Category: KB

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police get the jump on burglars

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A group of alleged burglars who climbed onto the roof of Māngere Town Centre in an attempt to evade Police, will now face court.

At about 11pm, Police were alerted by security of three males breaking into the Māngere Town Centre.

Counties Manukau West Acting Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Clint McCarthy, says the trio allegedly broke into five businesses, taking a number of items including clothing and cash registers.

“Upon Police arrival, we witnessed a group of people climbing onto the roof inside the centre.

“Units cordoned off the area and voice appealed for the offenders to come down, however one has jumped from the roof and attempted to flee on foot,” Acting Inspector McCarthy says.

“The Police Dog Unit, Delta has tracked the alleged offender where he was swiftly taken into custody.”

He says the other two suspects quickly surrendered to Police

“Police will continue to deploy a range of resources to respond to this sort of offending so that we can hold these people to account.

“This is a great outcome, and we acknowledge the centre’s security team for reporting offending as it was occurring, which allowed us to respond in a timely manner.”

He says the stolen property was left on the roof and recovered by staff shortly after.

Three males, aged 23, 19 and 18, will appear in Manukau District Court today charged with five counts of burglary.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM statement on one-year anniversary of the October 7th attacks
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Words from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on the one-year anniversary of the October 7th attacks.
7 October 2023 was the darkest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust. One year on, we stand together to remember the lives so cruelly taken.

Over a thousand people were brutally murdered. Men, women, children and babies killed, mutilated, and tortured by the terrorists of Hamas. Jewish people murdered whilst protecting their families.

Young people massacred at a music festival.

People abducted from their homes.

Agonising reports of rape, torture and brutality beyond comprehension which continued to emerge days and weeks later.

As a father, a husband, a son, a brother – meeting the families of those who lost their loved ones last week was unimaginable. Their grief and pain are ours, and it is shared in homes across the land.

A year on, that collective grief has not diminished or waned.

Yet their strength and determination to cherish the memories of those they had lost continues, and our determination to bring those still captive home endures. I stand firm in our commitment to bring the hostages home, and we will not give up until they are returned.

One year on from these horrific attacks we must unequivocally stand with the Jewish community and unite as a country. We must never look the other way in the face of hate.

We must also not look the other way as civilians bear the ongoing dire consequences of this conflict in the Middle East. I reiterate my call for immediate ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, and for the removal of all restrictions on humanitarian aid into Gaza.

We will not falter in our pursuit of peace and on this day of pain and sorrow, we honour those we lost, and continue in our determination to return those still held hostage, help those who are suffering, and secure a better future for the Middle East.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 6 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Minister McLean on Sisters in Spirit Vigil and National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People
Source: Government of Canada regional news

Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:

“Today, I ask all Yukoners to join me in recognizing the Sisters in Spirit Vigil and the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People.
- Read more about Statement from Minister McLean on Sisters in Spirit Vigil and National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People
- Add new comment
MIL OSI Canada News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Minister McLean on World Teachers’ Day
Source: Government of Canada regional news

Minister of Education Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:

“We celebrate the work of educators every day, but especially today on World Teachers’ Day.

“October 5 marks the anniversary of the Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This recommendation sets essential standards for teachers’ rights, responsibilities and professional development.
- Read more about Statement from Minister McLean on World Teachers’ Day
- Add new comment
MIL OSI Canada News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rescue Teams Continue to Locate Survivors as Communications Improve and More Military Assets Join Storm Response Efforts
Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Rescue Teams Continue to Locate Survivors as Communications Improve and More Military Assets Join Storm Response Efforts

Rescue Teams Continue to Locate Survivors as Communications Improve and More Military Assets Join Storm Response Efforts
mseets
Sun, 10/06/2024 – 17:33
Air search and rescue teams flew 48 additional missions on Saturday, locating 39 survivors stranded in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic flooding to the region. So far 6,586 people and counting have been rescued, evacuated or assisted by search and rescue teams since the storm hit.

Almost 50 search and rescue teams have deployed more than 1,600 responders to the region over the past 10 days. Local and state emergency responders now have the assistance of approximately 1,700 North Carolina National Guard and 1,000 active-duty military personnel.

“Continuing search and rescue missions in rough terrain, better communications and more resources on the ground are helping as we race to find missing people, reunite families and coordinate the delivery of supplies,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “The people of Western North Carolina are strong, and they deserve every bit of help we can get them. I’m so grateful for everyone stepping up to help as we dig out from this unprecedented storm.”

At Gov. Cooper’s request, nearly 1,000 soldiers from Fort Liberty and Fort Campbell have been mobilized to assist with search and rescue and coordination of air traffic to ensure the safety of relief missions. They are partnering with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to help speed the clearing of roads, and with county emergency managers to distribute commodities including food and water. An additional 500 active-duty soldiers will join those already deployed.

Communications in the region are improving rapidly, making it easier to identify help needed by communities and people. Cellphone providers reported significant gains in service coverage Sunday, with an estimated 80% of access to cell service in the region restored. Federal Emergency Management Agency teams will install a fiber optic cable to support telecom partners in restoring communications to the remaining inaccessible areas. An additional 30 Starlink satellite systems have arrived and will support search and rescue efforts underway at the North Carolina Emergency Response Center and at mobile locations.

People and crews in hard hit areas are urged to be careful when removing debris, to ensure they do not disrupt fiber optic cables or cell tower infrastructure critical to keeping communications open. People in the area should restart their cell phones periodically to allow the devices to reconnect to repaired infrastructure.

North Carolina National Guard and Military Response

Gov. Cooper activated more than 1,700 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen who are conducting ongoing search and rescue operations and delivering critical supplies. Active-duty military personnel and equipment requested by the Governor are now also part of response efforts.

National Guard and military personnel from NC and other states are operating more than 50 helicopters and more than 716 specialized vehicles in Western North Carolina to facilitate these missions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping to assess water and wastewater plants and dams. Residents can track the status of the public water supply in their area through a website launched on Saturday.

FEMA Assistance

More than $30.2 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western NC disaster survivors and more than 96,747 people have registered for Individual Assistance. Nearly 1,700 people are now housed in hotels through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance. Federal partners have delivered more than 6.1 million liters of water and more than 4.1 individual meals in North Carolina to support both responders and people living in the affected communities.

More than 700 FEMA staff are in the state to help with the western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they are meeting with disaster survivors in shelters and neighborhoods to provide rapid access to relief resources. They can be identified by their FEMA logo apparel and federal government identification.

The Major Disaster Declaration requested by Governor Cooper and granted by President Biden now includes 27 North Carolina counties (Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey) and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

North Carolinians can apply for Individual Assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 from 7am to 11pm daily or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, or by downloading the FEMA app. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

Help from Other States

More than 1,600 responders from 35 state and local agencies have performed 102 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This includes public health nurses, emergency management teams supporting local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs and more.

Beware of Misinformation

North Carolina Emergency Management and local officials are cautioning the public about false Helene reports and misinformation being shared on social media. NCEM has launched a fact versus rumor response webpage to provide factual information in the wake of this storm. FEMA also has a rumor response webpage.

Food, Water and Commodity Points of Distribution

Efforts continue to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, using both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. More than 20,000 hot meals a day are being prepared and served by mobile kitchens. Food, water and commodity points of distribution are open throughout western North Carolina. For information on these sites in your community, visit your local emergency management and local government social media and websites or visit ncdps.gov/Helene.

Missing Persons

To report a missing person or request non-emergency support, please call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state. NC 211 also has a registry page for missing persons and welfare check requests.

Shelters

A total of 22 shelters are open in Western North Carolina and Saturday night served more than 825 people and 94 pets.

Storm Damage Cleanup

If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.

Power Outages

Across Western North Carolina, approximately 142,000 customers remained without power at 12:30 p.m., down from a peak of more than 1 million. Overall power outage numbers will fluctuate up and down as power crews temporarily take circuits or substations offline to make repairs and restore additional customers.

Road Closures

Travel remains dangerous, with approximately 650 roads closed as of Sunday morning. More than 100 of those roads are primary routes connecting the region. As connectivity and reporting measures improve, these number may increase.

NCDOT is asking people to avoid unnecessary travel to or in Western North Carolina. NCDOT has posted at ncdot.gov an interstate detour map for travelers to avoid western N.C. NCDOT currently has more than 2,050 employees and 1,100 pieces of equipment working on more than 3,200 damaged road sites.

Fatalities

Seventy-seven storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. We expect that this number will continue to rise over the coming days. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm numbers twice daily. If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911. To report that you have been unable to reach a person in Western North Carolina, please call 211.

Volunteers and Donations

Due to dangerous road conditions and the need to maintain open routes for emergency operations, travel to Western North Carolina is strongly discouraged. Instead, consider the following options for donations and volunteer opportunities:
- If you would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations will help to support local nonprofits working on the ground.
- For information on volunteer opportunities, please visit nc.gov/volunteernc
Additional Assistance

There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

If you are seeking a representative from the North Carolina Joint Information Center, please email ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599.

For general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.

If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

###
Oct 6, 2024

MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dunedin state highway update – clean up and damage assessment under way
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
7 October 2024 9:58 am | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising motorists to expect delays when using SH88 as contractors investigate the extent of damage from last week’s massive downpour.

There will be up to 30min delays between 9am and 4pm for the next three days on SH88 at the Parry Street rockfall site due to traffic control in place while contractors do scaling works to make the road safe.

Investigations are underway at the Burkes slip on SH88 to understand the extent of the damage to this section of highway. The road is currently under traffic lights stop/go traffic management.

Other geotechnical investigations are continuing at various sites on SH88

NZTA is also advising that SH87, which remains closed because of the flood, is expected to re-open this afternoon with a temporary road surface in place, however further investigations into a permanent fix are required.
Tags
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Taranaki road renewal season to ensure reliable, secure, resilient access for communities
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is ramping up renewal work in Taranaki this 2024/2025 road maintenance season to promote resilient, secure, and reliable access for communities.

During the course of the 2024/25 maintenance season, which is now underway, it’s anticipated that 32 lane kilometres of state highway in the region will be rebuilt.

Typically the season runs from October to the end of March – to make the most of the traditionally drier, sunnier, calmer weather – essential to successfully reseal roads.

“Because summer in Taranaki is busy with lots of different events planned, we’ve started the Taranaki maintenance season early (with the SH3 rebuild at Burgess Park) to get our most impactful work completed prior to the event season,” says Rua Pani, Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations.

“We know that a well-maintained state highway network promotes safety and improves options for moving people and freight.”

“Undertaking a higher number of road rebuilds is a key priority in the region. This is how we improve road conditions long-term,” says Ms Pani.

These works are underway:
- State Highway 3 Burgess Park rebuild – Work began on Monday 16 September and is expected to run for approximately 8 weeks. Single lane closures, and a detour will be in place.
- State Highway 45 Vivian Street – Work is underway to resurface SH45 Vivian Street. Single lane closures, and a detour will be in place.
These works are coming up:
- State Highway 45 Powderham Street – Following the Vivian Street work, asphalt repairs will be completed on SH45 Powderham Street between Dawson and Robe Streets. This work will take approximately 3-4 nights to complete under a single lane closure. We will confirm the dates for this work as soon as possible.
- State Highway 3 Onaero rebuild – From Monday 14 October, crews will be rebuilding two sections of the road over 7 weeks – starting at the intersection with Onaero River Road and then moving to a stretch of state highway between Ohanga and Waiau Roads.
Both NZTA and New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) will also complete many asphalt reseals on roads this season.

Most of the asphalt work will be done at night, ensuring shorter construction periods and minimise disruption to the public and road users.

Further reseal sites that NZTA will be completing are listed below:
- SH3 Elliot Street between Pendarves and Courtenay Streets
- SH3 Courtenay Street between Elliot and Hobson Streets
- Sections of SH3 Northgate between Mangorei and Smart Roads
- SH3 Devon Road at the intersection of Corbett Road
- SH44 Molesworth Street between Eliot and Liardet Streets
- SH45 South Road at Spotswood
With the increase in renewal work, road users can expect to encounter a number of roadwork sites and sections of newly sealed road on their journeys.

“It is important that drivers follow the temporary traffic management in place, adhere to all speed restrictions in place and respect our crews while travelling through the roadworks site.

“Crews are there to make everyone’s journey safer while traffic management is in place and while our roads are made more resilient and efficient,” says Ms Pani.

“Speeding over a freshly sealed road can damage the new seal, lifting and flicking stones from the road that can, in turn, damage nearby vehicles or your own. To minimise the risk of damage to both vehicles and the new seal, it is crucial that road users adhere to all temporary speed restrictions in place.

“We are working hard to minimise the impact of works on road users, but some level of disruption is unavoidable. We appreciate the patience of all road users in Taranaki as we complete this necessary maintenance work on the region’s roads,” says Ms Pani.

Further information

More information on works will be shared with stakeholders once confirmed. Locations may be subject to change ahead of work starting on site.

Please note, the lists above are not complete, and NZTA will continue to communicate with local communities as soon as possible before work begins at various sites.

To stay up to date on work happening on the local road network, visit the NPDC website(external link).

For more information about the 2024/2025 road maintenance seasons in Taranaki, visit the NZTA website nzta.govt.nz/taranaki-maintenance.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: 7 October 2024 Now we can eat together! Whānau in Tuakau love their newly renovated homes, describing them as being “like brand new”.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

Kāinga Ora homes in the little town just south of Auckland are amongst the hundreds of older state houses across New Zealand being extensively refurbished as part of our Retrofit Programme. The programme is designed to make our homes warmer, drier and healthier, places that tenants are proud to call home.

“When we walked in, we were like ‘Wow!’” recalls Eteta. “We already love living in Tuakau because it’s quiet and safe, the kids can walk to school, and I can walk to work. Now the house looks brand new – and we love it!

Eteta and her partner Alexander are especially happy that their kitchen-dining area has been opened up because now there’s space for the young family to eat together. The bathroom has been reconfigured too, and the home has new windows, doors and a heat pump, making it cosy for winter. In addition, the house has fresh paint, new carpets and improved layouts in the kitchen and bathroom.

Just along the road from Eteta’s whānau is customer Beverly. She loves her renovated home so much that she wants to buy it.

“If I won the lottery, I’d buy this house. It’s beautiful now and I’m so proud of it.”

Beverly’s home, a three-bedroom weatherboard and tile house, dates back to 1983 before open-plan living was popular and it’s been reconfigured to create a more spacious kitchen-dining area.

“I absolutely love the kitchen; there’s more storage space and it’s very easy to clean. That means a lot to me because I have heart problems and limited mobility.”

Amazingly, it’s the third time Beverly has lived in this particular house. The first time was when it was new and she was a young mother; the next time was when she returned to the area with older children, and most recently she moved back after the retrofit.

“All my family’s memories are in this home. We know all our neighbours and we just love it here. I’m so happy about how smart my house looks now.

“It’s also a big relief to know the power bills will be lower now. We used to bring our mattresses into the lounge at night to save on the heating, but we don’t have to do that anymore. The house is much warmer.”

Retrofitting includes full insulation, double glazing and improved air tightness, making homes fit for a further 50 years’ use.

It can be more efficient and sustainable to retrofit rather than build new, making use of existing materials rather than demolishing and building new homes.

And it supports tenants’ wellbeing by enabling them to stay in their homes and communities, in warmer and drier conditions.

Beverlys new kitchen is light and spacious

Page updated: 7 October 2024

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: State Highway 6 closed near Canvastown due to serious crash (SH6 is now open)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

9 pm:
State Highway 6 has reopened.

Drivers may experience delays until queued traffic clears and should take extra care while driving through the crash site.

6:55 pm:
State Highway 6 remains closed to traffic near Havelock this evening following a serious crash this afternoon.

A crash scene investigation is continuing, and the vehicle involved is still to be recovered and removed.

The highway is not expected to reopen until later tonight.

Drivers travelling between Nelson and Blenheim should continue to detour via State Highway 63 Wairau Valley and Kawatiri Junction.

Updates on the highway’s status can be found in the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

4:20 pm:

People driving between Blenheim and Nelson can expect delays this afternoon as emergency services attend a serious crash on State Highway 6 east of Canvastown.

The crash was reported around 3.20 pm. Emergency services are at the scene, and road contractors are also attending.

State Highway 6 is closed in both directions and there are no suitable local road detours available.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area or delay their travel.

The only suitable detour route for people travelling between Nelson and Blenheim is via State Highway 63 Wairau Valley and Kawatiri Junction. This will add 30 minutes or more to travel times between Blenheim and Nelson.

The highway is expected to remain closed until the Police Serious Crash Unit complete an investigation. This is likely to take several hours.

Further updates will be provided when the highway’s status changes. Details can also be checked on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Summer maintenance means smoother and safer journeys for Top of the South Island drivers

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Drivers travelling at the top of the South Island can expect lots of activity this summer as NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi invests in resurfacing and rebuilding the region’s highways.

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island/Top of the South, says it is critical state highways are well-maintained to a reliable standard.

“This work is about ensuring everyone can use them efficiently, quickly, and safely.”

Mr Owen says our busy work programme is underway with one project almost complete.

“It means drivers will see more road crews and work sites when travelling over the next few months.”

“We will do as much work as possible between now and mid-December, which will mean less impact on holiday travel over the summer break,” Mr Owen says.

He says this year’s summer maintenance programme will renew just short of 150 lane kilometres on local state highways – slightly more than what was completed last season.

“This will see around 8,100 tonnes of asphalt and around 100 lane kilometres of chipseal laid by our crews across the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough regions. The result will be safer, smoother journeys for motorists.”

Most of the work will be done during night closures to minimise disruption and reduce cost through less traffic management.

Work will also be done at several other smaller sites across the top of the South Island under stop/go traffic management. The public will receive further information before the projects begin.

Mr Owen says there’s more than just summer maintenance work to do.

“We have repair work on SH60 Tākaka Hill following a slip in July, proactive resilience projects underway on SH63 and about to begin on SH6 Rai Saddle in Marlborough, and ongoing work to repair the Marlborough Sounds roads.”

“There are also other ongoing safety improvement projects like the SH6 Tancred Crescent Roundabout at the Marlborough Airport,’ Mr Owen says.

He says with so much work planned, drivers need to check road conditions before they travel.

“Planning ahead and knowing what’s happening on the network can save you time and hassles. Knowing when and where roadworks are happening means you can time your travel to avoid them or allow extra time for your trip.”

Mr Owen says allowing extra time is essential for people travelling between Christchurch to Picton, and between Blenheim and Nelson.”

“If you’re traveling to the ferry or for an appointment, we recommend allowing an extra 60 minutes travel time between Christchurch and Picton and an extra 30 minutes if you’re traveling between Nelson and Blenheim.”

Mr Owen acknowledges that roadworks occur more frequently during spring, summer, and early autumn and affect people’s travel – but there’s a good reason for it.

“To be effective and durable, road renewals and re-sealing must be done during the warmer, drier months. It can’t be done during winter when the weather is wet and cold.”

“Whenever you come to a worksite, remember that our road workers are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving. Please be respectful and follow their advice and instructions,” Mr Owen says.

Summer Maintenance Schedule – Top of the South Island

Location	Month	Duration of work	Type of work
SH6 Gladstone Road, Richmond	In progress	2 weeks of night closures	Resurfacing
SH63 The Wash, Marlborough	In progress	8 weeks of daytime stop/go	Resilience
SH6 Rai Saddle, Marlborough	14 October – 22 November	24/7 stop/go	Resilience
SH60 Mariri Causeway, Motueka	19 October	1-day closure	Resurfacing
SH1 Weld Pass, Marlborough	20 – 23 October	4-night closures	Drainage
SH6 Canvastown, Marlborough	November	3 weeks of Stop/Go	Rebuilding
SH6 Tunnicliffe Bridge, Motupiko, Tasman	October/November	3 weeks of stop/go followed by 2 weeks of night closures	Rebuilding
SH60 Commercial Street, Golden Bay, Tasman	November	1 week of night closures	Resurfacing
SH60 Tākaka Hill, Tasman NB: Other work at the underslip site on SH60 Tākaka Hill will also be carried out to repair the road to two lanes before Christmas	November	4 weeks including 3 weeks of night closures + 1 week of day closures)	Resurfacing (3 weeks) Resealing (1 week)
SH6 Pelorus, Marlborough	December	4 weeks of stop/go	Rebuilding
SH1 Main Street roundabout, Blenheim	January/February	1 week of night closures	Resurfacing
SH6 Annesbrook Drive, Tāhunanui, Nelson	January	1 week of night closures	Resurfacing
SH1 Grovetown, Marlborough	February	3 weeks including night closures and stop/go	Rebuilding
SH6 Whangamoa	February	2 to 3 weeks of night closures	Resurfacing, drainage, other general maintenance i.e. guardrails, signage
SH6 Havelock, Marlborough	February	1 week of night closures or stop/go at the same time as the SH6 Whangamoa night closure to maximise efficiency	Resurfacing
SH1 Weld Pass, Marlborough	February	2 weeks of night closures	Resurfacing and other general maintenance i.e guardrails, signage
SH1 South of Riverlands/Co-op Drain	February	2 weeks of stop/go	Rebuilding
SH1 South of Seddon/Taimate	February/March	3 weeks of stop/go	Rebuilding

Note: The works in the table above may change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Summer Maintenance Programme – additional information

Key holiday periods are kept free of roadworks to help ease the pressure on peak travel times. 
More information about our summer maintenance work can be found on our website
Further details about planned National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) 2024-27 investment for the top of the South Island are also available online

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: State Highway 58 to partially close briefly for crash site clearance (SH58 OPEN IN BOTH DIRECTIONS)
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

6 October 2024 1:20 pm | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

1:20 pm:

State Highway 58 has now reopened to eastbound traffic. Drivers may experience delays as queued traffic clears

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank drivers for their patience and cooperation while road crews worked to clear the crash site and reopen the highway.

12:20 pm:

Drivers are asked to avoid State Highway 58 between the Hutt Valley and Pāuatahanui as contractors clear a crash scene.

The highway will be closed for eastbound traffic from 12:30 this afternoon for around 30 minutes.

Drivers should avoid the area, delay their travel, or consider an alternate route.

The crash, involving a car versus median barrier, was reported shortly before 11 this morning and partially blocked the highway’s westbound lanes.

Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:
Tags
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: A big season ahead for Wairarapa – Lower North Island State Highway summer maintenance season

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

State Highway 2 Wairarapa will be a major focus for road repairs and rehabilitation in the Wellington region this coming summer maintenance season.

Over the next three years of the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), the region has $162 million allocated for state highway maintenance and another $116 million ringfenced for state highway pothole prevention – a total investment of $278 million.

Mark Owen, Regional Manager – Lower North Island/Top of the South, says the funding is integral to the work planned for this coming summer.

“Road crews will carry out 15 lane km of chipsealing, 40 lane km of asphalt resurfacing, and four lane km of road rebuilding across the region from spring to autumn.”

“This season we are focusing on more road rebuilding in an effort to improve overall network condition through more intensive treatments, increasing pavement quality,” Mr Owen says.

He confirms significant work is planned for Wairarapa.

“We’ll be making a huge investment in rebuilding areas of the state highway that most need repair. This includes sections in Greytown, Carterton and Masterton.”

“The planned work will result in stronger highways that need fewer repairs and less maintenance. The highways will be resilient, less susceptible to potholes, and will only need occasional resurfacing work for the next 25 years,” Mr Owen says.

Wellington/ Wairarapa – Summer Maintenance Programme

Location	Date
SH1 Raumati Straights	November 2024
SH2 Greytown	April 2025
SH2 Solway (Masterton)	Date to be confirmed 2025
SH2 Carterton	May 2025
SH2 Featherston	May 2025
SH2 Masterton to Carterton maintenance	Ongoing

(Timing is indicative, more details will be provided before works begin)

View larger map [PDF, 370 KB]

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance will work closely with local councils on the timing of these works. The aim is to align our projects with theirs to minimise disruption for communities. Where possible, full closures will be used to complete work quickly and efficiently with more cost-effective traffic management.

Mr Owen says it does mean there will be road works, detours, and delays for Wairarapa drivers over the coming months, and disruption for residents and businesses near road rebuilding worksites.

“We do understand that people find road work delays frustrating. However, this investment is about providing better highways that require fewer repairs. Doing this work now secures a better future for all road users.”

More information

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Motorists urged to drive with caution this morning over Harbour Bridge
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

7 October 2024 8:08 am | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Aucklanders are urged to drive with extra caution this morning with heavy winds predicted between 8am and 1pm today (Monday 7 October).

The bridge currently remains in a 4×4 configuration.

Motorists are urged to drive to the conditions and look out for the electronic message boards which will indicate lane closures and reduced speeds, and stay within their lane while travelling across the bridge.

Drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists are advised to avoid the Auckland Harbour Bridge and use the western ring route on State Highways 16 and 18.

NZTA thanks road users for their patience and understanding.
Tags
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Serious crash at Tuamarina – expect travel delays on State Highway 1 (SH1 OPEN IN BOTH DIRECTIONS)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

3:25 pm:

State Highway 1 is now open in both directions under a 30 km/h temporary speed limit at the crash site. Drivers may experience delays while travelling through the area

NZTA/Waka Kotahi thanks drivers for their patience and cooperation today while emergency services and contractors attended this incident.

1:50 pm:

State Highway 1 is currently under stop/stop traffic controls while the crashed vehicle is recovered. This affects both north and southbound traffic

Traffic delays can be expected for approximately an hour between Picton and Springfield while this work is completed.

Drivers should delay their travel and avoid the area.

Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

12:02 pm:

State Highway 1 is now open in both directions following a serious crash at the intersection of Bush Road earlier today

A car crashed off the road into the Tuamarina River shortly before two am this morning.

The highway was restricted to one lane under stop/go traffic controls while the Police Serious Crash Unit carried out a scene investigation

While the highway is now open to traffic, it is expected to be closed briefly later today for recovery operations.

Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website. NZ Police are also issuing media releases:

6:55 am:

State Highway 1 is under stop/go traffic management near Tuamarina following a serious crash early this morning.

The crash, which occurred on Bush Road at the intersection with State Highway 1, was reported around two am this morning.

State Highway 1 is currently closed to northbound traffic near the intersection of Bush Road and under stop/go traffic control while Police and emergency services attend the incident.

Drivers can expect delays when travelling through the area. Please take extra care when travelling past the crash site and follow all instructions from emergency services.

A full closure of State Highway 1 is possible later this morning to support ongoing crash scene investigations.

People travelling between Picton and Blenheim, particularly those with ferry connections, should allow extra time for their journeys.

Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Donalds Condemns The Iranian Regime’s Ballistic Missile Attack On The State Of Israel

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)

Donalds Condemns The Iranian Regime’s Ballistic Missile Attack On The State Of Israel

Naples, Fla., October 1, 2024

NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Congressman Donalds issued the following statement condemning the Iranian regime’s ballistic missile attack on the State of Israel:

“Just four years ago, the regime of Iran and its terrorist apparatus were broke and incapacitated due to a coordinated campaign of Trump ‘Maximum Pressure.’ Over the past four years, Biden-Harris appeasement has emboldened our adversaries and terrorists across the globe. Appeasement does not work; appeasement has never worked; and appeasement must end. Today, the terrorist regime of Iran targeted 10 million innocent Israeli civilians with nearly 200 ballistic missiles. This brazen escalation is unacceptable. Israel should do everything in its power to ensure national security and I stand with Israel in this mission.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Video: Rubio Remembers October 7, 2023 Terrorist Attacks

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio

Video: Rubio Remembers October 7, 2023 Terrorist Attacks

Oct 6, 2024 | Press Releases

This year marks the first anniversary of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks against Israel. 32 Americans died in those attacks, and four of the Americans taken hostage that day remain in captivity.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a video remembering the attacks and supporting Israel’s effort to defeat the terrorist organizations responsible.

A transcript of the video is below.

One year ago, a terrorist group named Hamas launched a barbaric and unprovoked assault against Israel. The attack resulted in over 1,000 deaths.

Hamas’s campaign of violence involved the mass rape of young women, the mutilation of tiny babies and children, and the slaughtering of countless families. They used innocent Israelis and Palestinians as human shields. And when the loved ones of the dead begged for the bodies to be returned home, Hamas refused.

This group is deprived of any moral conscience. They are driven by one goal: the destruction of Israel. And for their backers in Iran, this destruction is only the first step in a multi-stage plan to dominate the Middle East and to destabilize the West.

October 7th, 2023 was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. But one thing needs to be made clear: the United States will always stand with Israel. We should not just support their right to defend themselves. We must support their right to destroy Hamas, and we must support their right to fight back against the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.

Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East, and their enemies are our enemies. We must provide them with whatever it takes to defeat Hamas, and to demonstrate strength and clarity against those who threaten Israel and threaten America. Because if we don’t stand by our friends, then we are standing by our enemies.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Donalds Releases Statement On The 2024 Rosh Hashanah Holiday

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)

Donalds Releases Statement On The 2024 Rosh Hashanah Holiday

Naples, Fla., October 2, 2024

NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Congressman Donalds issued the following statement in celebration of the 2024 Rosh Hashanah holiday:

“The Jewish High Holiday of Rosh Hashanah begins tonight at sundown and lasts through Friday night. To all who are celebrating in our Southwest Florida community, throughout our nation, and around the world, I wish you a happy, healthy, and sweet new year. L’Shana Tova.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Donalds Stands With The Victims Of Hurricane Helene

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)

Donalds Stands With The Victims Of Hurricane Helene

Naples, Fla., September 28, 2024

NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Congressman Donalds issued the following statement regarding the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene:

“On Thursday, Hurricane Helene slammed ashore in the Sunshine State with devastating impacts felt deep into our nation’s interior. We pray for the victims who have lost everything; we pray for the families who have tragically lost loved-ones; and we stand with our neighbors throughout the Southeast as recovery efforts begin. The American people are resilient, and together, I have no doubt that we will prevail through this adversity.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01AM MONDAY 7 OCTOBER: Met improves interview process for victims of crime with new technology

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01AM MONDAY 7 OCTOBER

Met improves interview process for victims of crime with new technology

The Metropolitan Police Service is rolling out its new ‘Digital Interview Recording (DIR) kits’, in its commitment to put victims at the heart of investigations, as part of its New Met for London plan. The equipment eliminates the need to use DVDs and CDs and enables recordings to be made in police stations as well as in locations more convenient to victims of crime.

It’s a significant advance in the Met’s drive to equip officers with innovative technology to improve the efficiency of evidence obtained during interviews with victims, particularly women and girls affected by violence.

By facilitating swift access to professional-quality video and audio recordings, the portable DIR kits aim to enhance investigative outcomes, provide better support to victims, and deliver justice for Londoners.

The lightweight kits, easily carried underarm, can be employed to record interviews with suspects, victims or witnesses.

The footage is quickly and confidentially uploaded to a cloud-based system, ensuring immediate accessibility for stakeholders, including the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and senior Met leaders.

This streamlined process eliminates previous delays in accessing vital evidence, enabling faster investigations and helping the Met get offenders off the streets.

The kits, which have recently been distributed to specialist teams in the Met, including the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences and the Child Abuse Investigation Teams, reduce the need for victim-survivors to travel to a Met building to recount what happened.

Victims can provide their account in a more comfortable environment giving police the best chance of capturing better quality evidence to progress an investigation to catch a perpetrator.

Additionally, the DIR portable kits facilitate remote identification parades, allowing victims and witnesses unable to attend in-person to identify suspects.

Commander Stephen Clayman, lead for the roll-out of the Digital Interview Recording kits, said:

“The wider rollout of the fixed Digital Interview Recording equipment has so far proved very successful, eliminating the use of DVDs, providing additional functionality and ultimately saving officers and staff valuable time, with their interviews being available instantly.

“This represents one of the largest rollouts of this equipment nationally given the scale of the MPS. It has also provided additional opportunities, especially with the provision of portable Digital Interview Recording kits.

“It has helped us to listen and respond to victims’ experiences and use of the equipment has allowed us to capture evidence in an environment which puts the victims first, giving us the relevant and vital evidence we need to catch a perpetrator.

“This hopefully alleviates some pressure during what is already an incredibly hard process for them.”

The kits were launched by the Met’s Digital Data and Technology team in July last year and has been successfully piloted, paving the way for the Met to safeguard victims in way they’ve not been able to before.

Digital Interview Recording is used in the UK and further afield in Belgium, Poland, Luxembourg and America, and there are now approximately 160 deployments of portable kits across the world.

The kit was tested last summer, with several successful outcomes, including a female victim-survivor who had returned home to Poland following an aggravated burglary and sexual assault. The woman conducted an ID parade with Met officers at the British Embassy in Poland, which resulted in the suspect being located back in the UK, charged and remanded.

Detective Inspector Richard Lewsley, from the Met’s Rape and Serious Sexual unit in north west London, said:

“Our team were fortunate enough to be involved in the piloting of this crucial piece of kit which allows front line officers to offer a service which puts victims first.

“The device demonstrates we are committed to supporting victims’ needs and enabling them to provide evidence whilst giving our officers the right tools to do their jobs effectively.

“DIR gives officers the ability to operate efficiently, receive a high-quality product and relay it back to an investigation team within minutes of an interview finishing.

“It’s shown it can alleviate stress on my officers by giving them the capability to conduct interviews and better manage their time in ways they wouldn’t have been able to do before.

“The time saved in capturing evidence, as well as the choice offered to victims to decide where and when they provide evidence, makes this device invaluable.

“DIR is not limited to one crime type and I’m sure, in time, many will benefit.”

James Higgins, Project Manager with the Met’s Digital Data and Technology team, said:

“We have collaborated with front-line officers and the supplier to develop an advanced, secure and comprehensive Portable Interview Kit which represents a transformative approach to interviewing, offering substantial benefits to the Metropolitan Police and enhancing the conduct of victim and witness interviews.

“The kits empower Met interviewing officers to confidently gather high-quality evidence and allows secure transmission from anywhere in the world back to the investigative team for prompt analysis and fast-time action.

“DIR utilises the same interview software and input screens as the Met’s new Fixed Interview Room system, which is being implemented across the Met, adding to significant changes in business processes and saving the Met money.”

The equipment has also been used in a variety of locations including prisons, mental health secure units, hospitals, hotels, schools, care homes and overseas in government or law enforcement buildings.

As part of our A New Met for London plan, the Met is determined to fix its foundations to ensure officers and staff can succeed to better serve Londoners, equipped with the best tools to cut crime. These kits offer the best technology available so officers can use their powers precisely while maintaining trust and upholding high standards.

Notes to Editors

The Met is determined in its mission to ensure women and girls feel safe wherever they are. We committed as part of our Violence Against Women and Girls action plan to improve how we communicate with the public about what we are doing, which included sharing progress on our plans and being clear on what success means. Improved trust, safer places and taking a victim-centred approach to crime is at the heart of that plan: Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) action plan | Metropolitan Police

If you’ve been a victim of rape or sexual assault, charities and support agencies can offer help and guidance:

Rape Crisis: 08085002222  

National Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 802 9999   

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Preparedness Efforts for Tropical Storm Milton
Source: US State of Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie at the State Emergency Operations Center to provide updates on preparedness efforts for Tropical Storm Milton.

As of 8 a.m., Tropical Storm Milton is located about 860 miles west-southwest of Tampa, Florida, with maximum sustained wind gusts near 60 mph. Milton is forecast to move across the Gulf of Mexico and approach the west coast of Florida by midweek.

Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-215, amending EO 24-214 and declaring a state of emergency for 51 counties.

To learn more about navigating hurricane season, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide. For updates on county resources available visit FloridaDisaster.org/Counties for a list of all 67 county emergency management contacts.

State Preparedness Efforts
- The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1 since Tuesday, September 24, for Hurricane Helene, and is at a Level 1 for Tropical Storm Milton as of today, October 6, leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team.
- The Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs (FDVA) storm preparations are underway at all State Veterans’ Nursing Homes in anticipation of Tropical Storm Milton’s landfall.
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is performing maintenance on all equipment deployed during Hurricane Helene to ensure it is ready for use in Tropical Storm Milton.
- FDLE Regional Operations Centers in Tampa and Fort Myers are establishing their Regional Law Enforcement Coordination Teams (RLECT).
- FDLE agents working Operation Blue Ridge are demobilizing to respond to Tropical Storm Milton. Maintenance is being conducted on equipment returning from North Carolina.
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has readied high-water vehicles and all other storm response resources statewide so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of damage or flooding. Contingency plans based on forecasted landfall locations have been developed and remain flexible based on the storm’s projected path.
- FWC officers are ready to deploy and respond with a variety of specialized equipment as necessary, such as:
  - Airboats
  - Shallow draft boats
  - ATVs/Side-by-sides
  - Larger platform vessels
  - Four-wheel vehicles
- FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams will serve as reconnaissance units for the state and report on damage after the storm has made landfall.
- FWC Aviation Section has been placed on standby and has readied all appropriate aircraft for potential deployment for aerial assistance, reconnaissance, and post-storm damage assessments when needed.
Health and Human Services
- The Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) deployed over 200 emergency response vehicles on the I4 Corridor in preparation for the storm.
- The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has initiated an event in the Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS). Health care providers in the have been requested to provide information on census, available beds, evacuation status, accepting evacuees and generator needs from counties declared under EO-24-114. This information allows AHCA to assist healthcare providers in transferring patients if needed and ensure that health care providers in impacted areas have the necessary resources and adequate power.
- The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is contacting all our Area Agencies on Aging partners to receive updates on their ongoing preparation efforts and gather the status of any unmet needs.
- The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) will continue to host calls with APD leadership, regional and facilities to brief them on Tropical Storm Milton and provide updates on protective actions, the status of clients and residents, and anticipated unmet needs in potentially affected areas.
Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures
- The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Tropical Storm Milton statewide preparedness efforts include clearing shoulders in preparation for potential Emergency Should Use (ESU):
  - Currently analyzing flooding vulnerabilities for major roadways and bridges.
  - Inspecting and clearing drainage systems, monitoring flood-prone and currently saturated areas, and pre-positioning pumps as appropriate.
  - Securing high mast lighting, maintenance yards, active construction projects, rest areas/welcome centers, service plazas, and weigh stations that had returned to normal since Hurricane Helene.
  - Replenishing fuel reserves, checking generator readiness, and pre-positioning assets as appropriate.
  - Completing repairs on malfunctioning vehicles and equipment in preparation for deployment.
  - Initiated communication with modal partners – seaports, airports, railroads, transit, and spaceports. All partners are currently in monitoring posture.
  - Staging ITS trailers, as well as drone teams and equipment are being prepped and ready to deploy as needed.
- FDOT has removed over 53,339 cubic yards of debris to date.
- FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road/bridge closures and potential detours that may be activated. Remember to always follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
- FDOT is supporting our local communities with supplemental sand and debris removal from local roads on the barrier islands in Pinellas and Manatee counties.
- At the direction of Gov. DeSantis, FDOT is coordinating debris removal assignments for the Florida National Guard, Florida State Guard, Florida Highway Patrol, amongst others, who have activated available state personnel and resources to clear and haul remaining debris.
- In preparation for Tropical Storm Milton, FDOT’s out-of-state deployed resources have begun to transition back to Florida operations.
- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is coordinating with EPA’s Landfill Strike Teams to provide technical support and assistance for these sites. For counties and local governments in need of additional debris disposal locations, especially ahead of this new storm, DEP has approved all DDMS site requests.
- Currently, 186 Disaster Debris Management Sites (DDMS) have been authorized to operate for Hurricane Helene.
- Hurricane Helene kicked up significant amounts of sediment and sand along the coastlines in and along its path. DEP is working with local governments to manage the excess sand and continue removal efforts.
- For sand that has accumulated on private properties, residents should return it to the beach if it appears clean, smells fresh and is free of debris. If the sand contains debris, residents should contact their local government to find the nearest disposal site. DEP has worked with counties to establish temporary staging areas to properly screen the sand before it is returned to the beach.
- DEP is working with Florida’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN), the Florida Rural Water Association and other response agencies to ensure preparations are underway to support drinking and wastewater facilities ahead of the anticipated heavy rains.
- Florida’s water management districts are engaging local governments and drainage operators throughout the state and are available to provide technical and other support, including deploying temporary pumps to alleviate localized flooding. As part of standard operations, DEP and Florida’s water management districts continue to monitor water systems and river levels as the storm develops.
- Currently, no Florida State Parks are closed because of this anticipated storm. For updates on state parks affected by Hurricane Helene or Tropical Storm Milton, please visit: FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates.
- The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is staging high-water rescue vehicles in preparation for landfall.
- FHP is prepared to deploy up to 120 Quick Response Force (QRF) Troopers to affected areas.
- FHP is assisting with traffic control in St. Petersburg.
- FHP air support and drone assets are staged and prepared to deploy when needed.
- The Florida Department of Education (DOE) is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Milton and is working with school districts as they begin preparation efforts. The Department is also in close contact with districts that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene and will assist them with addressing critical needs ahead of the storm. Updates on school closures can be found at FLDOE.org/storminfo.
Resources for Employees, Businesses and Consumers
- The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is staging assets and personnel across 13 offices statewide and is prepared to surge resources to areas impacted by Hurricane Helene that receive a second impact from Tropical Storm Milton.
- Updates on business closures and business resources are consistently being updated at FloridaDisaster.biz.
- FloridaCommerce activated the private sector hotline at (850) 815-4925, open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
- FloridaCommerce is hosting daily private sector coordination calls. Briefings will be provided by Emergency Support Functions and private sector partners. For call information email ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
- VISIT FLORIDA Emergency Accommodation Modules on Expedia, Priceline and Booking.com will remain available to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.
- The Florida Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) has pulled their Helene Mobile Assistance Centers from the field and will redeploy once storm conditions have passed.Follow FDEM on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for information relating to Tropical Storm Milton.
###

MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealand marks anniversary of 7 October

Source: New Zealand Government

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters are renewing New Zealand’s calls for restraint and de-escalation, on the first anniversary of the 7 October terrorist attacks on Israel.

“New Zealand was horrified by the monstrous actions of Hamas against Israel a year ago today,” Mr Luxon says.

“Then, as now, we remain appalled by Hamas’ brutality and the taking of hostages.”

“Hamas’ terrorist attack set in motion an absolutely unacceptable cycle of violence and human suffering,” Mr Peters says.

“We continue to reiterate that a ceasefire, endorsed by the United Nations Security Council, is the best way to protect civilians on all sides.

“New Zealand also renews its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages by Hamas.”

“New Zealand remains concerned by the escalating hostilities across the Middle East”, Mr Luxon says.

“We again call for restraint, the protection of civilians, and the upholding of international humanitarian law by all parties.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco’s Trip to the G7 Interior Minister’s Meeting in Italy

Source: US State of Vermont

Deputy Attorney General (Deputy AG) Lisa Monaco traveled to Mirabella Eclano, Italy, on Oct. 3-4 for the G7 Interior Ministers Meeting, where she highlighted the importance of international partnerships in supporting the rule of law and protecting against persistent global threats.

The Deputy AG described the current threat environment to her G7 colleagues as a time where the threats have never been more diverse — from more aggressive actors — and all fueled by international conflicts and emerging, disruptive technologies — especially cyber and AI. She urged the ministers to stay united against threats posed by autocratic nations like Russia, Iran, and China looking to project power at home and abroad through transnational repression, malicious cyber activity, the abuse of emerging technologies, such as AI and cryptocurrencies, and malign foreign influence — especially in a global election year.

The Deputy AG joined her colleagues in committing to deepening international collaboration against these threats, as well as against terrorism, malign cyber actors, and synthetic drugs such as fentanyl. She shared how the Justice Department is targeting the broader ecosystem that allows cyber criminals and malign nation state actors to flourish — by prioritizing disruptions and placing victims first — and also highlighted how the Department is tackling all aspects of the deadly fentanyl supply chain, in every part of the globe, to protect innocent lives.

Ahead of the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s brutal October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, the Deputy AG and Ministers unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all forms, both online and offline. They pledged to continue the information sharing and law enforcement partnerships that are integral to thwarting acts of terror around the world.

The Deputy AG and ministers also met virtually with Ukrainian Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, and reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine and their resolve to hold Russia accountable for the war crimes and atrocities it is perpetrating in its war of aggression. She reiterated the need for sustained coordination in these efforts and underscored the Justice Department’s continued efforts to deprive the Russian war machine of funding and supplies. She joined the other ministers in announcing new efforts to help Ukraine build the rule of law and fight corruption, including through a new G7 Anti-Corruption Task Force.

As part of their efforts to build cooperation and coordination among the G7 to promote the rule of law around the world, the Deputy AG and Ministers discussed common frameworks to harness the promise of AI while also protecting against the perils of its abuse. The Deputy AG cautioned that AI is changing how crimes are committed, from intensifying cyberattacks, to making fraud scams more believable, to creating child exploitative material, to supercharging malign foreign influence in elections.

On the margins of the G7 Ministerial, the Deputy AG held several bilateral meetings, including with United Kingdom Home Secretary Yvette Cooper; Canadian Minister of Public Safety Dominic Leblanc; German Minister of Interior Nancy Faeser; and European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson. The Deputy AG also met with the G7 host, Italian Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi, to thank him for his leadership of the G7 and his hospitality. In all these discussions, the Deputy AG reinforced the steadfast commitment of the Justice Department to partnerships that uphold the rule of law and strengthen democracies around the world.

Italian Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi welcoming Deputy AG Monaco to the G7 Ministerial. Photo credit: Italian Ministry of the Interior.

Deputy AG Monaco with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Photo credit: UK Home Office.

Deputy AG Monaco with G7 leaders. Photo credit: Italian Ministry of the Interior.

Deputy AG Monaco meeting with Italian Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi. Photo credit: Italian Ministry of the Interior.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: October explainer: Returning the Te Wero Wynyard Crossing Bridge to service

Source: Auckland Council

The Te Wero Wynyard Crossing Bridge has been closed since March 2024 to undergo a significant programme of preventative maintenance works.

Work on the bridge is making good progress, with a return to full service on track for December 2024.

Stay connected and informed. Sign up for our Wynyard Crossing Bridge maintenance newsletter to receive updates on bridge maintenance, special announcements, and exclusive insights by email. Click here to sign up.

What is happening in October 2024?

Throughout October the project team’s focus will be on the massive job of reassembling and reinstating the disassembled bridge parts.

The engine rooms, lifting spans and back spans, which were relocated to a work-site on Wynyard Wharf, have been refurbished and are almost ready to be reinstalled. High-pressure water and abrasive blasting revealed the full extent of the corrosion, and extensive repairs along with new protective coatings are almost complete and will ensure the structural reliability of the bridge into the future.

Additionally, works have been underway on the steel structural parts of the bridge located in the harbour that couldn’t be removed, with the team working around the tides and wind conditions to access these areas to make any necessary repairs and apply a new protective coating.

The main contractor HEB Construction will be redeploying their jack-up barge (JUB) in and around Viaduct Marina at various times through October as these parts are returned. It’s expected it will take around five weeks before all the steel parts that form the ‘skeleton’ of the bridge are back in place, ready for the next stage as the bridge is prepared to return to service in December 2024.

Once these pieces are secured, the bridge spans will be winched to an upright position in line with the resource consent to allow free passage for marine traffic while it’s being recommissioned.

Where possible, the mechanical and electrical works required to return the bridge to service have been underway. However, it’s important to note that while the bridge will, from a visual perspective, look like it’s ready for public use again once the structural parts are back in place, there is still a considerable amount of on-site mechanical and electrical work to be completed and tested as part of the commissioning.

Most of this work will happen in November. We’ll have more updates on that and other activity at the beginning of next month. In the meantime, the popular ‘Red Boats‘ ferry service will continue to operate seven days a week and as well as being a handy way to get across from the Maritime Museum to the Viaduct Events Centre, will also offer those interested a great view and perspective of the team working on the structural refit.

Background

The Te Wero Wynyard Crossing Bridge, an important link between Auckland City Centre and the Wynyard Quarter, has been closed to the public since March 2024 to undergo a significant programme of preventative maintenance works.

This includes a full overhaul of old mechanical and electrical parts, sand-blasting and remedying steelwork and applying new protective coatings. At the completion of the physical works, a thorough commissioning process and acceptance tests will be conducted to ensure the bridge is reliable and safe for public use.

While the works are carried out, the bridge will remain closed to pedestrians. When the spans are in place, but the bridge is out of operation, the spans legally have to remain upright to allow free access to marine traffic, a condition of the bridge’s resource consent.

Because of the complexity of this project and the nature of the works, a date for the bridge to reopen to the public is still to be confirmed. As the project team get further through the programme and gain more certainty around remaining tasks, they will be able to more accurately specify a completion date.

There are two work programmes underway – structural, i.e. the physical bridge itself, and mechanical and engineering (M&E), i.e. everything needed to operate the bridge.

These programmes have been running concurrently and will soon start integrating fully as we enter the final phases of this large, complex project and the bridge is reinstalled in Wynyard Quarter.

The return of the physical structures, including the spans and engine rooms, will allow specialist technicians to begin the works to reanimate the bridge. So while it might look like it’s back and should be open, there will be a lot going on behind the scenes for the recommissioning in December to ensure long-term durability and reliability.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Translation: Official ceremony held in Bridgetown to mark 48th anniversary of Barbados crime

THOUSAND OSI Translation. Region: Spanish/Latin America/UN –

Source: Republic of Cuba

Official ceremony celebrated in Bridgetown for the 48th anniversary of the Barbados crimeBRIDGETOWN, Barbados – (October 6, 2024). This morning the official ceremony took place in Bridgetown for the 48th anniversary of the mid-flight explosion of Cubana de Aviación aircraft 455, which fell into the territorial waters of Barbados on October 6, 1976 and where 73 people were lost. life because of this terrorist act. The Monument erected to the victims was also the scene to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of the CARICOM-Cuba Anti-Terrorism Day, as a result of the agreement adopted by the CARICOM countries and Cuba at the Summit held in December 2022. Government figures attended, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Island, members of the Cuba Barbados Friendship Association and the Pan-Africanist Movement, representatives of Barbadian social institutions and youth organizations, Cuban residents and members of the Barbados state mission, to pay posthumous tribute to the victims of such a horrendous crime. The Honorable Sandra Husbands, Acting Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados, began the oratory at this solemn event, remembering the tragedy that occurred almost five decades ago, shortly after the nations that members of CARICOM had initiated diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba. Although this terrorist action was designed to create terror in the Caribbean community, it instead strengthened the commitment to establish lasting bilateral and regional relations with Cuba, our brother country. “During these almost 50 years, relations between Cuba and Barbados have witnessed of the good relations that we maintain, which have been consolidated because we defend honor and integrity in an international context full of hardships, obstacles and challenges and only united can we overcome the fear that terrorist acts like this instill, “said the dignitary. She mentioned the multiple examples of Cuba’s solidarity with Barbados, with the CARICOM countries and with the rest of the world and ratified the commitment to continue strengthening the fraternal relations between the CARICOM countries and the Republic of Cuba. Emotional and heartfelt were the words of the Ambassador of Cuba in Barbados, Yanet Stable Cárdenas when she expressed: “Tears came to our eyes every time we listened to the recording of the black box, the only survivor of the explosion and witness to the barbarism in mid-flight. «Stick to the water, Felo, stick to the water! “We put ourselves in the families’ shoes when they were confirmed that unfortunately the plane in which their loved ones were traveling had suffered a terrorist attack, and we felt their pain as our own. The imprint of terror marks us when we imagine the orphanhood that shadowed the days of those children whose father or mother were taken away by terror; when parents, after losing their only daughter in that criminal act, gave up living; when a young man lost his only sister, when a bride was left waiting; when a life that had just germinated in the womb of a woman never saw the light; when many families were left with open arms waiting eternally for the return of their loved ones.” “…the hatred, intolerance and fanaticism that fueled that act continue to run rampant. The children of Palestine and other Middle Eastern countries today suffer the prejudices of terror and darkness. “The threats to the Cuban Revolution and the acts of aggression under the blockade and the inclusion of Cuba on the list of alleged countries sponsoring terrorism remain in force, without valid arguments and without reasons that support such genocidal acts against a people that defends its independence, fights for its dreams of justice for Cuba and for the world.” “The Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples has called the Day for Peace, against the blockade and Terrorism, For a Free Palestine!; For a Cuba without blockade!; For a future of peace and sovereignty! The defense of peace is urgent.” “Today the Memorial erected to the martyrs of the Cubana de Aviación plane is a witness to the commemoration of the Second Anniversary of the “CARICOM-Cuba Day against Terrorism,” declared during the VIII CARICOM-Cuba Summit. , held in Barbados in December 2022. This represents the reason and the voice of condemnation of terrorism in any of its manifestations, to never forget the victims of these acts and maintain the commitment of Caribbean people to Peace. Cuban President, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, said in his speech before this Monument on December 6, 2022 and I quote: «Cuba does not forget either. We denounce, in all open forums, that the same hatred of those who guaranteed impunity to terrorists moves those who, in unacceptable offenses to the victims, continue to cause pain to Cuba, by inscribing their names on a spurious list of sponsors of terrorism. This site, this memorial, confirms that Cuba can only be on the list, if it existed, of the victims of terrorism” and paraphrasing the eternal Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, when he gave his historic speech on October 15, 1976, we would say today : When energetic and virile peoples cry, injustice trembles!” Mrs. Geneva Ross-Tyndall, Consul General (ag) of Guyana in Barbados, for her part, also gave a speech condemning terrorism, reflected on what fragile and fleeting that is life when in each of those 73 victims, including the eleven Guyanese, who were mostly young students, full of promise, who aspired to become doctors and engineers. In all of them, a dream, a hope, a future was broken. The youngest victim was only nine years old. This profound loss that occurred near Payne’s Bay brought the harsh reality of terrorism to the shores of Barbados. He said that “decisive measures are urgently needed to protect our region and guarantee that the Caribbean remains a sanctuary of peace. The far-reaching effects of terrorism are being felt in many nations and remind us of our common vulnerability, shared vulnerability.” He also expressed that “we live in a world plagued by divisions, but we must draw strength from our collective unity. Together we can foster a spirit of solidarity that drives us to take crucial action. We must challenge the forces of hatred and violence that seek to disrupt our harmony and cultivate environments of understanding and tolerance.” “Peace is the highest aspiration of human civilization, and world peace is based on respect and human dignity, on the rights of each individual to create a just, equitable and peaceful world. Through solidarity, vigilance and open dialogue, we can confront this global threat and work towards a safer future for all.” Ambassador Wayne McCook, Deputy Secretary-General, CARICOM Single Market and Trade, thanked the Government of Barbados, on behalf of the Caribbean Community, the possibility of “gathering once again in this serene place of remembrance, the Memorial erected to the 73 victims, to commemorate and reflect, while reaffirming the declaration to maintain our commitment to preserve the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace.” The closing words of the solemn ceremony were pronounced by His Excellency. Mr. David Comissiong, Ambassador of Barbados to CARICOM, who said that “the event was horrific, it traumatized the nation of Barbados, and the people had to fulfill the sad duty of trying to recover the bodies of the territorial sea from the waters of the territorial sea. destroyed of the seventy-three victims. The painful and unforgettable tragedy forever united Cuba, Guyana, North Korea, Venezuela and Barbados. He expressed that “this solemn and sacred occasion is conducive to highlighting our mutual solidarity and sending a strong message on a global scale that we must strive to achieve a world in which mutual respect and peace prevail and the seeds of hatred, intolerance and terrorism are eliminated.”“This horrible Cuban tragedy turned out to be a catalyst that motivated our Caribbean Community to establish one of the fundamental pillars of our collective Foreign Policy: proclaiming that the Caribbean must be a Zone of Peace.” “CARICOM/Cuba Against Terrorism Day is, therefore, a day in which it is expected that the Republic of Cuba, the 15 full Member States of CARICOM and the 5 Associate Member States of CARICOM, participate in activities to highlight the importance of the fight against terrorism. In his speech he alluded to the multiple terrorist and genocidal acts that have been perpetrated against the peoples of the Middle East and exclaimed that once again, we raise our Caribbean voices and demand that the international institutions that have been established to intervene when excessive and illegal acts of national and international terrorism are perpetrated, act now to put an end to the barbarity “It merits the occasion to denounce the oldest case of terrorism in our own Caribbean region, State terrorism against the Republic of Cuba.” “The ridiculous inclusion of Cuba as a State sponsor of terrorism has only served to reinforce the effects of “illegal US blockade by increasing Cuba’s difficulties in participating in international trade, carrying out financial operations and acquiring basic products of first necessity for its people.” “It is this terrible and undeserved situation that led Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley to make the following statement about Cuba during her speech on September 27, 2024 before the United Nations General Assembly”:-.«And, Mr. President , you cannot come to this platform, unfortunately, (…) and not have to ask for a pardon for the people of Cuba. It is unacceptable, it is inconceivable. And that it continues today is a mark on our international conscience. The Cuban people continue to face the most dire economic circumstances, and this is a direct consequence of their exclusion and their designation as a State sponsor of terrorism. And I have stated that our only knowledge of terrorism and Cuba is, in fact, the downing of the Cubana plane off the waters of Barbados, where Cubans, Guyanese and Koreans died. My friends, Cuba has been a valuable partner, helping us when we needed it most, providing nurses and doctors in pandemics and other essential workers when the world community needed it, and also when towns in southern Africa had to be liberated! The reality is that we must continue to call resolutely for the embargo to be lifted, and we will condemn it year after year because, quite simply, it is wrong!’ Mr Comissiong concluded his emotional speech by demanding on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados and In fact, on behalf of the entire Caribbean Community, that the Government of the United States of America end its illegal blockade against Cuba and remove Cuba from the list of State sponsors of terrorism of the United States Department of State The event concluded when the speakers, all together, placed wreaths, not only to pay tribute to the victims of Cubana de Aviación Flight 455, but also to evoke the urgent need to join forces to put an end to terrorism together. Cubaminrex – EmbaCuba Barbados)

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

MIL Translation OSI

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s message to mark one year since the attacks of 7 October 2023 [scroll down for Arabic, Chinese, French, Hebrew, Russian and Spanish]

Source: United Nations – English

ownload the video: https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+4+Oct+24/MSG+SG+1+YEAR+ANNIVERSARY+OF+OCT+7+ATTACKS+04+OCT+24+EN.mp4

Today marks one year since the horrific events of October 7th when Hamas launched a large-scale terror attack in Israel killing over 1,250 Israelis and foreign nationals, including children and women.

More than 250 people were abducted and taken to Gaza, including many women and children.

The October 7th attack scarred souls – and on this day we remember all those who were brutally killed and suffered unspeakable violence – including sexual violence – as they were simply living their lives.

This is a day for the global community to repeat in the loudest voice our utter condemnation of the abhorrent acts of Hamas, including the taking of hostages.

Over the course of the past year, I have met with the families of hostages…learned more about the lives, hopes and dreams of their loved ones … and shared in their anguish and pain.

I cannot imagine the torture they are forced to endure every day. I demand once again the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Until then, Hamas must allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit those hostages.

The 7th of October is naturally a day to focus on the events of that awful day. I express my solidarity with all the victims and their loved ones.

Since October 7th, a wave of shocking violence and bloodshed has erupted.

The war that has followed the terrible attacks of one year ago continues to shatter lives and inflict profound human suffering for Palestinians in Gaza, and now the people of Lebanon.

I have spoken out about this often and clearly.

It is time for the release of the hostages. Time to silence the guns. Time to stop the suffering that has engulfed the region. Time for peace, international law and justice.

The United Nations is fully committed to achieving those goals.

In the midst of so much bloodshed and division, we must hold on to hope.

Let us honour the memory of the victims, reunite families and end the suffering and violence in the whole Middle East.

And let us never stop working for a lasting solution to the conflict where Israel, Palestine and all other countries of the region can finally live in peace and dignity and with respect for one another.

***

Download the video with Arabic subtitles: https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+4+Oct+24/MSG+SG+1+YEAR+ANNIVERSARY+OF+OCT+7+ATTACKS+04+OCT+24+AR.mp4

            يصادف اليوم مرور عام على الأحداث المروعة التي وقعت في السابع من تشرين الأول/أكتوبر عندما شنت حماس هجوماً إرهابياً واسع النطاق في إسرائيل أسفر عن مقتل أكثر من 1,250 من الإسرائيليين والرعايا الأجانب، بينهم أطفال ونساء.
            وجرى في هذا الهجوم اختطاف أكثر من 250 شخصا، بينهم العديد من النساء والأطفال، واقتيادهم إلى غزة.
            لقد خلّف هجوم السابع من تشرين الأول/أكتوبر ندوبا غائرة في النفوس – وها نحن في يومنا هذا نستحضر ذكرى جميع أولئك الذين قُتلوا بوحشية وتعرضوا لعنف يجلُّ عن الوصف – بما فيه العنف الجنسي – بينما كانوا يعيشون حياتهم كأي إنسان عادي.
            إنه يوم يكرر فيه المجتمع الدولي بأعلى صوته إدانتنا المطلقة للأفعال الشنعاء التي قامت بها حماس، بما في ذلك اختطاف رهائن.
            ولقد التقيت على مدار العام الماضي بعائلات الرهائن.. تعرفت بدرجة أكبر على حياة أحبائهم وآمالهم وأحلامهم، وشاطرتهم معاناتهم وألمهم.
            ولا أستطيع أن أتخيل العذاب الذي يُجبرون على تحمله كل يوم. وأطالب مرة أخرى بالإفراج الفوري وغير المشروط عن جميع الرهائن.
            وحتى ذلك الحين، يجب أن تسمح حماس للجنة الدولية للصليب الأحمر بزيارة هؤلاء الرهائن.
            ومن الطبيعي أن يكون يوم السابع من تشرين الأول/أكتوبر يوما للتركيز على أحداث ذلك اليوم البغيض. وإنني أعرب عن تضامني مع جميع الضحايا وأحبائهم.
            ولقد اندلعت منذ السابع من تشرين الأول/أكتوبر موجة مروعة من العنف وسفك الدماء.
            ولا تزال الحرب التي أعقبت الهجمات الرهيبة التي وقعت قبل عام تعصف بحياة الفلسطينيين في غزة وتُلحق بهم معاناة إنسانية بالغة، هم وشعب لبنان الآن.
            وهو أمر كثيرا ما تحدثتُ عنه بوضوح.
            لقد حان الوقت لإطلاق سراح الرهائن. حان الوقت لإسكات البنادق. حان الوقت لوقف المعاناة التي اجتاحت المنطقة. حان وقت السلام والقانون الدولي والعدالة.
            والأمم المتحدة ملتزمة تمام الالتزام بتحقيق تلك الأهداف.
            ويجب علينا، في خضم الكثير من سفك الدماء والانقسام، أن نتشبث بالأمل.
دعونا نكرّم ذكرى الضحايا، ونُعِدْ لم شمل العائلات ونضع حدا للمعاناة والعنف في الشرق الأوسط بأكمله.
            دعونا لا نتوقف أبدًا عن العمل من أجل التوصل إلى حل دائم للنزاع يمكِّن إسرائيل وفلسطين وجميع الدول الأخرى في المنطقة من أن تنعم أخيرا بالعيش في سلام وكرامة واحترام لبعضها البعض.

***

今天是10月7日可怕事件发生一周年，那一天哈马斯在以色列发动大规模恐怖袭击，造成1 250多名以色列人和外国国民死亡，其中包括儿童和妇女，另有数千人受伤。
250多人被绑架并带到加沙，其中有许多妇女和儿童。
10月7日袭击事件在人们的心灵上留下了创伤——今天，我们缅怀所有那些被残忍杀害和遭受无比凶狠暴力——包括性暴力——的人，毕竟他们当时只是在过自己的生活。
今天，国际社会应当再次以最响亮的声音强烈谴责哈马斯的恶行，包括劫持人质行为。
在过去一年里，我会见了人质家属，与家属同哀，对其亲人的生活、期许和梦想有了更多的了解。
我无法想象他们每天被迫承受的折磨。我再次要求立即无条件释放所有人质。
在此之前，哈马斯必须允许红十字国际委员会探视这些人质。
10月7日自然是注重探讨那可怕一天所发生事件的日子。我向所有受害者及其亲人表示慰问。
10月7日之后爆发了一波令人震惊的暴力和流血事件。
一年前可怕袭击之后发生的战争至今仍在摧毁生命，给加沙巴勒斯坦人、如今又给黎巴嫩人民造成深重的人类痛苦。
我经常明确地谈到这一点。
现在是时候释放人质了。是时候平息枪炮声了。是时候结束席卷该地区的苦难了。和平、国际法和正义的时候到了。
联合国完全致力于实现这些目标。
面对如此众多的流血和分裂，我们必须坚守希望。
让我们缅怀受害者，促成家人团圆，终止整个中东的痛苦和暴力。
让我们永远不要停止为持久解决冲突而努力，使以色列、巴勒斯坦和该地区所有其他国家最终都能在和平、尊严和相互尊重中生活。
***
Un an s’est écoulé depuis les terribles événements du 7 octobre, ce jour où le Hamas a lancé une attaque terroriste de grande ampleur en Israël, tuant plus de 1 250 Israéliens et ressortissants étrangers, y compris des femmes et des enfants.
Plus de 250 personnes, dont beaucoup de femmes et d’enfants, ont été enlevées et emmenées à Gaza.
L’attaque du 7 octobre a frappé les esprits. En ce jour, nous nous souvenons de toutes celles et de tous ceux qui ont été brutalement tués ou subi des violences indicibles – y compris des violences sexuelles – alors qu’ils vivaient simplement leurs vies.
Aujourd’hui est le jour où la communauté internationale doit redire haut et fort qu’elle condamne catégoriquement les actes odieux commis par le Hamas, y compris la prise d’otages.
Au cours de l’année écoulée, j’ai rencontré les familles des otages et en ai appris davantage sur la vie, les espoirs et les rêves de leurs proches, tout en partageant leur angoisse et leur peine.
Je n’imagine pas les tourments qu’ils doivent endurer chaque jour. J’exige une fois encore la libération immédiate et inconditionnelle de tous les otages.
Tant qu’ils n’auront pas été libérés, le Hamas doit permettre au Comité international de la Croix-Rouge de leur rendre visite.
Le 7 octobre est bien sûr un jour où l’on se concentre sur les événements de ce jour atroce. J’exprime ma solidarité avec toutes les victimes et leurs proches.
Depuis le 7 octobre, une terrible vague de violence et d’effusion de sang a éclaté.
La guerre qui a suivi la terrible attaque de l’année dernière continue de briser des vies et d’infliger de profondes souffrances aux Palestiniens de Gaza et, aujourd’hui, au peuple libanais.
Je me suis exprimé à ce sujet de façon claire et répétée.
L’heure est venue de libérer les otages. L’heure est venue de faire taire les armes. L’heure est venue de mettre fin aux souffrances qui engloutissent la région. L’heure est à la paix, au droit international et à la justice.
L’Organisation des Nations Unies est pleinement déterminée à atteindre ces objectifs.
Au milieu de tant d’horreurs et de divisions, nous devons garder l’espoir.
Honorons la mémoire des victimes, réunissons les familles et mettons fin à la souffrance et à la violence dans l’ensemble du Moyen-Orient.
Ne cessons jamais d’oeuvrer en faveur d’une solution durable au conflit, afin qu’Israël, la Palestine et tous les autres pays de la région vivent enfin dans la paix, la dignité et le respect mutuel.
***

Download the video with Hebrew subtitles: https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+4+Oct+24/MSG+SG+1+YEAR+ANNIVERSARY+OF+OCT+7+ATTACKS+04+OCT+24+HB.mp4

היום אנחנו מציינים שנה מאז האירועים הנוראיים של ה-7 באוקטובר, כאשר חמאס פתח במתקפת טרור נרחבת על ישראל, שבא נהרגו למעלה מ-1,250 ישראלים ואזרחים זרים, כולל ילדים ונשים..
יותר מ-250 בני אדם נחטפו ונלקחו בני ערובה לעזה, רבים מהם נשים וילדים.
הפיגוע ב-7 באוקטובר צילקה נשמות – וביום הזה אנחנו זוכרים את כל מי שנהרג באכזריות ואת אלה שסבלו מאלימות שאין לתאר – כולל אלימות מינית – בזמן שהם פשוט חיו את חייהם.
זהו יום שבו הקהילה הבין–לאומית תחזור בקול הרם החזק ביותר שלנו בגינוי מוחלט למעשיו המתועבים של חמאס, כולל לקיחת בני ערובה.
במהלך השנה האחרונה, נפגשתי עם משפחות החטופים, ולמדתי יותר על חייהם, ועל התקוות והחלומות שלהם ועל יקיריהם, והשתתפתי בייסורים שלהם, ובכאב שלהם
אני לא יכול לדמיין את העינויים שהם נאלצים לסבול מדי יום. אני קורא ודורש שוב את שחרורם המיידי וללא תנאים של כל החטופים.
עד אז, אני קורא לחמאס לאפשר לצלב האדום לבקר את כל בני הערובה.
ה-7 באוקטובר הוא כמובן יום להתמקד באירועים של אותו יום נורא. אני מביע את הזדהותי עם כל הקורבנות ויקיריהם.
מאז ה-7 באוקטובר פרץ גל של אלימות מזעזעת ושפיכות דמים.
המלחמה שבאה בעקבות הפיגועים הנוראים של ה7.10 ממשיכה לנפץ חיים ולגרום לסבל אנושי עמוק לפלסטינים בעזה, וכעת לתושבי לבנון.
דיברתי על זה לעתים קרובות ובאופן ברור ונחרץ.
הגיע הזמן לשחרור החטופים. הגיע הזמן להשתיק את הרובים. הגיע הזמן להפסיק את הסבל שאפף את האזור. הגיע הזמן לשלום, לחוק בינלאומי ולצדק.
האו”ם מחויב במלואו להשגת מטרות אלו.
בתוך כל כך הרבה שפיכות דמים ופילוג, עלינו להחזיק בתקווה.
בואו נכבד את זכר הקורבנות, נאחד משפחות ונסיים את הסבל והאלימות בכל מזרח התיכון.
ולעולם לא נפסיק לפעול למען פתרון יציב וקבוע לסכסוך שבין ישראל, פלסטין וכל שאר מדינות האזור, שיוכלו כולם סוף סוף לחיות בשלום ובכבוד זה ליד זה.

Сегодня исполняется год со дня ужасных событий 7 октября, когда ХАМАС совершило в Израиле масштабное террористиче-ское нападение, в результате которого погибли более 1250 израильтян и иностранных граждан, включая детей и жен-щин.
Более 250 человек были похищены и увезены в Газу, среди них много женщин и детей.
Нападение 7 октября оставило неизгладимый след в сердцах людей, и сегодня мы вспоминаем всех тех, кто просто жил своей жизнью и был жестоко убит или подвергся чудовищному наси-лию, в том числе сексуальному.
В этот день мировое сообщество должно вновь во всеуслы-шание осудить омерзительные действия ХАМАС, включая захват заложников.
В течение прошедшего года я встречался с семьями заложни-ков, узнал о жизни, надеждах и мечтах их близких и разделил их страдания и боль.
Я не могу представить, какой пытке они подвергаются еже-дневно. Я вновь требую немедленного и безоговорочного осво-бождения всех заложников.
Пока же ХАМАС должна разрешить Международному коми-тету Красного Креста посетить заложников.
Как и следовало ожидать, 7 октября посвящено событиям того ужасного дня. Я выражаю свою солидарность со всеми жертвами и их близкими.
Начиная с 7 октября поднялась волна ужасающего насилия и кровопролития.
Война, последовавшая за ужасными нападениями годичной давности, продолжает ломать жизни и причинять глубокие чело-веческие страдания палестинцам в Газе, а теперь и народу Ливана.
Я много раз прямо говорил об этом.
Пора освободить заложников. Пора сложить оружие. Пора положить конец страданиям, охватившим регион. Настало время мира, международного права и справедливости.
Организация Объединенных Наций всецело привержена до-стижению этих целей.
В разгар такого кровопролития и в условиях непримиримых разногласий мы должны сохранять надежду.
Давайте почтим память погибших, воссоединим семьи и по-ложим конец страданиям и насилию на всем Ближнем Востоке.
И не будем прекращать усилий, направленных на долгосроч-ное урегулирование конфликта, чтобы Израиль, Палестина и все другие страны региона смогли наконец жить в мире и достоин-стве, уважая друг друга.

***
Hoy hace un año de los terribles sucesos ocurridos el 7 de octubre, el día en que Hamás perpetró en Israel un atentado terrorista a gran escala que causó la muerte a más de 1.250 ciudadanos israelíes y extranjeros, entre ellos niños, niñas y mujeres.
Más de 250 personas fueron secuestradas y llevadas a Gaza, muchas de ellas mujeres, niñas y niños.
El atentado del 7 de octubre dejó graves secuelas anímicas y, por eso, hoy recordamos a todas aquellas personas cuyas vidas cotidianas se vieron truncadas por una muerte brutal y por actos indescriptibles de violencia, incluida violencia sexual.
En esta fecha, la comunidad mundial alza su voz para reiterar su absoluta condena de los abominables actos cometidos por Hamás, incluida la toma de rehenes.
A lo largo del último año me he reunido con las familias de los rehenes… he podido conocer mejor la vida, las esperanzas y los sueños de sus seres queridos… y he compartido su angustia y dolor.
Pero no puedo ni imaginar la tortura que tienen que soportar día tras día. Y exijo una vez más la liberación inmediata e incondicional de todos los rehenes.
Hasta que llegue ese momento, Hamás debe permitir que el Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja visite a los rehenes.
El 7 de octubre es, naturalmente, una fecha para reflexionar sobre los sucesos de aquel espantoso día. Por mi parte, me solidarizo con todas las víctimas y sus seres queridos.
Aquel 7 de octubre desencadenó una oleada de violencia y derramamiento de sangre de proporciones aterradoras.
La guerra que siguió a los terribles atentados de hace un año sigue destrozando vidas e infligiendo un profundo sufrimiento a la población palestina de Gaza, y ahora también al pueblo del Líbano.
A este respecto, me he expresado de forma muy clara y en numerosas ocasiones.
Ya es hora de liberar a los rehenes; es hora de silenciar las armas; es hora de poner fin al sufrimiento que devora la región. Ha llegado la hora de la paz, el derecho internacional y la justicia.
Las Naciones Unidas mantienen su pleno compromiso de lograr esos objetivos.
En medio de tanta sangre derramada y tantas disensiones, hemos de aferrarnos a la esperanza.
Honremos la memoria de las víctimas, reunamos a las familias y pongamos fin al sufrimiento y la violencia en todo Oriente Medio.
Y tratemos sin descanso de alcanzar una solución duradera del conflicto que permita a Israel, Palestina y todos los otros países de la región vivir por fin en paz y con dignidad, respetándose mutuamente.

MIL OSI Africa –

January 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Could NZ foreign policy be Trumped? Why the government will be hoping Kamala Harris wins the US election

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert G. Patman, Professor of International Relations, University of Otago

Getty Images

One of the political ironies of the race for the White House is that the foreign policy interests of New Zealand’s centre-right government are probably best served by Democratic candidate Kamala Harris winning.

Since the end of World War II, all New Zealand governments have supported multilateralism and an international rules-based order enshrined in the institutions of the United Nations.

The relationship with the United States has reflected that, and tends to outlast the periodic fluctuations associated with changes in government and policy in Wellington or Washington.

New Zealand’s current National-led coalition inherited close relations with the US, too. American visitor numbers were second only to Australians last year. The US is our third largest export market. And the two countries remain strategically linked within the Five Eyes intelligence sharing arrangement.

Nevertheless, one of the key foreign policy goals of the coalition is to strengthen alignment with traditional allies such as the US. Given the very different worldviews of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the November 5 election will have a large bearing on how successful any push for closer relations with the US can be.

Closer relations in the balance

On the one hand, Republican candidate Trump is opposed to multilateral institutions, unless they explicitly serve US national interests. And he wants to reverse the impact of globalisation by constraining immigration, free trade and global governance.

Nationalist slogans like “America First” promise a return to a so-called golden era of patriotism and sovereignty: a top-down world where the greatest power of all is unencumbered and free to assert its dominance.

On the other hand, Harris would seem to support a more traditional US foreign policy agenda. This recognises the importance of international institutions and alliances in a world where “isolation is not insulation”.

Whoever occupies the White House next, then, is likely to have a significant impact on New Zealand foreign policy.

Isolation and dominance: Trump plays the immigration card at Republican National Convention in July 18.
Getty Images

Power plays and the Pacific

First, Trump’s belief in an international system run by great powers would seem to be a recipe for depriving smaller states like New Zealand of a voice on international issues that affect them.

Second, New Zealand’s regional focus on ties with Pacific Island nations – underpinned by close people-to-people links and a significant proportion of the country’s overseas development aid programme – is more likely to be complemented by a Harris foreign policy.

Outgoing president Joe Biden reversed decades of US neglect of much of the Pacific, which had played to the advantage of other external powers – notably China.

The Biden team launched the annual US-Pacific Islands Summit in 2022. And Kamala Harris played an active role in delivering US$800 million in development and climate assistance to Pacific Island nations in 2022-23.

Whether Trump will maintain this enhanced diplomatic and economic engagement in the Pacific (and elsewhere) is questionable. Similarly, after Biden rejoined the Paris Climate Accord, Trump will probably quit it for a second time.

Kamala Harris hosts Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in September.
Getty Images

AUKUS and Ukraine

Third, the New Zealand government faces the delicate task of navigating relations with an increasingly assertive China – the country’s biggest trade partner – while pursuing its goal of moving closer to the US.

Since March 2023, successive New Zealand governments have been considering joining an arrangement to share advanced defence technologies under pillar two of the AUKUS security partnership that aims to deter a rising China in the Indo-Pacific region.

It remains to be seen how China would react if New Zealand did join. But Trump’s insistence on US primacy in any multilateral agreement could make it more difficult for the government to win domestic support for pillar two membership.

Even outside the AUKUS debate, Trump is more likely to insist allies spend more on defence than they did traditionally.

Fourth, New Zealand has a big stake in the failure of Russia’s attempted annexation of Ukraine. Wellington’s interests are clearly more in line with Harris’ pledge to maintain support for Ukraine to restore its territorial integrity.

Trump’s promise to end the war within 24 hours, on the other hand, could probably only be achieved by giving Vladimir Putin what he wants.

The Middle East and the UN

Finally, there do not seem to be substantive policy differences between Trump and Harris on the catastrophic situation in Gaza, and increasingly Lebanon.

There remains a slim possibility a Harris administration might recognise unconditional support for the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu is not sustainable for a superpower whose foreign policy is supposed to be driven by universal values and respect for international law.

But this would be near impossible for Trump. Indeed, he would probably provide Netanyahu with even greater support.

Overall, the foreign policy interests of the National-led coalition seem to align more with a Harris presidency than one led by Trump.

But even if Harris wins, the alignment of interests will not be perfect. US exceptionalism – an informal ideology that claims the nation is a political exemplar for the rest of the world – and Washington’s veto power in the UN security Council are likely to remain constraining factors on the New Zealand-US relationship.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Could NZ foreign policy be Trumped? Why the government will be hoping Kamala Harris wins the US election – https://theconversation.com/could-nz-foreign-policy-be-trumped-why-the-government-will-be-hoping-kamala-harris-wins-the-us-election-240538

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Tauranga homicide investigation

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A woman has been charged with murder in relation to a man who was found deceased in Tauranga on Sunday morning.

Police were called to an area in Gate Pa near St George Street at around 8.45am yesterday (6 October), where a 63-year-old man was found deceased.

A 50-year-old woman has been charged with murder and appeared in Tauranga District Court today. She has been remanded in custody to reappear in Tauranga High Court on 30 October.

Both the victim and the woman charged have been granted name suppression at this stage.

Police would still like to hear from anyone who was in the area where the man was found between the evening of Thursday 3 October and Sunday morning, who may have witnessed something of note.

You can update us online now or call 105. Please use the reference number 241006/6224.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers(link is external) on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Youths bark up wrong tree following aggravated burglary

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A Police dog was quickly on the scent following an aggravated burglary in Māngere during the early hours of this morning.

At about 2.55am, Police received a report of four people inside a Ford Courier Ute, which has driven into the roller door of a supermarket on Westney Road.

Counties Manukau West Area Commander, Inspector Ross Ellwood, says the group has entered the store and taken a number of products, including cash, before unsuccessfully trying to access the cigarette cabinet.

“The group has then fled in a stolen Toyota Mark X, which was quickly located by officers parked on Naylors Drive.

“Delta has tracked to a house of the street, where four youths were taken into custody without incident.”

Inspector Ellwood says Police will continue to respond to reports of businesses being targeted.

“We know this sort of offending can be incredibly invasive for our community.

“We take this type of offending very seriously, and I hope our quick response reassures the community that we have absolutely no tolerance for incidents like these.”

Four teenagers, and 14 and 15, will appear in Manukau Youth Court today charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and burglary.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Day 6 – Army Best Squad 2024 Highlight Reel

Source: US Army (video statements)

Competitors conducted their zeroing and qualification on multiple weapon systems to include the M4 / 50 Cal. / MK 19 and M17 to include day and night requirements.

The competition assesses each squad on their technical and tactical proficiency, knowledge, and implementation, as well as their ability to work as a disciplined and cohesive team. Afterward, the top four teams of the week will travel to Washington, D.C. for a board-style interview that will test their knowledge and professionalism in front of top Army leaders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA3KodsNKVA

MIL OSI Video –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Building a Green Future

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

October 7, 2024

On 7 October, UKRI will hold an event in Westminster showcasing projects that support the clean energy transition and the development of a sustainable green economy.

Themes at the UKRI Building a Green Future Congress will include flooding, electricity generation, how to future proof the grid, making products last longer, recycling, remanufacture and reuse of medical technologies, solar power and solar waste, critical minerals, large-scale recycling for a circular economy, net zero buildings, e-waste, sustainable agriculture, and the financial cost of damage to the natural environment.

Journalists came to this SMC briefing to hear some of the keynote speakers talk about where the problems lie, the potential solutions, and what the UK needs to do to reduce carbon emissions and improve the environment.

Speakers included:

Prof Louise Heathwaite, NERC Executive Chair and UKRI Building a Green Future theme SRO

Prof Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President, and expert in energy systems, University of Bath

Prof Peter Hopkinson, Co-Director of the Exeter Centre for the Circular Economy, University of Exeter

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 23, 2025

Category: KB

Share this page

Updates to this page

Tags

Further information

Summer Maintenance Schedule – Top of the South Island

Summer Maintenance Programme – additional information

Tags

Wellington/ Wairarapa – Summer Maintenance Programme

More information

Tags

Donalds Condemns The Iranian Regime’s Ballistic Missile Attack On The State Of Israel

Video: Rubio Remembers October 7, 2023 Terrorist Attacks

Donalds Releases Statement On The 2024 Rosh Hashanah Holiday

Donalds Stands With The Victims Of Hurricane Helene

What is happening in October 2024?

Background

Closer relations in the balance

Power plays and the Pacific

AUKUS and Ukraine

The Middle East and the UN

October 7, 2024