NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Security: Police recognised in King’s Honours Birthday List

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Gavin Stephens, said:

    “Police officers, staff and volunteers across all ranks work tirelessly every day to protect the public and make communities safer.

     “I am proud to see many colleagues recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list, and extend my congratulations to them, as well as a sincere thank you for their contributions to policing and unwavering commitment to public service.

    “This is also a time to pay tribute to the families and friends of colleagues, who support their loved ones in fighting crime and keeping the peace.”

    Knighthood

    Stephen Watson QPM – Chief Constable, Greater Manchester Police. For services to Policing

    Commanders of the Order of the British Empire

    Ian Dyson QPM DL – Lately Commissioner, City of London Police. For Voluntary and Charitable Services and to Policing

    Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

    Martin Fairley – Service Delivery Manager, Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services. For services to Criminal Justice

    Paul Holmes – Senior Director of Investigations, Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. For Public Service

    Mohammed Umar Hussain MBE – Police Staff, Chief Finance Officer, South Wales Police. For services to Policing Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

    Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

    Linda Belgrove – Founder and Chair, Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund. For services to Charity

    Richard Brown – Inspector, Police Service of Northern Ireland. For Public Service

    Catherine Burke – Lately Head, Musculoskeletal Services Occupational Health and Wellbeing, Police Service of Northern Ireland. For services to Health and Wellbeing

    James Dalgleish – Inspector, Clyde Marine Unit, Ministry of Defence Police. For services to Defence Policing

    Hazel Fothergill – Police Staff, Executive Assistant, Merseyside Police. For services to Policing

    Mark Hobin – Police Constable, Merseyside Police. For services to Policing

    Carole Johnson – Police Staff, Central Authority Bureau Manager, Durham Constabulary. For services to Policing

    Nichola Page – Chief Human Resources Officer, Police Service of Scotland. For services to Policing, to Equality, and to Health

    Michael Parry – Head of Analysis, TARIAN Regional Organised Crime Unit, South Wales Police. For services to Policing

    John Thirkettle – Police Staff, Mental Health Operations Manager, Humberside Police. For services to Policing

    Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

    Junior Anderson – Police Constable, Youth Violence Intervention Team, Northamptonshire Police. For services to Policing and to the community in Northamptonshire

    Henrietta Cameron – Police Volunteer, Northamptonshire Police. For services to the community in Northamptonshire

    Adam Cox – Police Staff, Lead Intelligence Analyst, Metropolitan Police Service. For services to Policing

    Adrian Habgood – Principal Forensic Evidence and Exhibits Officer, West Yorkshire Police. For services to Policing

    Alison Harle – Police Constable, City of London Police. For services to Policing

    Stephen Hart – Police Community Support Officer, South Yorkshire Police. For services to the Homeless and to Policing

    Jane Horton – Finance Planning and Analysis Manager, British Transport Police. For services to Policing

    Janet Humphrey Police Staff, Suffolk Police. For services to the community in Suffolk

    Damien Penman – Special Constable, Wiltshire Police. For services to Policing

    Joan Smyth – Administrative Officer, Police Service of Northern Ireland. For services to Policing

    Trevor Watson – Part Time Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland. For services to Policing

    Philip Wells – Assistant Chief Officer, Bedfordshire Police. For services to Policing

    King’s Police Medal (KPM)

    Kevin Baldwin, former Assistant Chief Constable, Essex Police

    Maggie Blyth, Chief Constable, Gloucestershire Police

    Carl Galvin, Assistant Chief Constable, West Yorkshire Police

    John Philip, Chief Officer Special Constabulary, Humberside Police

    Gary Ritchie, Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland

    Paul Sanford, Chief Constable, Norfolk Constabulary

    Joanne Shiner, Chief Constable, Sussex Police

    Katherine Goodwin, Detective Superintendent, Metropolitan Police Service

    Dawn Jeffries, Detective Constable, Metropolitan Police Service

    Julia Wellby, Retired Detective Constable, Metropolitan Police Service

    David Thomason, Cheshire Constabulary

    Samantha Ridding, Detective Chief Superintendent, West Midlands Police

    Timothy Rogers, Sergeant, West Midlands Police

    Nigel Walsh, Retired Detective Superintendent West Midlands Police

    Justin Burt, Retired Detective Inspector, West Yorkshire Police

    John Philip, Special Constabulary, Humberside Police

    Stuart King, Inspector, Avon and Somerset Police

    Heath Keogh, Police Constable, Metropolitan Police Service

    Martin Levi, lately Detective Inspector, Greater Manchester Police

    Christopher Beechey, Chief Inspector, State of Jersey Police

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global: Urgent action needed as climate crisis leads to devastating new harms to human rights

    Source: Amnesty International –

    States must urgently deliver ambitious climate action by mapping out a just transition away from fossil fuels in all sectors to prevent even worse human rights harms around the world, Amnesty International said in a new briefing to mark the start of the Bonn Climate Conference which takes place between 16-26 June.

    Despite the challenges posed by the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, increases in authoritarian practices globally and the growing environmental devastation of the escalating armed conflicts in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan and Ukraine, among others, it is not too late for states to find common ground and ramp up climate ambition for the planet and the rights of current and future generations.

    In 2024, for the first time, the world breached the threshold of 1.5°C of global heating above pre-industrial levels. During the hottest year on record, wildfires ripped through Latin America, the Caribbean was hit by the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record, and parts of Central Europe were deluged with three months’ worth of rain in five days as the climate emergency worsened, driven by human activity and the continued burning of fossil fuels.

    “The devastating new human rights harms resulting from climate change will escalate dramatically unless global heating is kept in check. More people will be driven deeper into poverty, lose their homes or suffer the effects of drought and food insecurity. Despite the deepening climate crisis, governments’ action to limit fossil fuel production and use has been wholly inadequate,” said Ann Harrison, Amnesty International’s Climate Justice Advisor.  

    “Governments are in thrall to fossil fuel companies which have sought to downplay climate harms and discredit climate science. States continue to provide subsidies to these companies, effectively incentivizing the continuation of the fossil fuel industry. Everyone has the right to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment – but as the climate crisis intensifies, this right, and others, are under growing threat.”

    Across the globe, unnatural disasters exacerbated by climate change, such as worsening droughts and severe floods, are damaging harvests and leading to food scarcity and water shortages, contributing to displacement, migration and conflict.

    Protecting and listening to grassroots voices

    Marginalized frontline and fence line communities that use fossil fuels the least continue to suffer some of the worst impacts of climate change. They include subsistence farmers, Indigenous Peoples and those living in low lying island states, threatened by rising sea levels and more powerful storms, or those living beside fossil fuel production and transport facilities.

    For example, Pakistan contributes less than 1% of greenhouse gas emissions annually but is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate disasters. In a report published last month, Amnesty International documented how increasingly frequent floods and heatwaves are leading to preventable deaths, particularly among young children and older adults.

    Despite the urgency of the climate crisis, those demanding action from the authorities are being harassed, stigmatized, attacked and criminalized. Around the world, environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) are risking their lives and liberty for defending their lands and communities’ right to a healthy environment, such as the Warriors for the Amazon in Ecuador.

    “The voices, views, knowledge and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, frontline and fence line communities and human rights defenders must be incorporated into climate policies, plans and action.

    Ann Harrison, Amnesty International’s Climate Justice Advisor

    The conference is an opportunity to spotlight the situation in COP29 host Azerbaijan, where environmental human rights defender Anar Mammadli and journalist Nargiz Absalamova who reported on environmental issues remain behind bars. Other journalists who reported on the human rights situation including during COP29 were arrested afterwards in apparent reprisals. Brazil, the host of COP30, is one of the most dangerous countries for EHRDs, who face killings, violence, threats and stigmatization for their work.

    “The voices, views, knowledge and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, frontline and fence line communities and human rights defenders must be incorporated into climate policies, plans and action,” said Ann Harrison.

    “Once again, we have heard reports of limited badges and visa problems for those from the majority world wishing to attend the conference in Bonn. Nor are the COP Host Country Agreements – a key tool that must be strengthened to ensure freedom of expression and peaceful assembly for participants – available publicly as a matter of routine.”

    Climate finance must be addressed

    Amnesty International is also calling for states to tackle climate finance. Currently, lower-income countries are paying more in debt repayments than they are receiving as climate finance from high-income countries.

    High income historically high emitting countries are most responsible for climate change, yet continue to shirk their obligations to provide climate finance to lower income countries to cut emissions and to help communities to adapt to climate change, as well as providing reparations for loss and damage, which could ease the burden in countries suffering climate harms.

    “Taxing fossil fuel companies, corporate windfall profits and high net worth individuals, as well as ending subsidies and investments in fossil fuels and ending global tax abuses, could raise over USD 3 trillion per year which could go a huge way towards the cost of tackling climate change,” said Ann Harrison.

    Huge changes need to be made

    The Bonn Climate Conference is a key preparatory moment for the annual UN Climate Conference, which takes place as COP30 later this year in Brazil – a country that wants to publicly lead a message of global environmental protection. Yet, internally some of its institutions are taking actions contrary to this agenda, including requiring less stringent licensing for environmentally destructive projects and expanding fossil fuel production.

    “If climate change is to be taken seriously and to keep global warming below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, we need to see concrete progress with clear timelines towards massively scaled-up needs-based climate finance, particularly for adaptation and loss and damage, in the form of grants, not loans, with those most responsible for emissions contributing the most,” said Ann Harrison.

    Amnesty International is calling for states commit to a full, fast, fair and funded fossil fuel phase out through just transitions across all sectors, without relying on risky and unproven technologies or offsets that do not lead to genuine emissions reductions. It is also calling for inclusive discussions around climate change, involving the people most affected by it, and ensuring they can meaningfully access these high-level negotiations without discrimination.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Patrick Barker, Edmund Neuberger and Naila Yousuf appointed to the Board of the Horniman Museum and Gardens.

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Patrick Barker, Edmund Neuberger and Naila Yousuf appointed to the Board of the Horniman Museum and Gardens.

    The Secretary of State has appointed Patrick Barker, Edmund Neuberger and Nalia Yousuf as Trustees of The Horniman Public Museum and Public Park Trust, known publicly as the Horniman Museum and Gardens, from 24 April 2025 until 23 April 2029.

    Patrick Barker

    Patrick is a qualified accountant with a passion for bringing his financial expertise to the charity and public sectors. He began his career in the corporate world giving him the opportunity to work internationally, and where he built a solid foundation in finance and strategic planning. Motivated by a desire to make a meaningful difference, he transitioned into the not-for-profit sector, where he has dedicated his career to support impactful causes.

    Patrick has held many senior leadership positions, including Finance Director and Chief Executive Officer, across a variety of charitable organisations. His work has spanned areas such as heritage, mental health, freedom of speech, international development, and cancer, playing a key role in strengthening financial resilience and guiding organisations through periods of growth and change.

    A local to the Horniman Museum and Gardens, he sees its great potential as a community hub and a place for the entire family to learn and enjoy.

    Edmund Neuberger

    Edmund is a London based barrister specialising in international and domestic construction, engineering, and infrastructure projects, including professional negligence and insurance disputes. He is a member of the Society of Construction Law (SCL), Commercial Bar Association (COMBAR), Technology and Construction Bar Association (TECBAR) and the London Common Law and Commercial Bar Association (LCLBA). 

    Edmund works regularly on a wide range of international and domestic infrastructure projects and has a technical background in engineering. Recognised in Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, and Who’s Who Legal, he is praised for his commercial approach and analytical skills. His experience spans work in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

    Edmund lives in South London with his wife and two children. In his spare time, he enjoys running and cooking.

    Naila Yousuf

    Naila Yousuf is a Partner at Wright & Wright Architects and has led several high-profile cultural and higher education projects. A creative thinker in retrofit, architectural heritage, and contemporary interventions on historic sites, she led the major redevelopment of the award-winning Museum of the Home and the planning and consultation strategy for Lambeth Palace Library.

    Since moving to London in 2007, Naila has been a frequent visitor to the Horniman Museum and inspired by its transformation over the years, including its work with communities and leadership in addressing the climate emergency. She has joined the board to support the Horniman with its capital projects.

    Reimagining historic sites with a deep understanding of how they can adapt to the climate crisis is central to her professional work. Currently, Naila leads her team on a highly sustainable Passivhaus project for St Edmund Hall, one of Oxford’s oldest colleges. Constructed from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), the project plays a key role in the College’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon.

    An advocate for architectural engagement in schools, Naila has served as an external examiner at the University of Nottingham, a mentor at the Royal College of Art, and leads Wright & Wright’s collaboration with the London School of Architecture’s Partnership Network—an institution that facilitates part-time study. She is also a member of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England and a passionate supporter of museums and exhibitions, regularly lecturing on the subject.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Trustees of the Horniman Public Museum and Public Park Trust are not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Patrick, Edward and Naila have not declared any significant political activity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Largest illegal trading platform for drugs taken down

    Source: Eurojust

    The dark web marketplace was active for over five years. Archetyp was one of the only platforms to allow the sale of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The marketplace had around 17 000 listings online, and with more than 600 000 users, it is considered one of the largest of its kind.

    Investigations into Archetyp revealed that its creator and current administrator is a German national residing in Spain. International cooperation between authorities, financial tracking and digital evidence analysis led to the identification of the people behind Archetyp. Investigators discovered the location of the servers, moderators and vendors on the marketplace. A coordinated action week was planned to dismantle Archetyp and arrest those responsible for selling and operating the platform, under the coordination of Eurojust and Europol.

    The action week took place between 11 and 13 June, targeting the platform’s administrator, moderators, key vendors and the servers running the website. Coordinated actions in five countries, carried out by around 300 officers, resulted in the arrest of the thirty year old administrator in Spain, seven other persons and the seizure of assets worth EUR 7.8 million. By taking Archetyp offline, authorities have dealt a severe blow to drug traffickers in Europe.

    Eurojust ensured the international investigation was efficient and effective. The Agency organised multiple coordination meetings, which enabled authorities to exchange critical information for the investigation. During the action days and the preliminary investigations, Eurojust coordinated the execution of mutual legal assistance and European Investigation Orders.

    Europol supported the investigation from the outset, facilitating the exchange of intelligence, conducting extensive cross-checks and helping to identify high-value targets. On the action days, Europol deployed a dark web specialist to Germany and set up a virtual command post to coordinate field activities and ensure real-time deconfliction across jurisdictions.

    The following authorities, with the support of the United States, carried out the operation:

    • Germany: Prosecutor General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cyber Crime Center; Federal Criminal Police Office
    • Netherlands: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rotterdam; National Police, Unit Police Unit Rotterdam
    • Spain: Investigative Court num 10 in Barcelona; International Cooperation Section of PPO Barcelona; National Police
    • Sweden: Swedish Prosecution Authority; National Public Prosecution Department, National Unit against Organised Crime in Gothenburg; Swedish National Police; National Operations Department / Swedish Cybercrime Unit
    • Romania: Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT); National Police

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Largest illegal trading platform for drugs taken down

    Source: Eurojust

    The dark web marketplace was active for over five years. Archetyp was one of the only platforms to allow the sale of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The marketplace had around 17 000 listings online, and with more than 600 000 users, it is considered one of the largest of its kind.

    Investigations into Archetyp revealed that its creator and current administrator is a German national residing in Spain. International cooperation between authorities, financial tracking and digital evidence analysis led to the identification of the people behind Archetyp. Investigators discovered the location of the servers, moderators and vendors on the marketplace. A coordinated action week was planned to dismantle Archetyp and arrest those responsible for selling and operating the platform, under the coordination of Eurojust and Europol.

    The action week took place between 11 and 13 June, targeting the platform’s administrator, moderators, key vendors and the servers running the website. Coordinated actions in five countries, carried out by around 300 officers, resulted in the arrest of the thirty year old administrator in Spain, seven other persons and the seizure of assets worth EUR 7.8 million. By taking Archetyp offline, authorities have dealt a severe blow to drug traffickers in Europe.

    Eurojust ensured the international investigation was efficient and effective. The Agency organised multiple coordination meetings, which enabled authorities to exchange critical information for the investigation. During the action days and the preliminary investigations, Eurojust coordinated the execution of mutual legal assistance and European Investigation Orders.

    Europol supported the investigation from the outset, facilitating the exchange of intelligence, conducting extensive cross-checks and helping to identify high-value targets. On the action days, Europol deployed a dark web specialist to Germany and set up a virtual command post to coordinate field activities and ensure real-time deconfliction across jurisdictions.

    The following authorities, with the support of the United States, carried out the operation:

    • Germany: Prosecutor General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cyber Crime Center; Federal Criminal Police Office
    • Netherlands: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rotterdam; National Police, Unit Police Unit Rotterdam
    • Spain: Investigative Court num 10 in Barcelona; International Cooperation Section of PPO Barcelona; National Police
    • Sweden: Swedish Prosecution Authority; National Public Prosecution Department, National Unit against Organised Crime in Gothenburg; Swedish National Police; National Operations Department / Swedish Cybercrime Unit
    • Romania: Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT); National Police

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Samoan fashion designer fatally shot at Salt Lake City ‘no kings’ protest

    RNZ Pacific

    A renowned Samoan fashion designer was fatally shot at the “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday, the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) has confirmed.

    Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, known as Afa Ah Loo, an “innocent bystander” at the protest, died despite efforts by paramedics to save his life, police said.

    Ah Loo, a Utah resident, died at the hospital. The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death.

    The SLPCD said the incident began about 7.56pm local time when a sergeant assigned to the SLCPD Motor Squad reported hearing gunfire near 151 South State Street.

    It said the sergeant and his squad were working to facilitate traffic and help to ensure public safety during a permitted demonstration that drew an estimated 10,000 participants.

    “As panic spread throughout the area, hundreds of people ran for safety, hiding in parking garages, behind barriers, and going into nearby businesses.

    “The first officers on scene notified SLCPD’s incident management team using their police radios.”

    The SLCPD said officers quickly moved in to secure the scene and search for any active threats and found a man who had been shot and immediately began life-saving efforts.

    “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the 39-year-old man who was killed, and with the many community members who were impacted by this traumatic incident,” Salt Lake City police chief Brian Redd said.

    “When this shooting happened, the response of our officers and detectives was fast, brave, and highly coordinated. It speaks to the calibre of this great department and our law enforcement partners.”

    Detectives working to thoroughly investigate
     The SLCPD said about 8pm, members of its Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) and Gang Unit were flagged down near 102 South 200 East, where officers found a man crouching among a group of people with a gunshot wound.

    The man is identified as 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, who was dressed in all black clothing and wearing a black mask.

    “As officers approached, community members pointed out a nearby firearm, which was described as an AR15-style rifle.

    “Officers also located a gas mask, black clothing, and a backpack in close proximity. The items were collected and processed by the SLCPD Crime Lab.

    “Paramedics took Gamboa to the hospital. Detectives later booked Gamboa into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a charge of murder.

    Police said officers also detained two men who were wearing high-visibility neon green vests and carrying handguns.

    Peacekeeping team
    These men were apparently part of the event’s peacekeeping team.

    According to the police, detectives learned during interviews that the two peacekeepers saw Gamboa move away from the crowd and move into a secluded area behind a wall — behavior they found suspicious.

    “One of the peacekeepers told detectives he saw Gamboa pull out an AR15-style rifle from a backpack and begin manipulating it.

    “The peacekeepers drew their firearms and ordered Gamboa to drop the weapon.

    “Witnesses reported Gamboa instead lifted the rifle and began running toward the crowd gathered on State Street, holding the weapon in a firing position.

    “In response, one of the peacekeepers fired three rounds. One round struck Gamboa, while another tragically wounded Mr Ah Loo.”

    “Our detectives are now working to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident,” Redd said.

    “We will not allow this individual act to create fear in our community.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Samoan fashion designer fatally shot at Salt Lake City ‘no kings’ protest

    RNZ Pacific

    A renowned Samoan fashion designer was fatally shot at the “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday, the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) has confirmed.

    Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, known as Afa Ah Loo, an “innocent bystander” at the protest, died despite efforts by paramedics to save his life, police said.

    Ah Loo, a Utah resident, died at the hospital. The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death.

    The SLPCD said the incident began about 7.56pm local time when a sergeant assigned to the SLCPD Motor Squad reported hearing gunfire near 151 South State Street.

    It said the sergeant and his squad were working to facilitate traffic and help to ensure public safety during a permitted demonstration that drew an estimated 10,000 participants.

    “As panic spread throughout the area, hundreds of people ran for safety, hiding in parking garages, behind barriers, and going into nearby businesses.

    “The first officers on scene notified SLCPD’s incident management team using their police radios.”

    The SLCPD said officers quickly moved in to secure the scene and search for any active threats and found a man who had been shot and immediately began life-saving efforts.

    “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the 39-year-old man who was killed, and with the many community members who were impacted by this traumatic incident,” Salt Lake City police chief Brian Redd said.

    “When this shooting happened, the response of our officers and detectives was fast, brave, and highly coordinated. It speaks to the calibre of this great department and our law enforcement partners.”

    Detectives working to thoroughly investigate
     The SLCPD said about 8pm, members of its Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) and Gang Unit were flagged down near 102 South 200 East, where officers found a man crouching among a group of people with a gunshot wound.

    The man is identified as 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, who was dressed in all black clothing and wearing a black mask.

    “As officers approached, community members pointed out a nearby firearm, which was described as an AR15-style rifle.

    “Officers also located a gas mask, black clothing, and a backpack in close proximity. The items were collected and processed by the SLCPD Crime Lab.

    “Paramedics took Gamboa to the hospital. Detectives later booked Gamboa into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a charge of murder.

    Police said officers also detained two men who were wearing high-visibility neon green vests and carrying handguns.

    Peacekeeping team
    These men were apparently part of the event’s peacekeeping team.

    According to the police, detectives learned during interviews that the two peacekeepers saw Gamboa move away from the crowd and move into a secluded area behind a wall — behavior they found suspicious.

    “One of the peacekeepers told detectives he saw Gamboa pull out an AR15-style rifle from a backpack and begin manipulating it.

    “The peacekeepers drew their firearms and ordered Gamboa to drop the weapon.

    “Witnesses reported Gamboa instead lifted the rifle and began running toward the crowd gathered on State Street, holding the weapon in a firing position.

    “In response, one of the peacekeepers fired three rounds. One round struck Gamboa, while another tragically wounded Mr Ah Loo.”

    “Our detectives are now working to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident,” Redd said.

    “We will not allow this individual act to create fear in our community.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Seeking unity, G7 meets amid escalating Ukraine, Middle East conflicts

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Leaders from the Group of Seven nations begin annual talks on Monday amid wars in Ukraine and the Middle East that add to global economic uncertainty, as host Canada tries to avoid a clash with U.S. President Donald Trump.

    The G7 leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.S., along with the European Union, are convening in the resort of Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies until Tuesday.

    But beyond the serene and picturesque mountain setting, they confront challenges. The first five months of Trump’s second term upended foreign policy on Ukraine, raised anxiety over his closer ties to Russia and resulted in tariffs on U.S. allies.

    With an escalating Israel-Iran conflict, which is spiking global oil prices, the summit in Canada is seen as a vital moment to try and restore a semblance of unity between democratic powerhouses.

    “The most important goal will be for the world’s seven largest industrial nations to reach agreement and take action,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said before attending his first G7.

    That will not be easy. After years of consensus, the traditional allies have scrambled to keep Trump engaged and maintain unity.

    Canada has abandoned any effort to adopt an all-encompassing comprehensive communique to avert a repeat of a 2018 summit in Quebec, when Trump instructed the U.S. delegation to withdraw its approval of the final communique after leaving.

    Instead, Ottawa has sought to get consensus for a chair’s statement that summarizes the key discussions and six other pre-negotiated declarations on issues such as migration, artificial intelligence and forest fires.

    Talks on Monday will centre around the economy, advancing trade deals, and China.

    Efforts to reach an agreement to lower the G7 price cap on Russian oil even if Trump decided to opt out have been complicated by the surge in oil prices since Israel launched strikes on Iran on June 12, two diplomatic sources said.

    The escalation between the two regional foes is on the agenda, with diplomatic sources saying they hope to achieve at least a joint statement to urge restraint and a return to diplomacy.

    “We are united. Nobody wants to see Iran get a nuclear weapon and everyone wants discussions and negotiations to restart,” France’s President Emmanuel Macron told reporters in Greenland on Sunday before travelling to Canada.

    He added that given Israel’s dependence on U.S. weapons and munitions, Washington had the capacity to restart negotiations.

    Trump said on Sunday many calls and meetings were taking place to broker peace.

    RUSSIAN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

    Highlighting the unease among some of Washington’s allies, Trump spoke on Saturday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggested the Russian leader could play a mediation role.

    Macron dismissed the idea, arguing that Moscow could not be a negotiator because it had started an illegal war against Ukraine.

    A European diplomat said Trump’s suggestion showed that Russia, despite being kicked out of the group in 2014 after annexing Crimea, was very much on U.S. minds.

    “In the eyes of the U.S., there’s no condemnation for Ukraine; no peace without Russia; and now even credit for its mediation role with Iran. For Europeans, this will be a really tough G7,” the diplomat said.

    Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will attend the summit on Tuesday. European officials said they hoped to use the meeting, and next week’s NATO summit, to convince Trump to toughen his stance on Putin.

    “The G7 should have the objective for us to converge again, for Ukraine to get a ceasefire to lead to a robust and lasting peace, and in my view it’s a question of seeing whether President Trump is ready to put forward much tougher sanctions on Russia,” Macron said.

    (Reuters)

  • Seeking unity, G7 meets amid escalating Ukraine, Middle East conflicts

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Leaders from the Group of Seven nations begin annual talks on Monday amid wars in Ukraine and the Middle East that add to global economic uncertainty, as host Canada tries to avoid a clash with U.S. President Donald Trump.

    The G7 leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.S., along with the European Union, are convening in the resort of Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies until Tuesday.

    But beyond the serene and picturesque mountain setting, they confront challenges. The first five months of Trump’s second term upended foreign policy on Ukraine, raised anxiety over his closer ties to Russia and resulted in tariffs on U.S. allies.

    With an escalating Israel-Iran conflict, which is spiking global oil prices, the summit in Canada is seen as a vital moment to try and restore a semblance of unity between democratic powerhouses.

    “The most important goal will be for the world’s seven largest industrial nations to reach agreement and take action,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said before attending his first G7.

    That will not be easy. After years of consensus, the traditional allies have scrambled to keep Trump engaged and maintain unity.

    Canada has abandoned any effort to adopt an all-encompassing comprehensive communique to avert a repeat of a 2018 summit in Quebec, when Trump instructed the U.S. delegation to withdraw its approval of the final communique after leaving.

    Instead, Ottawa has sought to get consensus for a chair’s statement that summarizes the key discussions and six other pre-negotiated declarations on issues such as migration, artificial intelligence and forest fires.

    Talks on Monday will centre around the economy, advancing trade deals, and China.

    Efforts to reach an agreement to lower the G7 price cap on Russian oil even if Trump decided to opt out have been complicated by the surge in oil prices since Israel launched strikes on Iran on June 12, two diplomatic sources said.

    The escalation between the two regional foes is on the agenda, with diplomatic sources saying they hope to achieve at least a joint statement to urge restraint and a return to diplomacy.

    “We are united. Nobody wants to see Iran get a nuclear weapon and everyone wants discussions and negotiations to restart,” France’s President Emmanuel Macron told reporters in Greenland on Sunday before travelling to Canada.

    He added that given Israel’s dependence on U.S. weapons and munitions, Washington had the capacity to restart negotiations.

    Trump said on Sunday many calls and meetings were taking place to broker peace.

    RUSSIAN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

    Highlighting the unease among some of Washington’s allies, Trump spoke on Saturday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggested the Russian leader could play a mediation role.

    Macron dismissed the idea, arguing that Moscow could not be a negotiator because it had started an illegal war against Ukraine.

    A European diplomat said Trump’s suggestion showed that Russia, despite being kicked out of the group in 2014 after annexing Crimea, was very much on U.S. minds.

    “In the eyes of the U.S., there’s no condemnation for Ukraine; no peace without Russia; and now even credit for its mediation role with Iran. For Europeans, this will be a really tough G7,” the diplomat said.

    Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will attend the summit on Tuesday. European officials said they hoped to use the meeting, and next week’s NATO summit, to convince Trump to toughen his stance on Putin.

    “The G7 should have the objective for us to converge again, for Ukraine to get a ceasefire to lead to a robust and lasting peace, and in my view it’s a question of seeing whether President Trump is ready to put forward much tougher sanctions on Russia,” Macron said.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CEDB alerts public to deceptive content purported to be interviews with SCED

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) today (June 16) alerted members of the public to be on heightened vigilance against online deceptive advertisements purported to be interviews with the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, and urged them not to visit any suspicious transaction platforms via those websites or provide personal information. 
     
         The CEDB strongly clarified that the so-called interviews and remarks are all fictitious. The incident has been referred to the Police for follow-up investigation.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Study – The European Parliament’s oversight powers: Tools to scrutinise the European Commission – 16-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament is vested with powers of democratic oversight and political scrutiny vis-à-vis the European Commission. These powers of Parliament enhance the democratic legitimacy of the EU as a whole, and help increase the transparency and accountability of the Commission as the EU’s executive body. This study examines Parliament’s oversight and scrutiny powers over the Commission. It focuses mainly, but not exclusively, on the powers that are enshrined in specific provisions of the EU Treaties. This includes Parliament’s role in the Commission’s investiture, in motions of censure, parliamentary questions, committees of inquiry and special committees, and in the Commission’s obligations to report, consult and inform. It also looks into Parliament’s scrutiny over budgetary issues, of delegated acts, in the context of the EU legislative procedure and agenda-setting, of legal proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union, and of the EU’s external relations. The study builds on a previous EPRS study on parliamentary scrutiny of the Commission, originally requested by the European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) in 2018. The data presented in this edition focus on the ninth term parliamentary term (2019 to 2024).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Barbara Freeman: A Retrospective’ opens at the F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    A new engaging exhibition ‘Barbara Freeman: A Retrospective’ has opened at the F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio, Banbridge and runs until Saturday 27 September 2025.

    This first large-scale survey of Freeman’s work introduces the public to this award-winning artist who has exhibited internationally and now in her late 80s, continues to experiment and push herself to create new innovative work.

    The retrospective features a broad range of Freeman’s work from an early drawing ‘Homage to Dürer’ dating from 1973 to her new series of digital images ‘Time Past Remembered’ made this year and her award-winning film ‘Itacha’ from 2023.

    Utilising a wide range of media including sculpture, painting, print, installation, sound and film, Freeman’s constantly evolving practice fluctuates between figuration and abstraction to explore themes including time, memory and history.

    Speaking about the new exhibition, Gallery Curator and Manager, Dr Riann Coulter, said:

    “This major survey exhibition showcases a striking collection of Barbara’s work and provides a fantastic opportunity to explore her artistic evolution over half a century of innovative art making.”

    Born in London in 1937, Freeman studied at Central St. Martins and Camberwell Colleges of Art, followed by postgraduate study at the University of Leeds before moving to Belfast where she has lived and worked for over 40 years.

    Collaboration is at the heart of Freeman’s art. She has often worked with composers and musicians to create installations that combine sound and image and respond to a particular place, both as a physical space and a sonic environment. In 2020, she joined Na Cailleacha, the collective of formidable older women artists based in Ireland, with whom she continues to work and exhibit.

    Freeman’s work has been exhibited widely, with solo shows in Ireland, Britain, the United States, Hungary, Germany, and former Yugoslavia.

    Her artworks have featured in collections displayed by the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Royal Courts of Justice, and The Royal Hospitals.

    This exhibition has been curated by Dr Fionna Barber, Reader in Art History at Manchester School of Art and Dr Riann Coulter.

    It will be accompanied by an illustrated catalogue featuring an essay by Fionna Barber and an interview between Freeman and art historian and Na Cailleacha colleague, Catherine Marshall.

    The F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free. For further information, go to visitarmagh.com/femcwilliam

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: AIXA Miner Secures FinCEN MSB License, Marking Major 2025 Compliance Milestone in Global Cloud Mining Sector

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AIXA Miner has officially secured its Money Services Business (MSB) license from the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a pivotal regulatory approval that elevates its credibility and security standards across the global cloud mining landscape. This certification positions AIXA Miner as one of the few cloud mining platforms with verified U.S. compliance, an increasingly critical benchmark as international investors demand stronger oversight and consumer protection in crypto services.

    This milestone marks a new chapter for AIXA Miner in 2025, reinforcing its leadership in providing secure, efficient, and transparent cloud mining operations. As regulatory scrutiny increases worldwide, particularly in markets like Germany, the FinCEN-approved MSB license validates AIXA Miner’s operational integrity and risk controls—giving both new and experienced investors a trusted partner in navigating the evolving digital asset economy.

    What is Cloud Mining?

    Cloud mining is a convenient way to mine cryptocurrencies without having to buy or own professional mining equipment. Instead of setting up a mining machine or performing technical maintenance, customers can simply rent mining equipment from a service provider. The service provider operates large mining facilities and is responsible for hardware, electricity, network connectivity and maintenance. In return, the customer receives a share of the mining revenue generated by the rented capacity. Therefore, cloud mining is undoubtedly a simple solution for anyone who wants to mine passive cryptocurrencies without having to manage complex resources themselves.

    AIXA Miner Cloud Mining: A quick shortcut to cryptocurrency participation

    AIXA Miner was founded in 2020 in Colorado, USA, and received MSB (Financial Stability and Stability Board) certification from the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The platform is known for its low-carbon environmental protection, financial security and high returns. The platform currently has over 1 million users in over 200 countries worldwide. This allows users to utilize idle funds to generate stable returns and become your loyal companion on the road to wealth. AIXA Miner combines secure wealth management with ease of use and enables users of all experience levels to mine cryptocurrencies easily and reliably.

    Get started with AIXA Miner

    1. Sign up and get a $100 bonus – Open a free account now and get a $20 welcome bonus to start generating a daily income of $0.80 right away.
    2. Choose the right mining plan – Browse a range of mining plans for different budgets and investment goals. Each plan differs in term, return and cost, so you can easily find a plan that suits your personal wealth to generate income.
    3. Daily income – payment is made automatically every 24 hours. You can reinvest your profits into higher value plans or withdraw your earnings directly to your crypto wallet when you’re ready.

    AIXA Miner offers further profit opportunities via its cloud mining platform in addition to investments and enables users to passively increase their income without actual investment.

    1. Multi-level referral system – share and earn: AIXA Miner rewards you for inviting others: 5% for direct referrals and continuous income accumulation as your network grows.
    2. VIP Membership: Increase your income: The more you invest, the higher your VIP level becomes and you will receive daily updates, additional bonuses from your mining earnings and retroactive rewards that can be unlocked instantly.

    Although the crypto market is mature in 2025, it remains volatile. Investors wonder: can the myth of wealth creation persist? Although 1,000x meme coins are rare, smart people are betting on more stable cloud mining. Let’s take AIXA Miner as an example. Its low-threshold, high-yield model has become the mainstream choice. With a user-friendly interface, high security and daily income, it helps investors achieve financial freedom through mining.

    You can find more information at www.aixaminer.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0cbf21bf-08e0-47a4-a424-159e68ada715

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First major overhaul of medical device regulation comes into force across Great Britain

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    First major overhaul of medical device regulation comes into force across Great Britain

    New Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) regulations have taken effect across Great Britain, requiring medical device manufacturers to proactively monitor the safety and performance of their products once on the market.

    From today (16 June 2025), a landmark reform of how medical devices are regulated in Great Britain takes effect, as part of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) broader transformation of the UK’s medical device regulatory framework.

    The new Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) regulations require device manufacturers to actively track the safety and performance of products already in use. This will help identify potential safety issues earlier and strengthen protection for patients and the public through faster responses to incidents and emerging risks.

    Today’s reform applies to all UKCA- and CE-marked devices placed on the GB market after 16 June 2025. This includes in vitro diagnostic devices (IVD), such as glucose monitors and prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests; active implantable medical devices, including pacemakers and hearing implants; and range of technologies used across hospitals, clinics, and at home.

    The regulations will ensure all manufacturers have an effective system in place to monitor devices once they are in use, collect comprehensive safety data, report serious incidents, and take swifter action when issues arise. New trend reporting requirements will help the MHRA and industry spot patterns and intervene earlier to protect patients.

    Lawrence Tallon, Chief Executive of the MHRA, said:

    As innovation in health technologies accelerates, regulation must keep pace. Today’s reform is a critical step in ensuring safety standards evolve alongside this progress.

    By strengthening oversight of devices once they’re in use and setting clearer expectations for manufacturers, these new regulations provide a robust framework for identifying risks earlier and responding to protect patients.

    This represents an important milestone in our work in building a modern, responsive regulatory system – one that puts patient safety first, while also supporting innovation in life sciences and medical technologies across the UK.

    The new PMS regulation lays the groundwork for future reforms, including potential international recognition routes, designed to support improved access to safe and effective innovations. This is part of the UK’s broader commitment to a regulatory framework that supports both patient safety and innovation in life sciences.

    Manufacturers are now required to collect and assess real-world safety and performance data; report serious incidents to the MHRA within 15 days (previously 30); submit essential communications on patient safety (Field Safety Notices) to the MHRA for review before sharing with users; and provide PMS Reports or Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSUR) within 3 days of request. For higher risk devices, UK approved bodies will monitor these reports ensuring these products receive a higher level of scrutiny.

    The introduction of new data analysis reporting requirements will apply to all medical devices but are particularly valuable for improving oversight of lower-risk devices. These rules will require manufacturers to regularly summarise and assess device performance over time.

    Comprehensive guidance for manufacturers was published in January 2025, and has been updated following valuable industry feedback. The MHRA welcomes feedback to ensure ongoing clarity and alignment with practical implementation needs.

    Key changes introduced by the new PMS device regulation include:

    • Enhanced collection of real-world data: manufacturers must take a harmonised approach to gather and assess data on how their devices perform in everyday use, improving the ability to detect safety and performance issues.
    • Expanded scope for incident reporting: serious incidents relating to side effects are now reportable, providing a more comprehensive picture of device performance.
    • Shorter timelines for reporting serious incidents: serious incidents must be reported to the MHRA more quickly, allowing for faster regulatory action to protect patients.
    • Trend reporting and summary reporting: new data analysis reporting options will support earlier detection of trends without overburdening manufacturers or the regulator.
    • Clearer duties for risk mitigation and communication: manufacturers face stronger requirements to assess and manage risks, and to notify users promptly when safety issues arise.

    Notes to editors  

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong reminds public to remain vigilant against phone scams

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong (GDETO) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region today (June 16) reminds the public to remain vigilant against phone scams.

         It has come to the GDETO’s attention that fraudsters have recently used a fake caller number display to impersonate GDETO officers to make calls to members of the public.

         Members of the public must at all times remain vigilant and cautious when receiving calls. Instead of simply relying on the incoming caller number display to identify callers, believing callers hastily, or disclosing personal information arbitrarily, members of the public are advised to take the initiative to verify the identities of callers, such as seeking confirmation from the GDETO by phone or email.

         If in doubt, please contact the GDETO at (86 20) 3891 1220 or send an email to the GDETO at general@gdeto.gov.hk.

         Members of the public can also make enquiries and seek assistance from Mainland China’s National Anti-Fraud Center at (86) 96110, or Hong Kong Police officers of the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre by calling the 24-hour police enquiry hotline, Anti-Scam Helpline 18222.

         Anyone suspecting a phone scam should immediately report it to the Police.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets delegation led by Representative Bera, co-chair of US Congressional Taiwan Caucus

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-06-13
    President Lai meets delegation led by French National Assembly Taiwan Friendship Group Chair Marie-Noëlle Battistel
    On the morning of June 12, President Lai Ching-te met a delegation led by Marie-Noëlle Battistel, chair of the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group. In remarks, President Lai thanked the National Assembly for its long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation and for upholding security in the Taiwan Strait, helping make France the first major country in the world to enact legislation to uphold freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. The president also said that exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and France are becoming more frequent, and that he hopes this visit by the Taiwan Friendship Group will inject new momentum into Taiwan-France relations and help build closer partnerships in the economy, trade, energy, and digital security.  A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I would like to welcome Chair Battistel, who is once again leading a visiting delegation. Last year, Chair Battistel co-led a delegation to attend the inauguration ceremony for myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. This is her fourth visit, and first as chair of the Taiwan Friendship Group, which makes it especially meaningful. This delegation’s visit demonstrates strong support for Taiwan, and on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to express my sincerest welcome and thanks. France is a pioneer in promoting free and democratic values. These are values that Taiwan cherishes and is working hard to defend. I want to express gratitude to the French Parliament for their long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation, and for upholding security in the Taiwan Strait. The French Parliament’s two chambers have continued to strongly support Taiwan, with the passage of a resolution supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations in 2021, as well as the passage of the seven-year Military Programming Law in 2023. This has made France the first major country in the world to enact legislation to uphold freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. Through it all, the Taiwan Friendship Group has played a key role, and I want to thank all of our distinguished guests for their efforts. Over the past few years, Taiwan and France have continued to deepen cooperation in areas including the economy, technology, culture, and sports. At the Choose France summit held in Paris last month, Taiwanese and French enterprises also announced they will launch cooperation in the semiconductor and satellite fields. The VivaTech startup exhibition, now being held in France, also has many Taiwanese vendors participating. Exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and France, whether official or people-to-people, are becoming more and more frequent. I hope that this visit by the Taiwan Friendship Group will inject new momentum into Taiwan-France relations, building closer partnerships in the economy, trade, energy, and digital security.  To address current geopolitical and economic challenges, Taiwan will continue to join forces with France and other like-minded countries to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and contribute our concerted efforts to global prosperity and development. Once again, I want to welcome our visitors to Taiwan. I hope to continue our joint efforts to create a more prosperous future for both Taiwan and France.   Chair Battistel then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for extending this invitation. Last year on May 20, she said, she and her delegation attended the presidential inauguration ceremony, so she was delighted to visit Taiwan once again with the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group and bear witness to their friendship with Taiwan. Chair Battistel noted that this visit has given them an opportunity to strengthen Taiwan-France relations in areas including the economy, culture, the humanities, and diplomacy, and conduct exchanges with numerous heads of government agencies and research institutes. It has also been an opportunity, she said, to witness the importance of exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan in areas including energy, semiconductors, youth, and culture, and the impact created by important issues of mutual concern, including AI and disinformation, on the security of many countries. Chair Battistel praised Taiwan for its youth development efforts, and said that under the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, 30 Taiwanese young people have embarked on a visit to France, with itineraries including the United Nations Ocean Conference and the VivaTech exhibition, as well as the city of Toulouse, which is strategically important for the aerospace industry. Members of the group are also conducting exchanges at the French National Assembly, she said.  Chair Battistel stated that the Taiwan-France partnership is growing closer, and that she hopes to continue to strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation, as supporting peace for Taiwan supports peace around the world.  The delegation also included Taiwan Friendship Group Vice Chair Éric Martineau, as well as National Assembly Committee on Foreign Affairs Vice Chair Laetitia Saint-Paul and Deputies Marie-José Allemand and Claudia Rouaux. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by French Office in Taipei Deputy Director Cléa Le Cardeur.

    Details
    2025-06-05
    President Lai hosts state banquet for President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala  
    At noon on June 5, President Lai Ching-te hosted a state banquet at the Presidential Office for President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala and his wife. In his remarks, President Lai noted that Taiwan and Guatemala have both undergone an arduous democratization process, and therefore, in face of the continuous expansion of authoritarian influence, must join hands in brotherhood and come together in solidarity to safeguard our hard-earned freedom and democracy. President Lai also expressed hope that both countries will work together and continue to deepen various exchanges and cooperation, taking a friendship that has lasted over 90 years to new heights. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Once again, I would like to offer a warm welcome to President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado, who are leading this delegation to Taiwan. President Arévalo’s previous visit to Taiwan was 31 years ago. Back then, Taiwan did not have direct presidential elections, and the nation was continuing to make progress toward democratization. Today, 31 years later, Taiwan has conducted direct presidential elections eight times, with three transfers of power between political parties. On this visit, I am sure that President Arévalo will gain a deep appreciation for Taiwan’s free and democratic atmosphere.  Taiwan and Guatemala have both undergone an arduous democratization process. A little over 200 years ago, the people of Guatemala took a stand against colonial oppression, seeking national dignity and the freedom of its people. Eighty-one years ago, President Arévalo’s father, Juan José Arévalo, became Guatemala’s first democratically elected president, establishing an important foundation for subsequent democratic development.  Our two peoples have democracy in their blood. Both know the value of freedom and democracy and are willing to take a stand for those values. Therefore, in face of the continuous expansion of authoritarian influence, our two countries must join hands in brotherhood to respond to threats and challenges, and come together in solidarity to safeguard our hard-earned freedom and democracy. I hope that both countries will work together to continue to deepen various exchanges and cooperation, taking a friendship that has lasted over 90 years to new heights. I hope that on this visit, in addition to gaining a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s political, economic, and social development, President Arévalo can also reacquaint himself with the democratic vitality and cultural diversity of Taiwan by sampling various gourmet delicacies and once again experiencing the beauty of our scenery and warmth of our people. Guatemala is a very beautiful country. In the future, I hope to have a chance to personally experience that beauty, explore Mayan civilization, and savor local Guatemalan coffee. In closing, I wish the visiting delegation a smooth and successful trip, and beautiful, unforgettable memories. May President Arévalo enjoy the best of health, and may the diplomatic friendship between our two countries endure. President Arévalo then delivered remarks, stating that at different times and by different means, the people of Taiwan and Guatemala have relentlessly sought to defend freedom and democracy. We share the same expectations, he said, and are walking the right path amid today’s complex international circumstances.  President Arévalo stated that Taiwan and Guatemala are true democratic nations, where the government’s goal is to serve all the people. He noted that this is far from easy under current circumstances, as many authoritarian regimes use their long-term hold on power to safeguard the interests of select groups and neglect the wellbeing of the population as a whole. President Arévalo said that last week Guatemala commemorated the 40th anniversary of its constitution, which was enacted in 1985 and is Guatemala’s ultimate guide, setting the foundation for democracy and clearly outlining the path ahead. He said that over the past 40 years, Guatemala has continued to follow the democratic blueprint established by the constitution and end the civil war so that the nation could make the transition to real democracy. Although more than a few ambitious people have attempted to destroy that process from within, he noted, the people of Guatemala have never given up the pursuit of democracy as an ideal. President Arévalo stated that our two sides’ coming together here is due to such shared values as freedom and democracy as well as the idea of serving all the people. He underlined that the governments of both countries will continue to work hard and provide mutual support to smooth out each other’s path of democracy, freedom, and justice. President Arévalo emphasized that the government of Guatemala will always be Taiwan’s ally, and that he firmly believes Taiwan is Guatemala’s most reliable partner on the path of democracy and economic prosperity and development. The president said he hopes this visit will be the first step towards setting a new course for the governments and peoples of both countries. Also in attendance at the banquet were Guatemala Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Ramiro Martínez, Minister of the Economy Gabriela García, and Guatemala Ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López.  

    Details
    2025-06-05
    President Lai welcomes President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala with military honors  
    On the morning of June 5, President Lai Ching-te welcomed with full military honors President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala and his wife, who are leading a delegation of cabinet members visiting Taiwan for the first time, demonstrating the deep and enduring alliance between our nations. In remarks, President Lai noted that over the past few years, bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Guatemala has grown closer and more diverse, and said that moving forward, based on a foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit, we will continue to promote programs in line with international trends, spurring prosperity and development in both our nations. The military honors ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the Entrance Hall of the Presidential Office. After a 21-gun salute and the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, President Lai and President Arévalo each delivered remarks. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Today, President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado are leading a delegation of cabinet members visiting Taiwan for the first time, demonstrating the deep and enduring alliance between our nations. On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I want to extend my sincerest welcome. Last year, our two countries celebrated the 90th anniversary of diplomatic ties, providing mutual support all along the way. Especially over the past few years, bilateral cooperation has grown closer and more diverse. We have a long record of remarkable results, whether in terms of medicine and public health, education and culture, technological cooperation, or economic and trade exchanges. Moving forward, based on a foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit, Taiwan and Guatemala will continue to promote programs in line with international trends. We will continue to strengthen exchange and cooperation for young people, as well as scholarship programs, and actively cultivate high-tech and information and communications technology industry talent, spurring prosperity and development in both our nations. Although separated by a great distance, the peoples of both countries are closely connected by their ideals and values. I am confident that with President Arévalo’s support, bilateral exchanges and cooperation will become closer and more diverse, beginning a very promising new chapter. I wish the visiting delegation a smooth and successful trip. President Arévalo then delivered remarks, saying that on behalf of the government and people of Guatemala, he is honored to visit the Republic of China (Taiwan), this beautiful nation, and to receive full military honors, which reflects the mutual respect between our two nations as well as our solid friendship. Especially as this state visit comes as we celebrate 90 years of formal diplomatic ties, he said, he has brought the foreign minister, economics minister, private secretary to the president, and social communication secretary as members of his delegation, in the hope of our ties embarking on a new chapter. President Arévalo said that Guatemala-Taiwan ties have in recent years been growing steadily on a foundation of mutual understanding and cooperation, making significant progress, and that our peoples have also cultivated sincere friendships and cooperative relationships across many fields. Our nations are especially promoting public health, education, agricultural technology, and infrastructure, he said, key fields which are conducive to economic and social development. He expressed his hope that on such good foundations of the past, we can further strengthen our bilateral ties for the future. President Arévalo stated that through this state visit they not only want to reaffirm the good bilateral ties between our nations, but that they also hope to define a trajectory for the future of our cooperation in the direction of expanding economic cooperation, building economic and trade alliances, and facilitating investment to foster a Taiwan-Guatemala relationship that benefits both peoples. He then expressed gratitude to the people of Taiwan for helping Guatemala over the past 90 years and reaffirmed the unwavering support of Guatemala for the Republic of China (Taiwan). On the occasion of this visit, he said, he hopes to extend a friendly hand to the people of Taiwan, adding that he looks forward to our nations continuing to take major steps forward on the road of mutual assistance and prosperity. Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.  

    Details
    2025-06-03
    President Lai confers decoration on President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands, hosts state banquet  
    At noon on June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, conferred a decoration upon President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and hosted a state banquet for President Heine and her husband at the Presidential Office. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations and speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. He also expressed hope for Taiwan and the Marshall Islands to work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges, and that together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. At the decoration ceremony, President Lai personally conferred the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon on President Heine before delivering remarks, a translation of which follows:  The Marshall Islands was the first Pacific ally that I visited after taking office as president. When I arrived there, I was immediately drawn to its beautiful scenery. And I received a very warm welcome from the local people. This gesture showed the profound friendship between our two nations. I was truly touched. I also remember trying your nation’s special Bob Whisky for the first time. The flavor was as unique and impressive as the landscape of the Marshall Islands.  In addition to welcoming our distinguished guests today, we also presented President Heine with the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to thank President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations, and for staunchly speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. Both I and the people of Taiwan are profoundly grateful to President Heine for her friendship and support. Over the past few years, cooperation between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands has grown ever closer. And this visit by our distinguished guests will allow our two countries to further expand areas of bilateral exchange. I have always believed that only through mutual assistance and trust can two countries build a longstanding and steadfast partnership. I once again convey my sincere aspiration that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges. Together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. In closing, I want to thank President Heine and First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr. for leading this delegation to Taiwan, which deepens the foundations of our bilateral relationship. May our two nations enjoy a long and enduring friendship. President Heine then delivered remarks, stating that she felt especially privileged to receive the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and humbly accepted the honor with the utmost gratitude, humility, and deep responsibility. This is a deep responsibility, she said, because she understands that since its inception in 1933, this order has been bestowed upon a select few. She then thanked President Lai for this great honor. President Heine stated that the banquet was not just a celebration of our bilateral friendship, but a true reflection of the generosity of the Taiwan spirit and a testament to the enduring ties between our nations, founded on shared values and aspirations, including a respect for the rule of law, the preservation of human dignity, and a deep commitment to democracy. President Heine stated that the Taiwan-Marshall Islands partnership continues to evolve through practical cooperation and mutual support. In recent years, she said, our countries have worked hand in hand across a range of vital sectors, including the recent opening of the Majuro Hospital AI and Telehealth Center and the ongoing and successful Taiwan Health Center, various technical training and scholarship programs, and various climate change adaptation projects in renewable energy, coastal resilience, and sustainable agriculture.   President Heine emphasized that the Marshall Islands continues to be a proud and vocal supporter of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system and other international organizations. Taiwan’s exclusion from these platforms, she said, is not only unjust, but is bad for the world, and the global community needs Taiwan’s voice and expertise.  President Heine also expressed sincere appreciation to all of the Taiwanese friends who have contributed their efforts to deepening bilateral relations, including government officials, healthcare workers, teachers, engineers, and volunteers. The people of the Marshall Islands, she said, deeply appreciate and value everyone’s efforts and service. President Heine said that as we celebrate our partnership, let us look to the future with hope and determination, continue to work together, learn from one another, and support one another to champion a world where all nations can chart their own course based on peace and international law. Also attending the state banquet were Marshall Islands Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko, Minister of Finance David Paul, Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chairperson Joe Bejang, and Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.  

    Details
    2025-06-03
    President Lai and President Hilda C. Heine of Marshall Islands hold bilateral talks and witness signing of agreements
    On the morning of June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Presidential Office following a welcome ceremony with military honors for her and her husband. The leaders also jointly witnessed the signing of a letter of intent for sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft. In remarks, President Lai thanked the government and the Nitijela (parliament) of the Marshall Islands for their longstanding support for Taiwan’s international participation and for voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. President Lai said that Taiwan looks forward to continuing to deepen its diplomatic partnership with the Marshall Islands and build an even closer cooperative relationship across a range of fields, engaging in mutual assistance for mutual benefits and helping each other achieve joint and prosperous development to yield even greater well-being for our peoples. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I once again warmly welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and our guests to Taiwan. During my visit to the Marshall Islands last year, I said that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands are truly a family. When Vice President Hsiao and I took office last year, President Heine led a delegation to Taiwan. It is now one year since our inauguration, and I am delighted to see President Heine once again, just as if I were seeing family arrive from afar. Through my visit to the Marshall Islands, I gained a profound sense of the friendship between the peoples of our two nations, well-demonstrated by bilateral exchanges in such areas as healthcare, agriculture, and education. And it is thanks to President Heine’s longstanding support for Taiwan that our countries have been able to further advance collaboration on even more issues, including women’s empowerment and climate change. In recent years, the geopolitical and economic landscape has changed rapidly. We look forward to Taiwan and the Marshall Islands continuing to deepen our partnership and build an even closer cooperative relationship. In just a few moments, President Heine and I will witness the signing of several documents, including a memorandum of understanding and a letter of intent, to expand bilateral cooperation in such fields as sports, education, and transportation. Taiwan will take concrete action to work with the Marshall Islands and advance mutual prosperity and development, writing a new chapter in our diplomatic partnership. I would also like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to the government and Nitijela of the Marshall Islands. In recent years, the Nitijela has passed annual resolutions backing Taiwan’s international participation, and President Heine and Marshallese cabinet members have been some of the strongest advocates for Taiwan’s international participation, voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. Building on the pillars of democracy, peace, and prosperity, Taiwan will continue to work with the Marshall Islands and other like-minded countries to deepen our partnerships, engage in mutual assistance for mutual benefits, and help one another achieve joint and prosperous development. I have every confidence that the combined efforts of our two nations will yield even greater well-being for our peoples and see us make even more contributions to the world. President Heine then delivered remarks, and began by conveying warm greetings of iokwe from the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). She said she was deeply honored to be in Taiwan for an official visit, and extended appreciation to President Lai and his government for their gracious invitation and warm welcome. President Heine stated that this year marks 27 years of diplomatic ties between our two nations, and that they are proud of this enduring friendship. This special and enduring relationship, she said, is grounded in our shared Austronesian heritage, and strengthened by mutual respect for each other’s democratic systems and our steadfast commitment to the core values of freedom, justice, and the rule of law. President Heine stated that Taiwan’s continued support has been invaluable to the people and national development of the Marshall Islands, particularly in the areas of health, education, agriculture, and climate change. She also expressed deep appreciation to Taiwan for providing Marshallese students with opportunities to study in Taiwan, and for the care extended to Marshallese who travel here for medical treatment. President Heine also announced that she would be presenting a copy of a resolution by the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands reiterating their appreciation for the support provided by the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and calling on the United Nations to take immediate action to resolve the inappropriate exclusion of Taiwan’s 23 million people from the UN system. She added that she looked forward to the bilateral discussions later that day, and to continuing the important work that both countries carry out together. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Heine witnessed the signing of a letter of intent regarding sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Marshallese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft, marking the formal beginning of Taiwan-Marshall Islands air transport cooperation. The visiting delegation also included Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Finance David Paul, and Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chair Joe Bejang. They were accompanied to the Presidential Office by Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
    In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era.  The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Global: Urgent action needed as climate crisis leads to devastating new harms to human rights


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    States must urgently deliver ambitious climate action by mapping out a just transition away from fossil fuels in all sectors to prevent even worse human rights harms around the world, Amnesty International said in a new briefing to mark the start of the Bonn Climate Conference which takes place between 16-26 June.

    Despite the challenges posed by the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, increases in authoritarian practices globally and the growing environmental devastation of the escalating armed conflicts in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan and Ukraine, among others, it is not too late for states to find common ground and ramp up climate ambition for the planet and the rights of current and future generations.

    In 2024, for the first time, the world breached the threshold of 1.5°C of global heating above pre-industrial levels. During the hottest year on record, wildfires ripped through Latin America, the Caribbean was hit by the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record, and parts of Central Europe were deluged with three months’ worth of rain in five days as the climate emergency worsened, driven by human activity and the continued burning of fossil fuels.

    “The devastating new human rights harms resulting from climate change will escalate dramatically unless global heating is kept in check. More people will be driven deeper into poverty, lose their homes or suffer the effects of drought and food insecurity. Despite the deepening climate crisis, governments’ action to limit fossil fuel production and use has been wholly inadequate,” said Ann Harrison, Amnesty International’s Climate Justice Advisor.  

    “Governments are in thrall to fossil fuel companies which have sought to downplay climate harms and discredit climate science. States continue to provide subsidies to these companies, effectively incentivizing the continuation of the fossil fuel industry. Everyone has the right to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment – but as the climate crisis intensifies, this right, and others, are under growing threat.”

    Across the globe, unnatural disasters exacerbated by climate change, such as worsening droughts and severe floods, are damaging harvests and leading to food scarcity and water shortages, contributing to displacement, migration and conflict.

    Protecting and listening to grassroots voices

    Marginalized frontline and fence line communities that use fossil fuels the least continue to suffer some of the worst impacts of climate change. They include subsistence farmers, Indigenous Peoples and those living in low lying island states, threatened by rising sea levels and more powerful storms, or those living beside fossil fuel production and transport facilities.

    For example, Pakistan contributes less than 1% of greenhouse gas emissions annually but is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate disasters. In a report published last month, Amnesty International documented how increasingly frequent floods and heatwaves are leading to preventable deaths, particularly among young children and older adults.

    Despite the urgency of the climate crisis, those demanding action from the authorities are being harassed, stigmatized, attacked and criminalized. Around the world, environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) are risking their lives and liberty for defending their lands and communities’ right to a healthy environment, such as the Warriors for the Amazon in Ecuador.

    The conference is an opportunity to spotlight the situation in COP29 host Azerbaijan, where environmental human rights defender Anar Mammadli and journalist Nargiz Absalamova who reported on environmental issues remain behind bars. Other journalists who reported on the human rights situation including during COP29 were arrested afterwards in apparent reprisals. Brazil, the host of COP30, is one of the most dangerous countries for EHRDs, who face killings, violence, threats and stigmatization for their work.

    “The voices, views, knowledge and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, frontline and fence line communities and human rights defenders must be incorporated into climate policies, plans and action,” said Ann Harrison.

    “Once again, we have heard reports of limited badges and visa problems for those from the majority world wishing to attend the conference in Bonn. Nor are the COP Host Country Agreements – a key tool that must be strengthened to ensure freedom of expression and peaceful assembly for participants – available publicly as a matter of routine.”

    Climate finance must be addressed

    Amnesty International is also calling for states to tackle climate finance. Currently, lower-income countries are paying more in debt repayments than they are receiving as climate finance from high-income countries.

    High income historically high emitting countries are most responsible for climate change, yet continue to shirk their obligations to provide climate finance to lower income countries to cut emissions and to help communities to adapt to climate change, as well as providing reparations for loss and damage, which could ease the burden in countries suffering climate harms.

    “Taxing fossil fuel companies, corporate windfall profits and high net worth individuals, as well as ending subsidies and investments in fossil fuels and ending global tax abuses, could raise over USD 3 trillion per year which could go a huge way towards the cost of tackling climate change,” said Ann Harrison.

    Huge changes need to be made

    The Bonn Climate Conference is a key preparatory moment for the annual UN Climate Conference, which takes place as COP30 later this year in Brazil – a country that wants to publicly lead a message of global environmental protection. Yet, internally some of its institutions are taking actions contrary to this agenda, including requiring less stringent licensing for environmentally destructive projects and expanding fossil fuel production.

    “If climate change is to be taken seriously and to keep global warming below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, we need to see concrete progress with clear timelines towards massively scaled-up needs-based climate finance, particularly for adaptation and loss and damage, in the form of grants, not loans, with those most responsible for emissions contributing the most,” said Ann Harrison.

    Amnesty International is calling for states commit to a full, fast, fair and funded fossil fuel phase out through just transitions across all sectors, without relying on risky and unproven technologies or offsets that do not lead to genuine emissions reductions. It is also calling for inclusive discussions around climate change, involving the people most affected by it, and ensuring they can meaningfully access these high-level negotiations without discrimination.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Coordinated raid of alleged illegal waste activity

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 16 Jun 2025

    Open larger image

    Queensland officer executing warrant in Forrest Lake

    A compliance operation has seen the successful execution of 10 search warrants simultaneously for alleged illegal waste activity in Forest Lake.

    Public reports to the Pollution Hotline alerted the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) to the suspicious activity.

    Information indicated that several operators were acting illegally by receiving and handling waste without an Environmental Authority (EA), including vehicle wrecking and receiving scrap metal and construction waste including asbestos and end-of-life tyres.

    An EA provides businesses with conditions they must comply with to manage environmental risks associated with their operations.

    Unlicensed waste operators present significant environmental risks, not to mention unfairly undercutting lawful operators who are meeting their environmental obligations to protect our environment.

    After comprehensive planning, on 10 June 2025, DETSI led an operation with the support of the Queensland Police Service, to collect evidence about alleged illegal activity.

    Strong enforcement action will be taken against unlicensed activities, with fines of $16,690 for a company. DETSI also typically orders unlicensed operators to cease or reduce their operation to meet the permissible thresholds.

    Executive Director at the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Brad Wirth echoed the success of the operation.

    “This is not the first successful compliance operation of its kind, and it certainly won’t be the last.

    “It took a lot of preparation to orchestrate this operation; it is a complex project and the safety of our staff and those operating at the premises is our top priority.

    “Improper waste handling can impact the environment through the release of contaminated water, increased fire risk and dust and noise nuisance impacts, which is why these activities must be licensed.

    “Let this serve as a warning to waste operators who think they are above the law: it is not worth the risk.

    “Enabling illegal activities to occur not only has detriment environmental impacts, but it is also unfair to operators who are complying with their environmental responsibilities – something we do not take lightly.

    “We will continue to take strong compliance action against operators and individuals allegedly engaging in illegal activity.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: No One Left Behind: Birmingham Highlights Vital Support for Migrant Survivors This Refugee Week

    Source: City of Birmingham

    As part of Refugee Week 2025 (16-22 June), Birmingham City Council is raising awareness of the life-saving support available for refugee and migrant survivors of domestic abuse.

    Working in partnership with the Refugee and Migrant Centre, Central England Law Centre, and the NRPF Network, the campaign draws attention to the significant barriers many survivors face — including No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), language barriers, and lack of access to safe housing. 

    Thanks to funding through the Council’s Domestic Abuse Community Grants, the Refugee and Migrant Centre, working in partnership with specialist domestic abuse services, is supporting survivors. This includes offering expert immigration advice and advocacy in over 40 languages, helping survivors claim asylum, regularise their immigration status, or access financial support. 

    Survivors with NRPF, including those whose asylum claims have been refused, can also receive legal advice and representation through the Central England Law Centre. Their work with local domestic abuse providers ensures access to support such as the Destitute Domestic Violence Concession (DDVC) — a vital legal route to safety. 

    Councillor Jamie Tennant, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said:

    “Refugee Week is a time for reflection and action. No one should be trapped in an abusive situation because of their immigration status. Here in Birmingham, we’re proud to stand alongside our partners to ensure that survivors get the help they need — with dignity, compassion, and justice. We are committed to making sure no one is left behind.” 

    The Council aims to raise awareness by sharing real survivor stories, busts harmful myths about migrant access to services, and provides practical information on where to get help. Each day focuses on a different theme, from legal support and housing rights to survivor voices and community solidarity. 

    Where to Get Help 

    If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, support is available: 

    • Birmingham Domestic Abuse Hub:  

    Call 0808 800 0028 Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. 

    Visit www.bswaid.org (Webchat open Monday to Friday from 10am – 4pm) 

    The hub also has a women only drop-in service at Bank House, 36 Bristol Street, Birmingham B5 7AA. Opening times are: Monday and Tuesday 10:00am to 4:00pm, Wednesday 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Thursday and Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm 

    • Refugee and Migrant Centre: 

    Visit www.rmcentre.org.uk 

    Call 0800 0663 444 

    Or drop-in on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings between 9am-1pm at: 

    The Refugee and Migrant Centre, 
    Second Floor, Chamberlain Building, 
    36 Frederick Street, 
    Birmingham, 
    B1 3HN 

    • Central England Law Centre: 

    Telephone advice available Monday to Thursday 9am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm, and Friday 9am – 1pm and 2pm – 4.30pm on 0121 227 6540 

    Or visit www.centralenglandlc.org.uk 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rosanna Law to visit Shanghai

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law will depart for Shanghai tomorrow to officiate at the opening ceremony and dinner of WestK Shanghai Week 2025, at the invitation of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. 

    Miss Law will also visit tourism and cultural facilities as well as meet relevant officials before returning to Hong Kong on Wednesday.

    During her absence, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Raistlin Lau will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: AIXA Miner Launches AI-Powered Cloud Mining Services After Securing FinCEN MSB License

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Image by AIXA Miner

    NEW YORK, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AIXA MINER CLOUD MINING INVESTMENT LTD (“AIXA Miner”), a U.S.-based cryptocurrency mining platform, has launched the next phase of its AI-powered cloud mining services for Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), and Dogecoin (DOGE) following its recent registration as a Money Services Business (MSB) under the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

    With this approval, AIXA Miner complies with national anti-money laundering (AML) standards and international financial regulatory frameworks. The designation strengthens the platform’s position as a legally recognized participant in the digital asset economy.

    Founded in 2020 and headquartered in the United States, AIXA Miner operates over 100 data centers across North America, Europe, and Asia. These facilities are powered entirely by renewable energy sources, including wind and solar, supporting the platform’s long-term environmental commitments.

    The cloud mining service allows users to allocate computing power through short-term contract packages. Mining operations are executed on high-performance GPU and ASIC infrastructure, with earnings automatically calculated and processed. The system eliminates the need for hardware ownership or technical setup, focusing on user accessibility and operational efficiency.

    AIXA Miner Potential Earnings

    AIXA Miner has recently integrated artificial intelligence to further optimize resource distribution and power allocation across its network. Enhanced algorithms improve processing speed, reduce energy waste, and increase overall system resilience.

    Security protocols include offline cold wallet storage, McAfee® SECURE compliance, and Cloudflare® network protection to ensure secure data handling and fund transfers.

    “The FinCEN MSB license reflects our commitment to regulatory transparency and operational integrity,” said a company spokesperson. “We aim to provide scalable, legally compliant infrastructure for cloud mining built on renewable energy and AI innovation.”

    About AIXA Miner
    AIXA Miner is a legally registered cloud mining platform that leverages AI-powered mining technologies and a global renewable energy infrastructure to deliver secure and sustainable access to cloud mining services. Its operations are guided by regulatory standards, cybersecurity practices, and environmental responsibility.

    Media Contact:
    like.Mikkelsen
    AIXA Miner Cloud Mining Investment Ltd
    like.Mikkelsen@aixaminer.com
    https://aixaminer.com/

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: 

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/601038eb-4c89-453d-a182-b85bd19b4d7a

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4457b653-2cb4-499c-9775-85a4b1a66df1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dialogue with future engineers. The first visit of the head of Rosavtodor Roman Novikov to polytechnicians

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    A meeting of students and teachers of the Polytechnic University with the head of the Federal Road Agency of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation, Roman Novikov, took place at the Polytechnic University.

    Roman Novikov gave a lecture in which he spoke in detail about the preparation and construction of such iconic objects as the Crimean Bridge and the Russian Bridge. He touched upon the current goals and objectives of the road industry, its development prospects, issues of implementing the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, and spoke about interesting episodes in the implementation of major road projects.

    Roman Vitalyevich discussed with the meeting participants approaches to attracting young specialists to the professional environment through the personnel policy of Rosavtodor and answered questions from students and teachers.

    For Roman Novikov, this was his first visit to the Polytechnic. He noted the high level of scientific and educational potential of the university, its historical significance and practical focus of education.

    During the tour of the university campus, the head of Rosavtodor visited key sites. In the SPbPU History Museum, he was presented with exhibits reflecting more than a century of the university’s history. In the Technopolis Polytech research building, the delegation got acquainted with the university’s modern scientific and educational capabilities.

    The Polytechnic University is one of the largest technical universities in the country with historically strong scientific schools, having undeniable results and achievements in scientific, educational and innovative activities, noted Roman Novikov.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Woman arrested over Port Adelaide robbery

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A woman has been arrested following a robbery at Port Adelaide.

    Just before 3pm on Monday 16 June, a woman armed with a machete entered the service station on Grand Junction Road and demanded money from staff.

    The woman stole food items and left the store. Thankfully no one was physically injured.

    Police quickly responded and arrested a 31-year-old woman from Munno Para who was still in the area. The machete was safely recovered.

    Officers searched the woman and also found a taser in her bag.

    The woman was arrested and is expected to be charged with aggravated robbery and weapons offences later today.

    Anyone with information that may assist with investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers. You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Focus on Youth: Key Decisions of the Expert Council on Science and Education at the IPA CIS

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    A meeting of the Expert Council on Science and Education under the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS countries was held in the Tauride Palace under the leadership of Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Rector of the Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Andrey Rudskoy.

    Opening the meeting, Secretary General of the IPA CIS Council Dmitry Kobitsky noted that the busy agenda shows the importance of the council’s work and the participants’ great contribution to the development of science and education in the CIS. The experts discussed the draft recommendations on the regulatory framework for academic mobility, and also reviewed the draft concept of recommendations on the professional orientation of children and youth.

    “Our youth are our value and pride,” Andrey Rudskoy emphasized. “That is why it is so important to devote maximum time to working with them.”

    The document pays special attention to supporting schoolchildren and students through the introduction of modern career guidance systems, including online platforms such as the Russian “Ticket to the Future” system and the Kazakhstani EduNavigator service. Practical methods that will help young people better navigate their career choices were also discussed.

    “Today, an important aspect is the development of cooperation between the CIS countries,” commented Dmitry Mokhorov, Director of the Higher School of Law and Forensic Science, expert of the EC at the IPA CIS. “And this cooperation is at all levels. Issues of academic mobility, career guidance activities, best educational practices are the areas where our consolidated experience is invaluable.”

    By unifying approaches, states will be able to exchange successful practices. These include the Belarusian digital service “Step into the Profession”, Azerbaijani classes with a professional focus, Russian “Profile Techno Teams”, and a Kyrgyz program with Beeline. The meeting discussed the development of cooperation in the field of fundamental science, proposals for the long-term plan of model lawmaking for 2026-2028, aspects of regulatory regulation of tutoring activities, and pressing issues of combating bullying against children in the educational process.

    The participants heard information about the preparation for the international conference “Russian Language – the Basis of Integration Dialogue in the CIS Region”, and the responsible secretary of the Expert Council, head of the department for ensuring model lawmaking of the expert and analytical department of the Secretariat of the IPA CIS Council Tatyana Baranova announced the international scientific and educational congress “Intellectual Code of the Commonwealth”. It will be held this fall in St. Petersburg. The congress will become an open discussion platform for discussing and disseminating best practices in science and education to improve the competitiveness of the CIS economies.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCST to visit Shanghai

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, will depart for Shanghai tomorrow morning (June 17), where she has been invited by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority to officiate at the opening ceremony and dinner of WestK Shanghai Week 2025.
     
    During her stay in Shanghai, Miss Law will also visit local tourism and cultural facilities and meet with relevant officials.
     
    Miss Law will return to Hong Kong at night on June 18 (Wednesday). During her absence, the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, will be the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police officer killed on frontline duties

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police officer killed on frontline duties

    Monday, 16 June 2025 – 4:33 pm.

    Tasmania Police is mourning the tragic loss of one of its own following a critical incident in North Motton earlier today.
    Commissioner Donna Adams said a police officer was allegedly shot by a member of the public when attending a private residence on frontline duties.
    “Shortly after 11am, police officers attended a residential property on Allison Road, North Motton to execute a court-issued warrant to repossess the residence,” she said,
    “As police approached the house, our officer was allegedly shot by the resident.”
    “He was critically injured in the incident and died at the scene.”
    “This is absolutely devastating, and we are doing everything we can to support those involved and affected.”
    The fallen officer’s family has asked that he is not yet identified publicly.
    “He was a respected and committed officer who has served the community with dedication for 25 years, and his loss will be deeply felt across our policing family and the wider community.”
    “My heart goes out to his wife and family today. We will be supporting them in every way we can during this incredibly difficult time.”
    A crime scene has been established and Allison Road remains closed between Walkers Road, Preston Road, and Saltmarshs Road while investigations continue.
    There is no ongoing threat to the public, but community members are asked to avoid the area.
    Commissioner Adams confirmed that the incident is being thoroughly investigated.
    “Officer safety is my highest priority, and this incident is a stark reminder of the risks our officers face every day,” she said.
    “We will review every aspect of this response, and if changes need to be made, they will be made.”
    Wellbeing support is being provided to all officers and individuals affected by the incident.
    “We are doing everything we can to support our officer’s colleagues and family, who are understandably devastated.”
    “While no other police were physically injured, the emotional impact is profound.”
    The alleged offender is in custody and has not yet been formally charged. Further updates will be provided when appropriate.
    Tasmania Police urges anyone with information that may assist the investigation to come forward.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Iran war: from the Middle East to America, history shows you cannot assassinate your way to peace

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Fitzpatrick, Professor in International History, Flinders University

    In the late 1960s, the prevailing opinion among Israeli Shin Bet intelligence officers was that the key to defeating the Palestinian Liberation Organisation was to assassinate its then-leader Yasser Arafat.

    The elimination of Arafat, the Shin Bet commander Yehuda Arbel wrote in his diary, was “a precondition to finding a solution to the Palestinian problem.”

    For other, even more radical Israelis – such as the ultra-nationalist assassin Yigal Amir – the answer lay elsewhere. They sought the assassination of Israeli leaders such as Yitzak Rabin who wanted peace with the Palestinians.

    Despite Rabin’s long personal history as a famed and often ruthless military commander in the 1948 and 1967 Arab-Israeli Wars, Amir stalked and shot Rabin dead in 1995. He believed Rabin had betrayed Israel by signing the Oslo Accords peace deal with Arafat.

    It’s been 20 years since Arafat died as possibly the victim of polonium poisoning, and 30 years after the shooting of Rabin. Peace between Israelis and the Palestinians has never been further away.

    What Amnesty International and a United Nations Special Committee have called genocidal attacks on Palestinians in Gaza have spilled over into Israeli attacks on the prominent leaders of its enemies in Lebanon and, most recently, Iran.

    Since its attacks on Iran began on Friday, Israel has killed numerous military and intelligence leaders, including Iran’s intelligence chief, Mohammad Kazemi; the chief of the armed forces, Mohammad Bagheri; and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami. At least nine Iranian nuclear scientists have also been killed.

    Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly said:

    We got their chief intelligence officer and his deputy in Tehran.

    Iran, predictably, has responded with deadly missile attacks on Israel.

    Far from having solved the issue of Middle East peace, assassinations continue to pour oil on the flames.

    A long history of extra-judicial killings

    Israeli journalist Ronen Bergman’s book Rise and Kill First argues assassinations have long sat at the heart of Israeli politics.

    In the past 75 years, there have been more than 2,700 assassination operations undertaken by Israel. These have, in Bergman’s words, attempted to “stop history” and bypass “statesmanship and political discourse”.

    This normalisation of assassinations has been codified in the Israeli expression of “mowing the grass”. This is, as historian Nadim Rouhana has shown, a metaphor for a politics of constant assassination. Enemy “leadership and military facilities must regularly be hit in order to keep them weak.”

    The point is not to solve the underlying political questions at issue. Instead, this approach aims to sow fear, dissent and confusion among enemies.

    Thousands of assassination operations have not, however, proved sufficient to resolve the long-running conflict between Israel, its neighbours and the Palestinians. The tactic itself is surely overdue for retirement.

    Targeted assassinations elsewhere

    Israel has been far from alone in this strategy of assassination and killing.

    Former US President Barack Obama oversaw the extra-judicial killing of Osama Bin Laden, for instance.

    After what Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch denounced as a flawed trial, former US President George W. Bush welcomed the hanging of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein as “an important milestone on Iraq’s course to becoming a democracy”.

    Current US President Donald Trump oversaw the assassination of Iran’s leader of clandestine military operations, Qassem Soleimani, in 2020.

    More recently, however, Trump appears to have baulked at granting Netanyahu permission to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    And it’s worth noting the US Department of Justice last year brought charges against an Iranian man who said he’d been tasked with killing Trump.

    Elsewhere, in Vladimir Putin’s Russia, it’s common for senior political and media opponents to be shot in the streets. Frequently they also “fall” out of high windows, are killed in plane crashes or succumb to mystery “illnesses”.

    A poor record

    Extra-judicial killings, however, have a poor record as a mechanism for solving political problems.

    Cutting off the hydra’s head has generally led to its often immediate replacement by another equally or more ideologically committed person, as has already happened in Iran. Perhaps they too await the next round of “mowing the grass”.

    But as the latest Israeli strikes in Iran and elsewhere show, solving the underlying issue is rarely the point.

    In situations where finding a lasting negotiated settlement would mean painful concessions or strategic risks, assassinations prove simply too tempting. They circumvent the difficulties and complexities of diplomacy while avoiding the need to concede power or territory.

    As many have concluded, however, assassinations have never killed resistance. They have never killed the ideas and experiences that give birth to resistance in the first place.

    Nor have they offered lasting security to those who have ordered the lethal strike.

    Enduring security requires that, at some point, someone grasp the nettle and look to the underlying issues.

    The alternative is the continuation of the brutal pattern of strike and counter-strike for generations to come.

    The Conversation

    Matt Fitzpatrick receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Iran war: from the Middle East to America, history shows you cannot assassinate your way to peace – https://theconversation.com/iran-war-from-the-middle-east-to-america-history-shows-you-cannot-assassinate-your-way-to-peace-259038

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Police forces being modernized under the leadership of PM Modi: Amit Shah

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday handed over appointment letters to 60,244 newly recruited Civil Police Constables of the Uttar Pradesh Police during a grand ceremony held in Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

    Describing the recruitment as historic, Shah said the new recruits would become an integral part of India’s largest police force. He praised the Yogi Adityanath-led government for restoring law and order in the state, noting that the recruitment process was conducted with complete transparency — free from bribery, political influence, or caste considerations. Of the selected candidates, over 12,000 are women.

    Shah highlighted that modernization of the police force has accelerated under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and said the new recruits would carry forward the vision of a secure and developed Uttar Pradesh. He called on the youth to serve with the values of “security, service, and sensitivity.”

    Referring to recent legal reforms, the Home Minister said the implementation of the new criminal codes — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — would ensure faster justice, with a target of verdicts within three years from FIR to the Supreme Court.

    He also praised Uttar Pradesh’s transformation from a riot-prone state to one governed by law and order. “Goons and mafias should fear the police, while the poor, Dalits, and backward classes should see them as protectors,” Shah asserted.

    Highlighting achievements of the Modi government over the past 11 years, Shah cited the upliftment of 25 crore people from poverty, significant infrastructure development, and enhanced national security — including responses to terrorist attacks and India’s advancements in space and technology.

    Shah concluded by urging the new recruits to uphold justice and contribute to the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.

  • MIL-Evening Report: The historic High Seas Treaty is almost reality. Here’s what it would mean for ocean conservation

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Lothian, Senior Lecturer in Maritime Law and Academic Barrister, University of Wollongong

    J Nel/Shutterstock

    The high seas are set to gain a greater level of protection when a long-sought after treaty finally enters into force.

    For almost 20 years, nations have debated the need for the High Seas Treaty, intended to protect marine life in the high seas and the international seabed. These marine areas together account for nearly two-thirds of the world’s ocean and harbour a rich array of unique species and ecosystems. The treaty is formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement.

    Many hoped last week’s United Nations Oceans Conference would result in enough nations ratifying the treaty to bring it into force. As of today, 50 states of the 60 required have done so, while another 19 have promised to do so by the year’s end. A greater level of protection for our high seas is well and truly in sight.

    By United Nations standards, this is a cracking pace. The treaty-making process itself can take years, particularly as states need to incorporate the treaty into their domestic laws. This speaks to the urgency of the moment. Researchers and authorities have warned that the world’s oceans are now in deep trouble, threatened by climate change effects, overfishing, plastic pollution and other human-caused issues.

    Once the treaty enters into force, nations can begin to propose high seas marine protected areas, which could limit fishing and other activities. The question then will be how to police these marine protected areas.

    How did we get here?

    In June 2023, the High Seas Treaty was adopted by consensus at the UN Headquarters in New York. It was a long time coming.

    For decades, nations argued and negotiated over what this treaty might look like. How could the marine genetic resources of this global commons be shared fairly and equitably? How could protected areas be designated and managed? What was eventually thrashed out was a comprehensive international legal framework able to better protect and safeguard the rich and diverse web of life inhabiting the deep sea.

    Getting to this point was a real achievement.

    But for this treaty to enter into force, 60 countries have to ratify it. This means their governments must consent to be legally bound by the terms of the treaty.

    While Australia has pledged to ratify the treaty, it is still working through the ratification and domestic legal process. On a positive note, Environment Minister Murray Watt has indicated this will happen before the end of the year.

    What will the treaty actually do?

    At present, the high seas are regulated by a patchwork of global, regional and sectoral frameworks, instruments and bodies. However, none of these have a core mandate of protecting the biodiversity of the oceans.

    In 1982, the Law of the Sea Convention was adopted, giving every coastal nation rights over the waters extending to 200 nautical miles (370 kilometres) from their coastline.

    Once you are past this, you’re in the high seas – the swathes of ocean not controlled by any one nation.

    If and when it comes into effect, the High Seas Treaty would give the world a way to set up large marine protected areas in the high seas. It would also apply to the international seabed – the seabed, subsoils and ocean floor lying beyond the continental shelf of a coastal state.

    Any new protected areas would likely have restrictions on activities such as fishing and shipping. But this will need to be done in consultation with relevant international bodies such as the International Maritime Organisation and regional fisheries management organisations.

    The treaty would go a long way to reaching key conservation goals set under the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Pact, which calls for protection of at least 30% of the world’s marine and coastal habitats by 2030.

    The treaty also sets up a mechanism for the sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources, financial and otherwise. Bacteria living in deep-sea ecosystems have attracted much scientific and commercial attention for potential use in medical research or pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. Genetic resources from sea sponges have given rise to antiviral drugs targeting COVID and HIV as well as anti-cancer drugs.

    These resources were a major sticking point during the long negotiations.

    Many coastal countries lack the ability to participate in high seas research. As a result, they can miss out on these and other benefits. The High Seas Treaty recognises this and sets up a strong framework for capacity-building, technology transfer and technical assistance for developing nations.

    As nations fish out their territorial waters, some send fishing boats into the unregulated high seas.
    Richard Whitcombe/Shutterstock

    When will the oceans get a reprieve?

    Once the 60th nation ratifies the High Seas Treaty, it will enter into force 120 days later. This date could be as soon as May 1 next year, if the threshold is reached on January 1.

    Once this happens, this will be the date upon which the treaty gains legal force, meaning nations will have to comply with its obligations.

    That doesn’t mean huge new marine parks will come into being. There’s still much work to do to hash out the mechanics of how the treaty would actually work, how it would be overseen and how it would work with the International Seabed Authority which oversees deep-sea mining and the Antarctic Treaty System, among others. Negotiators face more work ahead to solve these outstanding issues before the real work can begin.

    That’s not to diminish this achievement. The progress on this treaty has been very hard won. Once it’s in effect, it will make a concrete difference.

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

    – ref. The historic High Seas Treaty is almost reality. Here’s what it would mean for ocean conservation – https://theconversation.com/the-historic-high-seas-treaty-is-almost-reality-heres-what-it-would-mean-for-ocean-conservation-258710

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • High-level visits cement strategic partnership between India and Cyprus

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India and the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) have sustained and deepened their bilateral relations through a series of high-level political engagements, Ministerial meetings, and institutional consultations in recent years. A statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that both countries have consistently reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas including trade, innovation, defence, maritime, legal exchange, and digital transformation.

    The foundation of this longstanding relationship has been reinforced through key high-level visits. President Nicos Anastasiades of RoC paid a State visit to India from 24–29 April 2017, while the then President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, visited Cyprus from 2–4 September 2018. In subsequent years, bilateral ties have continued to progress through meetings between top leadership and diplomatic representatives.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Anastasiades during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on 26 September 2019 and earlier during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London on 20 April 2018.

    External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has had multiple engagements with his Cypriot counterparts in recent years. In a virtual meeting with then Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides on 16 February 2021, both sides expressed satisfaction over the growing trajectory of bilateral ties and agreed to maintain momentum across high-level exchanges, economic partnership, and people-to-people ties. EAM Jaishankar held further discussions with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides on the sidelines of CHOGM 2022 in Kigali and again at the 77th UNGA in New York in September 2022.

    EAM Dr. Jaishankar visited Cyprus from 29–31 December 2022. During the visit, he held meetings with Acting President and Speaker of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou, and Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides. Two key agreements were signed: a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence and Military Cooperation and a Declaration of Intent on a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA). Additionally, RoC joined the International Solar Alliance during this visit. EAM and his counterpart also addressed an Economic and Business Forum in Limassol on 30 December 2022.

    Engagements between the two countries have continued at multilateral fora. EAM met with RoC Foreign Minister Dr. Constantinos Kombos on the sidelines of the EU-Indo Pacific Forum in Stockholm on 13 May 2023, and again during the 78th UNGA in New York on 23 September 2023, followed by another meeting during the 79th UNGA on 25 September 2024, and later during the Doha Forum on 7 December 2024.

    Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur visited Cyprus from 8–11 October 2023 to attend the “Cyprus Maritime 2023 Conference” in Limassol. The event, inaugurated by President Nikos Christodoulides, served as a platform to discuss maritime cooperation and future shipping partnerships. On the sidelines, MoS held a bilateral meeting with the Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis and also engaged with the Indian shipping community and professionals based in Cyprus.

    Dr. Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of RoC, led a delegation to New Delhi from 5–6 September 2024 to participate in the “CII India Mediterranean Business Conclave.” He joined Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and EAM Jaishankar during a ministerial session on trade and investment.

    Judicial and legal cooperation also received a boost when a high-level delegation from India, led by Justice Surya Kant and Attorney General R. Venkataramani, visited RoC to attend the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA) International Conference held at UCLan Cyprus from 7–8 October 2024.

    To institutionalize the strategic dialogue, the sixth round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) was held on 26 November 2024 in Nicosia.