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Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI Translation: AFRICA/KENYA – Resignation and succession of the Bishop of Isiolo

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    Saturday, September 28, 2024

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father Francis has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the Diocese of Isiolo presented by HE Mgr. Anthony Ireri Mukobo, IMC. He is succeeded by HE Mgr. Peter Munguti Makau, IMC, until now Coadjutor Bishop of the same Diocese. (Agenzia Fides 28/9/2024) 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: APOSTOLIC JOURNEY – Pope in Belgium: May the synodal process be a return to the Gospel and not a pursuit of “trendy” reforms

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    Saturday, September 28, 2024

    Vatican Media

    Brussels (Agenzia Fides) – “The synodal process must be a return to the Gospel; it must not have among its priorities some ‘fashionable’ reform, but ask: how can we bring the Gospel to a society that no longer listens to it or has distanced itself from the faith? Let us all ask ourselves this question”. On the penultimate day of the Apostolic Journey to the heart of Europe, Pope Francis meets the Bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, seminarians and pastoral workers of Belgium in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Koekelberg, offering the local Catholic community, and the entire Western Church, a profound reflection on what he himself defines as a “crisis of faith” that the West itself is experiencing. A crisis, the Pontiff underlines, which is pushing the Catholic community “to return to the essential, that is, to the Gospel, so that the good news that Jesus brought into the world may be announced again to everyone, making all its beauty shine”. Christ, he points out, is “a time that is offered to us to shake ourselves, to question ourselves and to change. It is a precious opportunity – in biblical language it is called kairòs – to be awakened from torpor and to rediscover the paths of the Spirit. When we experience desolation, in fact, we must always ask ourselves what message the Lord wants to communicate to us”. This “crisis of faith”, underlines the Bishop of Rome, shows us how in certain areas of the world we have gone “from a Christianity placed in a hospitable social framework to a Christianity ‘of minority’, or rather, of testimony”. And this, he continues, “requires the courage of an ecclesial conversion, to start those pastoral transformations that also concern the customs, the models, the languages of faith, so that they are truly at the service of evangelization”. In this perspective, “this courage is also required of priests. To be priests who do not limit themselves to preserving or managing a heritage of the past, but pastors in love with Jesus Christ and attentive to grasping the questions of the Gospel, often implicit, as they walk with the holy People of God, a little in front, a little in the middle and a little at the back”. Hence the reflection on the synodal process, which in a few days will see a further step forward with the celebration of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly in the Vatican. Finally, the Pope recommends to the Church of Belgium to be merciful: “In the face of the experience of evil, we simply apply earthly justice that says: ‘whoever makes a mistake must pay’. However, the justice of God is superior”. And, dwelling on the concept of justice, the Pontiff also speaks of abuse (last night in the Apostolic Nunciature he met 17 victims of abuse by the Belgian clergy, ed.) thanking the Catholic community “for the great work” done “to transform anger and pain into help, closeness and compassion. Abuse generates atrocious suffering and wounds, also undermining the path of faith. And there is a need for so much mercy, so as not to remain with a heart of stone in the face of the suffering of the victims, to make them feel our closeness and offer all the help possible, to learn from them to be a Church that serves all without subjugating anyone”. In greeting those present, Francis recalls a work by Magritte, an illustrious Belgian painter entitled “The Act of Faith”. The canvas represents a door closed from the inside, which however is broken in the center, it is open to the sky: “It is a gash, which invites us to go beyond, to turn our gaze forward and upward, to never close ourselves in. This is an image that I leave you, as a symbol of a Church that never closes its doors, that offers everyone an opening to the infinite, that knows how to look beyond”. “Walk together, you and the Holy Spirit, to be a Church like this. Without the Spirit, nothing Christian happens,” concluded the Pope, who at the end of the meeting went to the royal crypt, beneath the church of Our Lady of Laeken, where the tombs of many members of the Royal House of Belgium are gathered. Welcomed by the King and Queen, the Pope stopped in front of the tomb of King Baudouin in silent prayer. Subsequently, in front of the King and those present, he praised his courage, when he chose to “leave his post as King so as not to sign a murderous law”. In 1992, in fact, the sovereign abdicated for 36 hours so as not to sign the law on the legalization of abortion. Finally, the Pope urged the Belgians to look to him at this time when criminal laws are making their way, hoping that his cause for beatification will proceed. (FB) (Agenzia Fides 28/9/2024) 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 Security: Three protesters charged with criminal damage

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Three Just Stop Oil protesters will appear in court charged with criminal damage after soup was thrown at two Van Gogh paintings in the National Gallery.

    Stephen Simpson, 61, of Bradford, West Yorkshire; Phillipa Green, 24, of Penryn, Cornwall and Mary Somerville, 77, of Bradford, West Yorkshire will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 30 September.

    The three were arrested by police following the incident on Friday, 27 September.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Appeal to trace man absconded from mental health facility

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man who has absconded from a mental health facility in Kingsbury.

    Officers were called shortly after 15:00hrs on Saturday, 14 September and informed that Trevor St Martins, 56, had absconded while on an escorted visit to shops.

    Detectives have carried out extensive enquiries to locate him but he remains missing.

    St Martins is described as 6ft tall and of medium build.

    When last seen, he was wearing a black top, black jeans and a black hat.

    Members of the public are advised not to approach him. For an immediate sighting call 999.

    If you know of his whereabouts, please call 101 quoting CAD 4057/14.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: World Heart Day – Palazzo Chigi lights up in red

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: Government of Italy

    September 28, 2024

    the Presidency of the Council of Ministers adheres to the “World Heart Day – World Heart Day 2024”, scheduled for Sunday 29 September. Therefore, on the evening between 28 and 29 September, the façade of Palazzo Chigi is illuminated by the color red, symbol of the initiative.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Video: Mexico on the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly – Press Conference | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Press Conference by Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico on the margins of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly.

    Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alicia Bárcena, today (27 Sep) told journalists in New York that Mexican migrants contribute 400 billion dollars a year to the US economy and said the US government should “seriously” consider “documenting and regularising at least those Mexicans that have been in the US for more than ten years.”

    Talking to the press on the margins of the UN General Assembly’s General debate, Bárcena was asked about the situation in Venezuela.

    She said, “the international community has to allow Venezuelans to take their own decisions with certain sovereignty. So that’s where Mexico is, at the moment. That doesn’t mean we are not interested. Of course we are interested, very interested. And we continue talking, between us, among us. But we don’t believe in intervention. We are a country that has, as a policy, as a principal, non-intervention and respect for the sovereignty of other countries.”

    Asked about the current spat with Spain over the non-invite of Spain’s King Felipe to president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum’s inauguration, Bárcena said, “what Mexico had asked for was a sort of encounter of redress,” for Mexico’s Indigenous people, for events related to the Spanish conquest 500 years ago.

    She said, “we could really combine it with something very positive as well, which is this great coexistence that we have today,” noting that many Mexicans, including herself, are of Spanish descent.

    The Foreign Minister said, “what we have to consider is that what the President of Mexico requested was not answered at the time. In other words, it’s not a recent problem, it’s a problem from before. But the Government of Spain was invited to the inauguration. Of course it was. The thing is that the President was invited, the Minister was invited, the corresponding Spanish authorities were invited.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23qRJUfCRNo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shanghai showcases works of over 15 global graffiti artists

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Shanghai A.F.A collaborates with the globally renowned Museum of Graffiti from the United States to present its first Chinese exhibition at ROJO Art Space: “Street Echoes – Global Graffiti Art Exhibition.” The exhibition will run from October 1 to December.

    After nearly a year of preparation, the exhibition features over 15 graffiti artists from around the world, including Museum of Graffiti Founder Alan Ket and the legendary figure John Andrew Perello, also known as Jon One. These artists come from various countries, including the United States, Switzerland, France, South Korea, and China.

    Joy Chang, the exhibition director, said that graffiti art, like any other art form, has now become one of the mainstream art forms and has undergone significant changes over the years.

    “From the late 20th century to the present, graffiti art has transitioned from underground to mainstream. In the past, graffiti artists used public spaces to express their ideas and will through words and images. Now, graffiti is gradually influencing young trends, spreading this art form to younger demographics through collaborations across fashion brands, music, and sports,” Chang explained.

    “We aim to enhance people’s understanding of graffiti art through the exhibition and offer Chinese consumers and the public the opportunity to acquaint themselves with top graffiti artists from around the world and their esteemed works,” she added.

    She said that at the exhibition venue visitors can witness the scenes such as New York subway cars, skate parks, rooftop billboards, public restrooms, and phone booths — locales where graffiti artists originally brought their creations to life in urban settings.

    In addition to showcasing hundreds of influential graffiti artworks from around the globe to the audience, the exhibition also features live painting.

    During the live painting session, Jon One expressed, “I really appreciate the creative approach of Chinese artists. I have incorporated elements from the East and Asia into my artworks, adding a fresh perspective to graffiti while maintaining the tradition of street art. I believe this is what makes it unique.”

    Alan Ket, who founded the world’s first graffiti art museum in 2018, remarked, “Bringing the Museum of Graffiti to China is a very big deal for the museum because our mission is to present, to exhibit, to preserve, and to educate about this art form. And coming here gives us an opportunity to share all the history all the things that we’ve learned, all about the people and the development over 50 years.”

    Dedicated to promoting graffiti, Ket said, “It is my hope that many people come here to see this exhibition to learn what we believe is a very important art form.”

    As a veteran in the graffiti scene, Ket encourages aspiring artists who are just beginning to explore graffiti to courageously pick up their brushes and delve into the history.

    “There is a long history before today. The more that you have an understanding of the past, the better it will be to make new works. Then the biggest thing is you have to practice, pick up paint, learn from fail and start again,” he emphasized.

    To offer more opportunities for Chinese graffiti enthusiasts and those unfamiliar with graffiti to learn more about this art form, Ket intends to publish more related books in the future.

    “I believe we are open to moving around the world and presenting wherever the opportunities come anywhere in China, anywhere in Asia, really anywhere in the world, but our focus is on education,” Ket affirmed.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Chinese culture night’ in Malta celebrates tradition, friendship

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Pembroke Mayor Kaylon Zammit (C) writes Chinese calligraphy in Pembroke, Malta, Sept. 27, 2024. A “Chinese culture night” event was held on Friday evening in Pembroke, eastern Malta, drawing significant participation from the local community. The event showcased various aspects of Chinese culture, including traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Chinese calligraphy and painting, traditional music, and cuisine, alongside displays of exquisite Chinese handicrafts. (Xinhua/Chen Wenxian)

    A “Chinese culture night” event was held on Friday evening in Pembroke, eastern Malta, drawing significant participation from the local community.

    The event showcased various aspects of Chinese culture, including traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Chinese calligraphy and painting, traditional music, and cuisine, alongside displays of exquisite Chinese handicrafts.

    Co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Malta and the China-Malta Culture and Sports Exchange Promotion Association, the event aims to foster cultural exchange between China and Malta.

    “We gather not only to experience Chinese culture but also to strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding between the residents of Pembroke and the Chinese community,” said Peng Yijun, charge d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Malta.

    He noted that China-Malta relations are at a “new historical starting point.”

    The 20th Chinese medical team for Malta from the Mediterranean Regional Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine, was present, offering the TCM treatment and performing Tai Chi.

    Gerard Lom, a local attendee, tried a massage treatment for the first time and was surprised by the effectiveness in relieving stress and pain in his neck and back. “I feel very relaxed,” he told Xinhua and said he would consider TCM again.

    Pembroke Mayor Kaylon Zammit praised the event for bringing the Maltese and Chinese communities together, noting that such events can help both communities grow more accustomed to and understand each other.

    Zammit was also excited to experience TCM and calligraphy. Praising the long-standing relationship between Malta and China, the mayor told Xinhua that he looks forward to visiting the beautiful country in the future.

    Cultural exchanges serve as one of the best bridges to strengthen the friendship between China and Malta, Zhang Da, president of China-Malta Culture and Sports Exchange Promotion Association, said in his speech, describing this event as a great opportunity for Maltese residents to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture and make Chinese friends. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: TV interview with Andrew Clennell, Sky News Sunday Agenda

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Andrew Clennell, Host: Foreign Minister Penny Wong has been at the UN General Assembly this week calling for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and a deadline for the UN to declare Palestinian statehood.

    Yesterday I spoke to the Foreign Minister after her big address to the UN in New York.

    Penny Wong, thank you for your time. You’ve given a speech there in New York where you say Lebanon cannot become the next Gaza, but Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrived in New York and said there’s no ceasefire coming. He says we won’t rest until our citizens return safely to our homes in northern Israel. He says we’ll continue degrading Hizballah until all our objectives are attained. Are you shouting into the void here?

    Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: We’ve joined with the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and many other countries to call for a ceasefire in Lebanon, and I would say to Israel, you know, we want you to listen to the international community.

    It is true that Hizballah is a terrorist organisation, it is true that they have not been complying with UN Security Council Resolutions, but we see the horrific loss of life in Gaza, we see 11,000 children killed, you know, the world does not want to see more civilian deaths; we have to find a different way to deal with the legitimate issues of concern in relation to the border.

    Clennell: He’s not listening though, is he, no matter how many times you and even the US says it?

    Foreign Minister: I can’t speak for the government of Israel. What I can say to you is when you have a coalition of countries, which includes many historic friends and allies of Israel, making the same point, then that is a very clear demonstration of the will of the international community.

    Clennell: Did you expect Israel to attack Hizballah in the manner it has? What is the end game to this conflict, including in Gaza, to the Israeli Government, do you think?

    Foreign Minister: Well, this is a – that’s a very good question, and what is the end game, and one of the points that we have made, and many others have made, that ultimately the end game should be peace and security in the region, peace and security for Israelis, peace and security for the people of Israel, and that will require a two‑state solution, that is the only pathway to long‑term peace and security for both Israelis and for Palestinians.

    Clennell: Many, many leaders before you have attempted this, as you well know. It just doesn’t look possible; I hate to say and ask you. So is there a way out of this without a two‑state solution because perhaps there has to be?

    Foreign Minister: If there is, I don’t think the international community is seeing it. We have 11,000 children who’ve been killed in Gaza, we have hostages who were taken by Hamas in the terrorist attack on Israel who are still being held, so you know, we have to work together as an international community, and that is what, you know, we have been trying to do this week saying that, you know, we have to come together, because ultimately the international community has to find a way to get on that pathway to peace, and it really comes down to the very simple proposition, Andrew, where is the long‑term security and peace for Israelis without a two‑state solution?

    Clennell: What did you make of the coordinated pager attack that took place? Do you support Israel doing that to target the Hizballah leadership, or do you condemn it?

    Foreign Minister: Well, I was asked about this, and obviously Hizballah is a terrorist organisation, and we understand the security position Israel is in.

    Having said that, we’ve seen so much violence in the Middle East, and I talked tonight about that cycle of violence, the continued escalation, the continued retribution, that continued cycle of violence, and ultimately that will not bring peace and it will not bring security, which is why Australia and others, including the United States and the United Kingdom have called for a ceasefire in Lebanon and diplomacy to try and resolve this, because we have seen so many people, so many people die.

    Clennell: You say retribution, Israel would say they’re acting in self-defence. Would you accept that they’re acting in self-defence at all?

    Foreign Minister: One of the points I made in the speech tonight is that the international community has agreed rules, even in war there are rules, even when attacking terrorists there are rules, even when defending your borders there are rules, and we agreed them as an international community 75 years ago in the Geneva Conventions because we understood what it means when humanity goes into conflict with no rules. So Australia –

    Clennell: So what rules do you think are implicit in that?

    Foreign Minister: Well –

    Clennell: Is it that you think Israel are breaking rules, isn’t it; isn’t that implicit in that statement? So what rules are being broken?

    Foreign Minister: Ultimately the decision about whether international law is breached or not is a decision for international courts. But what I am saying and what the international community is saying is that civilians must be protected, aid workers must be protected, and you know, we are months, eleven months into this conflict. We’ve seen so many people killed, we’ve seen so many civilians have been lost, we’ve seen so many children who have been killed, and this is really a cycle of violence that we have to find a way out of.

    Clennell: The government’s spoken a lot about fears of a broader regional conflict, you’ve spoken of that. Is the big fear of a war between Iran and Israel?

    Foreign Minister: I think there’s a lot of points of regional escalation people have been worried about, obviously Lebanon is one, as you said, you know, Hizballah, which is a terrorist organisation and is an Iranian proxy, you know, there is always the risk of even further escalation.

    We’ve been concerned about that for a long time, as have others in the international community, and we’ve been engaging with all the parties we can to urge de-escalation and restraint, and I know that sometimes it isn’t popular in Australia, certainly with some of the Coalition to talk about restraint, but sometimes that is the only pathway to ensure you don’t see more lives lost.

    Clennell: Have you had an opportunity there to speak to Israeli and Lebanese, or indeed Iranian representatives, and if so what have been the nature of those conversations?

    Foreign Minister: Yes, well, I haven’t seen – I’ve engaged with the Foreign Minister of Israel, but he, I don’t think he’s been here. I have had a conversation with the Foreign Minister of Lebanon today. Obviously with the attacks on Beirut, they’re very concerned, very worried, hoping that there can be – that conflict can be averted, very concerned about the situation, and you know, I expressed to him, you know, our desire to – for all parties to de-escalate, you know, we obviously know that it’s important that the Lebanese Government urge Hizballah to de-escalate, to not engage in further violence and aggression.

    I also expressed to him that, you know, we understood the humanitarian situation, and I have just authorised another couple of – $2 million in humanitarian relief to Lebanon.

    Clennell: Do you think there’s any aspect of the approach of Benjamin Netanyahu which is affected by the fact the US are about to go to an election and he thinks he may have a different administration to deal with?

    Foreign Minister: You’ll have to ask Prime Minister Netanyahu that.

    Clennell: What’s your belief?

    Foreign Minister: Well, that’s not a – that’s an opinion that I think I’ll leave to you and other commentators. I’m the Foreign Minister of Australia, and my job is to articulate our foreign policy and our position. That’s what I’ve done tonight, and that’s what I’ve done to Israel. I’ve said very clearly, no, we understand the circumstances of October 7, it was horrific, but from day one, we have said international humanitarian law matters, civilian lives matter, all lives have value.

    Clennell: You’ve made comments once again supporting a Palestinian state just now. What’s the government’s position on the requirements for that? Would you have a requirement after the October 7 attacks that there would have to be a ban of Hamas membership of any government before that could occur, or do you think some remnants of that leadership could remain?

    Foreign Minister: I’ve said that – well, I’ve said there is no place for terrorists in the future Palestinian government, and Hamas is a terrorist organisation. I’ve said that there has to be reform of the Palestinian Authority, but fundamentally, you’d have to ensure that any Palestinian state did not threaten the security and viability of Israel. The whole logic of two states, of a Palestinian state and an Israeli state is that there are sufficient security guarantees that both states can live, can exist side by side securely. That is the whole logic of two states.

    Clennell: What’s the status of a potential evacuation of Australians from Lebanon?

    Foreign Minister: I’m very worried about Lebanon, as you know, Andrew. As you probably know I’ve been calling, advising Australians to leave I think since October. I have said very clearly this is – sorry, for some months, I should say. I’ve said very clearly, you know, we are worried about regional escalation, we have had do not travel for some time, for months now we have been saying please come home, we’ve done that over and over again, and the reason is we have so many Australians in Lebanon, and we are concerned about regional escalation, so I would again say to any Australian in Lebanon, please leave, please leave by whatever means are available whilst Beirut airport is still open.

    Clennell: Peter Dutton has essentially said there’s only one good side on this war and that’s Israel, and we should be giving Israel all our support as a country. When he went to Israel he was left with the impression the administration was bemused Australia had not provided more support to it. What do you make of that view of Mr Dutton, because it creates a clear partisan difference on Foreign Affairs, doesn’t it?

    Foreign Minister: Well, I think our support for the existence of the state of Israel, which is bipartisan, does not mean we walk away from supporting international humanitarian law. It does not mean we don’t say each civilian should be protected. I mean Mr Dutton should remember Australia is, you know, we’re a country that prides ourself on our respect for the rule of law, and that has to apply internationally as well, and that is why it is appropriate for Australia to talk about the need to protect civilians.

    Clennell: The US this week said they were banning certain Chinese electric vehicles from their country because they could be remotely operated in a war situation. Chris Bowen said at the moment we’re not going to do the same. Have you had any advice in relation to this, what’s behind our stance on this?

    Foreign Minister: Well, look, we will continue to discuss this with the United States, we will continue to take advice from our security agencies about this and about all other matters.

    Clennell: You called Vladimir Putin a coward in your speech for using the veto of the Security Council to protect his illegal actions in Ukraine. You want reform of the UN Security Council, is that maybe too ambitious?

    Foreign Minister: Well, I do think it’s an act of a coward to use a veto to avoid, you know, your responsibility, and you know, the extraordinary thing, the really immoral thing about what Russia is doing, apart from their illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine, is the use of a veto that the international community gave them in order to protect the UN Charter, in order to protect international law and the sovereignty of all nations is being used by this man to protect himself as he breaches that law, right, and I think that is cowardly.

    You know, we continue to stand with Ukraine in the defence of their sovereignty.

    Clennell: So Donald Trump just met President Zelenskyy and said that if he’s elected there will be a peace deal soon, and he has good relations with both Putin and Zelenskyy. What do you make of that?

    Foreign Minister: Well, you know, we all would hope for peace on terms that are satisfactory to Ukraine.

    Clennell: Just finally, you’re on the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet, one of the key leaders of the government. Has there been in recent months any discussions that the government could take a policy to alter negative gearing to an election; is this something the Treasurer and or Housing Minister are interested in?

    Foreign Minister: That’s a good try, Andrew, but you know, you know, we don’t discuss what happens in Cabinet, and what I would say is what I’ve said publicly, we don’t have any plans in relation to negative gearing. What we do want to do though is increase the supply of housing, and that’s what we’re trying to do.

    Clennell: Foreign Minister Penny Wong in New York. Thanks so much for your time.

    Foreign Minister: Good to speak with you, Andrew.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Discovery day of the Drize construction site in the heart of the future districts of the Praille Acacias Vernets (PAV) project on October 5, 2024 in Sicli

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

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

    A discovery day of the Drize construction site is organized by the territorial department and the urban operator PAV. The public will have the opportunity to discover the work of restoring the Drize to the open air around the Sicli pavilion. On this occasion, exceptional access to the construction site of this first stage of 450 meters of river will be open to the public.

    Construction site focus on two key locations

    Launched at the end of 2023, the first stage of the work to restore the Drize to the open air in the Praille Acacias Vernets (PAV) area will allow the renaturation of 450 meters of river on two sections located on either side of the Route des Acacias, one on Rue Boissonnas, the other at the foot of the Pictet Campus in Rochemont currently under construction.

    These two sections will be available to visit on October 5 as part of tours organized and accompanied by professionals. Participants will be able to go down and see the structure under the Acacias road that allows the river to cross this major road axis. The installation of this exceptional structure of 15 concrete blocks of 50 to 60 tons was carried out during the coup de poing operation of the Easter weekend 2024.

    Another point of interest on the construction site: a 3D view of the Drize brought back into the open air in the future Acacias district from the Boissonnas viewpoint, complete with explanations on the role of water in an urban environment.

    A varied program for everyone

    The public is invited to discover the prototype wall of the Drize section. An opportunity to deepen one’s knowledge of the different stones used, ancestral masonry techniques and the benefits of the project in favor of biodiversity.

    Workshops for children are organized throughout the day on the theme of the river and water in an urban environment.

    Finally, the development project for the future districts of the Praille Acacias Vernets project will be presented around the large model installed in the Sicli pavilion. Professionals will be present to present the project to visitors and answer their questions.

    A unique project in Switzerland with a strong impact on the environment

    Restores the open air, the Drize will make it possible to secure the future districts built in the PAV perimeter against the risk of flooding and will become a real ecological corridor in the city center with a positive impact on the future districts of the PAV. It will contribute to the development of biodiversity and will bring freshness to the city.

    Along its banks, public spaces and a greenway for soft mobility as well as relaxation areas will be developed for the well-being of all. Finally, this renaturation will allow better management of urban water which will return to its natural cycle.

    By 2035, the entire original route of the Drize will return to the open air, crossing the future districts over 2.0 km between Grange-Collomb and the Arve.

    This open-air restoration of the Drize, eventually completed by that of the Aire, is part of the major regeneration project of the Praille Acacias Vernets area, the objective of which is to create nine new housing and business districts that meet the challenges of the ecological transition.

    Discovery day of the Drize construction site in Sicli (meeting place)

    Saturday October 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

    Two visits every 30 minutes (last departure at 3:30 p.m.) A workshop and children’s walk every hour (last workshop at 3:00 p.m.) Photo exhibition of the construction site Presentation of the model of the Praille Acacias Vernets perimeter Prototype wall of the Drize Photo booth Small catering

    Practical arrangements

    Information and registration

    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: PM meeting with Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados: 26 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister met Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados at UNGA. 

    The Prime Minister met Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados at UNGA. 

    Both leaders stressed the strength of the relationship between their two countries and discussed the importance of working together on key issues such as international financial institution reform, climate change and pandemic preparedness.

    They looked forward to meeting again soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Notice on Convening an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of AB Amber Grid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On the initiative and by decision of the Board of AB Amber Grid (legal entity code 303090867, registered office address Laisvės av. 10, LT-04215 Vilnius, Lithuania), the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of AB Amber Grid is convened at the Company’s registered office (address Laisvės av. 10, Vilnius) on 18 October 2024 at 10:00 am.

    Draft Agenda of the Meeting:

    1) Approval of the conclusion of the Humanitarian Aid Contract

    Shareholder registration will commence at 9.15 a.m., 18 October 2024.
    Shareholder registration will be closed at 9.45 a.m., 18 October 2024.

    Record day of the General Meeting of Shareholders: October 11, 2024. Attendance and voting at the General Meeting of Shareholders shall be open to those persons who will be shareholders of the Company at the end of the record day of the General Meeting of Shareholders.
    A person attending the General Meeting of Shareholders and entitled to vote must provide a proof of identity. A person who is not a shareholder shall, in addition to the aforementioned document, provide a document confirming his/her right to vote at the General Meeting.
    Participation and voting at the General Meeting of Shareholders by electronic means shall not be possible.

    On 26 September, 2024, the Board of the Company approved the agenda of the General Meeting of Shareholders and the draft decision of the Meeting:

    1) Approval of the conclusion of the Humanitarian Aid Contract

    Proposed draft resolution:

    “1.1. In accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 11(21) of the Law on Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid of the Republic of Lithuania, upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania and the approval of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania, to enter into a Humanitarian Aid Contract with the Ukrainian company KHMELNYTSKOBLENERGO and to approve the following main terms of the Humanitarian Aid Contract:
    1.1.1. The subject matter of the Contract is humanitarian assistance to Ukraine’s energy sector. The humanitarian aid shall be provided through the transfer of 4 generators and 46 vehicles with a balance sheet value of EUR 60 285,53;
    1.1.2. The parties to the Contract shall be Amber Grid AB and the Ukrainian company KHMELNYTSKOBLENERGO;
    1.1.3. The purpose of humanitarian aid is the operation of energy infrastructure in wartime to meet the basic needs of people in wartime.
    1.2 To authorise the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (with the right to sub-delegate) to sign the Humanitarian Aid Contract in accordance with the material terms and conditions of the Contract as set out in Clause 1.1, and to agree the other (non-material) terms and conditions of the Contract on behalf of the Company.”.
    The Company’s shareholders may access the draft decisions of the General Meeting of Shareholders and other additional materials related to the General Meeting of Shareholders and the exercise of shareholders’ rights at the Central Regulated Information Database at www.crib.lt and on the Company’s website www.ambergrid.lt.

    The shareholders of Amber Grid AB, whose shares carry at least 1/20 of the total number of votes, shall have the right to supplement the agenda of the General Meeting of Shareholders. The proposal to supplement the agenda shall be submitted in writing by registered mail or delivered to the Company’s registered office at Laisvės av. 10, LT-04215 Vilnius (hereinafter referred to as the “Headquarters”). The proposal shall be accompanied by draft decisions on the proposed items or, where no decisions are required, explanations on each proposed item on the agenda of the General Meeting of Shareholders. The agenda shall be supplemented if the proposal is received by 4 October, 2024 at the latest.

    Shareholders holding shares representing at least 1/20 of the total votes shall have the right to propose new draft decisions in writing on the items on the agenda of the meeting at any time before or during the General Meeting of Shareholders. Such proposal shall be in writing and submitted to the Company by registered mail or delivered to the Headquarters. A proposal made at the meeting shall be registered in writing and forwarded to the Secretary of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

    Shareholders shall have the right to submit to the Company questions relating to the agenda of the General Meeting of Shareholders to be held October 18, 2024 in advance, no later than by 15 October, 2024. Questions shall be in writing and shall be submitted to the Company by registered mail or delivered to the Headquarters. The Company will not provide an answer to a question submitted by a shareholder in person if the relevant information is available on the Company’s website.

    Each shareholder shall have the right to authorise a natural or a legal person to attend and vote on his/her behalf at a General Meeting of Shareholders. The authorized person shall have an identity document and a power of attorney certified in accordance with the procedure established by laws, which shall be delivered to the Headquarters no later than by the close of registration for the General Meeting of Shareholders. The authorized person shall have the same rights at the General Meeting of Shareholders as the shareholder he/she represents. The form of a power of attorney for representation at the General Meeting of Shareholders is available on the Company’s website at www.ambergrid.lt.

    Shareholders may vote on the items on the agenda of the General Meeting of Shareholders in writing by completing a general ballot paper. If a shareholder so requests, the Company shall send the general ballot paper form by registered mail or deliver it in person against signature free of charge no later than 10 days before the General Meeting of Shareholders. The completed general ballot paper shall be signed by the shareholder or his/her authorised representative. If the completed general ballot paper has been signed by a person who is not a shareholder, the completed ballot paper shall be accompanied by a document confirming the right to vote. The duly completed general ballot paper shall be submitted to the Company by registered mail or delivered against signature at the Headquarters not later than the close of shareholder registration for the General Meeting of Shareholders. The form of the general ballot paper is available on the Company’s website at www.ambergrid.lt.

    The total number of shares at the date of convening of the meeting was 178 382 514. All these shares carry voting rights.

    The information provided for in Article 26 (2) of the Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania will be available on the Company’s website at www.ambergrid.lt.

    Information on supplements to the agenda and on the decisions adopted by the meeting will also be available on the Central Regulated Information Database www.crib.lt.

    Annexes:
    1. Voting ballot of AB Amber Grid;
    2. Form of the power of attorney of AB Amber Grid;
    3. Press release.

    More information:
    Laura Šebekienė, Head of Communications of AB Amber Grid,
    +370 699 61 246, l.sebekiene@ambergrid.lt

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM meeting with Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados: 26 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The Prime Minister met Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados at UNGA. 

    The Prime Minister met Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados at UNGA. 

    Both leaders stressed the strength of the relationship between their two countries and discussed the importance of working together on key issues such as international financial institution reform, climate change and pandemic preparedness.

    They looked forward to meeting again soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with Prime Minister Mikati of Lebanon: 26 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister met Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati at UNGA.

    The Prime Minister met Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati at UNGA.

    The Prime Minister opened by giving his sincere condolences to Prime Minister Mikati for the loss of civilian life in recent weeks. 

    They discussed the escalating conflict in Lebanon, and agreed on the importance of an immediate ceasefire and a negotiated solution.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues EUR 50 million notes under its MTN programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Municipality Finance Plc
    Stock exchange release
    27 September 2024 at 10:00 am (EEST)

    Municipality Finance issues EUR 50 million notes under its MTN programme

    Municipality Finance Plc issues EUR 50 million notes on 30 September 2024. The maturity date of the notes is 30 September 2054. MuniFin has a right, but no obligation, to redeem the notes early on 30 September 2027. The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.548% per annum.

    The notes are issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and the final terms of the notes are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

    MuniFin has applied for the notes to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 30 September 2024.

    UBS Europe SE acts as the dealer for the issue of the notes.

    MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

    Further information:

    Joakim Holmström
    Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
    tel. +358 50 444 3638

    MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The company is owned by Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the Republic of Finland.
    The Group’s balance sheet totals over EUR 50 billion.

    MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. MuniFin’s customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, corporate entities under their control, and non-profit organisations nominated by the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA). Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

    MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

    Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

    Important Information

    The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Equinox Seas report published

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Fatal fall from height on bulk carrier Equinox Seas at ONEX Syros Shipyard, Ermoupoli, Syros, Greece.

    Today, we have published our accident investigation report into the fatal injuries sustained by a crewman on board the Cayman Islands registered bulk carrier Equinox Seas on 17 April 2023, when he fell down an open ventilation trunk where a fan had been removed for maintenance by the shipyard.

    The report, available via this link, contains details of what happened, subsequent actions taken and recommendations.

    This investigation was carried out by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) on behalf of the Cayman Islands Government in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the MAIB and the Red Ensign Group Category 1 registries of Isle of Man, Cayman Islands, Bermuda and Gibraltar.

    Media enquiries (telephone only)

    Media enquiries during office hours 01932 440015

    Media enquiries out of hours 0300 7777878

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free Help at the Hub for residents at an open day in Penn Fields

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    A variety of city organisations will be on hand for the Help at the Hub day in the Sports Hall of United Reformed Church, Lea Road, Penn Fields, WV3 0LW, on Wednesday 16 October between 11am and 2pm.

    Help at the Hub has been organised by officers at the council’s Public Protection Scams Team who will be handing out free scams awareness and prevention packs.

    Representatives from adult education, African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI), Citizens Advice, cost of living advisor, neighbourhood safety co-ordinator, NHS talking therapies, public protection, Shared Lives, waste services, West Midlands police and Wolverhampton College will be available.

    Residents are welcome to drop in and speak to any number of the organisations for free help and assistance.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for resident services, said: “Our Help at the Hub days continue to offer a wide range of support and advice for local people.

    “The regular drop-in sessions are proving to be a really popular way for people to gain face-to-face help and assistance.

    “By taking information out into the community, we hope to be able to offer assistance to as many people as possible, whether it be advice on financial matters or help with health and safety concerns. Please join us on 16 October for a chat about your worries.”

    Residents do not have to book an appointment but are asked to please be prepared to wait if the event is busy. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Save money on your childcare bills with tax free childcare

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    This rises to £1,000 every quarter, or £4,000 per year per child, if the child has a disability.

    To take advantage, working parents and carers need to set up an online childcare account for their child or children. For every £8 they pay in, the Government will top this up by £2, up to a maximum of £2,000 a year, or £4,000 if the child has a disability.

    It can then be used to pay for childcare including childminders, nurseries and nannies, playschemes, before and after school clubs, and holiday clubs, if providers are signed up to the scheme.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Accessing childcare gives your child the chance to learn, play and make new friends and the opportunity to develop and master new skills – and of course it also helps working parents and carers to juggle their careers with their caring responsibilities.

    “Thousands of families across Wolverhampton are already taking advantage of the national tax free childcare scheme, helping them save money on childcare, and I would encourage other working parents and carers to find out if they are eligible, too.”

    To be eligible, parents and carers must be working at least 16 hours a week, earning at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage and up to £100,000 per year. Tax free childcare cannot be claimed at the same time as Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or Universal Credit.

    The child is eligible until the September after their 11th birthday, or until their 17th birthday if they have a disability, and parents and carers must reconfirm their eligibility every 3 months.

    For more information, please visit Childcare Choices.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Find out about working in childcare at jobs fair

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Wolves Workbox is hosting the Childcare Jobs and Opportunities Fair at Wolves at Work, Unit 5, i10, Victoria Square, Wolverhampton on Saturday 19 October from 10am to 1pm.

    It will offer information on working in the childcare sector, with local providers discussing vacancies and apprentice opportunities. People will be able to apply for vacancies on the day and provide their contact details so they can get employability support from Wolves at Work staff.

    There will also be information about the Do Something Big recruitment campaign’s ‘golden hello’ payment of up to £1,000 for people entering or returning to the sector.

    There is no need to book – simply turn up on the day. For further information, please call the Wolves at Work team on 01902 554400 or email wolvesatwork@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Childcare is a job with impact. Working with small children, you get to be part of their early education and to make a difference that lasts a lifetime.

    “You can be part of a team or lead a team in nurseries, pre-schools, playgroups or schools, or you can be your own boss and become a childminder, and with the recent expansion of free childcare to working parents, there are plenty of jobs out there.

    “So, if you are thinking of entering or returning to the sector, please come along to the Childcare Jobs and Opportunities Fair to find out more.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: News story: PM meeting with Prime Minister Mikati of Lebanon: 26 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The Prime Minister met Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati at UNGA.

    The Prime Minister met Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati at UNGA.

    The Prime Minister opened by giving his sincere condolences to Prime Minister Mikati for the loss of civilian life in recent weeks. 

    They discussed the escalating conflict in Lebanon, and agreed on the importance of an immediate ceasefire and a negotiated solution.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Address by Jean-Noël Barrot Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs – Economic and Social Council Chamber (25.09.24)

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

    Colleagues,

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    I would like to thank the Brazilian G20 Presidency, and particularly Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, for taking the initiative of organizing this meeting in a spirit of cohesion and cooperation.

    This year, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Bretton Woods Institutions, and the Secretary-General’s Summit of the Future is being held. This is a unique opportunity to reaffirm the importance of the multilateral system, built around the United Nations, and to speed up its reform.

    Despite imperfections, the existing system remains crucial in responding to the crises we face. It does however need to become fairer and more effective. There is no shortage of challenges: we have to fight poverty, inequalities and climate change. We need to prepare ourselves to respond to pandemics when they emerge.

    These are ambitions championed by Brazil under its G20 Presidency, and which it will champion under its Presidency of COP30 in Belém. We share these ambitions.

    The same spirit drives France’s clear, long-standing and constant support for Security Council, with its belief that both its membership categories need expanding.

    For 20 years we have been advocating better representation for Africa on the Security Council, including among the permanent members. That is key for the G4 model, and therefore for Brazil, whose aspirations to gain a permanent seat we support. France has moreover advocated for the G20 to invite the African Union to its meetings.

    In this same spirit of responsibility, France and Mexico promote an initiative that requires no amendment of the Charter and that would allow responsible veto use, with a commitment not to use a veto in the event of mass atrocities. I welcome the fact that many States around this table already support our initiative, and I call on all those that want to bring about change to join us.

    The General Assembly needs to be revitalized to make it more effective. It needs to guide us towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and respect for international law, humanitarian law and human rights.

    We also need to listen to what it has already told us. In October 2022, 143 Member States at the General Assembly affirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In February 2023, 141 States called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. That message is clear.

    Reform should not be limited to the organs in New York. The international financial institutions also need an overhaul. We have managed to find additional financing from all available public and private sources. We will continue this effort, building on the momentum generated by the Paris Pact for Peoples and the Planet that has to date been endorsed by 62 States.

    The Pact has produced tangible results. I have in mind the deployment of innovative mechanisms, such as climate-resilient debt clauses. A Global Solidarity Levies Task Force, co-chaired by France, Kenya and Barbados, is operational and meets regularly to draw up innovative proposals aimed at making the financial system fairer and more equitable. I also have in mind our debt-relief action for developing countries.

    More specifically, the aspirations of developing countries need to be better addressed. That means they need to be better represented in these institutions. We have opened dialogue regarding a review of the shareholding of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the 17th General Review of Quotas of the IMF.

    The World Trade Organization needs to be more effective in fighting protectionism and addressing new realities. We have all reached the same conclusion: our system needs to reconcile global trade and protection of the climate and biodiversity. So together, we need to develop rules and mechanisms that will make global trade and accelerator for the energy and ecological tradition worldwide.

    I would like to finish by saying that through its Call for Action, the G20 is showing that it aspires to make reform of global governance a tangible reality, enabling effective collective action. France undertakes to contribute to this reform in a constructive spirit, against fragmentation, in accordance with rules, and for the good of all our people.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Public Warning: Primary Aromatic Amines in a Mömax Potato Masher

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

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office

    Bern, 27.09.2024 – The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) is warning against the potato masher of the “modern living” brand from Mömax due to excessive migration of certain chemical compounds called “primary aromatic amines”. Since a health risk cannot be ruled out, the FSVO recommends that the population not use this product. Mömax has immediately withdrawn the product from sale and ordered a recall.

    How can this product be dangerous?Primary aromatic amines (PAAs) are chemical compounds that are used, for example, in the manufacture of certain dyes. Some of them are considered carcinogenic. An analysis has found an excessive migration of PAAs from the above-mentioned kitchen utensil.

    Which product is affected?Article, brand: Classic potato masher, modern livingBatch number: 4JA99Points of sale: All Mömax subsidiaries

    What should affected consumers do?

    The FSVO recommends that the population does not use this product.

    Address for sending questions

    Consumers: Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO Customer communication Tel. 41 58 463 30 33 info@blv.admin.ch

    Journalists: Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) Media Service Tel. 41 58 463 78 98 media@blv.admin.ch

    Author

    Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Officehttp://www.blv.admin.ch

    Social sharing

    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 Nations: UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo and Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation Launch Dual Exhibitions at the Museum of Islamic Art

    Source: United Nations

    The UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo is pleased to announce the opening of two major exhibitions in collaboration with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation and the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo.

    These exhibitions, hosted by Museum, offer an immersive exploration of the history, culture, and architecture of the Islamic world, focusing on two distinct themes which are interlinked.

    The first exhibition, “Madinat Al-Zahra, The Shining City,” focuses on the palatial city of Madinat al-Zahra, commissioned by the Umayyad Caliph Abd
    al-Rahman III in 940 CE near Córdoba, Spain. Known as the “Brilliant City,” this UNESCO World Heritage site reflects the caliph’s power, ideological ambitions, and artistic excellence. The city, named after Abd al-Rahman’s beloved Azahara, served as a political statement as well as a hub of cultural and architectural innovation.

    Since 2016, a joint German-Spanish project led by Felix Arnold, a renowned architect and archaeologist, has been investigating the entrance area of the
    city, uncovering new insights into its construction process, urban design, and the role of gardens and walls in shaping the city’s structure. At the opening ceremony, Felix Arnold delivered a keynote speech, where he emphasized the importance of Madinat al-Zahra in the broader context of Islamic architectural heritage.

    The exhibition features original photographs and key findings from Arnold’s research, as well as two captivating photographic series: “Intimate Diary of Madinat al-Zahra,” which showcases iconic locations like the Salón Rico and Casa Yafar, and a new collection by Rafael Carmona, documenting the ongoing restoration of the Salón Rico.

    The second exhibition, “UNESCO Historic Urban Islamic Landscape,” complements the first by exploring the material culture and architectural achievements of Islamic societies, particularly those represented in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This exhibition highlights the enduring impact of Islamic urban planning, featuring artifacts from the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo. Themes include the foundation of Fustat as the foundation of Cairo city, Capitals of Islamic Empires, Architecture, The Genius of the Muslim Engineer, and Urbanization in Islamic Cultures, offering a deeper understanding of the urbanization processes that shaped Islamic cultures. Together, these exhibitions emphasize the preservation of Islamic heritage and its profound influence on world architecture and urbanism.

    By showcasing the connections between Madinat al-Zahra and other Islamic cities like Cairo, UNESCO and AECID provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the intertwined legacies of Islamic history and culture. UNESCO, AECID, and the Museum of Islamic Art invite visitors to experience these exhibitions, which offer a comprehensive view of the cultural and architectural contributions of Islamic societies from Córdoba to Cairo and beyond.

    Read the leaflet

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Governor Olli Rehn: Old and new frontiers of the ESRB: Systemic risk, non-banks and data analysis

    Source: Bank of Finland

    Olli Rehn, First Vice-Chair of the European Systemic Risk Board
    Keynote speech at the 8th ESRB annual conference ‘New Frontiers in Macroprudential Policy’, Frankfurt, 27 September 2024

    Old and new frontiers of the ESRB: Systemic risk, non-banks and data analysis

    Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,

    Good morning everyone!

    May I also welcome you all and thank the secretariat for putting together an impressive programme for this ESRB flagship event.

    Today, I would like to reflect on the role of the ESRB and its mandate regarding financial stability and macroprudential policy in the EU.

    Slide 2: The ESRB’s track record & new frontiers

    I will discuss three interlinked issues. Firstly, the ESRB at 15, an adolescent, with a solid record. Secondly, key starting points for the forthcoming ESRB review. And thirdly, new frontiers, especially dealing with non-banks and better use of data and analysis.

    Let’s look at where we have come from. Since the global financial crisis, major efforts have been made to ensure financial stability in the EU and globally through better regulation and supervision. I think it is indeed fair to say that financial stability has risen forcefully up the agenda of central banks, not least as it provides essential support for the central banks’ primary goal of price stability.

    In recent years, financial systems and financial stability measures have been subject to real-life stress tests, with the global economy being hit by a series of major shocks over just a short period of time. Primarily, that is, the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s illegal, brutal war in Ukraine, the surge in inflation and the sharp rise in interest rates.

    In my view, the financial systems in the EU and elsewhere have withstood these shocks rather well. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision points out that the strong resilience has been largely thanks to the tightened capital and liquidity requirements for banks.

    Slide 3: Sturdy capital buffers provide banking resilience

    True, the capital ratios of European banks have roughly doubled since the global financial crisis. The increased capital buffers have been – and will continue to be – necessary in the current operating environment, which is filled with geopolitical and other uncertainties.

    I would add that the active use of macroprudential policy has further supported the resilience of the financial system in Europe.

    As part of its mandate, the ESRB assesses systemic risks in the EU, and, where appropriate, issues warnings and recommendations.

    Slide 4: Key risks for EU financial stability

    In our recent systemic risk assessment, we conclude that while disinflation in the EU is on track, financial stability risks remain elevated amid heightened geopolitical risks and the still fragile recovery of the EU economy. In the latest ECB projection, growth outlook was revised down, and the risks to the growth outlook are tilted to the downside.

    In particular, we have to be aware of both the direct and indirect impacts of current geopolitical risks on the EU financial system. Geopolitical events may directly impact financial markets by increasing volatility, affecting capital flows, exchange rates, and credit spreads. Indirectly, they can disrupt global trade and increase commodity prices, challenging households and businesses in the EU.

    In the financial markets, the risk appetite has been unusually strong, especially in the context of high macro-financial uncertainty. The abrupt, albeit short-lived, market correction in early August showed how sensitive this can be. If repeated, the vulnerabilities in the non-bank sector could amplify adverse market dynamics.

    Moreover, vulnerabilities in the banking sector could resurface, especially if the first two risks were to materialise. This would increase credit risks and tighten funding conditions at the same time.

    In any case, it continues to be essential to maintain the resilience of the EU financial system. Ensuring adequate resilience and effective but flexible regulation is one building block in promoting European competitiveness, along the lines of the recent report by Mario Draghi. As part of the efforts for more investment and higher productivity, it is crucial to advance the savings and investment union – or the ex-capital market union – and to complete the banking union.

    Slide 5: ESRB’s members reflect on its future – ATC survey

    Fifteen years ago, the global financial crisis revealed weaknesses in EU banking supervision. It was clear that major changes to financial supervision were necessary to help prevent and mitigate future crises.

    Thus, Commission President José Manuel Barroso set up an independent High Level Group on Financial Supervision in the EU to make recommendations on strengthening European supervisory arrangements, covering all financial sectors.

    The High Level Group, chaired by Jacques de Larosière, was given a very broad mandate and very little time. In only three months, the Group delivered an important and insightful report. It provided the basis not only for establishing the ESRB but the whole European System of Financial Supervision, including the European Supervisory Authorities.

    One of the key conclusions of the report was that regulators and supervisors had not sufficiently focused on “the macro-systemic risks of a contagion of correlated horizontal shocks”. As a policy response, de Larosière proposed establishing the ESRB (or the European Systemic Risk Council as he then called it).

    As a member of the European Commission at that time, I had the privilege of being present at the ESRB’s creation, specifically by preparing with my team the legislative proposals for setting up the ESRB, while my dear colleague Michel Barnier introduced the legislation for the European System of Financial Supervision. The legislative process was swift. The General Board of the ESRB held its inaugural meeting in the Eurotower in January 2011.

    Given the constantly evolving environment, it is necessary to review the mandate and workings of the ESRB from time to time. The Commission is now tasked – for the second time – with reporting to the European Parliament and to the Council on the review of the ESRB.

    While the ESRB will not take a formal position on its founding regulation, it believes it is important that the legislator has the opportunity to benefit from the experience of those who have been deeply involved in the work of the ESRB. For this purpose, the ESRB has set up a High Level Group to (i) identify which adjustments to the mission or framework of the ESRB might be required and to (ii) provide its insights to the EU co-legislators before the review process. I have the honour of chairing the Group.

    Let me give you an interim snapshot of the key issues in the review.

    First, as part of the High Level Group’s work we have been seeking feedback more broadly from the ESRB membership by way of a survey among the members of the Advisory Technical Committee on how the ESRB has succeeded in its core tasks over the years. We have also sought to explore whether the current operating model of the ESRB is fit for purpose and how the ESRB and its tasks should be renewed and developed as the financial system evolves.

    The feedback received from the members of the ATC has been most valuable. It indicates that the current model and mandate of the ESRB do not need a complete overhaul but rather some targeted adjustment.

    The work done by the ESRB over the years is considered especially valuable with regard to the definition of macroprudential policies and the development of a comprehensive framework for macroprudential policies in Europe, particularly in the banking sector.

    And this work has had a significant impact: the ESRB, through its determined efforts, has helped to pre-emptively identify and mitigate the build-up of systemic risks in Europe.

    Going forward, the ESRB could, in my view, play an even stronger role in the holistic analysis of systemic risks within the EU. The ESRB has a unique ability to examine cross-sectoral, cross-border and interlinked risks – and the truly systemic dimension of these risks.

    The ESRB is also in an excellent position to work with academia and international organisations. A particular advantage for the ESRB is that the European Supervisory Authorities (the EBA, ESMA and EIOPA) participate in our work and provide their own perspectives. It is crucial that their expertise will continue to support the work of the ESRB.

    Leading on from this, I would like to call for deeper collaboration at the EU level on country risk analysis. Given the macroprudential mandate of the ESRB, there is scope for capitalizing on the ESRB’s analytical work in the EU’s Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure.

    In particular, the ESRB has been developing the concept of macroprudential policy stance to analyse the way in which national authorities are using macroprudential tools to mitigate the systemic risks to which their financial sector is exposed. A deepening of EU collaboration in this field would contribute to strengthening economic stability in a particular Member State and/or the EU in its entirety.

    The feedback we received also highlighted that, in its systemic risk assessment, the ESRB should be able to incorporate a range of new emerging risks and vulnerabilities. Several members underlined the need to better understand systemic risks related to the non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs). Other increasingly relevant risks include climate change, AI and cybersecurity.

    The ESRB has already engaged in risk monitoring and analysis of the non-bank sector and has identified many structural vulnerabilities that require our attention. But more work is needed to better understand the systemic risks of the non-bank sector in the same depth as those for the banks. This is important not only for financial stability, but also for ensuring a solid basis for the saving and investment union.

    Let me underline the critical importance of data – access to data, better use of data – in the analysis of non-banks. To understand the systemic risks related to NBFIs, we simply need better data to be able to identify and map the vulnerabilities and interconnections. Only once that’s done, we will be able to capitalize on more advanced methods, such as system wide stress-testing, to locate the vulnerabilities in the system.

    Our future challenges include not only the complexity of the evolving financial system, but also the increased speed of its operations. Due to digitalisation, financial operations are becoming ever faster. It will be even more important that the ESRB is able to perform risk analysis and policy evaluations in a timely manner.

    Dear Friends,

    Slide 6: Three priorities in the way we work

    Before concluding, I’d like to highlight three priorities for the way we work in the coming years that I find critical for the ESRB. We should:

    1. Enhance our analytical capacity by making better use of data and research.
    2. Bring into use new analysis methods and technologies.
    3. Focus on our core activities.

    Let me just elaborate on these a little more.

    Slide 7: Analysis based on data and research – a key priority

    1. Active development of data analytics and research-driven analysis is nothing new at the ESRB as such.

    But I firmly believe that the importance of analysis which is based on data and research cannot be overemphasized in our times, where disinformation is being used as a weapon. In today’s world, there is a great risk that genuine information will be crowded out.

    Data is the gold or oil of our digital world today – it is a valuable resource and a necessary basis for high-level analysis. Following the global financial crisis, the reporting requirements for financial operators were increased. Financial supervisors and central banks consequently also have a duty to use the new data effectively and efficiently.

    The challenge for the ESRB is that not all relevant data are readily available to it. The rules governing the ESRB’s access to data can be broadly divided into two types:

    • ex ante access, whereby the ESRB has access to data on a regular, ongoing basis, as soon as it is reported. We already benefit from quite a few datasets under this framework, which is well aligned with our mandate and tasks.
    • ex post access, through ad hoc requests, which take time to process. For some important datasets we have only ex post access. This includes granular datasets collected by the ESAs.

    While cooperation regarding data sharing between the ESAs and the ESRB has been excellent, the ex post framework has inherent limitations that hamper the ESRB’s ability to continuously monitor and mitigate risks to financial stability.

    For this reason, the ESRB sent a letter last month to European co-legislators, urging them to broaden the ESRB’s access to information from supervisors, so that the data can be shared with the ESRB by default.

    This is extremely important for the ESRB to be able to effectively fulfil its mandate in assessing the systemic risks and to promptly react in instances of projected instability.

    As the volume of data increases, we must also invest in new high-level analysis methods. Modern methods of risk assessment make use of advanced tools and technologies, such as AI and machine learning, which enable better forecasting and analysis. With these technologies, it is possible to process large amounts of data.

    Finally, to focus on our core activities has been rightly underlined both by the other High Level Group members and in the ESRB member feedback. We should, in my view too, focus on our core activities even in the midst of various crises. We cannot be experts in everything, and nor do we need to be. The added value that we bring as an organisation should focus on the area where we are the best experts: systemic level risk analysis of the financial system.

    Our added value should always come from a deep understanding of vulnerabilities and interconnections in the financial system and of the various factors that get amplified when shocks hit the system.

    Dear Friends,

    Let me now conclude.

    In the grand scheme of things, financial stability fundamentally depends on the geopolitical and macroeconomic context. The best service for EU financial stability now is to maintain European unity and firmly support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s threat.

    Furthermore, it is crucial to strengthen the structural foundations of the European economy, by focusing policy actions on productivity growth and industrial competitiveness, while retaining the European model of social inclusion.

    On its part, the European Systemic Risk Board, together with the ESAs, the SSM, the FSAs and the central banks, continues to play a strong role in safeguarding the stability of the EU financial system. Our work will focus on the evolving systemic risk and will be based on comprehensive data and research, high-quality analysis and wide-ranging cooperation between different authorities.

    I look forward to continuing to work with you towards this immensely important goal of maintaining financial stability in Europe.

    Thank you for your kind attention!

    Presentation (PDF)

    Olli Rehn ESRB financial stability speech

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Lebanese FM condemns Israeli military actions, urges int’l intervention

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib condemned on Thursday Israel’s recent military actions along the Lebanese-Israeli border and called for urgent international intervention to prevent the situation from escalating.

    “We are facing a crisis that threatens Lebanon’s very existence. The future of our people and our prosperity is imperiled,” said Bou Habib when addressing the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

    “This is a situation that requires international intervention on an urgent basis before the situation spirals out of control… which will transform into a black hole that will engulf regional, international peace and security,” he said.

    Bou Habib condemned Israel’s recent military actions, accusing it of escalating the conflict. “One of the gravest challenges Lebanon currently faces is this increase in aggression. The war has expanded and spilled over into Lebanese regions. We reiterate our warning against this aggression, which will continuously intensify.”

    The foreign minister identified the unresolved issue of occupation, particularly regarding border disputes with Israel, as the root cause of Lebanon’s ongoing instability.

    “So long as the occupation persists, there will be instability and there will be war… we have striven to resolve border disputes with Israel. However, Israel has continuously eluded the issue or disregarded the matter,” he said.

    While underscoring Lebanon’s right to defend itself under international law, Bou Habib stressed that the solution to the crisis lies in diplomacy, not war.

    Bou Habib welcomed a recent declaration of the United States and France which offers a potential path to restoring calm and ensuring stability along Lebanon’s borders. He urged all parties involved to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for an end to hostilities between Israel and Lebanon.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: How to protect yourself against attempts to steal your personal or banking data?

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

    Source: Republic of France in FrenchThe French Republic has issued the following statement:

    The platform “Bank Savings Insurance Info Service” was set up jointly by the Banque de France, the Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR) and the Financial Markets Authority (AMF). Its “Scam Prevention” section has been reorganized to help you better detect scams and have the right reflexes when faced with new techniques used by scammers who want to trap you. Among other things, you have access to a Official Scam Prevention Guide, telling you how to protect yourself against phishing.

    Phishing is a fraudulent technique that involves tricking you into sharing your personal data (access codes, passwords, etc.) and/or your bank details with a criminal who pretends to be a trusted third party.

    To protect yourself from these scam attempts, it is particularly recommended:

    to be attentive to the level of language of the messages you receive (fraudulent messages are now often correctly written, but if you receive a message from a bank or an administration containing typos, spelling mistakes or inappropriate expressions, it is because it is not the work of the indicated establishment); to check the links present in the suspicious emails that you receive (before clicking on a possible link, place your mouse over it so that the full address of the link appears then make sure that this link is coherent and points to a legitimate site); to be wary of requests that seem strange to you (no organization has the right to ask you for your credit card code, or the access codes and passwords of your personal spaces); to use an ad-blocking software, an anti-spam filter, or to activate the warning option against phishing present on most browsers; never click directly on the ad when you see a pop-up window open while browsing the internet, even if a close button appears within the pop-up window itself. Always use the cross (X) in the corner of the window.

    If you have serious doubts about a message you have received, there is a good chance that it is not legitimate. It is then recommended not to open attachments and not to respond. You should delete the message and then empty the trash of your mailbox.

    If this is your work email account, it is recommended to forward the suspicious email to your company’s IT department and information security officer for verification. Wait for their response before deciding whether or not to delete the email.

    Namely

    If you think you have been the victim of a scam or attempted phishing scam via spam, report it to signal-spam.fr. Your report will be assigned to authorities or professionals able to take action against this spam.

    Please note

    The scam prevention guide distributed by the “Assurance Banque Épargne Info Service” platform also provides you with advice to protect yourself against:

    fake administrative sites that offer to help you, for a fee, with certain common administrative procedures (requests for driving licenses, vehicle registration documents, birth certificates, etc.); fraudulent calls for donations launched by entities or websites not authorized to carry out this activity in France; fraudulent offers of credit or savings products with particularly attractive conditions; bank check scams; online payment fraud.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ECB Consumer Expectations Survey results – August 2024

    Source: European Central Bank

    27 September 2024

    Compared with July 2024:

    • median consumer inflation perceptions over the previous 12 months and consumer inflation expectations for the next 12 months both declined, as did median inflation expectations for three years ahead;
    • expectations for nominal income growth over the next 12 months increased, while expectations for spending growth over the next 12 months remained unchanged;
    • expectations for economic growth over the next 12 months became less negative, while the expected unemployment rate in 12 months’ time decreased;
    • expectations for growth in the price of homes over the next 12 months increased slightly, while expectations for mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead remained unchanged.

    Inflation

    The median rate of perceived inflation over the previous 12 months declined further in August to 3.9%, from 4.1% in July. Perceptions of past inflation have thus declined by 4.5 percentage points since their peak of 8.4% in September 2023. Meanwhile, inflation expectations at the one-year and three-year horizons remained below the perceived past inflation rate. Median expectations for inflation over the next 12 months edged down to 2.7%, from 2.8% previously, and stood at their lowest level since September 2021. Median expectations for inflation three years ahead edged down by 0.1 percentage points in August to 2.3%, back to their June level. Uncertainty about inflation expectations over the next 12 months remained unchanged at its lowest level since February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine. While the broad evolution of inflation perceptions and expectations remained relatively closely aligned across income groups, expectations for lower income quintiles were slightly above those for higher income quintiles. Younger respondents (aged 18-34) continued to report lower inflation perceptions and expectations than older respondents (those aged 35-54 and 55-70). (Inflation results)

    Income and consumption

    Consumer nominal income growth expectations increased to 1.2%, from 1.1% in June. The increase in income expectations was mainly driven by the lowest two quintiles. Perceptions of nominal spending growth over the previous 12 months decreased further to 5.2%, from 5.4% in July and 5.8% in June. The latest datapoint continues a sustained decline which started in March 2023. Expectations for nominal spending growth over the next 12 months remained stable at 3.2%. Nominal spending expectations are at their lowest level since February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine. (Income and consumption results)

    Economic growth and labour market

    Economic growth expectations for the next 12 months became less negative, standing at -0.9%, compared with -1.0% in July. Meanwhile, expectations for the unemployment rate 12 months ahead decreased to 10.4%, from 10.6% in July, their lowest level since the start of the series. Consumers continued to expect the future unemployment rate to be only slightly higher than the perceived current unemployment rate (10.0%), implying a broadly stable labour market. The lowest income quintile continued to report the highest expected and perceived unemployment rate, as well as the lowest economic growth expectations. (Economic growth and labour market results)

    Housing and credit access

    In August consumers expected the price of their home to increase by 2.7% over the next 12 months, which was slightly higher than in July (2.6%). Households in the lowest income quintile continued to expect higher growth in house prices than those in the highest income quintile (3.2% and 2.5% respectively). Expectations for mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead remained stable at 4.8%. As in previous months, the lowest income households expected the highest mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead (5.5%). The net percentage of households reporting a tightening (relative to those reporting an easing) in access to credit over the previous 12 months increased marginally, as did the net percentage of those expecting a tightening over the next 12 months. Nevertheless, both indicators remained close to levels last seen in the second quarter of 2022. (Housing and credit access results)

    The release of the CES results for September is scheduled for 25 October 2024.

    For media queries, please contact: Eszter Miltényi-Torstensson, Tel: +49 171 769 5305

    Notes

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: International film curator and champion of African cinema Keith Shiri appointed Lead Curator to Film Africa 2024 – now open for submissions

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

    LONDON, United Kingdom, September 27, 2024/APO Group/ —

    Keith Shiri

    The Royal African Society is honoured that Keith will lead Film Africa’s curation, bringing his extraordinarily rich and wide experience in international curation and film festivals, as well as a record of championing African cinema and its profile in the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.

    As well as being the founder and director of Africa at the Pictures, a London-based festival of African cinema, Keith is a programme adviser to the London Film Festival and a founder member and current chair of the Africa Movie Academy Awards, and has advised the curation of international film festivals including the Venice Film Festival, the Berlin International Film Festival, the Dubai International Film Festival, the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou and the Tampere Film Festival. He is also the Regional Secretary (Europe) for the Federation of African Filmmakers (FEPACI), and a Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for Research and Education in Arts and Media (CREAM) at the University of Westminster.

    Keith sits on the advisory board of New York’s Focus Features Africa First Programmed, which has long supported young African filmmakers through its mentorship programme.

    In keeping with the Royal African Society and Film Africa’s ethos of expanding access to, and inclusion within, African culture and perspectives, the festival’s programme and emphases will reflect input from and be enriched by a diverse range of curators, filmmakers, and critics, to reflect the complexity and nuances of different African and diasporic voices.

    Keith Shiri said: “I am excited to join Film Africa as a curator. African artistry – especially in cinema – is experiencing a period of unparalleled invention and experimentation, and Film Africa provides the ideal forum in which to share these cultural treasures with audiences from the continent, as well as Britain’s various diaspora communities and the wider British public. I look forward to working to assemble a bench of films and speakers to progress our collective conversation about African film – as well as African cultural trends and the perspectives of those whose continent will, this century, emerge as the world’s most important and populous.”

    Film Africa 2024

    Film Africa, London’s unrivalled celebration of African and African diaspora cinema presented by the Royal African Society, is delighted to announce the appointment of Keith Shiri – a titan of African cinema and visual culture – as the Festival’s Lead Curator. In 2024, Film Africa will take place from Friday 25 October until Sunday November 3 continuing its mission of highlighting African and African diaspora filmmaking. The Festival is now open to submissions from African and African diasporic filmmakers.

    All entries will be considered for inclusion in the Festival and prizes will be awarded to two entries: The Baobab Award for best short film and the Film Africa Audience Award for best feature-length entry. Both awards have a £1000 cash prize.

    In 2022, the 10th edition of Film Africa spanned over 10 days from 28 October – 6 November. The festival hosted screenings at 7 venues across London – Picturehouse Central, BFI Southbank, Rich Mix, The Ritzy, Bertha DocHouse, South London Gallery and The Africa Centre – as well as featuring a selection of 7 narrative and documentary films on the BFI Player. Film Africa 2022 presented an eclectic hybrid programme of 47 films from 16 countries (including 22 World, European or UK premieres).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Connecticut-Based Energy Trader Convicted of International Bribery Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A federal jury in Bridgeport, Connecticut, convicted a former oil and gas trader today for his role in a nearly eight-year long scheme to bribe Brazilian government officials and to launder money to secure business for two Connecticut-based commodities trading companies.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Glenn Oztemel, 65, of Westport, Connecticut, paid bribes to officials of Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras), the Brazilian state-owned oil and gas company, to obtain lucrative contracts for Arcadia Fuels Ltd. (Arcadia) and Freepoint Commodities LLC (Freepoint).

    “Glenn Oztemel paid and laundered more than $1 million in bribes to employees of Brazil’s state-owned oil and gas company to obtain lucrative contracts for his commodities-trading companies in Connecticut,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Bribing public officials to win business undermines the rule of law and creates unfair competition. Today’s verdict reaffirms the Criminal Division’s commitment to combatting foreign corruption that violates U.S. law.”

    “Bribery and money laundering are well-established federal crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut. “This conviction serves as another warning to anyone involved in the financial industry who seeks to gain an unfair advantage and illegally profit, both here in the U.S. and abroad. This office and our law enforcement partners will continue to keep a watchful eye to ensure that representatives from U.S. businesses operating overseas comply with our nation’s laws.”

    “Individuals and companies who collude to thwart free market competition through bribery ultimately erode public trust in the marketplace,” said Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “Today’s conviction demonstrates the commitment of the FBI and our partners to investigate anti-competitive behavior and hold accountable those who try to cheat the system for their own benefit and profit.”

    The trial evidence showed that, between 2010 and 2018, Oztemel worked as a senior oil and gas trader — first at Arcadia and then at Freepoint. With the assistance of others, Oztemel paid and caused the payment of bribes to Petrobras officials for their assistance in helping Arcadia and Freepoint to obtain and retain fuel oil contracts with Petrobras and by providing Oztemel and others with confidential information regarding Petrobras’ fuel oil business. Oztemel and his co-conspirators caused Arcadia and Freepoint to make corrupt payments — disguised as purported consulting fees and commissions — to a third party intermediary and agent, Eduardo Innecco, 74, knowing that Innecco would pay a portion of those funds to Brazilian officials, including to Houston-based Petrobras trader Rodrigo Berkowitz.

    To conceal the scheme, Oztemel, Innecco, and their co-conspirators used coded language like “breakfast” and “freight deviation” to refer to the bribes and communicated using personal email accounts, encrypted messaging applications, disposable phones, and fictitious names like “Spencer Kazisnaf” and “Nikita Maksimov.” In total, Oztemel paid more than $1,000,000 in bribes, which were split between Berkowitz and other Petrobras officials in Brazil. The bribe money moved from the trading companies to shell companies around the world controlled by Innecco, who then made payments to a bank account in Uruguay controlled by Berkowitz’s father.

    The jury convicted Oztemel of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), conspiracy to commit money laundering, three counts of violating the FCPA, and two counts of money laundering. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each of the FCPA and conspiracy to violate the FCPA counts, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the money laundering and money laundering conspiracy counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Charges against Oztemel and Innecco were unsealed on Feb. 17, 2023. In a superseding indictment returned on Aug. 29, 2023, both were charged alongside Oztemel’s brother, Gary Oztemel. Gary Oztemel pleaded guilty to money laundering on June 24. In May 2023, Innecco was arrested in France and his extradition to the United States is pending. An indictment is merely an allegation, and Innecco is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    In a related matter, in December 2023, Freepoint admitted to bribing officials in Brazil in violation of the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA. Freepoint entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut. As a part of the resolution, Freepoint agreed to pay more than $98 million in criminal penalties and forfeiture.

    The FBI Los Angeles Field Office’s International Corruption Squad investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and authorities in Brazil, Latvia, Switzerland, and Uruguay provided assistance with the investigation.

    Trial Attorneys Allison McGuire and Clayton P. Solomon and Assistant Chief Jonathan P. Robell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McGarry for the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case.

    The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA and Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA) matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA and FEPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stop smoking for Stoptober and you’re five times more likely to quit 27 September 2024 Stoptober

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    The Isle of Wight Council is encouraging Islanders who smoke to take part in Stoptober, this October.

    Stoptober is back for 2024 and we are calling on people who smoke, across the Island, to join 2.5 million other people across England who have made a quit attempt with the campaign previously.

    Simon Bryant, the Island’s director of Public Health, said: “Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health and it’s never too late to quit. When you stop smoking, there are almost immediate improvements to your health. If you quit smoking for a month, you’re five times more likely to quit for good.’’

    I would encourage anyone looking at giving up smoking to get involved during Stoptober and be part of the opportunity. It is never too late to stop smoking and Smokefree Island will offer support to quit throughout the year. When you stop smoking good things start to happen.’’

    Quitting smoking has many benefits, breathing easier, moving about more freely, and having more money to spend. Stoptober offers free tools to help you quit, including the NHS Quit Smoking app, daily email support, Facebook groups, information about quitting smoking with a vape and expert support from local stop smoking services such as Smokefree Island or search ‘Stoptober’.

    For more information about the stop smoking services available across the Island, visit Smokefree Island, text QUIT to 66777, call 01983 642369, or email smokefree.island@nhs.net.

    Smoking causes 64,000 deaths a year, making it the biggest cause of preventable illness and death.

    You are not alone in your stop smoking journey to a better quality of life. Every year, around 1000 Isle of Wight residents set a quit date.

    Join Stoptober! Boost your chances of quitting smoking for good!

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –