welcome to the Vatican.
    Your Excellencies,Dear priests and young friends,
    I am pleased to greet all of you on the occasion of your pilgrimage to Rome during this Jubilee Year, which as you know is focused on the theological virtue of hope.  In particular, I welcome the young people from the Diocese of Copenhagen, which is this group, together with the teachers from Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland.
    You are following in the footsteps of countless pilgrims from your various countries, who for centuries have been making this same pilgrimage to Rome, to the “Eternal City”.  Indeed, Rome has always been a special home for Christians, since it is the place where the Apostles Peter and Paul gave the supreme witness to their love for Jesus by offering their lives as martyrs.  As the Successor of Peter, I wish to express my gratitude for your presence here, and I pray that by visiting the various holy sites you may draw inspiration and hope from the profound example of how the saints and martyrs imitated Christ.
    A pilgrimage has a vital part to play in our life of faith, for it removes us from our homes and our daily routines, and gives us time and space to encounter God more deeply.  Such moments always help us to grow, for through them the Holy Spirit gently fashions us to be ever more closely conformed to the mind and the heart of Jesus Christ.
    In a particular way, dear brothers and sisters, young people gathered with us this morning, remember that God has created each one of you with a purpose and a mission in this life.  Use this opportunity for listening, for prayer, so that you may hear more clearly God’s voice calling you deep within your hearts. I would add that today, so often, we lose the ability to listen, to really listen. We listen to music, we have our ears flooded constantly with all kinds of digital input, but sometimes we forget to listen to our own hearts and it’s in our hearts that God speaks to us, that God calls us and invites us to know him better and to live in his love. And through that listening you might be open to allowing God’s grace to strengthen your faith in Jesus (cf. Col 2:7), so that you might more readily share that gift with others.
    And addressing you, dear teachers: what I have just said to the young people applies equally to you, especially given your important role in the formation of today’s youth: children, teenagers, young adults. For they will look up to you as models: models in life, models of faith. They’ll look to you particularly as to how you teach and how you live.  I hope that, each day, you will nurture your relationship with Christ, who gives us the pattern of all authentic teaching (cf Mt 7:28), so that, in turn, you may guide and encourage those entrusted to your care to follow Christ in their own lives.
    And finally, when all of you return home, please remember that a pilgrimage does not end, it shifts its focus to the daily “pilgrimage of discipleship”. We are all pilgrims and we are always pilgrims, walking as we seek to follow the Lord, and as we seek the path that is truly ours in life. That’s certainly not easy, but with the help of the Lord, the intercession of the saints, and by encouraging one another, you can be certain that, as long as you remain faithful, trusting always in God’s mercy, the experience of this pilgrimage will continue to bear fruit throughout your lives (cf. Jn 15:16).
    Dear friends, with these few words, and entrusting you to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, I gladly impart to each of you my heartfelt blessing.
    God bless you and thank you.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Rio de Janeiro gears up for BRICS Summit

    Source: Government of South Africa

    By Gabi Khumalo

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – All eyes are on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as the city prepares to welcome Heads of State and delegations from across the world for the 17th BRICS Summit.

    The Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) nations will converge in the metro for high-level engagements at the Summit taking place on 6 and 7 July 2025.

    Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has since expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. The new members were invited to join during the Johannesburg BRICS Summit, held in South Africa, in August 2023.

    BRICS brings together major emerging economies, collectively representing around 49.5% of the global population, around 40% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and around 26% of global trade.

    In preparing for the upcoming event, Rio has heightened security measures. On Friday afternoon, military personnel were deployed at strategic venues and sites, including hotels and museums.

    Trucks delivering furniture and vehicles transporting international delegates were also seen entering and exiting the summit venue.

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to arrive in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to participate virtually.

    Representing the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, will lead the UAE delegation on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

    Brazil assumed the BRICS Chairship on 1 January 2025 with the theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for more Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”.

    Brazil’s Presidency will focus on two priorities, including Global South Cooperation and the BRICS Partnerships for Social, and Economic and Environmental Development.

    The flagship priorities of the Brazilian Chairship include global health cooperation; trade, investment, and finance; climate change; Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance; promoting global reform of the multilateral peace system and security architecture; and institutional development.

    The key objectives of BRICS include strengthening economic, political, and social cooperation among its members, as well as increasing the influence of Global South countries in international governance.

    Among its ambitions are reforms to global institutions such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with a focus on improving legitimacy, equity, and operational efficiency.

    The group also seeks to improve the legitimacy, equity in participation, and efficiency of global institutions, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –