Category: Europe

MIL-OSI: Coface SA: Publication of Group and Standalone SFCR as of 31 December 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

COFACE SA: Publication of Group and Standalone SFCR as of 31 December 2024

Paris, 7 May 2025 – 17.45

COFACE SA has published today its Solvency and Financial Condition Report (SFCR) for COFACE SA (Group) and Compagnie française d’assurance pour le commerce extérieur (the « Compagnie »), in compliance with the Solvency II requirements¹.

The Board of Directors of COFACE SA and the Compagnie, respectively approved the SFCR for the financial year 2024. This report is produced on an annual basis:

for Coface Group, involving COFACE SA and its main subsidiaries in France and outside France;
for the Compagnie, on a standalone basis.

HIGHLIGHTS

To assess its solvency, COFACE SA uses the partial internal model approved by the ACPR in 2019. The Compagnie’s solvency is still assessed using the interpretation of the standard formula.
As of 31 December 2024, eligible own funds to cover the Group’s SCR amounted to €2,630 million, which broke down as follows:
- 75% of Tier 1 capital;
- 24% of Tier 2 capital;
- 1% of Tier 3 capital, representing deferred tax assets.
The Group’s SCR coverage ratio of 196%² at the end of 2024 reflects a solvency ratio above its target range (155% -175%). This level supports the Group’s decision to distribute 80% of its net profit for 2024 by a €1.40³ dividend per share.
The coverage ratio of the Compagnie SCR (Solo) at the end of 2024 is 237%⁴.

The full report is available on the website of the Company at the following address:
https://www.coface.com/investors/regulated-information/annual-reports

CONTACTS

ANALYSTS / INVESTORS
Thomas JACQUET: +33 1 49 02 12 58 – thomas.jacquet@coface.com
Rina ANDRIAMIADANTSOA: +33 1 49 02 15 85 – rina.andriamiadantsoa@coface.com

MEDIA RELATIONS
Saphia GAOUAOUI: +33 1 49 02 14 91 – saphia.gaouaoui@coface.com
Adrien BILLET: +33 1 49 02 23 63 – adrien.billet@coface.com

FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2025
(subject to change)

Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting: 14 May 2025
H1-2025 results: 31 July 2025 (after market close)
9M-2025 results: 3 November 2025 (after market close)

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
This press release, as well as COFACE SA’s integral regulatory information, can be found on the Group’s website: http://www.coface.com/Investors

For regulated information on Alternative Performance Measures (APM), please refer to our Interim Financial Report for H1-2024 and our 2024 Universal Registration Document (see part 3.7 “Key financial performance indicators”).

Regulated documents posted by COFACE SA have been secured and authenticated with the blockchain technology by Wiztrust.
You can check the authenticity on the website www.wiztrust.com.

COFACE: FOR TRADE
As a global leading player in trade credit risk management for more than 75 years, Coface helps companies grow and navigate in an uncertain and volatile environment.
Whatever their size, location or sector, Coface provides 100,000 clients across some 200 markets with a full range of solutions: Trade Credit Insurance, Business Information, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Surety Bonds, Factoring.
Every day, Coface leverages its unique expertise and cutting-edge technology to make trade happen, in both domestic and export markets.
In 2024, Coface employed ~5,236 people and registered a turnover of €1.84 billion.

www.coface.com

COFACE SA is quoted in Compartment A of Euronext Paris
Code ISIN: FR0010667147 / Ticker: COFA

DISCLAIMER – Certain declarations featured in this press release may contain forecasts that notably relate to future events, trends, projects or targets. By nature, these forecasts include identified or unidentified risks and uncertainties, and may be affected by many factors likely to give rise to a significant discrepancy between the real results and those stated in these declarations. Please refer to chapter 5 “Main risk factors and their management within the Group” of the Coface Group’s 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with AMF on 5 April 2024 under the number D.25-0227 in order to obtain a description of certain major factors, risks and uncertainties likely to influence the Coface Group’s businesses. The Coface Group disclaims any intention or obligation to publish an update of these forecasts, or provide new information on future events or any other circumstance.

1 The Solvency II Directive (i) formalises and organises information requests, and (ii) clarifies the governance requirements and processes to be followed by insurers. In particular, the regulations provide for the establishment of two narrative reports: one for the Regulator (RSR) and one for the public (SFCR).
2 Final calculation of the SCR coverage ratio using the partial group internal model. Non audited.
3 Ex-dividend date is on 20 May 2025 and Payment date is on 22 May 2025. The proposed distribution of €1.40 per share is subject to approval of the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting that takes place on 14 May 2025.
4 Final calculation of the SCR coverage ratio according to Coface’s interpretation of Solvency II standard formula. Non audited.

Attachment

2025 05 07 PR Coface Publication of SFCR EN

The MIL Network –

May 8, 2025

MIL-OSI: Societe Generale: shares & voting rights as of 30 April 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NUMBER OF SHARES COMPOSING CURRENT SHARE CAPITAL AND TOTAL NUMBER OF VOTING RIGHTS AS OF 30 APRIL 2025

Regulated Information

Paris, 7 May 2025

Information about the total number of voting rights and shares pursuant to Article L.233-8 II of the French Commercial Code and Article 223-16 of the AMF General Regulations.

Date Number of shares composing current share capital Total number of
voting rights

30 April 2025 800,316,777
Gross: 888,385,614

Press contacts:

Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com
Fanny Rouby_+33 1 57 29 11 12_ fanny.rouby@socgen.com

Societe Generale

Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with around 119,000 employees serving more than 26 million clients in 62 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.

The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:
- French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
- Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
- Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.
Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).

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

Attachment
- Societe-Generale-shares-voting-rights-as-of-30-04-2025
The MIL Network –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI: Decisions from JLT Mobile Computers ABs (publ) Annual General Meeting Wednesday May 7th , 2025 (Swedish only)

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Växjö, Sverige, 7:e maj 2025 * * * JLT Mobile Computers, informerar att årsstämma i JLT Mobile Computers AB (publ) hölls onsdagen den 7e maj 2025 i Växjö där följande huvudsakliga beslut fattades.

Årsstämman beslutade att fastställa framlagd resultat- och balansräkning för moderbolaget och koncernen. Årsstämman beslutade, i enlighet med styrelsens förslag, att ingen utdelning lämnas till aktieägarna för räkenskapsåret 2024.

Styrelseledamöterna och verkställande direktören beviljades ansvarsfrihet för 2024 års förvaltning.

I enlighet med valberedningens förslag beslutades att styrelsen ska bestå av sex ledamöter utan suppleanter. Till styrelseledamöter för tiden intill slutet av nästa årsstämma omvaldes Ola Blomberg, Jan Sjöwall, Jessica Svenmar, Per Ädelroth och Karl Hill samt nyvaldes Tommy Svensson. Stämman beslutade att omvälja Ola Blomberg till styrelseordförande. Beslutades att ha en revisor utan suppleanter. Luminor Revision AB omvaldes som revisor.

Årsstämman beslutade, i enlighet med valberedningens förslag, att styrelsearvodet ska utgå med totalt 700 000 kronor, varav styrelsens ordförande ska erhålla 200 000 kronor och övriga ledamöter ska erhålla 100 000 kronor vardera. Årsstämman beslutade även att arvode till bolagets revisor ska utgå enligt godkänd räkning.

Årsstämman beslutade vidare att bolaget ska ha en valberedning bestående av tre ledamöter, varvid en ledamot ska utses av var och en av de tre största aktieägarna i bolaget. Ordförande i valberedningen ska, om inte ledamöterna enas om annat, vara den ledamot som utses av den största aktieägaren.

Årsstämman beslutade slutligen, i enlighet med styrelsens förslag, om bemyndigande för styrelsen att under tiden intill nästa årsstämma, vid ett eller flera tillfällen, fatta beslut om nyemission av högst 2 871 200 aktier, vilket motsvarar 10 procent av antalet aktier i bolaget per dagen för årsstämman. Styrelsen ska därvid ha rätt att besluta om avvikelse från aktieägarnas företrädesrätt samt bestämmelse om apport, kvittning eller annat villkor.

Further financial information can be found on JLT’s investor pages

This information is information that JLT Mobile Computers AB (pub) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 6:00 pm CET Wednesday May 7, 2025.

About JLT Mobile Computers

JLT Mobile Computers is a leading developer and supplier of rugged mobile computing devices and solutions for demanding environments. 30 years of development and manufacturing experience have enabled JLT to set the standard in rugged computing, combining outstanding product quality with expert service, support and solutions to ensure trouble-free business operations for customers in warehousing, transportation, manufacturing, mining, ports and agriculture. JLT operates globally from offices in Sweden, France, and the US, complemented by an extensive network of sales partners in local markets. The company was founded in 1994, and the share has been listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market stock exchange since 2002 under the symbol JLT. Eminova Fondkommission AB acts as Certified Adviser. Learn more at jltmobile.com.

The MIL Network –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI: L’École de Gestion d’Actifs et de Capital Launches Lumicoin IA, Shaped by Marc Leclerc’s Educational Vision

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Paris, France, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a move to transform financial learning through innovation and empathy, L’École de Gestion d’Actifs et de Capital has officially expanded access to its flagship intelligent platform, Lumicoin IA, under the direction of its founder, Marc Leclerc. This launch marks a new chapter in the institution’s mission to make financial understanding more intuitive, inclusive, and human-centered.

Developed through years of applied research and supported by Interactive Brokers, Lumicoin IA offers a seamless and interactive educational experience. It combines artificial intelligence with pedagogical clarity, allowing users to visualize, evaluate, and build strategies without needing prior financial or technical knowledge.

At the heart of Lumicoin IA is a simple but powerful concept: every financial strategy becomes a smart, visual asset. These “intelligent learning tokens” can be viewed in real time, scored based on performance metrics, combined into custom portfolios, and automatically rebalanced by the system. The platform’s intuitive dashboard requires no coding and is designed to foster deep learning through interaction and observation.

Marc Leclerc, a veteran of the financial industry with nearly three decades of experience, created Lumicoin IA to reflect not only his professional insights but also his personal philosophy. After facing the highs and lows of financial life, his vision today centers on restoring meaning and accessibility to finance.
“We are not just building a platform—we are building a learning environment that respects people’s pace, emotions, and aspirations,” he says. “With Lumicoin IA, we’re turning complexity into clarity and giving people the chance to grow with confidence.”

Lumicoin IA includes a range of features:

Strategy simulation and backtesting via visual tokens

Real-time IQ scoring and adaptability monitoring

Portfolio creation with automated balancing

Sentiment analysis from social and economic news

User-friendly, code-free graphical interface

Beyond its technological strengths, the platform promotes educational equity by inviting individuals, communities, and institutions to learn side by side. It encourages users to engage with financial learning not as a challenge, but as a progressive journey—one built on simplicity, feedback, and empowerment.

As part of its open launch, L’École de Gestion d’Actifs et de Capital will continue collecting insights from users to refine Lumicoin IA’s capabilities and foster a global learning community.

For those seeking a smarter, more humane approach to financial education, Lumicoin IA offers a clear starting point.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

The MIL Network –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK will continue to pay tribute to the victims of war by pressing for a just and lasting peace in response to conflicts around the world: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Speech

The UK will continue to pay tribute to the victims of war by pressing for a just and lasting peace in response to conflicts around the world: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN General Assembly meeting on the Eightieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Today, we remember the enormous contributions and sacrifices made, and honour the lives lost, in pursuit of peace and security 80 years ago.

Allied forces, united in their mission to liberate Europe from Nazi oppression, were victorious.

But we must never forget the tragic human cost of the Second World War.

Over 70 million lives lost around the world.

And as the world wars begin to fade from living memory, we must ensure the stories of those who lived through and fought in them are remembered by generations to come.

This organisation was founded in the wake of that conflict, to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, underpinned by a Charter which united the world with the aim of maintaining international peace and security, reaffirming our shared faith in Human Rights, and promoting development.

The United Kingdom remains deeply committed to those principles and to the UN Charter.

In the UN’s 80th year, our shared mission is more important than ever.

The world faces the highest number of conflicts globally since the UN’s inception.

The human costs are rising.

In Europe, security is once again threatened by blatant disrespect for the principles of sovereign equality of States and respect for territorial integrity.

These principles matter for all states.

President, my grandfather served as a British Army officer in France and in Italy during the Second World War. Decades later, even at the height of the Cold War, he spoke warmly of the Soviet forces he had fought alongside to defeat fascism.

Russia’s claims that the Ukrainian government is akin to the regime of the German Nazis is false and malicious propaganda that insults the memory of the Soviet forces who fought and died during the Second World War.

We were called here today for one solemn purpose: to commemorate the victims of the Second World War.

The fact that Russia sees fit to use this meeting to peddle blatant disinformation about is shameful, but it will not distract us.

As my Prime Minister said, this is a time to celebrate hard-won peace, honour the memory of those who lost their lives and remember the sacrifices made by so many to secure our freedom.

The United Kingdom will continue to pay tribute to the victims of war by pressing for a just and lasting peace in response to conflicts around the world.

As we join together today, we encourage all Member States to consider this anniversary a stark reminder that peace cannot be taken for granted.

We must all redouble our efforts to bring about the peace and security the people of the world need and which they deserve.

Updates to this page

Published 7 May 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman outlines China’s position on high-level trade and economic talks with US

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, May 7 (Xinhua) — The United States has repeatedly expressed its willingness to hold talks with China recently, and the upcoming meeting between Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be held at the request of the U.S. side, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

Lin Jian made the statement at a regular press conference, noting that China firmly opposes the US abuse of tariff measures, and China’s position on this issue remains unchanged.

“China will firmly protect its legitimate interests and uphold international fairness and justice,” the Chinese diplomat concluded. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: UK Big Ben marks #VE80

Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

Last night to mark #VE80, the Elizabeth Tower was lit up with projections in collaboration with the @ImperialWarMuseums – depicting celebrations from 1945.

In May 1945, the Elizabeth Tower was illuminated to signal the end of a near six year blackout during the Second World War.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVcWZN6j7Hw

MIL OSI Video –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI: Kvika banki hf.: Financial Results for Q1 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

At a board meeting on 7 May 2025, the Board of Directors and the CEO approved the condensed interim consolidated financial statements of Kvika banki hf. (“Kvika” or “the bank”) group for the first quarter of 2025.

Highlights of performance in the first quarter (Q1 2025)
- Post-tax profit of the group amounted to ISK 2,086 million in Q1 2025, compared to ISK 1,083 million in Q1 2024, an increase of ISK 1,003 million or 92.6% from previous year.
- Pre-tax profit from continuing operations, adjusted for non-recurring items, amounted to ISK 1,590 million in Q1 2025, compared to ISK 1,215 million in Q1 2024, and increases by ISK 375 million or 31% from previous year. Unadjusted pre-tax profit for the quarter was ISK 701 million.
- Net interest income amounted to ISK 2,917 million in Q1 2025, compared to ISK 2,326 million in Q1 2024, an increase of ISK 590 million or 25.4% from previous year.
- Net interest margin was 4.4% in Q1 2025, compared to 3.8% in Q1 2024. Year-on-year increase is largely due to strong liquidity, improved funding terms, and a growing loan book.
- Net fee and commission income was ISK 1,520 million in Q1 2025, compared to ISK 1,633 million in Q1 2024, a decrease of ISK 113 million or 6.9% from previous year.
- Other net operating income amounted to ISK 12 million in Q1 2025, compared to ISK 110 million in Q1 2024, a decrease of ISK 98 million or 89.1% from previous year.
- Administrative expenses amounted to ISK 3,090 million in Q1 2025, compared to ISK 2,666 million in Q1 2024, an increase of ISK 424 million or 15.9% from previous year. Adjusted for one-off items, operating expenses were ISK 2,865 million in Q1 2025.
- Pre-tax return on tangible equity (RoTE), adjusted for one-off items, was 17.7%. Unadjusted pre-tax RoTE per the income statement was 7.8%.
- Earnings per share were ISK 0.45 in Q1 2025, compared to ISK 0.23 in Q1 2024.
Income from assets held for sale:
- Post-tax profit from assets held for sale consists of profit from the sale of TM tryggingar hf. and related income and expenses.
Key balance sheet figures as at 31.3.2025:
- Deposits from customers amount to ISK 168 billion, compared to ISK 163 billion at year-end 2024, an increase of 2.8% during the quarter.
- Loans to customers amount to ISK 161 billion, compared to ISK 150 billion at year-end 2024, an increase of 6.9% during the quarter.
- Total assets amount to ISK 343 billion, compared to ISK 355 billion at year-end 2024, a decrease of 3.4% during the quarter.
- Total equity of the group was ISK 68 billion, compared to ISK 90 billion at year-end 2024, materially reduced following the sale of TM. On the reporting date, shareholder approval for a special dividend, not yet paid out, had been granted. The dividend is recorded as unpaid dividend under other liabilities.
- The capital adequacy ratio (CAR) was 23.9%, compared to 22.8% at year-end 2024, as determined on the basis of the unaudited net earnings in the quarter. Kvika’s capital ratio as calculated under the Financial Undertakings Act No. 161/2002 was 23.0% at the end of March 2025.
- Total liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) of the group was 279%, compared to 360% at year-end 2024.
- Total assets under management were ISK 441 billion, compared to ISK 456 billion at year-end 2024.
Ármann Þorvaldsson, CEO of Kvika:

“The bank delivered strong performance in the first quarter, when adjusted for non-recurring items. Net interest income increased by 25%, while overall cost growth was more moderate, with wage expenses increasing by just under 5%. However, other expenses rose year-on-year, partly driven by non-recurring costs related to the sale of TM.

The sale of the insurance company TM to Landsbankinn was successfully completed during the quarter. A large part of the sale proceeds, totaling over ISK 32 billion, was returned to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. A considerable portion, however, remains as equity in the bank, providing a solid foundation for growth in the coming years.

The acquisition of the remaining management stake in Ortus Secured Finance was also finalized, making the bank the sole owner of the company. This acquisition allows for further integration of the UK operations, cost reductions, refinancing of inefficient debt, and lays the groundwork for continued growth in the UK.

Non-recurring items related to these transactions had a significant impact on the bank’s operating results in the quarter. Excluding these, the profit from the bank’s core operations before tax was very good.

Net interest income increased substantially year-on-year, rising by over 25%. This growth was driven by an expanding loan portfolio, reduced funding costs, and a temporarily elevated liquidity position following the sale of TM, which was reduced after the dividend payout in April. The portion of the sale proceeds retained by the bank will continue to generate returns, and interest income is expected to remain strong going forward.

Fee and investment income reflected challenging conditions in the securities markets, leading to a slight year-on-year contraction. Concurrently, efforts to contain cost increases, excluding non-recurring items, have been successful, and the number of employees remain unchanged from the previous quarter.

Kvika is now in an enviable position to advance and expand in line with its business plan. Following the sale of TM, the bank enjoys a very strong capital and liquidity position, and steady interest income has replaced the more volatile insurance-related income. The bank’s infrastructure, which has been adapted to TM’s departure from the group, is both robust and scalable, providing a solid foundation for continued growth in Iceland and the UK.”

Presentation for shareholders and market participants

A presentation for shareholders and market participants will be held on Thursday, 8 May, at 08:30 at Kvika’s headquarters on the 9th floor at Katrínartún 2, 105 Reykjavík. The presentation will be conducted in Icelandic and a live stream can be accessed at:

https://kvika.is/kynning-a-uppgjori-3m-2025/

Questions can be sent before or during the meeting via ir@kvika.is or through the Slido app here.

An investor presentation is attached. Additionally, a recording with English subtitles will be made available on Kvika’s website.

Attachments

The MIL Network –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Beacon lighting for 80th anniversary of VE Day

Source: City of Canterbury

Home » Latest News » Beacon lighting for 80th anniversary of VE Day

Following the commemoration service at the war memorial in Canterbury between 10.30am and 11.30am tomorrow (Thursday 8 May) to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we will be lighting the beacon at Tannery Field.

The beacon will be lit at 9.30pm and all are welcome to join us.

The beacon lighting will be attended by the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Cllr Jean Butcher, Sheriff of Canterbury, Cllr Keji Moses, members of the Royal British Legion and other local dignitaries.

You can also see details of other VE Day events taking place at Canterbury Cathedral.

Published: 7 May 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: 26 civilians killed, 46 injured in Indian attack on Pakistan

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

ISLAMABAD, May 7 (Xinhua) — Twenty-six people, including women and children, were killed and 46 others were injured in Indian attacks on civilian areas in six districts of Pakistan on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, head of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said at a briefing.

He said India had attacked homes and mosques, targeting civilians in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and eastern Punjab province.

He confirmed that the Pakistan Air Force had shot down five Indian fighter jets and one drone, the remains of which fell in Indian territory. “None of the Pakistani aircraft entered Indian airspace,” he added.

The ISPR chief said that the Pakistan army hit several posts and a brigade headquarters of the Indian army in a retaliatory strike. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: Leaders of China and Russia demonstrate determination to protect fruits of Victory in World War II – Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

Moscow, May 7 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are jointly attending the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in World War II, demonstrating their political responsibility and firm determination to resist attempts to distort the historical truth, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said in an interview with Xinhua ahead of the Chinese leader’s state visit to Russia.

“More than 80 years ago, the World Anti-Fascist War united peace-loving and justice-loving forces throughout the world and led to a great victory of justice over evil, light over darkness and truth over brute force,” the diplomat noted.

According to him, China and Russia made enormous sacrifices and a significant historical contribution to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. The peoples of the two countries fought shoulder to shoulder, cementing an unbreakable great friendship with blood and life, the ambassador emphasized.

“Historical truth must not be distorted, justice must not be trampled,” Zhang Hanhui said. According to him, the leaders of China and Russia will jointly attend the festivities of the 80th anniversary of the Victory not only to remember history and honor the memory of the fallen heroes, but also to take responsibility for the future, demonstrate the firm will and determination of both sides to jointly defend the fruits of the Victory in World War II and uphold international justice.

As the key victors in World War II, the founders of the UN and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia will vigorously promote the correct view of the history of World War II, jointly protect the post-war international order, advocate for peace and promote global cooperation and development, the diplomat said.

The two countries will also “continuously deepen political mutual trust and strategic cooperation, maintain great comradeship in arms, and jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity,” Zhang Hanhui stressed. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping calls for maintaining post-war order, upholding international justice

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

Moscow, May 7 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on the international community to unswervingly uphold the historical truth about World War II, resolutely safeguard the post-war international order, and firmly uphold international justice and equality.

The Chinese leader made the call in an opinion piece published Wednesday by Rossiyskaya Gazeta ahead of his arrival in Russia on a state visit and participation in celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War.

He noted that China and the Soviet Union became the most reliable supports in the fight against militaristic Japan and Nazi Germany, and made a decisive contribution to the Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

Attempts to distort historical facts about World War II and deny its results, and discredit the historical feats of China and the Soviet Union are doomed to failure, Xi Jinping added.

The Chinese leader noted that the establishment of the UN was perhaps the most important decision made by the world community since the end of World War II. The more complex the international situation becomes, the more important it is to protect and ensure the authority of the UN, firmly defend the international system, the core of which remains the UN, the world order based on international law and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, consistently promote the formation of an equal and orderly multipolar world, accessible and inclusive economic globalization, the article says.

Xi Jinping also called on the international community to adhere to the principles of “dialogue instead of confrontation, partnership instead of self-interested blocs, and mutual benefit instead of a zero-sum game.”

It is necessary to follow the path of true multilateralism, take into account the rational interests of various parties, and ensure international rules and order, the article says. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 7 May 2025 Departmental update Global Disability Summit marks pivotal moment in advancing health for all
Source: World Health Organisation

Inclusion must be a right and it should not be negotiable. WHO’s position starts from that and WHO has been working on disability for many years.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus / WHO Director-General

Leaders, advocates and experts from across the globe gathered in Berlin from 2–3 April 2025 for the Global Disability Summit to discuss the critical role that disability inclusion plays in building a more sustainable future.

The Summit, organized by the Governments of Germany and Jordan in collaboration with the International Disability Alliance, marked a pivotal moment in global health efforts to advance health equity for all.

The World Health Organization (WHO) was well represented at the Summit, as demonstrated by the participation of Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, and Darryl Barrett, Technical Lead of the WHO Disability Programme.

Key outcomes from the Summit
- Announcement of a WHO Global Initiative on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities
Dr Tedros announced the launch of a WHO Global Initiative on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities. The Initiative will act as an essential mechanism to coordinate and prioritize collaborative efforts for better health for persons with disabilities. It will transform health systems and guide countries in developing and implementing policies that prioritize their health needs.
- Strategic discussions to drive progress
The Summit enabled crucial discussions between WHO and various partners, especially persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, on the most efficient ways to mainstream disability inclusion in health practices and systems. Partners proposed innovative strategies to leverage resources, expertise and networks to drive progress in health equity for persons with disabilities. The insights gained from the discussions will shape the objectives and structure of the global initiative, ensuring it effectively addresses the needs of persons with disabilities.
- High-level commitments
The Summit concluded with over 800 commitments made by countries and partners at all levels to promote disability inclusion. WHO endorsed the Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion and will continue to work with governments, organizations and stakeholders to advance disability inclusion in international development and humanitarian action. The health-related commitments, published on the Summit’s website, will serve as a roadmap to create more inclusive health systems.

The way forward

The Summit was a powerful platform that catalysed an unprecedented movement for a more inclusive health sector driven by and for persons with disabilities.

WHO will build on the conversations initiated with disability advocates and health sector stakeholders, and work actively towards the launch of the global initiative on health equity for persons with disabilities.

Dr Tedros added, “Universal health coverage cannot happen without including the 1.3 billion [persons with disabilities globally]. All countries have to mainstream inclusion in their policies. So that’s what we’re pushing for, and we will continue to do our best.”

To receive regular updates on WHO’s activities to advance disability inclusion in health systems, subscribe to the WHO Disability Programme Newsletter.

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MIL OSI United Nations News –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Vcitory Day for World War II, 2025

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Today, our Nation proudly commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Allied Powers’ triumph over national socialism and fascism, and the end of World War II in Europe — one of the most epic victories for forces of freedom in the history of the world. On this Victory Day for World War II, we celebrate the unmatched might, strength, and power of the American Armed Forces, and we commit to protecting our sacred birthright of liberty against all threats, foreign and domestic.In the wake of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States righteously entered the fray of what would become the apex of the eternal battle between good and evil. After nearly 4 years of the darkest and bloodiest chapters ever recorded in human history, more than 250,000 Americans lost their lives in the fight against the Nazi regime. Today and every day, we pay tribute to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their Nation, their liberty, and the survival of Western civilization. Without the sacrifice of our American soldiers, this war would not have been won, and our world today would look drastically different.May 8, 1945 marks the Allies’ acceptance of Germany’s unconditional surrender — the beginning of the end of years of long, gruesome, and brutal warfare. The millions of souls senselessly lost serve as a reminder of why we must pursue peace through strength. I remain steadfastly devoted to stopping the years of endless foreign wars and preventing the further loss of lives. As I stated during my Inaugural Address, we will measure our success not only by the battles we win but also by the wars we end — and my proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker.As we commemorate Victory Day for World War II, we offer our unending thanks to every patriot from the Greatest Generation who left behind his home and family to fight for our freedom in distant lands. We honor the memories of all those who perished. Above all, we renew our commitment to keeping America and the entire world safe, secure, prosperous, and free.NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 8, 2025, as a day in celebration of Victory Day for World War II.IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty‑five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth. DONALD J. TRUMP

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Culture wars, political polarization and deepening inequality: the roots of Trumpism

Source: The Conversation – France – By Jérôme Viala-Gaudefroy, Spécialiste de la politique américaine, Sciences Po

More than 100 days into his return to the White House, the conclusion is stark: Donald Trump is no longer the same president he was during his first term. His familiar nationalist and populist rhetoric is now openly paired with an authoritarian turn – one without precedent in US history. He has adopted a neo-imperial view of the economy, treating the global order as a zero-sum contest of winners and losers. In this worldview, cooperation gives way to domination: what matters is power and the accumulation of wealth.

Having withstood two impeachment procedures, numerous lawsuits and at least one assassination attempt, Trump now governs with what can appear to be unchecked authority. To his followers, he has become a hero, a martyr – almost a messianic figure. He no longer sees democracy as a framework to be honoured, but as a tool to legitimize his hold on power. His decisive electoral victory now serves as a mandate to cast aside institutional limits.

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Three key features define his style of governance: a radical centralization of executive power grounded in the theory of the “unitary executive”; the politicization of the Department of Justice, used as a weapon against rivals; and the manipulation of federal authority to target cultural, media and educational institutions. His playbook is chaos: unsettle opponents, dominate the media narrative and blur the boundaries of democratic norms. Impulsive and reactionary, Trump often governs in response to Fox News segments or trending posts on Truth Social. Instability has become a strategic tool.

But Trump is not a historical anomaly. While his 2016 victory may have seemed unlikely, his re-election reflects a deeper, long-term transformation rooted in the post-Cold War era.

From an external to an internal enemy

The collapse of the USSR – a structuring external enemy – redirected political confrontation toward the designation of an internal enemy. The culture war has become the dominant ideological battleground, driven by two closely linked forces. On one side, a religious radicalization led by nationalist Christian movements – such as the New Apostolic Reformation – seeks to roll back social progress and promote the vision of an outright theocracy. On the other, growing racial anxiety is fueled by fears of white demographic decline and resistance to civil rights gains.

The commentator Pat Buchanan saw it coming as early as the 1990s. Speaking at the 1992 Republican National Convention, he warned: “There is a cultural war going on for the soul of America… as critical as the Cold War itself.” Too radical for his time, Buchanan championed a white, Christian, conservative US hostile to cosmopolitan elites. Though marginalized then, his ideas laid the groundwork for what would become Trumpism.

Newt Gingrich, who served as Speaker of the House from 1995 to 1999, played a pivotal role in reshaping both the Republican party and US politics. A Republican group he chaired famously distributed a pamphlet to Republican candidates titled “Language: A Key Mechanism of Control”, advising them to use uplifting language to describe themselves, and inflammatory terms like “corrupt”, “immoral” and “traitor” to describe their opponents. This aggressive rhetoric redefined political rivals as enemies to be defeated – helping pave the way for a right-wing politics in which winning trumps democratic norms.

At the same time, the rise of a new conservative media ecosystem intensified polarization. The launch of Fox News in 1996, the growth of right-wing talk radio shows like Rush Limbaugh’s and the later explosion of social media gave the US right powerful tools to shape and radicalize public opinion. Today, algorithm-driven information bubbles trap citizens in alternate realities, where misinformation and outrage drown out reasoned debate. This has deepened polarization and fractured society as a whole.

Channeling anger

This ideological and media realignment has unfolded alongside a broader crisis: the unraveling of the post-Cold War neoliberal consensus. Promises of shared prosperity have been replaced by deindustrialization, deepening inequality and widespread resentment. Successive traumas – from 9/11 and the 2008 financial crash to the Covid-19 pandemic – and foreign wars without real victories have eroded public trust in the establishment.

Trump channels this anger. He offers a vision of a restored and idealized America, a rollback of recent social gains, and a reassertion of national identity grounded in religion and race. His populism is not a coherent ideology but an emotional response – born of perceived injustice, humiliation and loss.

Trump is more than a symptom of America’s democratic crisis: he is its most vivid manifestation. He embodies the legacy of the 1990s – a foundational decade of identity grievance, culture wars and media deregulation. Viewed as a political outsider, he has never been judged as a traditional politician, but rather embraced, by some, as the archetypal “self-made man” – a successful businessman and reality TV celebrity.

His rhetoric – transgressive, provocative and often cruel – gives voice to what had been repressed. The humiliation of opponents becomes part of the performance. For his supporters, it’s exhilarating. It breaks taboos, flouts political correctness and feeds the fantasy of reclaiming a lost America.

And he’s no longer alone. With the vocal support of economic and tech elites like Elon Musk – now a central figure in the radicalized right on X – Trumpism has entered a new phase. Together, they’ve outlined a new kind of authoritarian, cultural and digital power, where influence matters more than institutions.

The US re-elected not just a man, but a style, an era and a worldview built on dominance, disruption and disdain for rules. Still, history is unwritten: intoxicated by hubris and undermined by incompetence, Trumpism may yet crash into the wall of reality – with consequences far beyond America’s borders.

Jérôme Viala-Gaudefroy ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

– ref. Culture wars, political polarization and deepening inequality: the roots of Trumpism – https://theconversation.com/culture-wars-political-polarization-and-deepening-inequality-the-roots-of-trumpism-255778

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China highly appreciates Spain’s special attention to developing bilateral relations – Chinese Foreign Ministry

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, May 7 (Xinhua) — China appreciates the Spanish government’s strong focus on developing relations with China and its consistent promotion of practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Wednesday.

The Chinese diplomat made this statement at a regular briefing, commenting at the request of one of the journalists on the recently published Spanish Foreign Policy Strategy for 2025-2028, which, in particular, emphasizes the need to deepen Spanish-Chinese relations of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Recalling Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s recent visit to China, Lin Jian said the two countries jointly issued an action plan to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership and proposed building a comprehensive strategic partnership with greater strategic determination and greater development vigor.

The official representative indicated that, in addition to this, the parties signed a package of documents on cooperation in the areas of economics, trade, education, science and technology, and also achieved important results in cooperation in such areas of the new energy sector as electric vehicles and traction batteries.

China hopes to work with Spain to further deepen open cooperation, especially in areas such as green development, artificial intelligence and digital economy, to improve the well-being of the peoples of both countries and give further impetus to China-EU relations, Lin Jian concluded. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Statement by IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke at the Conclusion of His Visit to Zambia

Source: IMF – News in Russian

May 7, 2025

Lusaka, Zambia: Mr. Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement at the conclusion of his visit to Zambia from May 4-6:

“I would first like to thank H.E. President Hakainde Hichilema, Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane, and Central Bank Governor Denny H. Kalyalya for their warm hospitality and constructive discussions on my first visit to Zambia as Deputy Managing Director of the IMF.

“Progress on Zambia’s economic reform program supported by the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility has been strong, despite repeated external shocks. Since the program was approved in August 2022 and augmented in 2024 (See Press Release 24/242), it has provided critical support—both financial and policy-based—and helped to anchor Zambia’s landmark debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework and navigate last year’s severe drought.

“Zambia’s remarkable progress has centered on restoring macroeconomic stability, including fiscal and debt sustainability, and implementing reforms. Notable reforms include the removal of fuel subsidies, strengthened debt management, and the roll-out of a reformed agricultural input subsidy—the e-voucher system—which increased competition in input delivery, reduced costs, and supported job creation.

“These achievements have been particularly impressing given the challenging external and domestic environment. In my discussions with the authorities, I also welcomed their commitment to strengthen governance and anti-corruption policies.

“Going forward, the policy environment remains challenging. As in many sub-Saharan African economies, Zambia must navigate weaker global trade, elevated uncertainty, and declining external assistance. Continued reform momentum will be essential to build resilience, mobilize domestic revenues, and create fiscal space to support inclusive growth. Structural reforms to improve productivity and support private sector activity will help boost inclusive growth, delivering the much-needed jobs for Zambia’s vibrant youth.

“I am also grateful for the opportunity to engage with University of Zambia students and faculty, representatives of the private and banking sectors, and Zambia’s development partners. I appreciated the candid discussions on the impact of recent global and domestic economic developments on Zambia and exchanged views on how we can best partner with Zambia on its journey towards a more resilient and inclusive future.

“I leave Zambia optimistic about the country’s future—encouraged by the authorities’ determination to continue on their reform path, and reassured by the Zambian people’s resilience. The IMF remains a close partner in supporting the country’s journey to lift the living standards of the Zambian people.”

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Wafa Amr

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

@IMFSpokesperson

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/07/pr-25131-zambia-statement-by-imf-deputy-managing-director-nigel-clarke-after-his-visit

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Parliament marks 80th anniversary of the end of World War II

Source: European Union 2

On Wednesday, the European Parliament marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe in a ceremony in plenary with three veterans.

“Eighty years after the guns fell silent across Europe, we honour the courage of those who fought, and the sacrifice of those who fell. We remember not just the end of a war, but the birth of our Union. The most powerful tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in this war lies not only in remembrance, but in resolve. In our determination to stand together and say, clearly and firmly: never again,” EP President Metsola said.

European Council President António Costa thanked the veterans for their “sacrifice and commitment to peace”, regretting that, today, “we cannot celebrate peace in peace”, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Mr Costa encouraged the EU member states and their partners to stay united in the face of the Russian aggressor, as the best way to pay homage to those who gave their lives 80 years ago defending freedom. Finally, he reminded European citizens that “peace is a heritage, but also a responsibility”.

Speeches by veterans of war

Three veterans of the war – Mr Robert Chot, a 102-year-old Belgian veteran of the Battle of the Ardennes; Mr Janusz Komorowski a Polish veteran of the liberation of Poland and now 96 years old; and Mr Janusz Maksymowicz, also Polish and now 95 years old, who participated in the Warsaw Uprising – addressed MEPs.

Belgian war veteran Robert Chot said: “80 years ago, the guns fell silent, bringing an end to a terrible battle that caused millions of deaths in Europe and elsewhere. If today we are still living in peace, it is thanks to you and the countries you represent”. Peace is always uncertain, he added. “There are always clouds hanging over us. Let us do what is necessary to ensure that peace endures in Europe”, he declared.

Mr Janusz Komorowski talked about the difficult destiny of Poles who were fighting for freedom and independence and for the right of the Polish nation to exist, in Poland, abroad and during the Warsaw uprising in 1944. “They gave their lives for the freedom of other nations too, in the hope that the brutal force of the peace wreckers would be broken forever. Today, I want to thank that wartime generation, but also the European Parliament for becoming a beacon of peace, freedom and democracy, and for steadfastly defending these values”, he concluded.

Mr Janusz Maksymowicz stressed that the fight for freedom and values had clearly not ended but had taken on new forms. “We know how ruthless ideologies that divide people and nations can be. That is why today we say with full conviction: community is strength. A community of nations that respects the European traditions and cultures of all people who want to live in peace.”

The ceremony was brought to a close with a musical performance of the European anthem by a soprano accompanied by a string ensemble.

Ahead of the plenary event, Presidents Metsola and Costa attended a flag raising and wreath laying ceremony outside of the Parliament building in Strasbourg.

Find audiovisual material of all commemorative events in Parliament’s Multimedia Centre.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Swing into the 1940s with a spectacular VE Day celebration

Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

Published: Wednesday, 7th May 2025

Step back in time and experience the magic of a 20-piece wartime era Big Band as the golden age of swing is brought back to life.

This Fenton VE Day 80th Anniversary Ball at Fenton Town Hall is a tribute to VE Day, celebrating the joy of freedom at the end of the Second World War in Europe.

In 1945, millions of people celebrated the news that Germany had surrendered – marking the victory with parties, dancing and singing.

The event will mark 80 years since victory in Europe with Stoke-on-Trent-based Trent River Big Band – made up of 20 musicians from the city – getting the party started.

They will perform classic hits from legends like Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Vera Lynn, Ted Heath, and many more on a night of music, nostalgia, and community spirit.

The evening will include a charity raffle, raising funds for the Lord Mayor’s Charity. The event will take place from 7.30-11.30pm with optional 1940s dress or dress to impress.

Councillor Lyn Sharpe, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “I can’t thank the Trent River Big Band enough for organising this special event. It will bring the community together over music to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

“We mustn’t forget though, that the war didn’t end on 8 May 1945 for everyone. While celebrations took place across Europe, the war against Japan was ongoing – and we’ll be marking Victory in Japan (VJ) Day on 15 August.”

Tickets are £15 and are available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/TRBB

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Candidates sought for Kingswells Community Council by-election

Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

Residents in Kingwells are being invited to stand and represent their community in a forthcoming by-election for Kingswells Community Council.

The community council are looking to elect up to 12 new councillors to act as a voice for their area and express the views of local people on issues that are most important to them.

Anyone wishing to stand for election does not need any specific qualifications or experience, but should have a keen interest in their local community and be public spirited.  Candidates must be at least 16 years old and named on the current electoral register and reside in the Kingswells Community Council area.

The closing date for nominations is Thursday 5 June 2025 at 4pm with the notice of poll or uncontested election being on Monday 16 June 2025. Polling day, if required, runs between 8am and 8pm on Thursday 3 July 2025.

Interested candidates can find out more information and register by downloading the form on our website here: http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/CCelection25

Community Councils usually meet once a month, to discuss concerns in their local area and, through public engagement, should encourage feedback and involvement from everyone in the local community.

Established under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, most Community Councils comprise of up to 12 members with each community councillor elected to serve for a period of three years.

Anyone who would like to know more information should contact Karen Finch, Community Council Liaison Officer, via email communitycouncils@aberdeencity.gov.uk or telephone 01224 053945.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Hill Statement Applauds Confirmation of Warren Stephens as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

Rep. Hill Statement Applauds Confirmation of Warren Stephens as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 29, 2025

WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today released the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Warren Stephens to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

“Warren is a lifelong friend, phenomenal, and proud American who has a passion for our shared British and American history, and the critical nature of our important transatlantic partnership. I have no doubt that he will be an excellent ambassador and will work tirelessly to foster the longstanding shared values between our great nations.”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI: Lucinity and Creditinfo Partner to Integrate PEP Screening Seamlessly into AI Workflows

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

REYKJAVIK, Iceland , May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lucinity, a global leader in AI-driven compliance software, has partnered with Creditinfo, a trusted and leading provider of credit and risk intelligence solutions, to integrate access to localized Know Your Customer (KYC) data from Creditinfo directly into Lucinity’s end-to-end compliance platform. This strategic partnership enables financial institutions to automate KYC checks—including PEP screening, watchlist monitoring, reliability assessments, and UBO insights—across onboarding, ongoing monitoring, and investigations, all within a single, intuitive interface.

Until now, many compliance teams have struggled with fragmented workflows when it comes to Know Your Customer (KYC) checks. They’ve had to rely on standalone systems, manually reconcile KYC data with their case investigations, and perform periodic re-checks without automation.

Lucinity and Creditinfo are solving these challenges by embedding high-quality, localized KYC data from Creditinfo—including PEP screening, watchlist monitoring, reliability assessments, and UBO information—into Lucinity’s holistic Case Management and Transaction Monitoring systems, powered by AI. Within Lucinity’s AI workflows, KYC data becomes an actionable input—automatically adjusting risk scores, triggering alerts, and adapting recommendations as new information becomes available.

Through the integration with Creditinfo’s API, financial institutions can automate checks during onboarding, schedule periodic refreshes, and run on-demand lookups for counterparties. Key KYC indicators—such as PEP status—are also flagged directly in Case Management and Customer 360, helping analysts make better-informed decisions without switching between systems.

Already offering real-time fraud detection through a partnership with Sift and real-time sanctions screening through Neterium and Facctum, Lucinity continues to build a network of integrations that simplify compliance while strengthening effectiveness. By consolidating tools that were previously siloed, Lucinity helps financial institutions cut costs, reduce context-switching, and focus on high-value investigations.

Guðmundur Kristjánsson, founder and CEO of Lucinity, shared his perspective: “We kept hearing the same story from our customers — they had great separate financial crime tools, but none of them were connected with each other. This integration with Creditinfo brings the data and workflow together so compliance teams can focus on analysis, not data gathering.”

Creditinfo brings its strengths in reliable, frequently updated, and geographically relevant PEP data, with a special emphasis on regional accuracy in markets like Iceland with their proprietary Icelandic PEP database. This partnership reflects Creditinfo’s growing role as an essential data provider in the global compliance ecosystem. Hrefna Ösp Sigfinnsdóttir, CEO of Creditinfo in Iceland, commented, “We believe compliance shouldn’t be complicated. By partnering with Lucinity, we’re putting the right data exactly where it’s needed.”

About Lucinity

Lucinity is an AI software company for financial crime operations, designed to accelerate compliance teams. Lucinity enhances intelligence gathering, analysis, and decision-making, allowing institutions to streamline operations and reduce costs.

About Creditinfo

Creditinfo is a global provider of credit information and risk management services, helping financial institutions, businesses, and governments make data-driven decisions with confidence. Its proprietary PEP data service delivers accurate, regularly updated insights tailored to local markets.

Contact
celina@lucinity.com

The MIL Network –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lottery funding support for Coventry Dementia Hub

Source: City of Coventry

Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub has secured extra support from the National Lottery Fund to help fund a café.

The Hub opened two years ago and the Forget Me Not Café has played an integral part in offering a warm welcome to regulars impacted by Dementia and visitors arriving at the Hub for the first time.

The Hub has received more than £280,000 over the next five years and everyone involved in the Dementia Hub are delighted at the news.

The Holbrooks based Hub helps to support around 4,000 people throughout the year and provides a wide range of social activities and advice sessions that benefits both people experiencing Dementia and their carers.

The lottery funding will fund two-café coordinators for five years. The two café co-ordinators run the café that leads into the social space. The social space has become a safe and welcoming space for people with dementia and carers. The social space has information drop-in sessions run by various partners as well as user led sessions and exercise groups.

Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub was opened in July 2023.

Councillor Linda Bigham, Cabinet Member for Adult Services at Coventry City Council, said: “The Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub is a wonderful venue that I have visited many times. It supports individuals to continue to live as independently as possible in their homes whilst maintaining their safety and good quality of life.

“The café is at the heart of the Hub, which adds to a fantastic resource for families and carers to get the support, respite and helps to reduce any stigma of dementia within communities.

“There is a very special atmosphere when you go into the Hub reflecting the love and compassion that people experience there. The café co-ordinators are wonderful and know and talk to everyone who comes to the hub.

“We are all very grateful for the generous support from the National Lottery Fund. It will help make a big difference to people affected by Dementia.”

The Hub links with many other agencies external services which all can offer advice, guidance and support – including the Carers Trust, Telecare Services Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust, Admiral Nurses and the Police.

Coventry City Council (CCC) is one of the lead partners of the Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub (CDPH).

CDPH is delivered formally alongside partner organisations, with many others delivering sessions. CDPH serves as a central resource for Coventry’s diverse communities, offering a safe environment where those with dementia can engage in activities that enrich their lives.

The hub also offers much-needed respite and peace of mind for carers, knowing their loved ones are supported and it provides carers with the opportunity to take a step back and consider their own needs and wants.

It also supports individuals with a support network of people with similar lived experiences, who are trying to navigate the ups and downs of the dementia journey and can provide expertise and sessions from well-trained, experienced, and knowledgeable staff.

For more details visit coventry.gov.uk/cdph

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft filling stations across Russia will host the St. George Ribbon campaign on May 8-9

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

Volunteers will hand out about 2 million St. George ribbons to visitors of Rosneft filling stations across Russia on May 8 and 9 as part of a large-scale campaign dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. In 20 regions, customers of flagship stations will receive not only ribbons, but also commemorative badges.

Rosneft actively participates in patriotic events that promote civic responsibility and preserve cultural heritage. The company holds hundreds of events throughout Russia that are designed to pass on to the younger generation the historical memory of the immortal feat of our people who liberated the world from fascism.

The Company’s employees traditionally take part in the “St. George’s Ribbon” campaign. This year, the symbol of memory and gratitude to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War has already been received by employees of all Rosneft enterprises and their family members, as well as veterans and schoolchildren. Ribbons were distributed, among other things, as part of various campaigns and events, such as “Victory Vernissage”, “Memory Garden”, “Victory Awards”, “Victory Dictation”, “Victory Marathon”, during excursions to military glory museums and motor rallies.

Also in the coming days, visitors to Rosneft filling stations will be able to listen to songs from the war years – in a unique performance by the Sretensky Monastery Choir: congratulatory video cards with a QR code for listening to pieces from the new music program “Dedicated to the Great Victory” are shown on the screens near the cash registers. This joint project of the Choir and Rosneft is designed to preserve the memory of the heroic events of the Great Patriotic War.

The program includes the best songs from the war years, including: “Katyusha”, “Svyatnaya Voina”, “Ot Heroy Bygone Times”, “Dorogi”, “Proshanie Slavyanki”, “Smuglyanka”, “Nam Nadla Odno Pobedy” and many others. The production is based on real stories about the fates of heroes who walked the miles of war from Moscow to Berlin. These stories are harmoniously intertwined with great music and poetry of wartime and connect historical memory with the life of a modern person. The tour program includes concerts in 24 cities in the regions where Rosneft operates, and will end on July 3 with a concert in Sochi.

During the Victory Day celebrations, a field kitchen will also be set up on the territory of a number of Rosneft gas stations, themed photo zones will be organized, an exhibition of civilian vehicles from the 1940s will be held, and artists will perform songs from the war years.

Reference:

The retail network of NK Rosneft is the largest in the Russian Federation in terms of geographic coverage and number of stations. It covers 62 regions of Russia and includes about 3,000 stations.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft May 7, 2025

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 –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada to mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe (V-E) Day at the National War Memorial in Ottawa

Source: Government of Canada News

Ottawa, ON –Veterans Affairs Canada will host a commemorative ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa to mark the 80^th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe Day.

General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, Canadian Armed Forces, Her Excellency Margriet Vonno, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Second World War Veterans and members of the diplomatic corps will participate in this event and lay wreaths to honour and recognize Veterans of the Liberation of the Netherlands and the Second World War.

Location:    National War Memorial
Ottawa, Ontario

Date:          Thursday, 8 May 2025

Time:          11:00 EDT

Notes for media:

Media who wish to participate must register by 08:00 EDT on Thursday, 8 May 2025 by contacting media@veterans.gc.ca with their name and media outlet. Media are asked to arrive no later than 10:30 EDT.

Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs and we will work with you to enable your participation.

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The King’s speech: The world will be watching when Charles opens Canada’s Parliament

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Justin Vovk, European Royal History Reseacher, McMaster University

Prime Minister Mark Carney has invited King Charles to embark upon a Royal Visit to Canada and open the new session of Parliament on May 27.

The visit comes at a significant moment in Canadian history. Carney has just had his first meeting with Donald Trump, pushing back unequivocally against the American president’s continuing calls for Canada to become the 51st state.

In their Oval Office news conference, Trump once again declared his desire to erase “the artificially drawn line” separating the U.S. and Canada and to annex Canada, as Carney made clear that would never happen.

Read more:
Mark Carney tells Donald Trump ‘Canada is not for sale’ in a high-stakes Oval Office meeting

At the same time, Trump has been looking to reshape the global economic order through the use of tariffs on imported goods. Even though Canadians are fighting back with consumer and travel boycotts, many are also worrying about the future due to Trump’s actions.

Amid this turmoil, the King’s timely visit could be a powerful show of support for Canadians, whose identity has often wilted in the shadow of its powerful but formerly protective American neighbour. The presence of the King will undoubtedly generate global attention, which could provide reassurances to Canadians that they’re not alone.

Delivering the Speech from the Throne

Charles is King of Canada and the country’s official head of state. This will be his 20th trip to Canada, but his first since becoming King in September 2022.

In day-to-day government business, his duties are carried out by the Governor General. These include opening Parliament and delivering the Speech from the Throne, which outlines the government’s agenda.

The King’s visit will mark the first time the sovereign has personally delivered the Speech from the Throne since Queen Elizabeth did so in 1957. She also opened a session of Canada’s 30th Parliament in 1977.

Canada has maintained close ties with the United Kingdom. It still uses the Westminster parliamentary system. But Canada has also worked to establish its own national identity.

In 1982, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau repatriated Canada’s Constitution. This replaced the British North America Act and established Canada’s full political independence, a process that began with Confederation in 1867.

Signals of support to Canada

Royal Visits are one of the monarchy’s most effective tools for promoting international relations. In Charles’s recent visit to Italy, he even made a point of honouring Canada.

This upcoming visit is expected to highlight Canada’s identity separate from the United States. It will give Charles the opportunity to remind everyone of the Crown’s place at the heart of Canadian sovereignty and our constitutional relationship with monarchy. This is an image that Charles has been eager to foster since becoming King in 2022 following the death of his mother and amid waning enthusiasm for the monarchy in some Commonwealth countries.

The King cannot make political statements — at least, not without the say-so of the prime minister. After meeting with Justin Trudeau in March before he was replaced by Carney as prime minister, Charles signalled his support for Canadian sovereignty through a series of subtle but important gestures.

Read more:
How King Charles is sending Canada subtle signals of support amid Trump’s threats

He presented a ceremonial sword to the Usher of the Black Rod — one of the Canadian Senate’s senior ceremonial officers. A week later, Charles planted a red maple at Buckingham Palace to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth’s support for international forestry. He even wore Canadian military insignia on his admiral’s uniform during a public inspection of a British aircraft carrier.

Commonwealth ties

The King’s visit could also reinvigorate Canada’s ties to the Commonwealth.

Canada has long maintained positive relations with the other Commonwealth countries through shared culture, military action and economic support. This Royal Visit could solidify the beneficial role of the Crown and of the Commonwealth for Canada as it seeks to assert its sovereignty and broaden its international economic ties in the face of American tariffs.

Many in Canada and around the world will be watching and listening to the King’s speech when he opens Parliament on May 27.

Read more:
King Charles’s coronation: Can the British monarchy shed its imperial past?

It is unlikely there will be any direct references to Trump’s 51st state threats or to the president himself. But its symbolic significance could reaffirm Canada’s place on the world stage. It may also help to quell, at least for a little while, the growing calls to reconsider the need for the British monarchy at all in modern-day Canada.

Justin Vovk has previously received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Justin is currently on the advisory board of the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada.

– ref. The King’s speech: The world will be watching when Charles opens Canada’s Parliament – https://theconversation.com/the-kings-speech-the-world-will-be-watching-when-charles-opens-canadas-parliament-255852

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE launches 7th Edition of Media Fellowship Programme fostering media co-operation and empowering young journalists

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

Headline: OSCE launches 7th Edition of Media Fellowship Programme fostering media co-operation and empowering young journalists

OSCE launches 7th Edition of Media Fellowship Programme fostering media co-operation and empowering young journalists | OSCE
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MIL OSI Europe News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy, Power to Deliver Keynote at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025

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

PARIS, France, May 7, 2025/APO Group/ —

The Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum is pleased to announce that Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo, will deliver a keynote address at the event in Paris next month, highlighting national energy priorities and emerging investment opportunities. His participation marks a strategic moment for Zimbabwe as the country positions its energy sector for a new wave of private sector-led growth.

Minister Moyo’s participation follows Zimbabwe’s recent international efforts to attract investment into its energy sector, including high-level engagements aimed at outlining a clear roadmap for modernization and highlighting the essential role of private capital in addressing infrastructure deficits. With a large portion of the population still lacking access to electricity and power demand continuing to outpace supply, Zimbabwe is actively seeking strategic partnerships to deliver more reliable, sustainable and diversified energy solutions.

IAE 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/4d2nKO6) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

To meet both near-term and long-term goals, the government is pursuing a dual-track approach: restarting coal-fired power plants to stabilize domestic supply in the short term, while simultaneously accelerating investment in renewable energy. Solar and wind projects are at the forefront of Zimbabwe’s energy strategy, with plans to develop large-scale solar farms and export power to neighboring countries. In partnership with Zambia, Zimbabwe is exploring floating solar developments on Lake Kariba – backed by a recent $250 million facility from the African Export-Import Bank to develop a 250 MW project by mid-2026 – signaling a shift toward innovative, climate-resilient infrastructure.

Minister Moyo’s keynote will outline current investment-ready opportunities in power generation, transmission and off-grid electrification, as well as the regulatory and policy reforms designed to attract independent power producers and foreign capital. His presence reinforces Zimbabwe’s commitment to working with global stakeholders to transform its energy landscape and foster long-term energy security. Moreover, Zimbabwe’s participation at IAE 2025 reflects the forum’s broader mission of connecting African energy markets with international financiers, developers and strategic partners.

MIL OSI Africa –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI: UPDATE – Abundance Energy, SOLRITE Energy, and sonnen Develop Residential Battery-Enabled Virtual Power Plants in Texas

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abundance Energy, sonnen, SOLRITE Energy, and Energywell Technology Licensing, LLC (“Energywell”) are joining forces to power the future of energy through the development of behind-the-meter, battery-enabled Virtual Power Plants (“VPP”) in Texas.

The collaboration empowers Abundance Energy customers to use their sonnenConnect home batteries to support grid stability, ensure reliable energy delivery, and lower electricity costs while driving the development of smart, sustainable energy solutions.

Enabled by SOLRITE Energy’s innovative virtual power plant purchase agreement (VPA) financing model, participants can install solar panels and sonnen battery systems at no upfront cost, lowering barriers to entry for this VPP program. sonnen and SOLRITE first introduced this novel VPA structure to the Texas market in January 2025.

Optimized through the integration of Energywell’s Proton platform with sonnen’s advanced control technology, each battery is continuously managed in response to market price signals, customer usage, and solar generation. Networked together, these batteries create a VPP, dynamically balancing energy supply and demand to maximize value for both the grid and the customer. Under the VPA financing model, SOLRITE owns and manages all the customer solar and sonnen energy storage systems and customers in turn receive the benefit of low energy costs and reliable back-up power.

“Our mission is to empower homeowners with smarter, more sustainable energy solutions,” said Thomas Mandry, CEO of Abundance Energy. “By combining sonnen’s best-in-class battery technology, Energywell’s market expertise through its Proton platform, and SOLRITE’s unique financing model, we are delivering an innovative VPP model that benefits both customers and the Texas grid.”

sonnen’s VPP technology intelligently manages energy supply and demand, ensuring stored solar or grid energy is strategically deployed when needed most. “Our VPP solutions enable customers to actively participate in the energy market while maintaining resilience in their homes,” said Blake Richetta, Chairman and CEO of sonnen. “With Abundance Energy, SOLRITE, and Energywell, we’re setting a new standard for residential energy management.”

“At SOLRITE, we believe financial innovation is key to unlocking the full potential of distributed energy,” said Regan George, CEO of SOLRITE Energy. “By eliminating upfront costs for solar and battery installations, we enable more homeowners to participate in this VPP program, delivering clean, reliable power to customers and adding value to the grid.”

Energywell’s Proton platform provides advanced forecasting and optimization tools to ensure batteries are dispatched in alignment with market opportunities. “The Texas energy landscape is evolving, and this partnership exemplifies the future of distributed energy,” said Michael Fallquist, CEO of Energywell. “By optimizing stored energy, we are reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions, building a smarter, cleaner, and more flexible grid.”

This VPP initiative aligns with Texas’ growing demand for resilient, customer-driven energy solutions and paves the way for further innovation in the residential energy sector.

About SOLRITE

SOLRITE Energy is a clean energy financing company pioneering new ways to make solar and battery storage accessible to homeowners. Its flagship Virtual Power Plant Power Purchase Agreement (VPA), developed with sonnen, provides solar panels and home battery systems at no upfront cost in exchange for a low, fixed energy rate. By partnering with retail electric providers and technology companies, SOLRITE makes sustainable energy solutions accessible while supporting grid reliability. Visit solriteenergy.com for more information.

About Abundance Energy

Abundance Energy is a digital-native Retail Electric Provider (REP) startup licensed for operations in Texas. Abundance’s products include transparent fixed-rate residential plans and multi-meter Continuous Service Agreement plans for vacant property management with a built-to-purpose CSA customer platform. Abundance is part of the Quext family of companies that includes next-generation LoRaWAN proprietary IoT thermostats and smart locks for the multifamily market. Visit abundanceenergy.com for more information.

About sonnen

sonnen is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of smart energy storage systems for residential applications, and a pioneer of the residential battery based virtual power plant. The sonnen VPP is nationally recognized as a blueprint for the decentralized, digitalized, decarbonized energy system of the future. sonnen is one of the most experienced and fastest growing VPP energy storage companies in the world. sonnen has received many internationally recognized awards celebrating our technological achievement. sonnen products and services are used by the sonnenCommunity, a collection of visionaries around the world who share our vision of clean and affordable energy for everyone. In Texas, sonnen partners with SOLRITE Energy to bring their flagship Virtual Power Plant Power Purchase Agreement (VPA), to provide solar panels and home battery systems at no upfront cost.

sonnen’s offices are located in Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, and the USA. sonnen is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell. Learn more at: https://sonnenusa.com/en

About Energywell

Energywell is an energy technology company powering the sustainable energy transition. Energywell combines the financial strength of funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. and capital and commodities expertise from Hartree Partners L.P. with proprietary technology and a seasoned team of energy industry veterans. Visit Energywell.com for more information.

About Proton

Energywell’s Proton platform delivers real-time energy insights and seamless device integration, empowering businesses and customers to optimize energy more sustainably. Proton uses cloud-native, event-driven architecture to ensure energy solutions scale quickly while maintaining the highest standards of security, including SOC 2 Type 2 compliance. Proton is available for licensing for third parties looking to accelerate their own energy management capabilities. Visit Energywell.com for more information.

Media contact:

FischTank PR

sonnen@fischtankpr.com

The MIL Network –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SNP must go further for people and planet

Source: Scottish Greens

07 May 2025 Climate

The SNP needs to show the ambition that our planet needs.

More in Climate

The SNP must go further for people and planet, says Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater.

Speaking in parliament today during a debate on the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, Ms Slater called for action to rapidly reduce carbon emissions and put money in people’s pockets.

Opening her speech, Ms Slater said:

“The Scottish Government cannot be timid in its response to the challenges we face. We are facing profound threats and we need profound answers. It isn’t enough to try to do the same thing faster with ever-reducing resources.

“It is possible to build a fairer and greener Scotland, and we need a brave and bold Government to do this.

“Greener means rapidly reducing emissions and restoring our depleted nature. Fairer means redistributing wealth and opportunity so that homes are affordable, work pays fair wages, and ensures that our social security net allows everyone to live with dignity.

“It means practical measures to get money back in people’s pockets, and reduce poverty.”

Lorna went on to highlight the positives in the Programme for Government that Scottish Green policies and campaigning were central to securing.

Ms Slater added:

“There are some good examples of these policies in this Programme for Government, including a permanent end to peak rail fares – a policy first brought in by the Scottish Greens in October 2023.”

Ms Slater used her speech to voice her concerns that the SNP are not going far enough with their commitments, seeming to be rolling back progressive policy instead.

Ms Slater concluded:

“This Government does not always seem willing to do the hard things we need to do to build a fairer, greener Scotland and, frankly, we’re running out of tomorrows.

“Scotland is unfair for so many people and the Scottish Government could do more to make it fairer.

“For example, with greater ambition to deliver warmer homes and cheaper energy bills. Through proper rent controls which end rip-off rents and protect renters.

“We need an ambitious plan to effectively tax wealth in Scotland and invest in public services in communities.

“We need cheaper fares across all public transport, including capped bus fares.

“With the world and the climate in crisis, people across Scotland will want reassurances that the government is still on their side – and that can’t come from broken promises and scrapped commitments.

“The Scottish Government can do better than this, and the Scottish Greens will keep pushing them to do so.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 8, 2025

Date	Number of shares composing current share capital	Total number of voting rights
30 April 2025	800,316,777	Gross: 888,385,614

Category: Europe

The UK will continue to pay tribute to the victims of war by pressing for a just and lasting peace in response to conflicts around the world: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly

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