NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI Translation: National roads are generally in good condition

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    Federal Roads Office OFROU

    Bern, 26.09.2024 – As the latest edition of the report on the condition of the national road network published by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) shows, the national road network remains in good condition. In 2023, FEDRO invested around CHF 1.2 billion in the maintenance of national roads.

    National roads are of major importance for the entire transport network: while they represent around 3% of the total length of the road network, they absorb more than 45% of all Swiss road traffic. They are also essential for road freight traffic: more than 70% of this travels on national roads. The replacement value of the national road network amounts to 141 billion francs. Last year, FEDRO invested almost 1.2 billion francs in maintaining this infrastructure to ensure that it remains in good condition. This contribution, the amount of which is in line with the average for the last ten years, demonstrates that FEDRO attaches great importance to the safe and sustainable use of existing infrastructure.

    97% of roads are in good condition

    The national roads are maintained regularly and are generally in good condition, as shown by the 2023 figures published by FEDRO in its report on the condition of the national road network. Around 88% of all facilities are in a condition deemed to be good or acceptable (condition classes 1 and 2 out of a total of five classes). As regards carriageways and surfaces, 97% are in a condition deemed to be good or average (condition classes 1 and 2) and around 3% in a satisfactory condition (condition class 3).

    As regards engineering structures (e.g. bridges, wildlife crossings, galleries), 91% are in a condition considered good or acceptable. Almost 9% of them have damage of average severity (condition class 3), which however has no impact on structural safety or road safety. Some 0.7% of the structures are in poor condition (condition class 4). These will have to be repaired or replaced in the coming years, but structural safety and road safety remain guaranteed.

    Safety is guaranteed

    78% of the tunnels inspected are in a condition deemed to be good or acceptable (condition classes 1 and 2). 19% have moderate damage and therefore require increased monitoring (condition class 3). Six structures are in poor condition and will therefore need to be renovated in the medium term. No tunnel is in an alarming condition, in other words in a condition that no longer allows it to be operated.

    The operating and safety equipment (OSE), such as cables, lighting systems or signalling, are mostly well preserved: 85% of them are in a condition considered good or acceptable (condition classes 1 and 2). 14% of the installations have damage of average severity. In 5% of the tunnels, the OSEs are in poor condition and will need to be renovated in the coming years. At the end of 2023, the OSEs in the Neuenhof and Baregg tunnels (A1, AG) were in an alarming condition. They are currently undergoing a complete renovation in both tunnels.

    Survey of the state of national roads

    Every five years, the works are subject to a complete inspection and assessment, which consists of examining not only their various elements and installations, but also their general appearance. The results thus obtained serve as a basis for planning maintenance work on the national road network.

    The new report on the state of the network presents the situation at the end of 2023. It therefore does not take into account the repair work launched or carried out in 2024.

    Safety is not compromised for structures categorised in condition classes 1 to 4. Depending on the situation, those in class 4 may require medium-term measures. For structures in class 5, shorter-term measures are required, such as replacing individual elements, installing temporary supports or introducing a weight limit on bridges.

    Address for sending questions

    Press Service of the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO)Tel.: 058 464 14 91; email: media@astra.admin.ch

    Author

    Federal Roads Office OFROUhttp://www.astra.admin.ch

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a News Briefing

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    SABRINA SINGH:  All right. Good afternoon, everyone. Okay. Just a few things at the top and then happy to take your questions. This morning, Secretary Austin departed for London to attend the AUKUS defense ministerial meeting. The AUKUS DMM is the third of its kind, marking three years of enhanced security partnership and provides an opportunity for Secretary Austin to meet with his UK and Australian counterparts to review progress and outline steps for continued work under pillar one and pillar two of AUKUS.

    We’ll have more to share in the coming days, but under pillar one, you can expect the secretary to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to supporting Australia’s acquisition of a conventionally armed nuclear powered submarine capability. Under pillar two, Secretary Austin and his counterparts will discuss plans to further enhance collaboration and harmonize acquisition processes over the next two years to accelerate the delivery of advanced capabilities to our defense forces.

    AUKUS presents a unique opportunity for our nations to collectively enhance our military capabilities, improve interoperability and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The department looks forward to continuing to work with our UK and Australian partners to implement this important work. Earlier this week, the navy announced that USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group departed naval station Norfolk, Virginia for a regularly scheduled deployment to the US naval forces Europe Africa US six fleet area of operations, demonstrating the commitment and power projection capability of the navy’s globally deployed force.

    The strike group will operate in the US European command area of responsibility in support of our maritime partners and NATO allies. Switching gears, the department continues to monitor tropical storm Helene, as it is forecasted to intensify into a hurricane as it approaches the northeastern Gulf coast on Thursday. Florida and Georgia have both declared states of emergency and the governor of Florida has activated more than 3,300 national guardsmen and 12 rotary wing aviation assets in state active duty status.

    These guardsmen are prepositioned around the state to provide responsive sustained support including high wheeled vehicle rescues, aerial support, route clearance and commodities distribution. Additionally, in the next 24 to 48 hours, the States of Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina are expected to activate the National Guard as well. For more information, I would encourage you to reach out to National Guard Bureau of Public Affairs.

    And to close, last night, the Senate confirmed more than 6000 of our highly qualified military nominees in the Air Force, Army Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force. These confirmations include Lieutenant General Nordhaus to be Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Vice Admiral Halsey to be Commander of US Southern Command. Lieutenant General Reed to be Commander of US Transportation Command and Lieutenant General Brunson to be Commander of US Forces Korea. We’re very glad that the Senate has confirmed these officers for critical positions during this time and for our national security and with that, I’d be happy to take your questions.

    Tara?

    Q:  Thanks, Sabrina. So later this week, we’re possibly expecting an agreement on the withdrawal or transition of US troops in Iraq. What still needs to be done in that agreement? It seems from the Iraqi perspective that this decision has been made and the details are set.

    SABRINA SINGH:  So thanks Tara, I appreciate the question. I think as you alluded to, we’ll probably have more details to share later this week. What we’ve said from the beginning is that we know that the global coalition and that international coalition is going to transition into a bilateral security relationship with the Iraqis. And this has been worked through the US Iraq Higher Military Commission working groups.

    So again, we should have more to share later this week, but at this time, I don’t want to get ahead of that process.

    Q:  Is it safe to assume that this means a reduction in the forces that are there from the 2,500?

    SABRINA SINGH:  I think we’ll have more to share this week.

    Q:  OK. Secondly, the status of the refueler that’s been damaged, and do you know anything else about what caused it to either run aground or run into something?

    SABRINA SINGH:  Sorry, I was just trying to find some more for you on that. The ship that you’re referring to was damaged when it was, I believe, in the fifth fleet AOR. Currently under investigation to what exactly caused that damage, but that oil tanker refueler has been towed to a port and there was no leakage from the ship. But in terms of impacts to operations, no impacts there. But for more information, I’d have to refer you to the navy.

    Q:  And so you don’t know what caused the damaged?

    SABRINA SINGH:  That’s right, we’re investigating the incident. Great. OK. Idrees and welcome back.

    Q:  Israel’s military chief, I think earlier today said that strikes in Lebanon would continue in order to not only destroy Hezbollah’s infrastructure but also prepare for a possible ground invasion. Just a general comment and do you see a ground invasion as likely or even imminent?

    SABRINA SINGH:  So in terms of a ground incursion or a ground invasion, that’s really for the Israelis to speak to. We certainly don’t want to see any action taken that could lead to further escalation in the region. We still believe that there is time and space for diplomacy. We want to see a diplomatic resolution and a solution to prevent an all-out war. But in terms of the Israeli operations, I’d have to refer to them to speak to that.

    Q:  And just to follow up, last week, I think the secretary had near daily calls with his Israeli counterpart, he hasn’t spoken with them since the 22nd. Is there any reason for that? And should we expect any conversations between the two of them in the coming days?

    SABRINA SINGH:  I think you can expect them to continue to engage. Just because they haven’t spoken every day, doesn’t mean that our teams haven’t been in communication. Again, he engages with Minister Gallant on a pretty regular basis and when we have more to share on when the next call happens, we’ll certainly read it out. But just because he hasn’t had one every single day this week doesn’t mean that we’re not engaging with the Israelis.

    You’ve seen, maybe not from this building, but other agencies part of this administration engaging their Israeli counterparts, so we’re continuing that dialogue. Fadi?

    Q:  Thank you, Sabrina. Is there any support that the Pentagon is providing to the Israeli military in the current situation in Lebanon?

    SABRINA SINGH: In terms of any like ground support or air support?

    Q:  Any support, even in terms of intelligence?

    SABRINA SINGH:  No, no support.

    Q:  Not even intelligence sharing?

    SABRINA SINGH:  No.

    Q:  So up until, I guess unless there’s some changes, you’ve been describing what’s happening as defensive operations. I believe in the first day, almost 500 civilians were killed, including women and Children in Lebanon. Civilian infrastructure has been damaged severely, almost 1,300 airstrikes. Today, up until 3:00 pm Beirut time, more than 50,000 villages have been hit by Israelis.

    International organizations are describing what happened the first day as the highest death toll in Lebanon since the end of the Civil War. So I’m just curious, what criteria are you using to describe what’s happening as defensive operations?

    SABRINA SINGH: 

    Well, Fadi, I think I’d have to point you back to October 8th when Lebanese Hezbollah attacked Israel following the brutal attack that Hamas launched on October 7th. So these are still defensive operations. We understand the threat that Israel faces.

    We are not supporting their operations when it comes to Lebanon. The support that you’re seeing or what you’re seeing when it comes to US forces in the region is for our own force protection. And should we need to come to the defense of Israel like saw from that large scale attack from Iran, we’ve positioned forces to do that. But when it comes to Lebanon, the US military has no involvement in Israel’s operation. So I just want to lay that flat.

    In terms of some of what you just referenced, this is exactly why we’re pushing for a diplomatic solution. We don’t want to see innocent civilians lose their lives. We want to see a deescalating happen. And you’re seeing engagement from all parts of this administration, including at UNGA right now. We’re calling for a deescalated and we believe that a diplomatic off ramp is the best way to resolve what’s happening on that northern border.

    Q:  And last question, did any official in the Pentagon communicate any concerns about the high death toll among Lebanese civilians? I mean, I know, and we know in Gaza that was a constant conversation. Has anyone raised that issue in relation to Lebanon?

    SABRINA SINGH:  Without getting into more details of the secretary’s calls with Minister Gallant, we are of course always concerned of civilian casualties. We’re seeing some of these strikes take place in areas where there are civilians. We’re also seeing Israel notify populations to clear those areas. Our focus, and you’re seeing a full court press here from the United States government and this administration, we want to see a diplomatic solution and we want to see it urgently.

    And that’s why you’re seeing engagement, whether it be at UNGA, or in calls that the secretary is doing with Minister Gallant, and not just at his level, but at other levels as well, we don’t want to see any action taken on either side that would lead to further escalation. We want to see this deescalate and the best off ramp for that to prevent an all-out war is through diplomatic means.

    Q:  Thank you.

    SABRINA SINGH:  Tom?

    Q:  Thanks, Sabrina.

    SABRINA SINGH:  Yeah.

    Q:  How confident are you that you can achieve a diplomatic offramp, especially given the past nearly 12 months where the US has been unable to broker any kind of sustained ceasefire in Gaza. So, for the situation with Hezbollah and Israel, how confident are you that we’re not going to see a full scale conflict?

    SABRINA SINGH:  Well, I’d, you know, push back on that respectfully. You know, we have seen periods where there has been a ceasefire put in place, and we have seen, you know, the ability to get — we were talking, you know, months earlier about humanitarian aid being able to get in. That was something that this administration brokered to make sure that we could get humanitarian aid and supplies in.

    So, look, you’re — and not to reiterate just what I said to Fadi, but you’re seeing a full court press from this administration at all levels for a diplomatic solution. Nothing is off the table. We don’t assess that either side wants a larger scale, wider regional conflict, but we’re doing everything that we can to prevent that from happening. And that’s why you’re seeing the engagements that the president is doing, from the secretary, and then on down in the building.

    Q:  And while I appreciate that you don’t want to speak for Israel, are you able to share anything in terms of what you’ve seen along the Lebanon-Israel border in terms of movement either side of it? Does it look like there’s a ramp up towards some kind of a incursion?

    SABRINA SINGH:  Right now it doesn’t. You know, well, you know, without characterizing Israeli operations and letting them speak to them for themselves, you know, it doesn’t look like anything is imminent. What we’re seeing on that northern border is an increase in, you know, the tit for tat, going back and forth strikes between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, and that is our concern.

    We — you know, we are concerned about a miscalculation. We don’t want to see a wider regional conflict. And that’s why, in every conversation that we have, in the conversations that are happening in New York, we’re — we are continuing to press for a diplomatic resolve.

    Jesse?

    Q:  Thank you so much.

    SABRINA SINGH:  Yeah.

    Q:  We all know that Secretary Austin is always in contact with his Israeli counterpart. Does the secretary have any objections to the way Israel is conducting its operations inside Lebanon?

    SABRINA SINGH: 

    In terms of?

    Q:  In terms of, as you may know, targeting civilians, maybe carpet bombing to the villages along the border.

    SABRINA SINGH:  Well, I mean, something that we’ve raised is we don’t want to see this escalate. And any time that there is a — actions taken that could further escalate the war that’s — or, like, a broader conflict, that we want to avoid a regional war. The secretary, in all of his conversations, urges restraint and urges, you know, the Israelis to consider civilian casualties. And that’s something that we’ve said from the very beginning.

    Look, I’m not going to get into more details on their private conversations. But of course, it’s something that the secretary discusses with his counterpart and will continue to raise.

    Q:  I mean, could you confirm if the secretary told Gallant that they need to avoid the infrastructure in Lebanon?

    SABRINA SINGH:  I think what I can tell you is what I was — what I reiterated earlier, is that of course we are always concerned where there are strikes in areas where there are — is a — is a concentrated civilian population. That’s something that the secretary raises on his calls with Minister Gallant. It’s something that, you know, at different levels in this building we also raise with our Israeli counterparts. But I’m just not going to be able to go beyond that.

    Liz?

    SABRINA SINGH:  Thanks, Sabrina. On China’s ICBM test launch, a US defense official said earlier today that China gave the US warning it was going to do this launch. Was that through military channels or diplomatic channels?

