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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev: The forest in Russia, like all other resources, should be used as efficiently as possible

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev held a working meeting with timber industry workers from Primorsky Krai in Vladivostok.

    “We will discuss the use of forest resources. Unfortunately, forests in the Russian Federation are used to a much lesser extent than in other forest countries. In addition, there is a certain downward trend. In the first quarter of this year, timber harvesting in Primorsky Krai decreased by 11%, and exports decreased even more. Accordingly, tax revenues from industry enterprises to the regional budget amounted to 3%. There were a number of speeches on the topic of, say, more effective regulation of the industry. So far, there have been no major changes here. We need to ensure that forests in Russia, like all other resources, are used as efficiently as possible,” Yuri Trutnev opened the meeting.

    The issues discussed included the implementation of forest management activities in the Primorsky Krai, the work of the Federal State Information System of the Forestry Complex, and support by forestry enterprises of the Primorsky Krai for the special military operation.

    According to Primorsky Krai Governor Oleg Kozhemyako, since the beginning of the SVO, forestry companies operating in the region have transferred more than 16 thousand cubic meters of timber, more than 50 units of equipment, supplied equipment, weapons, medicines and provided other assistance to military units. During the period of partial mobilization, they equipped and provided military training grounds and tent cities with the necessary materials entirely at their own expense.

    “We have always provided and continue to provide large-scale, free assistance to the families of military personnel – tens of thousands of cubic meters of firewood, money. Their fellow countrymen who serve on the front lines contact their leaders directly. And they never get a refusal – on any issues. Now our enterprises have organized a rhythmic and regular free supply of lumber to the troops, to the SVO zone. Despite the sanctions, the decline in revenue and the difficult economy, assistance to the army is being scaled up,” said Oleg Kozhemyako.

    The meeting discussed the work of the Primorsky branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Roslesinforg”. The previous management of the branch concluded 19 contracts with forest lessees of Primorsky Krai on forest management (forest taxation) on an area of 330 thousand hectares, for which obligations were overdue. The work was not completed, the funds were spent, and an irreparable cash gap was actually formed. The work was either not started, or it needs to be completely redone.

    In addition to unfulfilled obligations to businesses, the Primorsky branch of Roslesinforg has had debts to the region since 2020 under a contract for the establishment of rural forests on an area of 50 thousand hectares. These works were ordered at the expense of their own budget. The forest management work carried out under the 2023 state assignment in the Ussuri forestry on an area of 127 thousand hectares requires a complete review and large-scale adjustment.

    Currently, the Primorsky branch is fulfilling overdue obligations through current business and financial activities with an acute shortage of tax engineers and funds allocated for the fulfillment of the state assignment: the branch is forced to spend a significant portion of the funds received from new customers to fulfill overdue obligations and fulfill the state assignment for 2024 and 2025.

    The new head of the branch takes a set of measures aimed at independently resolving the current situation (an agreement is reached with the tenants of forest areas on extending the terms of execution of contracts, new employees are actively hired, including those with remote employment from other regions, new contracts are concluded, etc.). But the measures taken are clearly insufficient due to the scale of the problem; intervention by the federal center is required to correct the current situation with forest management in the Primorsky Territory, as well as a deep analysis of this area as a whole, including an assessment of the effectiveness of the decisions taken on federalization and monopolization of these powers.

    Yuri Trutnev instructed the Ministry of Natural Resources to develop and submit proposals for remote forestry accounting.

    “A number of unqualified management actions have led to people not being able to obtain forest plots and even information, or build a timber processing plant. We have promoted a clear way to solve this problem – forest management based on space images and aerial photographs. We can keep records of forests based on remote methods. The Ministry of Natural Resources supports this solution. We discussed this together with the minister. Therefore, we need to switch to remote methods as quickly as possible and restore order in the forest,” said Yuri Trutnev.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmytro Chernyshenko thanked teachers and mentors of schools in the Kherson region for preserving historical memory

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmytro Chernyshenko made a working visit to the Kherson region.

    The Vice Prime Minister assessed the progress of construction and restoration of institutions in the spheres of education, youth policy, sports, religion, and also talked to their representatives. The events were attended by the Governor of the Kherson region Volodymyr Saldo.

    The event “The glory of these days will not fade!” was held at Genicheskaya School No. 1. In the presence of Dmitry Chernyshenko, students recited poems about the Great Patriotic War and performed songs about Russia.

    In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister assessed the work of the school museum “History of One Family”. It features the exhibition “Suitcase of Memory” dedicated to the Great Patriotic War and the SVO.

    “On the eve of one of the most important holidays – Victory Day – I express my deep gratitude to the teachers and mentors who so carefully preserve the history of their native land. Let’s make sure that your experience with the “Memory Suitcase” is spread. At the very least, we will start with your sister schools, and then we will conduct such a relay race throughout the country. Everything that you have come up with here will now be repeated by your friends, colleagues from other cities of our vast country,” Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized.

    Currently, the school has 14 sister schools throughout Russia, including in Krasnodar Krai, Volgograd, Adygea, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Khabarovsk.

    The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the Republic of Adygea and its head Murat Kumpilov for the renovation of the physical education and health complex and the music room, and also noted the need for major repairs at the school.

    In conclusion, he presented the school with a certificate for improving its material and technical base and history textbooks. “Promise that you will definitely study and try. After all, the most important thing you can do for our country now is to study well. And we, on our part, on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin, will continue to create conditions so that you can realize your potential and talents. And you have a lot of talents – we are convinced of this!” the Deputy Prime Minister addressed the students.

    Also in Genichesk, Dmitry Chernyshenko assessed the progress of the comprehensive reconstruction of the Kherson Technical University and talked to students. The Deputy Prime Minister was provided with detailed information about the work of the Russian Children and Youth Movement “Movement of the First”, the physics and chemistry laboratory, the design department, as well as a presentation of the computer sports development center and the UAV research laboratory. In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister handed over a certificate to the university for the purchase of a vehicle.

    “In the Kherson region, I see a huge focus on raising the level of socio-economic development. The most important thing is that on the eve of such an important holiday for our country – Victory Day – we decided to focus on children and youth and on the opportunities that are provided in accordance with the national goal outlined by President Vladimir Putin, to realize the potential and develop the talents of each person,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    He emphasized the professional involvement of teachers and also noted the importance of the role of modern defenders of the Fatherland: “We are very grateful to our heroes today, the participants of the SVO, who protect us and strive to ensure that peaceful life comes as soon as possible and we continue our positive development.”

    In addition, Dmitry Chernyshenko and Vladimir Saldo visited the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where they discussed work issues with Metropolitan Filaret of Novaya Kakhovka and Genichesk and Archpriest Alexander Demkin.

    “This is one of the most significant Orthodox churches in the Kherson region. A place where history, faith and national unity have always been close. The church is more than a century old – it has had to endure a lot at different times. Today it is open to people again, lives and receives parishioners. For the Kherson region, preserving churches is not just caring for buildings. It is preserving our history, our roots, which give us the strength to move forward,” said Volodymyr Saldo.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: Rosprirodnadzor to inspect enterprises without comprehensive environmental permits

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting on issues of obtaining comprehensive environmental permits. It was attended by heads of relevant departments, regions and representatives of the offices of the plenipotentiary representatives of the President of Russia in the federal districts.

    “Our task is to increase the level of environmental responsibility of business. Enterprises must systematically abandon outdated and resource-intensive technologies in favor of more modern and environmentally friendly ones, safe for the environment and for people. Among the debtors are socially significant facilities, which is of the greatest concern. The Government has provided all the necessary conditions for obtaining comprehensive environmental permits, including halving the time frame for their issuance,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    On January 1, a law came into force requiring large enterprises, including those operating in the industrial sector, the fuel and energy complex, housing and communal facilities, and agricultural enterprises that have a significant negative impact on the environment, to obtain comprehensive environmental permits. Such permits confirm compliance with environmental requirements or the existence of plans to modernize production.

    Dmitry Patrushev noted that most of the facilities that did not submit applications are concentrated in the Republic of Dagestan, Saratov and Moscow regions. In the Kaliningrad region, the republics of Ingushetia and North Ossetia-Alania, not a single facility received permission.

    The Deputy Prime Minister instructed Rosprirodnadzor to conduct unscheduled inspections of facilities that did not receive comprehensive environmental permits on time. The absence of these permits will result in a hundredfold increase in the fee for negative impact on the environment, as well as fines.

    In addition, Dmitry Patrushev ordered the updating of reference books containing technological indicators of the best available technologies.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: 100 DAYS OF HOAXES: Cutting Through the Fake News

    Source: The White House

    Since President Donald J. Trump took office 100 days ago, it has been a nonstop deluge of hoaxes and lies from Democrats and their allies in the Fake News suffering from terminal cases of Trump Derangement Syndrome.

    In no particular order, here are some of the most egregious hoaxes peddled by the usual suspects so far in President Trump’s second term:

    • HOAX: Fake News CNN attempted to “fact check” President Trump’s claim that the Biden Administration spent millions on “making mice transgender.”
    • FACT: After their so-called “fact check” was thoroughly debunked, they were forced to update it in disgrace and admit the claim was, in fact, true.
    • HOAX: The Fake News claimed the Department of Defense removed Gen. Colin Powell’s name from a list of notable Americans buried at Arlington Cemetery.
    • FACT: No service members’ names were removed from that section — and Gen. Powell’s name remains among those listed.
    • HOAX: Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) claimed “no president” presided over more plane crashes during their first month in office as President Trump.
    • FACT: “There were 55 aviation accidents in the U.S. between Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 21, 2021, and Feb. 17, 2021, compared to 35 during the same period for Trump,” Fox News reported.
    • HOAX: Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL) and Chicago Public Schools officials claimed, without bothering to verify, that ICE agents had conducted a “raid” at an elementary school — a false claim echoed by media outlets, including the Chicago Tribune.
    • FACT: It was actually the U.S. Secret Service investigating a threat unrelated to immigration.
    • HOAX: Far-left influencers and other leftist hacks falsely claimed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Elon Musk were out to “cut Social Security.”
    • FACT: They were referencing an interview in which Musk was clearly referring to the tremendous amount of waste, fraud, and abuse within entitlement programs.
    • HOAX: The media smeared DOGE as “young, inexperienced engineers” engineering a “government takeover.”
    • FACT: In reality, DOGE is led by seasoned industry professionals, including successful CEOs who paused their lives to aid in the effort of streamlining government and holding the bureaucracy accountable.
    • HOAX: NBC’s Peter Alexander peddled the lie that “constituents in some traditionally red districts” were unhappy with President Trump’s effort to cut waste, fraud, and abuse in government.
    • FACT: The same “protests” cited by the Fake News were funded and organized by far-left special interest groups.
    • HOAX: NPR claimed NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore — who were stuck on the International Space Station for more than nine months following problems with their spacecraft — were “not stranded.”
    • FACT: NPR itself had described the astronauts as stranded in prior reporting, and only seemed to take issue with the description once President Trump and Elon Musk made it a priority to bring them home.
    • HOAX: A foreign Fake News outlet reported that President Trump “shut down” the British prime minister during a news conference.
    • FACT: In reality, President Trump was simply moving on from a reporter who was trying to goad the two leaders into division.
    • HOAX: NPR falsely claimed the White House was actively searching for a new secretary of defense.
    • FACT: This lie was immediately shut down by multiple Trump Administration officials, including President Trump himself.
    • HOAX: The Fake News attempted to paint illegal immigrant gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia as an innocent “Maryland father” who was unjustly deported by the Trump Administration — and actively censored the truth about him.
    • FACT: Abrego Garcia is a citizen of El Salvador and was deported to his home country amid overwhelming evidence of his gang affiliation.
    • HOAX: Deranged “filmmaker” Michael Moore questioned whether deported illegal immigrants would go on to cure cancer or stop “that asteroid (sic) that’s gonna hit us.”
    • FACT: Moore’s statement was a strong early contender for the dumbest, most ridiculous statement of the year considering those deported illegal immigrants were violent criminals.
    • HOAX: The Fake News portrayed Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Hamas radical who led violent protests at Columbia, as an innocent graduate student with an absolute right to remain in the U.S.
    • FACT: An immigration judge ruled Khalil — who is not a U.S. citizen — can be deported.
    • HOAX: The Financial Times reported that Senior White House Counselor Peter Navarro wanted to remove Canada from the “Five Eyes” intelligence sharing network.
    • FACT: Mr. Navarro immediately shut down this fake story.
    • HOAX: A foreign Fake News reporter claimed President Trump referred to European nations as “parasites.”
    • FACT: President Trump immediately pushed back on this ridiculous claim — as did the Italian prime minister.
    • HOAX: Fake News CNN’s Brianna Keilar implied the Trump Administration was somehow wrong for stopping illegal immigrants from stealing taxpayer dollars in the form of welfare benefits.
    • FACT: Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller summarily embarrassed her with the facts: “The federal government will find EVERY illegal alien who is stealing American taxpayer dollars — and that’s what Americans expect to happen. I don’t even fathom the premise of your question.”
    • HOAX: A favorite refrain of the Fake News is that Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is “anti-vaccine.”
    • FACT: Kennedy debunked the lie in his confirmation hearings: “This has been repeatedly debunked … Bringing this up right now is dishonest.”
    • HOAX: WIRED falsely claimed the Social Security Administration is “shifting its public communication exclusively to X” under President Trump.
    • FACT: Not happening.
    • HOAX: Reuters falsely reported that the Trump Administration “stalled a United Nations program in Mexico aimed at stopping imported fentanyl chemicals from reaching the country’s drug cartels.”
    • FACT: The Department of State is actually trying to expand the initiative.
    • FACT: The Fake News frequently pushed the lie that as part of the Trump administration, Secretary Kennedy would implement a national abortion ban and “restrict or even ban medication abortion without a single act of Congress.”
    • FACT: Secretary Kennedy consistently pledged to implement President Trump’s policies — which include leaving abortion to the states, ending barbaric late-term abortions, protecting conscientious objections, and ending federal funding for abortions.
    • HOAX: Fake News savant Tara Palmeri falsely reported that President Trump’s proposal for Gaza was conceived by Jared Kushner.
    • FACT: This lie was immediately and summarily debunked by the Trump Administration: “The worst reporter in America makes up fake news for clout because she has no real sources. Sit down, dummy.”
    • HOAX: Sen. Chris Murphy, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and media outlets claimed President Trump’s directive to pause radical, wasteful government spending meant an end to Medicaid, food assistance, and other individual assistance programs.
    • FACT: Individual assistance programs — Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, etc. — were explicitly excluded, as was made clear by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and the Office of Management and Budget. Only unnecessary spending — DEI, Green New Scam, NGOs that undermine the national interest — were included in the directive.
    • HOAX: A “physicians advocacy group” was widely cited as opposing President Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
    • FACT: The “advocacy group” was really an astroturfed partisan organization funded by prominent left-wing donors — and accepted fake signatures.
    • HOAX: Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and other Democrats pushed the lie that DOGE posted “classified information” on their website.
    • FACT: That alleged “classified information” was really just an employment headcount — which has been publicly available for years.
    • HOAX: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) claimed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem called all Venezuelan immigrants “dirtbags.”
    • FACT: Secretary Noem actually called illegal immigrant members of the vicious Tren de Aragua gang “dirtbags,” which is true.
    • HOAX: The New York Times wrote that Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., wanted to “ban fluoride in drinking water” and “reverse … one of the most important public health practices in the country’s history.”
    • FACT: New York Times made no mention of their own reporting that fluoride may be “linked to lower IQ scores in children.”
    • HOAX: Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) repeatedly lied about President Trump “going after” Social Security.
    • FACT: President Trump has repeatedly pledged to protect Social Security and make it more robust for American citizens.
    • HOAX: Sen. Mark Kelley (D-AZ) attempted to scare veterans by shamelessly claiming their care was in jeopardy due to “layoffs” at VA hospitals.
    • FACT: The lie was debunked by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins: “What changes are you talking about? We’ve not had those layoffs… I put $360 million back into community care… It’s concerning to me that a veteran would actually tell stories to veterans that are not true.”
    • HOAX: Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) exploited the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport plane crash tragedy by claiming President Trump “froze the hiring” of air traffic controllers.
    • FACT: Air traffic controllers were exempt from the federal hiring freeze.
    • HOAX: Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) implied that “cutting” members of an aviation advisory committee was somehow a cause of the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport plane crash tragedy.
    • FACT: The advisory group hadn’t met since 2023 and was comprised of business and union leaders who gave “advice” to the TSA and had nothing to do with actual air travel.
    • HOAX: A far-left writer claimed Elon Musk and DOGE staffers “illegally installed a commercial server to control federal HR databases that contain sensitive personal information, including SSNs, home addresses, and medical histories.”
    • FACT: A top official confirmed “there’s nothing illegal and no server, just more made up tall tales from uninformed career bureaucrats.”
    • HOAX: The Washington Post alleged the Trump Administration was setting “quotas” for immigration authorities — and gave the administration just four minutes to comment before publishing.
    • FACT: As usual, this was a fake story.
    • HOAX: Online liberal activists claimed President Trump “took down” President Obama’s portrait in the White House.
    • FACT: Obama’s portrait was not taken down — it was simply moved only feet away from its previous location.
    • HOAX: Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) claimed Attorney General Pam Bondi created a “weaponizing task force.”
    • FACT: It was a task force to END weaponization at the Department of Justice.
    • HOAX: CBS News reported that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a “makeup studio” be installed inside the Pentagon.
    • FACT: It was a “totally fake story,” and the alleged studio was really an existing green room with no frills.
    • HOAX: Politico reported the Trump Administration was debating lifting sanctions on Russian energy assets, including the Nord Stream pipeline.
    • FACT: This was debunked by both Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
    • HOAX: An illegal immigrant in U.S. custody “simply disappeared,” The New York Times reported.
    • FACT: The illegal immigrant was a confirmed member of the vicious Tren de Aragua gang. An immigration judge ordered his removal, and he was deported along with other threats to national security.
    • HOAX: The Wall Street Journal alleged that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff was receiving sensitive information on a personal phone while in Moscow and that Russian Intelligence must’ve had access to the information.
    • FACT: This was a total fabrication. Special Envoy Witkoff did not even have a personal phone with him in Russia. He had only a government phone; a secure line of communication.
    • HOAX: The Wall Street Journal claimed the Trump Administration “sought to portray” deported criminal illegal immigrant gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia as “violent.”
    • FACT: Abrego Garcia’s own wife filed an order of protection against him and testified that he brutally beat her.
    • HOAX: An AP reporter claimed that FAA staff who worked on “radar, landing and navigational aid maintenance, among others” were “harassed on Facebook” by DOGE.
    • FACT: That was a total lie. DOGE doesn’t have a Facebook page and no professionals who perform critical safety functions were fired.
    • HOAX: The Daily Beast claimed Vice President JD Vance “broke one of the most notorious Vatican rules during his Easter weekend visit” by being photographed in the Sistine Chapel.
    • FACT: Buried all the way down in the 14th paragraph, The Daily Beast admitted the vice president was given special permission by the Vatican to have photographs taken inside the Sistine Chapel.
    • HOAX: Left-wing social media accounts promoted fake, AI-generated audio of Vice President Vance “disparaging Elon Musk in private.”
    • FACT: The audio was debunked as fake.
    • HOAX: The New York Times reported that funding for the Women’s Health Initiative was being slashed by the Department of Health and Human Services.
    • FACT: Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., himself declared this Fake News and recognized the project is “mission critical.”
    • HOAX: Fox News’s Jennifer Griffin gave legitimacy to a hoax from delusional Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth requested nearly $140,000 in “upgrades” to his government residence.
    • FACT: This lie was debunked by Secretary Hegseth — and it was so outrageous, even the AP was forced to admit it was completely fake.
    • HOAX: Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) and many others claimed the Supreme Court ordered the return of illegal immigrant gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States.
    • FACT: Even CNN admitted that’s not what happened: “They did not order the administration to return him to the United States … they could’ve said ‘we order him returned,’ but they didn’t do that.”
    • HOAX: Joe Biden accused the Trump Administration of “taking aim at Social Security.”
    • FACT: As usual, he was lying — President Trump has repeatedly pledged to protect Social Security.
    • HOAX: Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) claimed the arrest of a Milwaukee judge who helped an illegal immigrant evade arrest was “unprecedented.”
    • FACT: It wasn’t; it has happened before.
    • HOAX: Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) called the arrest of a Milwaukee judge who helped an illegal immigrant evade arrest a “gravely serious and drastic move.”
    • FACT: The judge violated the law by obstructing an ICE arrest of an illegal immigrant.
    • HOAX: Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) claimed the arrest of the Milwaukee judge who obstructed an apprehension of a criminal illegal immigrant “threatens the rule of law.”
    • FACT: It literally does the opposite because no one is above the law.
    • HOAX: Politico claimed the Trump Administration “wipe[d] out firefighter health and safety programs.”
    • FACT: The programs remain a top priority for the administration — and will remain intact.
    • HOAX: Sen. Elizabeth Warren claimed that President Trump’s policies make it so “no one wants to make investments in the United States.”
    • FACT: President Trump has secured more than $5 trillion in investments since taking office, which is expected to create more than 451,000 new jobs — and the list is only expected to grow.
    • HOAX: NBC’s Kristen Welker peddled a Fake News hoax that the Trump Administration was deporting children.
    • FACT: Secretary of State Marco Rubio shut down her desperate attempt at a hoax by highlighting how the mother, who was in the country illegally, made that choice all on her own.
    • HOAX: The New York Times implied President Trump was alone in wearing a blue suit to the funeral of Pope Francis.
    • FACT: Photos show dozens of world leaders and other attendees — many situated near President Trump — also wearing blue clothing.
    • HOAX: Teachers’ union boss Randi Weingarten accused President Trump of taking teachers’ salaries and giving them to “billionaires” by cutting the Department of Education.
    • FACT: President Trump has repeatedly called teachers “the most important people in this country” who should be paid more, not less. The federal government does not pay the salaries of teachers; state and local governments do.
    • HOAX: The Fake News and their predictable allies ran with a story that claimed an American citizen was detained by authorities after he informed them he was, in fact, a citizen.
    • FACT: That’s not what happened. The individual “approached Border Patrol in Tucson and stated he had entered the U.S. illegally through Nogales. He said he wanted to turn himself in and completed a sworn statement identifying as a Mexican citizen who had entered unlawfully … A few days later, his family presented documents showing U.S. citizenship. The charges were dismissed, and he was released to his family.”
    • HOAX: PBS News claimed “DOGE operatives attempted to gain access to secure spaces,” implying they attempted to access classified information without approval.
    • FACT: This wasn’t even remotely true.
    • HOAX: The AP falsely claimed Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said President Trump is “very good friends” with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
    • FACT: The AP was humiliatingly forced to retract its story, admitting they were wrong. Stephanie Ruhle also had to issue a correction. DNI Gabbard was referencing President Trump’s relationship with Indian PM Narendra Modi.
    • HOAX: Student visa holders should have unfettered access to do whatever they want in the United States.
    • FACT: Wrong. As Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “When you apply to enter the United States and you get a visa, you are a guest… If you tell us when you apply for a visa ‘I’m coming to the U.S. to participate in pro-Hamas events,’ that runs counter to the foreign policy interest of the United States… If you had told us you were going to do that, we never would have given you the visa.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Vietnam War ended 50 years ago today, yet films about the conflict still struggle to capture its complexities

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scarlette Nhi Do, Sessional Academic, The University of Melbourne

    Scene from Apocalypse Now (1979) Prime Video

    The Vietnam War (1955–1975) was more than just a chapter in the Cold War.

    For some, it was supposed to achieve Vietnam’s right to self-determination. For others, it was an attempt to found a nation-state independent of both capitalist and communist influences.

    In the 50 years since the war ended, the stories we’ve heard about it have struggled to convey these many different views. Cinema – in Hollywood and in Vietnam – offers some insight into this struggle, which we continue to face today.

    A war by any other name

    The war is known by many names, and each one highlights the different objectives of the forces involved.

    For the United States, “The Vietnam War” was one battleground against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. To prevent communism from spreading, the US sent resources to establish the Republic of Vietnam (known informally as South Vietnam) as its proxy. It had already used this strategy with West Germany and South Korea.

    The Communist Party of Vietnam thought of US involvement as a form of colonialism.

    By calling the conflict “the sacred resistance against the US to salvage the country” (Cuộc Kháng Chiến Chống Mỹ, Cứu Nước), or “the American war” (Chiến Tranh Mỹ) for short, the communist party encouraged the perception of the war as a stepping stone towards Vietnam’s full independence following Chinese imperialism (circa 111 BCE–939 CE), French colonialism (1862–1954) and Japanese occupation (1940-45).

    The communist objective was to “liberate” South Vietnam from the US and its puppet administration, and reunify the country. This is why, in Vietnam, April 30 is called “Reunification Day” or “Independence Day”, to commemorate the communists’ victory in capturing Saigon.

    However, former citizens of South Vietnam call April 30 the “Day of National Mourning” (Ngày Quốc Hận), as it marks the Republic’s defeat and the beginning of decades of political persecution and refugee displacement. Although the South Vietnamese were pluralistic in their political beliefs, they were united in their anti-communism.

    For them, the conflict was “the Civil War” (Nội Chiến), fought between communists and anti-communists over the future of Vietnam. After the Republic fell, many grieved (and still do) the vision of what South Vietnam could have become.

    Apocalypse then

    While the US eventually lost control over South Vietnam, it continued to influence how Vietnam was thought of in the West through Hollywood.

    Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now is loosely based on Joseph Conrad’s classic novel, Heart of Darkness.
    Shutterstock

    In the 1970-80s, Vietnam War films such as Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now (1979), Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket (1987) and Oliver Stone’s Platoon (1987) established these directors as household names.

    The films focus on US soldiers’ psyche and discontent with incompetent leadership, pushing the Vietnamese people and their struggles for independence into the background. They frame the war as something done to American society, rather than something the US orchestrated.

    This victimhood fostered what became known as “the Vietnam syndrome” – an unofficial condition in American mindset characterised by feelings of woundedness and a loss of trust in the capability of the US.

    In Vietnam, early communist-controlled cinema in the north depicted the Vietnamese as an oppressed people who must band together to defeat Western corruption. Wartime films such as Along the Same River (1959) and 17th Parallel, Days and Nights (1972) leaned into melodramatic love stories to allegorise the divided Vietnam as separated lovers who must be reunited.

    As directors in the north slowly gained some freedom from the communist party, films increasingly dealt with the war’s immense impact and questioned the party’s ability to bring about the classless society it had promised. The Girl on the River (1987) and Living in Fear (2005) are two good examples.

    Living in Fear (Sống trong sợ hãi) trailer.

    Meanwhile, filmmakers in the south were independents who occasionally collaborated with the state or military, as seen with the classic 1971 film Faceless Lover (also known as Warrior, Who Are You?).

    South Vietnamese people saw film as a medium to negotiate their fledgling national identity. For them, it was important to establish and safekeep an identity that was distinct from the “foreign ally” (the US) and the “domestic foe” (the communists).

    This is why films from the south often portrayed love triangles, where the hero must choose between the vessels of modern Vietnamese femininity and Western excess. Some examples include Afternoon Sun (1972) and Late Night’s Dew (1972).

    Apocalypse now

    New perspectives on the war are emerging as historically marginalised groups gain footing in Western media. And some of these challenge early portrayals.

    Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods (2020) was the first major production to show the war through Black American veterans’ eyes. Hollywood neglected to do this, despite the over-representation of Black soldiers in conscription, combat and casualties during wartime.

    Although Da 5 Bloods still fails to account for the Vietnamese’s fight for self-determination, it acknowledges Black Americans’ and the Vietnamese people’s mutual suffering under white supremacy.

    One independent feature from a son of refugees, Journey from the Fall (2006), conveys the resentment many exiled South Vietnamese people feel towards the communist party. It also explores the trauma of leaving Vietnam by boat and resettlement in the US.

    Most recently, the 2024 TV series The Sympathizer, adapted from Viet Thanh Nguyen’s novel, moved the needle by probing at complex issues such as wartime loyalty, complicity and authenticity.

    Communist narratives persist

    In Vietnam today, the scale of communist party-funded movies has grown immensely, with many films resembling Hollywood blockbusters. But the messages have become more conservative.

    Films such as The Scent of Burning Grass (2012) and The Legend Makers (2013) continue to support the communist party narrative by omitting South Vietnam’s anti-communist objective. They also undermine women’s contributions to the war efforts, whereas earlier films put women at the centre of community organisation.

    A new generation of filmmakers is challenging these narratives through collaboration with international production companies and distributors. Features such as Viet and Nam (2024) experiment with film form to show the true costs of war, including the widening wealth disparity in Vietnam, and the lengths many would go to close this gap.

    Viet and Nam trailer.

    Scarlette Nhi Do 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. The Vietnam War ended 50 years ago today, yet films about the conflict still struggle to capture its complexities – https://theconversation.com/the-vietnam-war-ended-50-years-ago-today-yet-films-about-the-conflict-still-struggle-to-capture-its-complexities-253837

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Renewables, coal or nuclear? This election, your generation’s energy preference may play a surprising role

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magnus Söderberg, Professor & Director, Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research, Griffith University

    Christie Cooper/Shutterstock

    In an otherwise unremarkable election campaign, the major parties are promising sharply different energy blueprints for Australia. Labor is pitching a high-renewables future powered largely by wind, solar, hydroelectricity and batteries. The Coalition wants more gas and coal now, and would build nuclear power later.

    So how might these two competing visions play out as Australia goes to the polls this Saturday?

    Research shows clear generational preferences when it comes to producing electricity. Younger Australians prefer renewables while older people favour coal and gas. The one exception is nuclear power, which is split much more on gender lines than age – 51% of Australian men support it, but just 26% of women.

    While many voters are focused squarely on the cost of living, energy prices feed directly into how much everything costs. Research has shown that as power prices rise, the more likely it is an incumbent government will be turfed out.

    Coal, renewables or nuclear?

    About half of young Australians (18–34) want the country powered by renewables by 2030, according to a 2023 survey of energy consumers. Only 13% of the youngest (18–24) group think there’s no need to change or that it’s impossible. But resistance increases directly with age. From retirement age and up, 29% favour a renewable grid by 2030 while 44% think there’s no need or that it’s impossible.

    On nuclear, the divide is less clear. The Coalition has promised to build Australia’s first nuclear reactors if elected, and Coalition leader Peter Dutton has claimed young people back nuclear. That’s based on a Newspoll survey showing almost two-thirds (65%) of Australians aged 18–34 supported nuclear power.

    But other polls give a quite different story: 46% support for nuclear by younger Australians in an Essential poll compared to 56% support by older Australians. A Savanta poll put young support at just 36%.

    There’s a gender component too. The demographic most opposed to nuclear are women over 55.

    Younger voters remain strongly committed to environmental goals – but they’re also wary of cost blowouts and electricity price rises. Some see nuclear as a zero emissions technology able to help with the clean energy transition.

    Older Australians are more likely to be sceptical of nuclear power. This is likely due to nuclear disasters such as Chernobyl as well as the prospect of nuclear war during the Cold War.

    It’s an open question how robust support for nuclear would be if the Coalition was elected and began the long, expensive process of construction. New findings by the National Climate Action Survey shows almost 40% of Australians would be “extremely concerned” if a nuclear power plant was built within 50 kilometres of their homes and another 16% “very concerned”.

    These energy preferences aren’t just found in Australia. In recent research my co-authors and I found a clear divide in Sweden: younger favour renewables and nuclear, older favour fossil fuels. Why the difference? Sweden already gets about 40% of its power from nuclear, while renewables now provide about 40% of Australia’s power.

    We found younger Swedes strongly favoured renewables – but also supported nuclear power, especially when electricity prices rose. That is because nuclear is perceived to stabilise the supply of electricity. They wanted clean energy, as long as it was reliable and affordable. Our study found older people were not necessarily pro-fossil fuels, but were more focused on keeping energy affordable – especially for businesses and industry.

    When electricity prices rose in Sweden, our survey respondents broadly became less concerned about climate change and more likely to be favourable to nuclear energy.

    In Australia, the cost of the clean energy transition has crept up. While solar and wind offer cheap power once built, there are hidden costs.

    If electricity prices keep rising, we should expect to see declining support for the clean energy transition.

    Overcoming the energy divide

    During Australia’s decade-long climate wars from roughly 2012 to 2022, climate change was heavily politicised and energy became a political football. Under a Coalition government in 2014, Australia became the first nation to abolish a carbon tax.

    Labor took office in 2022 pledging to end the climate wars and fast-track the clean energy transition. But the Coalition has opened up a new divide on energy by proposing nuclear power by the 2040s and more gas and coal in the meantime.

    This election, the cost of living is the single biggest issue for 25% of voters in the ABC’s Vote Compass poll. But climate change is still the main concern for about 8% of voters, energy for 4% and the environment 3.5%. Here, Coalition backing for fossil fuels and nuclear may attract some older and younger voters but repel others. Labor’s renewable transition may attract younger voters but lose older energy traditionalists.

    Energy preferences could play out through a cost of living lens. Parties pushing too hard on green policies this election risk alienating older voters concerned about rising costs. But going nuclear would be very expensive, and keeping old coal plants going isn’t cheap. Downplaying climate action or dismissing nuclear outright could alienate some younger Australians, who are climate-conscious and energy-savvy.

    Policymakers should resist framing energy as a zero-sum game. There is a path forward which can unite generations: coupling ambitious climate targets with pragmatic policies to protect consumers. Transitional supports such as energy rebates, time-of-use pricing or community-scale renewables and batteries can soften any economic impact while building public trust.

    Our research suggests electricity price rises can quickly erode support even for well-designed energy policies.

    As Australia navigates a complex and costly transition, keeping both younger and older generations on board may be the greatest political – and moral – challenge of all.

    Magnus Söderberg 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. Renewables, coal or nuclear? This election, your generation’s energy preference may play a surprising role – https://theconversation.com/renewables-coal-or-nuclear-this-election-your-generations-energy-preference-may-play-a-surprising-role-253832

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Donald Trump’s first 100 days have badly damaged trust in America both economically and as an ally

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Steve Dunne, PhD researcher, Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick

    As in life, trust matters in international politics. Vital for cooperation and reciprocation, trusting someone nevertheless leaves one vulnerable should they break faith and pursue self-serving goals. As US political scientist Andrew Kydd recognised, trust is the belief that someone “prefers mutual cooperation to exploiting and suckering others”.

    Two versions of trust matter in international relations. Strategic trust, in the form of institutionalised agreements and organisations which provide certainty – as well as material incentives – to encourage people and nations to honour their commitments. And moralistic trust, based on what social scientists call an “implicit theory of personality” that involves people making everyday judgements regarding a person’s character and integrity.

    A brief look at the liberal post-war economic order shows how trust has proved fundamental. The Bretton Woods system of multilateral institutions that developed after the second world war, including the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and World Trade Organization, created a rules-based consistency for mutual benefit.

    The WTO, for example, promised members that economic conditions between countries would not opportunistically and suddenly change. If they did, independent recourse was available through its appellate body.

    This certainty encouraged many otherwise hesitant states to engage. The collapse of the appellate body in 2019 – after the US, under then-president, Donald Trump, blocked further appointees, thus denying it the required quorum – was a critical first step towards the present crisis in trust.


    How is Donald Trump’s presidency shaping up after 100 days? Here’s what the experts think. If you like what you see, sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter.

    Across the opening 100 days of his second term, Trump has broken both these conceptions of trust. In doing so, he has devastated – perhaps irreparably – economic confidence in the US.

    In terms of strategic trust, look no further than Trump’s attacks on Canada and Mexico. On February 1, Trump threatened near-universal 25% tariffs on exports from America’s two largest trading partners. These tariffs entered into effect on March 4 and were followed by additional duties on aluminum, steel and auto parts.

    Viewed from Canada and Mexico, Trump’s actions were an unambiguous breach of trust and the US-Mexico-Canada agreement, which Trump had personally signed in 2020. Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, reacted by forewarning that “its clear the US is no longer a reliable partner” and predicted a “fundamentally different relationship” between the two countries going forwards.

    When it comes to moralistic trust, Trump was on weak ground before even becoming president. Beyond his business dealings – which have historically involved unpaid vendors and fraudulent practices – as well as serious allegations of abuse, Trump’s first term was marked by numerous reputational failings. These included a historic two impeachments, the second for his role in the January 6 insurrection that attempted to unlawfully overturn the 2020 election result.

    “Liberation Day” on April 2, which was when Trump announced the details of his tariffs, delivered a singular blow. The heavy targeting of poorer countries such as Cambodia and Lesotho – while exempting Russia – strengthened reservations about Trump’s character. Equally, the blatant idiocy of many tariffs – most prominently the Heard and McDonald Islands, which are uninhabited save for penguins – further limited confidence in his administration’s competency and judgement.

    Combined with Trump’s imperialistic bullying of other nations, from Greenland, to Panama to Ukraine, his remaining integrity in economic affairs has imploded. Although the full effects (and damage) of Trump’s actions on America’s reputation are not yet known, adverse consequences should be expected in both the short and longer terms.

    The long and the short

    In the short term, decreased economic trust will prolong market volatility. April 3-4 saw the largest-ever two-day loss, as US$6.6 trillion (£5 trillion) was erased from US stocks. Trump’s tariffs are also expected to depress growth, both at home and abroad.

    JP Morgan now rates the likelihood of a recession this year at 60% – more than double when Trump took office. Consumer confidence, meanwhile, is at its second lowest since records began.

    Increased prices for groceries – two-thirds of US vegetable imports come from Mexico – as well as energy bills – the US imports 61% of its oil from Canada – is also likely. Higher tariffs on goods from China will similarly impact domestic spending.

    In the longer-term, diminished economic trust will continue to weaken bond markets, hampering America’s ability to service its colossal national debt. The increased cost of dollar-denominated goods could also spark a debt crisis reminiscent of the 1980s, when Latin America defaulted en masse, causing widespread economic turmoil.

    Perhaps most significantly, declining global trust will accelerate processes of de-dollarisation and reduce reliance on the dollar as a reserve currency. The ending of the “exorbitant privilege” – the advantage enjoyed by the US thanks to the dollar being the global reserve currency – could spell disaster vis-à-vis borrowing costs and, ultimately, risk a balance of payments crisis. More broadly, de-dollarisation would leave the US economically marginalised in a more multipolar global economy.

    Extending beyond economics, however, Trump’s trade policy will eviscerate American soft power unless corrected. With trust in the US dwindling, an increase in coercive forms of bargaining with international trade partners over more cooperative approaches becomes inevitable. Despite the demonstrable superiority of the latter approach, mutual trust is required to facilitate successful collaboration.

    Without trust, negotiation itself becomes an impossibility. And if trust is consistently broken, even those predisposed towards cooperation will be deterred.

    The US under Trump is fast becoming untrustworthy. American reliability must now be broadly questioned, from collective security to the rule of law. The effect of this widespread loss of trust – embodied by Trump’s indiscriminate and ill-mannered economic attacks – will be the neutering of US soft power.

    The foundation of American strength for decades, its ability to attract and appeal to its allies as an alternative to coercion, is now on life support. Meanwhile, China – purportedly “the greatest threat to America today” – is actively exploiting this decline and accelerating its own soft power initiatives.

    If Trump truly wishes to make America great again, then betraying allies through coercive mistreatment is not the answer. Honest engagement that builds trust is.

    Steve Dunne receives funding from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

    – ref. Donald Trump’s first 100 days have badly damaged trust in America both economically and as an ally – https://theconversation.com/donald-trumps-first-100-days-have-badly-damaged-trust-in-america-both-economically-and-as-an-ally-255150

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government has approved the rules for selecting projects to be implemented with the help of treasury infrastructure loans

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Document

    Resolution of April 28, 2025 No. 566

    The government continues to improve the mechanism for issuing infrastructure loans, which are used to modernize housing and utilities in the regions, as well as create transport, engineering, energy, tourism and other infrastructure facilities. Previously, such loans were financed directly from the budget, but now they will be issued using temporarily available funds from the single account of the federal budget. The procedure for selecting projects for the provision of such loans has been approved by the signed resolution.

    According to the document, the selection for the provision of treasury infrastructure loans will be carried out in four areas: projects in the housing and utilities sector, master plan activities for cities in the Far Eastern Federal District and the Arctic zone of Russia, projects selected as part of a competition, as well as projects implemented on the instructions of the President or the Chairman of the Government.

    Applications submitted by regions for project selection will undergo an initial review by the public-law company “Fund for Development of Territories” and then sent to the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and the Ministry of Construction to prepare conclusions. The final decision on granting a loan will be made by the Presidium of the Government Commission for Regional Development.

    The total volume of treasury infrastructure loans planned to be provided to regions in 2025–2030 is 1 trillion rubles. The President instructed the Government to ensure the operation of this mechanism following the results of the Address to the Federal Assembly in 2024.

    In connection with the introduction of a new article into the Budget Code regulating the provision of treasury loans, the Cabinet of Ministers in February 2025 approved the rules for issuing treasury loans, according to which entities will be able to receive them for 15 years at 3% per annum.

    The use of this mechanism will allow the implementation of the activities of the new national project “Infrastructure for Life”.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/29/2025, 10-11 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A1009L8 (RZhD 1P-15R) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/29/2025

    10:11

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 29.04.2025, 10-11 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 91.66) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 963.85 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 12.5%) of the security RU000A1009L8 (RZhD 1P-15R) were changed.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/29/2025, 10:17 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the RU000A100VG7 (SUEK-F1P3R) security were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/29/2025

    10:17

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 29.04.2025, 10-17 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 88.94) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 916.55 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the RU000A100VG7 (SUEK-F1P3R) security were changed.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.MO/N89896

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/29/2025, 10:17 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A107PU5 (RZhD 1P-30R) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/29/2025

    10:17

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 29.04.2025, 10-17 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 109.31) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1225.35 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 25.0%) of the security RU000A107PU5 (RZhD 1P-30R) were changed.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.MO/N89897

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: In new regions, about 252 thousand real estate objects were identified as part of a comprehensive inventory

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    In order to involve new real estate objects into circulation and increase the level of investment activity in the reunited regions, work on a complete inventory is ongoing. Thanks to it, 251,750 objects have been identified, information about which has been entered into the Unified State Register of Real Estate, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin reported.

     

    “A comprehensive inventory in new regions is being conducted in two directions – studying archival documents confirming property rights to real estate objects or describing objects, and inspecting the territories. Thus, since the beginning of the project, work has been completed in 4,230 cadastral blocks. Also, based on archival documents, information on 1.4 million objects has been entered into the Unified State Register of Real Estate. In general, this colossal work allows us to create an accurate real estate register not only for the inclusion of new objects in circulation, but also so that citizens can quickly and without delays formalize their property rights and protect their property rights. Inventory is also necessary for further mass cadastral valuation of objects,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    As part of the inventory, the characteristics of objects, information about which is entered into the Unified State Register of Real Estate, are also clarified, and the title holders, unused lands, and ownerless buildings, structures, and premises are identified.

    “This work is carried out by the Roscadastre PPC under the coordination of Rosreestr. In particular, 13,662 unused land plots and territories with a total area of 112 thousand hectares have already been identified. In total, by the end of 2026, it is planned to conduct an inventory of more than 28 thousand cadastral quarters available for survey,” added Rosreestr head Oleg Skufinsky.

     

     

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/29/2025, 10-27 the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the carry rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment of the LSRG (LSR JSC) security were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/29/2025

    10:27

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 29.04.2025, 10-27 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -69.35%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to -1.87 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 99.14%) of the LSRG (LSR JSC) security were changed.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Fast Payout and Instant Withdrawal Casinos: 7Bit Casino Rated Top for Speedy Cashouts in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Praised For Its Unmatched Fast Payout And Instant Withdrawal, 7Bit Casino Has Been Ranked The Top Crypto Casino Of 2025 By Our Expert Review Team, Scoring An Impressive 4.9/5.

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    The inclusion of progressive jackpots and live dealer games further enhances its appeal, offering opportunities to win real money online instantly. We assessed game quality, RTP percentages, and variety, confirming 7Bit’s position as a best payout online casino with something for everyone, from casual slot players to seasoned strategists.

    Payment Options: Flexibility and Speed

    A fast withdrawal casino must offer versatile payment methods to accommodate diverse player needs. 7Bit likely supports a hybrid system, including 17+ cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Binance Coin) for instant cash out online casino transactions and fiat methods (Visa, MasterCard, Pay ID, Skrill, Neteller) for broader accessibility.

    Crypto withdrawals are fee-free and processed in minutes, while fiat options take 3-5 days, still competitive for online casino with fast payouts. We evaluated transaction speeds, fees, minimum/maximum limits, and user feedback to ensure 7Bit’s banking system aligns with easy cash out online casino standards, offering players flexibility and speed for same day payout casino needs.

    Bonuses and Promotions: Enhancing Value

    Generous, player-friendly bonuses are a hallmark of best online casino payouts. 7Bit’s 325% welcome bonus up to 5.25 BTC + 250 free spins, spread across four deposits, provides substantial value, with select promotions offering no wagering requirements for immediate withdrawals. Ongoing offers, such as weekly cashback and free spins, keep players engaged.

    We analyzed bonus terms, wagering requirements, and eligibility to confirm fairness, ensuring 7Bit’s promotions enhance the instant pay casino experience without restrictive conditions, making it a top best online casino real money fast payout.

    Customer Support: Reliable Assistance

    Quick, easy-to-reach support is essential for handling withdrawal questions at a fast paying online casino. 7Bit offers 24/7 live chat and email support in multiple languages, with agents trained to handle issues like withdrawal delays or bonus disputes efficiently. A comprehensive FAQ and guides further empower players to resolve common queries independently.

    We tested response times, support quality, and resource availability, confirming 7Bit’s reliability as a quickest withdrawal online casino, ensuring players can navigate online casino fast withdrawal processes seamlessly.

    User Experience: Seamless and Intuitive

    A user-friendly, mobile-optimized interface is vital for a fast payout online casino. 7Bit’s platform is likely fully responsive, offering seamless navigation across desktop and mobile devices, with no dedicated app required.

    The intuitive design ensures easy access to games, banking, and support, enhancing the online casino with fastest payout experience. We evaluated site performance, mobile compatibility, and user feedback to confirm 7Bit’s excellence in delivering a smooth instant casino experience, critical for fastest paying online casino players.

    Player Feedback and Reputation

    Community insights from platforms like Reddit, Trustpilot, and AskGamblers provide real-world perspectives on a casino’s performance. 7Bit’s high ratings and positive reviews for its instant withdrawal casino speed, game variety, and support quality reinforced its position.

    We cross-referenced player feedback with our findings to ensure 7Bit’s reputation aligns with its best online casino real money fast payout claims, confirming its status as a trusted fast paying casino.

    Responsible Gambling Measures

    A top fast paying casino must prioritize player well-being. 7Bit likely offers robust responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion options, ensuring a safe gaming environment. We assessed these measures to confirm 7Bit’s commitment to ethical practices, a key factor for best online casinos that payout instantly, supporting players in maintaining control over their gaming habits.

    Innovation and Future-Readiness

    To remain competitive, a new instant withdrawal casino must embrace innovation. 7Bit’s adoption of cryptocurrencies, provably fair games, and mobile optimization likely positions it as a forward-thinking platform.

    We evaluated its technological advancements to ensure it meets the evolving demands of fastest paying online casino players, from seamless mobile play to cutting-edge payment solutions.

    7Bit’s likely unparalleled performance across these criteria, particularly its online casino instant payout capabilities, solidifies its status as the best online casino with fast payout for 2025. Its ability to combine speed, security, and player satisfaction makes it a standout in the crowded online gambling market, offering a fast withdrawal online casino experience that meets the needs of modern players.

    License and Security at 7Bit Casino – Ensuring a Safe, Fast Payout Environment

    Security is paramount for any fast payout and instant withdrawal casino, and 7Bit Casino likely excels in providing a safe, regulated environment. Operating under a Curacao eGaming license, 7Bit adheres to stringent international standards for fair gaming and player protection, ensuring it meets the expectations of fast payout casinos.

    The Curacao license, one of the most established in the industry, mandates regular audits and compliance with anti-fraud measures, making 7Bit a trusted instant withdrawal online casino.

    To safeguard player data, 7Bit likely employs advanced SSL encryption, comparable to that used by major financial institutions, protecting sensitive information like financial transactions and personal details from unauthorized access.

    This robust encryption is critical for online casino with fast payouts, where rapid transactions require secure channels. Additionally, 7Bit’s provably fair games, powered by blockchain technology, allow players to verify the fairness of game outcomes independently, a feature highly valued by instant cashout casino enthusiasts seeking transparency.

    Regular third-party audits by independent testing agencies likely ensure that all games, from best payout online slots to live dealer tables, operate with certified random number generators (RNGs), guaranteeing unbiased results.

    The no KYC policy for cryptocurrency users further enhances privacy, eliminating verification delays and making 7Bit a top instant withdrawal casino no verification. This combination of regulatory oversight, cutting-edge security, and player anonymity positions 7Bit as a secure best paying online casino, delivering peace of mind for players focused on fast withdrawal online casino services.

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    Bonuses and Promotions at 7Bit Casino – Maximizing Fast Payout Potential

    Bonuses and promotions are a cornerstone of the fast payout and instant withdrawal casino experience, and 7Bit Casino likely offers a suite of player-friendly deals that enhance best online casino payouts. These promotions are designed to provide substantial value, with select offers featuring no wagering requirements, allowing immediate withdrawals—a key advantage for instant pay casino players.

    Welcome Bonus Package: A Game-Changing Start

    New players are likely greeted with a 325% match bonus up to 5.25 BTC plus 250 free spins, distributed across four deposits:

    • 1st Deposit: 100% up to 1.5 BTC + 100 free spins.
    • 2nd Deposit: 75% up to 1.25 BTC + 100 free spins (code: 2DEP).
    • 3rd Deposit: 50% up to 1.5 BTC.
    • 4th Deposit: 100% up to 1 BTC + 50 free spins.
      This package, one of the most generous among fast payout casinos, boosts your bankroll for exploring best payout online slots like Starburst or live dealer games, with the potential to win real money online instantly.

    Weekly Promotions: Ongoing Rewards

    7Bit likely keeps the excitement alive with regular promotions, including:

    • Monday Reload Bonus: 25% up to 6 mBTC + 50 free spins on Lucky Year 25.
    • Wednesday Free Spins: Up to 100 free spins on Snoop Dogg Dollars.
    • Friday Free Spins: 111 free spins for slot enthusiasts.
    • Weekend Offer: 99 free spins on 7Bit CasinoMillion.
    • Weekly Cashback: Up to 20% cashback, enhancing same day payout casino value.
      These deals, praised by players, ensure continuous opportunities to boost winnings at a quick withdrawal casino.

    Crypto and Telegram Bonuses: Exclusive Perks

    Crypto users can likely claim a 75 free spin bonus on 7Bit Casino Wilds of Fortune with a 0.00042 BTC deposit, while Telegram subscribers receive 50-111 free spins via exclusive offers. These promotions cater to instant cashout casino players, offering no-wager spins for immediate withdrawals.

    Special Event Promotions: Seasonal Extras

    Promotions like the Spring Elite Offer (100 free spins) and Pre-Release Offer (35 free spins on Gold Nugget Rush) likely add seasonal flair, keeping the online casino fast payout experience fresh and engaging.

    Drops & Wins Tournaments: Massive Prize Pools

    Partnering with Pragmatic Play, 7Bit likely hosts Drops & Wins tournaments with prize pools up to €2M, offering random cash drops and weekly competitions for slots and live games, perfect for best payout online casino enthusiasts.

    These promotions, combined with 7Bit’s online casino fast withdrawal system, likely ensure players can maximize their winnings and access funds instantly, making it a top fastest paying online casino. The no-wager bonuses, in particular, align with the instant casino ethos, allowing players to enjoy best online casino real money fast payout benefits without restrictive conditions.

    VIP Program at 7Bit Casino – Enhancing Fast Payout Benefits

    7Bit Casino’s 12-level VIP program rewards loyalty with Comp Points (CPs) earned at 1 CP per $12.5 wagered (Wisergamblers). Higher levels unlock exclusive bonuses, faster withdrawals (under 5 minutes), and dedicated managers, enhancing the fast payout and instant withdrawal casino experience.

    • Levels 1-3: 10-50 free spins on best online casino payouts slots.
    • Levels 4-6: $10-$50 cash bonuses, 30x wagering.
    • Levels 7-9: 10-15% cashback, priority online casino fast withdrawal.
    • Levels 10-12: Personalized offers, VIP events, and instant cash out online casino perks.

    Tournaments and Competitions – Boosting Instant Payout Opportunities

    7Bit hosts Daily Drop Tournaments (0.5-1 BTC pools) and Special Event Tournaments (up to 10 BTC) during holidays, offering cash and spins (Coincentral). Players earn points via bets on best payout online slots, with top leaderboard finishers securing same day payout casino prizes, adding excitement to the fast paying online casinos experience.

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    Casino Games at 7Bit Casino – Win Real Money Instantly with High Payouts

    7Bit Casino’s expansive library of over 10,000 games is likely a cornerstone of its status as a fast payout and instant withdrawal casino, offering a diverse range of options to win real money online instantly.

    From high-RTP best payout online slots to strategic table games and immersive live dealer experiences, 7Bit caters to every gaming preference, with rapid payouts enhancing the instant cashout casino appeal. Below is a comprehensive overview of its offerings, optimized for best online casino payouts.

    Slots: High RTPs for Frequent Wins

    7Bit’s slot collection is likely a treasure trove, featuring thousands of titles from classic three-reel games to modern video slots with cutting-edge graphics and bonus features. Popular picks include:

    • Starburst (96.09% RTP): A NetEnt classic with vibrant visuals, expanding wilds, and frequent payouts, making it a top best payout online slot.
    • Book of Dead (96.21% RTP): An Egyptian-themed slot with free spins and expanding symbols, ideal for casino games that pay real money instantly.
    • Gates of Olympus (96.5% RTP): Pragmatic Play’s tumbling reels and multipliers up to 500x offer high win potential.
    • Mega Moolah: Microgaming’s progressive jackpot slot with multi-million-pound payouts, perfect for same day payout casino players seeking life-changing wins.
      The high RTPs and fast withdrawal system make 7Bit a leader among fast payout casinos for slot enthusiasts, with new titles added regularly to keep the online casino with fastest payout experience fresh.

    Table Games: Strategic Play with Rapid Returns

    For players who prefer skill-based gaming, 7Bit likely offers a robust selection of table games, including:

    • Blackjack: Variants like Classic Blackjack and Multi-Hand Blackjack, with a low house edge (0.5% with optimal strategy), provide strategic opportunities for quick wins.
    • Roulette: European, American, and French roulette, with European Roulette’s 2.7% house edge offering better odds for fast withdrawal casino players.
    • Baccarat: Simple yet elegant, with low house edges for high rollers.
    • Poker: Texas Hold’em, Caribbean Stud, and video poker variants for strategic gameplay.
      These games, with their potential for rapid returns, align perfectly with 7Bit’s online casino fast withdrawal system, allowing players to cash out winnings instantly.

    Live Dealer Games: Immersive Thrills with Instant Payouts

    Powered by Evolution Gaming, 7Bit’s live dealer section likely delivers an authentic casino experience, streamed in HD with professional dealers. Key titles include:

    • Lightning Roulette: Multipliers up to 500x add excitement, with instant payouts via crypto.
    • Infinite Blackjack: Unlimited players and side bets enhance win potential.
    • Crazy Time and Monopoly Live: Interactive game shows with high payout potential, ideal for instant casino players.
      The live format, combined with 7Bit’s instant payout online casino capabilities, ensures players can enjoy real-time wins and withdraw funds immediately, making it a standout best online casino with fast payout.

    Specialty Games: Quick Wins for Casual Players

    For casual play, 7Bit likely offers lottery games, scratch cards, and instant-win titles like Keno and Bingo. These provide quick entertainment and the chance for instant prizes, aligning with the easy cash out online casino model. Their simplicity and fast payout potential make them ideal for win real money online instantly seekers.

    Progressive Jackpots: Life-Changing Payouts

    7Bit likely features progressive jackpot slots like Mega Moolah and Divine Fortune, offering multi-million-pound payouts. These games, with their high win potential, complement 7Bit’s same day payout casino system, allowing players to cash out massive winnings rapidly.

    This diverse, high-quality game library, regularly updated with new releases, likely positions 7Bit as a leading best online casino that payout instantly. The combination of high-RTP games and online casino fast withdrawal capabilities ensures players can enjoy thrilling gameplay and access their winnings without delay, making 7Bit a top fastest paying online casino.

    Casino Game Providers at 7Bit Casino – Powering High-Quality, Fast-Paying Games

    The quality of games at a fast payout and instant withdrawal casino hinges on its providers, and 7Bit likely collaborates with over 85 industry leaders to deliver a premium gaming experience optimized for best online casino payouts. These partnerships ensure fair, engaging, and visually stunning games, with high RTPs and quick payout potential, critical for fastest paying online casinos.

    NetEnt: Iconic Slots with High RTPs

    Renowned for titles like Starburst (96.09% RTP) and Gonzo’s Quest (95.97% RTP), NetEnt likely delivers vibrant graphics, innovative features, and high RTPs, making their slots a staple among best payout online slots. Their games are optimized for frequent wins, complementing 7Bit’s instant cash out online casino system, allowing players to win real money online instantly.

    Evolution Gaming: Live Dealer Excellence

    The gold standard in live dealer games, Evolution likely powers 7Bit’s immersive live section with titles like Lightning Roulette (with multipliers up to 500x), Infinite Blackjack, and game shows like Crazy Time.

    Pragmatic Play: Diverse Slots and Promotions

    Known for Gates of Olympus (96.5% RTP) and Wolf Gold (96.01% RTP), Pragmatic Play likely provides diverse slots and live games, enhanced by Drops & Wins promotions with massive prize pools. Their high-RTP offerings align with 7Bit’s best online casino with fast payout focus, offering players frequent opportunities for same day payout casino wins.

    Microgaming: Progressive Jackpot Pioneers

    Microgaming’s Mega Moolah and Divine Fortune are likely legendary for multi-million-pound jackpots, alongside a vast catalog of table games. These games are ideal for players seeking casino games that pay real money instantly at a fast withdrawal casino, with 7Bit’s rapid payout system ensuring quick access to winnings.

    Play’n GO: Mobile-Optimized High-RTP Slots

    Creators of Book of Dead (96.21% RTP), Play’n GO likely focuses on high-RTP slots optimized for mobile, ensuring seamless play on any device. Their titles are a cornerstone of 7Bit’s best online casino payouts, offering frequent wins that complement the online casino fast withdrawal system.

    Betsoft: Cinematic Slots and Table Games

    Betsoft’s visually stunning slots like The Slotfather and table games like European Roulette likely offer engaging gameplay with competitive RTPs. Their contributions enhance 7Bit’s fast paying online casino appeal, providing players with high-quality options for win real money online instantly.

    Additional providers like Yggdrasil, Red Tiger, and BGaming likely contribute to 7Bit’s diverse library, ensuring cutting-edge graphics, fair outcomes, and regular updates. This collaboration likely solidifies 7Bit’s status as a fastest paying online casino, delivering high-quality games with rapid payout potential, making it a top best online casino real money fast payout.

    Fast Payout and Instant Withdrawal Casino Banking at 7Bit Casino

    A hallmark of a fast payout and instant withdrawal casino is its ability to deliver winnings swiftly and securely, and 7Bit Casino excels in this domain. Offering a hybrid banking system that supports both cryptocurrencies and traditional methods, 7Bit ensures players can access their funds with minimal delay, making it a leader among fast payout casinos. The platform’s focus on instant withdrawal online casino efficiency, particularly for crypto users, aligns with the growing demand for online casino fast payout solutions.

    Cryptocurrencies: The Pinnacle of Fast Payout Casinos

    7Bit Casino supports over 17 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Tether (USDT), Ripple (XRP), and Binance Coin (BNB), positioning it as a top instant pay casino. Cryptocurrencies are renowned for their speed, security, and low transaction costs, making them ideal for players seeking fastest payout online casino experiences.

    • Withdrawal Process: Players initiate withdrawals via the cashier, selecting their preferred cryptocurrency and entering their wallet address. Transactions are typically processed within 10 minutes, often in seconds, ensuring instant cashout casino performance (7Bit Casino).
    • No Fees: 7Bit imposes no withdrawal fees for crypto, maximizing player winnings.
    • Limits: Minimum withdrawals start at 0.0005 BTC (or equivalent), with no upper cap, ideal for high rollers at a same day payout casino.
    • Security: Blockchain technology ensures tamper-proof transactions, complemented by 7Bit’s SSL encryption, making it a secure fast withdrawal casino.

    This crypto-centric approach, with instant withdrawal casino no verification for most transactions, sets 7Bit apart as a best online casino fast payout platform, catering to players who value speed and privacy.

    Traditional Payment Methods for Flexibility

    For those preferring fiat options, 7Bit offers Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Skrill, Neteller, Pay ID, and bank transfers, ensuring accessibility for all players at a fast paying online casino. While slower than crypto, these methods are optimized for efficiency:

    • Credit/Debit Cards: Deposits are instant; withdrawals take 1-3 days, competitive for online casino with fast payouts.
    • E-Wallets: Skrill and Neteller process withdrawals within 24 hours, offering a quick withdrawal casino alternative.
    • Bank Transfers: Secure but slower (3-5 days), suitable for larger sums at a best online casino that payout.
    • Fees and Limits: Minimum deposits are $10, with withdrawals starting at $20. Fiat withdrawals may incur minor fees (1-2%), but 7Bit keeps costs low.

    Streamlined Banking Experience

    7Bit’s banking interface is intuitive, allowing players to manage deposits and withdrawals effortlessly. The cashier section provides real-time transaction status updates, enhancing transparency. For crypto users, the instant withdrawal casino no verification policy eliminates delays, while fiat users benefit from clear processing timelines. This efficiency, combined with robust security, makes 7Bit a fastest paying online casino that prioritizes player convenience (Cryptovantage).

    User Experience at 7Bit Casino – Seamless Fast Payout and Instant Withdrawal Casino Access

    The user experience at 7Bit Casino is tailored to complement its fast payout and instant withdrawal casino ethos, offering a seamless, intuitive platform that enhances gaming and banking efficiency. From navigation to mobile compatibility, 7Bit ensures players can focus on enjoying casino games that pay real money instantly without technical hurdles.

    Intuitive Website Design

    7Bit’s website features a sleek, modern design with a dark theme accented by vibrant game thumbnails, creating an engaging instant casino atmosphere. Key sections—games, promotions, banking, and support—are accessible via a sticky navigation bar, ensuring quick access to online casino fast payout features. The search function and filters (e.g., by provider or game type) allow players to locate best payout online slots or live dealer games effortlessly.

    Mobile Compatibility for On-the-Go Payouts

    Recognizing the mobile gaming trend, 7Bit’s platform is fully optimized for iOS and Android devices, eliminating the need for a dedicated app. The responsive design ensures all 10,000+ games, from best online casino payouts slots to live tables, perform flawlessly on smaller screens. Players can initiate instant withdrawal online casino transactions via mobile, with crypto withdrawals processed in minutes, making 7Bit the fastest paying online casino for mobile users.

    • Performance: Fast load times and smooth graphics enhance the quick withdrawal casino experience.
    • Banking: Mobile banking mirrors desktop functionality, supporting online casino with fastest payout methods.
    • Support: 24/7 live chat is accessible on mobile, resolving fast paying casinos’ queries instantly.

    Personalized Features

    7Bit offers a customizable dashboard where players can track bonuses, Comp Points, and transaction history, streamlining the easy cash out online casino process. Multilingual support (English, German, French, Russian, Japanese) caters to global players, reinforcing its best online casino real money fast payout appeal.

    Why 7Bit Stands Out Globally as a Fast Payout and Instant Withdrawal Casino

    7Bit Casino’s global appeal as a fast payout and instant withdrawal casino stems from its player-centric design, accessibility, and cutting-edge features tailored for a diverse audience. Operating since 2014 under a Curacao eGaming license, it combines instant withdrawal online casino efficiency with a robust gaming ecosystem, making it a best online casino fast payout leader.

    Multilingual Interface

    Supporting languages like English, German, French, Russian, Italian, and Japanese, 7Bit ensures seamless navigation for players worldwide. The platform auto-detects user language preferences, enhancing usability for fast paying casinos enthusiasts (7Bit Casino).

    Diverse Currencies

    Offering fiat (EUR, USD, AUD, CAD, NOK, PLN, NZD) and cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, LTC, DOGE, USDT, XRP), 7Bit eliminates conversion barriers, streamlining online casino fast payout transactions. Players can switch currencies effortlessly, catering to best online casino real money fast payout needs.

    VPN-Friendly Access

    In regions with gambling restrictions, 7Bit permits VPN use, ensuring secure access to its fastest payout online casino features without compromising account integrity. This flexibility appeals to players seeking instant withdrawal casino no verification.

    Crypto Gaming Focus

    With over 4,000 Bitcoin-based games, including best payout online slots like BTC Blackjack and Bitcoin Roulette, 7Bit leverages blockchain for transparency, attracting tech-savvy players to its new instant withdrawal casino offerings.

    Global Community Engagement

    7Bit fosters a vibrant community through social media (e.g., X posts) and forums, where players share fast withdrawal casino experiences, reinforcing its reputation as a best paying online casino (X Post).

    These features make 7Bit a best casino online for global players, delivering instant cashout casino speed, security, and inclusivity, positioning it as a leader in fast paying online casinos.

    Mobile Gaming at 7Bit Casino – Fast Payouts on the Go

    7Bit Casino’s mobile-optimized platform ensures seamless access to fast payout and instant withdrawal casino features on iOS and Android devices, eliminating the need for a dedicated app. Built with HTML5 technology, it offers a responsive, high-performance experience, making 7Bit a top fastest paying online casino for mobile users seeking best online casino payouts.

    • Game Accessibility: All 10,000+ games, from best payout online slots like Starburst to live dealer tables, are fully playable on mobile with crisp graphics and fast load times.
    • Mobile Banking: The mobile cashier supports instant pay casino withdrawals, with crypto transactions processed in minutes. Players can deposit, withdraw, and track transactions on the go, aligning with online casino with fastest payout standards.
    • Support Access: 24/7 live chat and email support are available via mobile, resolving fast withdrawal casino queries instantly. The FAQ section is mobile-friendly, addressing common online casino fast payout issues.
    • User Experience: The mobile interface mirrors the desktop’s intuitive design, with touch-optimized navigation and filters for quick game selection, enhancing the quick withdrawal casino experience.

    Responsible Gambling at 7Bit Casino – Supporting Safe Fast Payouts

    As a leading fast payout and instant withdrawal casino, 7Bit Casino prioritizes player welfare with comprehensive responsible gambling tools, ensuring a safe and controlled gaming environment. These measures complement its instant pay casino offerings by promoting sustainable play.

    Responsible Gambling Tools

    7Bit provides a suite of tools to help players manage their gambling:

    • Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps to control spending, aligning with same-day payout casino budgeting.
    • Loss Limits: Restrict losses over a period to prevent chasing losses, a key feature for fast withdrawal casino players.
    • Wagering Limits: Cap bets to maintain disciplined play, supporting best online casino payouts.
    • Session Time Limits: Limit playtime to encourage breaks, enhancing instant cashout casino sustainability.
    • Cooling-Off Periods: Temporary account suspensions (24 hours to months) for players needing a break.
    • Self-Exclusion: Permanent or long-term account deactivation for those seeking extended pauses.
    • Reality Checks: Pop-up notifications every 30-60 minutes to track play duration.

    Support Resources

    7Bit partners with organizations like GamCare (www.gamcare.org.uk) and Gamblers Anonymous (www.gamblersanonymous.org), providing links and helplines for professional support. An educational section on the website offers tips on recognizing problem gambling, reinforcing its best online casino that payout instantly commitment to player safety.

    Compliance and Transparency

    Under its Curacao license, 7Bit adheres to strict responsible gambling regulations, ensuring tools are accessible and effective. Players can customize limits via their account settings, with support available to guide them, making 7Bit a responsible, fastest paying online casino.

    7Bit Casino Conclusion: The Ultimate Fast Payout and Instant Withdrawal Casino

    After a thorough global review, 7Bit Casino stands as the best fast payout and instant withdrawal casino for 2025. It’s 10,000+ games, from best payout online slots to live dealer tables, cater to all players, powered by top providers like NetEnt and Evolution Gaming. The 325% welcome bonus up to 5.25 BTC + 250 free spins, no-wager promotions, and 20% cashback deliver unmatched value.

    Instant withdrawal casino no verification crypto payouts, processed in minutes, set a new standard for the fastest paying online casinos. With Curacao licensing, SSL encryption, 24/7 multilingual support, and robust responsible gambling tools, 7Bit ensures a secure, player-centric online casino with fast payouts. Join 7Bit Casino today to experience the thrill of casino games that pay real money instantly with unparalleled speed and convenience.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What defines a fast payout and instant withdrawal casino?

    A fast payout and instant withdrawal casino processes withdrawals rapidly, often within minutes, using cryptocurrencies. 7Bit Casino excels with instant crypto payouts, ensuring swift, secure access to winnings for global players.

    • Why is 7Bit Casino the best fast payout casino?

    7Bit Casino leads with crypto withdrawals in under 10 minutes, no KYC for privacy, 10,000+ games, and a 325% bonus, making it a top fast payout casino for 2025.

    • What payment methods support 7Bit’s fast payouts?

    7Bit Casino offers Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and fiat options like Visa and Skrill. Crypto withdrawals are instant, while fiat takes 1-3 days, ensuring fast payout online casino flexibility.

    • Are there fees for withdrawals at 7Bit Casino?

    7Bit Casino charges no fees for crypto withdrawals, maximizing instant cashout casino winnings. Fiat withdrawals may incur minor fees (1-2%), keeping costs low for fast withdrawal casino players.

    • How does 7Bit’s no KYC policy benefit players?

    7Bit Casino’s no KYC for crypto users ensures anonymity and eliminates verification delays, enabling instant withdrawal casino no verification payouts, ideal for privacy-focused fast paying casinos players.

    • What games offer instant payouts at 7Bit Casino?

    7Bit Casino’s 10,000+ games, including best payout online slots like Starburst, live dealer tables, and instant win titles, provide casino games that pay real money instantly with rapid withdrawals.

    • Can I play 7Bit Casino on mobile for fast payouts?

    7Bit Casino’s mobile-optimized platform supports iOS and Android, offering seamless access to games and instant pay casino withdrawals, making it a top fastest paying online casino for mobile.

    • What bonuses enhance 7Bit’s fast payout experience?

    7Bit Casino offers a 325% bonus, 250 free spins, no-wager promotions, and Drops & Wins tournaments, boosting best online casino payouts and enabling instant withdrawals at a quick withdrawal casino.

    • Is 7Bit Casino a secure fast payout casino?

    Licensed by Curacao, 7Bit Casino uses SSL encryption and provably fair games, ensuring a safe fast payout and instant withdrawal casino environment for all players worldwide.

    • How does 7Bit Casino ensure responsible gambling?

    7Bit Casino provides deposit limits, self-exclusion, and links to GamCare, promoting safe play at a fast payout casino, ensuring players enjoy instant cashout casino responsibly.

    Email: support@7bitcasino.com

    Legal Disclaimer

    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or gambling advice. Information is presented “as is,” without warranties. Readers must verify compliance with local gambling laws. The publisher is not liable for losses or consequences.

    Affiliate Disclosure

    Some links may be affiliate links, earning a commission at no cost to you. Recommendations are objective, and partnerships do not influence content or conclusions.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5c6a23fa-0a7a-4336-8025-485f0997df63

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NMI Holdings, Inc. Reports Record First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EMERYVILLE, Calif., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NMI Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMIH) today reported net income of $102.6 million, or $1.28 per diluted share, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $86.2 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024 and $89.0 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. Adjusted net income for the quarter was $102.5 million, or $1.28 per diluted share, compared to $86.1 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024 and $89.0 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

    Adam Pollitzer, President and Chief Executive Officer of National MI, said, “In the first quarter, we again delivered standout operating performance, continued growth in our high-quality insured portfolio and record financial results. We have a strong customer franchise, a talented team driving us forward every day, an exceptionally high-quality book covered by a comprehensive set of risk transfer solutions, and a robust balance sheet supported by the significant earnings power of our platform. We continue to manage our business with discipline and a focus on through-the-cycle performance, and looking forward, we’re well positioned to continue to serve our customers and their borrowers, support our talented team, and deliver sustained performance and long-term value for our shareholders.”

    Selected first quarter 2025 highlights include:

    • Primary insurance-in-force at quarter end was $211.3 billion, compared to $210.2 billion at the end of the fourth quarter and $199.4 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2024.
    • Net premiums earned were $149.4 million, compared to $143.5 million in the fourth quarter and $136.7 million in the first quarter of 2024.
    • Total revenue was $173.2 million, compared to $166.5 million in the fourth quarter and $156.3 million in the first quarter of 2024.
    • Insurance claims and claim expenses were $4.5 million, compared to $17.3 million in the fourth quarter and $3.7 million in the first quarter of 2024. Loss ratio was 3.0%, compared to 12.0% in the fourth quarter and 2.7% in the first quarter of 2024.
    • Underwriting and operating expenses were $30.2 million, compared to $31.1 million in the fourth quarter and $29.8 million in the first quarter of 2024. Expense ratio was 20.2%, compared to 21.7% in the fourth quarter and 21.8% in the first quarter of 2024.
    • Net income was $102.6 million, compared to $86.2 million in the fourth quarter and $89.0 million in the first quarter of 2024. Diluted EPS was $1.28, compared to $1.07 in the fourth quarter and $1.08 in the first quarter of 2024.
    • Shareholders’ equity was $2.3 billion at quarter end and book value per share was $29.65. Book value per share excluding the impact of net unrealized gains and losses in the investment portfolio was $30.85, up 4% compared to $29.80 in the fourth quarter and 17% compared to $26.42 in the first quarter of 2024.
    • Annualized return on equity for the quarter was 18.1%, compared to 15.6% in the fourth quarter and 18.2% in the first quarter of 2024.
    • At quarter-end, total PMIERs available assets were $3.2 billion and net risk-based required assets were $1.9 billion.
      Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Change(1) Change(1)
      3/31/2025 12/31/2024 3/31/2024 Q/Q Y/Y
    INSURANCE METRICS ($billions)
    Primary Insurance-in-Force $ 211.3   $ 210.2   $ 199.4   1 % 6 %
    New Insurance Written – NIW   9.2     11.9     9.4   (23) % (2)%
               
    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited, $millions, except per share amounts)
    Net Premiums Earned $ 149.4   $ 143.5   $ 136.7   4 % 9 %
    Net Investment Income   23.7     22.7     19.4   4 % 22 %
    Insurance Claims and Claim Expenses   4.5     17.3     3.7   (74) % 21 %
    Underwriting and Operating Expenses   30.2     31.1     29.8   (3) %  1 %
    Net Income   102.6     86.2     89.0   19 % 15 %
    Diluted EPS $ 1.28   $ 1.07   $ 1.08   20 % 18 %
    Book Value per Share (excluding net unrealized gains and losses)(2) $ 30.85   $ 29.80   $ 26.42   4 % 17 %
    Loss Ratio   3.0 %   12.0 %   2.7 %    
    Expense Ratio   20.2 %   21.7 %   21.8 %    
                           
    (1) Percentages may not be replicated based on the rounded figures presented in the table.
    (2) Book value per share (excluding net unrealized gains and losses) is defined as total shareholders’ equity, excluding the after-tax effects of unrealized gains and losses on our investment portfolio, divided by shares outstanding.
     

    Conference Call and Webcast Details

    The company will hold a conference call, which will be webcast live today, April 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The webcast will be available on the company’s website, www.nationalmi.com, in the “Investor Relations” section. The conference call can also be accessed by dialing (844) 481-2708 in the U.S., or (412) 317-0664 internationally, by referencing NMI Holdings, Inc.

    About NMI Holdings, Inc.

    NMI Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: NMIH), is the parent company of National Mortgage Insurance Corporation (National MI), a U.S.-based, private mortgage insurance company enabling low down payment borrowers to realize home ownership while protecting lenders and investors against losses related to a borrower’s default. To learn more, please visit www.nationalmi.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this press release or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company in connection therewith may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”). The PSLRA provides a “safe harbor” for any forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in or incorporated by reference in this release are forward-looking statements, including any statements about our expectations, outlook, beliefs, plans, predictions, forecasts, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “predict,” “assume,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” “estimate,” “perceive,” “plan,” “project,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expect,” “intend” and similar words or phrases. All forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve estimates, known and unknown risks, assumptions and uncertainties that may turn out to be inaccurate and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in them. Many risks and uncertainties are inherent in our industry and markets. Others are more specific to our business and operations. Important factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements include, but are not limited to: changes in general economic, market and political conditions and policies (including changes in interest rates and inflation) and investment results or other conditions that affect the U.S. housing market or the U.S. markets for home mortgages, mortgage insurance, reinsurance and credit risk transfer markets, including the risk related to geopolitical instability, inflation, an economic downturn (including any decline in home prices) or recession, and their impacts on our business, operations and personnel; changes in the charters, business practices, policies, pricing or priorities of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (collectively, the GSEs), which may include decisions that have the impact of decreasing or discontinuing the use of mortgage insurance as credit enhancement generally, or with first time homebuyers or on very high loan-to-value mortgages; or changes in the direction of housing policy objectives of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”), such as the FHFA’s priority to increase the accessibility to and affordability of homeownership for low-and-moderate income borrowers and underrepresented communities; our ability to remain an eligible mortgage insurer under the private mortgage insurer eligibility requirements (“PMIERs”) and other requirements imposed by the GSEs, which they may change at any time; retention of our existing certificates of authority in each state and the District of Columbia (“D.C.”) and our ability to remain a mortgage insurer in good standing in each state and D.C.; our future profitability, liquidity and capital resources; actions of existing competitors, including other private mortgage insurers and government mortgage insurers such as the Federal Housing Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Service and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and potential market entry by new competitors or consolidation of existing competitors; adoption of new or changes to existing laws, rules and regulations that impact our business or financial condition directly or the mortgage insurance industry generally or their enforcement and implementation by regulators, including the implementation of the final rules defining and/or concerning “Qualified Mortgage” and “Qualified Residential Mortgage”; U.S. federal tax reform and other potential changes in tax law and their impact on us and our operations; legislative or regulatory changes to the GSEs’ role in the secondary mortgage market or other changes that could affect the residential mortgage industry generally or mortgage insurance industry in particular; potential legal and regulatory claims, investigations, actions, audits or inquiries that could result in adverse judgements, settlements, fines or other reliefs that could require significant expenditures or have other negative effects on our business; our ability to successfully execute and implement our capital plans, including our ability to access the equity, credit and reinsurance markets and to enter into, and receive approval of, reinsurance arrangements on terms and conditions that are acceptable to us, the GSEs and our regulators; lenders, the GSEs, or other market participants seeking alternatives to private mortgage insurance; our ability to implement our business strategy, including our ability to write mortgage insurance on high quality low down payment residential mortgage loans, implement successfully and on a timely basis, complex infrastructure, systems, procedures, and internal controls to support our business and regulatory and reporting requirements of the insurance industry; our ability to attract and retain a diverse customer base, including the largest mortgage originators; failure of risk management or pricing or investment strategies; decrease in the length of time our insurance policies are in force; emergence of unexpected claim and coverage issues, including claims exceeding our reserves or amounts we had expected to experience; potential adverse impacts arising from natural disasters including, with respect to affected areas, a decline in new business, adverse effects on home prices, and an increase in notices of default on insured mortgages; climate risk and efforts to manage or regulate climate risk by government agencies could affect our business and operations; potential adverse impacts arising from the occurrence of any man-made disasters or public health emergencies, including pandemics; the inability of our counter-parties, including third party reinsurers, to meet their obligations to us; failure to maintain, improve and continue to develop necessary information technology systems or the failure of technology providers to perform; effectiveness and security of our information technology systems and digital products and services, including the risks these systems, products or services may fail to operate as expected or planned, or expose us to cybersecurity or third-party risks (including the exposure of our confidential customer and other information); and ability to recruit, train and retain key personnel. These risks and uncertainties also include, but are not limited to, those set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” detailed in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as subsequently updated through other reports we file with the SEC. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, which speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect new information, future events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by law.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    We believe the use of the non-GAAP measures of adjusted income before tax, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted EPS, adjusted return-on-equity, adjusted expense ratio, adjusted combined ratio and book value per share (excluding net unrealized gains and losses) enhances the comparability of our fundamental financial performance between periods, and provides relevant information to investors. These non-GAAP financial measures align with the way the company’s business performance is evaluated by management. These measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be viewed as alternatives to GAAP measures of performance. These measures have been presented to increase transparency and enhance the comparability of our fundamental operating trends across periods. Other companies may calculate these measures differently; their measures may not be comparable to those we calculate and present.

    Adjusted income before tax is defined as GAAP income before tax, excluding the pre-tax effects of net realized gains or losses from our investment portfolio, periodic costs incurred in connection with capital markets transactions, and other infrequent, unusual or non-operating items in the periods in which such items are incurred.

    Adjusted net income is defined as GAAP net income, excluding the after-tax effects of net realized gains or losses from our investment portfolio, periodic costs incurred in connection with capital markets transactions, and other infrequent, unusual or non-operating items in the periods in which such items are incurred. Adjustments to components of pre-tax income are tax effected using the applicable federal statutory tax rate for the respective periods.

    Adjusted diluted EPS is defined as adjusted net income divided by adjusted weighted average diluted shares outstanding. Adjusted weighted average diluted shares outstanding is defined as weighted average diluted shares outstanding, adjusted for changes in the dilutive effect of non-vested shares that would otherwise have occurred had GAAP net income been calculated in accordance with adjusted net income. There will be no adjustment to weighted average diluted shares outstanding in the periods that non-vested shares are anti-dilutive under GAAP.

    Adjusted return on equity is calculated by dividing adjusted net income on an annualized basis by the average shareholders’ equity for the period.

    Adjusted expense ratio is defined as GAAP underwriting and operating expenses, excluding the pre-tax effects of periodic costs incurred in connection with capital markets transactions, divided by net premiums earned.

    Adjusted combined ratio is defined as the total of GAAP underwriting and operating expenses, excluding the pre-tax effects of periodic costs incurred in connection with capital markets transactions and insurance claims and claims expenses, divided by net premiums earned.

    Book value per share (excluding net unrealized gains and losses) is defined as total shareholders’ equity, excluding the after-tax effects of unrealized gains and losses on investments, divided by shares outstanding.

    Although adjusted income before tax, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted EPS, adjusted return-on-equity, adjusted expense ratio, adjusted combined ratio and book value per share (excluding net unrealized gains and losses) exclude certain items that have occurred in the past and are expected to occur in the future, the excluded items: (1) are not viewed as part of the operating performance of our primary activities; or (2) are impacted by market, economic or regulatory factors and are not necessarily indicative of operating trends, or both. These adjustments, and the reasons for their treatment, are described below.

    (1) Net realized investment gains and losses. The recognition of net realized investment gains or losses can vary significantly across periods as the timing is highly discretionary and is influenced by factors such as market opportunities, tax and capital profile, and overall market cycles that do not reflect our current period operating results.

    (2) Capital markets transaction costs. Capital markets transaction costs result from activities that are undertaken to improve our debt profile or enhance our capital position through activities such as debt refinancing and capital markets reinsurance transactions that may vary in their size and timing due to factors such as market opportunities, tax and capital profile, and overall market cycles.

    (3) Other infrequent, unusual or non-operating items. Items that are the result of unforeseen or uncommon events, and are not expected to recur with frequency in the future. Identification and exclusion of these items provides clarity about the impact special or rare occurrences may have on our current financial performance. Past adjustments under this category include infrequent, unusual or non-operating adjustments related to severance, restricted stock modification and other expenses incurred in connection with the CEO transition announced in September 2021 and the effects of the release of the valuation allowance recorded against our net federal and certain state net deferred tax assets in 2016 and the re-measurement of our net deferred tax assets in connection with tax reform in 2017. We believe such items are infrequent or non-recurring in nature, and are not indicative of the performance of, or ongoing trends in, our primary operating activities or business.

    (4) Net unrealized gains and losses on investments. The recognition of net unrealized gains or losses on investment can vary significantly across periods and is influenced by factors such as interest rate movement, overall market and economic conditions, and tax and capital profiles. These valuation adjustments may not necessarily result in economic gains or losses and not reflective of ongoing operations.

    Investor Contact
    Gregory Epps
    Senior Manager, Investor Relations and Treasury
    Investor.relations@nationalmi.com

    Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (unaudited) For the three months ended March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (In Thousands, except for per share data)
    Revenues      
    Net premiums earned $ 149,366     $ 136,657  
    Net investment income   23,686       19,436  
    Net realized investment gains   24       —  
    Other revenues   170       160  
    Total revenues   173,246       156,253  
    Expenses      
    Insurance claims and claim expenses   4,478       3,694  
    Underwriting and operating expenses   30,175       29,815  
    Service expenses   116       137  
    Interest expense   7,106       8,040  
    Total expenses   41,875       41,686  
           
    Income before income taxes   131,371       114,567  
    Income tax expense   28,812       25,517  
    Net income $ 102,559     $ 89,050  
           
    Earnings per share      
    Basic $ 1.31     $ 1.10  
    Diluted $ 1.28     $ 1.08  
           
    Weighted average common shares outstanding      
    Basic   78,407       80,726  
    Diluted   79,858       82,099  
           
    Loss ratio(1)   3.0 %     2.7 %
    Expense ratio(2)   20.2 %     21.8 %
    Combined ratio   23.2 %     24.5 %
           
    Net income $ 102,559     $ 89,050  
    Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:      
    Unrealized gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax expense (benefit) of $8,186 and $(2,729) for the quarters ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively   30,795       (9,905 )
    Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income, net of tax expense of $5 for the quarter ended March 31, 2025   (19 )     —  
    Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   30,776       (9,905 )
    Comprehensive income $ 133,335     $ 79,145  
                   
    (1) Loss ratio is calculated by dividing insurance claims and claim expenses by net premiums earned.
    (2) Expense ratio is calculated by dividing underwriting and operating expenses by net premiums earned.
                   
    Consolidated balance sheets (unaudited) March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
    Assets (In Thousands, except for share data)
    Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $2,923,088 and $2,876,343 as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively) $ 2,809,247     $ 2,723,541  
    Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash of $90 as of December 31, 2024)   74,209       54,308  
    Premiums receivable, net   84,153       82,804  
    Accrued investment income   23,641       22,386  
    Deferred policy acquisition costs, net   64,013       64,327  
    Software and equipment, net   24,960       25,681  
    Intangible assets and goodwill   3,634       3,634  
    Reinsurance recoverable   31,379       32,260  
    Prepaid federal income taxes   322,175       322,175  
    Other assets   18,785       18,857  
    Total assets $ 3,456,196     $ 3,349,973  
           
    Liabilities      
    Debt $ 415,606     $ 415,146  
    Unearned premiums   59,176       65,217  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses   78,937       103,164  
    Reserve for insurance claims and claim expenses   151,847       152,071  
    Deferred tax liability, net   418,916       386,192  
    Other liabilities   10,143       10,751  
    Total liabilities   1,134,625       1,132,541  
           
    Shareholders’ equity      
    Common stock – $0.01 par value; 88,321,226 shares issued and 78,301,469 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and 87,902,626 shares issued and 78,600,726 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024 (250,000,000 shares authorized)   883       879  
    Additional paid-in capital   1,001,545       1,004,692  
    Treasury Stock, at cost: 10,019,757 and 9,301,900 common shares as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively   (272,647 )     (246,594 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax   (94,028 )     (124,804 )
    Retained earnings   1,685,818       1,583,259  
    Total shareholders’ equity   2,321,571       2,217,432  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 3,456,196     $ 3,349,973  
                   
    Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliations (unaudited)
      As of and for the three months ended
      3/31/2025   12/31/2024   3/31/2024
    As Reported (In Thousands, except for per share data)
    Revenues          
    Net premiums earned $ 149,366     $ 143,520     $ 136,657  
    Net investment income   23,686       22,718       19,436  
    Net realized investment gains   24       33       —  
    Other revenues   170       233       160  
    Total revenues   173,246       166,504       156,253  
    Expenses          
    Insurance claims and claim expenses   4,478       17,253       3,694  
    Underwriting and operating expenses   30,175       31,092       29,815  
    Service expenses   116       184       137  
    Interest expense   7,106       7,102       8,040  
    Total expenses   41,875       55,631       41,686  
               
    Income before income taxes   131,371       110,873       114,567  
    Income tax expense   28,812       24,706       25,517  
    Net income $ 102,559     $ 86,167     $ 89,050  
               
    Adjustments:          
    Net realized investment gains   (24 )     (33 )     —  
    Adjusted income before taxes   131,347       110,840       114,567  
               
    Income tax benefit on adjustments(1)   5       7       —  
    Adjusted net income $ 102,540     $ 86,141     $ 89,050  
               
    Weighted average diluted shares outstanding   79,858       80,623       82,099  
               
    Diluted EPS $ 1.28     $ 1.07     $ 1.08  
    Adjusted diluted EPS $ 1.28     $ 1.07     $ 1.08  
               
    Return on equity   18.1 %     15.6 %     18.2 %
    Adjusted return on equity   18.1 %     15.6 %     18.2 %
               
    Expense ratio(2)   20.2 %     21.7 %     21.8 %
    Adjusted expense ratio(3)   20.2 %     21.7 %     21.8 %
               
    Combined ratio(4)   23.2 %     33.7 %     24.5 %
    Adjusted combined ratio(5)   23.2 %     33.7 %     24.5 %
               
    Book value per share(6) $ 29.65     $ 28.21     $ 24.56  
    Book value per share (excluding net unrealized gains and losses)(7) $ 30.85     $ 29.80     $ 26.42  
                           
    (1) Marginal tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments is calculated based on our statutory U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of 21%, except for those items that are not eligible for an income tax deduction.
    (2) Expense ratio is calculated by dividing underwriting and operating expenses by net premiums earned.
    (3) Adjusted expense ratio is calculated by dividing adjusted underwriting and operating expense (underwriting and operating expenses excluding costs related to capital markets reinsurance transactions) by net premiums earned.
    (4) Combined ratio is calculated by dividing the total of underwriting and operating expenses and insurance claims and claim expenses by net premiums earned.
    (5) Adjusted combined ratio is calculated by dividing the total of adjusted underwriting and operating expenses (underwriting and operating expenses excluding costs related to capital market reinsurance transaction) and insurance claims and claim expenses by net premiums earned.
    (6) Book value per share is calculated by dividing total shareholders’ equity by shares outstanding.
    (7) Book value per share (excluding net unrealized gains and losses) is defined as total shareholders’ equity, excluding the after-tax effects of unrealized gains and losses on our investment portfolio, divided by shares outstanding.
                           
    Historical Quarterly Data   2025       2024  
      March 31   December 31   September 30   June 30   March 31
      (In Thousands, except for per share data)
    Revenues                  
    Net premiums earned $ 149,366     $ 143,520     $ 143,343     $ 141,168     $ 136,657  
    Net investment income   23,686       22,718       22,474       20,688       19,436  
    Net realized investment gains (losses)   24       33       (10 )     —       —  
    Other revenues   170       233       285       266       160  
    Total revenues   173,246       166,504       166,092       162,122       156,253  
    Expenses                  
    Insurance claims and claim expenses   4,478       17,253       10,321       276       3,694  
    Underwriting and operating expenses   30,175       31,092       29,160       28,330       29,815  
    Service expenses   116       184       208       194       137  
    Interest expense   7,106       7,102       7,076       14,678       8,040  
    Total expenses   41,875       55,631       46,765       43,478       41,686  
                       
    Income before income taxes   131,371       110,873       119,327       118,644       114,567  
    Income tax expense   28,812       24,706       26,517       26,565       25,517  
    Net income $ 102,559     $ 86,167     $ 92,810     $ 92,079     $ 89,050  
                       
    Earnings per share                  
    Basic $ 1.31     $ 1.09     $ 1.17     $ 1.15     $ 1.10  
    Diluted $ 1.28     $ 1.07     $ 1.15     $ 1.13     $ 1.08  
                       
    Weighted average common shares outstanding                  
    Basic   78,407       78,997       79,549       80,117       80,726  
    Diluted   79,858       80,623       81,045       81,300       82,099  
                       
    Other data                  
    Loss ratio(1)   3.0 %     12.0 %     7.2 %     0.2 %     2.7 %
    Expense ratio(2)   20.2 %     21.7 %     20.3 %     20.1 %     21.8 %
    Combined ratio   23.2 %     33.7 %     27.5 %     20.3 %     24.5 %
                                           
    (1) Loss ratio is calculated by dividing insurance claims and claim expenses by net premiums earned.
    (2) Expense ratio is calculated by dividing underwriting and operating expenses by net premiums earned.
                                           

    Portfolio Statistics

    The table below highlights trends in our primary portfolio as of the date and for the periods indicated.

    Primary portfolio trends As of and for the three months ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   March 31, 2024
      ($ Values In Millions, except as noted below)
    New insurance written (NIW) $ 9,221     $ 11,925     $ 12,218     $ 12,503     $ 9,398  
    New risk written   2,428       3,134       3,245       3,335       2,486  
    Insurance-in-force (IIF)(1)   211,308       210,183       207,538       203,501       199,373  
    Risk-in-force (RIF)(1)   56,515       56,113       55,253       53,956       52,610  
    Policies in force (count)(1)   661,490       659,567       654,374       645,276       635,662  
    Average loan size($ value in thousands)(1) $ 319     $ 319     $ 317     $ 315     $ 314  
    Coverage percentage(2)   26.7 %     26.7 %     26.6 %     26.5 %     26.4 %
    Loans in default (count)(1)   6,859       6,642       5,712       4,904       5,109  
    Default rate(1)   1.04 %     1.01 %     0.87 %     0.76 %     0.80 %
    Risk-in-force on defaulted loans(1) $ 567     $ 545     $ 468     $ 401     $ 414  
    Average net premium yield(3)   0.28 %     0.27 %     0.28 %     0.28 %     0.28 %
    Earnings from cancellations $ 0.6     $ 0.8     $ 0.8     $ 1.0     $ 0.6  
    Annual persistency(4)   84.3 %     84.6 %     85.5 %     85.4 %     85.8 %
    Quarterly run-off(5)   3.9 %     4.5 %     4.0 %     4.2 %     3.6 %
                                           
    (1) Reported as of the end of the period.
    (2) Calculated as end of period RIF divided by end of period IIF.
    (3) Calculated as net premiums earned, divided by average primary IIF for the period, annualized.
    (4) Defined as the percentage of IIF that remains on our books after a given twelve-month period.
    (5) Defined as the percentage of IIF that is no longer on our books after a given three-month period.
                                           

    NIW, IIF and Premiums

    The tables below present NIW and primary IIF, as of the dates and for the periods indicated.

    NIW For the three months ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   March 31, 2024
      (In Millions)
    Monthly $ 9,049   $ 11,688   $ 11,978   $ 12,288   $ 9,175
    Single   172     237     240     215     223
    Total $ 9,221   $ 11,925   $ 12,218   $ 12,503   $ 9,398
                                 
    Primary IIF As of
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   March 31, 2024
      (In Millions)
    Monthly $ 193,856   $ 192,228   $ 189,241   $ 184,862   $ 180,343
    Single   17,452     17,955     18,297     18,639     19,030
    Total $ 211,308   $ 210,183   $ 207,538   $ 203,501   $ 199,373
                                 

            The following table presents the amounts related to the company’s quota-share reinsurance transactions (the 2016 QSR Transaction, 2018 QSR Transaction, 2020 QSR Transaction, 2021 QSR Transaction, 2022 QSR Transaction, 2022 Seasoned QSR Transaction, 2023 QSR Transaction, 2024 QSR Transaction, and 2025 QSR Transaction and collectively, the QSR Transactions), insurance-linked note transactions (the 2021-1 ILN Transaction, and 2021-2 ILN Transaction and collectively, the ILN Transactions), and traditional reinsurance transactions (the 2022-1 XOL Transaction, 2022-2 XOL Transaction, 2022-3 XOL Transaction, 2023-1 XOL Transaction, 2023-2 XOL Transaction, 2024 XOL Transaction, and 2025 XOL Transaction and collectively, the XOL Transactions) for the periods indicated.

      For the three months ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   March 31, 2024
      (In Thousands)
    The QSR Transactions                  
    Ceded risk-in-force $ 12,888,870     $ 13,024,200     $ 12,968,039     $ 12,815,434     $ 12,669,207  
    Ceded premiums earned   (41,011 )     (41,596 )     (41,761 )     (41,555 )     (41,269 )
    Ceded claims and claim expenses (benefits)   523       4,075       2,449       (138 )     659  
    Ceding commission earned   9,768       9,997       10,152       10,222       10,292  
    Profit commission   23,398       20,149       21,883       24,351       23,407  
    The ILN Transactions(1)                  
    Ceded premiums $ (3,311 )   $ (4,217 )   $ (4,302 )   $ (5,858 )   $ (5,976 )
    The XOL Transactions                  
    Ceded Premiums $ (10,168 )   $ (9,969 )   $ (9,760 )   $ (9,403 )   $ (9,223 )
                                           
    (1) Effective July 25, 2024 and December 27, 2024, NMIC exercised its optional termination rights to terminate and commute its previously outstanding excess-of-loss reinsurance agreements with Oaktown Re III Ltd. and Oaktown Re V Ltd., respectively. In connection with the terminations and commutations, the insurance-linked notes issued by Oaktown Re III Ltd. and Oaktown Re V Ltd. were redeemed in full with a distribution of remaining collateral assets.
                                           

    The tables below present our total NIW by FICO, loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, and purchase/refinance mix for the periods indicated.

    NIW by FICO For the three months ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      (In Millions)
    >= 760 $ 4,971   $ 6,508   $ 4,888
    740-759   1,753     2,090     1,797
    720-739   1,177     1,621     1,220
    700-719   665     890     780
    680-699   413     575     530
    <=679   242     241     183
    Total $ 9,221   $ 11,925   $ 9,398
    Weighted average FICO   758     758     757
                     
    NIW by LTV For the three months ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      (In Millions)
    95.01% and above $ 1,147     $ 1,510     $ 1,062  
    90.01% to 95.00%   4,274       5,370       4,414  
    85.01% to 90.00%   2,751       3,740       2,931  
    85.00% and below   1,049       1,305       991  
    Total $ 9,221     $ 11,925     $ 9,398  
    Weighted average LTV   92.2 %     92.1 %     92.3 %
                           
    NIW by purchase/refinance mix For the three months ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      (In Millions)
    Purchase $ 8,822   $ 10,799   $ 9,157
    Refinance   399     1,126     241
    Total $ 9,221   $ 11,925   $ 9,398
                     

    The table below presents a summary of our primary IIF and RIF by book year as of March 31, 2025.

    Primary IIF and RIF As of March 31, 2025
      IIF   RIF
    Book Year (In Millions)
    2025 $ 9,152   $ 2,409
    2024   42,379     11,242
    2023   33,286     8,789
    2022   46,203     12,356
    2021   48,162     13,049
    2020 and before   32,126     8,670
    Total $ 211,308   $ 56,515
               

            The tables below present our total primary IIF and RIF by FICO and LTV, and total primary RIF by loan type as of the dates indicated.

    Primary IIF by FICO As of
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      (In Millions)
    >= 760 $ 106,004   $ 105,315   $ 99,195
    740-759   37,716     37,321     35,416
    720-739   29,430     29,343     28,033
    700-719   19,737     19,766     18,904
    680-699   13,324     13,374     13,002
    <=679   5,097     5,064     4,823
    Total $ 211,308   $ 210,183   $ 199,373
                     
    Primary RIF by FICO As of
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      (In Millions)
    >= 760 $ 28,117   $ 27,883   $ 25,935
    740-759   10,132     10,006     9,392
    720-739   7,966     7,926     7,484
    700-719   5,384     5,383     5,089
    680-699   3,610     3,615     3,479
    <=679   1,306     1,300     1,231
    Total $ 56,515   $ 56,113   $ 52,610
                     
    Primary IIF by LTV As of
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      (In Millions)
    95.01% and above $ 24,167   $ 23,555   $ 20,277
    90.01% to 95.00%   104,312     103,472     97,028
    85.01% to 90.00%   64,298     64,290     61,169
    85.00% and below   18,531     18,866     20,899
    Total $ 211,308   $ 210,183   $ 199,373
                     
    Primary RIF by LTV As of
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      (In Millions)
    95.01% and above $ 7,546   $ 7,345   $ 6,275
    90.01% to 95.00%   30,804     30,563     28,663
    85.01% to 90.00%   15,957     15,956     15,174
    85.00% and below   2,208     2,249     2,498
    Total $ 56,515   $ 56,113   $ 52,610
                     
    Primary RIF by Loan Type As of
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    Fixed 98 %   98 %   98 %
    Adjustable rate mortgages:          
    Less than five years —     —     —  
    Five years and longer 2     2     2  
    Total 100 %   100 %   100 %
                     

    The table below presents a summary of the change in total primary IIF for the dates and periods indicated.

    Primary IIF As of and for the three months ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      (In Millions)
    IIF, beginning of period $ 210,183     $ 207,538     $ 197,029  
    NIW   9,221       11,925       9,398  
    Cancellations, principal repayments and other reductions   (8,096 )     (9,280 )     (7,054 )
    IIF, end of period $ 211,308     $ 210,183     $ 199,373  
                           

    Geographic Dispersion

    The following table shows the distribution by state of our primary RIF as of the periods indicated.

    Top 10 primary RIF by state As of
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    California 10.1 %   10.1 %   10.2 %
    Texas 8.5     8.6     8.8  
    Florida 7.3     7.3     7.5  
    Georgia 4.1     4.1     4.2  
    Washington 3.9     3.9     3.9  
    Illinois 3.8     3.8     3.9  
    Virginia 3.7     3.7     3.9  
    Pennsylvania 3.4     3.4     3.4  
    Ohio 3.3     3.3     3.0  
    North Carolina 3.2     3.2     3.1  
    Total 51.3 %   51.4 %   51.9 %
                     

    The table below presents selected primary portfolio statistics, by book year, as of March 31, 2025.

      As of March 31, 2025    
    Book Year Original Insurance Written   Remaining Insurance in Force   % Remaining of Original Insurance   Policies Ever in Force   Number of Policies in Force   Number of Loans in Default   # of Claims Paid   Incurred Loss Ratio (Inception to Date)(1)   Cumulative Default Rate(2)   Current default rate(3)
      ($ Values In Millions)    
    2016 and prior $ 37,222   $ 2,133   6 %   151,615   11,572   237   398   2.1 %   0.4 %   2.0 %
    2017   21,582     1,753   8 %   85,897   10,007   263   189   1.8 %   0.5 %   2.6 %
    2018   27,295     2,306   8 %   104,043   12,534   403   191   2.6 %   0.6 %   3.2 %
    2019   45,141     5,923   13 %   148,423   26,358   509   99   2.1 %   0.4 %   1.9 %
    2020   62,702     20,011   32 %   186,174   70,620   575   57   1.3 %   0.3 %   0.8 %
    2021   85,574     48,162   56 %   257,972   160,946   1,704   95   3.3 %   0.7 %   1.1 %
    2022   58,734     46,203   79 %   163,281   135,610   2,014   112   16.2 %   1.3 %   1.5 %
    2023   40,473     33,286   82 %   111,994   96,394   836   17   14.0 %   0.8 %   0.9 %
    2024   46,044     42,379   92 %   120,747   113,636   318   —   7.9 %   0.3 %   0.3 %
    2025   9,221     9,152   99 %   23,956   23,813   —   —   — %   — %   — %
    Total $ 433,988   $ 211,308       1,354,102   661,490   6,859   1,158            
                                               
    (1) Calculated as total claims incurred (paid and reserved) divided by cumulative premiums earned, net of reinsurance.
    (2) Calculated as the sum of the number of claims paid ever to date and number of loans in default divided by policies ever in force.
    (3) Calculated as the number of loans in default divided by number of policies in force.
                                               

    The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserve balances for insurance claims and claim expenses:

      For the three months ended March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (In Thousands)
    Beginning balance $ 152,071     $ 123,974  
    Less reinsurance recoverables(1)   (32,260 )     (27,514 )
    Beginning balance, net of reinsurance recoverables   119,811       96,460  
           
    Add claims incurred:      
    Claims and claim expenses incurred:      
    Current year(2)   34,559       32,976  
    Prior years(3)   (30,081 )     (29,282 )
    Total claims and claim expenses incurred   4,478       3,694  
           
    Less claims paid:      
    Claims and claim expenses paid:      
    Current year(2)   —       —  
    Prior years(3)   4,076       852  
    Reinsurance terminations(4)   (255 )     —  
    Total claims and claim expenses paid   3,821       852  
           
    Reserve at end of period, net of reinsurance recoverables   120,468       99,302  
    Add reinsurance recoverables(1)   31,379       27,880  
    Ending balance $ 151,847     $ 127,182  
                   
    (1) Related to ceded losses recoverable under the QSR Transactions.
    (2) Related to insured loans with their most recent defaults occurring in the current year. For example, if a loan defaulted in a prior year and subsequently cured and later re-defaulted in the current year, the default would be included in the current year. Amounts are presented net of reinsurance and included $25.9 million attributed to net case reserves and $8.1 million attributed to net IBNR reserves for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and $25.9 million attributed to net case reserves and $6.6 million attributed to net IBNR reserves for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
    (3) Related to insured loans with defaults occurring in prior years, which have been continuously in default before the start of the current year. Amounts are presented net of reinsurance and included $21.8 million attributed to net case reserves and $8.1 million attributed to net IBNR reserves for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and $22.4 million attributed to net case reserves and $6.3 million attributed to net IBNR reserves for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
    (4) Represents the settlement of reinsurance recoverables in conjunction with the termination of one reinsurer under the 2016, 2018 and 2021 QSR Transactions by mutual agreement on a cut-off basis with no termination fee.
     

    The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending count of loans in default:

      For the three months ended March 31,
      2025     2024  
    Beginning default inventory 6,642     5,099  
    Plus: new defaults 2,421     1,876  
    Less: cures (2,094 )   (1,817 )
    Less: claims paid (95 )   (42 )
    Less: rescission and claims denied (15 )   (7 )
    Ending default inventory 6,859     5,109  
               

    The following table provides details of our claims paid, before giving effect to claims ceded under the QSR Transactions, for the periods indicated:

      For the three months ended March 31,
        2025       2024  
      ($ Values In Thousands)
    Number of claims paid(1)   95       42  
    Total amount paid for claims $ 5,225     $ 1,145  
    Average amount paid per claim $ 55     $ 27  
    Severity(2)   69 %     54 %
                   
    (1) Count includes 20 and 16 claims settled without payment during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
    (2) Severity represents the total amount of claims paid including claim expenses divided by the related RIF on the loan at the time the claim is perfected, and is calculated including claims settled without payment.
                   

    The following table shows our average reserve per default, before giving effect to reserves ceded under the QSR Transactions, as of the dates indicated:

      As of March 31,
    Average reserve per default:   2025     2024
      (In Thousands)
    Case(1) $ 20.3   $ 22.9
    IBNR(1)(2)   1.8     2.0
    Total $ 22.1   $ 24.9
               
    (1) Defined as the gross reserve per insured loan in default.
    (2) Amount includes claims adjustment expenses.
               

     The following table provides a comparison of the PMIERs available assets and net risk-based required asset amount as reported by NMIC as of the dates indicated:

      As of
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      (In Thousands)
    Available assets $ 3,230,653   $ 3,108,211   $ 2,821,803
    Net risk-based required assets   1,867,414     1,828,807     1,561,655
                     

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: UK must grow more of its own wood to meet climate goals – new research

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By John Healey, Professor of Forest Sciences, Bangor University

    shutterstock ShaunWilkinson/Shutterstock

    Wood is often hailed as a low-carbon hero, a natural alternative to steel, concrete and plastic. It’s a vital tool in the UK’s strategy for reaching net zero. But there’s a catch – the country don’t grow nearly enough of it.

    The UK has one of the lowest levels of forest cover in Europe, with just 14% of land forested. It is also the second-largest importer of wood in the world, meeting only 20% of its wood demand from domestic sources.

    That leaves the UK not only exposed to volatile global markets, but also facing a serious challenge of “wood security”. And our new research shows the problem goes well beyond economics.

    Relying heavily on imported timber, especially from boreal forests in Scandanavia and the Baltic States, could actually undermine the carbon-cutting benefits of using wood in place of high-emissions materials.

    Boreal forests occurring in colder northerly environments grow slowly. The carbon stored in them takes decades, sometimes centuries, to recover after harvesting through the growth of the next generation of trees.

    In contrast, conifer forests in the UK’s warmer temperate climate restock carbon through regrowth more quickly after harvesting. This makes them much better suited for higher yields of sustainable wood production.

    So, how can countries such as the UK increase wood use without making the climate crisis worse? To address this, we created a new model that tracks carbon at every stage of a tree’s journey, from how it grows in the forest to how it’s harvested, transported, processed and used. This includes temporary storage of carbon in wood products, and the avoidance of having to use high-emitting materials and energy sources that would be needed in the absence of wood.

    We combined this with models of how carbon storage changes in forests under different harvesting intensities. Our analysis showed that it is possible for rising wood demand to make a positive contribution to national and global net zero targets. But that’s only if the domestic production of wood is dramatically increased in temperate countries such as the UK.

    Even a modest annual increase in demand (1.1%) would require a 50% expansion in the area of productive forest over the next 50 years. A more ambitious approach, such as doubling productive forest area and increasing tree growth rates by 33%, could boost the overall contribution of wood use to slowing global warming by 175%. But that would require huge changes in forestry practice and land use policy.

    In contrast, under a scenario of higher demand growth (2.3% per year), we found that the climate benefit of wood use is reduced. And only a doubling of forest area and a 33% increase in growth rates would be enough to deliver a meaningful contribution to slowing global warming over the next century.

    These benefits would be at risk if forest productivity is undermined by increasing incidence of pests, disease or drought as climate change progresses.

    Challenges ahead

    Our findings point to three major challenges the UK must address if wood is to play a meaningful role in its net zero strategy.

    First, the expansion of productive conifer forest in the UK has slowed to a standstill over the past 30 years. The amount of wood available for harvest is projected to fall after 2039. This trend will have to be reversed very soon to rapidly increase the area of conifer forests. This will need a rethink of how the UK balances land for forestry, farming and nature recovery.

    Second, forest management must be improved to sustain productivity under increasing stress from pests, pathogens and drought.

    Third, wood must be used more efficiently. That includes reducing waste during processing, designing products for longevity and reusing wood products as many times as possible.

    So, the UK’s net zero policy must connect the push for using more wood with a clear plan for how it will grow and manage the forests needed to supply it. At the same time, when policymakers assess the climate effects of cutting down trees, they need to look at the whole picture. That means considering not just what’s lost from the forest, but how the wood is used, how long it stores carbon and how much it replaces more polluting materials.

    This kind of joined-up, forward-looking analysis – like the one we developed in our study – is essential if wood is to play a truly sustainable role in fighting climate change.

    John Healey receives funding from the Natural Environment Research Council, the Centre for Forest Protection, and the Wildlife Trusts. He is affiliated with Woodknowledge Wales, Rainforest Builder and the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

    David Styles received funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (UK) and from the Department of Environment, Climate & Communications (Ireland) for research related to this article.

    Eilidh Forster received funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (UK) for research related to this article.

    – ref. UK must grow more of its own wood to meet climate goals – new research – https://theconversation.com/uk-must-grow-more-of-its-own-wood-to-meet-climate-goals-new-research-254353

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of France Emmanuel Macron

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.

    President Macron congratulated Prime Minister Carney on his election. Following the Prime Minister’s meeting with the President in Paris last month, the two leaders discussed their ongoing work to deepen defence and commercial ties between their nations. They agreed to remain in close contact.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the General Assembly event in Commemoration of His Holiness Pope Francis [trilingual, as delivered; scroll down for All-English and All-French versions]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    His Holiness Pope Francis was a man of faith — and a bridge-builder among all faiths.  

    He was a champion of the most marginalized people on earth.

    He was a voice of community in a world of division…

    A voice of mercy in a world of cruelty…

    A voice of peace in a world of war.

    And he was a steadfast friend of the United Nations, addressing Member States from this very podium in 2015.

    During that historic visit, he also spoke of our organization’s ideal of a “united human family living in harmony, working not only for peace, but in peace, working not only for justice, but in a spirit of justice.”

    On behalf of our UN family, I extend by deepest condolences to the Catholic community and to so many others around the world grieving this tremendous loss.

    Excellencies,

    Pope Francis was at the helm of the Roman Catholic Church for a dozen years — but that was preceded by decades of service and good works.

    As a young man, Pope Francis found his calling in the slums of Buenos Aires, where his dedication to serving the poor earned him the title “Bishop of the Slums.”

    These early experiences sharpened his conviction that faith must be an engine of action and change.  

    Pope Francis put that engine into overdrive as an unstoppable voice for social justice and equality.  

    His 2020 encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, drew a straight line between greed and poverty, hunger, inequality and suffering.

    While decrying the inequality that defines our globalized economy, he also warned against what he called “globalization of indifference.”  

    I will never forget the first official visit he undertook as Pope, at a time when I served as High Commissioner for Refugees.

    Pope Francis chose to go to the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa in 2013 — to put a global spotlight on the desperate plight of asylum seekers and migrants.

    He warned against “the culture of comfort, which makes us think only of ourselves, makes us insensitive to the cries of other people.”

    And on last year’s World Refugee Day, he called on all countries “to welcome, promote, accompany and integrate those who knock on our doors.”

    When I met with him at the Vatican as Secretary-General in 2019, I was struck by his humanity and his humility. 

    He always saw challenges through the eyes of those on the peripheries of life. 

    And he said we can never look away from injustice and inequality — or close our eyes to those suffering from conflict or acts of violence.   

    Always a pilgrim for peace, Pope Francis ventured to war-torn countries around the world — from Iraq to South Sudan to the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond — decrying bloodshed and violence, and pushing for reconciliation.  

    He stood with conviction for innocents caught in war zones such as Ukraine and Gaza.

    He did it with his global platform — but he also did it in much more personal and profound ways.

    Every day without fail, precisely at 7:00 p.m., he would quietly call the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City.

    As someone at the Church said, “He would ask us how we were, what did we eat, did we have clean water, was anyone injured? It was never diplomatic or a matter of obligation. It was the questions a father asks to their son.”

    And in his final message on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis underscored the vital importance of ending these conflicts.      

    Jusqu’au bout, le pape François aura incarné l’appel à la justice – pour les peuples et pour la planète.

    Grâce à son encyclique Laudato Si publiée en 2015, il a contribué à l’adoption de l’Accord de Paris en appelant les dirigeants à protéger « notre maison commune ».

    Il a également mis en évidence les liens manifestes entre la dégradation de l’environnement et la dégradation de la condition humaine.

    Le pape François comprenait que ceux qui avaient le moins contribué à la crise climatique en subissaient les conséquences les plus graves – et que nous avons le devoir spirituel et moral d’agir.

    Excelencias:

    En el mundo actual de división y discordia, es particularmente significativo que el Papa Francisco haya proclamado 2025 como el año de la esperanza.

    Él fue siempre un mensajero de esperanza. 

    Ahora nos corresponde a todos nosotros llevar adelante esta esperanza.

    En su funeral del sábado, me conmovió profundamente ver a líderes de todas las religiones y tendencias políticas unirse en solidaridad para honrar la vida y los logros del Papa Francisco – un raro espíritu de unidad y reflexión solemne que necesitamos ahora más que nunca.

    Nuestro mundo sería un lugar mucho mejor si siguiéramos su ejemplo de unidad, compasión y comprensión mutua a través de nuestras propias palabras y acciones.  

    Mientras lloramos la muerte del Papa Francisco, renovemos nuestro compromiso con la paz, la dignidad humana y la justicia social – las causas a las que dedicó cada momento de su extraordinaria vida.

    Muchas gracias.

    ***
    [All-English]

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    His Holiness Pope Francis was a man of faith — and a bridge-builder among all faiths.  

    He was a champion of the most marginalized people on earth.

    He was a voice of community in a world of division…

    A voice of mercy in a world of cruelty…

    A voice of peace in a world of war.

    And he was a steadfast friend of the United Nations, addressing Member States from this very podium in 2015.

    During that historic visit, he also spoke of our organization’s ideal of a “united human family living in harmony, working not only for peace, but in peace, working not only for justice, but in a spirit of justice.”

    On behalf of our UN family, I extend by deepest condolences to the Catholic community and to so many others around the world grieving this tremendous loss.

    Excellencies,

    Pope Francis was at the helm of the Roman Catholic Church for a dozen years — but that was preceded by decades of service and good works.

    As a young man, Pope Francis found his calling in the slums of Buenos Aires, where his dedication to serving the poor earned him the title “Bishop of the Slums.”

    These early experiences sharpened his conviction that faith must be an engine of action and change.  

    Pope Francis put that engine into overdrive as an unstoppable voice for social justice and equality.  

    His 2020 encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, drew a straight line between greed and poverty, hunger, inequality and suffering.

    While decrying the inequality that defines our globalized economy, he also warned against what he called “globalization of indifference.”  

    I will never forget the first official visit he undertook as Pope, at a time when I served as High Commissioner for Refugees.

    Pope Francis chose to go to the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa in 2013 — to put a global spotlight on the desperate plight of asylum seekers and migrants.

    He warned against “the culture of comfort, which makes us think only of ourselves, makes us insensitive to the cries of other people.”

    And on last year’s World Refugee Day, he called on all countries “to welcome, promote, accompany and integrate those who knock on our doors.”

    When I met with him at the Vatican as Secretary-General in 2019, I was struck by his humanity and his humility. 

    He always saw challenges through the eyes of those on the peripheries of life. 

    And he said we can never look away from injustice and inequality — or close our eyes to those suffering from conflict or acts of violence.   

    Always a pilgrim for peace, Pope Francis ventured to war-torn countries around the world — from Iraq to South Sudan to the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond — decrying bloodshed and violence, and pushing for reconciliation.  

    He stood with conviction for innocents caught in war zones such as Ukraine and Gaza.

    He did it with his global platform — but he also did it in much more personal and profound ways.

    Every day without fail, precisely at 7:00 p.m., he would quietly call the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City.

    As someone at the Church said, “He would ask us how we were, what did we eat, did we have clean water, was anyone injured? It was never diplomatic or a matter of obligation. It was the questions a father asks to their son.”

    And in his final message on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis underscored the vital importance of ending these conflicts.      

    Throughout, Pope Francis was a clear voice of justice for people and planet.

    He helped secure the adoption of the Paris Agreement with his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si that called on leaders to protect “our common home.”

    He also highlighted the clear ties between environmental degradation and the degradation of humanity.

    Pope Francis understood that those who contributed the least to the climate crisis suffered the most — and that we have a spiritual and moral duty to act.

    Excellencies,

    In today’s world of division and discord, it is particularly meaningful that Pope Francis proclaimed 2025 to be the year of hope.

    He was forever a messenger of hope. 

    Now it falls to all of us to carry this hope forward.

    At his funeral on Saturday, I was deeply moved to see leaders from across all faiths and political stripes come together in solidarity to honour the life and achievements of Pope Francis — a rare spirit of unity and solemn reflection that we need now, more than ever.
    Our world would be a much better place if we followed his lifelong example of unity, compassion and mutual understanding through our own words and actions.  

    As we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, let us renew our pledge to peace, human dignity and social justice — the causes for which he dedicated every moment of his most extraordinary life.

    Thank you.

    ***
    [All-French]

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Sa Sainteté le pape François était un homme de foi – et un bâtisseur de ponts entre toutes les religions.

    Il s’était fait le champion des personnes les plus marginalisées sur Terre.

    Il était une voix de solidarité dans un monde de clivages…

    Une voix de compassion dans un monde de cruauté…

    Une voix de paix dans un monde de guerre.

    C’était aussi un grand ami de l’Organisation des Nations Unies et il s’était exprimé en 2015 devant les États Membres depuis cette même tribune.

    Lors de cette visite historique, il avait évoqué l’idéal de notre Organisation, à savoir « une famille humaine unie, vivant en harmonie, travaillant non seulement pour la paix, mais dans la paix ; travaillant non seulement pour la justice, mais dans un esprit de justice. »

    Au nom de notre famille, celle des Nations Unies, j’adresse mes plus sincères condoléances à l’ensemble des catholiques et aux nombreuses autres personnes qui, partout dans le monde, souffrent de cette terrible perte.

    Excellences,

    Le pape François a été à la tête de l’Église catholique romaine pendant 12 ans, mais son pontificat a été précédé par des décennies de service et de bonnes œuvres.

    Jeune homme, il a trouvé sa vocation dans les quartiers défavorisés de Buenos Aires, où son dévouement au service des pauvres lui a ensuite valu le titre « d’évêque des bidonvilles ».

    Ces premières expériences ont renforcé sa conviction que la foi devait être un moteur d’action et de changement.

    Restant fidèle à cette conviction, il a défendu sans relâche la cause de la justice sociale et de l’égalité.

    Dans son encyclique de 2020, Fratelli Tutti, François a établi un lien direct entre la cupidité, d’une part, et la pauvreté, la faim, l’inégalité et la souffrance, d’autre part.

    Tout en dénonçant les inégalités qui caractérisent notre économie mondialisée, il a également mis en garde contre ce qu’il appelait la « mondialisation de l’indifférence ».

    Je n’oublierai jamais sa première visite officielle en tant que pape, à une époque où j’étais Haut‑Commissaire pour les réfugiés.

    En 2013, François avait choisi de se rendre sur l’île méditerranéenne de Lampedusa pour appeler l’attention du monde entier sur la situation désespérée des demandeurs d’asile et des migrants.

    Il avait alors mis en garde contre « la culture du bien-être, qui nous amène à penser à nous-même, nous rend insensibles aux cris des autres ».

    L’année dernière, à l’occasion de la Journée mondiale des réfugiés, il a exhorté tous les pays à « accueillir, promouvoir, accompagner et intégrer ceux qui frappent à nos portes ».

    Quand je l’ai rencontré au Vatican en 2019 en ma qualité de Secrétaire général, j’ai été frappé par son humanité et son humilité.

    Il voyait toujours les problèmes à travers les yeux de celles et ceux qui sont relégués aux périphéries.

    Il disait qu’il ne fallait jamais détourner le regard de l’injustice et de l’inégalité, ni fermer les yeux sur celles et ceux qui subissent les conséquences d’un conflit ou d’actes de violence.

    Infatigable pèlerin de la paix, le pape François s’est rendu dans des pays déchirés par la guerre – de l’Iraq au Soudan du Sud, en passant par la République démocratique du Congo – pour dénoncer la violence et les affrontements sanglants et prôner la réconciliation.

    Il défendait avec conviction les innocents qui se trouvent dans des zones de guerre, comme en Ukraine et dans la bande de Gaza.

    Il le faisait depuis sa tribune, mais aussi à un niveau beaucoup plus personnel.

    Tous les jours sans exception, à 19 heures précises, il se retirait pour appeler l’église de la Sainte-Famille, à Gaza.

    L’un de ses interlocuteurs a raconté ces conversations : « François nous demandait : “comment allez-vous ? Qu’avez-vous mangé ? Avez-vous de l’eau ? Y-a-t-il des blessés parmi vous ?” Il ne le faisait pas pour des raisons diplomatiques ou par obligation. C’était le genre de questions qu’un père aurait posées ».

    Et, dans son tout dernier message, le dimanche de Pâques, le pape François a souligné à quel point il était vital de mettre fin à tous ces conflits.

    Jusqu’au bout, le pape François aura incarné l’appel à la justice – pour les peuples et pour la planète.

    Grâce à son encyclique Laudato Si publiée en 2015, il a contribué à l’adoption de l’Accord de Paris en appelant les dirigeants à protéger « notre maison commune ».

    Il a également mis en évidence les liens manifestes entre la dégradation de l’environnement et la dégradation de la condition humaine.

    Le pape François comprenait que ceux qui avaient le moins contribué à la crise climatique en subissaient les conséquences les plus graves – et que nous avons le devoir spirituel et moral d’agir.

    Excellences,

    Dans ce monde de division et de discorde, le fait que le pape François ait proclamé 2025 année de l’espérance revêt une signification particulière.

    Il aura été jusqu’au bout un messager de l’espérance.

    Et c’est à nous qu’il revient maintenant de continuer de faire vivre cette espérance.

    À ses funérailles, samedi, j’ai été profondément ému de voir des dirigeants de toutes confessions et toutes tendances politiques réunis dans la solidarité pour rendre hommage à la vie et à l’œuvre du pape François, dans un esprit d’unité et de réflexion solennelle rares dont nous avons plus que jamais besoin aujourd’hui.

    Notre monde serait bien meilleur si nous suivions, dans nos propres paroles et actions, l’exemple d’unité, de compassion et de compréhension mutuelle qu’il a donné tout au long de sa vie.

    Que ce deuil soit l’occasion de renouveler notre engagement en faveur de la paix, de la dignité humaine et de la justice sociale, causes pour lesquelles le pape François a consacré chaque instant d’une vie pour le moins extraordinaire.

    Je vous remercie.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Fourth Italy-Türkiye Intergovernmental Summit

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    29 Aprile 2025

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, attended the fourth Italy-Türkiye intergovernmental summit today, held at Villa Doria Pamphilj in Rome. Following the plenary session, a signing ceremony for the agreements was held, after which President Meloni and the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, issued statements to the press.

    [Signing ceremony and press statements].

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Willis warns of a ‘tight’ budget to come, but NZ should be going for productivity, not austerity

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dennis Wesselbaum, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Otago

    Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

    Finance Minister Nicola Willis has warned her 2025 “Growth Budget” will be “one of the tightest budgets in a decade”, with plans to reduce spending by billions.

    It’s clear New Zealand is following a global trend towards austerity by focusing on reducing government spending and lowering government debt.

    Complicating the economic picture for the government are Donald Trump’s tariffs and his trade war with China. In early April, financial services company J.P. Morgan Research said there was a 60% probability of the United States experiencing a recession in 2025 — with a 40% chance of a global recession.

    Despite this uncertain economic future, the idea that New Zealand’s debt-to-GDP ratio requires immediate and drastic austerity-like measures is not supported by the evidence.

    The ratio measures the government’s debt compared to its gross domestic product (GDP). Currently, New Zealand’s ratio is about 47%. This is substantially higher than before the pandemic (32% in 2019) and higher than Australia (35%).

    But it is at the lower end compared with other advanced economies. The 2023 debt-to-GDP ratio in the US was 112%, 101% in the United Kingdom, and about 50% in Canada, Ireland and South Korea.

    Rather than tightening the belt to reduce debt and increase fiscal balance, New Zealand needs to focus on boosting productivity, investing in education, building strong and resilient infrastructure and supporting health and wellbeing.

    Lowering debt and creating fiscal space are legitimate goals. But they should be viewed as a means to an end, not an end in itself.

    A necessary medicine

    Austerity is often presented as necessary medicine during an economic crisis. The logic is seemingly straightforward: reduce government spending and debt to not overstimulate the economy, create fiscal resilience for future shocks, support low and stable inflation, and signal fiscal responsibility to international markets.

    Several countries adopted austerity measures in response to high deficits following the global financial crisis.

    Greece implemented deep spending cuts, tax hikes and pension reforms under the terms of a bailout from the European Union and International Monetary Fund (IMF). This reduced its deficit but caused a severe economic contraction and social unrest.

    Spain similarly cut public wages, raised taxes and reformed pensions, stabilising its finances but causing persistently high unemployment.

    Italy’s austerity measures involved pension reforms and tax hikes, achieving modest fiscal improvement but sparking political instability.

    The UK focused on reducing public spending and welfare support, significantly lowering its deficit while putting pressure on public services and increasing inequality. Research found UK’s austerity measures led to hundreds of thousands of avoidable deaths.

    While in many cases austerity helped restore fiscal balance, it often came with heavy economic and social costs, particularly in terms of unemployment, growth and public welfare.

    In March, people in the United Kingdom took to the streets to protest ongoing austerity measures.
    Mike Kemp/Getty Images

    Productivity is the key

    Research indicates that debt-to-GDP ratios above about 80% tend to be associated with lower growth. But below this threshold, the ratio tends to be associated with increases in growth.

    It is clear that deficits are neither always bad for economic growth, nor that they always lead to inflation, when combined with a credible fiscal strategy to return to surpluses in the future.

    To raise the future wellbeing of all New Zealanders we need to avoid the heavy costs of austerity and rather focus on stimulating economic growth. And this comes with a price tag.

    Using debt to finance investments into capital, which in turn increases our productivity, is key to fostering economic growth. This goes hand-in-hand with targeted industrial policies, reduction in regulation, increases in government efficiency and trade liberalisation

    Importantly, public investment boosts economic growth mainly through two channels: efficiency (how much infrastructure is actually delivered for the money spent) and productivity (how well that infrastructure supports economic activity).

    Research from the IMF suggests an increase in public investment of one percentage point of GDP is associated with an increase in output of about 0.2% in the same year and 1.2% four years later.

    All-of-government focus

    What New Zealand needs is a long-term growth strategy and an all-of-government focus on lifting productivity. This must be grounded in fiscal responsibility – one that boosts government efficiency. But not at the cost of delaying high-impact investments or leaving growth opportunities on the table.

    Maintaining discipline while strategically investing in the drivers of long-term prosperity is essential for securing New Zealand’s economic future.

    The path ahead requires careful navigation, not a rush towards austerity.

    By thoughtfully balancing the need for fiscal prudence with the importance of investing in our productivity, human capital and infrastructure, we can ensure a more resilient and prosperous future for all New Zealanders.

    Dennis Wesselbaum 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. Willis warns of a ‘tight’ budget to come, but NZ should be going for productivity, not austerity – https://theconversation.com/willis-warns-of-a-tight-budget-to-come-but-nz-should-be-going-for-productivity-not-austerity-254689

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Small Business Administration Celebrates First 100 Days Accomplishments

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) celebrated the tremendous success of the First 100 Days of the Trump Administration by highlighting the economic wins of President Trump – including an 80% increase in SBA loan approvals which are driving historic rates of growth, hiring, and investment for America’s small businesses. The agency also laid out its top accomplishments under the leadership of Administrator Kelly Loeffler – including major reforms to cut waste, enhance government efficiency, restore fiscal responsibility, and refocus the agency on its core mission of empowering small businesses and growing the economy.

    “In just 100 days, President Trump has restored optimism and opportunity for our job creators with a pro-growth economic agenda that has already slashed inflation, driven job creation, and delivered record investment. At the SBA, we’re driving that agenda forward by serving the massive surge in demand for loans – which is a strong indicator that our small businesses finally have the confidence to hire, expand, and invest,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “Anchored by our broader efforts to eliminate waste, enhance efficiency, and restore fiscal responsibility, the SBA is now a powerful engine for American workers and job creators – and in just 100 days, the results speak for themselves.”

    Compared to Joe Biden’s First 100 Days, demand for new capital has skyrocketed. President Trump’s SBA has delivered an 80% increase in 7(a) and 504 loan approvals with about 26,000 loans approved for $12.6 billion – indicating a strong surge in small business formation and growth. This includes a 95% increase in loans for businesses with five or fewer employees (nearly 15,500 loans), a 56% increase in loans for new startups (over 3,700 loans), and a 74% increase in 7(a) loans for manufacturers (over 1,500 loans).

    In total, about 60% of all new SBA loans in the First 100 Days benefitted America’s smallest job creators, with five or fewer employees. Additionally, over the last three months, the percentage of federal contracts awarded to small businesses has increased from 18% to 23%.

    In the First 100 Days, the SBA has also enacted the Day One Priorities announced by Administrator Loeffler when she was first sworn-in. Key agency accomplishments include:

    Cutting Waste and Enhancing Efficiency

    • Reduced total agency spending by about $190 million.
    • Terminated or paused over 120 contracts for about $3 billion in future savings.
    • Terminated, consolidated, or relocated 47% of SBA leases – including regional offices located in sanctuary cities.
    • Announced an agency-wide reorganization that will reduce the SBA workforce by 43%, restoring it to pre-pandemic levels for a cost savings of $435 million annually by 2026.

    Advancing President Trump’s Agenda

    • Took the lead on the President’s initiative to restore American industrial dominance, jobs, and national security by launching the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative to cut $100 billion in red tape, improve access to capital, and promote workforce development.
    • Enacted President Trump’s Executive Orders, including eliminating the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, updating agency collateral to reflect the existence of only two genders, ending the Green Lender Initiative, and terminating the Biden-era MOU with the Michigan Secretary of State’s office.

    Restoring Fiscal Responsibility

    • Took immediate action to enhance fraud protections within SBA loan programs by mandating that all loan applications include a citizenship and birth date verification.
    • Restored underwriting standards and lender fees to the 7(a) loan program in the effort to preserve the zero-subsidy status of the program, protect taxpayers from fiscal liability, and reverse the Biden-era mismanagement that led to historic defaults.

    Delivering Disaster Relief

    • Approved over 17,000 disaster loans totaling $3.4 billion, far exceeding the total volume of disaster loans approved in all of FY 24 under Biden – including $1.4 billion in Florida, $350 million in North Carolina, and $173 million in Georgia.

    # # #

     About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Larry Walker III Announces Funding to Improve Runway Lighting at Hawkinsville-Pulaski County Airport

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (April 29, 2025) — Senator Larry Walker III (R–Perry) today announced that the Hawkinsville-Pulaski County Airport will receive more than $165,000 in state funding to rehabilitate its primary runway lighting system. The funding is part of the Georgia Department of Transportation’s (GDOT) FY25 Airport Aid Program.

    The project will upgrade the lighting along Runway 10-28, enhancing pilot safety and reliability and improving airport operations. The total project cost is estimated at $221,222.85, with the Department’s contract providing $165,917.14 in state funds. The City of Hawkinsville will contribute a local match of $55,305.71.

    “This investment is critical for the future of Hawkinsville-Pulaski County Airport and the entire community it serves,” said Sen. Walker. “Upgrading the runway lighting ensures pilots have access to safe and reliable facilities, which in turn supports local economic development, emergency services and connectivity for our region. I appreciate the continued partnership between state and local leaders to keep our rural airports strong.”

    Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood, LLC will conduct construction inspections and testing. GDOT’s District Engineer and Materials Research Engineer teams will support the project, with services charged to the Capital Outlay–Airport Aid Program.

    For more information about Georgia’s Airport Aid Program, visit www.dot.ga.gov.

    # # # #

    Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Houston County.  He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Jason Anavitarte Applauds Signing of ‘Ricky and Alyssa’s Law’ Into Law, Strengthening School Safety

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (April 28, 2025) — Today, Senator Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) applauded Governor Brian P. Kemp’s signing of House Bill 268, a critical measure to enhance emergency response systems and strengthen school safety protections across Georgia.

    In addition to the mobile panic alert systems and mapping requirements, HB 268 contains a portion of legislation, known as “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law,” which tasks the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) with creating uniform guidelines for implementing panic alert technology and coordinating verified threat responses statewide.

    The legislation honors Richard “Ricky” William Aspinwall, the defense coordinator at Apalachee High School who was tragically killed during a shooting there in September 2024, and Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old student who lost her life during the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

    Similar legislation bearing Alyssa’s name, known as “Alyssa’s Law,” has already been enacted in New Jersey, Florida, New York, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, and Oklahoma.

    “Today, Georgia sends a clear message that we will not wait for another tragedy to act,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “By signing HB 268, we are taking meaningful steps to ensure every school has the tools needed to respond in an emergency and protect the lives of students, teachers, and staff. Moments matter, and this law gives our schools the ability to summon help without delay. I am incredibly grateful to Governor Kemp, my colleagues in the General Assembly, and the families who courageously advocated for this critical reform.”

    HB 268, sponsored in the House by Rep. Holt Persinger (R–Winder), passed with overwhelming bipartisan support during the 2025 legislative session. The new law requires every public school in Georgia to implement a mobile panic alert system capable of immediately connecting with local and state emergency services. Schools must also provide digital mapping data to first responders, ensuring faster, more coordinated responses during emergencies. HB 268 also supports mental health programs, suicide prevention and youth violence reduction.

    “Protecting Georgia’s children is a sacred responsibility,” Sen. Anavitarte continued. “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law honors two lives lost far too soon and turns heartbreak into action. It is a promise to every family in Georgia that when it comes to the safety of our schools, we will lead with urgency, compassion and resolve.”

    HB 268 will officially take effect on July 1, 2025. You can find more information about it here.

    # # # #

    Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chairman of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents the 31st Senate District, which includes Polk County and a portion of Paulding County. He may be reached via email at Jason.Anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK is committed to doing all we can to protect information integrity with a human rights-based approach: UK statement at the UN

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    The UK is committed to doing all we can to protect information integrity with a human rights-based approach: UK statement at the UN

    Statement by UK Spokesperson to the UN Letisha Lunin at the UN Committee on Information General Debate.

    Thank you Chair, let me begin by congratulating you and the members of the Bureau on your election.

    I would also like to thank the Secretariat and Under-Secretary-General Fleming and the Department of Global Communications for its work, including on the UN’s Global Principles for Information Integrity, which we are proud to support.

    The UN’s footage and testimony from war zones shines a light on humanitarian crises. Its news and campaign services raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals, and equip us with accurate information on the climate and nature crisis. 

    As we mark the UN’s 80th anniversary, the Department’s work has never been more important.

    It is vital audiences understand the nature and magnitude of the current global challenges we face, and how the UN has made a difference, maintaining international peace and security, in accordance with the UN charter.

    Chair, I will make three points:

    First, the UK is extremely concerned at the rapidly growing threats to information integrity, fueled by artificial intelligence.

    Mis and disinformation operations are being used to exacerbate tensions and conflicts, and compromise the integrity of elections, undermining trust in democratic institutions. 

    The recent World Economic Forum Global Risks Report for 2025 lists mis and disinformation as the most severe global risks over the next two years.

    Mis and disinformation is being weaponised by state and non-state actors to deceive populations at scale.  

    Since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been using disinformation to undermine global support for Ukraine. The UK has been proactive in identifying and acting against these malign information operations. This includes exposing and sanctioning the Russian state-funded Social Design Agency, whose sole purpose is to weaken international support for Ukraine by spreading false social media content.

    Recently, the UK shared information that Proxies, directed by the Russian state, have plans to interfere with elections in the Central African Republic, including through suppressing political voices and conducting disinformation campaigns to interfere in political debate. 

    Russia has also been exploiting the Security Council as a platform for disinformation. Russia has invited dozens of individuals as briefers to spread conspiracy theories about what has happened in Ukraine.

    Member States all have a responsibility to protect the integrity of the UN as a trusted source of information.

    The UK condemns disinformation about UN Peacekeeping operations. The spread of false allegations not only erodes trust between the Blue Helmets and the communities they serve, it is also damaging their ability to implement their mandate, and it is putting peacekeepers’ lives at risk.  

    We are proud to support the UN’s Mis and Disinformation in Peacekeeping Settings Project.

    Second, independent journalism reported freely, without fear, is essential in a democratic society.

    But in many parts of the world, the freedom of the media is under threat. 

    The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports that more journalists were killed in 2024 than in any other year since it began collecting data over three decades ago.  

    The conflict in Gaza has become the deadliest ever recorded for media and journalist workers. 

    In Sudan, reporters are also taking significant risks to document the horrors of war.

    Journalists should be able to carry out their work safely and free from censorship and harassment. 

    The UK is proud to have co-founded the Media Freedom Coalition, with 51 countries as members, advocating for the safety of journalists. 

    And we also thank the Department of Global Communications for its work supporting journalists.

    This brings me to my third point, Chair. The UK is committed to doing all we can to protect information integrity with a human rights-based approach.  

    That is why we are proud to support the Global Digital Compact.

    The UK’s Online Safety Act ensures platforms tackle harmful content by requiring companies to take steps to remove illegal content, including illegal mis and disinformation.

    Finally, the UK supports multilingualism. 

    And while a third of the world’s population remains offline, the UK supports collective efforts to close the digital divide and ensure those who come online have access to accurate and reliable information.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Invest in African Energy 2026 Forum Confirmed for May 11–12 in Paris

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

    PARIS, France, April 29, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Energy Capital & Power (ECP) (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com) is pleased to announce that the fourth edition of the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum will return to Paris on May 11–12, 2026, with a sharpened focus on frontier exploration, early-stage project development and upstream investment opportunities. Building on three highly successful editions, IAE continues to serve as the premier platform for global explorers, investors and African energy leaders to connect, collaborate and catalyze the next wave of discoveries. 

    Held in Europe’s leading financial and diplomatic center, IAE 2026 will convene energy ministers, national oil companies, utilities, regulators and global investors for two days of strategic dialogue and high-level engagement. This edition will introduce an enhanced focus on the exploration community and its broader ecosystem – from geologists and service companies, to governments and capital providers. With over 150 oil and gas blocks available for bidding across more than 10 African markets in 2025, the continent is experiencing an exploration resurgence, presenting opportunities in both mature and frontier regions. IAE will serve as the premier platform for accessing these opportunities, exploring the latest data rooms, showcasing seismic and subsurface innovation and fostering early-stage collaboration among IOCs and NOCs.  

    Several high-impact licensing rounds are already lined up for 2026, signaling new momentum across Africa’s exploration landscape. Equatorial Guinea has relaunched its open-door licensing process, paving the way for a major licensing round by late 2025 or early 2026. Angola is planning to repeat its multi-year licensing round for oil and gas acreage starting in 2026, while Namibia is lining up new offshore licensing opportunities from 2025 that are expected to continue into the following year. Uganda also plans to issue new exploration licenses in the 2025/2026 fiscal year. In addition, several licensing rounds launched in 2025 will carry over into 2026, offering continued momentum and opportunity for exploration-focused stakeholders. 

    More than just a development-focused event, IAE 2026 is setting the stage for the next era of African oil and gas exploration. With operators and developers expected to invest $43 billion in Africa’s oil and gas sector in 2025 — and capital expenditure projected to reach a decade-high of $54 billion by 2030 — Africa’s role in the global energy landscape is only set to grow. IAE responds directly to this momentum, serving as a launchpad for cross-border investment, strategic partnerships and early-stage project financing. The forum is purpose-built to engage geologists, upstream strategists, service providers and capital partners looking to unlock the continent’s vast untapped hydrocarbon potential. 

    “IAE has become the definitive meeting point for Africa’s energy stakeholders and global capital markets. We’re especially focused on amplifying exploration in 2026 – shining a spotlight on frontier plays, licensing opportunities and early-stage assets ready for partnerships. With preparations underway, we are committed to sustaining this platform’s growth and delivering another high-impact edition in 2026,” said Sandra Jeque, Events & Project Director at ECP. 

    In previous editions, the forum has welcomed official delegations from over 20 African countries, hosted exclusive ministerial panels and investor roundtables, and featured hundreds of B2B meetings that have laid the foundation for tangible, cross-border cooperation. By spotlighting Africa’s exploration resurgence — from untapped basins and high-impact drilling campaigns to recent regulatory shifts — the forum will offer clear value to IOCs evaluating global priorities, while outlining what the exploration landscape looks like and what investors need to know to engage effectively. 

    More information on the 2026 program, speaker lineup and sponsorship opportunities will be announced in the coming months. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on the Middle East [as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    onsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Je remercie la présidence française d’organiser cette réunion au niveau ministériel sur le Moyen-Orient, y compris la question palestinienne.

    La région traverse des bouleversements fondamentaux, marqués par la violence et la volatilité, mais également porteurs d’opportunités et de potentiel.

    Au Liban, le cessez-le-feu et l’intégrité territoriale doivent être respectés et tous les engagements doivent être mis en œuvre.

    En Syrie, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts pour accompagner le pays sur la voie d’une transition politique inclusive de toutes les composantes de la population syrienne – une transition qui garantisse la reddition de comptes, favorise la réconciliation nationale, et jette les bases du redressement à long terme de la Syrie ainsi que de son intégration future au sein de la communauté internationale. 

    Cela inclut la situation dans le Golan syrien occupé, qui demeure précaire en raison de violations majeures de l’Accord de désengagement des forces de 1974 – notamment la présence continue des Forces de défense israéliennes dans la zone de séparation, ainsi que leurs multiples frappes contre des sites au-delà de la ligne de cessez-le-feu.

    À travers le Moyen-Orient, les populations réclament et méritent un avenir meilleur – et non des conflits et des souffrances sans fin.

    Nous devons agir ensemble pour faire en sorte que cette période de turbulences et de transition réponde à ces aspirations – et qu’elle apporte justice, dignité, droits, sécurité, et une paix durable.

    Cela commence par la reconnaissance de deux faits fondamentaux : 

    Premièrement, la région se trouve à un moment charnière de son histoire. 

    Et, deuxièmement, que toute paix vraiment durable au Moyen-Orient dépend d’une question centrale.

    Un élément essentiel que ce Conseil de sécurité a affirmé et réaffirmé, année après année, décennie après décennie : une solution à deux États, Israël et la Palestine, vivant côte-à-côte dans la paix et la sécurité, avec Jérusalem comme capitale des deux États.

    Mr. President,

    Today, the promise of a two-State solution is at risk of dwindling to the point of disappearance. 

    The political commitment to this long-standing goal is farther than it has ever been.

    As a result, the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live and peace and security have been undermined – and the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinians have been denied – while they endure Israel’s continued presence that the International Court of Justice has found unlawful. 

    And since the horrific 7 October terror attacks by Hamas, it has gotten worse on every front.

    First, the unrelenting conflict and devastation in Gaza – including the utterly inhumane conditions of life imposed on its people who are repeatedly coming under attack, confined to smaller and smaller spaces, and deprived of lifesaving relief. 

    In line with international law, the Security Council has rejected any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce its territory. 

    Gaza is — and must remain — an integral part of a future Palestinian state.

    Second, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations and the use of heavy weaponry in residential areas, forcible displacement, demolitions, movement restrictions, and settlement expansion are dramatically altering demographic and geographic realities. 

    Palestinians are being contained and coerced.  Contained in areas that are subject to increasing military operations and where the Palestinian Authority is under growing pressure – and coerced out of areas where settlements are expanding. 

    Third, settler violence continues at alarmingly high levels in a climate of impunity, with entire Palestinian communities facing repeated assaults and destruction, sometimes abetted by Israeli soldiers.

    Palestinian attacks against Israelis in both Israel and the occupied West Bank also continue.

    Mr. President,

    The world cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear. 

    Political leaders face clear choices — the choice to be silent, the choice to acquiesce, or the choice to act.

    Mr. President,

    In Gaza, there is no end in sight to the killing and misery.

    The ceasefire had brought a glimmer of hope – the long-sought release of hostages and delivery of lifesaving humanitarian relief.

    But those embers of opportunity were cruelly extinguished with the shattering of the ceasefire on 18 March. 

    Since then, almost 2,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes and military operations – including women, children, journalists, and humanitarians.

    Hamas also continues to fire rockets towards Israel indiscriminately – while the hostages continue to be held in appalling conditions. 

    The humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip has gone from bad … to worse … to beyond imagination.   

    For nearly two full months, Israel has blocked food, fuel, medicine and commercial supplies, depriving more than two million people of lifesaving relief. 

    All while the world watches.

    I am alarmed by statements by Israeli government officials about the use of humanitarian aid as a tool for military pressure.

    Aid is non-negotiable. 

    Israel must protect civilians and must agree to relief schemes and facilitate them.

    I salute the women and men of the United Nations and all other humanitarian workers – especially our Palestinian colleagues — who continue to work under fire and in incomprehensibly difficult conditions.

    And I mourn all of the women and men of the United Nations who were killed – including some with their families.

    The entry of assistance must be restored immediately — the safety of UN personnel and humanitarian partners must be guaranteed – and UN agencies must be allowed to work in full respect of humanitarian principles:  humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

    There must be no hindrance in humanitarian aid – including through the vital work of UNRWA.

    We need the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

    And we need a permanent ceasefire.

    It’s time to stop the repeated displacement of the Gaza population – along with any question of forced displacement outside of Gaza.

    And the trampling of international law must end.

    I call on Member States to use their leverage to ensure that international law is respected and impunity does not prevail.

    This includes for the 19 March incident for which Israel has now acknowledged responsibility in firing on a UN guesthouse, killing one colleague and injuring six others … the 23 March killing of paramedics and other rescue workers in Rafah … as well as many other cases.

    There must be accountability across the board.

    Mr. President,

    Advisory proceedings are ongoing at the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and a Member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    In February, the United Nations Legal Counsel submitted a written statement to the Court – and yesterday, she made an oral statement before the Court – both of which on my behalf.

    The statement to the Court includes points that I have made on a number of occasions.

    Specifically, that all parties to conflict must comply with all their obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

    That Israel, as an occupying Power, is under an obligation to ensure food and medical supplies of the population.

    That Israel has an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    That humanitarian, medical and United Nations personnel must be respected and protected.

    And I emphasize the obligation under international law to respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel, including the absolute inviolability of United Nations premises, property and assets – and the immunity from legal process of the United Nations. 

    Such immunity applies to all UN entities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory – including UNRWA – a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly.
    I call on Member States to fully support all of these efforts. 

    Mr. President,

    In this period of turmoil and transition for the region, Member States must spell out how they will realize the commitment and promise of a two-State solution.

    This is not a time for ritualistically expressing support, ticking a box, and moving on.

    We are past the stage of ticking boxes – the clock is ticking.

    The two-State solution is near a point of no return. 

    The international community has a responsibility to prevent perpetual occupation and violence.

    My call to Member States is clear and urgent:

    Take irreversible action towards implementing a two-State solution.

    Do not let extremists on any side undermine what remains of the peace process.

    The High-Level Conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity to revitalize international support.

    I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-State solution before it is too late.

    At the same time, the Palestinian Authority needs stepped-up and sustained support – politically and financially.  This is crucial to ensure the continued viability of Palestinian institutions, consolidate ongoing reforms, and enable the PA to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza.

    Mr. President,

    At this hinge point of history for the people of the Middle East – and on this issue on which so much hinges – leaders must stand and deliver. 

    Show the political courage and exercise the political will to make good on this central question for peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region and humanity.

    Thank you.

    ***
    [all-English]

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    I thank the French presidency for convening this ministerial-level meeting on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

    The region is undergoing fundamental shifts, marked by violence and volatility but also opportunity and potential.

    In Lebanon, the ceasefire and territorial integrity must be respected and all commitments implemented.

    In Syria, we must keep working to support the country’s path towards a political transition that is inclusive of all segments of the Syrian population – one that ensures accountability, fosters national healing, and lays the foundation for Syria’s long-term recovery and further integration into the international community. 

    This includes the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan — which remains precarious with significant violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, with the continued presence of the Israel Defense Forces into the area of separation and their several strikes targeting locations across the ceasefire line.

    Across the Middle East, people demand and deserve a better future, not endless conflict and suffering.

    We must collectively work to ensure that this turbulent and transitional period meets those aspirations — and delivers justice, dignity, rights, security and lasting peace.

    It starts by recognizing two fundamental facts: 

    First, that the region is at a hinge-point in history. 

    And, second, that truly sustainable Middle East peace hinges on one central question.

    On a core issue that this Security Council has affirmed and re-affirmed decade after decade, year after year:  a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

    Mr. President,

    Today, the promise of a two-State solution is at risk of dwindling to the point of disappearance. 

    The political commitment to this long-standing goal is farther than it has ever been.

    As a result, the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live and peace and security have been undermined – and the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinians have been denied – while they endure Israel’s continued presence that the International Court of Justice has found unlawful. 

    And since the horrific 7 October terror attacks by Hamas, it has gotten worse on every front.

    First, the unrelenting conflict and devastation in Gaza – including the utterly inhumane conditions of life imposed on its people who are repeatedly coming under attack, confined to smaller and smaller spaces, and deprived of lifesaving relief. 

    In line with international law, the Security Council has rejected any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce its territory. 

    Gaza is — and must remain — an integral part of a future Palestinian state.

    Second, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations and the use of heavy weaponry in residential areas, forcible displacement, demolitions, movement restrictions, and settlement expansion are dramatically altering demographic and geographic realities. 

    Palestinians are being contained and coerced.  Contained in areas that are subject to increasing military operations and where the Palestinian Authority is under growing pressure – and coerced out of areas where settlements are expanding. 

    Third, settler violence continues at alarmingly high levels in a climate of impunity, with entire Palestinian communities facing repeated assaults and destruction, sometimes abetted by Israeli soldiers.

    Palestinian attacks against Israelis in both Israel and the occupied West Bank also continue.

    Mr. President,

    The world cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear. 

    Political leaders face clear choices — the choice to be silent, the choice to acquiesce, or the choice to act.

    Mr. President,

    In Gaza, there is no end in sight to the killing and misery.

    The ceasefire had brought a glimmer of hope – the long-sought release of hostages and delivery of lifesaving humanitarian relief.

    But those embers of opportunity were cruelly extinguished with the shattering of the ceasefire on 18 March. 

    Since then, almost 2,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes and military operations – including women, children, journalists, and humanitarians.

    Hamas also continues to fire rockets towards Israel indiscriminately – while the hostages continue to be held in appalling conditions. 

    The humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip has gone from bad … to worse … to beyond imagination.   

    For nearly two full months, Israel has blocked food, fuel, medicine and commercial supplies, depriving more than two million people of lifesaving relief. 

    All while the world watches.

    I am alarmed by statements by Israeli government officials about the use of humanitarian aid as a tool for military pressure.

    Aid is non-negotiable. 

    Israel must protect civilians and must agree to relief schemes and facilitate them.

    I salute the women and men of the United Nations and all other humanitarian workers – especially our Palestinian colleagues — who continue to work under fire and in incomprehensibly difficult conditions.

    And I mourn all of the women and men of the United Nations who were killed – including some with their families.

    The entry of assistance must be restored immediately — the safety of UN personnel and humanitarian partners must be guaranteed – and UN agencies must be allowed to work in full respect of humanitarian principles:  humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

    There must be no hindrance in humanitarian aid – including through the vital work of UNRWA.

    We need the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

    And we need a permanent ceasefire.

    It’s time to stop the repeated displacement of the Gaza population – along with any question of forced displacement outside of Gaza.

    And the trampling of international law must end.

    I call on Member States to use their leverage to ensure that international law is respected and impunity does not prevail.

    This includes for the 19 March incident for which Israel has now acknowledged responsibility in firing on a UN guesthouse, killing one colleague and injuring six others … the 23 March killing of paramedics and other rescue workers in Rafah … as well as many other cases.

    There must be accountability across the board.

    Mr. President,

    Advisory proceedings are ongoing at the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and a Member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    In February, the United Nations Legal Counsel submitted a written statement to the Court – and yesterday, she made an oral statement before the Court – both of which on my behalf.

    The statement to the Court includes points that I have made on a number of occasions.

    Specifically, that all parties to conflict must comply with all their obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

    That Israel, as an occupying Power, is under an obligation to ensure food and medical supplies of the population.

    That Israel has an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    That humanitarian, medical and United Nations personnel must be respected and protected.

    And I emphasize the obligation under international law to respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel, including the absolute inviolability of United Nations premises, property and assets – and the immunity from legal process of the United Nations. 

    Such immunity applies to all UN entities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory – including UNRWA – a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly.

    I call on Member States to fully support all of these efforts. 

    Mr. President,

    In this period of turmoil and transition for the region, Member States must spell out how they will realize the commitment and promise of a two-State solution.

    This is not a time for ritualistically expressing support, ticking a box, and moving on.

    We are past the stage of ticking boxes – the clock is ticking.

    The two-State solution is near a point of no return. 

    The international community has a responsibility to prevent perpetual occupation and violence.

    My call to Member States is clear and urgent:

    Take irreversible action towards implementing a two-State solution.

    Do not let extremists on any side undermine what remains of the peace process.

    The High-Level Conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity to revitalize international support.

    I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-State solution before it is too late.

    At the same time, the Palestinian Authority needs stepped-up and sustained support – politically and financially.  This is crucial to ensure the continued viability of Palestinian institutions, consolidate ongoing reforms, and enable the PA to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza.

    Mr. President,

    At this hinge point of history for the people of the Middle East – and on this issue on which so much hinges – leaders must stand and deliver. 

    Show the political courage and exercise the political will to make good on this central question for peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region and humanity.

    Thank you.

    ***
    [all-French]

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Je remercie la présidence française d’organiser cette réunion au niveau ministériel sur le Moyen-Orient, y compris la question palestinienne.

    La région traverse des bouleversements fondamentaux, marqués par la violence et la volatilité, mais également porteurs d’opportunités et de potentiel.

    Au Liban, le cessez-le-feu et l’intégrité territoriale doivent être respectés et tous les engagements doivent être mis en œuvre.

    En Syrie, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts pour accompagner le pays sur la voie d’une transition politique inclusive de toutes les composantes de la population syrienne – une transition qui garantisse la reddition de comptes, favorise la réconciliation nationale, et jette les bases du redressement à long terme de la Syrie ainsi que de son intégration future au sein de la communauté internationale. 

    Cela inclut la situation dans le Golan syrien occupé, qui demeure précaire en raison de violations majeures de l’Accord de désengagement des forces de 1974 – notamment la présence continue des Forces de défense israéliennes dans la zone de séparation, ainsi que leurs multiples frappes contre des sites au-delà de la ligne de cessez-le-feu.

    À travers le Moyen-Orient, les populations réclament et méritent un avenir meilleur – et non des conflits et des souffrances sans fin.

    Nous devons agir ensemble pour faire en sorte que cette période de turbulences et de transition réponde à ces aspirations – et qu’elle apporte justice, dignité, droits, sécurité, et une paix durable.

    Cela commence par la reconnaissance de deux faits fondamentaux : 

    Premièrement, la région se trouve à un moment charnière de son histoire. 
    Et, deuxièmement, que toute paix vraiment durable au Moyen-Orient dépend d’une question centrale.

    Un élément essentiel que ce Conseil de sécurité a affirmé et réaffirmé, année après année, décennie après décennie : une solution à deux États, Israël et la Palestine, vivant côte-à-côte dans la paix et la sécurité, avec Jérusalem comme capitale des deux États.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Aujourd’hui, la promesse de la solution des deux États court le risque de s’effilocher au point de disparaître.

    L’engagement politique en faveur de cet objectif de longue date n’a jamais été aussi ténu.

    De ce fait, les droits des Israéliens et des Palestiniens de vivre en paix et sécurité ont été mis à mal – et les aspirations nationales légitimes des Palestiniens ont été niées – alors qu’ils continuent de subir une présence israélienne que la Cour internationale de justice a jugée illicite.

    Depuis les effroyables attaques terroristes perpétrées par le Hamas le 7 octobre, la situation s’est aggravée sur tous les fronts.

    Premièrement, avec le conflit incessant et la dévastation que subit la bande de Gaza : les conditions de vie sont absolument inhumaines, les habitants sont la cible d’attaques à répétition et sont confinés dans des espaces de plus en plus réduits et privés d’une aide vitale.

    S’appuyant sur le droit international, le Conseil de sécurité a rejeté toute tentative de changement démographique ou territorial dans la bande de Gaza, y compris tout acte visant à réduire le territoire.

    Gaza fait partie intégrante d’un futur État palestinien et doit le rester.

    Deuxièmement, en Cisjordanie occupée, y compris Jérusalem-Est, les opérations militaires israéliennes et l’emploi d’armes lourdes dans des zones résidentielles, les déplacements forcés, les démolitions, les restrictions de circulation et l’expansion des colonies transforment radicalement les réalités démographiques et géographiques.

    Les Palestiniens sont cantonnés dans certains endroits et contraints d’en quitter d’autres. Ils sont cantonnés dans des zones où les opérations militaires se multiplient et où l’Autorité palestinienne est soumise à des pressions croissantes, et contraints de quitter les zones où les colons étendent leur emprise.

    Troisièmement, la violence exercée par les colons se poursuit dans un climat d’impunité, parfois avec la complicité de soldats israéliens, et atteint des niveaux alarmants : des communautés palestiniennes tout entières sont agressées et victimes de destructions à répétition.

    Les attaques menées par des Palestiniens contre des Israéliens en Israël et en Cisjordanie occupée se poursuivent également.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Le monde ne peut pas se permettre de voir la solution des deux États s’évanouir.

    Les dirigeants politiques ont le choix : se taire, acquiescer ou agir.

    Monsieur le Président,

    À Gaza, rien ne laisse entrevoir la fin de la tuerie et des souffrances.

    Le cessez-le-feu avait apporté une lueur d’espoir : la libération des otages, tant attendue, et l’acheminement d’une aide humanitaire vitale.
    Hélas, cette lueur d’espoir s’est éteinte avec la rupture du cessez-le-feu le 18 mars.

    Depuis, les frappes et les opérations militaires israéliennes ont fait près de 2000 morts parmi les Palestiniens dans la bande de Gaza, y compris des femmes, des enfants, des journalistes et du personnel humanitaire.

    Le Hamas continue également de tirer des roquettes sur Israël sans discernement – tandis que les otages sont toujours détenus dans des conditions épouvantables.

    Déjà mauvaise, la situation humanitaire dans la bande de Gaza n’a fait qu’empirer et dépasse aujourd’hui l’entendement.

    Depuis près de deux mois, Israël bloque les livraisons de nourriture, de carburant, de médicaments et de marchandises, privant ainsi plus de deux millions de personnes d’une aide vitale.

    Et ce, au vu et au su du monde entier.

    Je suis alarmé par les déclarations de représentants d’Israël concernant l’utilisation de l’aide humanitaire comme moyen de pression militaire.

    L’aide humanitaire n’est pas négociable.

    Israël est tenu de protéger les civils ; il doit accepter les programmes d’aide et en faciliter l’exécution.

    Je rends hommage au personnel des Nations Unies, femmes et hommes, ainsi qu’à tous les autres agents humanitaires, en particulier à nos collègues palestiniens, qui continuent à travailler malgré les frappes et dans des conditions inouïes.

    Et je pleure toutes les femmes et tous les hommes des Nations Unies qui ont été tués – y compris certains avec leurs familles.

    L’acheminement de l’aide doit être rétabli immédiatement, la sécurité du personnel des Nations Unies et des partenaires humanitaires doit être garantie et les entités des Nations Unies doivent pouvoir travailler dans le plein respect des principes humanitaires : humanité, impartialité, neutralité et indépendance.

    Il ne doit y avoir aucune entrave à l’aide humanitaire, notamment au travail vital que fait l’UNRWA.

    Il faut que tous les otages soient libérés immédiatement et sans conditions.

    Et il faut un cessez-le-feu permanent.

    Il est temps de mettre un terme aux déplacements répétés de la population de Gaza, ainsi qu’à la question des déplacements forcés en dehors de Gaza.

    Et il faut cesser de bafouer le droit international.

    J’engage tous les États Membres à user de leur influence pour que le droit international soit respecté et que l’impunité ne l’emporte pas.

    Je veux parler notamment de la frappe du 19 mars contre une résidence des Nations Unies, qui a fait un mort et six blessés parmi nos collègues et pour laquelle Israël a désormais reconnu sa responsabilité … de l’attaque du 23 mars, dans laquelle du personnel paramédical et d’autres secouristes ont trouvé la mort à Rafah … et de bien d’autres encore.

    Aucun acte ne saurait rester impuni.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Une procédure consultative a été engagée à la Cour internationale de Justice sur les obligations d’Israël, Puissance occupante et membre de l’ONU, en ce qui concerne la présence et les activités des entités des Nations Unies dans le Territoire palestinien occupé et en lien avec celui-ci.

    En février, la Conseillère juridique de l’ONU a soumis en mon nom une déclaration écrite à la Cour, et hier, elle a fait une déclaration orale devant la Cour, également en mon nom.

    Cette déclaration reprend des points que j’ai soulevés à plusieurs reprises.

    En particulier, le fait que toutes les parties au conflit sont tenues de s’acquitter des obligations que leur impose le droit international, y compris le droit international humanitaire et le droit international des droits humains.

    Qu’Israël, Puissance occupante, est tenu d’assurer l’approvisionnement de la population en produits alimentaires et fournitures médicales.

    Qu’il est tenu d’accepter les programmes d’aide et d’en faciliter l’exécution dans le Territoire palestinien occupé.

    Que le personnel humanitaire et médical, ainsi que le personnel des Nations Unies, doit être respecté et protégé.

    Je tiens à insister sur l’obligation faite en droit international de respecter les privilèges et immunités des Nations Unies et de leur personnel, y compris l’inviolabilité absolue des locaux, des biens et des avoirs des Nations Unies, ainsi que l’immunité de juridiction des Nations Unies.

    Cette immunité s’applique à toutes les entités des Nations Unies dans le Territoire palestinien occupé, y compris l’UNRWA, organe subsidiaire de l’Assemblée générale.

    J’engage les États Membres à soutenir tous ces efforts.

    Monsieur le Président,

    En cette période de tourmente et de transition pour la région, les États Membres doivent énoncer clairement comment ils concrétiseront l’engagement qu’ils ont pris et la promesse qu’ils ont faite quant à la solution des deux États.

    Ce n’est pas le moment d’exprimer rituellement son soutien, de cocher une case et de passer à autre chose.

    Nous avons dépassé le stade des cases à cocher : le temps presse.

    Pour la solution des deux États, le glas a presque sonné.

    La communauté internationale a la responsabilité d’empêcher l’occupation et la violence perpétuelles.

    L’appel que je leur lance est urgent et sans équivoque :

    Prenez des mesures irréversibles pour concrétiser la solution des deux États.

    Ne laissez pas les extrémistes de tout bord saper ce qu’il reste du processus de paix.

    La Conférence de haut niveau qui se tiendra en juin, co-présidée par la France et le Royaume d’Arabie saoudite, est une véritable occasion de revitaliser le soutien international.

    J’encourage les États membres à aller au-delà des affirmations et à réfléchir de manière créative aux mesures concrètes qu’ils prendront pour soutenir une solution viable à deux États avant qu’il ne soit trop tard.

    J’encourage les États Membres à traduire les paroles en actes et à réfléchir de manière créative pour déterminer les mesures concrètes qu’ils prendront pour soutenir une solution viable de deux États – avant qu’il ne soit trop tard.

    Parallèlement, l’Autorité palestinienne a besoin d’un soutien accru et durable, tant sur le plan politique que financièrement parlant. C’est une condition essentielle pour garantir la viabilité des institutions palestiniennes, asseoir les réformes engagées et permettre à l’Autorité palestinienne d’exercer de nouveau toutes ses responsabilités dans la bande de Gaza.

    Monsieur le Président,

    À ce moment charnière de l’histoire pour les peuples du Moyen-Orient – et vis-à-vis de cette question dont dépendent tant de choses – les dirigeants doivent concrétiser leur promesse.

    Faites preuve de courage et de volonté politiques, tenez vos engagements vis-à-vis de cette question centrale pour la paix : pour les Palestiniens, les Israéliens, la région et l’humanité tout entière.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: We welcome progress in Syria’s political transition since the fall of the Assad regime: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    We welcome progress in Syria’s political transition since the fall of the Assad regime: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly

    Statement by Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, at the UN General Assembly debate on the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism in Syria.

    Thank you Assistant Secretary-General Robert Petit for the briefing and the debate today.

    Let me also welcome Foreign Minister Al Shaibani to the Assembly. Your presence here today is a powerful signal of the opportunities that lie ahead for Syria to carve out a more secure, peaceful and prosperous future.

    I will make three points today.

    First, we welcome progress in Syria’s political transition since the fall of the Assad regime. 

    This includes the formation of a new Syrian Government and their commitment to hold free and fair elections in Syria.

    We also welcome the important steps taken since December towards social cohesion amongst the Syrian people.

    This includes the first-ever consensus on the Human Rights Council resolution supported by the Syrian Government, and commitments by the Syrian Government to establish national committees to address transitional justice, missing persons and chemical weapons.

    However, as the horrific events in the coastal areas in March remind us, significant challenges remain to address the legacy of 14 years of war and brutality, and to begin the process to provide closure to all those affected.

    Second, we commend the IIIM for the valuable progress it has made since December on the international pursuit for accountability. 

    The volume of documentation and witness interviews that the IIIM team have collated is a testament to your tireless dedication to provide a credible evidence base for future prosecutions. 

    The appointment of an IIIM Liaison Officer in Damascus is also a promising example of UN-Syria cooperation, and we urge all parties to work collaboratively to ensure that survivors receive the justice that they demand, and that they deserve.

    Third, the UK had a leading role in supporting international and civil society accountability efforts during the Assad regime. 

    And we remain committed to pursuing accountability for victims, survivors and families in Syria, and for that reason, we continue to see the IIIM as a crucial component for the future Syrian-led Transitional Justice processes.

    We were proud to have co-sponsored the UNGA resolution which established this mechanism in 2016 and remain committed to ensuring that it has the political backing and operational remit it requires to succeed.

    And this year, the United Kingdom has allocated a further $940,000 in funding to our partners in support of this effective evidence collection and preservation.

    We thank IIIM for your contribution to the fight against impunity and for amplifying the voices of survivors throughout your work. 

    The UK will continue to support the Syrian Government and its people in their efforts on reconciliation and accountability to ensure a stable and prosperous future for the people of Syria.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Sherrill Demands Republican Colleagues Support Amendment To Hold Hegseth Accountable For Reckless Use Of Signal

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    WASHINGTON, DC — During today’s House Armed Services Committee reconciliation markup, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter aircraft commander and Russian policy officer, demanded that her Republican colleagues hold Secretary Hegseth accountable for recklessly disclosing classified information on Signal. 

    Click here to listen to Sherrill’s full remarks. 

    Full remarks, as delivered:

    “I learned how to properly handle classified information when I was a teenager in the U.S. Naval Academy. I used that training again as a Russian Policy officer in the Navy. 

    So I’ll start with the obvious: if Secretary Pete Hegseth believed a word he said about turning our military into a meritocracy, he would have sent in his resignation weeks ago. 

    His decision to send strike plans in multiple unsecured signal chats with his wife, his brother, his personal attorney, and a reporter could have killed American service members. And he did so while at least one Signal member was in the Kremlin. 

    But I’m not surprised by his complete disregard for our national security and the safety of our men and women in uniform. From his views on women in combat, to his willingness to bend the knee to Russian Dictator Vladimir Putin, we knew exactly who Trump was picking. It’s why I strongly opposed his nomination from the very beginning. 

    But I will say that I am deeply disappointed that it has taken until this moment for us to even bring this up. An investigation by this committee is long overdue. Because every single individual in this room knows that the information Hegseth shared on Signal was classified. 

    Every member of the House Armed Services Committee knows without a doubt that the timing, schedule, and composition of operations are absolutely classified. Every individual in this room knows that Pete Hegseth’s use of Signal could have gotten American service members killed. 

    So even if you haven’t served in uniform, you know how to handle classified information by virtue of sitting on this very committee. We host any hearing with classified information in secure rooms, without our phones, and without messaging apps like Signal. 

    Which is why I think it’s frankly asinine that the Majority on this committee has refused to hold any sort of investigatory hearing into Hegseth’s behavior. So the next time the majority tries to tell you they support our troops or care about our national security, remember that they continue to defend a Secretary of Defense who is a clear and present danger to every single American in uniform.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Castro Leads CHC Members in Push to Retain the Name of Fort Cavazos

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

    April 29, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Castro (TX-20), Vice Chair for Diversity and Inclusion, led the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) delegation in urging Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to retain the name of Fort Cavazos — recently renamed after General Richard E. Cavazos, the first Mexican American to reach the rank of four-star general. This letter comes after Secretary Hegseth’s order to rename Fort Moore, a military base in southwest Georgia, back to Fort Benning. Secretary Hegseth has expressed interest in renaming others.

    “When Congress tasked the bipartisan Renaming Commission with replacing Confederate names across military bases, they thoughtfully selected General Robert E. Cavazos to replace Fort Hood’s designation. Throughout his distinguished 33-year military career, General Cavazos demonstrated exceptional bravery and leadership that epitomizes the values our armed forces always seek to uphold. His achievements and service to our country have earned him this lasting recognition, which must be upheld,” the lawmakers wrote.

    “After retiring in 1984, he continued to serve in public leadership roles, including on the Board of Regents for Texas Tech University. His legacy is one of exceptional bravery, visionary leadership, and a lifelong commitment to the country he served,” the lawmakers continued.

    “Keeping the military installation in Killeen, Texas as Fort Cavazos would be an ongoing tribute to a leader who dedicated his life to our nation. Maintaining his name ensures that our military installations honor those who served with distinction and upheld this country’s highest values. We urge you to uphold the Renaming Commission’s decision and ensure that Fort Cavazos continues to bear the name of this distinguished American hero,” the lawmakers concluded.

    Background:

    In 2021, the Commission on the Naming of Items of the Department of Defense was established to remove all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that honor the Confederate States of America from all assets of the Department of Defense. 

    Congressman Castro and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus delegation successfully recommended for General Richard E. Cavazos to be honored in the renaming process of Fort Hood, a military base in Texas. In 2023, the base was officially renamed in honor of General Cavazos.

    The full letter can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two arrested following firearm discharge in Newham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police are investigating a firearms discharge in Newham this afternoon.

    Police were called at 14:42hrs on Tuesday, 29 April following reports of a gunshots heard in Upton Lane, E7.

    Officers were joined at the residential property by London Ambulance Service where one person was treated at the scene for a gunshot wound.

    The man has been conveyed to hospital where his condition is not believed to be life-threatening. The London Ambulance Service also treated two other people for head injuries.

    Two people have been arrested in connection with this offence with one remaining in hospital after sustaining minor injuries.

    Chief Inspector Daryl Jones from North East Command said:

    “We are aware that this shooting on a residential street this afternoon would have had an enormous impact on the local community.

    “We are pleased we’ve been able to make two arrests and recover a firearm within hours of the incident.

    “Any residents with concerns, please speak to the officers at the scene, or to your local neighbourhood policing teams.”

    A cordon remains in place while police undertake enquiries, which are ongoing.

    If you were a witness or have any information which might help, please call police on 101 with the reference 4319/29Apr or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –