Category: Europe

MIL-OSI United Nations: IAEA and Romania to Launch Global Nuclear Emergency Response Exercise
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Fire trucks and an emergency response helicopter are positioned to provide support during a national nuclear emergency exercise in Romania in October 2023. (Photo: C. Torres Vidal/IAEA)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Romania will launch tomorrow, 24 June, the world’s largest and most complex international nuclear emergency exercise, simulating a severe accident at Romania’s Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant.

Such exercises are held every three to five years and are based on simulated events hosted by IAEA Member States.

Over two days, more than 75 countries and 10 international organizations will take part in the ConvEx-3 (2025)—a full-scale exercise designed to test global readiness for a nuclear or radiological emergency with cross-border consequences. Participation will occur both on-site in Romania and remotely from other countries.

As nuclear use expands globally, its success hinges on strong safety standards and constant vigilance, said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “This exercise is a clear demonstration of the international community’s commitment to protect people and the environment by working together, across borders and systems, when every minute counts.”

“Hosting ConvEx-3 is both a responsibility and an opportunity for Romania,” said Cantemir Ciurea-Ercău, President, National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control (CNCAN). “Two decades after we hosted the first ConvEx-3, we are proud to again contribute to strengthening global nuclear emergency preparedness. In today’s interconnected world, effective preparedness must transcend borders—this exercise reflects our shared commitment to safety, cooperation and transparency.”

Romania, bordering five countries, last hosted such an exercise in 2005. Cernavodă is the country’s only nuclear power plant, situated roughly 160 kilometres east of Bucharest, close to the Black Sea. During the 36-hour exercise, participants will simulate real-time decisions, emergency communications and international coordination under the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident (Early Notification Convention) and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency (Assistance Convention). These will include protective actions such as simulated evacuation and iodine distribution, public outreach and communication, medical response coordination, and the management of food and trade restrictions based on radiological assessments.

The IAEA will activate its Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC) and test critical tools like the Unified System for Information Exchange (USIE), a secure platform for designated contact points from IAEA Member States, and the International Radiation Monitoring System (IRMIS) platform. Member States will also activate their national emergency centres, request or offer assistance, share monitoring data, and coordinate cross-border protective actions and messaging to their populations.

The ConvEx-3 (2025) was developed by SNN Nuclearelectrica and CNCAN, with international coordination by the Inter-Agency Committee on Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies (IACRNE), which includes the World Health Organization, World Meteorological Organization, European Commission, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, INTERPOL and others.

About Convention Exercises

Convention Exercises, or ConvEx, are held to test the operational arrangements of the Early Notification Convention and the Assistance Convention. The goal is to evaluate and further improve the international framework for emergency preparedness and response. ConvEx are prepared at three levels of complexity:
- ConvEx-1 is designed to test emergency communication links with contact points in Member States that need to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and to test the response times of these contact points.
- ConvEx-2 is designed to test specific parts of the international framework for emergency preparedness and response, for example to rehearse the appropriate use of communication procedures; to practice procedures for international assistance; and to test the arrangements and tools used for assessment and prognosis in a nuclear or radiological emergency.
- ConvEx-3 is a full-scale exercise designed to evaluate international emergency response arrangements and capabilities for a severe nuclear or radiological emergency over several days, regardless of its cause.
Photos from the ConvEx-3 will be made available here.
MIL OSI United Nations News –
June 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: The Government of Barbados Announces the Final Results of its Offer to Purchase for Cash its 6.500% Notes due 2029

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Government of Barbados (the “Offeror”) announces today the final results of its offer (the “Offer”) to holders (the “Noteholders”) of any and all of its outstanding 6.500% Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”) to purchase any and all of such Notes for cash on the terms and subject to the satisfaction of the New Financing Condition (as defined below) and the other conditions set forth in the tender offer memorandum dated 13 June 2025 (the “Tender Offer Memorandum”).

The Offer was made upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Capitalised terms used in this announcement but not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Tender Offer Memorandum.

Final Results

The table below sets forth information with respect to the Notes that were validly tendered at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time on 20 June 2025 (the “Expiration Deadline”), acceptance of which by the Offeror remains subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the New Financing Condition on or prior to the Settlement Date and the other terms and conditions described in the Tender Offer Memorandum. The Offer expired at the Expiration Deadline, and no further Notes may be tendered for purchase pursuant to the Offer.

Description of the Notes

Outstanding Principal Amount of the Notes shown in the records of The Depository Trust Company and subject to the Offer

ISINs/CUSIP No.

Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes shown in the records of The Depository Trust Company that were Validly Tendered

Purchase Price⁽³⁾

6.500% Notes due 2029

U.S.$452,936,300⁽¹⁾

Rule 144A Notes: US067070AH54 / 067070 AH5

Regulation S Notes: USP48864AQ80 / P48864 AQ8

U.S.$378,263,800⁽²⁾

U.S.$1,000

⁽¹⁾	A 10% amortization payment was made on the Notes on 1 April 2025, meaning that the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Notes following such amortization payment is U.S.$407,642,670.

⁽²⁾	The aggregate principal amount of the Notes validly tendered at their amortized value is U.S.$340,437,420.

⁽³⁾	Offered as Purchase Price per each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Expiration Deadline (as defined below) and accepted for purchase. Equates to U.S.$900 at the amortised value of the Notes. The Purchase Price does not include Accrued Interest (as defined below). On 26 June 2025 (subject to the right of the Offeror, at its sole discretion, to extend, re-open, amend and/or terminate the Offer) (the “Settlement Date”), Noteholders will also receive Accrued Interest on all Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase.

Tender Offer Consideration

The Offeror will, on the Settlement Date (subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the New Financing Condition on or prior to the Settlement Date and the other terms and conditions described in the Tender Offer Memorandum), pay for the Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or before the Expiration Deadline pursuant to the Offer and accepted by it for purchase pursuant to the Offer a cash amount (rounded to the nearest U.S.$0.01) equal to the sum of (i) the Purchase Price for such Notes, as set forth in the table above; and (ii) interest accrued and unpaid on the Notes from (and including) the interest payment date for such Notes immediately preceding the Settlement Date to (but excluding) the Settlement Date in respect of such Notes (the “Accrued Interest” and the payment thereof, the “Accrued Interest Payment”) (the “Tender Offer Consideration”).

Payment of Tender Offer Consideration

Payment of the Tender Offer Consideration for the Notes accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer is expected to be made on the Settlement Date, as described in the Tender Offer Memorandum (subject to satisfaction or waiver of the New Financing Condition on or prior to the Settlement Date and the other terms and conditions described in the Tender Offer Memorandum and subject to change without notice).

Conditions to the Offer

The Offeror is not under any obligation to accept any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offer. Tenders of Notes for purchase may be rejected in the sole discretion of the Offeror for any reason and the Offeror is not under any obligation to Noteholders to furnish any reason or justification for refusing to accept a tender of Notes for purchase. For example, tenders of Notes for purchase may be rejected if the Offer is terminated, if the New Financing Condition is not satisfied or if the Offer does not comply with the relevant requirements of a particular jurisdiction or for any other reason. Subject to the New Financing Condition being satisfied or waived, no assurance can be given that any Offer will be completed. In addition, the Offeror may, in its sole and absolute discretion, waive any of the conditions to the Offer after this announcement.

New Financing Condition

Whether the Offeror will accept for purchase any Notes validly tendered in the Offer is subject to (unless such condition is waived by the Offeror in its sole and absolute discretion), among other things, the prior closing of the issuance by the Offeror of one or more series of debt securities (the “New Notes”) in the international capital markets (the “New Notes Offering”) in an aggregate principal amount, and at a price and on terms and conditions acceptable to the Offeror in its sole and absolute discretion, a portion of the net proceeds of which will be used by the Offeror to purchase any Notes tendered and accepted pursuant to the Offer (the “New Financing Condition”).

The New Notes Offering is being made solely by means of an offering memorandum relating to the New Notes Offering (the “New Notes Offering Memorandum”), and this announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes. You may not participate in the New Notes Offering unless you have received and reviewed the New Notes Offering Memorandum, and not in reliance on, or on the basis of, this announcement or the Tender Offer Memorandum. The New Notes will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers in the United States in reliance on Rule 144A and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act, and will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction.

Even if the New Financing Condition is satisfied, the Offeror is not under any obligation to accept for purchase any Notes tendered pursuant to the Offer.

Each of the foregoing conditions is for the sole benefit of the Offeror and may only be waived by the Offeror, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, in its discretion. Any determination by the Offeror concerning the conditions set forth above (including whether or not any such condition has been satisfied or waived) will be final and binding upon the Noteholders, the Information and Tender Agent and all other persons.

Notes that are not tendered or accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer will remain outstanding.

Announcements

The Offeror will announce, promptly after the New Financing Condition has been met or waived, (i) the aggregate principal amount of Notes validly tendered that will be accepted for purchase, and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Notes remaining outstanding following the completion of the Offer.

Unless stated otherwise, announcements in connection with the Offer will be by the issue of a press release through the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and by the delivery of notices to the relevant Clearing Systems for communication to Direct Participants. Such announcements may also be made by the issue of a press release to a Notifying News Service. Copies of all such announcements, press releases and notices and will be available on the Offer Website or alternatively they can also be obtained upon request from the Information and Tender Agent, the contact details for which are below. Significant delays may be experienced where notices are delivered to the Clearing Systems and Noteholders are urged to contact the Information and Tender Agent for the relevant announcements. In addition, Noteholders may contact the Dealer Managers for information using the contact details below.

Disclaimer

This announcement does not contain the full terms and conditions of the Offer. The terms and conditions of the Offer are contained in the Tender Offer Memorandum, and are subject to the Offer and distribution restrictions set out below and more fully described therein.

Further information

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Standard Chartered Bank have been appointed by the Offeror to serve as dealer managers (the “Dealer Managers”) for the Offer. D.F. King (the “Information and Tender Agent”) has been appointed by the Offeror to act as the information and tender agent in connection with the Offer.

For additional information regarding the terms of the Offer, please contact J.P. Morgan Securities LLC by telephone at (866) 846-2874; Collect: (212) 834-7279 and Standard Chartered Bank by telephone at (212) 667-0351 (U.S.) or +44 20 7885 5739 (U.K.) and by email at liability_management@sc.com.

Requests for documents and questions regarding the tender of Notes may be directed to the Information and Tender Agent D.F. King & Co., Inc. via:

Banks & Brokers Call: (212) 269-5550

Toll free: (866) 342-4881

Email: barbados@dfking.com

No Recommendation

The relevant Purchase Price, if paid by the Offeror with respect to the Notes accepted for purchase, will not necessarily reflect the actual value of such Notes. Noteholders should independently analyse the value of the Notes and make an independent assessment of the terms of the Offer. None of the Offeror, the Dealer Managers or the Information and Tender Agent has or will express any opinion as to whether the terms of the Offer are fair. None of the Offeror, the Dealer Managers or the Information and Tender Agent makes any recommendation that Noteholders should submit an offer to sell or tender Notes or refrain from doing so pursuant to the Offer, and no one has been authorised by any of them to make any such recommendation.

Offer and Distribution Restrictions

Neither this announcement nor the Tender Offer Memorandum constitutes an offer to participate in the Offer in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such offer or for there to be such participation under applicable securities laws. The distribution of the Tender Offer Memorandum in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession the Tender Offer Memorandum comes are required by the Offeror, the Dealer Managers and the Information and Tender Agent to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions

Nothing in this announcement or the Tender Offer Memorandum or the electronic transmission thereof constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes in the United States or any other jurisdiction.

In addition, each Noteholder participating in an Offer will also be deemed to give certain representations in respect of the other jurisdictions referred to above and generally as set out in “Procedures for Participating in the Offer” of the Tender Offer Memorandum. Any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to an Offer from a Noteholder that is unable to make these representations will not be accepted. Each of the Offeror, the Dealer Managers and the Information and Tender Agent reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to investigate, in relation to any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to an Offer, whether any such representation given by a Noteholder is correct and, if such investigation is undertaken and as a result the Offeror determines (for any reason) that such representation is not correct, such tender shall not be accepted. The acceptance of any tender shall not be deemed to be a representation or a warranty by any of the Offeror, the Dealer Manager or the Information and Tender Agent or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents or affiliates that it has undertaken any such investigation and/or that any such representation to any person underwriting any such Notes is correct.

United Kingdom

The communication of this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offer are not being made, and such documents and/or materials have not been approved, by an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the “FSMA”). Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials is exempt from the restriction on financial promotions under section 21 of the FSMA on the basis that it is only directed at and may be communicated to (1) those persons who are existing creditors of the Offeror within Article 43(2) of the FSMA (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended, and (2) to any other persons to whom these documents and/or materials may lawfully be communicated.

Belgium

None of this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum or any other documents or materials relating to the Offer have been, or will be, submitted to or notified to, or approved by, the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autorité des services et marchés financiers/Autoriteit voor Financiële Diensten en Markten) and, accordingly, the Offer may not be made in Belgium by way of a public offering, as defined in Article 3 of the Belgian Law of 1 April 2007 on takeover bids (loi relative aux offres publiques d’acquisition/wet op de openbare overnamebiedingen), as amended or replaced from time to time.

Accordingly, the Offer may not be, and is not being advertised, and this announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum, as well as any brochure, or any other material or document relating thereto (including any memorandum, information circular, brochure or any similar document) may not, have not and will not be distributed, directly or indirectly, to any person located and/or resident within Belgium, other than those who qualify as qualified investors (investisseurs qualifiés/qekwalificeerde beleggers), within the meaning of Article 2, e), of the Prospectus Regulation acting on their own account. Accordingly, the information contained in the Tender Offer Memorandum or in any brochure or any other document or material relating thereto may not be used for any other purpose, including for any offering in Belgium, except as may otherwise be permitted by law, and shall not be disclosed or distributed to any other person in Belgium.

France

This announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offer are only addressed to and are only directed at qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation in France. Each person in France who receives any communication in respect of the Offer contemplated in this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offer will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with the Dealer Managers and the Offeror that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation.

European Economic Area

In any European Economic Area (“EEA”) Member State, this announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum are only addressed to, and are only directed at, “qualified investors” (as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017, as amended (the “Prospectus Regulation”)) in that Member State.

Each person in a Member State of the EEA who receives any communication in respect of the Offer contemplated in this announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with each Dealer Manager and the Offeror that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation.

The MIL Network –

June 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Global: Iran is considering closing the strait of Hormuz – why this would be a major escalation

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Basil Germond, Professor of International Security, Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion, Lancaster University

Faced with the prospect of continuing Israeli airstrikes and further American involvement, Iran’s parliament has reportedly approved plans to close the strait of Hormuz.

This is potentially a very dangerous moment. The strait of Hormuz is an important shipping lane through which 20% of the world’s oil transits – about 20 million barrels each day.

The waterway connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Iran can either disrupt maritime traffic or attempt to “close” the strait altogether. These are distinctly different approaches with different risks and outcomes.

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The first option is to try and disrupt maritime traffic like Yemen’s Houthi rebels have been doing in the Red Sea since winter 2024. This can be done by attacking passing ships with rockets and drones.

There are already reports that Iran has started to jam GPS signals in the strait, which has the potential to severely interfere with passing ships, according to US-based maritime analyst Windward.

Disruption of this kind is likely to deter shipping companies from using this route for fear of casualties and loss of cargo. Shipping companies that want to avoid the Red Sea can always use alternative shipping lanes, such as the Cape of Good Hope route. As inconvenient as that is, there is no such option in the case of the Gulf.

As we’ve seen with Houthis’ attacks, such disruptions have impacts on oil price, but also ripple effects on stock markets and inflation. Although the US and its western allies can absorb these economic effects – certainly for a while – disrupting the strait would still demonstrate that Tehran has some leverage.

The credibility factor

The second option – “closing” the strait would involve interdicting all maritime traffic. This is akin to a blockade. And for it to work, as we have seen in the Black Sea with Russia’s failed attempt at blockading Ukraine, a blockade must be credible enough to deter all traffic.

Iran has a number of ways to block the strait. It could deploy mines in the waters around the choke point and sink vessels to create obstacles. Iran would also likely use its navy, including submarines, to engage those attempting to break the blockade; use electronic and cyber attacks to disrupt navigation; and threaten civilian traffic and regional ports and oil infrastructure with drones and rockets.

It’s worth noting that Iran still has plenty of short-range rockets. Israel claims to have destroyed much of its longer range ballistic-missile capability, but it is understood that the country still has a stockpile of short-range missiles that could be effective in targeting ships and infrastructure in the Gulf as well as US bases in the region.

Recent events have shown up Iran as a bit of a paper tiger. It has made bold claims about its plan to retaliate and the military strength it has to do so. Yet with almost no air power capabilities (apart from drones and missiles) and limited naval power – and with its proxies either defeated or on the back foot – Iran is no longer in a position to project power in the region.

Iran’s response to the current Israeli attacks have not managed to inflict any major damage or achieve any strategic or political objectives. It’s hard to see a change on the battlefield as things stand.

Vital waterway: 20% of the world’s oil transts through the Strait of Hormuz.
w:en:Kleptosquirrel/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

For this reason, Tehran’s best option is to target the strait of Hormuz, which has the potential to cause a significant spike in oil prices, leading to a major disruption of the global economy.

Short of being able to rival the US or Israel on the battlefield, Iran might decide to use asymmetrical means of disruption (in particular missile and drone attacks on civilian shipping) to affect the global economy. Closing or disrupting the strait would be an effective way of doing that.

A blockade, even a partial one, would offer Tehran some options on the diplomatic scene. For instance, it has been reported that the US asked China to convince Iran not to close the strait. This demonstrates that Tehran can use the threat of a blockade to its advantage on the diplomatic front. But for this to work, the blockade needs to be effective and thus sustained.

What would be the effect of a blocking the Strait?

Disrupting traffic in the strait could drag Gulf states – Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar – into the conflict, since their interests will be directly affected. It’s important to consider how they might respond and whether this will drive them closer to the US – and even Israel, as was already happening with the Abraham Accords and the tentative, but shaky, rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Read more:
US joins Israel in attack on Iran and ushers in a new era of impunity

These are all things Iran would have factored into its calculations a year ago when Israel was targeting its proxies, including Hezollah, Hamas and the various Shia militias it funds in Iraq and elsewhere. But now, given that it has suffered an enormous military setback, which has hurt the regime’s prestige and credibility – including, importantly, at home – Tehran is more likely to downplay these risks. I would expect it to proceed with its blockade plans.

Even if China voices concerns, like it did regarding the Houthis’ attacks, this is unlikely to change the decision. The regime is cornered. If the leaders believe they could be toppled, they are likely to consider the risks worth taking, particularly if they feel it could give them diplomatic leverage.

The US has enough naval and air power to disrupt such a blockade. It can preemptively destroy Iran’s mine-laying forces. It can also target missile launch sites inland and respond to threats as and when they arise.

This is likely to prevent Iran from completely closing the strait. But it won’t prevent the Islamic republic from disrupting maritime trade enough to have serious effects on the world economy. This might well be one of the last cards the regime has to play, both on the battlefield and in the diplomatic arena.

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

– ref. Iran is considering closing the strait of Hormuz – why this would be a major escalation – https://theconversation.com/iran-is-considering-closing-the-strait-of-hormuz-why-this-would-be-a-major-escalation-259562

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Armed Forces Day flag raised to mark Armed Forces Week

Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

Lord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray, NI Veterans Commissioner Mr David Johnstone, NI District RBL Chairman Mr Colin Ward and NI District RBL Women’s section Chairman Mrs Janet Ochiltree at the raising of the Armed Forces Day Flag on Monday 23 June at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre.

This morning (Monday 23 June), a large delegation, led by Lord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray, gathered at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre for a ceremony to raise the Armed Forces Day flag at the start of Armed Forces Week.

He was joined by NI Veterans Commissioner, Mr David Johnstone, representatives from the Royal British Legions across the borough, the Royal Irish Fusiliers, NI RBL Motorcycle Branch and Regenerate Veterans Group as well as Alderman Paul Greenfield, Alderman Margaret Tinsley, Councillor Kyle Moutray, Councillor Kyle Savage, Councillor Lavelle McIlwrath, Councillor Kate Evans, Councillor Julie Flaherty, Councillor Tim McClelland and Councillor Peter Haire.

During Armed Forces Week, the Armed Forces Day flag is raised on buildings and landmarks around the UK. It culminates with Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June.

For further information on Armed Forces Day click here.

Previous articleLurgan entrepreneur’s skincare brand thrives with help from Go Succeed programme

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Unaudited Annual Accounts 2024-25 now available for public inspection

Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

The North East Scotland Pension Fund’s unaudited Annual Accounts for the financial year 2024/25 are now available for inspection until 14 July 2025.

The accounts provide information which can help the public assess how the Pension Fund has performed during the year and understand its position as at 31 March 2025.

A copy of the accounts is available in the Council and Democracy page of Aberdeen City Council’s website.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Ministry: China calls on international community to help de-escalate Israeli-Iranian conflict

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, June 23 (Xinhua) — China has called on the international community to step up efforts to help de-escalate the Israeli-Iranian conflict and prevent regional turmoil from further affecting global economic growth, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Monday.

The Chinese diplomat made this statement at a regular departmental press conference, commenting on the report that the Iranian parliament had come to the conclusion that it was necessary to close the Strait of Hormuz, but the final decision rests with the country’s Supreme National Security Council.

The Persian Gulf and its surrounding waters are an important route for international trade in goods and energy, Guo Jiakun stressed, adding that maintaining security and stability in the region is in the common interests of the international community. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China Coast Guard Fujian Province Conducts Regular Patrols in Waters Off Kinmen

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

FUZHOU, June 23 (Xinhua) — The China Coast Guard (CCG) in east China’s Fujian Province conducted regular patrols in waters off Kinmen for law enforcement purposes on Monday, the China Coast Guard’s regional bureau said.

Zhu Anqing, spokesman for the BOC’s East China Sea Bureau, said the Fujian agency had organized the formation of a fleet since early June to strengthen regular patrols and inspections in waters adjacent to Kinmen, including special law enforcement operations related to the summer fishing moratorium.

These measures have an effective impact on strengthening control in the relevant waters, protecting the legitimate rights and interests, as well as the safety of life and property of Chinese fishermen, including those from Taiwan. This effectively guarantees the normal order of navigation and fishing activities in the Xiamen-Jinmen waters, Zhu Anqing said. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: IAEA and Romania to Launch Global Nuclear Emergency Response Exercise
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

Fire trucks and an emergency response helicopter are positioned to provide support during a national nuclear emergency exercise in Romania in October 2023. (Photo: C. Torres Vidal/IAEA)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Romania will launch tomorrow, 24 June, the world’s largest and most complex international nuclear emergency exercise, simulating a severe accident at Romania’s Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant.

Such exercises are held every three to five years and are based on simulated events hosted by IAEA Member States.

Over two days, more than 75 countries and 10 international organizations will take part in the ConvEx-3 (2025)—a full-scale exercise designed to test global readiness for a nuclear or radiological emergency with cross-border consequences. Participation will occur both on-site in Romania and remotely from other countries.

As nuclear use expands globally, its success hinges on strong safety standards and constant vigilance, said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “This exercise is a clear demonstration of the international community’s commitment to protect people and the environment by working together, across borders and systems, when every minute counts.”

“Hosting ConvEx-3 is both a responsibility and an opportunity for Romania,” said Cantemir Ciurea-Ercău, President, National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control (CNCAN). “Two decades after we hosted the first ConvEx-3, we are proud to again contribute to strengthening global nuclear emergency preparedness. In today’s interconnected world, effective preparedness must transcend borders—this exercise reflects our shared commitment to safety, cooperation and transparency.”

Romania, bordering five countries, last hosted such an exercise in 2005. Cernavodă is the country’s only nuclear power plant, situated roughly 160 kilometres east of Bucharest, close to the Black Sea. During the 36-hour exercise, participants will simulate real-time decisions, emergency communications and international coordination under the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident (Early Notification Convention) and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency (Assistance Convention). These will include protective actions such as simulated evacuation and iodine distribution, public outreach and communication, medical response coordination, and the management of food and trade restrictions based on radiological assessments.

The IAEA will activate its Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC) and test critical tools like the Unified System for Information Exchange (USIE), a secure platform for designated contact points from IAEA Member States, and the International Radiation Monitoring System (IRMIS) platform. Member States will also activate their national emergency centres, request or offer assistance, share monitoring data, and coordinate cross-border protective actions and messaging to their populations.

The ConvEx-3 (2025) was developed by SNN Nuclearelectrica and CNCAN, with international coordination by the Inter-Agency Committee on Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies (IACRNE), which includes the World Health Organization, World Meteorological Organization, European Commission, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, INTERPOL and others.

About Convention Exercises

Convention Exercises, or ConvEx, are held to test the operational arrangements of the Early Notification Convention and the Assistance Convention. The goal is to evaluate and further improve the international framework for emergency preparedness and response. ConvEx are prepared at three levels of complexity:
- ConvEx-1 is designed to test emergency communication links with contact points in Member States that need to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and to test the response times of these contact points.
- ConvEx-2 is designed to test specific parts of the international framework for emergency preparedness and response, for example to rehearse the appropriate use of communication procedures; to practice procedures for international assistance; and to test the arrangements and tools used for assessment and prognosis in a nuclear or radiological emergency.
- ConvEx-3 is a full-scale exercise designed to evaluate international emergency response arrangements and capabilities for a severe nuclear or radiological emergency over several days, regardless of its cause.
Photos from the ConvEx-3 will be made available here.
MIL Security OSI –
June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Seven Georgians Indicted for Operating Online Fentanyl, Meth Marketplace

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Defendants Allegedly Distributed Illegal Drugs on Dark Web’s “WallStreetBets” Vendor Account

ATHENS, Ga. – Seven Georgia residents are charged by federal indictment with allegedly conspiring to ship thousands of parcels containing fentanyl and methamphetamine across the United States and in the Middle District of Georgia utilizing the dark web vendor account “WallStreetBets.” The final defendants were arraigned in federal court this week following arrests and seizures resulting from the ongoing investigation.

The following defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and face a maximum of life in prison: Steven Ehizojie Oboite, 32, of Conyers, Georgia; Eric Xavier Bechet, 31, of Dunwoody, Georgia; Jabari Ayinde Cooper, 29, of Atlanta, Georgia; Rashad Cortese Kinloch, 28, of Dunwoody; Myron Ned Stodghill, 31, of Fairburn, Georgia; Reginald Tyrone Douglas, 31, of Dunwoody; and Joshua Jamal Charles, 25, of Atlanta.

Stodghill and Cooper were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Weigle on June 18; the remaining defendants had arraignment hearings between May 22 and June 12. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on May 14 and was unsealed on May 19. All defendants were remanded to federal custody except Cooper and Kinloch, who were released on bond.

Search warrants were executed on May 19 at locations in the metro Atlanta area, with federal agents seizing the following: approximately five kilograms of fentanyl-based powder; approximately one kilogram of cocaine; a pill press with multiple die casts and molds; six firearms; several pounds of marijuana; approximately 200 pills; two cold cryptocurrency wallets; a Jeep Wrangler; and a Tesla Model S.

The indictment alleges that a dark web vendor controlled by Oboite and Bechet called WallStreetBets—first operating on the White House Market on the dark web as WallStreetBets and later operating on the Darkode Market on the dark web as WallStreetBet—began distributing large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other controlled substances sometime before March 2021 by shipping parcels of the illegal drugs from Georgia to many other locations within the United States, including in the Middle District of Georgia. The “Previous Vendor Feedback” section on the Darkode Market reported 2,777 previous sales with a 95% vendor rating for WallStreetBets/WallStreetBet.

The WallStreetBets packages shared common characteristics like padded or bubble-wrap lined mailing envelopes of varying colors; prepaid shipping labels generated by a third-party postage provider that accepts cryptocurrency as a form of payment; the sender’s name was a business name that did not exist; the return address was the address of seemingly random single-family residences or apartment complexes in Georgia; and the packages typically contained pieces of candy in addition to the controlled substances. The WallStreetBets/WallStreetBet vendor page offered pills for sale that were purported to be oxycodone, Adderall and Percocet, in addition to crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl-based powders.

The indictment alleges that Oboite and Bechet controlled the WallStreetBets/WallStreetBet vendor accounts across several dark web markets, including Darkode, Bohemia and Dark Matter. It is alleged that Oboite and Bechet obtained illegal drugs on behalf of WallStreetBets from several sources, including Stodghill. Oboite and Bechet directed co-conspirators Cooper, Kinloch, Douglas and Charles to package the orders, print shipping labels and ship the parcels via the United States Postal Service to customer addresses throughout the United States, including addresses in the Middle District of Georgia. The indictment alleges that the seven co-conspirators shipped thousands of packages containing illegal drugs.

If anyone has information about this case, including potential overdoses related to purchases made from WallStreetBets, they are urged to contact the FBI Atlanta Field Office at 770-216-3000.

The FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) are investigating the case, with assistance from the IRS, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Athens-Clarke County Police. This case is being investigated as part of an FBI-led interagency Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (J-CODE) operation. J-CODE brings together experts from the DEA, the Postal Inspection Service, the Homeland Security Investigations, as well as the Department of Defense and the Customs and Border Protection, along with the FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach is prosecuting the case for the Government.

An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.

MIL Security OSI –

June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Seven Georgians Indicted for Operating Online Fentanyl, Meth Marketplace

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Defendants Allegedly Distributed Illegal Drugs on Dark Web’s “WallStreetBets” Vendor Account

ATHENS, Ga. – Seven Georgia residents are charged by federal indictment with allegedly conspiring to ship thousands of parcels containing fentanyl and methamphetamine across the United States and in the Middle District of Georgia utilizing the dark web vendor account “WallStreetBets.” The final defendants were arraigned in federal court this week following arrests and seizures resulting from the ongoing investigation.

The following defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and face a maximum of life in prison: Steven Ehizojie Oboite, 32, of Conyers, Georgia; Eric Xavier Bechet, 31, of Dunwoody, Georgia; Jabari Ayinde Cooper, 29, of Atlanta, Georgia; Rashad Cortese Kinloch, 28, of Dunwoody; Myron Ned Stodghill, 31, of Fairburn, Georgia; Reginald Tyrone Douglas, 31, of Dunwoody; and Joshua Jamal Charles, 25, of Atlanta.

Stodghill and Cooper were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Weigle on June 18; the remaining defendants had arraignment hearings between May 22 and June 12. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on May 14 and was unsealed on May 19. All defendants were remanded to federal custody except Cooper and Kinloch, who were released on bond.

Search warrants were executed on May 19 at locations in the metro Atlanta area, with federal agents seizing the following: approximately five kilograms of fentanyl-based powder; approximately one kilogram of cocaine; a pill press with multiple die casts and molds; six firearms; several pounds of marijuana; approximately 200 pills; two cold cryptocurrency wallets; a Jeep Wrangler; and a Tesla Model S.

The indictment alleges that a dark web vendor controlled by Oboite and Bechet called WallStreetBets—first operating on the White House Market on the dark web as WallStreetBets and later operating on the Darkode Market on the dark web as WallStreetBet—began distributing large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other controlled substances sometime before March 2021 by shipping parcels of the illegal drugs from Georgia to many other locations within the United States, including in the Middle District of Georgia. The “Previous Vendor Feedback” section on the Darkode Market reported 2,777 previous sales with a 95% vendor rating for WallStreetBets/WallStreetBet.

The WallStreetBets packages shared common characteristics like padded or bubble-wrap lined mailing envelopes of varying colors; prepaid shipping labels generated by a third-party postage provider that accepts cryptocurrency as a form of payment; the sender’s name was a business name that did not exist; the return address was the address of seemingly random single-family residences or apartment complexes in Georgia; and the packages typically contained pieces of candy in addition to the controlled substances. The WallStreetBets/WallStreetBet vendor page offered pills for sale that were purported to be oxycodone, Adderall and Percocet, in addition to crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl-based powders.

The indictment alleges that Oboite and Bechet controlled the WallStreetBets/WallStreetBet vendor accounts across several dark web markets, including Darkode, Bohemia and Dark Matter. It is alleged that Oboite and Bechet obtained illegal drugs on behalf of WallStreetBets from several sources, including Stodghill. Oboite and Bechet directed co-conspirators Cooper, Kinloch, Douglas and Charles to package the orders, print shipping labels and ship the parcels via the United States Postal Service to customer addresses throughout the United States, including addresses in the Middle District of Georgia. The indictment alleges that the seven co-conspirators shipped thousands of packages containing illegal drugs.

If anyone has information about this case, including potential overdoses related to purchases made from WallStreetBets, they are urged to contact the FBI Atlanta Field Office at 770-216-3000.

The FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) are investigating the case, with assistance from the IRS, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Athens-Clarke County Police. This case is being investigated as part of an FBI-led interagency Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (J-CODE) operation. J-CODE brings together experts from the DEA, the Postal Inspection Service, the Homeland Security Investigations, as well as the Department of Defense and the Customs and Border Protection, along with the FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach is prosecuting the case for the Government.

An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.

MIL Security OSI –

June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: How a volunteer group grew into a Ugandan tech leader

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Ten years ago, the ICT Association of Uganda (ICTAU) was a small, volunteer-run organization with limited capacity. It had one staff member, a working board, and little visibility among decision-makers. Uganda’s tech sector was expanding, but ICTAU lacked the structure and support needed to keep up.

With stronger governance and support from the NTF V FastTrackTech project in Uganda, ICTAU is now shaping policy, supporting start-ups, and building a more inclusive digital economy.

A decade ago, coordination among tech companies was weak. Many worked in isolation, unaware of the benefits of joining a larger network. Governance was also a challenge. Without a professional secretariat or strong leadership, the association could not consistently deliver value to its members.

Gideon Nkurunungi, who joined ICTAU in 2022 and became CEO the next year, says that early on, the association had little influence. ‘We didn’t have proper systems in place. Most members weren’t active. We weren’t running events or engaging in policy discussions. There was potential, but no structure to realise it.’

Strategic support sparks change

That started to change when ICTAU partnered with the International Trade Centre’s Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) FastTrackTech project.

One of the first areas of support was internal governance. The board expanded to include more diverse expertise, and the organization established a permanent secretariat. This included the creation of the CEO role, which brought in professional leadership for the first time.

NTF V FastTrackTech also helped ICTAU develop programmes focused on start-up support, export readiness, and certification. Members received training in agile and lean start-up methods, connected with international buyers, and exhibited at global events.

Inclusion was another key focus. NTF V FastTrackTech encouraged ICTAU to increase support for women-led and youth-led businesses. This led to the formation of a Women in Tech chapter and more women joining the board.

New spaces for dialogue and networking

The changes quickly produced results. ICTAU launched the National ICT Summit and the CIO breakfast series, both of which created new spaces for dialogue and networking. Members could now meet face to face, showcase products, and exchange ideas. These events also increased the association’s profile with government, donors, and international partners.

ICTAU also began engaging more actively in policy. It hosted roundtables, consulted on draft legislations, and crafted reports on sector trends and challenges. Members had new ways to make their voices heard.

Membership growth followed. The association has grown from around 100 members at the start of the NTF V partnership to over 300 today. These include students, startups, non-governmental organizations, professionals, and larger companies.

‘Members are more involved now. They attend events, ask questions, and share experiences. We’ve become a proper community, not just a database,’ says Nkurunungi.

’Having structure and a clear direction lets us serve more people and deliver better results,’ says Nkurunungi. ‘The work we’re doing now lays the foundation for the next ten years.’

Plans for mentorship

Uganda is one of East Africa’s fastest-growing economies, with a rising wave of fintech, foodtech, software and data startups. Start-ups play a key role in driving economic growth, creating high-value jobs and advancing national development.

Building on the FastTrackTech foundation, ICTAU is planning a series of new initiatives. A startup chapter is being developed to offer more targeted support to early-stage companies. A mentorship programme is also in the pipeline, linking local entrepreneurs with experienced mentors from other regions.

The association will continue its work on policy engagement and certification, aiming to keep members aligned with global standards. Regular events and published insights will remain key features of ICTAU’s work.

‘We’re not treating FastTrackTech as a one-off project,’ says Nkurunungi. ‘It has shaped the way we work, and we’re keeping that approach.’

About the project

The Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF) (July 2021 – June 2025) is based on a partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands and the International Trade Centre. The programme supports MSMEs in the digital technologies and agribusiness sectors. Its ambition is two-fold: to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable transformation of food systems, partially through digital solutions, and drive the internationalization of tech start-ups and export of IT&BPO companies in selected Sub-Saharan African countries.

– on behalf of International Trade Centre.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: New Study Shows the Coca-Cola System has an Economic Impact of $10.4 Billion Across its Value Chain in Africa, Supporting More Than 1 Million Jobs
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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- Across 54 African markets, The Coca-Cola Company and its authorized bottlers, collectively known as the Coca-Cola system, contributed $10.4 billion in economic activity across its value chain in 2024.
- The Coca-Cola system and its value chain supported more than 1 million jobs in retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and services in Africa.
- The Coca-Cola system purchased $4.3 billion from suppliers in Africa in 2024, representing 83% of the system’s total procurement on the continent.
The Coca-Cola Company (www.Coca-ColaCompany.com) today announced the results of a comprehensive, Africa-wide socio-economic impact study during the 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola.

The study shows that the Coca-Cola system, made up of The Coca-Cola Company and its authorized bottlers, working with a wide network of suppliers, manufacturers, service providers and customers, contributed $10.4 billion in value-added economic activity across its value chain in Africa in 2024.

The Coca-Cola system supported more than 1 million jobs across its value chain on the continent in sectors like retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and services. This included 36,800 direct Coca-Cola system jobs, plus 987,000 indirect jobs that are supported across the value chain, meaning the system collectively supported 27 additional jobs for every job it directly creates.

The study, conducted by global consultancy Steward Redqueen, shows that the system invested $4.3 billion in the African economy in 2024 through the purchase of goods and services from local suppliers, representing 83% of its total procurement.

“Our long-standing presence in Africa, working with locally owned bottlers and suppliers, allows us to drive more sustainable growth and contribute to the continent’s development,” said Luisa Ortega, president of the Africa operating unit of The Coca-Cola Company. “Our unique operating model allows us to make a lasting impact in local communities.”

The company’s portfolio in Africa includes a wide range of brands in several beverage categories. Ingredients and packaging used by the Coca-Cola system in Africa are mostly locally sourced, supplied, produced, manufactured and distributed.

“The Coca-Cola Company’s commitment to Africa remains steadfast,” Ortega said. “The Coca-Cola system has announced investments of nearly $1.2 billion on the continent over the next five years, and we are hopeful that stable and predictable policy environments will enable more investments in the months and years ahead. Additionally, the Coca-Cola system will invest nearly $25 million by 2030 to help address critical water-related challenges in local communities in 20 African markets.”

This study highlights the Coca-Cola system’s role in Africa’s long-term growth and driving more sustainable development across the continent. The approach adopted by Steward Redqueen integrates client-provided operational data with trusted third-party economic sources and industry benchmarks. More than just measuring direct contributions, the analysis uncovers economic interlinkages, showing how the Coca-Cola system drives production, generates income, and supports employment across a spectrum of industries and geographies.

Teodora Nenova, Managing Partner at Steward Redqueen added: “Our impact assessment reveals the wide-reaching economic footprint of the Coca-Cola system across Africa. The findings highlight the scale of the Coca-Cola system’s local presence and its ongoing contribution to economic opportunity and livelihoods across the continent.”

– on behalf of Coca-Cola.

Follow on Social Media:
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/44cezqb
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3HSjxBe
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4ezr18B

About The Coca-Cola Company:
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.Coca-ColaCompany.com.

MIL OSI Africa –
June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: With farm co-ops, Senegal improves its agri-food value chains

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Agricultural cooperatives let farmers pool their resources so they can get better prices for their produce and access more markets, including international ones.

In Senegal, nearly one-third of mango and onion producers belong to one of 29 new or modernized cooperatives established by the PACAO programme. These cooperatives have forged new links among farmers, businesses that process foods, and exporters who can sell those goods abroad.

Improving these value chains boosts food security, stimulate economic growth, and create sustainable jobs.

‘Before forming our cooperative, we each worked on our own, with no coordination,’ said Cheikh Mbacké Mboup. He’s an agricultural engineer by training with 42 years of experience in farming. ‘This prevented us from pooling our resources and negotiating better prices. We were scattered, and that limited our ability to produce and sell effectively.’

He’s currently serving as the chairman of the Fruit, Vegetable, and Livestock Producers’ Cooperative, known by its French acronym (COOPROFEL). Based about 70 kilometres from the capital Dakar, in Keur Mbir Ndao, the cooperative now has 635 members.

Created in 2007, COOPROFEL overhauled its organizational structure and operations in 2021, with support from the International Trade Centre (ITC) though the Programme of Assitance for Competitiveness in West Africa – Senegal Component (PACAO-Senegal).

It’s one of 29 cooperatives that worked with the programme, bringing together nearly 70,000 producer-members who work with mangoes and onions. These cooperatives alone account for 31% of national onion production and 29% of mango production.

COOPROFEL, which operates in the mango and onion value chains, faced many challenges before teaming up with PACAO-Senegal.

Better organization in value chains

With the programme’s support, COOPROFEL members received training on good agricultural practices, marketing, leadership, communication, organizational management, and financial management. These trainings were complemented by the development of a financial and accounting procedures manual, allowing for better traceability of operations.

Organization is essential to the competitiveness of value chains and improves producers’ access to markets and inputs. Marianne Diattara has been a producer for over 25 years, and is now deputy general treasurer of COOPROFEL.

‘Now, the market is much more accessible. Recently, we took part in major trade fairs organized in Dakar,’ she said.

‘Today, our mangoes are exported to countries like Belgium, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Morocco. As for onions, the cooperative has helped us better organize our production and sell at higher prices. We now have more stable incomes,’ said Amadou Thiam, Vice President of COOPROFEL.

A business partner of COOPROFEL, Mamadou Ndiaye, Sales Manager at TropicaSem, confirms this success. ‘We’ve been working with COOPROFEL since 2023. Last year, we sold them over 78 tons of seeds. The cooperative is one of our best clients.”

The cooperatives can steer their produces through the value chain so the mangoes and onions can be turned into new products. Those processed goods fetch higher prices than the fresh fruit, creating jobs and growing incomes.

Mangoes are sold fresh but also as purée, jam, smoothies, flour, vinegar, and more. Processed onion products are also found in supermarket shelves across Senegal and in weekly markets.

These products go through several stages: the farmer who harvests them, the cooperative that aggregates and sells them, the factory that processes them, and the distributor who places them on shelves or exports them. By organizing agricultural cooperatives, PACAO-Senegal strengthens a vital link in this chain and facilitates market access for cooperative members.

But the value chain is not just about products. It’s also about people, like Cheikh Mbacké Mboup, Marianne Diattara and Amadou Thiam. It’s about the farmers that PACAO-Sénégal has supported, whose incomes have risen thanks to better organization. It’s about their business partners – customers and suppliers – whose operations have expanded. And it’s about the consumer, who has access to quality local products.

By structuring value chains, PACAO-Sénégal creates a virtuous circle by promoting agricultural cooperative societies.

– on behalf of International Trade Centre.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DWP appoints new interim Chair of The Pensions Regulator
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

DWP appoints new interim Chair of The Pensions Regulator

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced the appointment of Kirstin Baker as the new Interim Chair of The Pensions Regulator (TPR), effective from 1 August 2025.
Kirstin Baker

Kirstin Baker will succeed Sarah Smart, who has held the post of TPR Chair.

About the TPR:

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) is the UK’s statutory body responsible for ensuring the integrity of workplace pensions by making schemes and employers comply with their duties, providing strategic oversight of the pensions market and support innovation to enhance outcomes for savers.

Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell said:

I am pleased to welcome Kirstin Baker as the Interim Chair of The Pensions Regulator (TPR). I look forward to working with her as she brings to bear the wealth of experience from her role as TPR senior independent board member.

Kirstin Baker said:

I am delighted to take on this interim chair role while a competition is undertaken for the next full-term chair of The Pensions Regulator. I would like to thank Sarah Smart for all the work she has done as TPR chair and look forward to building on this.

Kirstin Baker is currently the Senior Independent member of the TPR Board. She was appointed a Panel Inquiry Chair and Panel Member Non-Executive Director of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) Board on 1 September 2018 and is also a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. She stepped down from the board in March 2024 but remains a Panel InquiryChair.

Kirstin had a long career in the civil service and was most recently HM Treasury’s Finance and Commercial Director. Earlier in her career she was part of the senior team leading the Treasury’s response to the banking crisis and was awarded a CBE for this work.

The TPR Interim Chair

Kirstin Baker appointment starting from 1 August 2025 for a period of up to 9 months.

In her capacity as Interim Chair, Kirstin Baker is entitled to an annual remuneration of £73,840, based on a minimum time commitment of 104 days per annum.

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Published 23 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Mize and Juniper Travel Technology Collaborate to Bring SmartRate Integration to Global Travel Sellers
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MALLORCA, Spain, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mize, the global leader in travel fintech solutions, is taking its long-standing alliance with Juniper Travel Technology, one of the world’s top travel technology providers, by integrating its advanced SmartRate product into Juniper Travel Technology’s global platform.

This enhancement gives Juniper Travel Technology connected travel sellers access to SmartRate’s powerful booking optimization capabilities—maximizing margins, reducing booking errors, and improving inventory access, all with zero disruption to existing booking flows.

Transforming Profitability with Intelligent Automation

By applying Mize’s advanced optimization modalities at the booking moment — fully integrated with Juniper Travel Technology’s solutions— travel sellers can increase profitability in real time without impacting the booking flow. This seamless collaboration enhances each reservation by ensuring the best possible rate is selected based on availability and booking conditions, unlocking greater value across both platforms.

With this integration, Juniper Travel Technology connected Clients can:
- Increase margins through automated rate optimization powered by Mize
- Recover errored bookings via intelligent reprocessing
- Access broader inventory through mapped sources and partner integrations
- Maintain a smooth, uninterrupted booking flow
“Our relationship with Juniper Travel Technology has always been built on a shared commitment to innovation,” said Cristobal Reali, VP of Sales at Mize. “We’re excited to bring SmartRate into the hands of Juniper Travel Technology’s extensive partner network, helping them extract more value from every booking.”

Delivering More Value to Juniper Travel Technology Clients

With this integration, Juniper Travel Technology reinforces its ongoing mission to offer tools that simplify travel tech while driving measurable performance for its global partners.

“This integration builds on the solid foundation we’ve established with Mize over the years,” said Juan Mateos, CEO at Juniper Travel Technology. “Offering SmartRate reinforces our strategy of incorporating best-in-class technologies into our Juniper Travel Technology platform.”

About Mize

Mize is a global travel fintech leader helping companies maximize profitability through smart automation. With solutions like SmartRate, Mize empowers travel platforms to boost margins, recover errors, and simplify operations with no disruption to the customer journey.
https://mize.tech

About Juniper Travel Technology

Juniper Travel Technology is a global travel technology company serving thousands of travel companies across the world. Together with its recently acquired brands—Dome Consulting, IST Cruise Tech, Lleego, RezMagic and Vervotech—Juniper Travel Technology is setting the rules of the travel tech business, helping companies grow faster, connect broader, and operate more efficiently.
https://www.ejuniper.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/556b2a4a-ecd3-4700-881b-a13db46c95a8

The MIL Network –
June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Rockcliffe Capital Initiates Coverage on Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX/NYSE: AEM) with a “Strong Buy” Rating and C$155 Price Target
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rockcliffe Capital is pleased to announce today the initiation of equity research coverage on Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX/NYSE: AEM), a premier senior gold mining company with operations spanning Canada, Finland, Australia, Mexico, and the U.S.

Following rigorous financial and operational analysis, Rockcliffe Capital assigns Agnico Eagle a “Strong Buy” rating, alongside a 12-month price target of C$155, reflecting strong upside potential of approximately 25% from current market levels.

“Agnico Eagle has delivered extraordinary operating discipline and record earnings this quarter,” said Felix Gelt, Managing Director of Research at Rockcliffe Capital. “With Q1 net income soaring to US$815 M—up 134% YoY—and free cash flow reaching US$594 M amid near-zero debt, Agnico offers both growth and balance sheet strength in the gold sector.”

Investment Thesis Highlights:
- Earnings Powerhouse: Q1 2025 net income rose to US$815 million (US$1.62 EPS), a 134% YoY increase, driven by record operating margins from elevated gold prices.
- Revenue & Margin Strength: Q1 revenue climbed 34.9% YoY to US$2.468 billion, while all-in sustaining costs (AISC) dropped ~10% to US$1,183/oz, delivering a ~59% margin.
- Balance Sheet Resilience: Operating cash flow hit US$1.044 billion, free cash flow was US$594 million, enabling net debt to fall to just US$5 million, with cash reserves of US$1.138 billion.
- Strategic Growth Initiatives: Ongoing capital deployment into high-quality projects like Detour Lake, Upper Beaver, and the O3 Mining acquisition enhances reserve base and future production visibility.
- Shareholder Returns: Maintains a US$0.40/share quarterly dividend. NCIB buybacks of US$50 million executed in the quarter; the Board plans an expanded NCIB of up to US$1 billion.
- ESG Leadership: Released its 16th Sustainability Report highlighting best-in-class emissions intensity (0.38 tCO₂e/oz), C$1 billion Indigenous economic commitment, and sector-leading safety.
Valuation & Target:
Utilizing a disciplined valuation framework with a projected 2026 EV/EBITDA multiple of ~8× and P/E multiple of ~18×, Rockcliffe Capital derives a 12-month price target of C$155, equivalent to ~US$115/share, indicating ~25% upside from current levels.

Risk Factors:
- Gold Price Volatility: A sustained decline in gold prices could compress margins and cash flow.
- Project Execution: Delays at key sites (e.g., underground transitions, permitting) could affect supply outlook.
- Macro Factors: A stronger U.S. dollar or higher real interest rates may weigh on gold sector valuations.
About Rockcliffe Capital Research
Rockcliffe Capital’s Research Department provides institutional-grade equity research focused on growth-stage companies, public markets, and high-conviction investment themes. Through rigorous analysis, proprietary modeling, and deep sector insights, our research team supports investors, issuers, and strategic partners in identifying value and making informed decisions.

Our coverage includes detailed valuation frameworks, peer comparisons, financial modeling, and ESG scorecards—delivering the intelligence that drives market leadership.

Please contact research@rockcliffe.capital for access to our full research suite and initiation reports.

Media Contact
Rockcliffe Capital
Research & Markets Division
research@rockcliffe.capital
+1 (416)-642-1967

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Rockcliffe Capital and its affiliates may hold positions in the securities mentioned.

The MIL Network –
June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Rockcliffe Capital Initiates Coverage on Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX/NYSE: AEM) with a “Strong Buy” Rating and C$155 Price Target
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rockcliffe Capital is pleased to announce today the initiation of equity research coverage on Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX/NYSE: AEM), a premier senior gold mining company with operations spanning Canada, Finland, Australia, Mexico, and the U.S.

Following rigorous financial and operational analysis, Rockcliffe Capital assigns Agnico Eagle a “Strong Buy” rating, alongside a 12-month price target of C$155, reflecting strong upside potential of approximately 25% from current market levels.

“Agnico Eagle has delivered extraordinary operating discipline and record earnings this quarter,” said Felix Gelt, Managing Director of Research at Rockcliffe Capital. “With Q1 net income soaring to US$815 M—up 134% YoY—and free cash flow reaching US$594 M amid near-zero debt, Agnico offers both growth and balance sheet strength in the gold sector.”

Investment Thesis Highlights:
- Earnings Powerhouse: Q1 2025 net income rose to US$815 million (US$1.62 EPS), a 134% YoY increase, driven by record operating margins from elevated gold prices.
- Revenue & Margin Strength: Q1 revenue climbed 34.9% YoY to US$2.468 billion, while all-in sustaining costs (AISC) dropped ~10% to US$1,183/oz, delivering a ~59% margin.
- Balance Sheet Resilience: Operating cash flow hit US$1.044 billion, free cash flow was US$594 million, enabling net debt to fall to just US$5 million, with cash reserves of US$1.138 billion.
- Strategic Growth Initiatives: Ongoing capital deployment into high-quality projects like Detour Lake, Upper Beaver, and the O3 Mining acquisition enhances reserve base and future production visibility.
- Shareholder Returns: Maintains a US$0.40/share quarterly dividend. NCIB buybacks of US$50 million executed in the quarter; the Board plans an expanded NCIB of up to US$1 billion.
- ESG Leadership: Released its 16th Sustainability Report highlighting best-in-class emissions intensity (0.38 tCO₂e/oz), C$1 billion Indigenous economic commitment, and sector-leading safety.
Valuation & Target:
Utilizing a disciplined valuation framework with a projected 2026 EV/EBITDA multiple of ~8× and P/E multiple of ~18×, Rockcliffe Capital derives a 12-month price target of C$155, equivalent to ~US$115/share, indicating ~25% upside from current levels.

Risk Factors:
- Gold Price Volatility: A sustained decline in gold prices could compress margins and cash flow.
- Project Execution: Delays at key sites (e.g., underground transitions, permitting) could affect supply outlook.
- Macro Factors: A stronger U.S. dollar or higher real interest rates may weigh on gold sector valuations.
About Rockcliffe Capital Research
Rockcliffe Capital’s Research Department provides institutional-grade equity research focused on growth-stage companies, public markets, and high-conviction investment themes. Through rigorous analysis, proprietary modeling, and deep sector insights, our research team supports investors, issuers, and strategic partners in identifying value and making informed decisions.

Our coverage includes detailed valuation frameworks, peer comparisons, financial modeling, and ESG scorecards—delivering the intelligence that drives market leadership.

Please contact research@rockcliffe.capital for access to our full research suite and initiation reports.

Media Contact
Rockcliffe Capital
Research & Markets Division
research@rockcliffe.capital
+1 (416)-642-1967

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Rockcliffe Capital and its affiliates may hold positions in the securities mentioned.

The MIL Network –
June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Albanian Parliament launches e-Legislation Portal with OSCE and Swiss support

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

Headline: Albanian Parliament launches e-Legislation Portal with OSCE and Swiss support

Head of OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran, speaking at today’s event aimed at launching Albanian Assembly’s e-Legislation portal. (OSCE/Elton Tahirllari) Photo details

On 23 June 2025, in an important milestone for Albania’s legislative process, the Assembly of Albania launched the e-Legislation Portal, created through a project of the OSCE Presence in Albania with funding from the Swiss government.
The Portal, developed in line with the international Akoma Ntoso standard, is designed to allow real-time search and access to consolidated legislative documents. It enhances internal workflow, supports more effective and transparent law-making and contributes to informed decision-making in the Assembly. The e-Legislation Portal is also a stepping stone towards the country’s full transition to the e-Legislation system by 2028.
Addressing the launching event attended by dignitaries and officials from institutions involved in the law-making process, Speaker of Parliament Elisa Spiropali praised the initiative as an important step towards a unified and standardized legislative process across institutions in Albania, where Parliament leads. “With this platform, we are opening a new chapter in the way we draft, discuss, and adopt laws,” she announced. “We have built a crucial tool for modernizing and digitizing the parliamentary process of law-making, thereby significantly contributing to the democratic transformation of society. The portal represents a direct and concrete response to the challenge of swiftly transforming the Albanian Parliament into one that meets the rigorous standards of EU member state parliaments.” The Speaker expressed gratitude to the OSCE Presence for its continued partnership with the Assembly and to the Swiss Embassy for its contribution and financial support.
“By embracing e-Legislation, Albania joins a growing number of countries that have adopted these systems and positions itself as a regional leader in digital legislative reform,” said Ambassador Michel Tarran, Head of the OSCE Presence. “Looking ahead, the long-term success of the e-Legislation process depends on full ownership by the Parliament, as a clear testament to the sustainability of this reform and its integration into the institutional fabric of Albania’s legislative system,” he added.
The event included a demonstration of the Portal’s functionalities. It currently hosts over 300 laws processed in the Akoma Ntoso format. Although currently in a testing phase, the Portal is accessible at: e-legjislacioni.parlament.al, where users can explore its features and contribute to its ongoing improvement. Content development will continue under the direction of the Assembly, with support from the OSCE Presence, as needed.
The initiative is part of the OSCE Presence’s project “e-Legislation support for Albania” (2023–2025), funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation. The OSCE Presence continues to support the Albanian Parliament in areas including law-making, legislative reform, capacity building, electoral processes, civic engagement, gender equality and good governance.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free activities for Island youngsters this summer 23 June 2025 School’s out, HAF is in! Free activities for Island youngsters this summer
Source: Aisle of Wight

School’s out, and the fun is in! This summer, the Isle of Wight’s much-loved Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is back — and it’s bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever before.

From arts and crafts to horse riding, football to theatre skills, this year’s line-up is bursting with activities to keep young minds and bodies buzzing. Whether your child dreams of dancing, diving into creative play, or caring for animals, there’s something for everyone.

And let’s not forget the food! Every session includes a hot, nutritious meal — or a packed lunch for day trips — with many providers encouraging children to roll up their sleeves and help prepare and serve the food themselves. It’s all part of the fun!

Rhea Martin, HAF delivery officer, said: “The HAF programme is about more than just keeping children busy — it’s about giving them the chance to try new things, make friends, and enjoy healthy meals in a safe and supportive environment.

“We’re proud to be offering such a wide range of activities again this year, and we encourage families to take full advantage of what’s on offer.”

Here’s just a taste of what’s on offer this summer:
- Animal care
- Arts and crafts
- Creative play
- Dance
- Day trips
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Horse riding
- Tennis
- Theatre skills
- Water sports
New booking system for 2025

Booking holiday activities has never been easier. The new HAF Booking System allows families to browse and book all available activities in one convenient location. By visiting the Eequ Booking System, users can quickly find and secure their preferred sessions.

Book HAF activities

Any questions? The helpful HAF team can be reached via email at holidayactivities@iow.gov.uk
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: “Ahead of Time Together”: Winners and Prize-Winners of “Highest Standard” Awarded in Moscow

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

June 13th Center of Cultures The HSE hosted a ceremony to honor the winners of the All-Russian School OlympiadHighest quality“. Of the more than 4.5 thousand winners and prize winners, about 700 schoolchildren from 67 regions of Russia took part in it. The best of the best were noted in special nominations established by the organizing committee of the Olympiad. For the second year in a row, the Olympiad “Highest Standard” is held with the support of Sber.

Before the ceremony, a festival program was organized in the HSE atrium, which for an hour and a half became the main city square of HSE City with street activities and artists, a lounge area and elegant pavilions, flags and garlands.

Here you could get a consultation from a neuro-fortune teller, play table football and hockey, solve puzzles and dance, take part in the creation of living paintings. In the chill-zone of Sber, which is supporting the Olympiad for the second season, schoolchildren played computer games, ate ice cream and got answers to questions about building a dream career, and in the VR-greenhouse of the ROST Group of Companies, a partner of Vysshaya Proba in biology, they picked tomatoes, drank smoothies and tried snacks with the taste of tomato and cucumber.

In the Photo Mosaic zone, participants were invited to contribute to the creation of the HSE inscription from hundreds of photographs of Olympiad diploma winners. Those who wished could take part in a quest introducing HSE, in the game What? Where? When?, continue to build up their intellectual potential at the master class What Can Be Learned from Social (and Not Only) Network Analysis? or the training Creative Worlds: How Ideas Turn into Collaborations.

The guests then moved to the Cultural Center. The participants of the ceremony honoring the diploma holders (similar events were previously held in Saint Petersburg, Perm And Nizhny Novgorod) said the first vice-rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Vadim Radaev.

“The Olympiad “Higher Standard” will soon turn 30, and every year it becomes more and more beautiful and cool. It already includes 30 profiles, including two new ones – “Industrial Programming” together with “Yandex” and “History of Art” together with the Pushkin Museum. And of course, the competition is growing. This year, more than 50 thousand people took part in it, and your victory is even more significant. There are more than 4.5 thousand winners and prize-winners, and even more diplomas, because some of you managed to win the Olympiad in several profiles,” said Vadim Radaev.

The First Vice-Rector also thanked the partners and the team of organizers, “who are conducting the ‘Higher Test’ at the highest level.”

Olga Tsukanova, Managing Director and Head of the Academic Partnerships Directorate at Sber, joined in the congratulations. She emphasized that the Higher School of Economics offers a wide range of sciences, and those who win the Olympiads then find themselves in a variety of fields.

“We will be glad to see you among our employees, clients, partners, and we are ready to support those who see the future, who are moving towards the future, who are ready to lead others. Invitations to internships at Sber are received not only by students, but also by schoolchildren, who can try themselves in our product teams, “twist” the products that we release to the market. And students, especially after two years of study, having received a solid base, do cool projects at Sber,” said Olga Tsukanova.

The organizing committee of the Olympiad established special nominations in which the best of the best were recognized: “Everest of Science” (diplomas in five or more profiles), “Conquering Olympus” (the highest results in profiles from 90 points), “Victory Marathon” (prize places for four or more years), “Ahead of Time” (completion of tasks two grades higher than the class of study, and tasks for the 7th grade by sixth-graders) and “HSE Olympiads” (winning several intellectual competitions of the National Research University Higher School of Economics). The laureates in these nominations, as well as two diploma winners of the Olympiad, who celebrated their birthday on June 13, were presented with diplomas, medals and gifts on stage.

Deputy Vice-Rector – Head Directorate for the Development of Intellectual Competitions HSE University Danil Fedorov, congratulating the winners in the “Everest of Science” nomination, urged them to apply to a university where it is difficult to study, reminding them that the Higher School of Economics is exactly such a university.

Olga Tsukanova invited the winners in the Conquering Olympus nomination to become students of the AI360: Artificial Intelligence Engineering track of the bachelor’s program Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, which is being implemented at HSE jointly with Sber and Yandex.

Chairman of the Methodological Commission for the Profile “Foreign Languages” – Head Foreign language schools HSE University Ekaterina Kolesnikova compared the process of preparing for the Olympics to playing sports. “The winners in the “Victorious Marathon” nomination know very well that those who do not stop when things are difficult, who act at the limit of their capabilities, win,” she noted.

The winners in the “Ahead of Time” nomination were announced by Anna Korovko, Senior Director for Main Educational Programs at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, and the Chair of the Methodological Commission for the “Political Science” profile, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Denis Stukal. Anna Korovko promised that by the time they finish 11th grade, studying at the HSE will become even more difficult, and Denis Stukal, himself a former Olympiad participant, called them true leaders who not only challenged those who were a year or two older than them, but also succeeded in doing so.

“You have a great future ahead of you, and I hope that at some point it will become inextricably linked with our university, because HSE is a university that is also ahead of its time. Let’s get ahead of it together and move only forward,” Denis Stukal concluded.

The Chairperson of the Methodological Commission for the Economics Profile, Daria Tabashnikova, announced the winner in the HSE Olympiads brand nomination, Anastasia Usenko, who won the Vysshaya Proba Olympiad, the In Your Own Words essay championship, and the Highest Aerobatics competition. “Collecting awards, receiving diplomas, and preferences is great, but it’s even cooler when a person tries himself in different things and succeeds,” Daria Tabashnikova emphasized.

The results of the event were summed up by the Director for Work with Gifted Students at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Tamara Protasevich.

“The ending Olympiad season of “Highest Standard” is the fifteenth, anniversary one for our team, which is responsible for its implementation. The year 2025 is generally rich in anniversaries: 5 years of the All-Russian Case Championship, 10 years of “Highest Aerobatics”. And “Highest Standard” is our largest project: registration for it began in August last year, and diplomas are being awarded now, in June. The Olympiad is constantly in the focus of our attention, and we are constantly improving it,” said Tamara Protasevich.

She gave examples of feedback from Olympiad participants, which those present in the hall agreed with, raising glowing hearts: “The level of tasks is decent, difficult, but interesting,” “The atmosphere is pleasant, comfortable, not overwhelming, allows you to enjoy completing the Olympiad tasks,” “Organization – everything is clear and well thought out, prompt responses to questions, caring, friendly volunteers.”

Tamara Protasevich also announced another nomination – “Recognition of the Organizers”, the winners of which were the best volunteers – students of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, who over the past three years participated in the “Higher Standard” and other intellectual competitions of the university. “Without these guys, not a single project of our directorate would have taken place. They are the best!” – she concluded.

The ceremony of honoring the diploma winners ended with a collective performance of the student anthem “Gaudeamus”, after which all its participants were awarded the Olympiad diplomas and medals in the lobby of the Center of Cultures. Some of them shared their impressions with the news service “Vyshka.Glavnoe”.

“The Highest Standard” is a combination of all the best that can be found at the Olympiad, says Erland Glukhov, a 10th-grader at the AMTEK General Education Lyceum in Cherepovets. “I participated in the in-person stage in Moscow, my friends in St. Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod, and everyone was happy with the organization of the process and the support of the participants. I especially like the tasks: they are designed in an unconventional way, they include interesting elements, and they are really interesting to solve.”

According to Erland, behind every victory at the Olympics there is, first and foremost, hard work, not only your own, but also that of your mentors, as well as the support of your parents.

“When I was doing assignments in the Law profile, I had the feeling that I was in some other universe the whole time, that I fell asleep in the first minute and woke up in the last minute, when everything was already done,” said Alexander Gimpelson, a 10th-grade student at School No. 7 “Russian Classical School” in Ryazan. “The assignments required a creative approach, and it was always necessary not only to reproduce the provisions of the laws, but also to understand them, evaluate them from different angles, and show how they can be applied in practice.”

In preparation for the Olympiad, Alexander mastered scientific literature, thanks to which “these complex adverbial participial phrases, thirty subordinate clauses in one sentence of the law became lively and understandable.” In a year, he plans to enroll in the Faculty of Law at the National Research University Higher School of Economics and subsequently specialize in the field of private law.

11th-grader Polina Platonova from the Vladimir region has been participating in Olympiads since the 4th grade. This year she went to Nizhny Novgorod for the “Highest Standard”, and she associates the in-person round competitions with both a holiday and a tense struggle. The girl is considering the possibility of entering the National Research University Higher School of Economics – Nizhny Novgorod and also associates her further professional development with jurisprudence.

Albina Markaryan, an 11th-grader from Voronezh, participated in the final round in her hometown and will be applying to the HSE for a bachelor’s degree in International Relations this year. Before the awards ceremony, she walked around the atrium (“everything was organized wonderfully, lots of competitions and entertainment”), she liked everything in the university building, and she has no doubt that if she is accepted, these feelings will not only remain, but will also intensify.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: ICC elects four new members to the Executive Board

Source: International Chamber of Commerce

Headline: ICC elects four new members to the Executive Board

The new members were formally elected during the annual meeting of the ICC World Council on 19 June 2025 and will each serve a three-year term effective 19 June 2025. The diverse experience of new members will enrich ICC’s roadmap to enable peace and prosperity through trade and reflects ICC’s continued commitment to geographic representation and diversity of expertise as the world’s largest and most inclusive business organisation.

The ICC Executive Board is responsible for developing and implementing ICC’s strategy, policy and programme of action as well as for overseeing the financial affairs of ICC.

ICC Chair Philippe Varin said:

“I’m very pleased to welcome this exceptional group of global leaders who bring deep expertise and fresh perspectives to ICC. Their leadership will be vital as we continue charting a path forward in delivering real-world solutions for business in a changing global environment. My thanks also to our outgoing Board members for their contributions.”

The new Board members are:

Mohammad Lootah

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah is the President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, where he leads strategic initiatives to enhance Dubai’s business environment, attract foreign investment, support global business expansion, and promote the digital economy. Prior to this role, he held several key leadership positions within Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, including CEO of Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection, overseeing areas such as consumer rights, business protection, and intellectual property. He also served in senior roles at the Department of Economic Development and the Dubai Land Department.

Zhang Hui

Zhang Hui is Vice Chairman, Executive Director and President of the Bank of China, roles he assumed between December 2024 and January 2025. He also serves as Vice Chairman of BOC Hong Kong (Holdings) Limited. Mr Zhang joined the Bank of China in 2024 after serving as Executive Vice President of China Development Bank from 2021 to 2024. Prior to that, he spent many years at Bank of Communications, where he held various senior roles including as Chief Risk Officer, general manager of several risk management departments, and president of regional branches including in Guizhou and Shanghai.

Anousheh Ansari

Anousheh Ansari is the CEO of XPRIZE, where she leads global innovation competitions addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. A tech entrepreneur and space pioneer, Ms Ansari co-founded and led Prodea Systems, an IoT company recognised among Inc. Magazine’s 500 fastest-growing firms. In 2006, she became the first female private space explorer, the first astronaut of Iranian descent, and the first Muslim woman in space. Under her leadership, XPRIZE has awarded over US$81 million and launched US$361 million in active competitions. Ms Ansari also serves in various global advisory roles, including with the World Economic Forum, GESDA and UNESCO, and is an advocate for women entrepreneurs through initiatives like The Billion Dollar Fund for Women.

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul is a Thai business leader and former Minister of Tourism and Sports, known for her contributions to both public policy and corporate governance. As Thailand’s tourism minister from 2014 to 2017, Ms Wattanavrangkul championed sustainable tourism and cultural heritage. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors at Kasikornbank and Toshiba Thailand, and plays an active role in advancing education, innovation and international cooperation through various institutional boards. Ms Wattanavrangkul’s career reflects a strong commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in Thailand.

Term renewals

Elected to serve on the ICC Executive Board for a second term during the World Council meeting were Holger Bingmann (Germany), Managing Partner, Bingmann Pflüger International GmbH, Rebecca Enonchong (Cameroon), CEO, AppsTech and Chair of Afrilabs, Marjorie Yang (Hong Kong), Chair, Esquel Group, Lama Al Sulaiman (Saudi Arabia), Shareholder and Board Member of Rolaco Holdings, KSA and LUX and Justin D’Agostino (Hong Kong), Global CEO, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.

Outgoing Board members are Candace Johnson (United States/Luxemburg), Vice-Chair, NorthStar Earth and Space, Fredrik Cappelen (Sweden), Chairman and Board Member in the Swedish and Nordic industry, Valentina Mintah (Ghana), Founder West Blue Consulting, Zhang Xiaolun (China) Chair, China National Machinery Industry Corporation (SINOMACH).

Leading chambers worldwide

The ICC World Council also ratified the re-election of Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu as Chair of the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF) for a second three-year term commencing 20 June 2025. Mr Hisarcıklıoğlu is Chair of ICC Türkiye and President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB).

MIL OSI Economics –

June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How the end of carbon capture could spark a new industrial revolution

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Andres Clarens, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Virginia

Steelmaking uses a lot of energy, making it one of the highest greenhouse gas-emitting industries.
David McNew/Getty Images

The U.S. Department of Energy’s decision to claw back US$3.7 billion in grants from industrial demonstration projects may create an unexpected opening for American manufacturing.

Many of the grant recipients were deploying carbon capture and storage – technologies that are designed to prevent industrial carbon pollution from entering the atmosphere by capturing it and injecting it deep underground. The approach has long been considered critical for reducing the contributions chemicals, cement production and other heavy industries make to climate change.

However, the U.S. policy reversal could paradoxically accelerate emissions cuts from the industrial sector.

An emissions reality check

Heavy industry is widely viewed as the toughest part of the economy to clean up.

The U.S. power sector has made progress, cutting emissions 35% since 2005 as coal-fired power plants were replaced with cheaper natural gas, solar and wind energy. More than 93% of new grid capacity installed in the U.S. in 2025 was forecast to be solar, wind and batteries. In transportation, electric vehicles are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. automotive market and will lead to meaningful reductions in pollution.

But U.S. industrial emissions have been mostly unchanged, in part because of the massive amount of coal, gas and oil required to make steel, concrete, aluminum, glass and chemicals. Together these materials account for about 22% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

The global industrial landscape is changing, though, and U.S. industries cannot, in isolation, expect that yesterday’s means of production will be able to compete in a global marketplace.

Even without domestic mandates to reduce their emissions, U.S. industries face powerful economic pressures. The EU’s new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism imposes a tax on the emissions associated with imported steel, chemicals, cement and aluminum entering European markets. Similar policies are being considered by Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and the United Kingdom, and were even floated in the United States.

The false promise of carbon capture

The appeal of carbon capture and storage, in theory, was that it could be bolted on to an existing factory with minimal changes to the core process and the carbon pollution would go away.

Government incentives for carbon capture allow producers to keep using polluting technologies and prop up gas-powered chemical production or coal-powered concrete production.

The Trump administration’s pullback of carbon capture and storage grants now removes some of these artificial supports.

Without the expectation that carbon capture will help them meet regulations, this may create space to focus on materials breakthroughs that could revolutionize manufacturing while solving industries’ emissions problems.

The materials innovation opportunity

So, what might emissions-lowering innovation look like for industries such as cement, steel and chemicals? As a civil and environmental engineer who has worked on federal industrial policy, I study the ways these industries intersect with U.S. economic competitiveness and our built environment.

There are many examples of U.S. innovation to be excited about. Consider just a few industries:

Cement: Cement is one of the most widely used materials on Earth, but the technology has changed little over the past 150 years. Today, its production generates roughly 8% of total global carbon pollution. If cement production were a country, it would rank third globally after China and the United States.

Researchers are looking at ways to make concrete that can shed heat or be lighter in weight to significantly reduce the cost of building and cooling a home. Sublime Systems developed a way to produce cement with electricity instead of coal or gas. The company lost its IDP grant in May 2025, but it has a new agreement with Microsoft.

Making concrete do more could accelerate the transition. Researchers at Stanford and separately at MIT are developing concrete that can act as a capacitor and store over 10 kilowatt-hours of energy per cubic meter. Such materials could potentially store electricity from your solar roof or allow for roadways that can charge cars in motion.

How concrete could be used as a capacitor. MIT.

Technologies like these could give U.S. companies a competitive advantage while lowering emissions. Heat-shedding concrete cuts air conditioning demand, lighter formulations require less material per structure, and energy-storing concrete could potentially replace carbon-intensive battery manufacturing.

Steel and iron: Steel and iron production generate about 7% of global emissions with centuries-old blast furnace processes that use intense heat to melt iron ore and burn off impurities. A hydrogen-based steelmaking alternative exists today that emits only water vapor, but it requires new supply chains, infrastructure and production techniques.

U.S. Steel has been developing techniques to create stronger microstructures within steel for constructing structures with 50% less material and more strength than conventional designs. When a skyscraper needs that much less steel to achieve the same structural integrity, that eliminates millions of tons of iron ore mining, coal-fired blast furnace operations and transportation emissions.

Chemicals: Chemical manufacturing has created simultaneous crises over the past 50 years: PFAS “forever chemicals” and microplastics have been showing up in human blood and across ecosystems, and the industry generates a large share of U.S. industrial emissions.

Companies are developing ways to produce chemicals using engineered enzymes instead of traditional petrochemical processes, achieving 90% lower emissions in a way that could reduce production costs. These bio-based chemicals can naturally biodegrade, and the chemical processes operate at room temperature instead of requiring high heat that uses a lot of energy.

Is there a silver bullet without carbon capture?

While carbon capture and storage might not be the silver bullet for reducing emissions that many people thought it would be, new technologies for managing industrial heat might turn out to be the closest thing to one.

Most industrial processes require temperatures between 300 and 1830 degrees Fahrenheit (150 and 1000 degrees Celsisus for everything from food processing to steel production. Currently, industries burn fossil fuels directly to generate this heat, creating emissions that electric alternatives cannot easily replace. Heat batteries may offer a breakthrough solution by storing renewable electricity as thermal energy, then releasing that heat on demand for industrial processes.

How thermal batteries work. CNBC.

Companies such as Rondo Energy are developing systems that store wind and solar power in bricklike materials heated to extreme temperatures. Essentially, they convert electricity into heat during times when electricity is abundant, usually at night. A manufacturing facility can later use that heat, which allows it to reduce energy costs and improve grid reliability by not drawing power at the busiest times. The Trump administration cut funding for projects working with Rondo’s technology, but the company’s products are being tested in other countries.

Industrial heat pumps provide another pathway by amplifying waste heat to reach the high temperatures manufacturing requires, without using as much fossil fuel.

The path forward

The Department of Energy’s decision forces industrial America into a defining moment. One path leads backward toward pollution-intensive business as usual propping up obsolete processes. The other path drives forward through innovation.

Carbon capture offered an expensive Band-Aid on old technology. Investing in materials innovation and new techniques for making them promises fundamental transformation for the future.

Andres Clarens receives funding from the National Science Foundation and the Alfred P Sloan Foundation.

– ref. How the end of carbon capture could spark a new industrial revolution – https://theconversation.com/how-the-end-of-carbon-capture-could-spark-a-new-industrial-revolution-257894

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: SHU and Shandong Institute of Technology and Business agreed on cooperation

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

On June 23, a delegation from Shandong Institute of Technology and Business (SIITB) visited the National University of Management to sign a cooperation agreement.

Rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroev, vice-rectors Maria Karelina and Dmitry Bryukhanov and director of the Institute of Marketing Gennady Azoev introduced the guests to the history of the university and the main areas in which cooperation is possible.

“Our university has been training management personnel for various areas of the economy for over 100 years. We have both a humanitarian and a technical component of training. In addition, many students independently study Chinese, as they see more prospects in it than in English. GUU is actively developing cooperation with the People’s Republic of China: our university has a center for social, political and economic research in China, and last year we conducted an internship for 50 graduates of the presidential program for training management personnel in China,” Vladimir Stroyev noted.

Rector of SHITB Tao Hu spoke about the history and capabilities of his university, noting the presence of similar positions and interests:

“Thank you for the invitation, you have a very beautiful university. We are pleased that the interaction between our countries and our universities is developing. Since 1985, the Shandong Institute has been training personnel, primarily in the field of economics. And we really value international cooperation. I am sure that we will be able to work well on joint projects.”

The parties discussed the possibility of admitting GUU graduates to master’s programs at SHITiB: “Business Management and Entrepreneurship”, “Applied Economics”, “Computer Science”, as well as admitting SHITiB graduates to the GUU master’s program “International Marketing and Brand Management”.

Another area of cooperation will be the exchange of teachers for teaching language and special courses and the implementation of scientific cooperation programs.

At the end of the meeting, a ceremonial signing of a cooperation agreement on the issues outlined took place.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: La Rosa Relies on Lofty to Support National Expansion Strategy
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PHOENIX, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Award-winning real estate technology innovator, Lofty today announced customer La Rosa Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: LRHC), a real estate and PropTech company, has partnered with the Lofty team to support the company’s impressive national expansion efforts. By enabling La Rosa’s agents to close more deals more efficiently, Lofty can deliver the practical innovation needed to help La Rosa scale and drive their long-term growth strategy forward. Citing immediate demand, a swift onboarding process, and high user engagement, the Lofty platform has already been adopted by over 500 La Rosa agents across the U.S. To learn more about how Lofty helps brokerages boost productivity, recruit and retain top agents, and lower operational costs, visit https://www.lofty.com/solutions-brokers.

With 26 corporate-owned brokerage offices across Florida, California, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and Puerto Rico, La Rosa offers both residential and commercial real estate brokerage services, as well as technology-driven products and support for its 2,900 agents and franchise partners. As a strategic part of the firm’s national expansion strategy, Lofty’s comprehensive platform provides La Rosa with the innovative technology foundation needed to scale and grow.

“Our collaboration with Lofty reflects our commitment to empowering agents through cutting-edge technology that aims to enhance productivity, streamline client engagement, and accelerate business growth. Since its rollout, Lofty has demonstrated strong adoption across our agent network, validating its product-market fit,” noted Joe La Rosa, CEO of La Rosa. “The platform’s low churn rate underscores its enduring value and strong reception among La Rosa agents.”

Unlike other real estate technology solutions, Lofty provides a true platform, powered by AI, to support the unique and complex needs of both traditional and modern brokerages. Easy to learn, and quick to drive results, Lofty can convert 42% more leads than other solutions, enabling brokerages like La Rosa to rapidly drive growth from one centralized application while also optimizing technology investments. Lofty has also expanded its multilingual capabilities to better serve clients such as La Rosa. This includes two key features:
- Language translation and currency conversion capabilities which are automatically reflected on an agent’s Lofty IDX website.
- AI Sales Assistant now supports over 50 languages, powered by the language model from Google DialogFlow to GPT 4.1 to have more real and human conversations.
“La Rosa understands that cutting-edge technology is a key growth lever. From search to settlement, the Lofty platform provides them with innovative yet user-friendly applications that empowers agents, enables the business to scale, and puts them on the path achieving profitability,” noted Andrew Wild, Vice President, Enterprise Sales, Lofty.

To learn more about how Lofty’s unmatched AI capabilities can help your brokerage grow and expand, visit https://www.lofty.com/solutions-brokers.

About Lofty Inc.
Lofty Inc. (formerly Chime Technologies) provides an AI-powered platform that helps real estate professionals increase their productivity and accelerate business growth. Featuring award-winning technology, the Lofty platform is designed to optimize every step of the real estate journey, from search to settlement. By leveraging one unified hub, customers can automate marketing programs, streamline the sales process, and maximize collaboration between agents, empowering them to spend more time building relationships and their business. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Lofty provides proven solutions for brokers, teams, and the enterprise. For more information, visit lofty.com.

About La Rosa Holdings Corp.
La Rosa Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: LRHC) is transforming the real estate industry by providing agents with flexible compensation options, including a revenue-sharing model or a fee-based structure with 100% commission. Powered by its proprietary technology platform, La Rosa aims to equip agents and franchisees with the tools they need to deliver exceptional service.

The Company offers both residential and commercial real estate brokerage services, as well as technology-driven products and support for its agents and franchise partners. Its business model includes internal services for agents and external offerings for the public, spanning real estate brokerage, franchising, education and coaching, and property management.

La Rosa operates 26 corporate-owned brokerage offices across Florida, California, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and Puerto Rico. La Rosa also recently started its expansion into Europe, beginning with Spain. Additionally, the Company has six franchised offices and branches and three affiliated brokerage locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The Company also operates a full-service escrow settlement and title company in Florida.

For more information, please visit: https://www.larosaholdings.com.

Stay connected with La Rosa, sign up for news alerts here: larosaholdings.com/email-alerts.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b14f6437-2904-4be3-812e-d526b008ed34

The MIL Network –
June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/KENYA – The appeal of the Archbishops of Nyeri and Nairobi for the march in memory of last year’s victims: “Let dialogue prevail”

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – Let dialogue prevail between the government and young people. This is the appeal for the march in memory of the victims of last year’s protests against the budget law (see Fides, June 21, 25, and 26, 2024). The march is scheduled for June 25. Yesterday, Sunday, June 22, addressing the media together, Monsignor Anthony Muheria, Archbishop of Nyeri and Vice President of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), and his counterpart in Nairobi, Archbishop Philip Arnold Subira Anyolo, invited President William Ruto to listen to the country’s youth.“With just over 60 hours to the march, our greatest call is to safeguard human life,” declared Archbishop Muheria. “It does not matter what your goals are—the most urgent goal is to protect life, uplift the poor, and listen to one another.”Archbishop Anyolo added: “We have no right at any time to take the life of another. As Catholics, we believe life begins at conception – and that belief compels us to care even for mothers who mourn children killed in such unrest,” The two Archbishops also addressed a message to young people, urging them to moderate their intransigent positions and participate constructively in nation-building, while warning political leaders that inflammatory rhetoric fuels division and violence. Addressing the young people, Archbishop Muheria ask for “a spirit of unity,” so “let us walk together and find solutions as we mourn those who died.”“Political leaders must avoid recklessness in speech. As our national anthem reminds us, we must speak with each other to live together as one nation,” added Msgr. Anyolo.The two prelates urged the government to prioritize justice for those who lost their lives during last year’s protests and for those still recovering from injuries sustained in clashes with law enforcement, which left at least 60 dead. In recent days, clashes have erupted during demonstrations demanding the truth about the death in a security cell of blogger Albert Ojwang (see Fides, June 12 and 17, 2025). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 23/6/2025)
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MIL OSI Europe News –

June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/KENYA – The appeal of the Archbishops of Nyeri and Nairobi for the march in memory of last year’s victims: “Let dialogue prevail”

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – Let dialogue prevail between the government and young people. This is the appeal for the march in memory of the victims of last year’s protests against the budget law (see Fides, June 21, 25, and 26, 2024). The march is scheduled for June 25. Yesterday, Sunday, June 22, addressing the media together, Monsignor Anthony Muheria, Archbishop of Nyeri and Vice President of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), and his counterpart in Nairobi, Archbishop Philip Arnold Subira Anyolo, invited President William Ruto to listen to the country’s youth.“With just over 60 hours to the march, our greatest call is to safeguard human life,” declared Archbishop Muheria. “It does not matter what your goals are—the most urgent goal is to protect life, uplift the poor, and listen to one another.”Archbishop Anyolo added: “We have no right at any time to take the life of another. As Catholics, we believe life begins at conception – and that belief compels us to care even for mothers who mourn children killed in such unrest,” The two Archbishops also addressed a message to young people, urging them to moderate their intransigent positions and participate constructively in nation-building, while warning political leaders that inflammatory rhetoric fuels division and violence. Addressing the young people, Archbishop Muheria ask for “a spirit of unity,” so “let us walk together and find solutions as we mourn those who died.”“Political leaders must avoid recklessness in speech. As our national anthem reminds us, we must speak with each other to live together as one nation,” added Msgr. Anyolo.The two prelates urged the government to prioritize justice for those who lost their lives during last year’s protests and for those still recovering from injuries sustained in clashes with law enforcement, which left at least 60 dead. In recent days, clashes have erupted during demonstrations demanding the truth about the death in a security cell of blogger Albert Ojwang (see Fides, June 12 and 17, 2025). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 23/6/2025)
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June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SYRIA – Massacre of Christians in Damascus. Greek Orthodox Patriarchate: “they are our new martyrs”

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Monday, 23 June 2025

by Pascale RizkDamascus (Agenzia Fides) – “On the day our Church of Antioch commemorates all the Antiochian saints, the treacherous hand of injustice has risen this evening and reaped our souls along with the souls of our loved ones who fell as martyrs today during the evening Mass at the Church of St. Elias in Dwela’a in Damascus.” With these words, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, led by Patriarch Yohanna X, addressed the faithful around the world following the massacre perpetrated during the evening Mass on Sunday, June 22.The Church of St. Elias is located in the Tabbalah neighborhood, at the entrance to the Douweila neighborhood. It was built in 1990. It is a monastic complex with a church, a school, and several guest rooms for pilgrims and students.According to information from local sources, the attack began with several shots fired at praying Christians from outside the church. Then, at least two suicide bombers wearing explosive belts entered the church through the rear entrance to the altar and blew themselves up.The eyewitness account of Laure al NasrMeanwhile, a video with the account of eyewitness Laure al Nasr was posted on social media: Her husband, Geryes el Bechara, a member of the General Directorate of the Road Traffic Authority, tried to stop the attacker along with Botros el Bechara, one of the brothers present at the mass. “The shots,” Laura recounts in her account, traumatized by her own grief, “first hit the church windows, frightening the people who gathered around the altar. As the attacker entered the church,” the witness continued, “Geryes and Botros tried to stop him: one by hitting him on the arm to make him drop a grenade that hadn’t exploded, the other by trying to pull him out of the church.” At that moment, the suicide bomber detonated his explosive belt and blew himself up. “I saw the bodies of my husband and my brother-in-law being torn to pieces, one next to the other. They tried to save us all; they are martyrs for our Church.” Other family members died in the massacre: their sister Myriam, cousins Julia, Sleman, and Nabil. A niece and a third brother of Geryes and Botros, notary Elias el Bechara, were seriously injured.Unconfirmed information suggests the suicide bombers may have been of Pakistani origin, and another attacker is said to have escaped after the massacre.So far, the provisional death toll amounts to 22 and 53 injured. “We continue to collect the remains and bodies of our martyrs,” reads the statement released by the Patriarchate.The government’s reactionsProfessor Hind Aboud Kabawat (see Fides, 12/2/2025), Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, the only Christian minister in the government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, went to the scene of the attack to express the Syrian government’s closeness to the community affected by the massacre. Government authorities condemned the attack and blamed individuals linked to the so-called Islamic State. “This criminal act, targeting members of the Christian community, is a desperate attempt to undermine national unity and destabilize the country, as well as a response by the remnants of terrorism to the continued successes of the Syrian state and leadership,” reads the government statement.Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, under the name Abu Muhammed el-Jolani, headed the Islamist “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham” for years, which played a leading role in the fight against the Assad regime, which collapsed in December of last year.Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddine Al-Baba announced that “all those involved in this criminal act will be held accountable, and we will work to restore the church to its former glory.”The solidarity of the entire population with the church affected by the massacre was also expressed through blood donations in the hospitals where the wounded are being treated. Meanwhile, Islamists are praising the massacre and issuing intimidating messages directed at Christians in other Syrian cities. Official expressions of solidarity with the Syrian Christians, however, came from leaders of other religious communities, while several ministers visited the wounded and their families in hospitals.In the final part of the message, issued by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of AntiochThe statement, published on , calls on the relevant authorities in Syria to “assume full responsibility for the protection of the Holy Sites and all citizens.” This at a time when the entire Middle East seems more than ever to be dominated by “inhuman forces that want to accelerate the end of the world” (Pope Francis). (Agenzia Fides, 23/6/2025)
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June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SOUTH KOREA – Prayer for peace and reconciliation in Korea in the face of an “emotional civil war”

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Archdiocese of Seoul

Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – “Let us walk together on the pilgrimage toward peace with eternal hope,” said Bishop Simon Kim Joo-young, Bishop of Chuncheon and president of the Reconciliation Committee of the South Korean Bishops’ Conference, during the Mass for the Day of Prayer for Reconciliation and Unity on June 25. This date was established by the Korean bishops in 1965 to commemorate the beginning of the Korean War (1950-1953) and to pray for peace. In 2025, the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule (1945) will also be commemorated.Novenas, Masses, and prayer vigils are being held in all Korean dioceses for this day, during which Korean Catholics pray together for peace and reconciliation with their North Korean brothers and sisters. Bishop Kim Joo-young noted that South Korea is experiencing “a time of crisis and opportunity.” On the one hand, there is a crisis in bilateral North-South relations. While, in recent months, incidents such as the launching of drones, leaflets, and balloons filled with garbage exchanged between the North and South have increased hostility and mutual resentment, in Korean society “people find themselves immersed in a sea of mistrust and conflict,” he stated. “This situation is the result of ideological conflicts accumulated over a long period of division, which could be described as an emotional civil war,” he added. Thinking of opportunities, the Bishop invited us to remember how many in the past have attempted to walk the path of peace and reconciliation and have united spiritually on the Day of Prayer for Reconciliation and Unity, suggesting the use of the word “hope” as a key term to “dispel the shadow left by the division of the Korean peninsula.” The Bishop mentioned the Jubilee, recalling that the theme of the Holy Year is “Pilgrims of Hope,” and emphasized that the first step to overcoming all conflicts is precisely “not losing hope.” “After 80 years of division on the Korean peninsula, we must overcome conflicts with faith in the resurrection of Christ,” he insisted. In the Novena underway in Korean Catholic communities, each day has been dedicated to a special prayer intention. On June 25, each diocese will celebrate the Eucharist with the participation of priests, consecrated persons, and faithful. On the occasion of this Day, the Committee for Reconciliation of the Korean Bishops’ Conference also held a symposium on the theme of education for peace: this, it was said, begins with a reflection on the violence deeply rooted in oneself.“We must all hoper that we can eliminate division and conflict, prejudices and strife between the South and the North so that a new path toward peace and harmony may open up,” said Bishop Mathias Lee Yong-hoon of Suwon and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea, during his address at the meeting. Bishop Kim Joo-young, president of the Committee for Reconciliation, reiterated that “overcoming conflict through dialogue, listening, and cooperation is always a task for our people.” In recent weeks, the Korean Conference of Religion for Peace, which brings together seven major religious communities present in Korea, including the Catholic Church, has expressed hope for reactivating channels of dialogue between North and South Korea. The Conference recently convened the “Pilgrimage for Life and Peace in the Demilitarized Zone,” the strip of land that divides North and South Korea. At the end of a 385-kilometer walk, the pilgrims issued a call for peace: “It has been 80 years since liberation, and 80 years since the people of this land, freed from the chains of colonial rule, worked hard to create a country where they could live in peace and security.” “We walked unarmed through the demilitarized zone where the roar of weapons never ceases, and we prayed. We gathered in one place to talk about peace, sing for peace, and build peace,” the statement containing the call states. “Only through dialogue and cooperation, and only through efforts of mutual respect and coexistence, can we protect the lives and security of all citizens of the Korean Peninsula. If we allocate resources from arms purchases to dialogue and negotiation, all citizens of the Korean Peninsula will be able to live safer and more peaceful lives,” the text concludes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 23/6/2025)
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June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – A valuable study on health care for Chinese Bishops, nuns and priests

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

xinde.org

by Marta ZhaoRome (Agenzia Fides) – On June 10, 2025, Father Peter Li Yu of the Diocese of Qiqihar, in the Chinese province of Heilongjiang, died at the age of 56. On May 3, 2025, Father Joseph Xu Cheng of the Diocese of Pingliang, Gansu Province, died at the age of 56 after a brief illness. On April 21, the anniversary of the death of Pope Francis, Father John Yang Guanglin, 55, died of respiratory failure in the Diocese of Baoding (Hebei Province). Two days later, Father Andreas Yu Zhaoming of the Archdiocese of Xi’an died of a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 61. On June 4, Sister Maria Deng Xiuying of the Congregation of the Mother of the Lord of the Diocese of Yongnian (Handan) in Hebei Province succumbed to an illness at the age of 60.These are just a few of the names of priests and nuns who died prematurely in the first half of 2025.The detailed data, published by the Catholic news portal “xinde.org” under the direction of Fr. John Baptist Zhang, provides an overview of the health and physical condition of Chinese bishops, priests, and nuns over the past 35 years, from 1990 to 2025. The data highlights a troubling picture and points to the urgent need for direct action to ensure adequate healthcare for priests and nuns in mainland China.During the period under review, a total of 115 priests under the age of 65 died from illness or traffic accidents, many of them while en route to their pastoral duties.Behind these numbers lie stories of young men who lost their lives to illness or sudden misfortune in the prime of their lives, which they had dedicated to the apostolic work of the Church.These stories include that of Father Song Fusheng of the Diocese of Yulin in Shaanxi Province, who died in his sleep at the age of 33, after only one year and nine months of his priesthood. Father Zhua Jiahuai of the Diocese of Lanzhou (Gansu Province), who died at the age of 31, after only one year and eight months of his priesthood, while Father Li Xiufeng of the Diocese of Baoding died at the age of 37, just 49 days after his ordination. Both died in the same car accident while traveling on dangerous roads to visit distant parishes in the exercise of their priestly ministry. And we cannot forget Peter Wu Junwei, the beloved Bishop of the Apostolic Prefecture of Xinjiang/Yuncheng in the Chinese province of Shanxi, who died of a heart attack on May 10, 2022, at the age of 59.The main causes of premature death among Chinese priests and nuns are heart attacks, cerebral hemorrhages, strokes, and cancer. In rural areas, the risks associated with the need to travel long distances by car due to church duties increase. Father Ambrose Ding Yaohua (51) reports: “I often travel from one parish to another to celebrate Mass. Sometimes it is a whole day, and I have to stop halfway, and in many cases I have to sleep in the open. Even if you might be able to see the village on the other side of the river, the detours to cross the river can take almost a whole day. On several occasions, when I was in a hurry, I fell into streams or overhanging ditches while administering the last rites to the dying, and only thanks to the Lord’s protection did I survive.”Such risks are often linked to pastoral work carried out in silence and discretion, with joy and without complaint.The generations of older priests and nuns born before 1949 currently make up the majority of the clergy and nuns of the Catholic Church in China, and they will be aging in the near future. While the suffering and death of loved ones can be experienced in faith, the death of priests and nuns is still felt as a great loss in their respective parishes, especially when it occurs prematurely due to illness or accident.In the Catholic Church in China, therefore, increasing attention is being paid to issues related to the health of priests and nuns.On December 4, 2020, the so-called Chinese Bishops’ Conference and the Patriotic Association of Chinese Catholics sent a “Notice on health care and medical check-ups for priests, nuns, and Lay people working in Church institutions” to all dioceses in the country. The announcement states that dioceses should introduce or improve the system of preventive health check-ups for priests and nuns by providing regular health check-ups every year and by providing human, financial and material resources to transform the currently passive medical treatment into an active one. This aims to ensure early diagnosis of diseases, timely treatment, and disease prevention.In dioceses with greater economic resources, health monitoring systems for nuns and priests are already common practice. In the Diocese of Haimen, nuns, priests, and lay staff have been undergoing semi-annual medical check-ups for 14 years now. In major cities such as Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai, health care for church staff is good. Medical checkups are often combined with annual spiritual retreats.According to the Bishop of Suzhou, Joseph Xu Honggen, “since 2006, the costs of medical care for the clergy and nuns of the Diocese of Suzhou, as well as their social, health, and retirement benefits, have been borne partly by the diocese and partly by the parish and the local administrative authority.”Joseph Gan Junqiu, Bishop of the Diocese of Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, emphasizes: “The health and health care of Church personnel are fundamental to the development of the Church. Conducting medical examinations helps to adequately monitor the health of priests and nuns, further enhance their sense of belonging and cohesion, and ensure that they can devote themselves to preaching the Gospel in good physical condition, with energy and serenity, thus contributing to the Church’s mission as the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”The health of priests and nuns also affects the conditions associated with pastoral care. According to the study by “xinde.org,” the causes of health problems among nuns and priests include excessive pastoral workload, irregular lifestyle and dietary habits, psychological stress, and lack of exercise. These are behaviors that can be changed by entrusting ourselves to the Lord and recognizing the importance of taking care of our own health in order to better serve the Church’s mission, while also reducing centralizing practices and creating space for the inclusion of lay people and women in pastoral work in an authentic synodal spirit. (Agenzia Fides, 23/6/2025)
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MIL OSI Europe News –

June 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime: EU imposes restrictive measures on five Syrian individuals associated with the former Assad regime for supporting crimes against humanity and for fueling sectarian violence

Source: Council of the European Union

The Council imposed restrictive measures on five persons responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses in Syria, including supporting the use of chemical weapons under the al-Assad regime, and for their involvement in the recent violence in coastal regions that resulted in many civilian casualties.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 24, 2025

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