    I don’t have more specifics to provide on the channels. But we were given some advance notice, but I’m just not going to get into more specifics of that. I will say that that is a good thing and that is moving in the right direction in terms of, you know, getting that advanced notification, and that further reduces the risks of any misperception and miscalculation. So, we certainly welcome that.

    Q:  Were any US citizens, like, at harm by this test in any way, during it or following it?

    SABRINA SINGH:  Not to my knowledge.

    Yeah, Oren?

    Q:  Just a quick question. Israeli officials have said their strategy with Lebanon is escalate to deescalate. Does the Pentagon think that’s a viable strategy for how to conduct operations with Lebanon?

    SABRINA SINGH:  So, I’m not going to, you know, characterize the Israelis’ operations. What I can tell you is only, you know, our view. And our perception is that any type of escalation that — that could lead to a miscalculation we don’t want to see We want to see steps that lead to de-escalation and, frankly, steps that lead to a diplomatic offramp, which we believe is the best solution here.

    That’s what we’re pushing for. That’s what you’re seeing happen at UNGA. That’s also what you’re seeing the secretary, you know continue to emphasize in his calls with Minister Gallant. And when he has the next call, you know, that will be something that, you know, I’m sure he would reiterate as well.

    Ok.

    Q:  Just more clarity [Off mic].

    SABRINA SINGH:  Uh-huh. Sure.

    Q:  In response to Tom’s question, you said it doesn’t look like anything is imminent. Was that in reference to a Israeli incursion into Lebanon?

    SABRINA SINGH:  I believe the context was in terms of a ground incursion. So, I was saying, in that context, it doesn’t look like something is imminent. But again, I’d refer you to the Israelis to speak to their own operations.

    Q:  Thank you. I have a follow up question on Chinese ICBM launch.

    SABRINA SINGH:  Of course.

    Q:  So, what’s your assessment of this unusual ICBM launch into the Pacific Ocean? And do you think this is a provocative action? And especially, do you think they want to send a message to the US?

    SABRINA SINGH:  In terms of, you know, the whys, I’d refer you to the PRC to speak to that. You know, we monitored the ICBM test, to Liz’s question. You know, again, we did receive some advance notification of this ICBM test, and we believe that that was a good thing. That was a step in the right direction. And it does lead, you know, to preventing any misperception or miscalculation.

    What we can do here from the department is continue to press for a more regularized notification arrangement when it comes to ballistic missile and space launches. And this is something that we’ve proposed with the PRC. And it represents, you know, a common sense confidence building measure. So, we want to see these types of notifications continue.

    Yes?

    Q:  A question about presidential drawdown authority with regard to Ukraine Could you tell us what the department’s plan is to keep using that after September 30th? We’ve seen reports that there is, like, a workaround that the department can notify Congress and then that is legal. Could you tell us what that workaround is? But also, could you tell us why that workaround is needed? You got some criticism today from Senator Wicker, saying that the department should have spent this money already — or used this authority, I should say, since April.

    SABRINA SINGH:  Sure. So, on your — on your first question on how we’re going to use the authority, I don’t have anything to announce right now. But what I can tell you is that we’re committed to making sure Ukraine gets the resources Congress approved by the end of the president’s term.

    Again, I don’t have more to announce right now, but we’re committed to making sure that Ukraine gets what it — what it has been allotted by Congress. And we are working with the interagency to do just that. So, you know, bear with us and we’ll have more to share soon.

    Q:  And —

    SABRINA SINGH:  —In terms of your follow on question on the criticism, look, I’d have to point you back to the fact that for six months we didn’t have a supplemental so we weren’t able to refill our own shelves. So, therefore, when you’re not able to backfill and refill our own stocks, we’re not able to send out PDA’s.

    So, you have to remember during that time we still had some existing authority, but we weren’t able to send equipment, capability, systems out to Ukraine because we didn’t have it on our stocks. During that time, during that six months lag, because we weren’t able to do that, that also impacts packages going down the road.

    So, we’re going to find — we’re going to make sure Ukraine gets what it needs, you know, in the future. But to push back on that criticism, I would say that, when you don’t have what you need on your shelves, it makes it hard to send out that equipment, you know, in the timetable that Congress gave us when it — when it was authorized.

    Q:  So, is the plan now to move at a more — at a faster rate than you’ve been moving so you can get it done before President Biden ends his term?

    SABRINA SINGH:  I think we’ll have more to share in the coming days. I just don’t have more for you right now.

    Noah?

    Q:  Just to ask a follow up on that —

    SABRINA SINGH:  Sure.

    Q:  Because of the issues in getting the supplemental approved and certainly the issues in replenishing stocks because of that, all of that was known when the supplemental was passed in April. Is there a reason that the funding or the authority wasn’t extended beyond the fiscal year?

    SABRINA SINGH:  Well, I think also, Noah, you have to remember that we’re talking about also working with the defense industrial base that has to backfill our own shelves. So, there — you know, there’s a lot of coordination and timing here. We did ask Congress for that authority to extend, and, you know, that did not happen so now we are in a different place.

    So, I can’t, you know, go back and answer questions of, like, what if this happened and when. All I can tell you is that we’re committed to making sure Ukraine has what it needs, and we’re going to do it. And that’s a commitment that this president has made. And when we have more to share, we will.

    Jared?

    Q:  Sabrina, how comfortable is the department with the — with the department’s understanding of what the Israeli military’s intentions and near, midterm plans are in Lebanon operationally? Has — have the Israelis briefed you on what they intend to do?

    SABRINA SINGH:  So, I’m not going to go into more details of the conversations between the secretary and Minister Gallant, but it’s something that the — that, you know, has — and discussed and it’s something that the Secretary continues to, you know, in all of his conversations, I think you’ve seen the readouts, it’s something that he asked about and that they discussed, but I’m just not going to go beyond the readout. Yeah, in the back.

    Q:  It’s been reported that 60 additional US troops are being deployed to Cyprus to help with potential mass evacuations of US citizens from Lebanon. Can you confirm that?

    SABRINA SINGH:  I cannot confirm the number, but what I can tell you is that we are sending a small number of additional US military personnel forward to augment forces that are already in the region. I’m just not going to be able to provide you more specifics. I know I’ve seen the reporting. I know it’s frustrating, but I’m just not going to be able to confirm more.

    Q:  And just to follow up on a story from last week, is it the Pentagon’s view that it is an acceptable — it’s acceptable under the laws of war to booby trap civilian objects and place them amongst civilian populations? Is that — is that acceptable for any nation to do?

    SABRINA SINGH:  That’s something that — well, one without commenting on an operation that the US military had no involvement in, it’s hard for me to get into the hypotheticals. I’m not a lawyer. I’m not going to try and go down and explain, you know, legalese from here, so. I just can’t comment further on that operation for us. Yeah.

    Q:  [inaudible] US, the affecting supply chains or intercepting supply chains in order to place explosive items within normal consumer objects, right?

    SABRINA SINGH:  Yeah, I’m not going to comment on a hypothetical or an operation that we had no part of. Yeah?

    Q:  Thank you, Sabrina. Secretary Austin on Sunday told his Israeli counterpart to give time for diplomacy to work. And on Monday, we saw that Israel started to bomb Lebanon. And today, the Israel Defense Force has announced that they call up and deployment of two reserve brigades to the border with Lebanon. So where is the time that that Secretary Austin asked Israel for diplomacy? And do you still believe that Israel listening to you? Thank you.

    SABRINA SINGH:  We do believe that we have — that Israel is listening. I mean, just the fact that they’re listening by the amount of calls that the secretary has had with Minister Galant. I think that shows their willingness to hear our views, our concerns and our — you know, to hear from the secretary. So I think that’s important to note.

    In terms of, you know, I think your question was getting to — are we writing off, you know, diplomatic measures, and we’re not. Diplomacy is still the best path forward. There’s always a way for diplomacy. There’s always a way for both sides to, you know, to come to the table and — to have this resolved in diplomatic measures.

    From the very beginning, I mean since October 7th and then, you know, October 8th when we’ve moved additional assets to the region, the whole focus of this administration has been to not only deescalate, but you know to send a message of deterrence. I think we have been successful in that.

    You know, this — we know tensions are high, but we also don’t — we also see that there is a path forward for diplomacy. And that’s why you’re seeing this administration push so hard to get this done. And you’re going to continue to. We’re not going to give up on that. So we’re going to continue to engage.

    Q:  There is some media reports out saying that the US is now working with the France about a ceasefire, maybe a deal or a plan for Lebanon. Does anyone from the DOD have evolved or involved in this negotiation that — that’s happening right now in the United Nations during the UN Summit in New York.

    SABRINA SINGH:  I don’t have anything on those reports. I mean, I’ve been pretty public in telling you that we’re pushing for, you know, diplomatic measures to resolve what’s happening on that northern border. But I just don’t have more to add on that report. I’m sorry I haven’t seen it. Louis?

    Q:  Hi, Sabrina. Is the shipment of 2,000 pound bombs for Israel, is that still on hold?

    SABRINA SINGH:  Still paused.

    Q:  So, the rationale behind that from what I understand was when Israel was preparing to go into Rafah, you know, to protect civilian lives, limited operations. Are there any concerns given the current ongoing air operations that Israel has been conducting striking in civilian neighborhoods?

    And you know, I know that we’re seeing secondary effects, so it appears that there are — they are striking the targets they’re hitting, but are there concerns that the use of these bombs again presumably American bombs could be putting civilians at risk?

    SABRINA SINGH:  So, you first asked about the 2,000 pound bomb shipment, so that is still paused. So I don’t — you know, I don’t know what they’re using in their operations, so I’d refer you to them to speak to that. There is always a concern about civilian casualties and that is something that the secretary has addressed, you know, really from the beginning whether it be in Gaza or elsewhere.

    That’s a conversation that we continue to have. I think, you know, in that same vein we’re also concerned about escalation. And that’s why we don’t want to see any action taken by, you know, either side that could lead to further escalation. And that’s what the secretary continues to emphasize along with always talking about the need to protect civilians.

    And you are seeing, I mean, you know, I’m citing public sourcing here, but you know, the Israelis, notifying communities and towns on that northern border to clear that area because they will be conducting operations. You know, we have to protect civilians in the battle space. That’s something the secretary has said. I know you’ve heard him say that before as well.

    Our focus, of course, is that. But the best way to protect civilians is, of course, through diplomatic means and for this to be resolved through diplomacy. And that’s why we continue to push for that.

    Q:  Is the secretary in the future planning to meet or travel to Israel in the future?

    SABRINA SINGH:  Yeah, you know, I’m not — I don’t have any announcements to make in terms of travel, but when we do, I’m — you’ll be the first to know. Yes, in the back.

    Q:  Thanks, Sabrina. You emphasized that the?

    SABRINA SINGH:  I just — I’m sorry. I just committed to giving Louis an exclusive on the secretary’s travel. So yeah, yeah, sorry. And you know, we’ll discuss — we’ll discuss later — sorry, go ahead.

    Q:  Thanks. You emphasized that the administration’s position is that you don’t want to see further escalation and you don’t want to see an all-out war. Where do you draw the line, you know, especially with regards to a possible ground operation that may be imminent?

    SABRINA SINGH:  Well, like I said, I mean, I don’t know that it is imminent. And what we continue to push for and I’m not trying to use a tired talking point here. It’s actually just, you know, the fact is that we do continue to push for a diplomatic resolution here. From the secretary to, you know, the interagency, that’s something that we continue to engage on.

    And you know, in terms of the conflict itself, we still believe — like right now, the conflict has been contained to Gaza. There’s no question that there are higher tensions in the region. There’s no question that there’s been an increase in border clashes on that northern border.

    But we believe that in order to avert an all-out regional war, it’s through diplomatic means. And so, we’re going to continue to push for that. And you’re seeing that happen in New York and you’re seeing that happen here as well. Last one.

    Q:  Just to follow though, how has the conflict been contained to Gaza? You have civilians being killed in Lebanon.

    SABRINA SINGH:  Sure. But what I would tell you is that it’s not how we would characterize, you know, an all-out full scale regional war. What you’re seeing is a trade of fires back and forth on that northern border. I’d point you to October 8th when Hezbollah started launching those. We’re not seeing this widen out to a regional conflict. And that’s what we are concerned about.

    And that’s why, you know, the secretary from the beginning, whether it be the Ford, the IHC, you know, the 26 MEU that was in the region. And now you have the Lincoln there. You know, we continue to position assets in the region to send a message of deterrence because we don’t want it to scale out. Yes, we acknowledge that, you know, there have been, you know, innocent people that have been killed and we don’t want to see that happen. And that’s why we continue to press for diplomatic means.

    Q:  Can you take one more?

    SABRINA SINGH:  Sure, one more and then I’ve got one in the back and then we’ll —

    Q:  I know this is a planning organization, that’s not the answer I’m looking for.

    SABRINA SINGH:  That’s the answer you’re getting.

    Q:  Yeah. In — in regards to Lebanon, did the Pentagon put together any NIO plans in case there’s the need for it?

    SABRINA SINGH:  You’re so going to hate my answer, but we are a planning organization. We plan for a wide range of contingencies. I will point you back though to, you know, early on last year — or sorry, late last year, but early on after October 7th when I think I was up here, General Ryder was up here getting a lot of questions about NIO. I will say we are always a planning organization prepared for any contingency and we never had to use those plans.

    We will always have plans on the shelves that we can dust off at any time. And that is the amazing thing of our military is we are able to search capabilities to the region. And the secretary did just that. And we have, you know, incredible firepower in the region right now. So again, I’m not going to get ahead of anything. That’s also a State Department decision to make. But Fadi, to answer your own question, we are planning organization. All right, Mike, and then I’ll wrap up.

    Q:  Yeah, you — the Pentagon always talk or often talks about deterrence and giving Israel enough to defend themselves. Does this administration, would they like Israel to actually win their battle, win their war against Hamas, win their war against Hezbollah? Is it — do you have a position on that one way or the other?

    SABRINA SINGH:  Well, I think we’ve said time and again that we support Israel’s right to self-defense. You know, what a — what a win looks like is really for Israel to define, but we are supporting them and their right to self-defense. And of course, you know, we understand and, you know, know the threats that they’re facing from these terrorist organizations and that’s why we are supporting them in their fight against, you know, what, you know the threats that they face on their borders. But beyond that I just don’t have more to add. OK, thanks, everyone.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK to speed up military kit deliveries to support Ukraine’s fight

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Government is set to surpass its commitment to deliver 12 AS90 artillery guns within 100 days of taking office, with 16 units now on course to be delivered

    The UK has provided AS90 artillery guns to Ukraine

    The UK will send more vital artillery guns to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s illegal invasion after the UK recommits to £3 billion a year of military support for Ukraine until 2030/31 and for as long as it takes.

    The announcement comes as the UK speeds up the delivery of vital military support, with the new government set to surpass its pledge of delivering 12 AS90 artillery guns within 100 days of taking office.

    A total of 16 units are now on course to be delivered, with 10 already delivered and six more to follow in the coming weeks. Artillery has played a vital role in providing cover for Ukrainian troops and destroying key Russian targets.

    The government have also announced a new joint MOD and FCDO Ukraine unit – led by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey –which will integrate expertise and help drive a new whole-of-government approach to Ukraine.

    Alongside this, defence is creating a new direct cyber pathway to help boost the UK’s cyber resilience, with different tailored selection and basic training requirements.

    This scheme would create direct entry paths into cyber careers in Defence and provide routes for lateral entry for specialists who are mid-way through their cyber careers, expanding Defence’s appeal, increasing workforce diversity, and in turn complementing other trades in the services, rather than acting in competition.

    The Government has also announced that more than 100 outdated policies have been scrapped or updated since July. These include measures blocking recruitment within the Armed Forces of some sufferers of hay fever, eczema and acne, and some injuries that have fully healed, with work ongoing at pace to modernise recruitment.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: ASIA/HOLY LAND – Cardinal Pizzaballa: October 7th is a day of prayer and fasting to invoke peace

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    Thursday, September 26, 2024

    Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

    Jerusalem (Agenzia Fides) – A day of prayer, penance and fasting to invoke the gift of peace in the Holy Land exactly one year after the rekindling of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The initiative was launched by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, through a letter addressed to the entire Diocese of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. “The month of October is approaching, and with it the awareness that for a year the Holy Land, and not only, has been plunged into a vortex of violence and hatred never seen and never experienced before. In these twelve months we have witnessed tragedies that, due to their intensity and impact, have deeply torn our conscience and our sense of humanity,” writes the cardinal, calling “once again on governments and those who have the grave responsibility of decisions to a commitment to justice and to respect for the right of each person to freedom, dignity and peace.” “I invite you, therefore, to a day of prayer, fasting and penance, for the next 7th October, a date that has become symbolic of the drama we are experiencing. The month of October is also the Marian month and on 7th October we celebrate the memory of Mary Queen of the Rosary,” the appeal of the Patriarch, who adds: “Each one, with the rosary or in the ways he deems appropriate, personally but even better in community, find a moment to stop and pray, and bring to the ‘merciful Father and God of all consolation’ (2 Cor 1:3), our desire for peace and reconciliation.” At the bottom, the cardinal also attaches a prayer, composed ad hoc, “to be used freely”. Below is the text:Lord our God, Father of the Lord Jesus Christ and Father of all humanity, who in the cross of your Son and through the gift of his own life at great cost wanted to destroy the wall of enmity and hostility that separates peoples and makes us enemies: send into our hearts the gift of the Holy Spirit, so that he may purify us from every feeling of violence, hatred and revenge, enlighten us to understand the irrepressible dignity of every human person, and inflame us to the point of being consumed for a world at peace and reconciled in truth and justice, in love and freedom.Almighty and eternal God, in your hands are the hopes of men and the rights of every people: assist with your wisdom those who govern us, so that, with your help, they may become sensitive to the sufferings of the poor and of those who suffer the consequences of violence and war; make them promote in our region and throughout the earth the common good and a peace lasting.Virgin Mary, Mother of hope, obtain the gift of peacefor the Holy Land that gave birth to youand for the whole world. Amen.(Agenzia Fides 26/9/2024)Share:

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: In the mysteries of the operating room, jobs with high employability potential

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

    Focus on two complementary medical-technical professions: operating room technician and medical device technologist.

    Start of the day in the operating room. The operating room technician (OT) goes through the patient’s file being cared for by the care team. In this work, it is essential to be prepared for any eventuality, to think about the complications that may arise during a surgical procedure.

    The TSO is one of the links in the treatment chain, guaranteeing hygiene, safety and good care. This is why checking the patient’s identity and identifying any allergies and medical history are the first essential steps before any procedure in the operating room. Then, she puts on her sterile pajamas and proceeds to surgical hand washing.

    Unite around the patient

    Continuation of the adventures in the operating room. The final preparations are finalized: the surfaces disinfected, the devices necessary for the intervention checked.

    The operation can then begin. Silence takes over the operating room. The interdisciplinary team is focused, hypervigilant. “Like an orchestra conductor, the TSO coordinates each step precisely,” explains Luzia Stettler, a teacher at the École supérieure de la santé. “She anticipates the surgeon’s actions by presenting him with the instruments and, in particular, guarantees that the operations go smoothly. Given the complexity of the profession, it requires three years of higher education after a secondary II diploma.”

    Now comes the reprocessing of medical devices, “an activity that occurs after their use on the patient,” explains Hervé Ney, sterilization expert at HUG and president of the Swiss Society for Hospital Sterilization. Coordination between TSOs and medical device technologists is therefore essential.”

    During this time

    A stone’s throw from the operating room, Djésika Anani is busy at Steriswiss, an outsourced sterilization company for clinics and medical centers. She is an apprentice medical device technologist (MDT) in her third and final year. A job that is also behind the scenes, straddling care and technology.

    After the crucial step of hand washing, she puts on her personal protective equipment and joins the sterilization team. Sorting, washing, disinfecting, packaging and sterilizing the medical instruments used now hold no more secrets for the apprentice.

    “After the TSO sends the used equipment for sterilization, there are several steps in three separate areas, from the dirtiest to the cleanest,” Djésika specifies. “In a rigorously followed order, we check the proper functionality and cleanliness of the medical devices after they have passed through the washer-disinfector. Then, we package them and sterilize the instrument sets that will be part of the surgeon’s instrument tray.”

    Four hours have passed since the beginning of the day. Time for the new patient.

    “All TSO ES students find a job before the final exams”

    Three questions for Luzia Stettler, TSO teacher at the École supérieure de la santé.

    Can a medical device technologist (CFC) continue in the “higher education” program as an operating room technician?

    Yes, directly after validating their CFC. Currently, we have two students who have gone through this route. They are exempt from courses and exams concerning sterilization, which represents an entire module (out of the nine in the training plan).

    What about employability?

    100%! All TSO ES students find a job before the final exams, as the shortage of manpower in care, and particularly in the operating room, is significant.

    Are there other opportunities to enter such a profession?

    Of course! However, you don’t improvise as a TSO: providing patients with services with a high degree of quality and safety remains our leitmotif. Nursing graduates who wish to specialize in the operating room field can have their acquired experience recognized and valued, thus validating one year of TSO training, and therefore train in two years. Exemptions are also possible for people who have worked in the operating room for several years and do not have an officially recognized qualification.

    Career focus dedicated to medical-technical care.

    Operating room professionals, TSO students and TDM apprentices will share their experience on Wednesday, October 9 between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), at 4, rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, in Geneva. Zoom professions by registration (45 places).

    To learn more and register: http://www.devenirtso.ch

    All information on vocational training:http://www.citedesmetiers.ch

    Text: Laurie Josserand, OFPC-SISP, DIP / Photo: Laurent CrottetArticle also published in the Tribune de Genève on September 26, 2024

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New virtual breastfeeding support group launched

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    It meets on Mondays via Microsoft Teams from 7pm to 8.30pm. To take part, please email familyhubs.infantfeeding@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

    It joins a series of regular in person support groups which meet across the city, including at:

    • Bingley Family Hub, WV3 0JE, on Tuesdays from 12 noon to 2pm
    • Children’s Village Family Hub, WV11 1PE, on Wednesdays from 10am to 12 noon
    • Bilston Library, WV14 7LU, on Thursdays from 12 noon to 2pm
    • and Whitmore Reans Family Hub, WV1 4AL, on Fridays from 10am to 12 noon.

    All groups are drop in, with no need to book. New parents, pregnant people and toddlers are always welcome and free refreshments are provided.

    Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, added: “Breastfeeding has long term benefits for mother and baby and so we’re keen to encourage it.

    “Research shows that babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop a range of illnesses such as ear infections and upset tummies. It also sets the child on a healthy growth path. And the longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection lasts and the greater the benefits.

    “These support groups, including the new virtual group which has just been launched, give new and expectant parents the help and guidance they need around feeding, and to support and develop their relationship with their baby. They can also get advice about a range of other issues which will benefit themselves and their child, and have the chance to meet other new parents.”

    Poppy Davies, Breastfeeding Support Co-ordinator at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: “We know how difficult breastfeeding can be, especially in the early days, so we hope that parents and parents to be will come along to one of our regular breastfeeding support groups to find out more about feeding their babies and see what help is on offer for them.”

    There is also lots of advice available online at Feeding your baby or by calling the Infant Feeding Team directly on 01902 695578.

    Families can also visit their local Family Hub, which act as ‘one stop shops’, offering guidance and advice to support families through pregnancy and beyond, including infant feeding, mental health and wellbeing, health visiting support and parenting classes. For details of your nearest Family Hub, please visit Family Hubs.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Big wheel, Christmas market and Festival of Christmas set to light up Coventry city centre this winter

    Source: City of Coventry

    A glistening big wheel and Christmas market are set to return to Broadgate as part of the city’s Christmas offer.

    The big wheel will be open from Friday 15 November for both adults and children to ride throughout the day and into the evening, whilst market stalls selling a range of festive food, drinks and gifts will be in place in Broadgate too.

    Festive lights will be on in the city centre on the same day, ahead of a magical free family event, the Festival of Christmas.

    The Festival of Christmas will take place on the evening of Wednesday 20 November, the same date that sees the start of late-night shopping in Coventry. Details are yet to be revealed but visitors can expect a trail of festivities in locations around the city centre from 4pm – 9pm.

    Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Events, Coventry City Council said: “We are delighted to see the return of our popular Christmas market to Broadgate along with the big wheel which was enjoyed by so many last year. There will be no price increase for the big wheel – all ticket prices will remain the same as last year.

    “This year the city centre will see a new event, the Festival of Christmas, which will be free to attend and will replace the traditional Christmas lights switch on.

    “It will allow us to utilise our city space effectively and means everyone can enjoy the big wheel and Christmas market at the same time as our new Festival of Christmas, which I am sure will be a big hit with young people and families.”

    Late night shopping will start on Wednesday 20 November. Coventry City Council will be offering free parking for entry after 3pm on the following dates in Council run, city centre car parks:

    • Wednesday 20 November 2024

    • Wednesday 27 November 2024

    • Wednesday 4 December 2024

    • Wednesday 11 December 2024

    • Wednesday 18 December 2024

    Cllr Patricia Hetherton, Cabinet Member for City Services, added: “The arrival of our big wheel, Festival of Christmas and Christmas market shows we are committed to having a Christmas offer in the city centre that residents can enjoy.

    “The festive lights really do brighten our city centre. They can be enjoyed by those who are in the city centre in the evening late night shopping or spending time in Coventry’s restaurants and bars. The lights are used for a number of occasions including Remembrance Day and Christmas, as well as Diwali where lights will also be switched on along Foleshill Road.

    “The financial challenges that we face as a council mean we may not be able to do as much as we would like or what we have done in the past, but I’m sure the offer will see people enjoy them whilst visiting the city centre.”

    Joanne Glover, chief executive of Coventry BID, said: “Christmas is always a very special time in the city centre and it’s set to be a jam-packed six weeks for businesses and families alike.

    “There will be plenty to see and do and we are looking forward to the celebrations and making it another festive season to remember.”

    Supplied by The Giant Wheel Company, the wheel is over 100ft at its highest point, and provides stunning views of the city.

    Subject to planning permission approval, the wheel and markets will open to the public on Friday 15 November. The wheel and markets will operate every day until Sunday 5 January, except Christmas Day.

    The city’s Christmas offer is being delivered by Coventry City Council in partnership with Visit Coventry and Coventry BID.

    More details about the Festival of Christmas, the big wheel and Christmas market will be revealed soon.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ARU collaborates on new childhood cancer project

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Published: 26 September 2024 at 12:28

    Scientists will work with Medannex to help accelerate treatment for bone cancer

    Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is collaborating with Scottish biopharmaceutical company Medannex on a £313,000 project to develop a new treatment for a childhood bone cancer.

    Thanks to funding from Innovate UK’s Cancer Therapeutics programme, Medannex will work with senior scientists at ARU’s School of Life Sciences and world-leading paediatric oncologists to prepare its first-in-class therapy MDX-124 for a clinical study focusing on paediatric osteosarcoma.

    MDX-124 is the first clinic-ready agent to target annexin-A1, a protein known to drive numerous cancers and other diseases. In preclinical tests, MDX-124 has been shown to stop the growth and spread of certain cancers, as well as harnessing the immune system to attack tumours. MDX-124 is currently being evaluated in a first-in-human Phase 1b oncology study in adults (‘ATTAINMENT’).

    Recent data mining of a paediatric genomics database and staining of tumour tissue has revealed that annexin-A1 is highly expressed in osteosarcoma, making MDX-124 a strong candidate to treat this form of cancer.

    Osteosarcoma is a rare primary cancer of the bone characterised by a high degree of malignancy, strong invasiveness, rapid disease progression and a high mortality rate. Approximately 50% of cases are in children and young adults, representing about 2% of all paediatric cancers.

    In the UK, around 65% of children with osteosarcoma survive for five years after diagnosis, however this drops to only 24% for those with metastatic disease. Therefore, there remains a significant unmet clinical need for novel therapies like MDX-124.

    Professor Chris Parris, Head of the School of Life Sciences at ARU, said:

    “We’re delighted to be collaborating with Medannex to explore this innovative approach to childhood cancer treatment and we look forward to generating key data in the coming months.”

    The project’s Clinical Advisory Board is led by Professor Pamela Kearns, Chair of Clinical Paediatric Oncology at the University of Birmingham, who said:

    “This grant award will allow Medannex to tackle the critical unmet need for new treatments in osteosarcoma. I look forward to helping guide the company’s development in this area and exploring the potential of MDX-124 to radically improve patient outcomes.”

    Medannex CEO, Ian Abercrombie, said:

    “We’re grateful to Innovate UK for this resounding endorsement of the potential of our first-in-class therapy to make a real difference to osteosarcoma patients and their families. Our team is excited to drive the project forward with the support of our scientific collaborators and specialist clinical advisors.”

    Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, will fund £231,000 of the project costs, with the remainder financed by Medannex.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get your haul from the Hall as artisan market returns

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Around 70 of the best independent traders will be heading to St George’s Hall next month to showcase a vast array of stunning and unique products.

    The artisan market, which has FREE entry, returns on Sunday 6 October, after the huge success of the inaugural event back in June. Running from 10am to 4.30pm expect stalls filled with beautiful artwork, jewellery, candles and one-off homeware pieces.

    There will also be a whole host of goodies ranging from chocolates, to cheeses and chutneys, right through to a large selection of crafted pieces.

    Outside the Hall, the food zone will be the perfect place to take a break from browsing, with a variety of hot food vendors offering light bites or more substantial meals. And why not sit back and relax inside with a drink and enjoy the live music performances which will be taking place throughout the day.

    The first market took place on 16 June and attracted more than 3,000 visitors. There are already plans for a winter instalment of the market, which will take place on Sunday 3 November.

    Liverpool is home to a well-established markets offer, from the weekly Great Homer Street Market (Greatie Market) – to a regular programme of farmers’ and craft markets. Please visit the Council’s markets webpages for more information.

    Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Harry Doyle, said: “There is already an autumnal nip in the air and this artisan market is the perfect, family-friendly way to while away an October day.

    “We were delighted with the numbers who came out in June to support local traders, so we knew it couldn’t be just a one-off event. We know that markets, done right, can be hugely popular and we have never been shy about our ambition to grow our markets and make them a key part of our destination offer which will not only appeal to residents, but will also bring in visitors from outside of the city.   

    “I’m sure this next instalment will prove to be popular once again, and that we can make this a permanent, seasonal offer at the Hall.”

    Local trader and textile designer specialising in unique, bespoke city landscapes, Sandra Hepworth, said: “The market was a big hit in June, and I’m so pleased we’re returning to St George’s Hall again. It’s a place where visitors can enjoy a vast array of high-quality products created by local traders, and get that personal, friendly interaction that makes artisan markets like this really stand out from the crowd.

    “And of course being located in such amazing surroundings really gives this venue the edge. I know so many people who are excited to come along in October – not only to check out the unique pieces for sale, but also to enjoy this incredible heritage gem, which many will be visiting for the first time.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Teledyne introduces next generation AI-powered smart camera for industrial automation and inspection

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Teledyne DALSA, a Teledyne Technologies [NYSE:TDY] company and global leader in machine vision technology, is pleased to announce its next generation AI-powered BOA™3 smart camera for industrial automation and inspection.

    The new BOA3 smart camera is designed to leverage the best features from previous BOA generations and combine them with new sensor and AI (Artificial Intelligence) inspection technologies developed by Teledyne. BOA3 is a highly integrated vision system in a compact, rugged smart camera format designed to meet the needs of the most complex, demanding machine vision applications.

    “The new BOA3 is an exciting next step in our smart camera development,” said Szymon Chawarski, Product Line Manager, Vision Systems. “Its modular and flexible architecture will allow us to offer new and powerful solutions for embedded machine vision inspections.”

    BOA3 offers sensor resolutions from 1.2 to 12MP, integrated or C-mount lens options, onboard I/O, and includes easy-to-use machine vision software, all in one common platform. BOA3 smart cameras deliver the flexibility and uncompromised functionality to enable quick, cost-effective embedded machine vision deployments.

    BOA3 comes with iNspect™, an easy-to-use, no-code inspection development software with tools for positioning, part locating, pattern matching, measuring, barcode reading, feature or defect detection, including automatic reading of characters (OCR) based on a pre-trained AI inference network. Combine the broad range of traditional vision tools with powerful AI Classification or Object Detection models created in Astrocyte™, Teledyne DALSA’s GUI-based AI Trainer software.

    Camera Details and Availability

    BOA3 models with 1.2, 5MP, and 12MP monochrome sensors are available immediately. Color versions are planned for release at the end of 2024. New sensor and lens options will be added to the platform in 2025.

    Find out more about BOA3 smart cameras at VISION in Stuttgart, Germany from October 8-10 at Teledyne booth 8 B10. Please visit the BOA3 product page for more information. For sales enquiries, visit our contact page.

    Teledyne DALSA is part of the Teledyne Vision Solutions group and a leader in the design, manufacture, and deployment of digital imaging components for machine vision. Teledyne DALSA image sensors, cameras, smart cameras, frame grabbers, software, and vision solutions are used in thousands of automated inspection systems around the world and across multiple industries. For more information, visit http://www.teledynedalsa.com/imaging.

    Media Contact
    Brooks Riendeau
    brooks.riendeau@teledyne.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/06fd6d5a-7e0f-48e2-ae35-cdf77c31b8a2

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ministerial event Feminist Foreign Policy Plus (FFP+) group Address by Jean-Noël Barrot Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs (25.09.24)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    Ministers,

    Representatives of the United Nations agencies, international organizations and civil society organizations,

    Executive Director of UN Women,

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    Our countries have chosen to officially adopt feminist foreign policy.

    By doing so, they pledged to make the rights of women and gender equality a priority.

    Because feminist foreign policy is a political commitment: to combat violence against women and girls all over the world; to defend and, as decided in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, make gender equality effective; and to reaffirm and promote the universality of the rights of women and girls everywhere that they are under threat.

    And it is on the basis of these principles that I will have the honour and pleasure of welcoming you to France in 2025 as agreed for the next Feminist Foreign Policy Conference.

    2025 will also mark the 30th anniversary of two key documents in the advancement of the rights of women and girls around the world: the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. We must continue to enforce this reference framework and go even further.

    That is why France enshrined the freedom to choose an abortion in its Constitution on 8 March 2024. Guaranteeing sexual and reproductive health and rights means respecting women’s right to control over their own bodies. We must protect that right from any regression, and it must remain an absolute priority for our group. We invite all States to give the right to abortion the highest level of legal protection.

    Going further also means taking into account the challenges presented by the rapid development of new digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.

    In 2023, France launched the Laboratory for Women’s Rights Online, an international platform created to fight online violence against women and girls. By doing so, we are building the first forum of this kind, which will be both a space for dialogue and an incubator for projects.

    The upcoming AI Action Summit, set to take place in Paris in February 2025, will also be an opportunity to address gender bias and barriers to the rights of women and girls online.

    This autumn, France – with the Netherlands – will present a draft resolution to combat online violence against women and girls to the General Assembly. They are the primary victims, and it is time that the international community tackles this issue.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    Violence is also perpetrated against women and girls in the context of war. We cannot resign ourselves to what is happening in Afghanistan, where the Taliban’s policy of segregation is erasing women from society. We have made respect for the rights of women a clear condition for political dialogue to resume. That condition must be met. We should not, cannot, abandon Afghan women and girls. It would be a moral failure.

    Nor can we omit to condemn in the strongest terms the barbaric sexual violence committed by Hamas and other terrorist groups on 7 October last year.

    And we cannot forget the lives of Yazidi women, shattered by the genocidal terrorism of Daesh.

    Relentlessly fighting sexual and gender-based violence and impunity will remain central to our work. France was the first to support the fund launched by Nadia Murad and Doctor Mukwege, and supported the first International Conference of Prosecutors on Accountability for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence at The Hague in March. We will continue to work to support female victims of sexual violence, as we are doing in Ukraine for the victims of Russian atrocities, and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    The international community should not limit its understanding of feminism to the protection of victims. I mentioned the upcoming anniversary of the Beijing Declaration next year; I now want to highlight the role of women as drivers of change for peace, sustainable development and prosperity. Involving women and girls in decision-making processes is both a moral imperative and a condition for our prosperity.

    We therefore support the draft general recommendation No. 4 of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) on the equal and inclusive representation of women in decision-making systems. It is a major step forward. I also commend the work of the Committee and thank Minister Nicole Ameline for her enlightening presentation.

    As we know, women play a crucial role in responding to crises and, together, ensuring peace and security. With this in mind, I hope to one day address a female Secretary-General of the United Nations, as well as her envoy for the political participation of women and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

    I would like to reiterate that France supports the voices of those who defend these rights, often risking their lives, all over the world. The Support Fund for Feminist Organizations, a French initiative, is the world’s leading fund in terms of financing and geographic scope. I am committed to enshrining it in the long term.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    In conclusion, I would like to express France’s support for all women and girls whose voices have been stifled and silenced, and whose freedoms and rights have been denied and trampled. France stands with you, and with them.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Statement on allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    As a result of numerous allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed being reported in the media, we are now asking any potential victim-survivors who may not have come forward before to do so.

    We recognise the significant step many people have already taken in reporting allegations, and know there are many reasons others may have not yet come forward.

    We must ensure every victim-survivor who has reported offences or is considering reporting has the confidence and ability to speak to us.

    Officers are currently making contact with other organisations, including lawyers representing individuals whose allegations have featured in recent media coverage, to ensure they have the opportunity to speak with us and report any offences.

    Additional, specialist support for those who have made contact with us in the past, along with those who come forward, has been put in place and this will continue as our enquiries progress.

    This support will be provided by specially trained officers with experience in dealing with sexual offences who will work with victim-survivors and provide links to external support agencies should this be required.

    It is important to make clear at this stage that it is not possible for criminal proceedings to be brought against someone who has died.

    This means there is no prospect of any conviction relating to Al Fayed himself.

    However, we must ensure we fully explore whether any other individuals could be pursued for any criminal offences.

    As such, we are carrying out full reviews of all existing allegations reported to us about Al Fayed to ensure there are no new lines of enquiry based on new information which has emerged.

    Commander Stephen Clayman said: “We recognise the significance of the allegations made against Mohamed Al Fayed and the impact this has had on those affected. It is vital that any victims have a voice and are able to report any allegations if they have not done so before, and know that they will be taken seriously. We have specialist teams to ensure all those victims who make contact with us are supported in the best way possible.

    “I understand that for many years many people have sought answers in relation to this case. We will do everything possible to update on our progress when we can, but it is crucial we do this thoroughly and we do it right.”

    There are various ways to contact police about your experience:

    – call the Complex Investigation Team on 020 8217 6582 or 6586 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Sunday;
    – call 101 at any time and quote CAD1920/26Sep;
    – email here or CSCMailbox-.ComplexInvestigationTeam@met.pnn.police.uk
    – use the following online portal here where you can provide information here.

    Information and further advice on speaking to police if you have been the victim of a sexual offence, or to access independent support groups, can be found on our website.

    Allegations

    At this time we have identified 19 allegations which resulted in crimes being recorded involving Al Fayed relating to 19 separate women that were reported to the Met between 2005 and 2023.

    The offences were alleged to have taken place between 1979 and 2013. Of these reports, three were allegations of rape, 15 were sexual assault and one related to trafficking.

    Between 2005 and 2023 we approached the Crown Prosecution Service on five occasions – two of these, in 2009 and 2015, were to pass full files of evidence. The remaining three approaches were for early investigative advice.

    In all 19 allegations that were reported to police there was no further action taken against Mohamed Al Fayed.

    We have now received new allegations from people who have not previously contacted us about Mohamed Al Fayed. We are not confirming the number at this time.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK Government’s Regional Development Director visits Ashgabat

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK delegation led by the UK Government’s Regional Development Director visited Ashgabat from 9 to 15 September 2024.

    Sarah Cooper, Regional Development Director FCDO presents at the Forum.

    The UK Government’s Regional Development Director; Regional Climate Adviser; and Regional Private Sector Development Adviser visited Ashgabat from 9to 15 September, 2024.

    The UK Government’s Regional Development Director, Regional Climate Adviser and Regional Private Sector Development Adviser in Ashgabat.

    The objective of the visit was to explore areas of mutual co-operation between the UK and Turkmenistan on areas including climate change, economic, social development, and education partnerships.

    The UK Government’s Regional Private Sector Development Adviser speaks at the Forum

    During the visit, the FCDO team had the opportunity to meet with government representatives covering energy; water; economic development and social protection. The team also met development partners including bilateral partners and UN agencies.

    The visit will pave the way for further UK engagement in Turkmenistan across a number of areas:

    • small and medium enterprise development
    • climate change, for example, through a flexible fund to support climate adaptation for communities
    • building education partnerships with UK universities, including continuing professional development for teachers, especially on English language

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Climate change conferences in Turkmenistan across all velayats

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Climate change conferences in Dashoguz, Balkanabat, Turkmenabat, Buzmeyin and Ashgabat.

    The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) stands as a unique and significant platform for students.

    With encouragement and support from the President of Turkmenistan (and in the lead up to the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change), a series of youth conferences on climate change were held in Turkmenistan across all ‘velayats’ (regions) including: Dashoguz, Balkanabat, Turkmenabat, Buzmeyin and Ashgabat. These events brought together young people to discuss current environmental issues and looked at finding ways for Turkmenistan’s youth to actively participate in solving problems related to climate change.

    The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) participants

    The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) is a unique and significant platform, as the youth-led climate initiative fully supported by the Turkmen government. This initiative was introduced by the British Embassy in Turkmenistan back in 2021, supported by the United Nations Coordinators Office and other UN agencies. Fellow embassies have since lent their support, including the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in 2023 and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in 2024. The biggest leaders of this movement are however the Sustainable Development Goal Ambassadors and climate activists who have campaigned throughout the years.

    The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) stands as a unique and significant platform

    Hosting the series in different cities has allowed local youth to address climate issues specific to each location. This ensures that local challenges are recognised and tailored solutions are developed to meet needs. Through LCOY, Turkmenistan’s youth are at the forefront of driving change, positioning themselves as critical players in the challenges against climate change.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Expands Energy-Saving Innovations to Help Customers Get Ahead of Peak Energy Season

    Source: Samsung

     

     
    LONDON, UK – SEPTEMBER 26, 2024 – Today, Samsung Electronics UK announced innovations that provide users with smarter and more efficient ways to control their energy. The company unveiled new technology and partnerships to optimise energy usage throughout the home.
     
    Ahead of Winter, Samsung UK revealed a host of advancements powered by SmartThings Energy: eco-tech provider Hive’s thermostats will be integrated into SmartThings from the middle of October, so customers will benefit from an extension of the British Gas PeakSave program, and Tesla technology will also be compatible with the SmartThings App.

    Increased SmartThings Connectivity with Hive Integration
    To further simplify how users manage their energy usage at home, SmartThings Energy is integrating Hive’s thermostats, so that households can control their home’s temperature directly through the SmartThings app.
     
    The integration of Hive thermostats allows consumers to check their home’s current temperature and set new temperature targets as well as setting at home temperatures when customers are on the move. Installing a Hive Thermostat can save customers up to £172 per year on their heating bill[1]
     

     
    Maximising Energy Savings through Leading Partnerships
    In partnership with British Gas, Samsung UK is also helping households better manage their energy use and make savings when it comes to their energy bills. The expansion of the collaboration between Samsung and British Gas allows SmartThings Energy users to automate appliances, and other connected products, as part of British Gas PeakSave.
     
    The PeakSave program rewards customers for reducing their electricity usage during peak hours, to times when there is more renewable energy readily available. SmartThings Energy users can automate appliances’ operating modes during these times, allowing them to easily take advantage of periods when electricity is half-price due to there being lots of renewable energy available, and rewards users for shifting their electricity to when there is less demand. So far, British Gas has paid over £13 million to 650,000 customers taking part in the scheme.
     
    Boosted Home Energy Experience with Tesla Energy API for UK users
    Energy-saving starts within the home, but it doesn’t need to stop there. Earlier this year at CES Samsung announced its collaboration with Tesla for SmartThings Energy and now UK users can benefit from this increased connectivity, allowing users to easily access information relating to users’ energy production, storage and usage via SmartThings Energy.
     
    Made possible through Tesla’s open APIs, the expansion of SmartThings Energy allows users to connect with their Tesla Powerwall, and Solar Inverter for a more streamlined smart home experience.
     
    In addition to making it easier to manage energy consumption, this integration allows for better preparations for power disruptions and outages. SmartThings syncs up with the Tesla app’s Powerwall ‘Storm Watch’ function – meaning in the case of extreme weather events users can be alerted through SmartThings on their connected Samsung TV’s and mobile.
     
    Deborah Honig, Chief Customer Officer, Samsung UK and Ireland, comments: “We know that controlling energy consumption is a top priority for our customers, and as we head into winter this becomes an even bigger priority.
     
    “We are continually evolving our SmartThings energy management features and extending our partnerships with British Gas and Tesla, to make it even easier and more intuitive for customers to manage their home energy usage.
     
    “By providing new automated tech solutions that help our customers save time, money and energy, we are seeing even more people do that ‘little bit extra’ every day to take of their home and the planet.”
     
    Dan Rosenfield, Managing Director of Hive, added: “We are delighted to be extending our partnership with Samsung to energise a greener, fairer future for our customers. As we head into Winter, we are making it easier for our customers to save money on their energy bills and cut carbon through integrating our market-leading propositions into the SmartThings app.”
     
    SmartThings is the only place where Tesla Powerwalls, British Gas PeakSave, Samsung Smart Home appliances, and Smart Meters can be managed in one place to optimise the use of energy across the home. These new partnerships and innovations are part of Samsung’s drive to enhance the multi-device experience of SmartThings users.
     
    [1] Saving of £172.17 based on a Ofgem typical annual gas consumption of 11,500 kWh at the October 2024 UK average unit price of 6.238 pence per kWh including VAT. Emissions saved per year: 508 kg CO2 (0.184kg per kWh). Actual savings will vary depending on individual circumstances./span>
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 25/09/2024 Varsovia | Sejm Government information in the Sejm regarding actions taken in connection with the flood

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    El primer ministro Donald Tusk presented to the Sejm information on the government’s work so far in connection with the flood that is sweeping through Poland. Ministers involved in aid activities also presented their reports. The last few days have seen numerous crisis teams, meetings with injured residents of flooded areas, and work on solutions that will make it easier to deal with the effects of flooding. One thing is certain – thanks to the actions of the services, residents and volunteers, a larger disaster was avoided. Thanks to the “silent heroes” The head of government began his speech by thanking the inhabitants of the areas affected by the state of natural disaster, the services, and everyone involved in providing help. “Without this, the gigantic effort of tens of thousands of people there and hundreds of thousands of people who in various ways show solidarity and practical help to those fighting the flood, we would not have had it with this greatest downpour in history,” said the Prime Minister from the parliamentary rostrum. Much damage was done during the flood. houses and apartments as well as roads, bridges, schools, clinics, the hospital in Nysa was also flooded. However, thanks to people’s efforts, the damage will be much less than during the flood in 1997. “According to preliminary assessments, the destroyed and flooded residential premises this year, despite this great flood, the largest in history, will probably be 10 times less than in 1997″ – Donald Tusk informed. Thanks to the efforts of residents and state services, many towns were saved. We also protected large cities such as Wrocław and Opole. “When another staff briefing was held in Wrocław this morning, I saw the relief of the Lower Silesian Voivode and the President of Wrocław when they could confirm the forecast from the last hours that the state of alarm on the Oder in Cław was a thing of the past ”- noted the Prime Minister. From the very beginning, the Prime Minister and the Ministers monitored the situation in places that were threatened by high water, including: Kłodzko, Głuchołazy, Nysa, Jelenia Góra, Wrocław, Głogów, Nowa Sól and Szczecin. Pre-emptive actionsThe state acted from the first hours, when alarming forecasts from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management regarding upcoming heavy rainfall appeared. Local crisis meetings, as well as those with the participation of the Government Center for Security, the Ministry of Interior and Administration and the services, were held from Wednesday, September 11. “On September 11, the RCB sent a message informing about the threat. Immediately after receiving this information, I ordered a briefing to be organized with the services and voivodes of the voivodeships that were at risk, recommending that all actions be taken to prepare for the flood,” emphasized the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration, Tomasz Siemoniak. Another crisis meeting was held on September 12, this time under the leadership of Minister T. Siemoniak. The next one is on Friday, September 13, in Wrocław, with the participation of the head of government. “On Friday 13, the morning forecast was: the rainfall would not be as heavy as we forecast the day before. On Friday evening, the forecasts deteriorated again,” explained Donald Tusk. From the very first moments, the government did not ignore forecasts and warnings and took action to secure endangered places. “From the first day, we called on all residents and repeated it every day, many times: do not ignore the fire brigade’s recommendations. and the police about the need to evacuate. From the first hours, the fire brigade, police and army reached places that were not yet flooded but at risk,” noted the Prime Minister. Soldiers from the Territorial Defense Forces were also involved in the activities from the very beginning. “The Polish Army has been involved in the activities from the very beginning. actions to protect the life and health of the population and in all activities related to the fight against floods,” said the Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Ministry of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, in the Sejm. and the police were on standby even before the high waters arrived. The services secured crisis places and ensured the safety of residents. “The first hours were devoted primarily to rescue. […] First of all, it was necessary to save human life, health and property and belongings of these people. This was the first, most difficult phase,” noted Donald Tusk. The second phase of assistance is ad hoc support. The government has secured funds to fight the effects of the flood. Each injured party can receive PLN 10,000 in emergency support. “Currently, over PLN 30,000 of these benefits have been paid within a few days. […] There will certainly be no shortage of funds,” the head of government emphasized. Flood victims can also receive up to PLN 100,000 in non-refundable support for the renovation or reconstruction of farm buildings. In the case of residential buildings, they can apply for up to PLN 200,000 in non-refundable support. “Wherever it is necessary to rebuild from the foundations or relocate residents from clearly flooded areas, or reconstruction will not make sense – the state will take on the organizational and financial effort,” he assured. Primer Ministro. Yesterday, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft bill containing provisions that are intended to facilitate the fight against the effects of the flood and help those affected. We will not leave people alone. The government has secured funds in the state budget to help those affected by the flood. We will also receive financial support of PLN 20 billion from the European Commission. Ministries also organize aid from their own budgets. “On Saturday we will amend the draft budget. Currently, we will have approximately PLN 23 billion at our disposal for eliminating the effects of the flood, emergency and financial assistance, repairs and reconstruction of infrastructure, as well as for Reconstruction Plus,” said the Prime Minister. Every person who has been left without a roof over their head can count on for state aid. No one will be left without a safe shelter. “We need to provide temporary places of residence, it may be a modular house, a container or, in the short term, a hotel for which we will pay,” said Donald Tusk. The Prime Minister assured that the fire brigade and army will continue to help in removing the effects of the flood. “We will have the forces of the army and fire brigade on site until this action of cleaning, drying and adapting these places to life again ends,” the head of government emphasized. The Reconstruction Plus program will lead to new infrastructure will be built in places affected by the flood, which will guarantee greater security in the future. Transparency of state activities. Crisis meetings held in southern and western Poland were broadcast by the media. Thanks to this, everyone could listen to the current report on the activities of the government, local government and services, as well as get acquainted with the current meteorological and hydrological situation. “I have consistently tried to make information on the flood situation available to all interested parties at least twice a day. This was necessary because there was a huge wave of disinformation that could impede the work of the services,” noted the Prime Minister. The Internal Security Agency was also involved in work for information security, which, among others, detained a person spreading false information about blowing up the embankments. Social media accounts were also detected that spread disinformation related to the flood in Poland. Commitment and dedication of the services. The great heroes of recent days are firefighters, soldiers and policemen who ensure the safety of residents in flood areas around the clock. “At the moment, 25 units are still assigned to the operation. thousand soldiers, 20 thousand are involved in direct operations. At the peak, there were over 25,000 soldiers engaged in the fight against the flood and removing its effects,” informed the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense. As part of the activities of the Polish Army, over 1,300 units of military equipment were deployed. Additionally, engineering troops were involved in the activities, clearing 129 km of roads and making 27 reconnaissances of damaged bridges. 125 Patrol and Transport flights were also carried out. 4,539 people were evacuated, including 98 people by helicopter. “The army operates in all domains, it also takes care of serving meals. Since the beginning of the campaign, 18,000 have been spent. meals for civilians and 27,000 meals were distributed. liters of bottled water. So far, 48 military tankers have delivered approximately 1.4 million de litros de madera to various towns affected by the flood,” said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. All services cooperated together for a very important purpose. The services’ action is still ongoing and will continue as long as necessary. The entire government was involved in anti-flood activities and those related to the effects of the flood. A total of 14 Ministers presented reports on the activities of their ministries to the Sejm.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: The Government of the Canton of Aargau visits Grisons

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Grisons in Italian

    At the invitation of the Grisons government, the government of the Canton of Aargau visited the Canton of Grisons yesterday and today.

    During its visit to the Canton of Graubünden, the delegation from the Canton of Aargau was led by Landamman Markus Dieth. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Dieter Egli, State Councillor Stephan Attiger, State Councillor Alex Hürzeler, State Councillor Jean-Pierre Gallati and Chancellor Joana Filippi as well as Government Spokesman Peter Buri.

    Yesterday, the government received its guests in the Sinergia administrative building in Chur. There, at the beginning of their meeting, the two delegations took part in a joint guided tour of the administrative building. They then travelled to Davos Monstein where they visited BierVision Monstein AG, one of the most beautiful breweries in Europe. They then spent the night on the Schatzalp.

    Today’s program included a visit to the AO Forschungsinstitut, a world leader in preclinical research in traumatology and orthopedics. A presentation by Prof. Dr. Rico Franc Valär on the importance of Romansh and Italian in the Canton of Grisons, followed by lunch, concluded the program.

    The focus of the visit of the Government of the Canton of Aargau was on the maintenance of friendly relations and the exchange of experiences in the cultural, economic and political fields.

    Photograph:

    The Aargau government and the government of the canton of Grisons in front of the Sinergia administrative centre in Chur

    Prime Minister Jon Domenic Parolini with Landamman Markus Dieth

    Contact person:

    Prime Minister Dr. Jon Domenic Parolini, Director of the Department of Education, Culture and Environmental Protection, e-mailJondomenic.Parolini@ekud.gr.ch

    Competent body: Government

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 26/09/2024 Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosiniak-Kamysz in the Sejm: The Polish Army has been involved in all activities related to the fight against the flood from the very first hours

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    From the very first hours, the Polish Army has been involved in actions protecting the life and health of the population, helping citizens, and in all state activities related to the fight against flooding. (…) At this moment, over 25,000 are still assigned to the operation. soldiers. 20 tips. soldiers of the Polish Army are taking part in the action directly at this moment. At a key moment, at the peak of involvement, there were over 25,000. soldiers involved in the fight against the flood and removing its effects – said Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosiniak-Kamysz during his speech in the Sejm. On September 25, in the Sejm, the Government presented information on the involvement of the services in the fight against the flood and removing its effects. All types of armed forces were used in fighting the flood. All these actions that we carried out were fully coordinated with the activities of the State Fire Service and Police under the leadership of the crisis staff – noted the head of the Ministry of National Defense at the beginning of his speech. In his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the military’s actions began immediately after the end of the meeting of the Government Security Center on 11 September. On September 11, the Territorial Defense Forces recognize it. On September 12, the formation of military task groups begins. The command of this action is entrusted to the commander of the Territorial Defense Forces, General Krzysztof Stańczyk, who from that moment on commands the entire operation – not only the territorial defense troops, but also the operational troops assigned to the operation. From that moment, four military task groups are formed: in Lesser Poland, Greater Poland, Silesia and Lower Silesia… (…) From September 12, engineering task groups separated from operational troops are created with eight green helicopters, self-propelled transporters, sailing with sappers’ boats, with troops engineering. On September 12, commanders of WOT brigades establish close cooperation with services and territorial administration bodies. As a result, they direct liaison officers to 6 provincial crisis management centers and 4 district and 11 municipal centers. September 13, when the headquarters is held in Wrocław under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. Oh dios. 14 at the General Staff in Warsaw, with the participation of the most important commanders, I receive a report from the Chief of the General Staff, the Commander of the Territorial Defense Forces and the General Commander of the Armed Forces about the readiness of 4 task teams, task groups and 5 engineering teams. They are going into action, they are the first to be launched on September 13 in the Opole Voivodeship in Głuchołazy, said the head of the Ministry of National Defense, informing about the army’s activities. The head of the Ministry of National Defense informed that direct actions were directed, among others, to: over 1,300 units of military equipment, including 758 passenger vehicles and trucks, 17 sanitary vehicles, 43 bulldozer-loaders, 59 dump trucks, 19 PTS, 40 sappers’ boats. Further actions that were taken concerned the engineering component. (…) Engineering troops have been present in operations from the very beginning. Now they are carrying out activities analyzing the places where the bridges broke. Special teams have been identified. Engineering troops carried out operations to unblock 129 kilometers of roads. They reconnoitred 27 damaged bridges in four locations: Głuchołazy, Krapkowice, Stronie Śląskie, Lądek, Zdrój. Corrective actions are already underway. The crossing is being carried out. The engineering forces will again build temporary bridges using the DMS-65 structure obtained from the Government Agency of Strategic Reserves. The reconstruction of temporary road infrastructure is being carried out in most towns, said Vice Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz. One of the important tasks carried out by the army was air support. 125 air missions were completed. And there are patrol and transport flights, those that dropped 744 big bags. 4,539 people were evacuated, including 98 people using helicopters. The army also provides water and food to residents of the affected areas. It also supports their Distribution. Since the beginning of the campaign, 18,000 meals have been served to civilians and 27,000 liters of bottled water have been distributed. 48 cisternas have so far delivered 1.4 millones de litros de agua to various towns affected by the flood. The Polish Army also provides medical assistance in post-flood areas. A military hospital was established in Nysa, which has so far admitted about 400 patients. The couple shows how much involvement was needed in this operation as well. Seven mobile clinics have been established, not only outpatient clinics, but also specialized clinics. The military sanitary inspection has been involved, informed the Deputy Prime Minister. The next steps include the operation of the chemical forces component. There are 8 teams working to disinfect rooms. Disinfection is underway in schools, kindergartens, public places, as well as, if necessary, in households and farms where water has reached and a full return to functioning and normality is needed – said the Deputy Prime Minister of the Ministry of National Defense to the Sejm. The Head of the Ministry of National Defense informed about Operation “Feniks”, launched on September 23, aims to support the activities of residents and local governments in cleaning up and rebuilding post-flood areas. We have activated a multi-wave, multi-month Operation Feniks, aimed at rebuilding, tidying up and returning not only to the state before the flooding and damage, but as the Prime Minister indicated the direction at his staff, to raise the quality of these places, the usability of these places to the best possible standard. The bromear couple is very important to us that the quality of life and normality return there as soon as possible – said the head of the Ministry of National Defense. At the end of the speech, the head of the Ministry of National Defense thanked all the soldiers of the Polish Army, commanders, their subordinates, officers, non-commissioned officers, all of them for their boundless dedication. Bromear loves one of you proud. All those who benefit from your help are grateful to you. To Minister Siemoniak, I would like to thank the firefighters of the State Fire Service, the Police, all uniformed services subordinated to the Ministry of Interior and Administration and all the firefighters of the volunteer fire brigades, all those who showed up to fight the flood in extraordinary numbers. Minister Klimczak is responsible for all services related to the unblocking of communication routes – railways, road workers, transport workers. But most of all, on behalf of not only myself, but also all of us, I would like to thank the solidarity and brotherhood of Poles, which always wins, said the head of the Ministry of National Defense.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: ASIA/BANGLADESH – The trials of Bangladeshi Christians and the support for the Rohingya (with the help of the Pope): interview with the Apostolic Nuncio

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    Thursday, September 26, 2024

    by Fabio BerettaDacca (Agenzia Fides) – “The situation in Bangladesh”, where Christians represent just 0.30% of the population, “is very delicate. In general, Christians live peacefully, but there have been cases in which they have suffered abuse and bullying from their neighbors.” This was told by Archbishop Kevin Randall, Apostolic Nuncio in Bangladesh since 2023, who, when asked by Fides about the recent meeting he had with the Chief Advisor of the transitional government, outlines a cross-section of society and the commitment and support of the local Church and the Pope Francis in support of the Rohingya. After the protests and social tensions, what is the situation in Bangladesh? The situation in Bangladesh is very delicate. With an interim government some are wondering when there will be elections. Others want to rewrite the Constitution. Others say an interim government has no authority to rewrite the Constitution. In the meantime, mob violence dominates the country and the rule of law is reduced. How are Christian communities experiencing this historical moment? In general, Christians live peacefully, but there have been cases in which they have suffered abuse and bullying by of their neighbors. The police are helpless. After Sheik Hasina left the country, many officers became afraid and went into hiding. They left their uniforms to wear civilian clothes and no longer went to work. Do the Christian communities have specific expectations or feelings compared to the rest of the population? Yes, the Christian community hopes that the provisional government will protect the minorities in this transition period. Christian villages are under threat because there are those who aim to take over their land, even if they come from the same ethnic group as them. Many citizens, whether Christian, Buddhist or Hindu, are treated as unwelcome people, “as if they were foreigners”, when they are not. The Constitution declares that Bangladesh is a secular state with an official religion: Islam. But there are those who confuse the expression “official religion of the State” with the idea that “minorities do not belong to this land” and that this is “an Islamic State”. During the meeting with Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to leadership of the provisional government, the need to “protect” minorities emerged. Where does this concern come from? According to the 2022 census, Christians in Bangladesh represent 0.30% (about 500,000 believers) of the national population. There have been cases of threats against villages, homes and especially schools. In many Catholic schools there have been intimidations leading to several teachers being fired. Some Muslims told school leaders that their children would dress in a certain way, especially if they were girls. But wearing the burqa is against our uniform regulations. With Dr. Yunus I discussed issues that concern Christians, as well as Buddhists and Hindus. It must be remembered that the Hindu minority is around 8%. They had many temples destroyed, their shops were burned. Dr. Yunus agreed that all minorities need protection and is trying to establish a law that would bring order. Recently, the creation of an interreligious dialogue body between the Holy See and scholars of Islam in Bangladesh has been suggested. How was this idea received? The idea of ​​having an interreligious dialogue is not mine. The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, through a letter, asked for it but already years ago, when Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran was head of the then Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. Tauran himself, during his trip here to Bangladesh, spoke about it with former prime minister Sheik Hasina. I raised this idea with Sheik Hasina and, more recently, asked Dr. Yunus and his team to think concretely about this possibility. The concept was well received, but I think they have other concerns. With respect to this project, are there already concrete steps for its realization? No, but they can be proposed. We can’t force it. Unlike the United Arab Emirates, where Pope Francis signed the document on fraternity, or Indonesia, where the same Pontiff signed a new document on tolerance praising the “friendship tunnel” that connects the cathedral to the mosque in Jakarta, In Bangladesh, interreligious dialogue does not find much support, even when it is practiced at the level of academic discussions. On humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees, the Chief Councilor asked for the support of the Vatican. How can this request be taken into consideration? The Chief Councilor did not ask me for help from the Holy See, as reported by various media. He has asked for the Holy See’s support in the reforms he and his team are carrying out but not in terms of financial help, including with regards to the Rohingya. It was I who asked the Chief Adviser, on behalf of the Pope, to continue to help and protect the Rohingya. I explained that the Catholic Church’s Caritas organization has been helping displaced people continuously since 2017, but that funding is dwindling. Before my departure for Bangladesh, Pope Francis asked me not to forget the Rohingya. These migrants were experiencing violence in their own country and came here for help. But unfortunately, the Rohingya are perceived by the Burmese as an ethnic and religious group that belongs to “this country”, Bangladesh. Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario and I paid an official visit. The living conditions are very difficult. Children and young people are not given any education. Additionally, by law, 25% of our assistance must go back to the local community. I am happy to announce that the Pope is sending further financial aid. This gesture of his will help many. (Agenzia Fides 26/9/2024)Share:

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrating the Launch of Mockingbird in the D2N2 Region

    Source: City of Derby

    Local authorities across the D2N2 region are proud to announce the launch of Mockingbird, a pioneering and award-winning programme led by The Fostering Network, which transforms the delivery of foster care.

    This innovative model has been successfully implemented across fostering services in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham (D2N2), creating a strong, resilient, and supportive network for children, young people, and foster families.

    Mockingbird constellations have been established in every local authority fostering service across D2N2. Each constellation consists of up to ten satellite families (fostering households) supported by a Hub Home Carer and a liaison worker. The Hub Home Carer plays a key role by offering both planned and unplanned sleepovers, emotional and practical support, and organising monthly social events to strengthen the bond between families. These events will range from movie nights to picnics and BBQs, creating opportunities for carers and young people to form lasting relationships.

    The Mockingbird programme is funded through the Department for Education’s Fostering Recruitment and Retention grant, which also supports the Foster for East Midlands fostering recruitment hub. With continued success and subject to future funding, the goal is to expand the Mockingbird model even further across the D2N2 region, enabling more foster families to benefit from the programme.

    The official launch event was held in August at the Woodland Adventure Zone, Portland College in Mansfield. Attended by fostering families, key stakeholders, and special guests, the event marked an exciting milestone for the fostering community. Heads of service from each local authority, including Andy Smith, – Derby City Council’s Strategic Director of People Services, Rachel Miller, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Service Director for Children’s Commissioning and Resources, and representatives from The Fostering Network, joined local councillors and colleagues from the Department for Education (DfE) to celebrate this achievement. The Cabinet Members for children from Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council were in also in attendance.

    Mockingbird has been running successfully in England since 2015, with constellations established throughout the country. In recognition of its impact, the programme was awarded the Big Impact Award at last year’s Third Sector Awards, with judges praising it as “a fantastic and innovative project, bringing real change and with demonstrable impact”. They described it as “a sea-change in the way foster care is delivered.”

    Andrea Dore, Mockingbird Team Manager said,

    This event marked the coming together of our fostering families across the D2N2 region to celebrate friendships, having fun, making memories, and building a strong sense of community. I am so proud of what we have all collectively achieved in a few short months.

    This community-based model of fostering is working, and we are already seeing really positive outcomes. Our foster carers feel better supported, and our young people are making friends, enjoying sleepovers, and building relationships with safe, trusted adults outside their immediate fostering families.

    What I love most is that everyone in our fostering families is included in the activities and events we offer, and the support provided by our Hub Home Carers is invaluable.

    Sarah Olowo, Mockingbird Coach from the Fostering Network said,

    I am extremely proud to be part of the Mockingbird launch for D2N2, a lot of hard work and effort went into the implementation phase and launching. It was wonderful to see the Mockingbird model come to life; you can see the foster carers and young people forming their micro communities of support with one another supported by their fantastic hub home carers and liaison workers.

    A truly heartwarming experience seeing the young people of all different ages bonding with their hub home carers and building friendships with one another.  Each constellation is unique, but you can see they share many of the Mockingbird core values as that sense of family, having fun and building safe communities shone throughout the day.

    Andy Smith, Derby City Council’s People Service Director said,

    As the Strategic Director for People Services in Derby I was delighted to represent the four Directors of Children’s Services across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire at the official launch of our Mockingbird programme. It was inspiring to speak to carers and hear first hand what a difference being part of a constellation is making to the lives of children and carers, which is even more impressive given that constellations have only been in place for a relatively short space of time. 

    It was clear to see and hear that young people and foster carers are forming friendships and building relationships, with some lovely examples of young people accessing sleepovers for the first time.

    Overall, foster carers told me they are feeling more supported with hubs becoming more self-sufficient. It was a great launch event with a real buzz around the park. Well done and thank you all!

    For information on Mockingbird visit the Fostering Network Mockingbird website or for more information about fostering visit the Foster for East Midlands website or call 03033 132950.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester to host 2025 UK Space Conference

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Space professionals from organisations across the UK will descend on Manchester in July 2025 for the UK Space Conference.

    Sponsored by the UK Space Agency, the biennial event brings together organisations with an interest in space to meet, network, discover business opportunities and help shape the future of the space sector. The event will be held at Manchester Central on 16 to 17 July 2025.

    Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

    Following successful conferences in Newport and Belfast, and after opening new satellite offices across the UK this year, we are excited to host the UK Space Conference in Manchester, the world’s first industrial city.

    We look forward to welcoming attendees from across the UK, forging new collaborations and championing the benefits of the space industry as a key provider of jobs, prosperity and innovation.

    The UK space sector generates £18.9 billion and employs 52,000 people – and supports critical national Infrastructure, including energy grids and healthcare services. 

    Colin Baldwin, Executive Director of UKspace, official trade association of the UK space industry, said:

    UKspace is delighted to be supporting the 2025 UK Space Conference. This biennial event, organised by and for the sector through our strong and connected ecosystem, brings us together to discuss key issues and opportunities including addressing skills challenges, supporting fit-for-purpose regulation, spreading sustainability standards and promoting private investment – all of which underpins the long-term health of the sector.

    This first UK Space Conference under the new government will enable the sector to showcase how it plays a significant role in the delivery of the Government’s five missions – high growth, safer streets, clean energy, opportunity for all and a society that is fit for the future.

    In the early 19th century, the rapid growth of Manchester’s cotton industry drove the town’s expansion, putting it at the heart of new, global networks of manufacturing and trade.  The city is now the heart of the wider region’s thriving space sector, which comprises over 180 organisations and over 2,300 space professionals – collectively termed the North West Space Cluster.

    Companies based in Manchester include graphene specialists Smart IR, who are using breakthrough technology to control infrared thermal radiation and Graphene Innovations Manchester, who have ambitions to develop human rated graphene space structures. MDA Space UK is expanding their workforce and operations in all their UK locations, including their site near Manchester Airport, where their growing team designs and delivers digital systems and payloads for telecoms satellites.

    A night time view of Manchester from space. Image: NASA

    The North West sector has been supported by investment from the UK Space Agency’s Local Growth initiative and STFC’s (Science and Technology Facilities Council) industrial cluster development, which is helping to drive its expansion, accelerate innovation and seize commercial opportunities.

    STFC’s Alan Cross, Development Manager, North West Space Cluster, said:  

    From Jodrell Bank’s early breakthroughs to launch vehicle testing at Spadeadam in Cumbria, the North West has a proud legacy of driving space exploration and innovation. Today, as the UK reaches for new frontiers, the North West’s space sector is thriving.  

    Manchester’s satellite manufacturing and the University of Liverpool’s missions to the International Space Station are just two standout examples of this, and the UK Space Conference 2025 in Manchester will showcase this vibrancy and progress.

    Dr Phil Carvil, Head of STFC’s North West Cluster Programmes said: 

    As we leverage space to tackle 21st-century challenges and prepare for humanity’s return to the Moon, the North West Space Cluster is excited to welcome the UK Space Conference 2025 to Manchester.  

    Our businesses and institutions across the region are leading the way in space innovation and collaboration, inspiring our next generations that they too can take part in shaping the future of space and benefiting society as a whole.

    Renowned for being the birthplace of scientists James Joule and John Dalton, and sparking their discoveries in thermodynamics, meteorology and atomic theory, the region now boasts world class expertise in materials science and has unique capabilities in nuclear materials for deep space applications. A University of Manchester lab holds a world-leading range of equipment for simulation of and experimentation into material behaviours in the extreme conditions of space exploration.

    The largest scientific instrument in Human history, the Square Kilometre Array Observatory, is headquartered in Cheshire alongside the University of Manchester’s prestigious Jodrell Bank Observatory. With investment from both the UK and European space agencies, the National Nuclear Laboratory is also developing the next generation of deep space power systems in Cumbria.

    Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS Group said:

    The UK space sector is growing, unlocking significant opportunities for economic growth throughout the UK whilst delivering innovative solutions to domestic and global challenges.

    I’m delighted to see the UK Space Agency take its biannual conference to Manchester and we look forward to the event as an integral part of the space sector calendar.

    In 2023 the UK Space Conference was hosted at the ICC in Belfast and brought over 1,700 leaders together from national and international industry, government and academia to Northern Ireland for three days and generated a direct economic impact of £1.7 million through visitor spend alone. Local stakeholders in Northern Ireland reported that bringing the conference to Belfast provided Northern Ireland with a unique opportunity to promote its capabilities to an influential global space audience as well as to exchange ideas, plans and encourage development and success in the emerging space age.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homes England visit promotes strength of partnership work in hitting housing targets Sheffield welcomed Homes England to the city so development partners could come together and see progress on the latest projects and discuss future opportunities. 26 September 2024

    Source: City of Sheffield

    Sheffield welcomed Homes England to the city so development partners could come together and see progress on the latest projects and discuss future opportunities.

    Homes England Chief Executive Officer Peter Denton visited five sites across Sheffield alongside senior Sheffield City Council representatives and other development partners. The visit was arranged to see first-hand some of the developments that either have recently been completed or are ongoing and has been achieved by those multiple partners.

    The visit was born from the ongoing work of the Sheffield Together Housing Growth Board, which is chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of Sheffield City Council and includes Homes England, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the Sheffield Property Association and the South Yorkshire Housing Partnership.

    This partnership is key for the area in bringing housing experts together to find ways of hitting housing targets and making sure the demand for good quality, safe, affordable homes across Sheffield is met.

    The group visited three different housing sites last Monday (16th September) as well as the newly opened largest purpose-built food hall in Europe, Cambridge Street Collective – which has recently been crowned British Food Hall of the Year 2024 at the British Street Food Awards.

    The trip culminated in a stay at Sheffield city centre’s latest hotel development at the Radisson Blu – part of the ongoing Heart of the City II development.

    The first visit of the day was at the Capital & Centric-developed Eye Witness Works, the former cutlery factory in the city centre’s Devonshire Quarter.

    Here, Sheffield City Council Chief Executive Kate Josephs joined Mr Denton and representatives of Homes England and Capital & Centric to tour the development of apartments and town houses and see some of the new properties available to rent for families and professionals in the city centre.

    After a walk across Sheffield city centre which took in the Pound’s Park development, the visit stopped at Cambridge Street Collective to see the thriving food hall up and running that has recently been crowned British Food Hall of the Year 2024 at the British Street Food Awards.

    WATCH: Homes England visit highlights the benefits of partnership working in hitting targets

    From here, the next stop was the Together Housing development on Meadowsweet Close and Sorrel Way, just off Ferrars Road in Tinsley.

    Here, Council leader, Cllr Tom Hunt, ward councillors, local MP Clive Betts and Homes England representatives were shown around the development by Together Housing Chief Executive Kevin Ruth and other members of the housing association to see how partnerships such as this can build affordable housing for those in Sheffield that need it.

    Finally, Cllr Hunt and the Council’s Chair of the Housing Committee, Cllr Douglas Johnson, met the visit at the Citu-built Little Kelham affordable housing site off Alma Street in Kelham Island to see a range of new affordable homes being built in partnership with Great Places for city residents near to the city centre.

    The visit was a chance to show how, together, partnerships can help regeneration and development projects deliver, increase the number of affordable homes and bring housing and economic growth opportunities to Sheffield.

    Cllr Douglas Johnson, Chair of Sheffield City Council’s Housing Committee, said:

    “The range of partners is really important because the truth is that no single body can produce the amount of new housing that we need in this country right now.

    “We need councils, housing associations, Homes England and private developers to all contribute towards this bigger goal of good quality and imaginative housing for the future so that everyone can have a home they can afford.”

    Kate Josephs, Sheffield City Council’s Chief Executive Officer, said:

    “We’re really proud of the partnership work we’ve led through the Council, with Homes England, with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, with housing associations and the Sheffield Property Association.

    “The Sheffield Together Housing Growth Board is all about delivering the homes we need in our city. Together with all our partners, we are pushing ahead to meet our housing targets and provide great new places for people to live in our city.”

    Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said:

    “Across the city we are working hard to increase the number of new homes in our city. Everyone should have a safe, secure and affordable place to call home. Good quality homes are fundamental for enabling everyone to live happy, healthy lives.

    “It is great to see new housing developments being completed across our city. I am excited to see more homes being developed in the coming months and years ahead.”

    Kevin Ruth, Chief Executive Officer of Together Housing, said:

    “It was great to be part of Homes England’s tour of Sheffield and to meet so many people who are as passionate about driving support and investment into the city as we are at Together Housing.

    “The growing need for affordable housing is affecting so many in the region, which is why we were thrilled to have Peter Denton and Sheffield City Council members visit our newest housing community in Sheffield to see first-hand the impact of investment. We welcome the prospect of more opportunities for developing communities in the region and hope to see the steps that are being taken to do so, continue.”

    Sheffield City Council is in the midst of agreeing its new Housing Strategy for the next 10 years, which is in its draft stage having gone through two rounds of public consultation this year. The final Strategy is planned to be brought before the Council’s Strategy & Resources committee meeting this autumn for full approval and ratification.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Architectural competition winner crowned for Wolverhampton’s St George’s neighbourhood

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    This summer saw City of Wolverhampton Council join forces with social impact developer Capital&Centric and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to challenge competing teams of renowned architects to put forward their ideas to turn the 5 acre former Sainsbury’s site and historic St George’s Church into a new neighbourhood for the city.

    The team made up of Mikhail Riches and Periscope practices has been crowned the winner.

    Locals flocked to a Dragon’s Den style public consultation event at the University of Wolverhampton at The Halls in July, where each of the 4 teams (made up of 12 collaborating architect practices) pitched their ideas, with people able to give their opinions on their favourite. The competition was overseen by Angela Brady, a former RIBA President.  

    Angela Brady OBE said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for architects to be in competition together, working as a team with other architects to reinvent this disused part of Wolverhampton. All teams came up with vibrant ideas, which made it really hard to pick a winner. 

    “The Mikhail Riches and Periscope team had the edge with their vision, particularly with its retrofitting of the Sainsbury’s building in such an imaginative way. Also the 3 distinct zones they pitched could really create a great future for the area. 

    “This sort of collaboration between Council, developer, RIBA competitions office and architects I think allows a more joined up end result and is a model that other areas should follow.”

    The winning submission proposed a vibrant and varied neighbourhood of sustainable new homes, as well as lush outdoors spaces; boulevards and green streets; shops, cafes and bars; and community spaces.

    They proposed to retain and repurpose parts of the former Sainsbury’s building – in turn saving embodied carbon. The practices have also put the St George’s Church at the heart of the community, surrounding it with new public squares for pop up cultural events, intimate courtyards and social spaces for people to come together.

    The winning design will form the basis of the evolving St George’s masterplan, with a pre planning application submission to follow later this year.

    The announcement comes as part of Wolverhampton’s annual Business Week, that this year explores the power to boost economic growth through housing. St George’s also features as one of the major opportunities in the council’s Wolverhampton Investment Prospectus.

    Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “St George’s is a fantastic opportunity to create a game changing neighbourhood of which the city can be proud. It’s a critical part of our citywide plan to unlock investment in considered development that delivers much needed homes and new opportunities for our communities.

    “The architects teams all produced outstanding design proposals and we are relishing the opportunity to work with the winners, Mikhail Riches and Periscope, to further develop their ideas.

    “It is fitting that this news comes during Wolverhampton’s Business Week, with its flagship event, the Business Breakfast, focusing on economic growth through housing, and we believe St George’s provides the opportunity to set a new design benchmark for brownfield regeneration in the city.”

    Developers Capital&Centric are leading delivery of the St George’s site, drawing on their experience of repurposing historic spaces and building standout new neighbourhoods across the UK, all with an acute focus on social impact. With a competition winner now selected, their next step will be to draw up more detailed designs.

    John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “From start to finish the St George’s architectural competition has been inspiring, from the variety of designs the architect teams put forward, to the people that came out to have their say on the options. The decision was a tough one, but the design by Mikhail Riches and Periscope is a deserved winner. 

    “St George’s is a standout opportunity to take a redundant city site and turn it into something special for the community – retaining some of the existing buildings whilst creating interesting and welcoming new spaces where people want to spend time. We’ll be spending the next few weeks looking over the winning design with the team of architects and the council to fine tune the plans, so it’s primed for us to submit a phenomenal pre-planning application submission.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Welfare not warfare: Labour must scrap disgraceful nuclear weapons

    Source: Scottish Greens

    26 Sep 2024 Peace

    Labour claim they can’t afford to give pensioners the winter fuel allowance or scrap the two-child benefit cap, while giving the nuclear weapons programme a bottomless pit of money

    More in Peace

    Speaking on the UN International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie has urged the Labour government to scrap the Trident nuclear weapons system and use its funding to reinstate the winter fuel payment, scrap the two-child benefit cap and build a fairer, greener future.

    Since entering office, the Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves has launched a new wave of austerity, cutting the winter fuel payment for pensioners and upholding the cruel two-child benefit cap and rape clause which were introduced by the Tories. However, the Scottish Greens are calling for the UK government to use the money it is pouring into nuclear weapons to reverse these brutal austerity measures.

    Speaking on International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie said: “Nuclear weapons are an obscene moral evil that should have no place in 21st-century society. Yet, there are still vast numbers of warheads scattered across the planet, and hundreds of them are based here in Scotland on the Clyde.

    “The Labour government claim that they cannot afford to give pensioners the winter fuel allowance or scrap the two-child benefit cap, yet they are yet again marching lockstep with the Tories in committing to giving the nuclear weapons programme a bottomless pit of money.

    “The eye-watering sums that are being poured into nuclear weapons would be far better spent lifting children and families out of poverty and tackling the climate crisis, which is the greatest security threat we face.

    “But even if Trident had no cost implications, keeping it would still be totally immoral. There can never be any justification for weapons which are only capable of indiscriminate mass killing, or the brutal legacy such as those left by the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki 80 years ago.

    “If we want to take a stand for global peace, we must lead by example. I look forward to the day when an independent Scotland can rid nuclear weapons from our waters and fully commit to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged with murder of man in Haringey

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the murder of a man, whose body was found in a Haringey flat, have charged a man.

    Police were called at about 21:45hrs on Friday, 20 September, following concerns for the occupant of an address in Moselle Avenue, N22.

    Officers attended and forced entry into the flat, where they discovered the man deceased.

    He has been named as 40-year-old Marvin Dickson. His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

    On Sunday, 22 September a 36-year-old man, Dante Forrest (15.09.88), of Moselle Avenue, N22, was arrested in the Edmonton area on suspicion of murder.

    He was charged with murder on Wednesday, 25 September and will appear in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 26 September.

    Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation. A special post-mortem examination held on Sunday, 22 September, found Martin’s cause of death to be blunt force trauma.

    Anyone with information that can assist the investigation is asked to call police on 101 and quote reference CAD 8320/20Sep. To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Decisions of the Council of State of September 24, 2024

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Swiss Canton of Vaud – news in French

    Breadcrumbs

    vd.ch
    News
    Decisions of the Council of State of September 24, 2024

    Published on 26.09.2024

    The decisions of the Council of State of September 24, 2024 are online.

    Share the page

    Share on:

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: The Council of State presents its ambitious plan for purchasing power and opposes the so-called 12% tax initiative

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Swiss Canton of Vaud – news in French

    Press release from the Council of State

    Published on September 24, 2024

    Partners

    Tax strategy for individuals

    The Council of State presented today its tax reform strategy intended to support, along with other measures, the purchasing power of the people of Vaud. This “Purchasing Power Plan” aims to redistribute nearly 270 million francs per year to the population by 2027 and represents nearly one billion francs cumulatively over the entire current legislature. It is part of the major balances constructed in the legislative program and constitutes one of the most ambitious cantonal tax reforms for individuals, comprising progressive and financially absorbable measures. This plan serves as an indirect counter-project to the popular initiative “Tax cuts for all: restoring purchasing power to the middle class” – deemed excessive – and which the Council of State opposes.

    Since the beginning of the legislature, the Council of State has taken several measures to strengthen public benefits to the population that have a direct or indirect impact on purchasing power and improving the quality of life: pricing policy for mobility, professional training in the field of health and social policy. In this last area, family allowances will increase from 2025.

    In a context where the financial outlook has deteriorated (inflation, successive crises, deterioration of federal finances), the Government wishes to maintain the major balances forged in its legislative programme and proposes to the Grand Council to reject the initiative for a 12% tax cut which, with an estimated impact of around half a billion francs per year in tax revenue reduction, would have too significant an effect on cantonal finances and services to the population. The attractiveness of a canton is not only measured by its taxation, but also by the range and quality of services provided to the population by its public services.

    By presenting its Purchasing Power Plan, the Government is today making its fiscal commitments a reality. This plan has three ambitious objectives:

    Firstly, reduce the tax burden on Vaud taxpayers; secondly, improve the tax attractiveness of the Canton of Vaud in order to attract new taxpayers; thirdly, guarantee the financing of public policies and services to the population.

    The Purchasing Power Plan is made up of a series of measures, some of which have already been submitted to the Grand Council and others will be submitted shortly. Thus, nearly 270 million francs will be indirectly redistributed to the people of Vaud by 2027, or nearly one billion francs cumulatively over the entire current legislature. Specifically, the Council of State is proposing to the Grand Council a reform aimed at reducing income tax by a total of 5% and wealth tax by 5% by the end of the legislature. It also proposes raising tax thresholds and improving the framework conditions for inheritances and donations, in order to promote family inheritance and the transfer of businesses to direct descendants. These measures are in addition to the increase in the deduction for health insurance premiums, the deduction for childcare costs, and the reduction in the taxation of movable assets, all of which will come into force in 2023.

    An amendment to the law on the effects of the tax shield is planned, as is, for companies, an amendment to the directive on the estimation of unlisted securities for the purposes of wealth tax (working tool).

    In a long-term vision aimed at promoting purchasing power, the Council of State is also launching work to reform the tax scales on income and wealth, targeting the middle class, subject to the completion of individual taxation at the federal level.

    The Purchasing Power Plan is ambitious and serves as an indirect counter-project to the popular initiative “Tax cuts for all: restoring purchasing power to the middle class” which the Council of State opposes. Indeed, while it shares the will and objective of the initiators to improve the purchasing power of the people of Vaud, the Council of State considers that progressive and financially absorbable measures are preferable. The Government considers that the initiative for a 12% tax cut would harm the balance of public finances if accepted, which is why it invites the Grand Council in its notice to reject it.

    Information and Communication Office of the State of Vaud

    Press information only

    Downloads

    PDF version of the press release

    Other press releases

    This page allows you to find all the press releases published since 1997 by the Council of State, the departments of the cantonal administration, the Grand Council and the Judicial Order. Its shortcut is http://www.vd.ch/communiques. The press releases distributed by other State institutions are available on the following pages:

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: The United States and Partners Mobilize $517 Million to Support Democratic Openings Around the World

    Source: USAID

    Today, USAID Administrator Samantha Power, in partnership with the Ford Foundation, convened bilateral partners, democratic reformist government leaders, philanthropic partners, and civil society to collectively announce over $517 million to support countries experiencing democratic openings globally.

    On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the U.S. government deepened its commitment to supporting democratic “bright spots” by working with Congress to announce over $73 million towards USAID’s Democracy Delivers Initiative. Administrator Power also announced that Guatemala will join the Initiative, following Fiji’s entry in June, as both countries experience historic windows of democratic opportunity. With this announcement, the Democracy Delivers Initiative now supports Armenia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Fiji, Guatemala, Malawi, Maldives, Moldova, Nepal, Tanzania, and Zambia. Leaders from these countries joined the event to highlight their countries’ democratic progress and to welcome new investments and collaborations furthering democratic resilience.

    As part of the U.S. commitment, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced over $348 million in newly committed transactions in Moldova, Tanzania, and Zambia, bringing their total investment to over $2.38 billion for projects in Democracy Delivers countries since 2022. The Inter-American Foundation also announced $3.3 million in new investments in the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Guatemala.

    Administrator Power announced that like-minded partners – including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom – jointly committed to supporting democratic openings throughout their development and diplomatic agendas and to bolstering information resilience. 

    Expanding the Democracy Delivers Commitment to Action launched at UNGA in 2023, philanthropic partners announced new commitments totaling up to $92.4 million to support Democracy Delivers countries and objectives. As an anchor partner and host for the 2024 event, Ford Foundation announced $8 million to support democratic opportunity, including in Guatemala. The following foundations also made commitments: The Rockefeller Foundation, Chandler Foundation, Focus Central America, Hilton Foundation, Luis von Ahn Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Skoll Foundation, Tinker Foundation, Vodafone Foundation, and WINGS.

    Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Administrator Power launched the Democracy Delivers Initiative in 2022 to bring together a multi-stakeholder coalition of partners and surge resources to countries undergoing moments of democratic renewal to help deliver tangible, lasting progress for citizens. By prioritizing responsiveness to citizen needs and enhancing transparency and accountability, these commitments will strengthen government reform efforts and facilitate improvements to public services. 

    Continuing the momentum of the Summit for Democracy process and building upon previous Democracy Delivers events, the gathering underscored the United States’ continued commitment to convening the world’s democracies in order to galvanize sustained collective action and ensure that democracy delivers opportunity and dignity for all.

    We encourage all organizations to join us.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power at the Democracy Delivers Event

    Source: USAID

    ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA POWER: Thank you. It is wonderful to be here with so many friends and co-conspirators and people who stand for dignity and democracy every day. I feel incredibly privileged, honestly, to be a part of this initiative. 

    I could have no better partner in Darren Walker, our incomparable anchor partner in the Democracy Delivers Initiative – the co-host for the second year in a row. Some of you know that Darren will be departing from his leadership role at Ford [Foundation]. None of us can imagine the thought of him not performing this role. He is such a giant in supporting civil society, in supporting human dignity, individual dignity around the world. But, we were thrilled, Darren, to think of what you will do next and the difference you will make in whatever walk of life you pursue. You are a walking catalyst for change, and we feel incredibly grateful to you and to the Ford Foundation for all that you do everyday. So, thank you. 

    Thanks to everybody here who’s joining, as well as all of those online. This is a club that we wish more people wanted to be a member of – a gathering of nations who are pursuing really tough political reforms and who are doing so in the face of even tougher economic headwinds often.

    Two years ago, we first brought this group together amidst a wave of very familiar pessimism, talk of authoritarians emboldened, and democracies under attack. And, honestly, in looking back, too often this pessimism over recent years has overshadowed the bright spots of democratic progress springing up in many places around the world. And, they will always spring up because citizens will never relent when their dignity is denied and when they lack agency over their futures. So, we have seen it: citizens standing up, demanding change, and electing leaders who they were trusting to deliver on that promise. 

    Of course, if we did not focus on these movements – as I think traditionally, we really had not sufficiently – we weren’t focusing on them as movements and as reform engines. Then, it was also very unlikely we were going to focus our support on them in an intentional way. And, that, as we have seen, is a critical mistake. Because often democratic reformers come into office facing really, really significant challenges: entrenched corruption, weak institutions, often debt burdens that prevent them from making the investments that their people need and that their people expect. For reformers to have a fighting chance of delivering on the change that their people demand, they need allies. And, that is fundamentally what this network is about. 

    So, Secretary [Antony] Blinken and I, on behalf of President [Joe] Biden, launched the Democracy Delivers Initiative to help provide the support these reformers need. Secretary Blinken today, unfortunately, just got pulled into an urgent obligation with President Biden and is sorry to be missing us today. But, he – and we – take note of the fact that since 2022, in the short time this Democracy Delivers Initiative has been underway, USAID alone has increased our funding for the original cohort of nine Democracy Delivers countries by over $300 million. That is an increase of over 38 percent.

    At the same time, we knew all along that the true power of this initiative would be bringing others on board to surge support to these democratic bright spots as well. Because the beauty of democratic progress is that it creates opportunity for all. So, at this event, back in 2022, we rallied companies to invest in countries experiencing democratic openings, knowing that improvements in the rule of law, increased transparency, and unleashed innovation make democracies ideal places for private investment.  

    At this event, then a year later and a year ago, in 2023, we rallied philanthropies, many represented here today, to focus their giving, their investments in these places as well, knowing that democratic openings create opportunities to drive change that endures – in partnership with leaders who are not standing in the way of progress they see as somehow threatening, but instead championing and seeking to scale good ideas. 

    This year, the third of these meetings, we are pleased to be joined by other bilateral government partners who, like us, see the opportunity that democratic openings create and are committed to supporting them in their own foreign policy and in their own assistance. I am pleased to announce that today we are releasing a joint statement endorsed by 12 countries so far: Australia, Estonia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Most of these partners are here with us today, committing all of us in this statement to elevating attention to democratic renewal around the world, and committing to look at the ways in which they can increase support across sectors as we work together to make these openings not just moments but movements. 

    This approach is particularly important now as we continue to see new, promising democratic bright spots emerge. 

    And so, just this past June, we welcomed Fiji to the Democracy Delivers Initiative, following on the heels of the first peaceful transfer of power in Fiji’s history which occurred nearly two years ago. And, today, I’m thrilled as well now to announce that Guatemala will be the newest country joining the cohort. 

    Earlier this year, I traveled to Guatemala for the inauguration of President [Bernardo] Arévalo who’s joining us here today. The anti-democratic forces who had been working for months to prevent the president-elect from taking power tried every procedural maneuver that they could to deny the will of the Guatemalan people, delaying the inauguration for nearly ten hours – was it ten hours? But who was counting? And casting into doubt – genuinely casting into doubt – the peaceful transfer of power. But, the people of Guatemala insisted that their will be respected, and they prevailed. After midnight, technically, the day after the inauguration was supposed to occur, President Arévalo finally took the oath of office to an electric crowd chanting, “sí se pudo” – yes, we did.

    Now, as president Arévalo attempts to overcome those same undemocratic forces to deliver on the change that he promised, many of our partners are already surging support. Just to name a few – and you’ll get to hear from others later on – the Inter-American Foundation is helping Guatemala invest in providing the economic opportunities and security that citizens need to build their futures at home. The Tinker Foundation is investing in Guatemala’s education system. The Rockefeller Brothers Fund and Focus Central America are each investing in Guatemalan civil society organizations advancing democracy and justice. 

    Today, we are going to hear from President Arévalo and other leaders who are taking on extraordinary odds to deliver change for their people. And, we are going to hear commitments that partners around the world are making to support this progress. We have many partners with us. So, to make sure we stay on time and can hear from everyone, our timekeeper, Jacob, will help us stay on track – including helping me stay on track. 

    And, to kick us off, I am pleased to announce that USAID will commit an additional $73 million to support democratic development in Democracy Delivers partner countries. This is on top of our programming that we are doing across sectors that many of you are familiar with. But, this new funding is going to support priorities like energy security in Armenia; job growth in Guatemala and Tanzania; public service delivery in Ecuador, Malawi, and Zambia; and democratic governance and anti-corruption efforts in the Dominican Republic, the Maldives, Moldova, and Nepal. And, in recent months, we’ve announced nearly $6 million to support inclusive democratic systems, sustainable local food production, and climate adaptation in Fiji.

    And now, I would like to introduce the President of Fiji, President [Wiliame] Katonivere. Last year, I had the chance, sir, to visit Fiji and to officially establish USAID’s Mission there on the ground. Next week, USAID Deputy Administrator Isabel Coleman, will be leading an interagency delegation to Fiji and other Pacific Islands to continue strengthening our collaboration.

    Let me officially welcome you and the people of Fiji to this Democracy Delivers Initiative. The floor is yours.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tereos fined for failure to comply with CMA merger procedures

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The CMA has found that Tereos failed to comply with a requirement to produce information in connection with its recent investigation into Tereos’ deal with T&L Sugars.

    The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has imposed a fine of £25,000 on Tereos SCA and Tereos United Kingdom and Ireland Limited (together Tereos) for failing to provide relevant information in relation to the T&L Sugars/Tereos merger inquiry.  

    As part of the CMA’s phase 2 investigation, a notice was sent to Tereos under section 109 of Enterprise Act 2002 (the Act) requiring the production of certain minutes and internal documents in relation to its board and corporate governance. Tereos responded to the notice, however, following further enquires by the CMA it was found that Tereos failed, without reasonable excuse, to provide a full response.  

    In particular, the CMA Inquiry Group found that Tereos’ interpretation of the scope of the notice was unjustifiably narrow and untenable when viewed in the context of the object of the merger inquiry and that the failure was capable of having an adverse impact on the CMA’s investigation.    

    In order to reach sound decisions that benefit consumers and the UK economy as efficiently as possible, it is essential that the CMA is able to gather all the evidence it requires. Parties must therefore comply, on time and in full, with requests for information from the CMA during an investigation.

    Richard Feasey, Chair of the independent inquiry group which led the investigation, said: 

    It’s important that firms respect the UK merger review process – which includes providing all the information we need to promptly progress our investigation.  

    Firms and their advisers must not apply their own narrow, artificial interpretation of our formal information gathering requirements– as Tereos has done so here. Had they responded properly then Tereos could have avoided this fine altogether.

    Currently, where there is a failure to comply, without reasonable excuse, with a requirement of a notice under section 109 of the Act, the maximum fixed penalty the CMA is able to impose is £30,000. This is due to increase to 1% of the total value of a business’s worldwide turnover once amendments introduced by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA) come into force.  

    For more information, visit the T&L Sugars / Tereos merger inquiry page.

    Notes to editors:   

    1. A copy of the full notice is available via the case page. 

    2. Tereos was represented in the CMA’s investigation by its solicitors, Squire Patton Boggs.  

    3. The CMA received and considered the documents relevant to the notice under section 109 of the Act from Tereos in advance of clearing the merger on 3 September 2024.  

    4. Where a party fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with investigatory requirements such as a notice requiring the production of documents, the CMA may impose an administrative penalty on that party. The CMA has published guidance Administrative penalties: Statement of Policy on the CMA’s approach (CMA4) on the CMA’s approach and powers in relation to imposing administrative penalties. A draft version of an updated version of the guidance, incorporating changes by the DMCCA was recently consulted on and the CMA is currently analysing feedback following the consultation closing on 23 August 2024. 

    5. The DMCCA received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024. It is currently anticipated that the relevant parts (Part 2, section 143(1) and Schedule 10 paragraph 17) of the DMCCA which relate to the amount of a penalty that can be imposed by the CMA under section 111 of the Act will enter into force in December 2024 or January 2025. These amendments to the Act increase the maximum penalty amount that can be imposed on a business for not complying, without reasonable excuse, with a notice under section 109 from £30,000 to 1% of the annual worldwide turnover in the case of a fixed penalty and from £15,000 to 5% of the daily worldwide turnover of the business in the case of a daily amount.  

    6. For media enquiries, contact the CMA press office on 020 3738 6460 or press@cma.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –