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Category: France

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran and EU3 countries agree to continue consultations after Istanbul talks

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    ISTANBUL, July 25 (Xinhua) — Diplomats from Iran and the EU3 (France, Britain and Germany) have agreed to continue consultations following talks in Istanbul on Friday on lifting sanctions and the nuclear issue, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said.

    The closed-door meeting took place at the Iranian consulate in Istanbul, with the Iranian delegation led by K. Gharibabadi and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi.

    At the end of the meeting, which lasted about four hours, K. Gharibabadi said on the X social network that Iran and the EU3 countries had held “serious, frank and detailed” discussions on the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions.

    He added that the Iranian side expressed sharp criticism of the position of European countries regarding the recent conflict between Iran and Israel and reaffirmed its “principled position”, including regarding the snapback mechanism.

    The snapback mechanism is a provision in the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, that allows other parties to the agreement to reimpose all international sanctions if Iran fails to meet its obligations.

    The talks come amid efforts to revive diplomacy on the Iranian nuclear issue after U.S.-Iran talks and broader discussions involving European countries were suspended following Israel’s June 13 strike on Iran. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: As Spotify moves to video, the environmental footprint of music streaming hits the high notes

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hussein Boon, Principal Lecturer – Music, University of Westminster

    CarlosBarquero/Shutterstock

    Spotify currently has 675 million active users. Now, as it expands into video for music streaming and as more people use Spotify, the app’s environmental footprint is set to increase.

    In-video advertisements that aim to increase ad revenue involve AI to tap into a users’ preferences. This means lots of individual videos with minor differences requiring additional processing scaled to the user’s streaming resolution.

    But while Spotify used to publish data on its environmental costs, its reports have been incomplete since 2021. As American author and scholar, Shoshanna Zuboff points out in her book The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, many tech companies lack environmental accountability.



    Read more:
    Music streaming has a far worse carbon footprint than the heyday of records and CDs – new findings

    The Carbon Trust, a consultancy that helps businesses reduce their carbon footprints, works to globally promote a sustainable future and has calculated the European average carbon footprint for video streaming as producing 55g of CO₂e per hour. This CO₂e or carbon dioxide equivalent is a comparable measure of the potential effect of different greenhouse gases on the climate: 55g of CO₂e is 50 times more than audio streaming and the equivalent of microwaving four bags of popcorn.

    Online music videos are becoming the default – but at what environmental cost?
    Song_about_summer/Shutterstock

    As a music technology and AI researcher, I’m aware of the shift in responsibility that comes with Spotify’s video innovations. While companies’ significant role in generating emissions should not be diminished, the shift of responsibility fromt he platform to users and content creators means that better informed choices about their streaming devices and streaming quality settings larger screens need to be made. Streaming at higher resolutions becomes significant factors in increasing video’s carbon footprint.

    This increased responsibility means that end users needs to make better informed choices about their streaming devices and streaming quality settings.

    While companies’ significant role in generating emissions should not be diminished, this shift of responsibility to the end user means that larger screens and streaming at higher resolutions become significant factors in increasing video’s carbon footprint.

    Location also affects how carbon emissions are managed. Germany has the largest carbon footprint for video streaming at 76g CO₂e per hour of streaming, reflecting its continued reliance on coal and fossil fuels. In the UK, this figure is 48g CO₂e per hour, because its energy mix includes renewables and natural gas, increasingly with nuclear as central to the UK’s low-carbon future. France, with a reliance on nuclear is the lowest, at 10g CO₂e per hour.

    There is an absolute burden of responsibility on tech and media companies to reduce their carbon emissions and to be transparent about their efforts to do so. In fact, net zero cannot be achieved without commitments from the major technology companies, many of which are based in the US whose government has not ratified the Kyoto protocol and withdrew from the Paris agreement in 2020 which are both significant global efforts to combat climate change.

    Eco-conscious music streaming

    A French thinktank called the Shift Project advocates for people and companies to adopt “digital sobriety” (the mindful use of digital tech) to ensure efficiency and sustainability. For example, research shows that the UK could reduce its carbon output by more 16,433 tonnes if each adult sent one less thank you email a day.

    Certainly aimless streaming should be avoided because video decoding can account for 35-50% of playback energy on user devices. However, music video is more than mere music. As I have argued in my own work, video “provides a layer of meaning making not present in lyrics or audio alone”.

    Video can bring marginalised music makers, cultures and ideas to the foreground by tackling difficult subjects. Like the work of Syrian-American rapper, poet, activist and chaplain Mona Haydar’s Wrap My Hijab or UK grime rapper Drillminister and his critique of neo-liberalism and trickle-down economics Nouveau Riche.

    To minimise the environmental footprint of your own music streaming, use Wi-Fi rather than 4G or 5G. If you listen to a song repeatedly, purchase a download to play. Use localised storage rather than cloud-based systems for all of your music and video files. Reduce auto-play, aimless background streaming or using streaming as a sleep aid by changing the default settings on your device including reducing streaming resolution. And turn your camera off for video calls, as carbon emissions are 25 times more than for audio only.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

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

    – ref. As Spotify moves to video, the environmental footprint of music streaming hits the high notes – https://theconversation.com/as-spotify-moves-to-video-the-environmental-footprint-of-music-streaming-hits-the-high-notes-259939

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Ricketts Introduces the THINK TWICE Act to Combat Chinese Arms Sales

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Tracking Hostile Industry Networks and Kit while Thwarting Weapons Imports from Chinese Entities (THINK TWICE) Act of 2025.  The THINK TWICE Act would require an assessment of arms sales by Communist China and a strategy to dissuade countries from buying Chinese weapons systems and defense equipment.  The legislation was also sponsored by Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO).
    “Communist China has emerged as a major weapons supplier. This is particularly true in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia,” said Ricketts.  “This development has major implications for American defense companies, our military operations, and our global security partnerships.  The recent Pakistan-India clash saw significant use of Chinese-made weapons. This should be a major wake-up call that we must do more to combat these arms sales.  That’s why I’ve introduced the THINK TWICE Act. This act requires a coordinated strategy to dissuade new purchases of Chinese-made weapons. It will also ensure our defense industrial base is better equipped to provide alternatives to prospective buyers.”
    “As China wields arms sales to reshape the international system in Beijing’s image, the United States must reassert its role as a security partner of choice,” said Bennet.  “This legislation is an essential step toward countering China’s expanding military footprint and geopolitical influence.”
    The THINK TWICE Act would:
    Requires the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to report on arms sales facilitated by entities of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).  The report requires inclusion of:
    The specific weapons systems, technical aspects, and capabilities of those weapons;
    The countries mostly likely to procure weapons systems; 
    The weapons that present the greatest security risks regarding the potential to collect intelligence on or compromise U.S. platforms;
    The factors that incentivize countries to procure Chinese weapons; 
    And the PRC’s strategy regarding arms sales.

    Requires the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, to develop a strategy to dissuade purchases of new weapons systems and defense equipment from the PRC.  The strategy would include:
    An information campaign to warn countries interested in procuring weapons systems and defense equipment originating from China about risks; 
    A description of actions the U.S. can take, including FMS reforms, commercial sales, and foreign military financing; 
    An analysis of whether sanctions or economic restrictions targeting potential buyers could be used as an effective deterrent; 
    A plan to ensure sufficient representation of defense firms of the U.S. or trusted allies at defense trade shows; 
    And a plan to combat Chinese disinformation campaigns targeting the performance of Western weapons.

    BACKGROUND:
    Communist China is now the fourth largest arms exporter behind the U.S., Russia, and France.  In recent years, Chinese-made drones, missiles, and fighter jets have been exported to 44 countries.  All around the world, Communist China uses arms sales to promote strategic interests, improve its military’s image and reputation, acquire performance data of Chinese-made weapons in contested environments, exacerbate tensions between the U.S. and traditional security partners, and gain a foothold for further defense and security cooperation.  With Russia unable to facilitate arms sales given its war of aggression in Ukraine, an opportunity has arisen for Communist China to fill the void.
    Bill text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Channel crossings: life in ‘microcamps’ on the French border, and how they are changing crossing attempts

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sophie Watt, Lecturer, School of Languages and Cultures, University of Sheffield

    I have spent the past two years examining the living conditions in informal refugee camps along the northern coast of France as part of an ongoing research project on borders. These sites are where people gather before attempting to cross the Channel to the UK.

    The UK government recently announced a returns agreement to discourage people from making the crossing and economic sanctions
    against people smugglers, following an increase in funding for border control and a decision to use counter-terrorism tactics in an effort to “smash the gangs”.

    But from what I have observed, such policies appear to do little to stop people from making the journey. Quite the opposite – the more police crack down, the more the smuggling networks take risks to get around difficulties.

    My fieldwork has been primarily conducted through volunteer work with Salam, a grassroots organisation that provides hot meals and clothing to the main informal camps in Calais and Dunkirk. I have also collaborated with other groups such as Alors on Aide and Opal Exil.

    In the past few years, smuggling networks have adjusted their tactics to evade police. While smugglers used to inflate boats on the beaches between Calais and Dunkirk, they are now mostly using “taxi boats”. These leave further north or south on the coast, as far as Le Touquet. They then pick up groups of refugees waiting in the water along the coast, avoiding police intervention.

    A microcamp in Ecault Forest.
    Sophie Watt

    In response, and in order to intensify the crossings, “microcamps” have emerged – smaller temporary settlements closer to the beach, along the coast between Hardelot and Calais. These microcamps act as connecting points between the larger camps and the coastal departure locations where taxi boats pick them up. They allow for people to make several attempts at crossing without having to return to the large camps, where living conditions are more difficult.

    The larger camps (such as Loon Plage and Calais) are the epicentre of the smuggling operations. The camps are evicted at least once a week (every 24 hours in Calais) due to France’s official “zero fixation point” policy. This policy, which bars people from forming long-term settlements, was implemented after the dismantling of the Calais “Jungle” refugee camp in October 2016.

    Camp conditions

    Police efforts to uphold the zero fixation point policy entail frequent evacuations, restrictions of humanitarian aid and physical site disruption. At Loon Plage, I saw that the sole access to water is a livestock trough.

    Official guidance from the UN’s refugee agency states that, irrespective of the informality of these camps, their residents should have access to water, sanitation and shelter.

    Access to water is limited to troughs.
    Sophie Watt

    The non-profit watchdog group Human Rights Observers has documented instances of police violence and seizures of people’s belongings and tents at the camps.

    In addition to regular evictions of the larger camps, the microcamps have recently seen more brutal police action. There have been reports of police using teargas, puncturing life jackets and tents, contributing to untenable living conditions. Violence and shootings between smuggling groups have also been reported in Loon Plage camp.

    While working with Alors On Aide and photographer Laurent Prum we met around 50 people, including seven children (ages one-17), in a microcamp on the edge of the Ecault forest near Boulogne-sur-Mer. We immediately noted a tension between the group and the gendarmes who were standing watch.

    Most of this group had spent a few years in Germany before being refused asylum. They told me they felt they had been forced to come back to France, because of the deportation measures currently being implemented by the German government.

    A few confided that this was their fifth and final try at crossing the Channel. This is a new tactic the smuggling organisations use to make more money more rapidly: while refugees used to be able to try as many times as they needed, they now have to pay again after five failed attempts.

    The previous day, this group told us they had been chased out of another part of the forest. There, we had found several empty canisters of tear gas – consistent with reports that French police have deployed tear gas in operations against informal camps.

    This group had wanted to stay there because they could use a dilapidated shed to shelter themselves and their children from the rain. Eventually, the gendarmes evicted them, forcing them to spend the night in the rain – the field in question was privately owned. Following the eviction, we witnessed that the landowner had covered the area with manure to stop them returning.

    A young Sudanese man showed us videos of the altercation. The exchange, during which five people were arrested, was violent. The children were terrified and the video showed the gendarmes using teargas against the group. A Palestinian mother was arrested and taken into custody, forced to leave her two young daughters. Her husband asked me: “Why did they arrest her when they could see she had two children with her?”

    Alors on Aide mobilised several of its members to bring clothes, blankets and food for the group, and got the Palestinian woman released from custody, as she had not been charged with any offence.



    Read more:
    I’ve spent time with refugees in French coastal camps and they told me the government’s Rwanda plan is not putting them off coming to the UK

    Slashing boats

    While living conditions in camps and the capacity of the French asylum system make staying in France difficult, police are also taking firmer action against boats attempting the crossing.

    As part of a coastal patrol (helping refugees after a failed crossing attempt), we arrived on the beach in Équihen at around 7am on July 4 to find that French police had just punctured a boat in the water.

    The UK government praised French police for this action, performed in front of international media. The UK and France have also discussed allowing coastguards to intercept taxi boats up to 300 metres off the coast.

    This would be a marked change from current regulations, which prohibit French police from intervening offshore except when responding to passengers in distress. Even the border police have doubts about the legal basis for this measure and its practical implications at sea, particularly given the heightened risk of accident.

    Trapped between hounding by police on the beaches and constant evacuations from the informal settlements, the refugees have no choice but to try to cross the Channel at any cost. A record number of 89 refugees died at the Franco-British border in 2024. Thirteen deaths at sea have already been recorded in 2025.

    In my view, the recently announced French-British measures to intensify policing and border enforcement are unlikely to deter people from attempting dangerous crossings. Instead, they will create an incentive for more dangerous tactics by smugglers, putting more lives at risk and violating human rights. Any agreement to return asylum seekers, restrict their access to asylum or force people back across borders will exacerbate the dangers already experienced by those seeking refuge.

    Sophie Watt receives funding from the University of Sheffield and the British Academy / Leverhulme Small Research Grants.

    – ref. Channel crossings: life in ‘microcamps’ on the French border, and how they are changing crossing attempts – https://theconversation.com/channel-crossings-life-in-microcamps-on-the-french-border-and-how-they-are-changing-crossing-attempts-260843

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The Lafayette Fellowship

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    1. Home
    2. Latest News
    3. The Lafayette Fellowship

    Published on July 25, 2025

    A New Opportunity for Graduate Studies in France

    The French Embassy in the United States is launching the Lafayette Fellowship, a new scholarship program designed to support the next generation of young leaders with a strong interest in the transatlantic relationship.

    Launching on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence and celebrating the French-American friendship, the Lafayette Fellowship will fund one year of master’s level study in France for up to 30 outstanding American students.

    Open to both Francophone and non-Francophone candidates, the initiative will partner with top French higher education institutions that offer programs across STEM, the humanities, social sciences, and the arts, either in French or entirely in English.

    In addition to their academic studies, fellows will take part in the French-American Leadership Program, a dynamic, year-long experience featuring lectures, masterclasses, site visits, and mentorship support, offering a 360-degree immersion into European innovation, culture, and policy.

    This annual program aims to deepen academic and cultural exchange between France and the U.S. and nurture future leaders committed to strengthening the transatlantic relationship. It also strives to spread awareness about France’s many internationally ranked universities and academic excellence programs taught in English.

    The Fellowship will encourage reflection on major global challenges, such as environmental challenges and sustainable transition; health and biotechnology; peace and security; social equity and democratic issues; digital technologies; and artificial intelligence.

    Learn more about the program here.

    Applications open in late August 2025 for the 2026-2027 academic year.

    Questions?

    E-mail lafayettefellowship@villa-albertine.org

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Merck Foundation marks World ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Day 2025 by providing 716 scholarships of Embryology, Fertility and Reproductive care in 41 countries in Africa and Asia

    Source: APO – Report:

    • Merck Foundation has made history by training the first local Embryologists and Reproductive & Fertility Experts in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia,  Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Malawi, and Congo. Moreover, supported training for the staff of First Public IVF Centers in Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Niger, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
    • Merck Foundation launched “More Than a Mother Animation Film” that raises awareness about breaking infertility stigma, infertility prevention and male infertility, watch here: https://apo-opa.co/44PGUEB

    Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘World ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Day 2025’ together with African and Asian First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” Campaign, by building and advancing fertility care capacity in Africa and Asia.

    Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than  a Mother” emphasized, “At Merck Foundation we mark World Assisted Reproductive Technology Day by building Fertility and Reproductive Care capacity and empowering infertile women by improving their access to information, change of mindset and quality & equitable fertility care across Africa & Asia as part of our “More than a Mother” campaign.

    I am very proud to share that we have provided till today 716 scholarships of Embryology, Fertility and Sexual & Reproductive care to young doctors from 41 countries in Africa and Asia to be the local Embryologists, Fertility & Reproductive care experts in their countries. Moreover, many of our Alumni were trained to be the first local experts in their countries where they never had even a single local embryologist or fertility specialist before our program such as; The Gambia, Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Malawi, Congo , Mozambique and more.

    Together with African First Ladies, and other important partners, we are making history and reshaping the landscape of fertility & Reproductive care across Africa and beyond”, added Dr. Kelej.

    Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” is a powerful campaign that defines interventions to build quality and equitable Reproductive and Fertility Care Capacity, Break Infertility Stigma and Raise Awareness about Infertility Prevention and Male Infertility.

    Merck Foundation has provided 2280 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

    “To give an overview, out of our total 716 scholarships for Fertility and Reproductive care, we have provided more than 324 Scholarships for clinical and practical training to Fertility Specialists and Embryologists, and more than 392 Scholarships for PG Diploma and Master Degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Biotechnology of Human Assisted Reproduction & Embryology, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical skills and Family Medicine to doctors from 41 countries across Africa and Asia. We are proud of this achievement”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

    According to WHO data, more than 180 million couples in developing countries – that is 1 in every 4 couple, suffer from infertility. In many cultures in Africa, infertility is a huge stigma. Women are solely blamed for failing to conceive and the social stigma of childlessness, especially for women leads to isolation and stigmatization and results in discrimination and ostracism. This mostly also leads to divorce or physical or psychological violence. As a part of “More Than a  Mother” Campaign, Merck Foundation has launched many initiatives to break this stigma and create a culture shift.

    Merck Foundation has also been empowering childless and infertile women through their “Empowering Berna” initiative under their “More Than a Mother” movement. This initiative helps women who cannot be treated for infertility anymore by helping them get trained to establish small businesses so that they can be independent and rebuild their lives. Through ‘Empowering Berna’, the lives of many infertile women have been transformed in many African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Niger, Malawi, and many more.

    “It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to lead a fulfilling life, with or without a child,” added Dr. Kelej.

    Moreover, Merck Foundation has trained more than 3700 media representatives from more than 35 countries to raise community awareness and break the stigma around infertility and infertile and childless women.

    Merck Foundation in partnership with Africa’s First Ladies, has also launched ‘More Than Mother’ Children’s storybook to emphasize strong family values of love and respect from a young age which will reflect on eliminating the stigma of infertility and the resulted domestic violence in the future. The storybooks have been localized for each country and in three languages, English, French and Portuguese to better connect with the young readers. The book has also been adapted to an animation film.

    Watch More Than a Mother Animation Film here: https://apo-opa.co/44PGUEB

    Merck Foundation’s pan African TV program “Our Africa”, that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and features African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa, has many episodes dedicated to raise awareness about infertility and breaking infertility stigma.

    Watch the episodes here:

    Episode 3: https://apo-opa.co/44OQc3I

    Episode 5: https://apo-opa.co/4f6JZDz

    Episode 10: https://apo-opa.co/4lgc7Wx

    Merck Foundation has also released about 30 songs, many of these songs have been created with the aim to break the infertility stigma, as a part of their “More Than a Mother” campaign. Listen to some of the songs here:

    1. Watch, share & subscribe to the ‘Plus qu’une MERE’ composed and sung by Ms. Lucky-Lou, the daughter of The President and The First Lady of Burundi: https://apo-opa.co/46YM2aD
    2. Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Cwesi Oteng and Adina from Ghana: https://apo-opa.co/3H5X2bP
    3. Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Zambian Soul Singer Wezi: https://apo-opa.co/4f3DIIM
    4. Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Sunita Daffeh from the Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/471MBAx

    Listen to all “More than a Mother” songs here:

    https://apo-opa.co/4mai2wX

    “To address this important issue of breaking infertility stigma and also a wide range of other social issues, we annually launch Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ Awards in partnership with African First Ladies. I would also like to invite the African Community of Media, Fashion, Filmmaking, and Musicians, students, and potential talents in these fields to apply for the awards this year by sharing their creative work on submit@merck-foundation.com”, concluded Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

    – on behalf of Merck Foundation.

    Addtional Images: 
    https://apo-opa.co/4f3DDEY

    Contact:
    Mehak Handa
    Community Awareness Program Manager 
    Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
    Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

    Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4f6SOgJ
    X: https://apo-opa.co/4f9yYRV
    YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4lIrMyD
    Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4mgf4XZ
    Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3IEKOaL
    Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4lIrQ1l
    Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
    Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3GR2fEp

    About Merck Foundation:
    The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4f6SOgJ), X (https://apo-opa.co/4f9yYRV), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4mgf4XZ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4lIrMyD), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3IEKOaL) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4lIrQ1l).

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran, European countries resume nuclear talks in Istanbul

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TEHRAN, July 25 (Xinhua) — Nuclear talks between Iran and the European “troika” of Germany, France and Britain began in the Turkish city of Istanbul on Friday morning, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

    The Iranian delegation is headed by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi.

    Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told the official IRNA news agency that the talks would be an opportunity for the three European countries to correct their attitude toward Iran and test their approach to the country’s nuclear program.

    Speaking earlier at a weekly press conference, Baghaei said the talks would focus on lifting sanctions and issues related to Tehran’s peaceful nuclear program, noting that Iran would seriously present its demands at the upcoming meeting.

    Since September last year, Iran and the EU three have held six rounds of talks on a range of issues, including Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions. The latest round took place in Istanbul in mid-May. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Plastic Greenpeace climbers abseil from Forth Bridge to block INEOS tanker in plastics protest An international team of Greenpeace activists has abseiled from Scotland’s Forth Road Bridge to block an INEOS tanker from delivering its cargo of fracked American gas to the Grangemouth petrochemical… by Graham Thompson July 25, 2025

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    An international team of Greenpeace activists has abseiled from Scotland’s Forth Road Bridge to block an INEOS tanker from delivering its cargo of fracked American gas to the Grangemouth petrochemical facility. 

    The Greenpeace protest is aimed at chemicals giant INEOS, owned by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, which is opposing efforts by UN Member States to secure a Global Plastics Treaty to curb plastic pollution [1]. INEOS is the UK’s biggest plastics manufacturer, producing 30-35 billion nurdles (pellets) daily at its Grangemouth plant – enough to make 60 million plastic bottles.

    The action comes less than a fortnight before governments meet in Geneva, Switzerland, for the sixth and final round of negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty (5-14 August). Greenpeace is calling for these talks to agree to a cut in global plastic production of at least 75% by 2040, and for the UN to exclude lobbyists from INEOS and other fossil fuels companies from the treaty negotiations. Plastics producers including INEOS have collectively sent hundreds of lobbyists to exert their influence at every stage of the talks so far. Lobbyists have used tactics such as intimidation and harassment, to block an agreement that includes caps on plastic production.

    The 10 climbers are confronting the giant INEOS tanker ‘INDEPENDENCE’. The vessel spent the last 10 days crossing the Atlantic carrying 27,500 cubic metres of ethane bound for Grangemouth where it will be used by INEOS in the production of virgin plastic.

    Amy Cameron, Programme Director at Greenpeace UK said:

    “Plastic pollution has reached a crisis point: it’s poisoning our land, seas, air, even our bodies. The Global Plastics Treaty offers us a once in a generation chance to tackle the problem for good, so it’s no surprise INEOS and its billionaire boss, Jim Ratcliffe, are doing everything they can to stop it.

    Ratcliffe tries to distract us with sports teams and sponsorships, but we’re not going to let him fill our planet with plastic, so he can fill his pockets with profit. Ratcliffe is trying to block a strong Global Plastics Treaty, so today we’re blocking him.”

    An international team of Greenpeace activists abseil from Scotland’s Forth Road Bridge to block an INEOS tanker from delivering its cargo of fracked American gas to the Grangemouth petrochemical facility. The Greenpeace protest is aimed at chemicals giant INEOS, owned by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, which is opposing efforts by UN Member States to secure a Global Plastics Treaty to curb plastic pollution. INEOS is the UK’s biggest plastics manufacturer, producing (pellets) daily at its Grangemouth plant – enough to make 60 million plastic bottles.© Luca Marino / Greenpeace

    The highly-trained Greenpeace climbers [2] abseiled from beneath the bridge’s service walkway, unfurling six giant ‘Plastics Treaty Now’ banners. They will remain suspended 25 metres above the main shipping lane of the River Forth [3], preventing the tanker from reaching port with its hazardous cargo. They are supported by a rescue crew on the bridge and a boat team in the river below. 

    The Greenpeace protest comes during Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland. Over the past three years, INEOS Energy has made investments exceeding $3bn in the US oil and gas sector, and the US petrochemicals industry is investing heavily in new chemical and plastics production projects. Like INEOS, US Fossil Fuel giants are attempting to weaken the Global Plastics Treaty to avoid caps on virgin plastic production. 

    ENDS

    Contact: 

    Greenpeace UK press office: press.uk@greenpeace.org / 020 7865 8255

    Greenpeace press officer on the ground at Forth Road Bridge: Kai Tabacek – 07984 127025

    Greenpeace spokespeople are available for interviews on the ground in Scotland and in London

    Please find all photos and videos of the protest HERE. Additional pictures and footage will be added as they become available.

    Notes to editors

    1. Speaking at the EFRA Parliamentary Committee on 8th July, on the UK Government’s priorities for the final plastics treaty negotiations, INEOS’s Technology Director, Peter Williams firmly opposed production caps because of potential “unintended consequences.”
    2. The international team of Greenpeace activists include climbers from: UK, Argentina, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Finland, France, Italy, Netherlands and Taiwan.
    3. The main span of the iconic Forth Road Bridge is a little over a kilometre long, around 50 metres above water level. The highly-trained Greenpeace climbers are spaced at intervals of around 20 metres in an attempt to block the INEOS tanker. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Applauds France’s Decision to Recognize Palestinian Statehood, Calls for Renewed Push Toward Peace

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    CHICAGO, IL – Today, Congressman Jonathan Jackson (IL-01) issued the following statement in response to France’s announcement that it will formally recognize a Palestinian state in September:  

    “I commend President Emmanuel Macron and the French government for their courageous and principled decision to recognize Palestinian statehood. This historic step reaffirms France’s commitment to justice, diplomacy, and a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  

    “A two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine coexisting in security and mutual recognition, remains the only viable path to lasting peace. France’s leadership moves the world closer to that reality. The United States and the international community must follow this example by supporting dialogue, de-escalation, and a negotiated settlement that upholds the rights and dignity of all people in the region.  

    “Now is the time for bold action. Let us seize this moment to advance peace, stability, and hope for future generations. We must break this cycle of violence and work towards a lasting peace and prosperity.  The work is not a singular act, but rather a commitment made to bring our world together. “

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Why is France recognising Palestinian statehood and who else has?

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    French President Emmanuel Macron has announced he will recognise Palestinian statehood, drawing angry rebukes from Israel and the United States and opening the door for other major nations to potentially like Britain and Canada to perhaps follow suit.

    Below are some details about Macron’s announcement, driven by a rising global outcry over starvation and devastation in Gaza amid Israel’s war against Hamas militants, as well as other nations’ position on having Palestinian statehood recognised.

    WHAT DID MACRON SAY?

    Macron published a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming France’s intention to press ahead with recognition and work to convince other partners to do the same. He said he would make a formal announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next month.

    France is now the first major Western country to shift its diplomatic stance on a Palestinian state, after Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognised one last year.

    WHY IS THIS SIGNIFICANT?

    The decision to recognise Palestinian statehood is mostly symbolic, with Israel occupying the territories where the Palestinians have long aimed to establish that state in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem as its capital.

    But the move by France, which is home to Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim communities, could fuel a movement so far dominated by smaller nations generally more critical of Israel.

    It also makes Israel appear more isolated on the international stage over the war in Gaza, which is suffering from a wave of hunger that the World Health Organization’s chief said this week amounts to man-made mass starvation.

    Israel says it is committed to allowing aid into Gaza but must control it to prevent it being diverted by militants. It says it has let enough food into Gaza during the war and blames Hamas for the suffering of Gaza’s 2.2 million people.

    WHY DID MACRON DO THIS?

    Macron had been leaning towards the move for months as part of a bid to keep the idea of a two-state solution alive, despite the pressure not to do so. He decided to do it ahead of a U.N. conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia on the matter next week to try to sway other countries considering that step, or those that are wavering.

    WHAT IMPACT COULD IT HAVE ON FRENCH TIES WITH ISRAEL

    Ahead of Macron’s announcement, Israeli officials had spent months lobbying to prevent what some had called “a nuclear bomb” for bilateral relations.

    Sources familiar with the matter say Israel’s warnings to France had ranged from scaling back intelligence-sharing to complicating Paris’ regional initiatives – even hinting at possible annexation of parts of the West Bank.

    WHO COULD BE NEXT?

    France’s decision may put pressure on major countries like Britain, Germany, Australia, Canada and Japan to take the same path. In the immediate term, Malta and Belgium could be the next countries within the European Union to do so.

    A British cabinet minister said on Friday that Britain supports eventual recognition of a Palestinian state, but the immediate priority should be alleviating the suffering in Gaza and securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

    Germany said on Friday it was not planning to recognise Palestinian statehood in the short term, rather its priority waas to make “long-overdue progress” towards a two-state solution – Israel and a Palestinian state co-existing in peace.

    WHO ELSE HAS RECOGNISED PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD?

    Last year, Ireland, Norway and Spain recognised a Palestinian state with its borders to be demarcated as they were prior to the 1967 Middle East war, when Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.

    However, they also recognised that those borders may change in any eventual talks to reach a final settlement, and that their decisions did not diminish their belief in Israel’s fundamental right to exist in peace and security.

    About 144 of the 193 member states of the United Nations recognise Palestine as a state, including most of the global south as well as Russia, China and India. But only a handful of the 27 European Union members do so, mostly former Communist countries as well as Sweden and Cyprus.

    The U.N. General Assembly approved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine in November 2012 by upgrading its observer status at the world body to “non-member state” from “entity.”

    HOW DID THE UNITED STATES, ISRAEL, AND PALESTINIANS REACT?

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision by France, one of Israel’s closest allies and a G7 member, saying such a move “rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy”.

    Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described it as “a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism”. He added that Israel would not allow the establishment of a “Palestinian entity that would harm our security, endanger our existence”.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States “strongly rejects (Macron’s) plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly.”

    “This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace,” Rubio posted on X. “It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th” – a reference to Hamas’ 2023 cross-border attack on Israel that set off the Gaza war.

    Thanking France, the Palestinian Authority’s Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh said Macron’s decision reflected “France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state”.

    The Palestine Liberation Organization recognised Israel’s right to exist in peace at the start of the U.S.-backed peace process in 1993 that set up the Palestinian Authority in what Palestinians hoped would be a stepping stone towards statehood.

    But Hamas and other Palestinian Islamist militants who have long dominated Gaza and frequently clash with Israeli forces in the West Bank reject recognition of Israel.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: How bachata rose from Dominican Republic’s brothels and shantytowns to become a global sensation

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Wilfredo José Burgos Matos, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Latin American and Latino Studies, Lehman College, CUNY

    Once viewed by elites with disdain, bachata has become popular worldwide. Erika Santelices/AFP via Getty Images

    What began as songs about heartbreak in the brothels and barrios of the Dominican Republic in the 1960s has become a worldwide sensation.

    Even the Bee Gees have gotten a bachata spin. Prince Royce’s bilingual take on the 1977 hit “How Deep Is Your Love” has topped the Latin music charts this summer and proves bachata is no longer chasing the mainstream but reimagining the pop canon.

    Bachata dance classes, parties and festivals have sprung up across the U.S. in recent years, everywhere from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, and Omaha, Nebraska, to Oklahoma City.

    It’s easy to find abroad as well. Upcoming bachata festivals are happening in cities in Austria, Egypt, Australia and China.

    Instructors teach a bachata class in Warsaw, Poland, in July 2025.
    Neil Milton/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    I’m a scholar of Dominican culture and the senior researcher for the History of Dominican Music in the U.S. project at the City University of New York’s Dominican Studies Institute. I see bachata as a revealing window into modern post-1960s Dominican history – and one that spotlights the emotional truths and everyday experiences of poor and Black Dominicans in particular.

    Music from the margins

    Bachata was born in the Dominican countryside and later developed in the shantytowns of Santo Domingo, the capital. In most Latin American dictionaries, the word “bachata” is loosely defined as “revelry” or “a spree.”

    The distinctive sound is formed from guitars, bongos, bass and the güira – a percussion instrument also used in merengue music – and accompanied by typically romantic or bittersweet lyrics.

    The music was long associated with the lower classes and Black Dominicans.

    The genre’s first recording came in 1962, just over a year after Rafael Leónidas Trujillo, a brutal dictator who ruled the island for 31 years, was assassinated. Trujillo’s death marked the beginning of a new cultural and political era in the Dominican Republic, although democratic hopes were soon shattered by a military coup, civil war and a second U.S. intervention following an earlier one between 1916-1924.

    Urban and middle-class Dominicans looked down on bachata as the music played in brothels and favored by poor, rural people who started to migrate to urban areas in large numbers in the 1960s. It was played almost exclusively on Radio Guarachita, a Santo Domingo station run by Radhamés Aracena, a key promoter of the genre.

    Amid a country reeling from political upheaval, bachata emerged as a soundtrack to working-class survival. The guitar-based rhythms were shaped by Cuban bolero and son and Mexican ranchera music, while the lyrics chronicled daily struggles, grief and marginalization.

    In most Latin American dictionaries, the word ‘bachata’ is loosely defined as ‘revelry’ or ‘a spree.’ This reflects its early development in informal social spaces where friends gathered to sing their hearts out, share drinks and escape daily hardships.
    CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Library, The Deborah Pacini Hernández Bachata Music Collection

    Bachata’s shifting language

    In the 1960s, bachata lyrics centered on heartache and were often directed at a romantic partner.

    “Understand me, you know I love only you. Don’t deny me the hope of kissing you again,” Rafael Encarnación sang in Spanish in his 1964 song “Muero Contigo,” or “I Die With You.”

    By the late 1970s and early 1980s, sexual innuendos were common, adding to the genre’s low standing among Dominican elites.

    “I gave you everything you ever wanted, but it was all useless because you went looking for another man,” Blas Durán sang in 1985. “I was left like the orange vendor – peeling so someone else could suck the fruit.”

    To reclaim respect for bachata, some artists, such as Luis Segura and Leonardo Paniagua, in the mid-1980s began calling their music música de amargue, or “music of romantic bitterness.”

    What began as a genre label gradually transformed into a sensibility. “Amargue” came to name a feeling marked by longing, loss and quiet introspection – akin to “feeling the blues” in the U.S.

    American blues similarly emerged from the hardships faced by Black Americans in the South and expressed themes of sorrow, resilience and reflection.

    By the 1990s, the stigma surrounding bachata began to fade, partly due to the international success of Dominican star Juan Luis Guerra and his album Bachata Rosa. The album sold more than 5 million copies worldwide by 1994, earned Guerra a Grammy Award for best tropical Latin album, and was certified platinum in the U.S.

    As acceptance of the genre grew, traditional bachateros in the Dominican Republic continued releasing bachata albums. However, Dominican pop, rock and other artists also began recording bachatas – such as 1990’s “Yo Quiero Andar” by Sonia Silvestre and 1998’s “Bufeo” by Luis “El Terror” Días.

    Aventura performs for a crowd in Madrid in 2024. It was the group’s first tour since their split in 2011.
    Ricardo Rubio/Europa Press via Getty Images

    Bachata goes mainstream

    Migration to the U.S. is a pivotal chapter in Dominican history after the 1960s. The U.S. Immigration Act of 1965 functioned as a de facto immigration policy and encouraged a large-scale exodus from the Dominican Republic.

    By the mid-1990s, a strong and vibrant Dominican diaspora was firmly established in New York City. The Bronx became the birthplace of Grupo Aventura, a group that revolutionized bachata by blending its traditional rhythms with urban genres such as hip-hop.

    “Obsesión,” released in 2002, was an international hit.

    Their music reflected the bicultural diaspora, often torn between nostalgia for their homeland and everyday challenges of urban American life. Against the backdrop of city life, bachata found a new voice that mirrored the immigrant experience. The genre shifted from a shared feeling of loss and longing to a celebration of cultural community.

    In 2002, the song “Obsesión” by Aventura and featuring Judy Santos topped music charts in France, Germany, Italy, the U.S. and elsewhere. The group Aventura and, later, lead singer Romeo Santos as a solo artist sold out Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium, respectively.

    As they rose in fame, Aventura became global ambassadors for Dominican culture and made bachata mainstream.

    Puerto Rican bachatero Toby Love performs during an event held by Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on April 9, 2016, in New York City.
    Andrew Renneisen via Getty Images

    Global spin on bachata

    Bachata’s popularity has also spread to other countries in Latin America, and especially among working-class and Afro-descendant communities in Central America that see their own realities reflected in the music.

    At the same time, Dominican diasporic communities in countries such as Spain and Italy carried the genre with them, where it continued to evolve.

    In Spain, for example, bachata experienced a creative transformation. By the mid-2000s, bachata sensual had emerged as a dance style influenced by zouk and tango, emphasizing smooth, body-led movements and close partner connection.

    Around the same time, modern bachata also developed between Spain and New York City. This style is a departure from traditional bachata, which focuses on the box step and fast footwork, and incorporates more turns and other elements from salsa.

    In 2019 bachata was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which also lists Jamaican reggae and Mexican mariachi.

    Today, bachata’s influence is truly global. International conferences dedicated to the genre attract dancers, musicians and scholars from around the world. Puerto Rican, Colombian and other artists from diverse cultural and racial backgrounds continue to nurture and reinvent bachata.

    At the same time, more women, such as Andre Veloz, Judy Santos and Leslie Grace, are building careers as bachata performers and challenging a traditionally male-dominated genre.

    Natti Natasha performs at an album release party for ‘En Amargue,’ her 2025 album produced by bachata icon and former Aventura singer Romeo Santos.
    John Parra/WireImage via Getty Images

    Bachata holds a place not only on the world stage but in the hearts of Latino, Black, Asian and many other communities in the U.S. that recognize the genre’s power to tell stories of love, loss, migration and resilience.

    Wilfredo José Burgos Matos does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How bachata rose from Dominican Republic’s brothels and shantytowns to become a global sensation – https://theconversation.com/how-bachata-rose-from-dominican-republics-brothels-and-shantytowns-to-become-a-global-sensation-260886

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Students win physics, maths medals

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Two teams of Hong Kong students achieved outstanding results in the 55th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2025) and the 66th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO 2025) by winning six gold medals, four silver and one bronze.

     

    The IPhO 2025, hosted by France, was held from July 18 to 24, with 415 students from 89 countries or regions taking part.

     

    The four gold medallists were Bill Fu from Inno Secondary School (Kowloon Tong), Edison Fu from Queen’s College, Lincoln Liu from Sha Tin College and Qiao Lok-hei from St Paul’s Co-educational College, while Garfield Leung from Evangel College took home silver.

     

    Meanwhile, the IMO 2025 was held in Australia from July 10 to 20. Among the 630 participating students from 110 countries or regions, the Hong Kong team won two gold medals, three silver medals and one bronze medal.

     

    Kwan Yung-ho from Diocesan Boys’ School and Lincoln Liu from Sha Tin College clinched the gold medal.

     

    The silver medal went to Chan Kwan-yu and Sze Long from St Paul’s Co-educational College and Jerry Xu from Victoria Shanghai Academy, while Chong Tsz-sing from Diocesan Boys’ School bagged a bronze medal.

     

    Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin congratulated the Hong Kong teams on their outstanding performance.

     

    Ms Choi said: “The impressive results achieved by the Hong Kong teams bear testament to the concerted efforts of the Government and various stakeholders in promoting STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) and gifted education.”

     

    The Education Bureau will continue to strengthen the promotion of STEAM and gifted education in primary and secondary schools, and encourage the effective use of the school-based student talent pool to identify and nurture more students with talent, she added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel-OPT: UN conference must act to end Israel’s genocide, occupation and apartheid – Amnesty briefing

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Amnesty’s briefing urges action to pressure Israel to end its ongoing genocide in Gaza, lift the humanitarian blockade, and dismantle its unlawful occupation and apartheid system over Palestinians

    ‘With the very survival of Palestinians at stake, there’s no time to waste with false promises or platitudes’ – Agnès Callamard

    Amnesty International has called for next week’s high-level UN conference to discuss the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the two-state solution to focus squarely on the immediate and effective enforcement of international law – including governments’ obligations to prevent and punish genocide and apartheid, and to end Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory.

    In a new briefing, Amnesty outlines a series of recommendations for governments to take meaningful action and exert the necessary pressure on Israel to end its ongoing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza, lift the inhumane humanitarian blockade and dismantle its unlawful occupation of the Palestinian territory and its system of apartheid imposed on all Palestinians whose rights it controls.

    Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:

    “If the ministers gathering in New York next week are truly committed to forging just, comprehensive and lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, the first priority must be to take concrete action to end Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and its unlawful military occupation of Palestinian territory, which has fuelled mass violations against Palestinians and enabled and entrenched Israel’s cruel system of apartheid.

    “The current catastrophic crisis created by Israel in Gaza is unbearable, and states must act with urgency and resolve. Statements, condemnation and limited government actions are failing to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law.

    “Genuine and meaningful action by governments must begin, first and foremost, with the demand for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, as well as the lifting of Israel’s illegal blockade. Without these fundamental urgent steps, any process aimed at addressing the future of Palestinians lacks credibility. How such process be considered meaningful when Palestinians are being slaughtered, starved and forcibly displaced into ever-shrinking pockets of land on a daily basis?

    “Governments must be unequivocal: Israel is not above the law and accountability is a priority. They must seize the opportunity presented by this conference to end their active or tacit support for Israeli violations or their self-imposed inertia. The conference must lead to a clear commitment by all states to suspend all economic activity that contributes to or is directly linked to Israel’s illegal occupation, its system of apartheid or its genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.

    “With the very survival of Palestinians at stake, there’s no time to waste with false promises or platitudes. As people continue to take to the streets to demand global action and as more and more states are recognising Israel’s genocide for what it is, an empty, performative exercise would not be just tone-deaf, it would be unconscionable.

    “For this conference to be anything more than a charade, governments must heed our calls. They must turn words into action that is firmly rooted in international law and protection of human rights.”

    Among the recommendations, Amnesty is urgently calling on governments to:

    • Demand an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, ensure full, unimpeded access to all areas of Gaza and firmly reject Israel’s military-controlled, non-neutral aid distribution model. A principled, UN-led humanitarian response must be immediately restored, and funding for impartial humanitarian organisations must be maintained and expanded.
    • End any trade or transfers that contribute to or are linked to the genocide, apartheid or the unlawful occupation. This includes in the first place banning all weapons and surveillance equipment transfers and any military assistance to Israel. States must end preferential trade agreements and cooperation deals with Israel, including the EU-Israel Trade Agreement.
    • Adopt targeted sanctions against those Israeli officials most implicated in international crimes and cooperate with the International Criminal Court, including by implementing its arrest warrants.
    • Commit to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the rehabilitation of its people while opposing any forced displacement of Palestinians within or outside of Gaza.
    • Establish mechanisms for reparations and rehabilitation of Palestinians, with Israel bearing the primary financial responsibility.

    Amnesty is also urgently calling on corporations and civil society:

    • Corporations must refuse any involvement in, or direct linkage to Israel’s unlawful actions and ensure that they are not contributing to serious human rights violations themselves.
    • Civil society and the public at large must continue mobilising and campaigning to demand that governments abide by their legal obligations under international law and denounce companies, banks and other economic actors that contribute to or are directly linked to Israel’s violations of international law, and demand that they stop.

    Co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution will take place in New York from 28 to 29 July. Agnès Callamard and other Amnesty International spokespeople will be available for interviews.

    Amnesty’s Briefing and Recommendations: July 2025 High-Level Conference on the Question of Palestine and the Two-State Solution available here.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Narrative analysis: Case studies in heat resilience

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    This narrative analysis highlights how twelve countries are confronting the realities of extreme heat through diverse governance models, partnerships, and innovations. The case studies span multiple regions and development contexts-Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Ecuador, Egypt, France, India, Senegal, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States-offering a cross-cutting view of what’s working, where gaps remain, and how national strategies are evolving in the face of escalating climate threats.

    Some of the common lessons from the case studies include:

    • Successful implementation of heat action plans requires active engagement and participation of local communities.
    • Addressing extreme heat requires coordinated involvement from sectors including health, urban planning, agriculture, and disaster management.
    • Robust early warning systems are essential for prompt and effective dissemination of heat alerts and advisories
    • Investing in heatresilient infrastructure, such as green spaces, cool roofs, and energy-efficient buildings, helps mitigate the impacts of extreme heat
    • Enhancing the capacity of healthcare systems to manage heat-related illnesses through training, resource allocation, and infrastructure improvements is critical for reducing heatrelated morbidity and mortality.

    Download

    Links last checked: 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: An assessment of heat action plans: Global standards, good practices and partnerships

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    This synthesis report identifies best practices and persistent challenges to provide a structured framework for improving heat resilience based on evaluations of heat action plans from six countries-Australia, Canada, France, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It advocates for an adaptable governance framework, proposing that national guidance related to HAPs incorporate adaptable core elements, such as standardized heat risk definitions, clear agency roles, multi-sector coordination, and early warning systems

    Key takeaways for future action

    • Harmonizing Short-Term Response with Long-Term Planning – While immediate interventions like cooling centres and health advisories effectively mitigate acute health risks, incorporating durable infrastructure and climate-resilient urban planning into HAPs will better prepare communities for evolving climate realities
    • Advancing Sectoral Integration for Comprehensive Heat Management – A multi-sectoral approach, encompassing health, urban infrastructure, emergency response, and social services, is essential for addressing heat impacts holistically.
    • Aligning National HAPs with International Standards – Global standards, such as WHO’s health guidelines, UNDRR’s resilience frameworks, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, provide valuable benchmarks for HAP design and evaluation.
    • Opportunities for Strategic Public-Private Engagement Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are instrumental in addressing specific needs within HAPs, from deploying cooling solutions to advancing predictive technologies for early warning systems.

    Download

    Links last checked: 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Concerns over Israeli online campaigns and enforcement of DSA obligations – E-002936/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002936/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Brando Benifei (S&D), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Catarina Martins (The Left), Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE), Laura Ballarín Cereza (S&D), Thomas Bajada (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Camilla Laureti (S&D), Leila Chaibi (The Left), Daniel Attard (S&D), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D), Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE), Nela Riehl (Verts/ALE), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Kim Van Sparrentak (Verts/ALE), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (S&D), Lucia Yar (Renew), Udo Bullmann (S&D), Rima Hassan (The Left), Alessandro Zan (S&D), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Nikos Pappas (The Left), Estrella Galán (The Left), Marta Temido (S&D), Michael McNamara (Renew)

    The UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, an Italian citizen, has been targeted by coordinated smear campaigns and deceptive paid advertisements linked to the Israeli government[1][2]. This targeting of a European citizen engaged in vital human rights work undermines her safety, professional reputation and the EU’s duty to shield its citizens from harassment and disinformation online.

    Since October 2023, Israeli government-affiliated actors have conducted extensive digital advertisement campaigns targeting EU users on platforms such as Google, YouTube and X. The campaigns feature graphic war imagery and emotionally charged, sometimes misleading claims, and they often lack clear ‘political’ labelling. Reports indicate possible misuse of advertising accounts, microtargeting of EU citizens and missing entries in transparency databases, with some advertisements impersonating trusted entities such as the UNRWA.

    This pattern raises concerns about compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA), particularly on advertisement transparency (Article 26), systemic risk mitigation (Articles 34 and 35) and crisis response (Article 36).

    • 1.How is the Commission investigating potential DSA breaches by very large online platforms related to transparency, targeting and circumvention of political advertisment rules by Israeli state actors?
    • 2.What steps is the Commission taking to ensure platforms address systemic risks, including disinformation, manipulative advertisement formats and exposure of minors to harmful content?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] The Guardian, article entitled ‘UN expert on Palestine targeted by coordinated smear campaign, investigation finds’, 13 March 2024, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/13/un-expert-palestine-coordinated-smear-campaign-francesca-albanese.
    • [2] Fanpage.it article entitled ‘Il governo israeliano sta comprando annunci su Google per screditare Francesca Albanese: l’indagine di Fanpage.it’, 9 July 2025, https://www.fanpage.it/innovazione/tecnologia/il-governo-israeliano-sta-comprando-annunci-su-google-per-screditare-francesca-albanese-lindagine-di-fanpage-it/.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The 21st China-Russia-Mongolia Trade and Economic Fair Opens in Hailar

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) — The 21st China-Russia-Mongolia Economic and Trade Fair opened in Hailar District, Hulunbuir City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Thursday. A commodity exhibition is also being held as part of the fair.

    This year’s event, with the theme “Jointly Building the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor to Share New Opportunities for Regional Cooperation,” will last for five days, according to local newspaper Neimenggu Ribao (Inner Mongolia Daily).

    This fair will serve as an incentive to further deepen pragmatic trade and economic cooperation between China, Mongolia and Russia, and assist the three neighboring countries in participating in the construction of the Belt and Road and the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor at a deeper level.

    The total area of the current exhibition event, which includes 8 pavilions, is about 7 thousand square meters, where there are 262 stands, including 200 Chinese, 12 Russian and 50 Mongolian.

    The fair features a wide range of products, including local products, tea from China, handmade cashmere, leather, wool felt products from Russia and Mongolia, as well as various specialty products from the UK, France, South Korea and other countries. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Health chiefs issue measles warning to holidaymakers as cases rise globally

    Source: City of Leeds

    Parents travelling during school holidays are being advised to check children are protected against measles amid a global rise in cases. 

    With the start of the school holidays, parents and carers in Leeds are being urged to ensure their children have an up-to-date Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, as measles cases rise nationally and internationally.

    The uptake of routine childhood vaccinations has been decreasing over the last ten years, with similar trends observed in West Yorkshire.

    Health chiefs are concerned that low MMR vaccination rates could lead to further cases emerging, particularly given the high numbers of people mixing and travelling during the holidays.  

    Measles is a serious disease which can spread easily among unvaccinated people. Babies, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk.

    The disease can lead to hospitalisation and in rare cases, death. Symptoms typically begin with cold-like signs, such as a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, and red, sore, watery eyes.

    A few days later, small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips. This is followed by a rash that usually starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.

    Victoria Eaton, Leeds City Council’s director of public health, said: “As we enter the summer holidays, we want everyone to enjoy the season safely and in good health.

    “This year outbreaks have been seen in several European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany and the World Health Organisation recently reported that Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria currently have among the highest number of measles cases worldwide.

    “These are places where people may be going on holiday or travelling to visit family and friends.

    “Checking your family’s MMR vaccination status is a simple but important step in protecting your loved ones and the wider community.

    “If you’re unsure whether you or your child are fully vaccinated, please contact your GP to check your records and arrange vaccination, especially if you’re planning to travel over the summer break.”

    The MMR vaccine, which is usually given to children around their first birthday and again at 3 years 4 months offers the best protection against measles. Two doses provide long-lasting immunity.

    Councillor Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council’s executive member for equalities, health and wellbeing, said:  “We want everyone to enjoy their holidays but checking your child is fully vaccinated against measles before you go will ensure you and your child are protected and safe.

    “It’s never too late to get the vaccine, even if you have missed a first, or second dose. A non-porcine version of the MMR vaccine is also available – however, you may need to request this from your GP practice ahead of vaccination.

    “If you think you or your child has measles, phone your GP or NHS 111 for advice. To reduce the risk of spreading it to others, please avoid contact with other people. Call ahead first before attending any healthcare settings.”

    For more information on measles, and the MMR vaccine, visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/. 

    Watch a video of Dr Naveed from the UKHSA providing measles travel advice.   

    ENDS

    For media enquiries please contact:

    Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

    Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

    Tel: 0113 378 6007

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: At UN High-Level Political Forum, UNECE calls for engagement of all enablers and partnerships to achieve SDGs

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    With just five years remaining to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the world faces a deepening social crisis. Economic insecurity, widening inequalities, and declining social trust undermine progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and threaten the foundations of peaceful, inclusive societies.  

    Taking part in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York (14 – 23 July), UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean outlined the tools, initiatives and partnerships from the UNECE region that can help develop efficient and inclusive policy solutions for some of the most pressing issues, including demographic pressure, education, employment, housing, and social care. This requires the full engagement of all of society and harnessing of several key enablers. 

    Enablers and partnerships to advance SDGs 

    To advance the 2030 Agenda, and identify efficient and inclusive policy solutions, UNECE engages key enablers and all relevant stakeholders: 

    These enablers and stakeholders play a strong role in co-creating and implementing standards and policies, guiding progress in many technology-driven areas, such as autonomous vehicles, the smart energy transition, cross-border connectivity, but also in environmental governance, namely transboundary water cooperation, noted the Executive Secretary at the HLPF regional session. 

    To unlock financing for the SDGs, UNECE prioritizes bringing together the public and private sectors through its PPP and Infrastructure Evaluation and Rating System (PIERS), a quality assurance tool that helps governments and stakeholders ensure that PPP and infrastructure projects are well designed and aligned with the SDGs and can therefore attract investors. They are crucial for building resilient infrastructure and maintaining public services. 

    Given the importance of local policies and action in advancing SDGs, UNECE’s Forum of Mayors promotes exchanges between cities and gives them a voice at the multilateral level.  

    Finally, with their valuable perspectives, civil society and youth play an important role in finding and devising policy solutions across many areas of UNECE work, which is why they are an important pillar of the UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development.  

    Strengthening social inclusion and adequate housing 

    Despite considerable wealth and innovation, the UNECE region is witnessing deep and growing disparities: between urban and rural areas, generations, and different groups. Social protection systems facing significant demographic pressures, fiscal constraints, and new labour dynamics. This requires investing in inclusive education, training and re-skilling initiatives, especially for disadvantaged groups, such as youth, women and older people, noted the Executive Secretary at the UNDESA global policy dialogue “Accelerating Social Progress to Boost SDG Implementation.”  

    UNECE’s work in this area shows that investing in adequate care infrastructure is not only a social imperative but also economically beneficial as it empowers people to participate in society and the economy. The upcoming World Summit for Social Development in Doha offers an important opportunity to act on commitments from the recent 4th International Conference on Financing for Development and to align both public spending and private finance with inclusive objectives. 

    Access to adequate and affordable housing has emerged as an issue central to achieving social inclusion and the SDGs. Through its Committee on Housing, Urban Development and Land Management, as well as the Forum of Mayors, UNECE supports national and local governments to design and implement inclusive, energy-efficient and climate-responsive urban policies and help them transform housing into a pillar of social stability, the Executive Secretary stressed at the high-level dialogue on adequate housing, co-hosted by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and UN-Habitat. 

    The upcoming UNECE Forum of Mayors in October 2025 will feature a dedicated segment on adequate housing, with discussion feeding into a Ministerial Meeting on Housing Affordability and Sustainability on 8 October in Geneva. 

    Role of UNECE and other UN Regional Commissions  

    The UN Regional Commissions play a key role in convening, coordinating and driving innovative policy solutions. As the custodian of several global conventions, agreements and treaties with strong implications for multiple industries, UNECE plays a unique role in helping UN Member States to achieve social and economic wellbeing.  

    UNECE’s policy, standard-setting and capacity-building work across areas, such as energy, environment, trade, transport and many more, helps to boost predictability, investor confidence, as well as institutional, regulatory and policy conditions to facilitate bankable projects.      

    In that respect the UN80 initiative, which aims to strengthen efficiencies and coordination across the UN system, can unlock further benefits for member States, noted the Executive Secretary during her exchanges with representatives of Denmark, France, The Netherlands, Slovenia, United States, and Uzbekistan.  

    Photo credits: UN / UNECE

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens urge Starmer to “Recognise the state of Palestine”

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    by Steve Hynd

    On the need to recognise the state of Palestine, Green Party Co-Leader, Carla Denyer MP, said,

    “Recognising the state of Palestine is a bare minimum that governments across the world can do to help bring an end to the genocide being carried out by the Israeli government in Gaza – and yet the UK government is falling behind other nations in taking even this most basic step.

    “The UK government must join France in recgonsing the state of Palestine – as well as enacting a full arms embargo, widespread sanctions, a ban on the import of settlement goods, and funding for evidence collection for prosecutions.

    “Time and time again our leaders have called the situation ‘intolerable’ and yet continue to tolerate it – we must see real action to end the genocide.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Webcast details for Orrön Energy’s Q2 presentation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Orrön Energy AB (“Orrön Energy”) will publish its financial report for the second quarter 2025 on Wednesday, 6 August 2025 at 07:30 CEST, followed by a webcast at 14:00 CEST.

    Listen to Daniel Fitzgerald, CEO and Espen Hennie, CFO commenting on the report and describing the latest developments in Orrön Energy at a webcast on 6 August 2025 at 14:00 CEST, followed by a question-and-answer session.

    Registration for the webcast presentation is available on the website and the below link:
    https://orron-energy.events.inderes.com/q2-report-2025

    For further information, please contact:

    Robert Eriksson
    Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations
    Tel: +46 701 11 26 15
    robert.eriksson@orron.com

    Jenny Sandström
    Communications Lead
    Tel: +41 79 431 63 68
    jenny.sandstrom@orron.com

    Orrön Energy is an independent, publicly listed (Nasdaq Stockholm: “ORRON”) renewable energy company within the Lundin Group of Companies. Orrön Energy’s core portfolio consists of high quality, cash flow generating assets in the Nordics, coupled with greenfield growth opportunities in the Nordics, the UK, Germany and France. With significant financial capacity to fund further growth and acquisitions, and backed by a major shareholder, management and Board with a proven track record of investing into, leading and growing highly successful businesses, Orrön Energy is in a unique position to create shareholder value through the energy transition.

    Forward-looking statements
    Statements in this press release relating to any future status or circumstances, including statements regarding future performance, growth and other trend projections, are forward-looking statements. These statements may generally, but not always, be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek”, “will”, “would” or similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that could occur in the future. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements due to several factors, many of which are outside the company’s control. Any forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date on which the statements are made and the company has no obligation (and undertakes no obligation) to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: COFICERT : ORGANIZATION OF AN INTERNATIONAL CEREMONY FOR THE AWARDING OF FINANCIAL AND NON-FINANCIAL COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES AT EURONEXT

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

                 

    ORGANIZATION OF AN INTERNATIONAL CEREMONY FOR THE AWARDING OF FINANCIAL AND NON-FINANCIAL COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES AT EURONEXT

    On Tuesday, June 25, COFICERT, in partnership with IGSF, hosted an official ceremony to award financial and non-financial compliance certificates at the Euronext headquarters, located at the Paris Stock Exchange.

    Several delegations from institutions known for their dedication to compliance and responsible finance, representing almost fifteen nations, came together for this event. A number of organisations received compliance certificates in line with globally accepted standards, such as the AML 30001® Standard (AML/CFT 2025 version), which is focused on counter-terrorism financing and anti-money laundering, and the MSI 20000® Standard, which is focused on governance and financial quality. The ISO 37001® Standard, which focusses on anti-corruption, and the ESG 1000® Standard, which is dedicated to governance and quality of non-financial governance structures, were also emphasised during the event.

    The ceremony was attended by Véronique de la Bachelerie, President of IGSF, Jérôme Gacoin, President of COFICERT, and Souheil Skander, CEO of COFICERT. It also gathered representatives from the European Commission, the World Bank, the OECD, and the EU Global Facility on AML/CFT, reflecting the growing importance attached to certification to these standards and international cooperation between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East in these areas. This convergence around a shared normative framework demonstrates a collective will to foster greater transparency and a standardized language, serving as a catalyst for universal compliance.

    The companies certified during this ceremony belong to strategic sectors, placing them in a position to drive change within their respective countries or regions, thereby fostering the widespread adoption of best practices and contributing to enhanced integrity across the financial system. Notably, the companies that made the trip to Paris are among the leading financial and economic players on the African continent. West and Central Africa were represented by BSIC and NSIA Bank (Benin, Guinea, Togo, Senegal), as well as BGFIBank Group (Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Cameroon, DRC), all of which hold prominent regional positions. North Africa was well represented by Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt, with leading institutions such as Bank of Tunisia, Tunisie Leasing & Factoring, Tunisie Valeurs, Hannibal Lease, BSB TOYOTA, Attawfiq Microfinance, and Alamana Microfinance. The diversity of these profiles illustrates the inclusive and structuring purpose of the MSI 20000® Standard, uniting key transformational actors at a regional level and compliance drivers at an international level.

    The organization of this event, along with the presence of official delegations and international organizations, underscores the growing importance attributed to financial and non-financial compliance as a pillar of performance, responsibility, and ultimately, value creation.

    Ms. Véronique de la Bachelerie, President of IGSF, emphasized: “The financial and non-financial certifications standardized by IGSF and ISO provide a guarantee of confidence in the financial sustainability of a company (MSI 20000), a guarantee of confidence in the quality of its governance and its risk management policies regarding financial crime through anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML 30001), the fight against corruption (ISO 37001), and finally a guarantee of confidence in its ability to address all environmental and social challenges through the quality of its non-financial governance. More broadly, this contributes to the company’s sustainability – that is the value proposition of ESG 1000, in support of sustainable finance.”

    Mr. Jérôme Gacoin, President of COFICERT, stated: “We have just experienced a moment that is both symbolic and foundational. Symbolic, because the adoption of these standards reflects the commitment of companies and institutions to comply with demanding, internationally recognized standards. Foundational, because it contributes to a dynamic of trust, transparency, and responsibility at both the European and global levels. Furthermore, the Paris Stock Exchange, a crossroads of markets and investments, perfectly embodies COFICERT’s mission: to raise standards, secure economic relationships, and recognize the value of committed organizations.”

    Mr. Souheil Skander, CEO of COFICERT, added: “The companies certified to the MSI 20000, ISO 37001, and AML 30001 standards have successfully turned what was once a constraint into an opportunity and a powerful lever of attractiveness and value creation. Certifications today serve as true benchmarks – they are closely observed and highly valued. They offer undeniable competitive and differentiation advantages, effectively acting as a qualitative filter. These certifications have become tools of assurance, opportunity, and synergy for business development.”

    IGSF (International Group for Sustainability Finance) is a non-profit NGO based in Luxembourg, whose activities aim to channel and organise international efforts in financial and extra-financial standard-setting. As a standard-setting body, IGSF operates along two main axes: first, the technical organization of standards related to financial and extra-financial governance; and second, the dissemination of standards and best practices. The issues addressed by IGSF include financial governance, the fight against financial crime and the social responsibility of companies and organisations of all types.

    COFICERT is a French certification body specializing in financial and non-financial certifications, operating in nearly 50 countries across 3 continents. COFICERT is recognized for its expertise in governance, anti-financial crime, and sustainable finance. It certifies organizations in areas related to sound financial governance (MSI 20000), extra-financial governance (ESG 1000), anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML 30001), and anti-corruption (ISO 37001).

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    The MIL Network –

  • Iran and Europeans begin nuclear talks with questions over future UN sanctions

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran pushed back on Friday on suggestions of extending a U.N. resolution that ratifies a 2015 nuclear deal as it began the first face-to-face talks with Western powers since Israel and the U.S. bombed it last month.

    Delegations from Iran, the European Union and the E3 group of France, Britain and Germany, arrived for talks at the Iranian consulate in Istanbul.

    The European countries, along with China and Russia, are the remaining parties to a 2015 deal – from which the U.S. withdrew in 2018 – that lifted sanctions on Iran in return for restrictions on its nuclear programme.

    A deadline of Oct. 18 is fast approaching when the resolution governing that deal expires.

    At that point, all U.N. sanctions on Iran will be lifted unless a “snapback” mechanism is triggered at least 30 days before. This would automatically reimpose those sanctions, which target sectors from hydrocarbons to banking and defence.

    To give time for this to happen, the E3 have set a deadline of the end of August to revive diplomacy. Diplomats say they want Iran to take concrete steps to convince them to extend the deadline by up to six months.

    Iran would need to make commitments on key issues including eventual talks with Washington, full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, and accounting for 400 kg (880 pounds) of near-weapons grade highly enriched uranium, whose whereabouts are unknown since last month’s strikes.

    Minutes before the talks began, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told the state news agency IRNA that Iran considered talk of extending U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231 to be “meaningless and baseless”.

    The United States held five rounds of talks with Iran prior to its airstrikes in June, which U.S. President Donald Trump, said had “obliterated” a programme that Washington and its ally Israel say is aimed at acquiring a nuclear bomb.

    However, NBC News has cited current and former U.S. officials as saying a subsequent U.S. assessment found the strikes destroyed most of one of three targeted Iranian nuclear sites, but that the other two were not as badly damaged.

    Iran denies seeking a nuclear weapon.

    European and Iranian diplomats say there is no prospect of Iran re-engaging with the U.S. at the negotiating table for now.

    (Reuters)

  • Why are Thailand and Cambodia fighting along their border?

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Thailand and Cambodia are engaged in their worst fighting in over a decade, exchanging heavy artillery fire across their disputed border, with at least 16 people killed and tens of thousands displaced.

    Tensions began rising between the Southeast Asian neighbours in May, following the killing of a Cambodian soldier during a brief exchange of gunfire, and have steadily escalated since, triggering diplomatic spats and now, armed clashes.

    WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION?

    Clashes broke out between the two countries early on Thursday along a disputed area abutting an ancient temple, rapidly spilling over to other areas along the contested frontier and heavy artillery exchanges continuing for a second straight day.

    Thailand recalled its ambassador to Phnom Penh on Wednesday and expelled Cambodia’s envoy, in response to a second Thai soldier losing a limb to a landmine that Bangkok alleged had been laid recently by rival troops. Cambodia called that accusation baseless.

    Both sides accuse each other of firing the first shots that started the conflict on Thursday, which have so far claimed the lives of at least 15 civilians, most of them on the Thai side.

    Cambodia has deployed truck-mounted rocket launchers, which Thailand says have been used to target civilian areas, while the Thai armed forces despatched US-made F-16 fighter jets, using one to bomb military targets across the border.

    Some 130,000 people have been evacuated from border areas in Thailand to safer locations, while some 12,000 families on the Cambodian side have been shifted away from the frontlines, according to local authorities.

    WHERE DOES THE DISPUTE ORIGINATE?

    Thailand and Cambodia have for more than a century contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817 km (508 miles) land border, which was first mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony.

    That map, which Thailand later contested, was based on an agreement that the border would be demarcated along the natural watershed line between the two countries.

    In 2000, the two countries agreed to establish a Joint Boundary Commission to peacefully address overlapping claims, but little progress has been made towards settling disputes.

    Claims over ownership of historical sites have raised nationalist tension between the two countries, notably in 2003 when rioters torched the Thai embassy and Thai businesses in Phnom Penh over an alleged remark by a Thai celebrity questioning jurisdiction over Cambodia’s World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat temple.

    WHAT WERE PREVIOUS FLASHPOINTS?

    An 11th century Hindu temple called Preah Vihear, or Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand, has been at the heart of the dispute for decades, with both Bangkok and Phnom Penh claiming historical ownership.

    The International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, but Thailand has continued to lay claim to the surrounding land.

    Tension escalated in 2008 after Cambodia attempted to list the Preah Vihear temple as a UNESCO World Heritage site, leading to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths, including during a weeklong exchange of artillery in 2011.

    Two years later, Cambodia sought interpretation of the 1962 verdict and the ICJ again ruled in its favour, saying the land around the temple was also part of Cambodia and ordering Thai troops to withdraw.

    WHAT’S BEHIND RECENT TROUBLES?

    Despite the historic rivalry, the current governments of Thailand and Cambodia enjoy warm ties, partly due to the close relationship between their influential former leaders, Thailand’s Thaksin Shinawatra and Cambodia’s Hun Sen.

    But nationalist sentiment has risen in Thailand after conservatives last year questioned the government’s plan to negotiate with Cambodia to jointly explore energy resources in undemarcated maritime areas, warning such a move could risk Thailand losing the island of Koh Kood in the Gulf of Thailand.

    Tensions also rose in February when a group of Cambodians escorted by troops sang their national anthem at another ancient Hindu temple that both countries claim, Ta Moan Thom, before being stopped by Thai soldiers.

    An effort by then Thai premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, to de-escalate the situation in a call last month with Hun Sen spectacularly backfired after a recording of the conversation was initially leaked and later released in full by the Cambodian leader.

    In the call, the 38-year-old prime minister appeared to criticize a Thai army commander and kowtow to Hun Sen, drawing public fury and a complaint from a group of senators, which led to her suspension by a court order on July 1.

    HAVE THERE BEEN ANY RESOLUTION EFFORTS?

    After the May 28 clash, both countries quickly promised to ease tension, prevent more conflict and seek dialogue via their joint border commission at a June 14 meeting.

    The neighbours have issued diplomatically worded statements committing to peace while vowing to protect sovereignty, but their militaries have been mobilising near the border.

    Cambodia, meanwhile, said existing mechanisms were not working and it planned to refer disputes in four border areas to the ICJ to settle “unresolved and sensitive” issues that it said could escalate tensions.

    Thailand has not recognised the ICJ’s rulings on the row and wants to settle it bilaterally.

    Since Thursday’s clashes, Cambodia has written to the United Nations Security Council, urging the body to convene a meeting to stop what it describes as “unprovoked and premeditated military aggression” by Thailand.

    Thailand, on the other hand, wants to resolve the conflict through bilateral negotiations but says talks can only take place after Cambodia ceases violence.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Climate – Advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change (July 24, 2025) (24.07.25)

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

    On March 29, 2023, the UN General Assembly requested, via a resolution co-sponsored by all EU Member States, an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice concerning the obligations of States in respect of climate change. Questions submitted to the Court for their opinion dealt with States’ international obligations with respect to the protection of the climate system and the environment from anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and the ensuing legal consequences for States.

    Along with some 100 States and international organizations, France took part in this advisory process by filing written statements with the Court and participating in arguments. France defended an ambitious reading of the Paris Climate Agreement and called on all States to abide by their obligations to protect the climate system and other environmental components.

    France takes note of the opinion issued by the Court on July 23, which marks an end to these historic proceedings. This landmark opinion will be studied very closely.

    France reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the ICJ. It will continue working ambitiously to achieve its climate goals and to support its partners.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: BSTDB Backs Renewable Energy Expansion in Bulgaria and Romania with €40 Million Loan to Renalfa IPP

    Source: Black Sea Trade and Development Bank

    Press Release | 24-Jul-2025

    Joint €315 million international financing to accelerate clean energy investments

    The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is providing up to €40 million loan to support the development, hybridization, and expansion of Renalfa IPP’s renewable energy assets in Bulgaria and Romania. The financing forms part of a broader €315 million financing package secured from leading development finance institutions and commercial banks, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Kommunalkredit Austria AG, OTP Hungary, NLB Slovenia, and UniCredit BulBank.

    The funds will enable Renalfa IPP to upgrade its portfolio of renewable energy and battery energy storage systems (BESS), contributing to the decarbonization of Bulgaria’s and Romania’s power systems. The project will help diversify the countries’ energy mix, enhance energy security, and accelerate their transition to low-carbon economies. The BSTDB financing will also help catalyze further private and public sector investments, generate employment during both the construction and operation phases, and create long-term value for local communities. The operation represents a major step forward in the region’s transition toward cleaner, more secure, and sustainable energy systems.

    “This investment marks an important milestone in BSTDB’s efforts to support the clean energy transition in the Black Sea region,” said Dr. Serhat Köksal, BSTDB President.  “By backing the development of solar, wind, and battery storage infrastructure in Bulgaria and Romania, we are strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of their electricity sectors. The operation will play a key role in addressing the countries’ growing energy demands, while also reducing carbon emissions and supporting their commitments to climate goals. Moreover, it aligns closely with BSTDB’s Climate Strategy and reinforces our commitment to financing sustainable infrastructure and regional growth.”

    Ivo Prokopiev, CEO of Renalfa IPP, commented: “The successful raising of growth funding is an important milestone for Renalfa IPP and for our whole group. It proves the competitiveness of our integrated model for developing, investing and operating large hybrid assets. The early implementation of long duration co-located BESS allows Renalfa IPP to start offering green baseload products to market in CEE for the first time. We are proud, together with our partners from RGreen, to be on the frontier of energy transition not only in CEE, but in the whole EU.”

    Renalfa IPP is a leading independent power producer based in Vienna, specializing in the development, construction, and operation of renewable energy projects across Central and Eastern Europe. As an established platform with strong business model capabilities, Renalfa IPP works across the full value chains from project origination to asset operation. The company focuses on solar, wind, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), supporting the region’s transition to a sustainable and low-carbon energy future. Renalfa IPP is a joint venture between Renalfa Solarpro Group and RGREEN INVEST. 

    Renalfa Solarpro Group is a Vienna based clean energy and e-mobility investment group with a focus on renewable energy generation assets. Renalfa Solarpro is an established platform with strong business model capabilities, working across the full solar PV, wind, and BESS value chains from project origination to asset operation.

    RGREEN INVEST is an independent French mission-driven investment management company committed to helping investors channel their capital towards financing projects dedicated to accelerating the energy transition, mitigation, and adaptation to climate change.

    https://www.renalfa.com

    https://www.rgreeninvest.com

     

    The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The BSTDB headquarters are in Thessaloniki, Greece. BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing loans, credit lines, equity and guarantees for projects and trade financing in the public and private sectors in its member countries. The authorized capital of the Bank is EUR 3.45 billion. For information on BSTDB, visit www.bstdb.org.

     

    Contact: Haroula Christodoulou

    : @BSTDB

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Press conference, Calamvale, Queensland

    Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

    Jim Chalmers:

    The purpose of economic reform is to boost incomes and lift living standards over time. When we came to office, living standards were in free fall, inflation was much higher and galloping, real wages were falling, interest rates had already started to come up – and we’ve been turning things around. We’ve got inflation much lower, sustainably within the Reserve Bank’s target band, real wages are growing again, interest rates have started to come down, unemployment is low, we’ve delivered a couple of surpluses and we’ve got the Liberal debt down as well.

    We’ve made a lot of progress together in our economy, but we know that there’s more work to do. We’ve got a big agenda that we are delivering, that we are rolling out. But we know that at a time when people are still under pressure, the global economic environment is uncertain and when we’ve got these persistent structural issues in our economy as well, we’ve got more work to do and that’s what our efforts on economic reform are all about.

    Our Economic Reform Roundtable is all about making our economy more productive and more resilient and our budget more sustainable at the same time. Now, these are long‑standing issues in our economy and there’s no quick fix. We have an agenda that we’re rolling out, and we are looking to build consensus about next steps when it comes to our economy.

    Now, when it comes to the range of views which have been provided, especially in the last couple of days, whether it be from the union movement, the business community, the Productivity Commission, there have been a range of proposals put to us. I know that the Member for Wentworth and the federal parliament is hosting a tax reform discussion today as well.

    I want to make it really clear – we welcome ideas on the future of our economy from every corner of our economy and every part of our communities. This is a good thing to see the kind of engagement and interest that we’ve seen in the government’s Economic Reform Roundtable and all of the processes which surround it. We don’t expect there to be a unanimous view, but we are seeking common ground. We do welcome ideas from all parts of our country and we’re very encouraged by the level of interest and engagement that we are seeing.

    When it comes to the Productivity Commission report released overnight, I wanted to make a couple of points specifically about that. The Productivity Commission makes it really clear that this challenge in our economy has not been just a feature of our economy the last couple of years, but for the last couple of decades. Our productivity challenge is a long‑standing challenge. The weakest decade for productivity growth in the last 60 years was the decade that our political opponents presided over. So, this challenge has been in our economy for some time.

    There are no quick fixes and we want to work with business and unions and the community more broadly to turn that around over time. Making our economy more productive is one of the most important ways that we can boost incomes and lift living standards over time, and that’s why it’s such a priority for us. Our priorities are to make our economy more productive, to make our economy more resilient in the face of all this global uncertainty, and also to make our budget more sustainable. At the same time, the Productivity Commission has provided some thinking to help us work through these issues. We also welcome the input from unions and businesses and others. I suspect that there will be more of this between now and the Roundtable next month, and that’s a very good thing. Happy to take a couple of questions.

    Journalist:

    Minister, I’ve just got a few questions from our journos in Canberra. On productivity, business and unions are already taking shots at each other in the media over the Productivity Roundtable. Are you worried that the process is becoming unconstructive already?

    Chalmers:

    Not at all. There’ll be a range of views about our productivity challenge and that’s a good thing. We welcome engagement and interest and ideas from unions, from business, from the Productivity Commission, from the community sector and from others. It’s a good thing in a country like ours that we can tease out our differences and seek common ground and that’s what we’re seeing right now. This is precisely why we’re seeking to bring people together. Not because we expect everyone to have a unanimous view. But because everyone’s got an interest in strengthening our economy and strengthening our budget, making our economy more productive and more resilient, lifting living standards and boosting incomes.

    Every Australian has an interest in that. Not every Australian will have a unanimous view, but this is our best effort to seek common ground around these big, persistent structural challenges in our economy. We think it’s a good thing that that conversation that people are engaged in is robust. We think it’s a good thing that people are being blunt and upfront about their views. I think that gives us the best possible chance of working out if there’s common ground and where that common ground might exist.

    Journalist:

    How does Queensland benefit from the opening of [INAUDIBLE] beef imports from the US?

    Chalmers:

    Well, this has been a long standing process that has been underway. It’s a scientific process that involves experts and scientists and it makes sure that our arrangements are up to scratch. I see that there’s a lot of commentary around this in the last day or 2. I know that our political opponents want to play their usual low‑rent politics over it but this is a long‑standing scientific process. It’s coming to a conclusion and it’s all about making sure that we have the best arrangements based on the best scientific advice.

    Journalist:

    The ACTU says that workplace managers are dragging down the nation’s productivity. Is that a view you share?

    Chalmers:

    I think it’s obvious that when it comes to decisions taken by managers and by boards and by others, obviously, that has implications for productivity. I think it would be unusual in the extreme if the ACTU representing Australian workers weren’t able to make that view public. And as I said before, and in answer to your colleague’s question here, I think it’s a good thing.

    Whether it’s the unions, the business community, the PC or others, people should be free to express their views about the best way forward when it comes to making our economy more productive. Obviously, decisions taken by managers and by boards and by others are relevant here to the productivity challenge and I think the ACTU should be able to make their views public.

    Journalist:

    Hoping to ask you a question about the ABC’s Four Corners story about the ATO and Paul Keating’s company. Are you confident that ordinary taxpayers would have the same level of access and the opportunity to get a similar outcome on a tax write‑off as the former Prime Minister Paul Keating?

    Chalmers:

    Well, first of all, I want to make it clear that the first I knew about that decision was when I read it on the ABC website. It’s not something that I was involved in or aware of. In fact, the decision, as I understand it, was made about a decade ago in 2015. That’s 3 treasurers ago, 4 if you include Scott Morrison’s sneaky second stint as Treasurer. So, a long time ago under a government of a different persuasion and a few treasurers ago.

    The ATO takes these decisions independently, that’s how the system works, and treasurers of both political persuasions don’t make commentary on the tax affairs of individuals or individual companies. These decisions are rightly taken independently by the ATO. They have their own processes when it comes to reviewing and considering appeals and feedback that they get from different taxpayers. And that is appropriately a matter for them.

    Journalist:

    Will you be contacting them though, and asking them for a full explanation?

    Chalmers:

    Look, I speak regularly with the Commissioner of Tax Rob Heferen. I appointed him not that long ago. We met not that long ago, we catch up relatively frequently, but it’s not for me to second‑guess decisions taken 10 years ago under other treasurers and other tax commissioners. There are good reasons why the ATO takes those sorts of decisions independently, free of political involvement or interference.

    Journalist:

    Do you think that Glencore is bluffing when it says it’s going to close its copper smelter? And if it isn’t bluffing, what is the federal government doing to protect 17,000 indirect jobs through the chain of supply in North Queensland?

    Chalmers:

    This is a very anxious time for the workers of North Queensland and North West Queensland as well. Very anxious time. The Industry Minister, Tim Ayres, gave an update to the Senate yesterday – as I understand it – on these matters. Our priority is to try and find a way through. Minister Ayres, I think, is convening the major players involved here in the next few weeks to try and find a way through.

    I’m not interested in second guessing the explanations that the company might be providing. I’m interested in trying to find a way through, so I work with Tim Ayres. He’s been very focused on this. We’re obviously very aware of it. It’s obviously an anxious time for all of the workers and communities involved and so if we can find a way through, we will. Tim Ayres is bringing people together to try and see what the next steps could be.

    Journalist:

    Minister, France has announced it will recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, would that influence Australia’s position?

    Chalmers:

    That’s a matter for the French government. Our Australian position is very clear. We’ve called for an immediate end of the war in Gaza and we support an enduring 2 state solution as the best pathway out of this endless cycle of violence. So the Australian position is clear. I know that Penny Wong will be speaking later on today in the context of the AUKMIN ministers meeting in Sydney, so she might have more to add about that then.

    Journalist:

    Ms Spender is hosting her own tax roundtable today where halting the $3 million super tax will be discussed. Would you be open to hearing those similar sorts of views from that roundtable in your own discussions and roundtable?

    Chalmers:

    I’ve been consulting on that issue for 2 and a half years now. We announced that decision, that policy, 2 and a half years ago. We’ve done 3 rounds of formal consultation, there’s been Treasury‑led technical roundtables, stakeholder roundtables, bilateral engagement, so we’ve been engaging and consulting on that for years now. I know that Allegra has a view about it and she has a right to express that view, as do people participating at the roundtable. I want to say this more broadly, I think it’s absolutely terrific that Allegra Spender is bringing people together as part of the tax component of this Economic Reform Roundtable.

    The Economic Reform Roundtable, as I said, is about productivity, resilience and budget sustainability and obviously, tax has a role to play in all 3 of those things so I think it’s a really good thing that Allegra is bringing those experts together in Canberra today. As I understand it, I will obviously listen to and respect the views put forward around that table today in Canberra. My position on making these generous tax concessions – still generous, still concessional – but fairer and more sustainable is well known, well established.

    Thanks very much.

    Journalist:

    Thank you very much, Treasurer.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: BW Energy: Invitation to Q2 2025 and half-year results presentation 01 August 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Invitation to Q2 2025 and half-year results presentation 01 August  

    BW Energy will release its second quarter and half-year 2025 results on Friday, 01 August at 07:00 CEST.  

    A conference call followed by Q&A will be hosted by CEO Carl K. Arnet and CFO Brice Morlot the same day at 14:00 CEST. 

    You can follow the presentation via webcast:

    https://events.webcast.no/viewer-registration/qQC1bQEB/register

    Call-in information

    Participants dial in numbers:

    DK: +45 7876 8490
    SE: +46 8 1241 0952
    NO: +47 2195 6342
    UK: +44 203 769 6819
    US: +1 646-787-0157
    Singapore: 65-3-1591097
    France: 33-1-81221259

    Conference code: 980877

    For further information, please contact:

    Martin Seland Simensen, VP Investor Relations BW Energy

    +47 416 92 087, martin.simensen@bwenergy.no

    About BW Energy:

    BW Energy is a growth E&P company with a differentiated strategy targeting proven offshore oil and gas reservoirs through low risk phased developments. The Company has access to existing production facilities to reduce time to first oil and cashflow with lower investments than traditional offshore developments. The Company’s assets are 73.5% of the producing Dussafu Marine licence offshore Gabon, 100% interest in the Golfinho and Camarupim fields, a 76.5% interest in the BM-ES-23 block, a 95% interest in the Maromba field in Brazil, a 95% interest in the Kudu field in Namibia, all operated by BW Energy. In addition, BW Energy holds approximately 6.6% of the common shares in Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. and a 20% non-operating interest in the onshore Petroleum Exploration License 73 (“PEL 73”) in Namibia. Total net 2P+2C reserves and resources were 599 million barrels of oil equivalent at the start of 2025.

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BW Energy: Invitation to Q2 2025 and half-year results presentation 01 August 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Invitation to Q2 2025 and half-year results presentation 01 August  

    BW Energy will release its second quarter and half-year 2025 results on Friday, 01 August at 07:00 CEST.  

    A conference call followed by Q&A will be hosted by CEO Carl K. Arnet and CFO Brice Morlot the same day at 14:00 CEST. 

    You can follow the presentation via webcast:

    https://events.webcast.no/viewer-registration/qQC1bQEB/register

    Call-in information

    Participants dial in numbers:

    DK: +45 7876 8490
    SE: +46 8 1241 0952
    NO: +47 2195 6342
    UK: +44 203 769 6819
    US: +1 646-787-0157
    Singapore: 65-3-1591097
    France: 33-1-81221259

    Conference code: 980877

    For further information, please contact:

    Martin Seland Simensen, VP Investor Relations BW Energy

    +47 416 92 087, martin.simensen@bwenergy.no

    About BW Energy:

    BW Energy is a growth E&P company with a differentiated strategy targeting proven offshore oil and gas reservoirs through low risk phased developments. The Company has access to existing production facilities to reduce time to first oil and cashflow with lower investments than traditional offshore developments. The Company’s assets are 73.5% of the producing Dussafu Marine licence offshore Gabon, 100% interest in the Golfinho and Camarupim fields, a 76.5% interest in the BM-ES-23 block, a 95% interest in the Maromba field in Brazil, a 95% interest in the Kudu field in Namibia, all operated by BW Energy. In addition, BW Energy holds approximately 6.6% of the common shares in Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. and a 20% non-operating interest in the onshore Petroleum Exploration License 73 (“PEL 73”) in Namibia. Total net 2P+2C reserves and resources were 599 million barrels of oil equivalent at the start of 2025.

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Ceasefire talks collapse – what does that mean for the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    Efforts to end the relentless siege of Gaza have been set back by the abrupt end to peace talks in Qatar.

    Both the United States and Israel have withdrawn their negotiating teams, accusing Hamas of a “lack of desire to reach a ceasefire”.

    US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff says it would appear Hamas never wanted a deal:

    While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith. We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people in Gaza

    State Department spokesman Tommy Piggott reads Steve Witkoff’s statement on the collapse of the Gaza peace talks.

    The disappointing development coincides with mounting fears of a widespread famine in Gaza and a historic decision by France to formally recognise a Palestinian state.

    French President Emmanuel Macron says there is no alternative for the sake of security of the Middle East:

    True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine

    What will these developments mean for the conflict in Gaza and the broader security of the Middle East?

    ‘Humanitarian catastrophe’

    The failure to reach a truce means there is no end in sight to the Israeli siege of Gaza which has devastated the territory for more than 21 months.

    Amid mounting fears of mass starvation, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Gaza is in the grip of a “humanitarian catastrophe”. He is urging Israel to comply immediately with its obligations under international law:

    Israel’s denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children, seeking access to water and food cannot be defended or ignored.

    According to the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, more than 100 people – most of them children – have died of hunger. One in five children in Gaza City is malnourished, with the number of cases rising every day.

    Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini says with little food aid entering Gaza, people are

    neither dead nor alive, they are walking corpses […] most children our teams are seeing are emaciated, weak and at high risk of dying if they don’t get the treatment they urgently need.

    The UN and more than 100 aid groups blame Israel’s blockade of almost all aid into the territory for the lack of food.

    Lazzarini says UNRWA has 6,000 trucks of emergency supplies waiting in Jordan and Egypt. He is urging Israel – which continues to blame Hamas for cases of malnutrition – to allow the humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

    Proposed ceasefire deal

    The latest ceasefire proposal was reportedly close to being agreed by both parties.

    It included a 60-day truce, during which time Hamas would release ten living Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 others. In exchange, Israel would release a number of Palestinian prisoners, and humanitarian aid to Gaza would be significantly increased.

    During the ceasefire, both sides would engage in negotiations toward a lasting truce.

    While specific details of the current sticking points remain unclear, previous statements from both parties suggest the disagreement centres on what would follow any temporary ceasefire.

    Israel is reportedly seeking to maintain a permanent military presence in Gaza to allow for a rapid resumption of operations if needed. In contrast, Hamas is demanding a pathway toward a complete end to hostilities.

    A lack of mutual trust has dramatically clouded the negotiations.

    From Israel’s perspective, any ceasefire must not result in Hamas regaining control of Gaza, as this would allow the group to rebuild its power and potentially launch another cross-border attack.

    However, Hamas has repeatedly said it is willing to hand over power to any other Palestinian group in pursuit of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. This could include the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), which governs the West Bank and has long recognised Israel.

    Support for a Palestinian state

    Israeli leaders have occasionally paid lip service to a Palestinian state. But they have described such an entity as “less than a state” or a “state-minus” – a formulation that falls short of both Palestinian aspirations and international legal standards.

    In response to the worsening humanitarian situation, some Western countries have moved to fully recognise a Palestinian state, viewing it as a step toward a permanent resolution of one of the longest-running conflicts in the Middle East.

    Macron’s announcement France will officially recognise a full Palestinian state in September is a major development.

    France is now the most prominent Western power to take this position. It follows more than 140 countries – including more than a dozen in Europe – that have already recognised statehood.

    While largely symbolic, the move adds diplomatic pressure on Israel amid the ongoing war and aid crisis in Gaza.

    However, the announcement was immediately condemned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who claimed recognition “rewards terror” and

    risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became. A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel – not to live in peace beside it.

    Annexing Gaza?

    A Palestinian state is unacceptable to Israel.

    Further evidence was recently presented in a revealing TV interview by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak who stated Netanyahu had deliberately empowered Hamas in order to block a two-state solution.

    Instead there is mounting evidence Israel is seeking to annex the entirety of Palestinian land and relocate Palestinians to neighbouring countries.

    Given the current uncertainty, it appears unlikely a new ceasefire will be reached in the near future, especially as it remains unclear whether the US withdrawal from the negotiations was a genuine policy shift or merely a strategic negotiating tactic.

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

    – ref. Ceasefire talks collapse – what does that mean for the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza? – https://theconversation.com/ceasefire-talks-collapse-what-does-that-mean-for-the-humanitarian-catastrophe-in-gaza-261942

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –