NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump ‘confident’ about striking deal to end Ukraine conflict soon: White House

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump returns to the White House via Marine One in Washington, D.C., the United States, Feb. 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Washington can successfully negotiate the end of the Ukraine conflict “this week,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Saturday.

    “The president, his team are very much focused on continuing negotiations with both sides of this war to end the conflict, and the president is very confident we can get it done this week,” Leavitt was quoted by top U.S. political website “The Hill” as saying on the South Lawn after returning from the Conservative Political Action Conference.

    Leavitt also said that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been involved in discussions about a proposed deal with the Ukrainians to harness raw minerals.

    “When it comes to the critical minerals, this is an important piece for the president. It’s very important for the president, because it will recoup American tax dollars,” Leavitt said, according to “The Hill” report.

    Meanwhile, the Speaker of Ukraine’s Parliament has said that the Ukrainian government will start working in earnest from the beginning of next week to conclude an agreement on earth minerals and security assurances with the United States, according to reports from Ukraine.

    Ruslan Stefanchuk, who is close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said Friday that the Ukrainian government will have an expert team start from Monday working toward signing an agreement with the United States.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A Chinese own goal? How war games in the Tasman Sea could push NZ closer to AUKUS

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato

    The appearance of three Chinese naval vessels firing live rounds in the Tasman Sea has caused understandable alarm in New Zealand and Australia. But this has more to do with the geopolitical context than the actual event.

    In fact, the Chinese navy is allowed to conduct exercises in the Tasman and has wide freedoms on the high seas in general. So far, China appears to be acting in accordance with both the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea.

    While New Zealand would have preferred more notice of the Chinese navy’s intentions, there was no obligation to provide this.

    Nor is what is occurring in the Tasman similar to the more aggressive sabre-rattling the Chinese military has displayed around the South China Sea, most recently involving both the Australian and Philippine navies.

    And in September last year, just a few days after Australian and New Zealand vessels sailed through the Taiwan Strait, the Chinese test-fired a nuclear-capable intercontinental missile into the South Pacific.

    For China, of course, Taiwan and parts of the South China Sea are highly disputed territory. The Tasman Sea is not. But what is disputed is China’s role and influence in the Pacific – and this, rather than a minor naval exercise, is what is causing headaches in Canberra and Wellington.

    The Cook Islands factor

    The surprise agreement signed by the Cook Islands and China under a fortnight ago, aimed at “deepening blue economy cooperation”, is the immediate context for that concern.

    The deal avoids controversial areas such as security and policing. But it moves Chinese influence into infrastructure support for wharves, shipbuilding and repair, and ocean transportation.

    What really challenges New Zealand’s foreign policy is how this opens the South Pacific up to even greater Chinese influence and activity. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has signalled it is time to reset the relationship with the Cooks.

    For its part, China has asserted that its relationship with the Cook Islands “is not directed against any third party and should not be subject to or disrupted by any third party”.

    In other words, China has told New Zealand to butt out of a major development in the historically close diplomatic and political relationship with its Pacific neighbour.

    A Chinese own goal?

    All of this is happening within a rapidly shifting geopolitical sphere. US President Donald Trump is unilaterally attempting to upend the old US-led world order, and other major powers such as Russia and China are adapting.

    New Zealand’s relations with China were already difficult. The Security Intelligence Service and Government Communications Security Bureau have both identified state-sponsored Chinese interference in domestic affairs, breaches of the parliamentary network and other malicious cyber activity.

    The question now is whether China has scored an own goal with its recent actions. Because while it might prefer New Zealand to operate a more independent foreign policy – balancing its relations with east and west – the opposite may now be more likely.

    In times of international stress and uncertainty, New Zealand has always tended to move towards deepening relationships with traditional allies.

    Whether it is the fear of Russian invasion in the 19th century, or Japanese invasion in the 20th century – and whether or not those threats are real or imagined – New Zealand reverts to form.

    It has been this way for nearly 150 years and is likely to occur again. New Zealand is already grappling with how to respond to the Trump administration’s redrawn global system and will be looking for ways to deepen the friendship.

    At the same time, the government now seems committed to joining a new arms race and increasing defence spending as a proportion of GDP. And the supposed benefits of joining the second tier of the AUKUS security pact may now become that much easier to sell politically.

    Alexander Gillespie 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. A Chinese own goal? How war games in the Tasman Sea could push NZ closer to AUKUS – https://theconversation.com/a-chinese-own-goal-how-war-games-in-the-tasman-sea-could-push-nz-closer-to-aukus-250615

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Public consultation opens to assess share hire e-scooter trial benefits

    Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

    The City of Greater Bendigo is inviting public feedback on the share hire e-scooter trial which began last May in partnership with operator Beam Mobility.

    Beam is responsible for funding and operating the small trial area in urban Bendigo until May 2025.

    The current scheme provides around 200 Saturn-5 e-scooters available for hire between 5am and 11pm, seven days a week.

    Beam developed the trial area in consultation with the City and an external stakeholder group that includes Victoria Police and Bendigo Health, and there has been no cost to the City for participating in this trial.

    From May 2024 to January 2025, there have been 8,994 users and 39,883 trips covering more than 67km, according to Beam data. The average trip distance is 1.6km. Complaints received by the City peaked at the start of the trial last May with 32 complaints lodged. It is now around five complaints per month.

    Since the trial began in urban Bendigo, the Victorian Government has permanently legalised the use of share hire e-scooters to operate across Victoria and introduced new e-scooter rules. These include tougher penalties for misuse, and mandated new technology to improve e-scooter safety.

    Manager Strategic Planning Anthony Petherbridge said the trial in urban Bendigo was an opportunity to assess the success of share hire e-scooters as an alternative mode of transport for residents and visitors.

    “The City is committed to fostering sustainable transport options that benefit the community and visitors to move around more easily,” Mr Petherbridge said.

    “This trial puts to the test how a micro-transport economy can play in creating a more connected and sustainable network, particularly at transport hubs.

    “We want to know the impact of the trial and if residents and visitors have benefited from having access to share hire e-scooters.

    “I encourage you to complete a brief survey on our online engagement platform Let’s Talk. We would like to hear from Beam riders, businesses, and the broader community.

    “As the trial is earmarked to finish at the end of May, the data from the trial and public feedback will be presented to Council to determine the next steps.”

    The survey closes on Monday March 17 at 5pm.

    To provide feedback, visit:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Aggravated robbery – Karama

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Karama on Saturday morning.

    Around 4pm, police received reports that two male youths entered a licenced premises on Kalymnos Drive, one of which was armed with an edged weapon, and allegedly threatened staff with the weapon.  The youths then stole a quantity of alcohol and fled the scene on foot.

    Casuarina General Duties swiftly identified and arrested a 14-year-old male, who was later charged with aggravated robbery. The other male youth remains outstanding.

    Strike Force Trident are continuing investigations and urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference P25051813.

    Anonymous reports can be made through You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Valls faces Kanak ‘first people’ clash with loyalists over independence talks

    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk

    French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls’ first two days in New Caledonia have been marred by several clashes with local pro-France, anti-independence movements, who feared he would side with their pro-independence opponents.

    However, he remained confident that all stakeholders would eventually come and sit together at the table for negotiations.

    Valls arrived in the French Pacific territory on Saturday with a necessary resumption of crucial political talks regarding New Caledonia’s political future high on his agenda, nine months after the deadly May 2024 civil unrest.

    His visit comes as tensions have risen in the past few days against a backdrop of verbal escalations and rhetoric, the pro-France camp opposing independence stressing that three referendums had resulted in three rejections of independence in 2018, 2020, and 2021.

    But the third referendum in December 2021 was boycotted by a large part of the pro-independence, mainly Kanak community, and they have since disputed the validity of its result (even though it was deemed valid in court rulings).

    On Saturday, the first day of his visit to the Greater Nouméa city of Mont-Dore, during a ceremony paying homage to a French gendarme who was killed at the height of the riots last year, Valls and one of the main pro-France leaders, French MP Nicolas Metzdorf, had a heated and public argument.

    ‘First Nation’ controversy
     Metzdorf, who was flanked by Sonia Backès, another major pro-France local leader, said Valls had “insulted” the pro-France camp because he had mentioned the indigenous Kanak people as being the “first people” in New Caledonia — equivalent to the notion of “First Nation” people.

    Hours before, Valls had just met New Caledonia’s Custom Senate (a traditional gathering of Kanak chiefs) and told them that “nothing can happen in New Caledonia without a profound respect towards [for] the Melanesian people, the Kanak people, and the first people”.

    French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls (second from left) meets pro-France supporters as he arrives in New Caledonia on Saturday as French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc looks on. Image: NC la 1ère

    Metzdorf told Valls in an exchange that was filmed on the road and later aired on public broadcaster NC la 1ère: “When you say there are first people, you don’t respect us! Your statements are insulting.”

    “If there are first peoples, it means there are second peoples and that some are more important than others.”

    To which Valls replied: “When you are toying with these kinds of concepts, you are making a mistake.”

    Every word counts
     The 1998 Nouméa Accord’s preamble is largely devoted to the recognition of New Caledonia’s indigenous community (autochtone/indigenous).

    On several occasions, Valls faced large groups of pro-France supporters with French tricolour flags and banners (some in the Spanish language, a reference to Valls’s Spanish double heritage), asking him to “respect their democratic (referendum) choice”.

    Some were also chanting slogans in Spanish (“No pasaran”), or with a Spanish accent.

    “I’m asking for just one thing: for respect towards citizens and those representing the government,” an irate Valls told the crowd.

    Questions have since been raised from local organisations and members of the general public as to why and how an estimated 500 pro-France supporters had been allowed to gather while the French High Commissioner still maintains a ban on all public gatherings and demonstrations in Nouméa and its greater area.

    “We voted three times no. No means no,” some supporters told the visiting minister, asking him not to “let them down”.

    “You shouldn’t believe what you’ve been told. Why wouldn’t you remain French?”, Valls told protesters.

    “I think the minister must state very clearly that he respects those three referendums and then we’ll find a solution on that basis,” said Backès.

    However, both Metzdorf and Backès reaffirmed that they would take part in “negotiations” scheduled to take place this week.

    “We are ready to make compromises”, said Backès.

    Valls carried on schedule
    Minister Valls travelled to Northern parts and outer islands of New Caledonia to pay homage to the victims during previous insurrections in New Caledonia, including French gendarmes and Kanak militants who died on Ouvéa Island (Loyalty group) in the cave massacre in 1988.

    During those trips, he also repeatedly advocated for rebuilding New Caledonia and for every stakeholder to “reconcile memories” and sit at the negotiation table “without hatred”.

    Valls believes ‘everyone will be at the table’
     In an interview with local public broadcaster NC la 1ère yesterday, the French minister said he was confident “everyone will be at the table”.

    The first plenary meeting is to be held this afternoon.

    It will be devoted to agreeing on a “method”.

    “I believe everyone will be there,” he said.

    “All groups, political, economic, social, all New Caledonians, I’m convinced, are a majority who wish to keep a strong link within France,” he said.

    He also reiterated that following New Caledonia’s Matignon (1988) and Nouméa (1998) peace accords, the French Pacific territory’s envisaged future was to follow a path to “full sovereignty”.

    “The Nouméa Accord is the foundation. Undeniably, there have been three referendums. And then there was May 13.

    “There is a before and and after [the riots]. My responsibility is to find a way. We have the opportunity of these negotiations, let’s be careful of the words we use,” he said, asking every stakeholder for “restraint”.

    “I’ve also seen some pro-independence leaders say that [their] people’s sacrifice and death were necessary to access independence. And this, also, is not on.”

    Valls also said the highly sensitive issue of “unfreezing” New Caledonia’s special voters’ roll for local elections (a reform attempt that triggered the May 2024 riots) was “possible”, but it will be part of a wider, comprehensive agreement on the French Pacific entity’s political future.

    A mix of ‘fear and hatred’
     Apart from the planned political negotiations, Valls also intends to devote significant time to New Caledonia’s dire economic situation, in post-riot circumstances that have not only caused 14 dead, but also several hundred job losses and total damage estimated at some 2.2 billion euros (NZ$4 billion).

    A first, much-expected economic announcement also came yesterday: Valls said the State-funded unemployment benefits (which were supposed to cease in the coming days) woud now be extended until June 30.

    For the hundreds of businesses which were destroyed last year, he said a return to confidence was essential and a prerequisite to any political deal . . .  And vice-versa.

    “If there’s no political agreement, there won’t be any economic investment.

    “This may cause the return of fresh unrest, a form of civil war. I have heard those words coming back, just like I’ve heard the words racism, hatred . . . I can feel hope and at the same time a fear of violence.

    “I feel all the ferments of a confrontation,” he said.

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Media Advisory: Waitematā East Custody Unit re-opens

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police invites media to the re-opening of the Waitematā East Custody Unit on Tuesday 25 February.

    The Custody Unit will be based at the North Shore Policing Centre.

    Minister of Police Mark Mitchell, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, and District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan will open the facility.

    Media are invited to cover the opening, which includes speeches, ribbon cutting and a tour of the facility.

    Media are required to RSVP to the event by emailing media@police.govt.nz. On the day you will be escorted by a representative from the Police Media Team to the location.

    KEY DETAILS:

    Where:

    North Shore Policing Centre, 52 Parkway Drive, Rosedale

    When: 

    Tuesday 25 February 2025.

    9am (arrive before 8.45am)

    Important Notes:

    Parking is limited – please allow additional time for arrival.

    The District Custody Unit will begin accepting detainees after this event has concluded.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Hornswoggling porch pirate nabbed in Waikato

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have arrested a 35-year-old Hamilton woman in relation to a number of parcel thefts around the region.

    She is facing five charges of burglary and is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court on Thursday 27 February.

    In recent weeks, Police have received a number of reports about parcels going missing from doorsteps of houses.

    Police are reminding the public to take extra caution to ensure their parcels don’t fall into the hands of thieves.

    Use the carriers’ parcel tracking services to keep an eye on when your parcel is due to arrive.

    If you are not home, make sure your parcel is left somewhere safe and out of sight, or ask a neighbour or friend to collect it from your doorstep.

    If you see anything suspicious, take note of any activity and/or vehicle number plates and make a report to Police.

    You can contact us via 105 by calling or making an online report, or call 111 if it is happening now.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Drug and firearm offences – Katherine

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has charged an 18-year-old male with drug and firearm offences on Friday.

    Northern Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk members conducted a lawful search on a residence in Katherine East on Friday, where police located and seized 1.7 kilograms of Cannabis, drug paraphernalia, fireworks, ammunition and two firearms

    He was arrested without incident and has since been charged with:

    •             Supply Schedule 2 Dangerous Drug – Commercial Quantity

    •             Possess Schedule 2 Dangerous Drug – Commercial Quantity

    •             Possessing Tainted Property

    •             2 x Possess / Use Firearm whilst unlicensed

    •             Possess Ammunition without permit or license

    •             Fail to meet storage requirements

    •             Possess Fireworks outside approved period

    He was remanded to appear in Katherine Local Court today.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Byron May said “The contribution by the community to disrupt this offending is essential to a safer territory.

    “Anyone with information on the supply of alcohol or drugs to our communities can call police on 131 444. You can anonymously report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/“

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Improvements for users of busy Waikato intersection 

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    The journey through Karāpiro is set to get a little bit easier, with the completion of works on the intersection of State Highway 1 and Karāpiro Road.  

    New line marking and signage have been installed near this busy intersection, including new electronic signs that will display safety messages. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says these safety messages will help to remind drivers of the importance of being vigilant around this intersection.  

    “The intersection at SH1/Karāpiro Road can be very busy, with local traffic heading towards Karāpiro School, the Mobil service station, and residences, interregional traffic connecting to State Highway 29 and heavy vehicles heading towards the quarry.  

    “The improvements we’ve made to the intersection, along with the electronic signage, will help to improve safety for all road users”, says Darryl Coalter, Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery for Waikato/Bay of Plenty (Acting).    

    Since 2020 NZTA has been installing a range of safety improvements between Cambridge and Piarere aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries on this stretch of road. This has included widening the road, having wider centre lines, installing turnaround bays and median barriers, and other safety treatments. 

    Improving road safety remains a top priority for NZTA but how we invest in road safety is changing. 

    Our focus is on delivering safe roading infrastructure via the Roads of National Significance and Roads of Regional Significance, providing enhanced maintenance and highway resilience as well as increased support for NZ Police enforcement. 

    “We investigated the possibility of installing a roundabout to replace the T-intersection, which would have been an interim step until the new interchange, as a part Cambridge to Piarere expressway project, began. With construction on the interchange expected to begin in late-2026, the roundabout wasn’t prioritised for funding via the current 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme,” says Mr Coalter. 

    “We are pleased that we have been able to progress these intersection improvements in the meantime.” 

    The Cambridge to Piarere expressway Road of National Significance project is 16-km long expressway with 4-lanes from the southern end of the Waikato Expressway near Cambridge to the new SH1/SH29 roundabout at Piarere. It will give road users more reliable travel times and improve safety further.  

    Here’s a concept animation showing how the new Cambridge to Piarere expressway may look:

    Video: SH1 Cambridge to Piarere concept design – October 2024

    Learn more about it here:

    SH1 Cambridge to Piarere

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Invest Hong Kong reports information security incident

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (February 23) that an information security incident was identified yesterday (February 22). The incident involved a malicious ransomware attack to part of InvestHK’s computer systems.

         A spokesman for InvestHK said that upon identification of the incident, the department has taken immediate measures to further tighten its IT security systems to prevent further ransomware attacks. It has also followed established guidelines and procedures and reported the case to the Police, the Digital Policy Office (DPO), the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data and the Security Bureau respectively on the same day. InvestHK condemns such malicious attacks and has already updated relevant access rights, isolated the affected systems, and activated back-up procedures.

         InvestHK is working closely with the Police on the investigation. Preliminary findings indicated that the affected areas included an internal Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, intranet and part of InvestHK’s website operations, such as the function to contact InvestHK via the website form and events updates. InvestHK’s public services remain normal. Members of the public can continue to contact staff of InvestHK through telephone, email or face-to-face meetings.

         Investigation is still underway to ascertain whether any personal data leakage is involved. Although this is an ongoing investigation, based on preliminary assessment, this could potentially include basic information on InvestHK’s clients, such as the companies’ contact information, and records of InvestHK staff. InvestHK will inform relevant parties if and when further updates are available.

         The spokesman stressed that the department has been following Government procedures on information and cybersecurity. To further strengthen its system security measures, it is currently seeking advice from the DPO and has appointed experts to assist with the investigation and recovery. The department hoped the culprits can be brought to justice as soon as possible so as to safeguard information and cybersecurity.

         The spokesman reiterated that InvestHK would not send embedded hyperlinks via emails, SMS messages or social media pages for collecting personal information or requesting for payment. It urges members of the public to stay alert and to refrain from clicking on any embedded links or providing any personal or financial information such as credit card information, or making any payment to suspicious emails or SMS messages. For enquiries, members of the public may call InvestHK General Enquiry Hotline at 3107 1000 or email enq@investhk.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to Inaugurate Regional Dialogue on Social Justice and Observance of 74th Foundation Day of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to Inaugurate Regional Dialogue on Social Justice and Observance of 74th Foundation Day of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)

    Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General, International Labour Organization (ILO) to attend as the keynote speaker

    The two-day event to focus on responsible business for sustainable and inclusive societies

    ESIC to celebrate its contribution to the welfare of workforce in India, and acknowledge the top contributors to its mission

    India organising first ever “Regional Dialogue” in collaboration with the Global Coalition for Social Justice and International Labour Organization on 24-25 February 2025 in New Delhi

    Posted On: 23 FEB 2025 5:10PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate the two-day Regional Dialogue on Social Justice under the Global Coalition for Social Justice and the Observance of the 74th Foundation Day of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) on 24 February 2025 in New Delhi. Hon’ble Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Ms. Shobha Karandlaje, Secretary (Labour & Employment), Ms. Sumita Dawra, and the Director General, International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, will also be present at the inaugural session of this key international dialogue.

    The Global Coalition for Social Justice is a landmark initiative by ILO to bring global, regional and national actors together for policy and action coherence towards advancing social justice. Launched in November, 2023, the Coalition has been joined by 336 partners including 90 governments within a short span.

    India, as a founding member of ILO and a key member in the Coordinating Group of the Global Coalition, is playing a crucial role in the Coalition for furthering the agenda of social justice. Recognizing the need for collaboration between governments, businesses, and workers to promote social justice, India has decided to champion a key Coalition intervention “Responsible business practices for sustainable and inclusive societies.” This intervention is part of a core thematic area of the Global Coalition i.e. “Expanding access to and capabilities for productive and freely chosen employment and sustainable enterprises.”

    In this context, the two day regional event is being organized by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation in collaboration with Global Coalition for Social Justice and International Labour Organization, with the support Confederation of Industry (CII) – Employers Federation of India (EFI).

    Deliberations will focus on skills and employment, expanding social security, gender inclusion in the workplace, responsible business practices, corporate governance for decent work, and harnessing AI for social justice.

    The event will also mark the Observance of the 74th Foundation Day of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), celebrating its pioneering contributions to social security and workers’ welfare in India. ESIC, which administers one of the most comprehensive social security schemes in the country, has been playing a leading role in providing medical care, maternity benefits, and financial protection to workers and their families. The foundation day celebrations will highlight ESIC’s milestones and future roadmap for strengthening its services and coverage. The event will also feature honouring of key contributors to ESIC’s mission of transforming “social security to social justice”, kick-start of the “ESIC Special Services Fortnight,” and launch of ESIC publications detailing its achievements.

    The inaugural session will also include unveiling of key initiatives such as the e-Shram mobile application, and publications:-

    1. Position Paper on transforming India’s Social Protection Landscape through Data Pooling
    2. Learnings and Reflections from the ISSA-ESIC International Seminar organized by India in January 2025
    3. Best practices in responsible business conduct in India.
    4. Compendium on Social Protection in India
    5. Shram Samarth: A Journey to Excellence

    A highlight of the event will be the formal announcement of joining of the Global Coalition by prominent Indian workers’ and employers’ organizations from India as partners. A joint statement on responsible business conduct is also expected to be released by India’s largest workers’ organization Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and India’s key employers’ organization (CII-EFI), reflecting the collaborative resolve of Indian workers’ organizations and industry towards inclusive and sustainable development.

    Through this key Coalition event, India aims to reaffirm its commitment to leading the global march towards social justice and inclusive growth and leveraging global partnerships to drive meaningful action. The outcomes of this event are expected to inform future strategies for universal social protection and fostering responsible business ecosystems, contributing to the broader objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Decent Work Agenda.

    More than 500 participants, including representatives from Coalition partners, governments, concerned Ministries of Government of India, employers’ and workers’ organizations, academia and enterprises, experts from international organizations bodies and ESIC members and officers, will participate during the inaugural session of the regional dialogue.

                           *****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2105650) Visitor Counter : 53

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: London ETO supports Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble’s concert at British Library (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    London ETO supports Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble’s concert at British Library (with photos)
    London ETO supports Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble’s concert at British Library (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         ​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) supported the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble’s concert, titled “Resonance of the Silk Road: Past, Present & Future Concert”, at the British Library in London, the United Kingdom, on February 21 (London time).       The event commenced with a reception attended by over 50 guests, including representatives from the diplomatic envoys, the local business, academic and cultural sectors. The Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, delivered a welcome speech at the reception. Mr Law highlighted the cultural parallels between Hong Kong and Dunhuang as modern and historic hubs of international cultural exchange, underscoring their shared spirit of artistic innovation and cross-cultural dialogue.     “The concert exemplifies the power of music in celebrating international friendship. Hong Kong’s rich cultural landscape forms a solid foundation for its development into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, as supported by the National 14th Five-Year Plan. With over 7 000 cultural programmes held throughout the year, ranging from heritage-rich exhibitions at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, to globally renowned events such as the Hong Kong Sevens and Art Basel, there is always something to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide,” he said.      The Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble has staged over 60 concerts in Hong Kong and across the globe, enchanting audiences with its unique fusion of history and music. Established in 2018, the ensemble features eight young musicians and two resident composers who create original works inspired by ancient scores discovered in Dunhuang, bringing to life the stories behind cultural relics through their performances.

     
    Ends/Saturday, February 22, 2025Issued at HKT 23:24

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Correctional officers intercept smuggling of suspected dangerous drug into Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Correctional officers intercept smuggling of suspected dangerous drug into Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre
    Correctional officers intercept smuggling of suspected dangerous drug into Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre
    ******************************************************************************************

         Correctional officers at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre today (February 22) intercepted a male remand person in custody smuggling a suspected dangerous drug into the centre by concealing it inside his body.               The 28-year-old person in custody was remanded for the offence of trafficking in a dangerous drug yesterday. After undergoing X-ray body scanning, he was suspected to have swallowed the dangerous drug before admission. He was therefore separated and put under close monitoring.               At 9.29am today, he discharged one pack of the suspected dangerous drug, which weighed about 13 grams and was wrapped in a plastic sheet. The case has been reported to the Police for follow-up.               A spokesman for the Correctional Services Department said, “The department takes every measure to stop the introduction of dangerous drugs or unauthorised articles into correctional institutions in order to maintain good order and discipline, and a drug-free environment for all persons in custody.”

     
    Ends/Saturday, February 22, 2025Issued at HKT 14:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH continues to clamp down on illegal waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) conducted an enforcement operation in Tsim Sha Tsui last night (February 21) against illegal waterpipe smoking activities in no smoking areas and a total of three fixed penalty notices (FPNs) were issued. The operation, codenamed “Pipepurge”, was the surprise inspection and enforcement action carried out by TACO against illegal waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas following the operation last Thursday.

         During the operation, officers from TACO (including plainclothes officers) carried out inspections and enforcement action at one bar in Tsim Sha Tsui, and issued a total of three FPNs to persons illegally smoking waterpipes. TACO’s investigation is ongoing, and prosecution may also be taken against operators of the bar who are suspected of aiding and abetting smoking offences. TACO will also refer the cases to the Liquor Licensing Board for appropriate follow-up action.

         Under the Ordinance, conducting a smoking act in a statutory no smoking area (such as indoor areas of bars or restaurants) is prohibited. Any person doing a smoking act in statutory no smoking areas is liable to a fixed penalty of $1,500. Moreover, where smoking products (including waterpipes) are sold, in bars or otherwise, the restrictions on the promotion and sale of smoking products stipulated in the Ordinance apply. Offenders are liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000. Venue managers of statutory no smoking areas are empowered by the Ordinance to request a smoking offender cease the act; if the offender is not co-operative, the manager may contact the Police for assistance.

         In addition, under the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, any person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission by another person of any offence shall be guilty of the same offence.

         “The DH will continue to closely monitor and take stringent enforcement action against illegal waterpipe smoking. Last year (2024), TACO conducted 162 operations against illegal waterpipe smoking activities in no smoking areas. A total of 162 FPNs were issued against smoking offenders, while 89 summonses were issued to staff members and operators of the bars/restaurants for other related offences,” the Head of TACO, Dr Fung Ying said.

         Dr Fung reminded the public that waterpipe is also a smoking product, and its combustion of fuel (e.g. charcoal) releases carbon monoxide. Exposure to a low concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to a range of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, tiredness and nausea; whereas exposure to a high concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to impaired vision, disturbed co-ordination, unconsciousness, brain damage or even death. People should seek medical attention immediately if they suspect they are developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

         Due to deeper inhalation and longer smoking sessions, waterpipe users usually inhale more toxins than they would when smoking cigarettes. A typical one-hour waterpipe smoking session exposes the user to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single conventional cigarette. Moreover, sharing a waterpipe apparatus increases the risk of transmitting infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis. 

         She cautioned against waterpipe smoking and the use of other smoking products. Smokers should quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For more information on the hazards of waterpipe smoking, please visit www.livetobaccofree.hk/pdfs/waterpipe_leaflet_new.pdf.      

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lombardo Appoints Judge Adriana Rincon White to the Eighth Judicial District Court, Department Y

    Source: US State of Nevada

    Las Vegas, NV – February 21, 2025

    Today, Governor Joe Lombardo appointed Adriana Rincon White to the Eighth Judicial District Court, Department Y. White currently serves as the Domestic Violence Protection Order Hearing Master in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County, where she presides over applications for protection orders, conducts initial hearings, and determines whether to issue protective orders.

    “I’m pleased to announce my appointment of Adriana Rincon White to the Eighth Judicial District Court, Department Y,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “Adriana has an extensive career in law, including ten years of experience on the bench. Her credentials in family law and her work ethic are exceptional, and she has established a reputation as one of Nevada’s strongest advocates for children and families.”

    “I am truly honored to be selected by Governor Lombardo to serve in Department Y of District Court, Family Division,” said Judge Adriana Rincon White. “I look forward to working hard and serving our community with a fair and balanced approach.”

    After five years in real estate and passing the bar exam, White opened an independent firm, where she focused on family law and personal injury cases. After joining a firm, she exclusively represented family law matters before taking on her current role as Hearing Master in Clark County.

    A California native, White has lived in Nevada for 21 years. She is a first-generation high school graduate and was an active leader in the Future Farmers of America (FFA). While attending law school, she served as president of the Pre-Law Society, worked for a state attorney general, and helped launch a mentorship program. In her spare time, White enjoys participating in a book club with her daughter, cooking, exercising, and attending her children’s extracurricular activities.

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: More police set to start work as recruitment initiatives take effect

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 24 February 2025

    Released by: The Premier, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism

    More than 1,000 newly graduated police officers will start work across metro, regional and rural NSW this year – the largest number of recruits in two years to attest the Goulburn Police Academy and a major boost to frontline policing and community safety.

    This follows December’s notable attestation with more than 300 officers – the largest class in a decade – attesting and starting work at their new home stations across the state.

    Applications to join the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) have increased by more than 60 per cent since the Minns Labor Government announced paid study in October 2023 – with 3,360 people applying to join the NSWPF.

    Last year, the NSW Government introduced the ‘Be A Cop in Your Hometown’ initiative, allowing recruits from rural areas to serve in or near their hometowns after graduating from the Goulburn Police Academy. The next class to graduate will be the first to benefit from this new scheme.

    Today, we are pleased to report that 47 individuals have applied to return to regional locations under the program, and all will be deployed to these areas upon graduating from the Goulburn Police Academy.

    In the next class to graduate, nine recruits—seven men and two women—will be eligible to return to regional locations they have nominated, followed by another 23 in the class after that.

    Among them, one recruit is a mother of five who will be returning to her hometown of Coffs Harbour, and another is a father and daughter training together from Inverell.

    Under 12 years of the former Liberal Government, they had no plan for police recruitment, no plan for police retention and sent wages backwards for more than a decade.

    In fact, police officer turnover, more than doubled in the last term of the Liberal National Government, from 513 per year to more than 1286 per year.

    While we still have more work to do, this application and graduate data shows that the Minns Labor Government has been able to begin to arrest the slide in recruitment for New South Wales police.

    These initiatives are part of the Government’s broader, long-term plan to address the crisis in recruitment and retention of frontline workers, especially in law enforcement, and ensure the safety of our communities.

    This includes important initiatives including:

    • Abolishing the wages cap, ensuring fair and competitive salaries for police officers;
    • Delivering a historic wage increase, overwhelmingly backed by NSW Police officers with 96 per cent voting in favour;
    • Establishing a groundbreaking scheme to pay students while they study to become officers, resulting in a 67 per cent surge in applications over the past year; and
    • Launching two new targeted programs to attract both experienced officers and regional recruits.

    NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

    “When we entered Government, we committed to rebuilding frontline services, and I’m proud to say we’re making real progress in restoring our police force.

    “It’s a big job, it’s a very tough job, and we know how important police officers are, often risking their lives to keep us safe.

    “There’s still more work to do, but we’ve shown we’re prepared to take strong steps to back in our police force.”

    Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

    “These results show that the strategies we’ve put in place are working and that we are making real progress in addressing the recruitment and retention challenges that have long plagued the NSW Police Force.

    “While there’s more work to be done, we are confident that the tide is changing. We are attracting new recruits, retaining experienced officers, and making policing a more rewarding and attractive career.

    “This is just the beginning, and we will continue to build on this momentum to ensure that our police force is equipped and supported to keep our communities safe.”

    NSW Police Commissioner, Karen Webb said:

    “I am enormously proud of these numbers, they are a turning point as we plan for the next generation of police in NSW.

    “Police in NSW have never had better pay and conditions – now is the perfect time to become a police officer.

    “We will strategically fill critical positions where they are needed most, some of that focus will be on police numbers in regional towns as we face an escalating issue around youth crime.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Major work to start on Sturt Highway upgrade at Wagga Wagga

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 24 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    The Minns Labor Government is building a better Sturt Highway in Wagga Wagga by starting work on a $13.9 million upgrade to the road east of the city.

    Work is due to begin on Tuesday March 4 to upgrade a 1.8 kilometre section of the Sturt Highway (also known as Hammond Avenue) on the eastern approach to Wagga Wagga’s CBD.

    Work will include completely reconstructing the road with a new surface and new kerb on the northern and southern sides, lane widening and configuration changes to provide dedicated turning lanes. The changes will provide a smoother surface that is less prone to road damage and potholes and provide a safer and more comfortable journey for all road users.

    Shoulders will be provided for cyclists on the northern and southern sides of the highway.

    The first stage of this project – between Tasman Road and Blaxland Road – will start Tuesday 4 March and is expected to take 11 weeks to complete.

    The second stage – from east of Blaxland Road to Stuart Road – will be delivered in the 2025-26 financial year.

    This location is a high traffic area and Transport will plan to carry out work with as few impacts as possible. All work will be carried out under traffic control with lane closures and reduced speed limits in place. Detours around the work area will be in place at various stages of the project. Most of the work will take place between 7am and 6pm, with some night work also planned.

    Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of traffic control and signage.

    Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

    “The Sturt Highway provides a strategic freight and access link from Sydney via the Hume Highway to Mildura in Victoria and on to Adelaide in South Australia.

    “It also serves as a local and regional access corridor to and from regional centres along the route, especially Wagga Wagga, to enable customers to access goods, services and employment.

    “The Minns Labor Government is pleased to be investing in building a better section of highway in Wagga Wagga and we want to thank the community in advance for its patience and understanding while this work is carried out for the long-term benefit of all who live, work and visit the area.”

    Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:

    “These works, coupled with the work now underway to redevelop the Marshalls Creek Bridge, are welcome improvements that will deliver a safer, smoother Sturt Highway for thousands of users every day.

    “I acknowledge Transport for NSW’s efforts to liaise with businesses in the area and urge them to maintain that focus on reducing construction impacts, especially in Lawson Street during the closure period.

    “The works will cause some disruption so I appreciate the patience of residents and motorists during a construction process that will cause inconvenience but will also deliver improvements that have been identified as important to the community.

    “A renewed east/west link means better travel for local business and residents, and moving forward, I’ll also be advocating for major north/south improvements, including a second river crossing which will be critical to Wagga Wagga’s future.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Proposed Combination of Saipem and Subsea7

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Milan, Luxembourg, 23 February 2025 – Saipem and Subsea7 announce that today they have reached an agreement in principle on the key terms of a possible merger of the two companies1 (the “Proposed Combination”) through the execution of a memorandum of understanding (the “MoU”). The Proposed Combination is expected to create a global leader in energy services.

    Highlights

    • The combination of Saipem and Subsea7 (the “Combined Company”) will be renamed Saipem7, and will have a combined backlog of €43 billion2, Revenue of approx. €20 billion3 and EBITDA in excess of €2 billion4
    • A global organisation of over 45,000 people, including more than 9,000 engineers and project managers
    • Highly complementary geographical footprints, competencies and capabilities, vessel fleets and technologies that will benefit the Combined Company’s global client base
    • Saipem and Subsea7 shareholders will own 50% each of the share capital of the Combined Company
    • Subsea7 shareholders will receive 6.688 Saipem shares for each Subsea7 share held. Subsea7 will distribute an extraordinary dividend for an amount equal to €450 million immediately prior to completion
    • Transaction expected to deliver material value creation for the shareholders of both Saipem and Subsea7. Annual synergies of approximately €300 million are expected to be achieved in the third year after completion, with one-off costs to achieve such synergies of approximately €270 million
    • The Combined Company will be listed on both the Milan and Oslo stock exchange
    • Siem Industries, reference shareholder of Subsea7, as well as Eni and CDP Equity, reference shareholders of Saipem, have expressed their strong support and intend to vote in favour of the transaction
    • Completion anticipated to occur in the second half of 2026

    The management of both Saipem and Subsea7 share the conviction that there is compelling logic in creating a global leader in energy services, particularly considering the growing size of clients’ projects. Saipem and Subsea7 are highly complementary in terms of market offerings and geographies. The combination would enhance value for shareholders, and all stakeholders, both in the current market and in the long term.

    CDP Equity, Eni and Siem Industries have entered into a separate Memorandum of Understanding, undertaking to support the Proposed Combination and agreeing on the terms of a Shareholders Agreement, to be effective from completion of the Proposed Combination. As part of this, it is intended that the Combined Company’s Chairman will be designated by Siem Industries and that the Combined Company’s CEO will be designated by CDP Equity and Eni. In addition, it is currently envisaged that Mr Alessandro Puliti will be appointed as CEO of the Combined Company5 while it is currently envisaged that Mr John Evans will be the CEO of the entity that will manage the Offshore business of the Combined Company. Such Offshore business will comprise all of Subsea7 and Saipem’s Offshore Engineering & Construction activities.

    The by-laws of the Combined Company are expected to provide for loyalty shares (double votes).

    Strategic Rationale of the Proposed Combination

    The Proposed Combination would be beneficial to the clients of both Saipem and Subsea7, bringing together the respective strengths of both companies:

    • Comprehensive Solutions for Clients: a full spectrum of offshore and onshore services, from drilling, engineering and construction to life-of-field services and decommissioning, with an increased ability to optimise project schedules for clients in oil, gas, carbon capture and renewable energy
    • World-class Expertise and Experience: a talented, global workforce of over 45,000 people, including more than 9,000 engineers and project managers, in more than 60 countries, contributing to deliver solutions unlocking value for clients
    • Global Reach and Diversified Fleet: an expanded and diversified fleet of more than 60 construction vessels enhancing the Combined Company’s ability to undertake a wide range of projects, from shallow water to ultra-deepwater operations, utilising a full portfolio of heavy lift, high-end J-lay, S-lay and reel-lay rigid pipeline solutions, flexible pipe and umbilical lay services and market-leading wind turbine, foundation and cable lay installation capabilities
    • Innovation and Technology: combined expertise to foster innovation in offshore technologies, ensuring cutting-edge solutions for complex projects

    The transaction would create significant shareholder value through:

    • Synergies: expected annual synergies of approximately €300 million in the third year after completion, driven by fleet optimisation, procurement, sales and marketing, and process efficiencies
    • A More Efficient Capital Investment Programme: optimised allocation of capital across a broader, complementary vessel fleet
    • An Attractive Shareholder Remuneration Policy: post-completion, Saipem7 is expected to pay a dividend of at least 40% of Free Cash Flow6 after repayment of lease liabilities
    • Enhanced Capital Structure: a solid balance sheet that is expected to support an investment grade credit rating
    • Greater Scale in Both Equity and Debt Capital Markets: access to a wider investor base and to more diversified sources of capital

    Transaction Structure and Ownership

    • The Combined Company would be created by way of an EU cross-border statutory merger carried out by way of incorporation of Subsea 7 into Saipem, with the latter to be renamed “Saipem7”. The Combined Company would be headquartered in Milan and have its shares listed on both the Milan and the Oslo stock exchanges
    • Siem Industries (being the largest shareholder of Subsea7) would then own approximately 11.9% of the Combined Company’s capital, while Eni and CDP Equity (being the largest shareholders of Saipem) would own approximately 10.6% and approximately 6.4%, respectively

    Transaction Terms

    • Subsea7 shareholders would receive 6.688 new Saipem7 shares for each Subsea7 share held
    • Assuming all Subsea7 shareholders participate in the merger, the share capital of the Combined Company will be held 50-50% by the current shareholders of Saipem and Subsea7
    • Immediately prior to completion of the Proposed Combination, Subsea7 shareholders would receive an extraordinary cash dividend of €450 million7

    Organisational Structure of the Combined Company

    • The Combined Company will be structured in four businesses: Offshore Engineering & Construction, Onshore Engineering & Construction, Sustainable Infrastructures and Offshore Drilling
    • The Offshore Engineering & Construction business will be incorporated in an operationally autonomous company, named Subsea7 and branded as “Subsea7 – a Saipem7 Company”, and it is currently envisaged that it will be led by Mr John Evans. It will comprise all of Subsea7’s business and the Asset Based Services business of Saipem, representing approximately 83% of the combined group’s EBITDA of the last 12 months as of 30 September 2024. The company will be headquartered in London
    • In line with Saipem’s previous strategy, the Onshore Engineering & Construction will be run with a focus on reducing overall risk and maximising profitability. The Sustainable Infrastructures business will aim to consolidate its presence in the Italian market with potential expansion overseas. The Offshore Drilling division will seek to continue to maximise its EBITDA and cash flow

    Shareholder Remuneration

    • The MoU allows Saipem and Subsea7 to make shareholder distributions of up to $350 million each in 2025, in the form of dividends8,9
    • In 2026, if the Proposed Combination is not completed before the approval of the full year 2025 results of Saipem and Subsea7, the two companies could each distribute by way of dividends10,11 at least $300 million
    • Following completion of the Proposed Combination, the Combined Company is expected to distribute to shareholders at least 40% of Free Cash Flow12 after repayment of lease liabilities

    Shareholders Agreement

    The Memorandum of Understanding amongst Siem Industries, CDP Equity and Eni provides for, inter alia, a three-year shareholder lock-up and standstill obligation and the submission of a common slate for the appointment of the majority of the members of the board of directors of the Combined Company.

    Timing, Conditions Precedent and Approvals

    The entering into and signing of binding definitive documents in respect of the Proposed Combination is conditional, inter alia, on the successful completion of confirmatory due diligence by the parties, the execution of a mutually satisfactory merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) and the approval of the final terms of the Proposed Combination by the Board of Directors of Saipem and Subsea7. The parties will also engage with the relevant works council consultations required by the applicable laws.

    Saipem and Subsea7 have undertaken mutual exclusivity obligations in connection with the negotiations of the Proposed Combination.

    Moreover, completion of the Proposed Combination will be subject to customary conditions precedent for a transaction of this nature, including, inter alia, approval by the shareholders’ meetings of both Saipem and Subsea7, the former to be also passed with the so-called whitewash majorities for the purposes of the mandatory takeover bid exemption13, and obtaining the required Italian government approval and customary regulatory clearances.

    Until such conditions precedent are satisfied, there can be no certainty that the Proposed Combination will occur.

    The MoU also provides for termination rights for each of Saipem and Subsea7 in connection with material findings in the context of the confirmatory due diligence, or upon payment of a break-up fee, should any of the companies wish to terminate the negotiations at its discretion before entering into the Merger Agreement.

    The parties currently envisage to submit the final terms of the Proposed Combination to their respective Board of Directors for approval and to enter into the Merger Agreement around mid-2025. Completion is currently anticipated to occur in the second half of 2026.

    Conference Call

    On Monday 24 February 2025, at 10:00 CET, the top management of Saipem and Subsea7 will present the transaction in a dedicated conference call, which can be followed by connecting to the below URL:

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/az2o9ou7/

    The document that will be presented by Saipem and Subsea7 top management will be available on the two respective websites (www.saipem.com and www.Subsea7.com). A replay of the call will be available on the two companies’ websites.

    Advisers

    Goldman Sachs International is acting as lead financial advisor to Saipem, and Deutsche Bank AG, Milan Branch as financial advisor to Saipem. Clifford Chance LLP is serving as global legal counsel to Saipem in particular as to matters of Italian, English, US and Luxembourg law, while Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS is serving as legal counsel to Saipem as to matters of Norwegian law.

    Kirk Lovegrove & Company Limited is acting as lead financial advisor and Deloitte LLP is acting as financial advisor to Subsea7. Freshfields LLP is serving as global legal counsel to Subsea7 (including as to matters of Italian, US and English Law), while Elvinger Hoss Prussen S.A. and Advokatfirmaet Wiersholm AS are serving as legal counsels as to matters of Luxembourg and Norwegian law, respectively.

    Enquiries

    Saipem is a global leader in the engineering and construction of major projects for the energy and infrastructure sectors, both offshore and onshore. Saipem is “One Company” organized into business lines: Asset Based Services, Drilling, Energy Carriers, Offshore Wind, Sustainable Infrastructures, Robotics & Industrialised Solutions. The company has 6 fabrication yards and an offshore fleet of 21 construction vessels (of which 17 owned and 4 owned by third parties and managed by Saipem) and 15 drilling rigs, of which 9 owned. Always oriented towards technological innovation, the company’s purpose is “Engineering for a sustainable future”. As such Saipem is committed to supporting its clients on the energy transition pathway towards Net Zero, with increasingly digital means, technologies and processes geared for environmental sustainability. Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange, it is present in more than 50 countries around the world and employs about 30,000 people of over 120 nationalities.

    Subsea7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the energy industry. Subsea7 makes offshore energy transition possible through the continuous evolution of lower-carbon oil and gas and by enabling the growth of renewables and emerging energies.

    +++

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication and the information contained in it are provided for information purposes only and are not intended to be and shall not constitute a solicitation of any vote or approval, or an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy, or an invitation or recommendation to subscribe for, acquire or buy securities of Saipem, Subsea 7 or the combined company following the proposed merger of Saipem and Subsea 7 (the “Proposed Business Combination Transaction“) or any other financial products or securities, in any place or jurisdiction, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made in the United States absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, such registration requirements.

    Forward-looking Statements

    This communication contains forward-looking information and statements about Saipem and Subsea7 and their combined business after completion of the Proposed Business Combination Transaction. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates” and similar expressions. Although the managements of Saipem and Subsea7 believe that the respective expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors and holders of Saipem and Subsea7 shares are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Saipem and Subsea7, respectively, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. Except as required by applicable law, neither Saipem nor Subsea7 undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking information or statements.

    Important Additional Information about the Proposed Business Combination Transaction

    This communication is not a substitute for a registration statement or for any other document that Saipem or Subsea7 may file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in connection with the Proposed Business Combination Transaction. In connection with the Proposed Business Combination Transaction, Saipem and Subsea7 are filing relevant materials with the SEC, which, to the extent Saipem’s shares will be required to be registered under the U.S. Securities Act, may include a registration statement on Form F-4 that contains a prospectus. If an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act is available, the shares issued in connection with the Proposed Business Combination Transaction will be made available within the United States pursuant to such exemption and not pursuant to an effective registration statement on Form F-4.

    SAIPEM AND SUBSEA7 URGE INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS TO READ ANY SUCH REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SAIPEM AND SUBSEA7, THE PROPOSED BUSINESS COMBINATION TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS.

    Investors and shareholders can obtain free copies of the prospectus and other documents filed by Saipem and Subsea7 with the SEC (when they become available) through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Shareholders of Subsea7 are urged to read the prospectus, if and when available, and the other relevant materials when they become available, as well as any supplements and amendments thereto, before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the Proposed Business Combination Transaction and will receive information at an appropriate time on how to obtain these transaction-related documents for free from the parties involved or a duly appointed agent.

    Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures

    This announcement includes certain non-IFRS financial measures with respect to Saipem and Subsea7, including EBITDA and Net debt. These unaudited non-IFRS financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, measures of Saipem’s and Subsea7’s financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. In addition, these measures may be defined differently than similar terms used by other companies.

    Presentation of Financial Information

    This communication includes financial data regarding Saipem and Subsea7 and the combination of Saipem and Subsea7. The presentation of information in any registration statement that Saipem may file with the SEC may be different than the financial data included herein as the financial data included in any registration statement will be required to comply with the rules and regulations of the SEC. Further, any financial data contained herein representing the combination of Saipem and Subsea7 has not been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, including the pro forma requirements of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, pro forma financial data contained in any registration statement filed with respect to the Proposed Business Combination Transaction may differ from the pro forma financial data contained herein, and such differences may be material. Any combined company financial data presented herein is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent or be indicative of the actual consolidated results of operations or financial position that would have been reported had the Proposed Business Combination Transaction been completed as of October 1st, 2024, and should not be taken as representative of the companies’ future consolidated results of operations or financial position had the Proposed Business Combination Transaction occurred as of such date. These estimates are based on financial information available at the time of the preparation of this communication.

    1 Merger by way of incorporation of Subsea7 into Saipem
    2 Combined backlog for Saipem and Subsea7 as of 30 September 2024
    3 Combined Revenue for Saipem and Subsea7 as per last 12 months as of 30 September 2024
    4 Combined EBITDA for Saipem and Subsea7 as per last 12 months as of 30 September 2024
    5 Subject to approval by the Shareholders’ Meeting and the Board of Directors of the Combined Company
    6 Free Cash Flow is defined as Cash Flow from Operations less Capital Expenditure plus Divestments
    7 Subject to approval by the Shareholders’ Meeting
    8 Subject to approval by the Shareholders’ Meeting and the Board of Directors
    9 The dividend paid by Saipem will be qualified as ordinary in nature
    10 Subject to approval by the Shareholders’ Meeting and the Board of Directors
    11 The dividend paid by Saipem will be qualified as ordinary in nature
    12 Free Cash Flow is defined as Cash Flow from Operations less Capital Expenditure plus Divestments
    13 Pursuant to Art. 49, paragraph 1, letter g) of Consob Regulation 11971/99

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 76 gang patches seized by Police under new law

    Source: New Zealand Government

    In the three months since the Government’s new gang laws came into effect Police have seized 76 patches, 67 firearms, and laid 337 charges for insignia breaches.

    Police Minister Mark Mitchell, and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith say that Police have done an outstanding job of enforcing the new laws and holding gang members to account for the misery they inflict on other Kiwis. 

     “We all know how a gang member earns their patch. Before the changes, gang members felt empowered and used their patches to intimidate law-abiding New Zealanders. Since the Gangs Act came into effect, we have seen patches disappear from our streets,” Mr Mitchell says. 

     “We passed these laws to improve public safety, and they have done exactly that. We have seen a 52 per cent increase in firearms seizures when compared to the same period last year. I commend Police for the good work they are doing.” 

     “These new laws have given Police additional tools to go after gang members that intimidate New Zealanders and create new victims,” Mr Goldsmith says. 

     “We make no apologies for getting tough on gangs. This legislation is meant to be uncomfortable. If you don’t like it, don’t break the law, it’s that simple. Gang members want all the rights of being a New Zealander, but accept none of the responsibilities. 

     “This is an essential part of ensuring there are 20,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime by 2029 alongside a 15 per cent reduction in serious repeat youth offending.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Three years on, Australia stands with Ukraine

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Today marks three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine./p>

    For three years, Ukraine has bravely resisted Russia’s illegal and immoral war of aggression.

    Australia mourns the loss of life of Ukraine’s citizens and defenders, and the generational toll of Russia’s brutality.

    Australia continues to stand with Ukraine.

    We have committed over $1.5 billion to help Ukraine defend itself, including more than $1.3 billion in military support through vital equipment for the battlefield and the training of Ukrainian forces.

    Australia has been clear since day one that Russia, and those enabling its illegal invasion, will face consequences.

    The Australian Government has today imposed further targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 70 persons, and targeted financial sanctions on 79 entities.

    This constitutes Australia’s largest sanctions package since February 2022.

    The new sanctions target individuals propping up Russia’s illegal administrations in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, including so-called “ministers”, judges and prosecutors, and individuals responsible for conflict-related sexual violence and the forced deportation of Ukrainian children.

    The sanctions also target persons and entities involved in deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, including the deployment of North Korean troops to the battlefield.

    Deepening Russia-North Korea military cooperation is a dangerous expansion of Russia’s war, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security.

    Targets in Russia’s defence, transport and finance sectors, and those spreading disinformation to undermine Ukraine and governments around the world, have also been sanctioned.

    Australia has now imposed a total of more than 1,400 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    The Government has taken decisive action to ensure Australians are not inadvertently fuelling Russia’s war economy.

    Today we have further tightened trade bans on Russia by prohibiting the supply of commercial drones and components, including the provision of related services.

    Guidance on the operation of these bans can be found on the sanctions guidance webpage.

    Once again, Australia calls on Russia to immediately end its war and adhere fully to its obligations under international law, including in relation to the protection of civilians and treatment of prisoners of war.

    Working with Ukraine and our partners, Australia supports a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police put pressure on gangs

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have filed over 3000 charges against gang members since the introduction of the Gangs Act in late November.

    Between 21 November 2024 and 19 February 2025, Police filed 337 charges for insignia breaches and 3037 charges for other offending including serious violence, drugs, and firearms.

    Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says the charges are a result of targeted enforcement action against those causing fear and harm in our communities.

    “Our expectations around this legislation have been clear from the very beginning — if you wear a gang patch in public, or display a sign or symbol associated with a gang, you can expect Police attention — and these numbers demonstrate that.

    “They also paint a picture of other very serious offending committed by those in or connected to gangs, including possession of illicit drugs and unlawful firearms and violence.”

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Police Minister Mark Mitchell, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Commissioner Chambers are today visiting the Gang Disruption Unit in Counties Manukau to celebrate the success of Operation Nickel – a nationally-led plan to support all Police staff with the new enforcement powers.

    Operation Nickel ran from 21 November 2024 to 31 January 2025.

    “Police around the country have done an outstanding job from planning right through to implementation on the frontline,” Commissioner Chambers says.

    “Nationwide, we continue to see generally high levels of compliance with the Act.

    “In the months before the legislation came into effect, Police met with gangs to ensure they were clear on our enforcement approach and to encourage them to make good choices.

    “The high level of compliance we’re seeing now reflects the fact most gangs have exercised good judgement. We acknowledge and continue to encourage that.

    “It’s a positive start, and my staff continue to follow up reported breaches, either at the time of the offence or at a later date.

    “The policing of gangs is and will remain an all-of-Police priority.”

    As announced last year, the work of Operation Cobalt will be continued through District staff including Gang Disruption Units and coordinated by the National Gang Unit.

    Operation Cobalt ran across all 12 Police districts for two and a half years. In that time, 107,073 charges were filed.

    “I want to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and successes of all those staff involved in Operation Cobalt over the past two and a half years, from national coordinators to frontline teams that have made a real impact in combatting gang-related crime,” Commissioner Chambers says.

    “It’s pleasing to see the NGU, and District Gang Disruption Units up and running, assisting with search warrants, investigations and helping apprehend priority offenders.

    “Police will take every opportunity to enforce the law. The pressure on gang members is not going away.”

    POLICING GANGS – BY THE NUMBERS

    Op Nickel/Gangs Act (21 November 2024 – 19 February 2025):

    • 76 patches seized
    • 316 additional insignia items seized
    • 337 insignia breach charges under Gangs Act
    • 3037 other charges against gang members (including drugs, firearms, serious violence)
    • 67 firearms seized from gang members

    Note: No dispersal notices, non-consorting charges or prohibition orders have been issued.

    Operation Cobalt (June 2022 – December 2024):

    • 1,954 search warrants
    • 1,069 warrantless searches
    • 107,073 charges filed
    • 143,610 IONs issued (traffic-related offending)
    • 757 firearms seized

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul was a guest on CBS’ “Face the Nation”.

    Source: US State of New York

    Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on CBS’ “Face the Nation”.

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Margaret Brennan, CBS News: We turn now to Trump’s clash with Democratic governors. Joining us now from Albany, New York, is the Governor, Kathy Hochul. Good morning to you, Governor.

    Governor Hochul: Good morning.

    Margaret Brennan, CBS News: I know you were just here in Washington and you met privately with President Trump. In the past, you’ve said the relationship doesn’t have to be adversarial. Was your meeting with him adversarial? And what was your top message?

    Governor Hochul: It wasn’t an adversarial meeting, but I was very clear — especially after I found that the Trump Administration had ended a program that was put in place, congestion pricing, by the duly elected members of our Legislature representing the voice of the people — and with a tweet, he claims that he is the king and therefore he has the power to destroy it. And I have a problem with that characterization, because we labored under a king 250 years ago, and as I said, we’re not going back there.

    So I wanted to take my case to him directly and let him see the benefits of this program, because our city is paralyzed with gridlock. And we had a path forward to be able to make the City move again, and it’s working. I wanted to just have that opportunity to convey that, but I don’t know that we’re very persuasive on that front, but that’s okay. The people in my state need to know I’m willing to take the fight wherever I have to.

    Margaret Brennan, CBS News: So just to explain for our audience, congestion pricing — you’re talking about this $9 toll you put on people driving into lower Manhattan, below 60th Street. Your fellow Democrat, Phil Murphy of New Jersey, says he doesn’t like this policy. He actually asked President Trump to stop it. President Trump’s office says this is discriminatory against working class people. How do you respond to that?

    Governor Hochul: I respond this way: With all due respect to the State of New Jersey, they do not tell us in New York what to do, nor does Washington when it comes to policies that we believe are going to reduce congestion, move along vehicles; emergency vehicles are moving faster and air quality is improving. So I have arguments that are important, but no one else should be able to second guess us, because that’s not how our system of laws and states was set up. I’m the Governor of New York. I will deal with the internal issues before me without interference from New Jersey, or indeed, the federal government.

    Margaret Brennan, CBS News: So this is going to the courts?

    Governor Hochul: Oh yes, it’s going to the courts. And I believe we will be victorious in the courts and this program will continue.

    Margaret Brennan, CBS News: You know, this is not the only standoff between the State and federal government, and the tension here. I know you were in Washington with other governors who were meeting with the President this week. Federal funds account for about 40 percent of your state’s budget. President Trump is threatening to withhold federal funds to governors in order to force compliance with his agenda. Here’s what he said to the Governor of Maine. Take a listen.

    President Donald Trump: Is Maine here, the Governor of Maine?

    Governor Janet Mills: Damn right I am. Yeah, I’m here.

    President Donald Trump: Are you not going to comply with it?

    Governor Janet Mills: I’ll comply with the state and federal law.

    President Donald Trump: Well I’m — we are the federal law. You better do it. You better do it, because you’re not going to get any federal funding at all if you don’t.

    Margaret Brennan, CBS News: That was about transgender athletes on girls sports teams. Are you Democratic governors going to start to work together on this? Is there legal pushback?

    Governor Hochul: What he is doing, as they’ve described it, is flooding the zone. They’re attacking California when it comes to FEMA dollars, they’re filing lawsuits in Illinois, they’re going after Maine on this, and they’re coming after programs that have been duly put in place in the State.

    What they’re trying to do is create this theater of all kinds of activity that is trying to be a distraction to us. And when someone floods the zone in a football game, what you need to have is the defenders be very disciplined, smart, but also stand their ground. And that’s exactly what New York governors — the Governor of New York — will do in cooperation with our governors.

    We’re not going to sit idly by and let our rights be attacked. We’ll work with you when there’s common ground, no doubt about it. Let’s build great projects and infrastructure. There’s areas where we’re going to work with you on immigration and getting the violent criminals off our streets. We do not dispute that. But don’t think that you can just come in and bully us around and not expect a reaction from governors.

    Margaret Brennan, CBS News: You know that when it comes to your state, there’s been a lot of focus on Manhattan and the Department of Justice, because of Eric Adams and the ongoing legal issues he has. In the past week, four Deputy Mayors resigned. Seven federal prosecutors resigned after the Trump justice department moved to dismiss those five counts of federal corruption indictments against Mayor Adams. You know, the allegation is that the dismissal of the charges was related to a quid pro quo around immigration compliance. Did you discuss this case at all with the President when you were in the room with him one on one?

    Governor Hochul: No, I did not. In fact, it’s — we’re waiting for the decision by a judge on whether he’s going to accept the recommendation for a dismissal. So that’s still in litigation. But I will say this: We are not allowing the Trump Administration to interfere in the operations of our city. And the legal problems that the Mayor is facing because of the Trump Administration and the phrasing they have used — and indeed, an interview that was done by one of his representatives on national television saying that he’s basically got the Mayor under his control — that’s concerning. And I have to be able to put in safeguards.

    Of course everyone says I had the option to remove him. I still hold that option to remove him. It is an extraordinary power, and I know there’s a lot of people disappointed and angry, and want something done immediately. But I will always stand on the fact that we are a nation of laws, and one individual — the Governor of New York — should not use her voice and her will to override the will of the voters. We have an election in a few months in a primary. I’m going to let the voters decide, but I’m also going to be very cognizant. I need to keep an eye on this situation, especially the way the Trump Administration has telegraphed that they want to get into our operations, and I have to be the firewall to stop that.

    Margaret Brennan, CBS News: So having said that, does that mean you do believe there was a quid pro quo understanding with Eric Adams?

    Governor Hochul: I am going by what the perception could be. I cannot let the integrity of the administration in the City of New York be undermined by perception that the Trump Administration actually created. They created this perception. The reality I will never know. But as long as there’s the faith of New Yorkers that has been undermined by what the Trump Administration is doing trying to give the appearance of holding the city hostage — that’s exactly what they’re trying to do.

    Again, they’re trying to create chaos, but we have to be smart as Democrats and as leaders, and parse through all this and just go do what’s right. That will always be my North Star.

    Margaret Brennan, CBS News: Governor Hochul, thank you for your time this morning.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IT security incident probed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced that an information security incident, involving a malicious ransomware attack to part of its computer systems, was identified yesterday.

    In a press release, InvestHK condemned such malicious attacks, and said it has already updated relevant access rights, isolated the affected systems, and activated back-up procedures.

    Preliminary findings indicated that the affected areas included an internal customer relationship management system, InvestHK’s intranet and part of its website operation.

    InvestHK pointed out that upon identification of the incident, it tightened its cyber security systems to prevent further ransomware attacks. It also reported the case to Police, the Digital Policy Office, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data and the Security Bureau on the same day.

    An investigation is underway to ascertain whether personal data leakage is involved. InvestHK said it will inform relevant parties when further updates are available. It is also seeking advice from the Digital Policy Office and has appointed experts to assist with the investigation and recovery.

    Meanwhile, InvestHK’s public services remain normal. The public can continue to contact the department by telephone, email or face-to-face meetings.

    Apart from expressing hope that the culprits can be brought to justice as soon as possible, the department reiterated that it would not send embedded hyperlinks via emails, SMS messages or social media pages for collecting personal information or requesting for payment.

    For enquiries, call 3107 1000 or write to enq@investhk.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three charged and further arrest made in ongoing Hackney murder investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Three men have been charged with murder as part of an investigation into the death of 20-year-old Jason Romeo in Hackney this week.

    Jason sustained stab wounds outside an address in Bodney Road, E5 at 17:59hrs on Tuesday, 18 February.

    A murder investigation was launched within the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command and three men have since been charged.

    Raynolph Asante, 22 (13.03.2002) of Pembury Road, Hackney, Travis Mitchell, 21 (23.07.2002) of Bodney Road, Hackney and Rhamyah Bailey-Edwards, 21 (21.08.2003) of Williams Avenue, Walthamstow have been charged with murder.

    The three men will appear at Thames Magistrates on Monday, 24 February.

    The investigation into Jason’s death remains ongoing and on Saturday, 23 February, officers arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: DRC vs Rwanda at the African Court: why it could be a decisive moment for human rights and justice on the continent

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Frans Viljoen, Professor of International Human Rights Law, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria

    As the armed conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) rages on, calls are being made for non-military solutions.

    One such process is a court case before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights – a judicial organ of the African Union (AU) established by African states “to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights”.

    The case was brought by the DRC against Rwanda on 21 August 2023.

    The DRC alleges that Rwanda has violated the African Union’s main human rights treaty, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Kinshasa claims Rwanda has supported M23 rebels since 2021 and that they are responsible for mass killings, mass displacement, destruction of schools, destruction of infrastructure and looting. Rwanda has always denied supporting M23.



    Read more:
    DRC conflict: talks have failed to bring peace. Is it time to try sanctions?

    I have followed the evolution of the African Court in my research since its inception in 2006. I consider this case to be highly significant. It would set a key precedent for human rights enforcement in Africa and tests the AU’s ability to uphold legal rulings. A successful outcome could encourage peaceful dispute resolution among African nations.

    Significant case

    The DRC vs Rwanda case is the first inter-state case ever to be submitted to the African Court.

    Inter-state cases allow one state to submit a case against another for allegedly violating the African Charter, provided that they have both accepted the court’s jurisdiction. So far, only 34 of the AU member states – including the DRC and Rwanda – have accepted the court’s competence to hear cases against them.

    The case of DRC v Rwanda can set an important African precedent. It serves as a way to uphold the integrity of human rights, and not serve the national interest of complaining states.



    Read more:
    M23 rebels are marching across eastern DRC: the interests driving players in the conflict

    It’s also the first time African states have agreed to a judicial settlement of a dispute by an independent body of African judges. Eleven judges, of whom all but the presiding judge serve part-time, hear and decide cases at the court’s seat in Arusha, Tanzania. It may serve as an example that other states in similar situations could emulate, thus allowing for future conflicts to be defused.

    Before the case can proceed, the court first has to consider “preliminary objections” by the state against which the case has been brought – in this case, Rwanda. If the court finds that it has the authority to hear and rule on the case, there is the possibility of legal consequences, like reparations.

    This will be a big test for the African Union. The challenge will be getting countries to comply with decisions – since the African Court does not have an enforcement arm.



    Read more:
    LGBTQ+ rights: African Union watchdog goes back on its own word

    Even if both countries have accepted the court’s jurisdiction, compliance is not automatic. Compliance with the court’s orders has historically been far from exemplary – less than 10% of its decisions have been fully observed.

    It is up to African Union (AU) states collectively to put pressure on non-compliant states. One possibility is imposing sanctions under article 23(2) of the AU Constitutive Act – something the AU policy organs have been reluctant to do so far.

    Public hearing in DRC case

    At a public hearing of the case in February 2025, Rwanda insisted that the court did not have the competence to deal with the case. It argues that the court does not have territorial jurisdiction to rule on the case, because the alleged violations took place outside the borders of Rwanda.

    The DRC countered that while states are usually responsible for actions within their own territory, they are still accountable for actions they control outside their borders.



    Read more:
    Can a regional court be a viable alternative to the ICC in Africa?

    The DRC therefore asked the court to conclude that it has jurisdiction over Rwanda, based on the presence in the DRC of Rwanda’s armed forces and their support for M23.

    Rwanda objected, claiming no clear “dispute” existed between it and the DRC. The DRC countered that a dispute didn’t need to be formal and one clearly existed due to the many unsuccessful efforts to resolve the conflict diplomatically.

    Rwanda argued the case was inadmissible since victims hadn’t exhausted legal remedies in Rwanda. The DRC countered that expecting thousands of people to do so – amid insecurity and rights violations on a massive scale – was unrealistic.



    Read more:
    The African Union has a poor record of protecting democracy. 2024 was no different

    Rwanda further argued that it was an abuse of process for the DRC to have instituted a similar case (Minister of Justice of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) v The Attorney General of the Republic of Rwanda) before the East African Court of Justice. It has heard “preliminary objections” from the attorney general of Rwanda and is yet to give its judgment on this issue. To this, the DRC responded that it had observed the only relevant requirement stipulated in the African Charter, namely, that it must not submit to the court a matter that had been settled by another dispute settlement process.

    Next steps

    After the public hearing, the court deliberated. Usually, it gives its judgment at its next session, which is likely to be in early June 2025.

    The DRC had already approached the court in 2023 to adopt an “expedited procedure”. While the court dismissed this request, in March 2024, it agreed to deal with the case “on a priority basis”. In any event, it is obligated to deliver its judgment within 90 days of its deliberation.

    Rwanda strongly opposed the African Court handling the case, but if the case moves forward, it must cooperate. This is because both Rwanda and the DRC have agreed to follow and enforce the court’s decisions as part of their legal commitment.

    While this is a test case for the African Court, in the near future it may well become a test case for the African Union as a whole.

    Frans Viljoen 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. DRC vs Rwanda at the African Court: why it could be a decisive moment for human rights and justice on the continent – https://theconversation.com/drc-vs-rwanda-at-the-african-court-why-it-could-be-a-decisive-moment-for-human-rights-and-justice-on-the-continent-250074

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: DRC vs Rwanda at the African Court: why it could be a decisive moment for human rights and justice on the continent

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Frans Viljoen, Professor of International Human Rights Law, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria

    As the armed conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) rages on, calls are being made for non-military solutions.

    One such process is a court case before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights – a judicial organ of the African Union (AU) established by African states “to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights”.

    The case was brought by the DRC against Rwanda on 21 August 2023.

    The DRC alleges that Rwanda has violated the African Union’s main human rights treaty, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Kinshasa claims Rwanda has supported M23 rebels since 2021 and that they are responsible for mass killings, mass displacement, destruction of schools, destruction of infrastructure and looting. Rwanda has always denied supporting M23.

    Read more: DRC conflict: talks have failed to bring peace. Is it time to try sanctions?

    I have followed the evolution of the African Court in my research since its inception in 2006. I consider this case to be highly significant. It would set a key precedent for human rights enforcement in Africa and tests the AU’s ability to uphold legal rulings. A successful outcome could encourage peaceful dispute resolution among African nations.

    Significant case

    The DRC vs Rwanda case is the first inter-state case ever to be submitted to the African Court.

    Inter-state cases allow one state to submit a case against another for allegedly violating the African Charter, provided that they have both accepted the court’s jurisdiction. So far, only 34 of the AU member states – including the DRC and Rwanda – have accepted the court’s competence to hear cases against them.

    The case of DRC v Rwanda can set an important African precedent. It serves as a way to uphold the integrity of human rights, and not serve the national interest of complaining states.

    Read more: M23 rebels are marching across eastern DRC: the interests driving players in the conflict

    It’s also the first time African states have agreed to a judicial settlement of a dispute by an independent body of African judges. Eleven judges, of whom all but the presiding judge serve part-time, hear and decide cases at the court’s seat in Arusha, Tanzania. It may serve as an example that other states in similar situations could emulate, thus allowing for future conflicts to be defused.

    Before the case can proceed, the court first has to consider “preliminary objections” by the state against which the case has been brought – in this case, Rwanda. If the court finds that it has the authority to hear and rule on the case, there is the possibility of legal consequences, like reparations.

    This will be a big test for the African Union. The challenge will be getting countries to comply with decisions – since the African Court does not have an enforcement arm.

    Read more: LGBTQ+ rights: African Union watchdog goes back on its own word

    Even if both countries have accepted the court’s jurisdiction, compliance is not automatic. Compliance with the court’s orders has historically been far from exemplary – less than 10% of its decisions have been fully observed.

    It is up to African Union (AU) states collectively to put pressure on non-compliant states. One possibility is imposing sanctions under article 23(2) of the AU Constitutive Act – something the AU policy organs have been reluctant to do so far.

    Public hearing in DRC case

    At a public hearing of the case in February 2025, Rwanda insisted that the court did not have the competence to deal with the case. It argues that the court does not have territorial jurisdiction to rule on the case, because the alleged violations took place outside the borders of Rwanda.

    The DRC countered that while states are usually responsible for actions within their own territory, they are still accountable for actions they control outside their borders.

    Read more: Can a regional court be a viable alternative to the ICC in Africa?

    The DRC therefore asked the court to conclude that it has jurisdiction over Rwanda, based on the presence in the DRC of Rwanda’s armed forces and their support for M23.

    Rwanda objected, claiming no clear “dispute” existed between it and the DRC. The DRC countered that a dispute didn’t need to be formal and one clearly existed due to the many unsuccessful efforts to resolve the conflict diplomatically.

    Rwanda argued the case was inadmissible since victims hadn’t exhausted legal remedies in Rwanda. The DRC countered that expecting thousands of people to do so – amid insecurity and rights violations on a massive scale – was unrealistic.

    Read more: The African Union has a poor record of protecting democracy. 2024 was no different

    Rwanda further argued that it was an abuse of process for the DRC to have instituted a similar case (Minister of Justice of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) v The Attorney General of the Republic of Rwanda) before the East African Court of Justice. It has heard “preliminary objections” from the attorney general of Rwanda and is yet to give its judgment on this issue. To this, the DRC responded that it had observed the only relevant requirement stipulated in the African Charter, namely, that it must not submit to the court a matter that had been settled by another dispute settlement process.

    Next steps

    After the public hearing, the court deliberated. Usually, it gives its judgment at its next session, which is likely to be in early June 2025.

    The DRC had already approached the court in 2023 to adopt an “expedited procedure”. While the court dismissed this request, in March 2024, it agreed to deal with the case “on a priority basis”. In any event, it is obligated to deliver its judgment within 90 days of its deliberation.

    Rwanda strongly opposed the African Court handling the case, but if the case moves forward, it must cooperate. This is because both Rwanda and the DRC have agreed to follow and enforce the court’s decisions as part of their legal commitment.

    While this is a test case for the African Court, in the near future it may well become a test case for the African Union as a whole.

    – DRC vs Rwanda at the African Court: why it could be a decisive moment for human rights and justice on the continent
    – https://theconversation.com/drc-vs-rwanda-at-the-african-court-why-it-could-be-a-decisive-moment-for-human-rights-and-justice-on-the-continent-250074

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 80 good citizens lauded

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Police held the Good Citizen Award Presentation Ceremony 2024 today to commend 80 citizens who assisted the force in fighting crime and upholding law and order.

    Additionally, this year’s Good Citizen of the Year Award was presented to nine awardees for their bravery when they volunteered to help in evacuating residents trapped in a building during a No. 3 alarm fire that broke out on Jordan Road in Yau Ma Tei last year.

    The Force also presented the Good Organisation Award to seven organisations in recognition of their efforts in supporting Police’s publicity work on anti-deception and crime prevention, as well as crime detection.

    Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Commissioner of Police Siu Chak-yee said the spirit of good citizenship can be put into practice in everyday life. He appealed to all sectors of the community to be united, genuine and sincere in preventing and combatting crime, in order to weave a safety net for the community.

    Themed “Good Citizen – Good Stories – Everywhere”, this year’s Good Citizen Award Scheme highlighted that the stories of good citizens can be found everywhere.

    A corresponding video series, Hidden Good Citizen, featuring the stories of four groups of such awardees who were also invited to participate in the production, was launched, Police added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Peacekeeper killed in CAR, Gaza and DR Congo latest, preventing violent extremism

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    The UN Secretary-General has strongly condemned the killing of a Tunisian peacekeeper serving with the UN Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, MINUSCA. 

    The ‘blue helmet’ was part of a long-range MINUSCA patrol to protect civilians, that was near the village of Zobassinda, in Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture, which came under attack on Tuesday night by an unidentified armed assailant.

    António Guterres expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeeper, and to the Government and the people of Tunisia.

    “The Secretary-General recalls that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law,” said a statement issued by the UN spokesperson’s office. 

    Call for swift justice

    “He calls on the Central African authorities to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this tragedy so that they can be brought to justice swiftly.”

    The UN chief also reaffirmed the solidarity of the United Nations with the people and Government of CAR.

    Head of MINUSCA and UN Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza also condemned the attack and said the “cowardly” act would not undermine the mission’s determination to implement its mandate “in the service of peace and stability” in CAR. 

    © UNICEF/Jospin Benekire

    A UNICEF-supported cholera team add chlorine to water collected from a reservoir in Goma, in the DR Congo.

    Peacekeeping, relief efforts, continue to face challenges in DR Congo 

    The United Nations on Wednesday called on the M23 armed group to allow the unimpeded movement of UN personnel and humanitarian aid, as the violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to displace civilians.

    At a press briefing in New York on Wednesday, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said that the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, MONUSCO, was facing increasing restrictions in the Kivu provinces.

    M23 fighters denied the mission’s contractors access to Goma to deliver food to the MONUSCO bases and obstructed efforts to safely dispose of unexploded ordnance, including one posing a direct threat to peacekeepers and unarmed Congolese forces within a MONUSCO facility.

    “The UN Mission calls on the M23 to allow the unimpeded movement of UN personnel and to fully respect established humanitarian corridors,” Mr. Haq said.

    He added that on Wednesday, the remains of 18 soldiers – including two MONUSCO peacekeepers and 16 troops from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission – were repatriated to South Africa. 

    A MONUSCO peacekeeper from Uruguay, also killed in recent clashes, was flown home on Tuesday.

    Humanitarian crisis deepens

    Meanwhile, ongoing violence in South Kivu has led to further displacement. Earlier on Wednesday, local time, fighting in Ihusi, about 70 kilometres north of Bukavu, forced residents to flee to nearby towns and islands in Lake Kivu, Mr. Haq said.

    In North Kivu, UN and humanitarian workers continue to assess needs and provide emergency aid where security allows. However, transportation remains a major challenge, complicating efforts to deliver food and supplies.

    In Ituri province, attacks since 8 February have killed at least 59 civilians in Djugu, with many others wounded or missing. 

    “The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reiterates that all parties must protect civilians and allow access to the essential services they need to survive,” Mr. Haq said. 

    Greater inclusion and cooperation critical to prevent violent extremism

    For the third consecutive year, the UN commemorated the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism, observed on 12 February. 

    In a social media post on Wednesday, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said that preventing violent extremism requires addressing its root causes, which are inequality and injustice. 

    “On this International Day, let’s commit to fostering inclusion, development, and human rights to build a future free from extremism and terrorism,” she said.

    Dialogue, trust and respect

    In a video message, the head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), Vladimir Voronkov, said that prevention of violent extremism requires long-term multifaceted solutions that are rooted in cooperation across all sectors.

    He listed governments, international and regional organizations, civil society, educators, religious leaders, and the private sector, in this regard.

    “This involves strengthening communities, addressing grievances, empowering women, and youth, investing in education, and ensuring inclusive development for all,” he said.

    “It demands that we challenge hatred, misinformation, and the forces that seek to divide us, and instead foster dialogue, trust, and respect for human dignity.”

    Later at a commemorative event, Mr. Voronkov outlined some of his Office’s work to counter terrorism, such as providing capacity building assistance to beneficiaries to enhance their knowledge and skills in prevention.

    Future initiatives include partnering with the UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) to examine the emerging risks and opportunities of video gaming in Africa, as part of efforts to invest in new frontier issues. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, Ashworths Rd, Hurunui

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Emergency services are currently at the scene of a serious two-vehicle crash on Ashworths Rd (SH1) near Mays Road, Hurunui. 

    Police were called about 5.30pm. 

    Initial reports suggest two people have been seriously injured. 

    Traffic management is in place. 

    Motorists should avoid the area if possible.

    ENDS 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Caitlin Johnstone: Israel pushes new atrocity narrative just as ceasefire deadline approaches

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone

    A new narrative is being aggressively pushed by Israel and its apologists to justify resuming the Gaza genocide, conveniently just as an important deadline for ceasefire negotiations draws near.

    The Israeli “Defence” Force (IDF) is now claiming that the Israeli children Kfir and Ariel Bibas “were both brutally murdered by terrorists while being held hostage in Gaza, no later than November 2023.”

    IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari told the press on Friday that, “Contrary to Hamas’ lies, Ariel and Kfir were not killed in an airstrike. Ariel and Kfir Bibas were murdered by terrorists in cold blood.

    “The terrorists did not shoot the two young boys, they killed them with their bare hands. Afterward, they committed horrific acts to cover up these atrocities.”

    Anyone who has been following the events in Gaza over the last year and a half will be unsurprised to learn that Israel provided no evidence to support these incendiary claims.

    Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement in his signature American English waving around an enlarged photograph of the children and talking about what savage monsters the Palestinians are.

    “Hamas murdered them in cold blood,” Netanyahu says, while the camera zooms in on the adorable little redheads. “As the prime minister of Israel, I vow that I will not rest until the savages who executed our hostages are brought to justice. They do not deserve to walk this earth.

    “Nothing will stop me. Nothing.”

    Sabotaging ceasefire negotiations
    This happens just as Netanyahu has been working to sabotage ceasefire negotiations by adding new non-starter demands that were not in the original agreement, just as sources in Israeli media predicted he would do upon his return from Washington earlier this month.

    The six-week-long first stage of the ceasefire deal with Hamas is set to expire at the beginning of March next weekend

    This is obvious babies-on-bayonets atrocity propaganda, being released at the most convenient of times. After Israel has been caught lying about beheaded babies and mass rapes and so much more, only an idiot would take any of these claims on faith.

    But it’s doing the job. Now everywhere you look you’ll see Israel supporters calling to end the ceasefire and reignite the Gaza holocaust to avenge these innocent children. I just saw an article from Tablet Magazine titled “Their Time Is Up,” subtitled “The murder of the Bibas children caps off an 18-month catalog of horrors that has told us exactly who our Palestinian neighbors are.

    “Backed by a friend in the White House, Israel must secure its future through strong unilateral action.”

    Most likely cause of death
    All this despite the fact that we know the most likely cause of the children’s death was the fact that their own government was raining military explosives on places where hostages were being held during that time.

    Hamas reported back in November 2023 that the Bibas children had been killed in an Israeli airstrike along with their mother. In December 2023 it was reported in the mainstream press that Hamas had offered to return their bodies to Israel but Israel had refused, telling the press that “Israel will not address propaganda-based reports coming from Hamas”.

    You don’t need to trust Hamas or anyone else to deduce that a woman and two children being killed by Israeli airstrikes in an area where many women and children were being killed by Israeli airstrikes every day is a much more likely scenario than Palestinian resistance fighters spontaneously deciding to murder children with their bare hands instead of using them as negotiating leverage as planned.

    As journalist Muhammad Shehada recently noted on Twitter, Israel already has an established track record of lying about Hamas killing hostages who were actually killed in Israeli airstrikes.

    In December 2023, Israel informed the families of three hostages that they had been murdered by Hamas. The mother of one of the hostages kept digging and eventually discovered that they had died of asphyxiation when IDF troops “gassed” the tunnel they were hiding in.

    Last September, the IDF admitted that they had killed the hostages in an airstrike and lied about it.

    Three weeks ago Shehada correctly predicted in an article with Zeteo that Israel was preparing to use the Bibas deaths as an excuse to terminate the ceasefire, long before any of this started.

    Shehada noticed the way pro-Israel narrative managers had been pushing the line that great vengeance must be exacted upon Gaza if it turns out the Bibas children have been harmed, despite Hamas having announced their deaths more than a year ago.

    They knew those children were dead, so after the ceasefire was announced in late January they began circulating the narrative that discovery of their demise would be a valid reason to end it.

    Israel forces shoot dead 2 Palestinian children
    Israeli forces shot and killed two Palestinian children in the West Bank just yesterday  —  both of them shot in the back. You could be forgiven for not knowing that this happened, because the Western political/media class has been too focused on the deaths of two little white kids to pay attention to such trivialities.

    Israel needs to keep “discovering” new Hamas atrocities from 2023 because otherwise it just looks like one-sided atrocities being committed by Israel this whole time. First it was beheaded babies, then later it was “We’ve discovered Hamas did mass rapes!”, and now it’s the Bibas kids.

    They need to do this because the Hamas attack was the last time anything happened where Israel could frame itself as the victim, so they’ve been milking it and milking it and milking it for as long as possible while committing orders of magnitude worse abuse in Gaza.

    It’s all designed to drum up outrage, and to draw sympathy toward Israel and away from the obvious victims who Israel has been abusing, displacing and mass murdering for a year and a half.

    As calls to rain vengeance upon Gaza grow louder, remember this: the Bibas kids aren’t the reason, they’re the excuse. The excuse to advance pre-planned agendas against the Palestinians that have been in place since long before those children were born.

    Caitlin Johnstone is an Australian independent journalist and poet. Her articles include The UN Torture Report On Assange Is An Indictment Of Our Entire Society. She publishes a website and Caitlin’s Newsletter. This article is republished with permission.

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –