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Category: Latin America

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New ‘global growth team’ appointed by Trade Secretary

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A new ‘global growth team’ of UK Trade Envoys has today been appointed by the Trade Secretary to drive UK exports and investment.

    A new ‘global growth team’ of UK Trade Envoys has today [28 January] been appointed by the Trade Secretary to drive UK exports and investment as the Government pulls every lever available to drive economic growth under its Plan for Change. 

    The 32 parliamentarians, drawn from across the political spectrum, have been assigned target markets across six continents and tasked with identifying trade and investment opportunities for businesses and championing the UK as a destination of choice for investment in those markets.  

    Each market has been identified as presenting significant potential for growing UK trade and Trade Envoys are appointed on their ability, relevant skills and experience. This can be based on their respective markets or UK sector knowledge, including previous government-to-government experience, as well as their commitment to the UK’s growth mission. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    Trade and investment are key to delivering economic growth, the number one mission of this Government and a key part of our Plan for Change.

    That’s why I’ve launched a new team of Trade Envoys, who will use their experience, expertise and knowledge to unlock new markets around the world for British businesses, drumming up investment into the UK and ultimately driving economic growth.

    They will work closely with the Department for Business and Trade. The announcement comes ahead of the new Trade Strategy in Spring, which will prioritise rebuilding our relationship with the EU and seizing opportunities to access new markets further afield.  

    Alongside bolstering exports, attracting investments, and removing trade barriers, the government is also resuming trade talks with FTA partners, including – so far – the GCC, Switzerland and South Korea.  

    The news comes as Trade Minister Douglas Alexander is in South Africa today as part of a multi-leg visit to the region to strengthen trade links and create opportunities for UK businesses.  

    The new appointments are:

    • Afzal Khan MP appointed to Türkiye  

    • Alex Sobel MP appointed to Ukraine  

    • Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP appointed to Ghana  

    • Ben Coleman MP appointed to Morocco & Francophone West Africa  

    • Calvin Bailey MP appointed to Southern Africa  

    • Carolyn Harris MP appointed to New Zealand  

    • Dan Carden MP appointed to Mexico  

    • David Pinto-Duschinsky MP appointed to Switzerland & Lichtenstein  

    • Fabian Hamilton MP appointed to Southern Cone  

    • Flo Eshalomi MP appointed to Nigeria  

    • George Freeman MP appointed to Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore & Brunei  

    • Lord Iain McNicol of West Kilbride appointed to Jordan, Kuwait & the Palestine Territories  

    • Lord Ian Austin of Dudley appointed to Israel  

    • Baroness Jane Ramsey of Wall Heath appointed to Ethiopia  

    • Jess Morden MP appointed to Central America  

    • Lord John Alderdice appointed to Azerbaijan & Central Asia  

    • Lord John Hannett of Everton appointed to Sri Lanka  

    • Lord John Speller of Smethwick appointed to Australia  

    • Josh MacAlister MP appointed to Brazil  

    • Kate Osamor MP appointed to East Africa  

    • Matt Western MP appointed to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos  

    • Mohammad Yasin MP appointed to Pakistan  

    • Naz Shah MP appointed to Indonesia & ASEAN  

    • Paulette Hamilton MP appointed to Commonwealth Caribbean  

    • Lord Richard Faulkner of Worcester appointed to Taiwan  

    • Lord Roger Liddle appointed to Andean   

    • Dr Rosena Allin-Khan appointed to South Africa   

    • Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster appointed to Bangladesh  

    • Sarah Olney MP appointed to North Africa  

    • Sharon Hodgson MP appointed to Japan  

    • Lord Tom Watson of Wyre Forest appointed to Republic of Korea  

    • Yasmin Qureshi MP appointment to Egypt

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese celebrate Spring Festival with traditions, travels and shopping spree

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    With traditional fairs and shopping and travel booms over this year’s extended holiday, China is about to ring in the Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake, the first since its inclusion into the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list.
    For Chinese across the world, the Spring Festival is a time for family reunions, festive traditions, holiday shopping and diverse cultural and tourism activities. This year, it falls on Jan. 29 with hundreds of millions of people traveling to reunite with families in the world’s largest annual human migration.
    Celebrations today highlight both traditional and modern elements, from temple fairs, lantern displays, lion dances and intangible cultural heritage bazaars to village galas, light and drone shows, museum exhibitions, and travels at home and abroad.
    This year, festive glee and activities are further boosted by the UNESCO recognition, pro-consumption policies and the extension of the traditional seven-day holiday by an extra day.

    A performance is staged at the Hetou ancient street scenic area in Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province, Jan. 26, 2025. China is alive with vibrant celebrations with the Spring Festival just around the corner. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua)
    FAMILY REUNIONS AND TRADITIONAL FESTIVITIES
    For migrant workers like Zhang Changfu, a native of Baise in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, south China, the Spring Festival offers a rare opportunity for a family reunion.
    “I’ve been working away from home for 20 years, but I return home every Spring Festival,” said Zhang, 41, who works as a machinist in the southwestern metropolis of Chengdu, adding that he is looking forward to taking his family to the local temple fair.
    The temple fair, a panoply of folk performances, local delicacies and traditional handicrafts, is a familiar sight at this time of year. While such activities contain more traditional elements in the countryside, large cities like Beijing and Shanghai have a tradition of holding large-scale fairs.
    For others, like Lin Jia who works in Nanjing, capital of east China’s Jiangsu Province, Spring Festival is the perfect time for a family tour. Lin’s parents and grandmother have traveled from Hunan Province to join her for the holiday.
    Lin plans to take them sightseeing around the city after a New Year’s Eve dinner at a hotpot restaurant. “It’s both a reunion and a mini vacation,” she said.
    This year, many cities are holding more traditional festive activities, motivated by the inscription of the Spring Festival on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December. The southwestern megacity of Chongqing has planned more than 100 intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, bazaars and performances during the holiday.
    “We hope visitors can feel the strong festive ambiance and the special charm of our cultural heritage,” said Tang Mao, the organizer of a cultural heritage bazaar in Chongqing’s bustling Jiefangbei commercial area, where over 40 artisans display traditional crafts like paper-cutting, New Year picture drawing and sugar-figure making.
    HOLIDAY SHOPPING
    For centuries, shopping has been a crucial part of Spring Festival preparations: from nice food to new clothes and carefully chosen gifts.
    Liu Fengmei, a woman in her 70s in Shanghai, traveled over an hour by subway to First Foodhall, a time-honored food store on the iconic Nanjing Road, to stock up on traditional holiday snacks.
    A long queue is seen outside the store, which, like many across the country at this time of the year, is filled with festive decorations and a dazzling array of traditional foods.
    Following the UNESCO recognition, Chinese consumers also appear to be particularly interested in goods with a cultural festival flair.
    Li Gang with the Ministry of Commerce said sales of neo-Chinese-style jewelry and goods featuring intangible cultural heritages have grown by 52.6 percent and 26.6 percent in the month-long online shopping event for the festival initiated by the ministry.
    In recent years, the Spring Festival shopping lists have included more imported goods, reflecting Chinese people’s rising purchasing power and growing appetite for imported quality goods.
    Earlier this month, a cargo ship loaded with 20,000 tonnes of Chilean cherries arrived at the Nansha Port in south China’s Guangzhou, perfectly timed to offer a festive treat for millions ahead of the Spring Festival.
    “Chilean cherries, Australian lobsters and Russian snow crabs … the prices of imported products are quite attractive, so I plan to prepare a New Year’s Eve dinner that blends both Chinese and foreign flavors,” said a customer surnamed Guo at a store of fresh-food chain Freshippo in Beijing.
    Driven by government-subsidized trade-in programs, mobile phones, wearable devices, and green and smart home appliances are also highly sought-after items ahead of the festival, according to the ministry.
    “Spending on New Year’s goods can offer a glimpse into the resilience and vitality of consumption throughout the year,” said Hong Tao, director of the Institute of Business Economics at Beijing Technology and Business University, who expects a new wave of holiday consumption growth.
    Tourists take a selfie at Jiangjunshan Ski Resort in Altay, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Jan. 21, 2025. As the Spring Festival approaches, Altay in Xinjiang has ushered in peak tourist season. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
    HOLIDAY TRAVEL
    In addition to local festivities, many are venturing farther afield to make the most of the eight-day Spring Festival holiday.
    Fang Xue, a resident of Shanghai, plans to take her parents on a holiday trip to Shantou, a coastal city in Guangdong Province. “Traveling during the Spring Festival has become quite fashionable,” Fang said. “My parents in their 80s are very eager to travel.”
    The extended holiday has given a boost to the travel industry. While tourist cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Chengdu are attracting large numbers of holidaymakers, smaller cities are also getting more travelers who wish to savor celebrations with local flavors, according to Fliggy, a leading online travel agency.
    “Expectations for intangible cultural heritage activities are especially high during the first Spring Festival after the UNESCO recognition,” said Wang Liyang, operations manager at Fliggy.
    Thanks to China’s further easing of visa policies, many Chinese cities are also witnessing an influx of international visitors, with many eager to experience the festival traditions.
    “The UNESCO heritage status gives Spring Festival worldwide recognition and increases its appeal to international tourists,” said Zhou Huijie, an analyst at Trip.com research institute.
    Trip.com Group has estimated that inbound bookings would jump by 203 percent during the Spring Festival, with tourists from the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, the United States, Australia, Thailand and Britain topping the list.
    Lukas Muller from Germany is traveling in northeast China’s Jilin Province for skiing and to experience the Spring Festival.
    “My friends and I will experience Chinese New Year up close, including eating dumplings, putting up spring couplets, setting off fireworks, and many other customs I’m not familiar with yet,” he said, also praising China’s visa-free policy that facilitated his trip.
    Spring Festival serves as the most direct cultural window to understand the Chinese people and it is also a traditional festival with the most Chinese cultural characteristics, said Feng Jicai, a renowned Chinese writer who has long championed intangible cultural heritage protection. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Spring Festival: A Chinese tradition with growing global appeal

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Set against a vibrant orange backdrop, a bold green snake rises proudly on a commemorative stamp issued by La Poste Group, France’s postal service, earlier this month to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. 2025 marks the 21st consecutive year France has celebrated the Spring Festival with zodiac-themed stamps.

    Actors perform the lion dance during the Lunar New Year celebration at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Jan. 24, 2025. (Photo by Winston Zhou/Xinhua)
    At the close of 2024, UNESCO added the Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year, to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A year earlier, the 78th UN General Assembly recognized the Chinese New Year as an official UN holiday, underscoring the festival’s growing global presence.
    Spring Festival customs are now celebrated in nearly 200 countries and regions, with almost 20 nations designating it as an official public holiday. Each year, around one-fifth of the global population takes part in this cherished tradition.
    CUSTOMS WITH GLOBAL APPEAL
    Spring Festival’s core customs — celebrating family reunions, wishing for good fortune and creating traditional crafts — captivate cultural enthusiasts worldwide with its unique approach to welcoming the new year.
    In the Hungarian capital of Budapest, the streets of Chinatown bustled with a two-day Spring Festival celebration. Visitors took part in dumpling-making, calligraphy workshops and lantern crafting. This vibrant celebration mirrors a global trend where Spring Festival traditions are increasingly embraced across diverse cultures.
    “It’s amazing to see the performances and learn about traditions that are so different yet so universal,” said Kata Szabo, a local resident who attended the event with her young daughter.

    People watch a demonstration of sugar figure art during a temple fair celebrating the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year in Budapest, Hungary, on Jan. 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Hao)
    To Giacomo Bechini, a 29-year-old web designer from Florence, Italy, this year’s Spring Festival is more than a holiday: It is an opportunity to connect with his wife’s Chinese heritage and immerse himself in the festival’s traditions.
    His fascination with the Chinese Lunar Calendar, a lunisolar dating system, has deepened his appreciation even further. “It’s incredible how the Spring Festival is tied to a different calendar. I’ve been learning about its symbolic meanings and how the festivities last for days,” Bechini said.
    For Tichaona Zimuto, a 34-year-old professional acrobat from Zimbabwe, Spring Festival traditions have evolved from a simple interest into a meaningful practice. About two weeks ago, Zimuto and his group, Blackstar Acrobatics, captivated a local audience in Harare with a rhythmic lion dance performance during a Spring Festival celebration.
    The lion dance, which originated in ancient China, blends dance, music and martial arts, with performers mimicking a lion’s movements in elaborate costumes. This traditional art has grown on Zimuto over the past year.
    “When I was wearing the lion dance costume, I just felt excited. I just felt great, something special. I just felt like a lion, a real lion,” he said.

    A lion dance performance is staged at the 4th edition of the Chinese New Year cultural festival at the National Arts Center in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, Jan. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)
    The Chinese New Year and its rich cultural heritage are also being shared in exciting new ways. Disney California Adventure Park recently launched its 2025 Lunar New Year celebrations, offering a lively blend of Asian cultural performances. Legendary Chinese warrior Mulan and her quick-witted dragon sidekick, Mushu, led the Lunar New Year procession, celebrating family, friendship and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.
    Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia recently hosted a one-of-a-kind Spring Festival Market at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh, which buzzed with energy during its two-day run. The Chinese e-sports zone was a standout attraction, featuring popular titles such as “Black Myth: Wukong” and “Honor of Kings.”
    Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, president of the Saudi National E-Sports Association, said e-sports are a powerful way to connect young people around the globe.
    “We can create games about Saudi culture and bring them to China and the world,” he said.
    VALUES OF UNIVERSAL RESONANCE
    Beneath its traditional customs, the Chinese New Year carries a universal resonance of hope, family unity and aspirations for a better life — values that underpin its global appeal.
    People believe that celebrating the Chinese New Year will bring them good luck, good fortune and happiness in the new year, said Heoun Thary, a 32-year-old Cambodian housewife.
    She was referring to the recent Lunar New Year festivities in Phnom Penh, which drew hundreds of revelers. Thary noted that the event not only introduced Cambodians to Chinese traditions but also strengthened the bond between the two nations.
    In Tanorn village, 60 km south of Phnom Penh, Cambodian villagers participating in a China-aided poverty alleviation project also embraced the spirit of the Spring Festival. The celebration featured red lanterns and couplets.
    “People believe that celebrating the Chinese New Year can help increase their luck, promoting their business to make more money,” said Khlok Chamroeun, a 62-year-old deputy chief of the village.

    People watch a lion dance performance at the 2025 Chinese New Year Festival and Market Day in Auckland, New Zealand, Jan. 25, 2025. The event was held here on Saturday. (Photo by Wu Jiaxiang/Xinhua)
    In New Zealand, a Year of the Snake concert put together Eastern and Western musical traditions. Musicians from China’s Yijing Chamber Ensemble of the Central Conservatory of Music and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra performed in Christchurch, blending the pipa, erhu and bamboo flute with classical symphonies. “Music knows no boundaries. The unique qualities of Eastern and Western music can truly resonate with each other,” said Chinese Consul General He Ying.
    This vision of harmony came alive at the United Nations in New York on Friday night. At a Lunar New Year celebration, Miguel Angel Moratinos, UN under-secretary-general and high representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, delivered Lunar New Year wishes in Chinese, “Chunjie Kuaile (Happy Spring Festival),” in the lobby of the main building at the UN Headquarters.
    “The Lunar New Year marked the beginning of the Year of the Snake, which is associated with characteristics like wisdom, caution and strategy, and signifies transformation and growth,” he said.
    “With the numerous challenges the world is facing, the spirit embodied by the Lunar New Year offers us a beacon of hope and positivity,” Moratinos said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitfarms Enters into a Binding LOI with HIVE Digital Technologies for the Sale of its Yguazu, Paraguay Site

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    -Bitfarms to reinvest capital in US growth opportunities-

    -Accretive transaction values the completed site at ~$85 million and significantly reduces anticipated 2025 capital requirements-

    -Rebalances YE 2025 proforma energy portfolio to ~80% North American & 20% international-

    -Reduces expected average power costs by ~10%-

    This news release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purposes of Bitfarms’ second amended and restated prospectus supplement dated December 17, 2024, to its short form base shelf prospectus dated November 10, 2023.

    TORONTO, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitfarms Ltd. (NASDAQ/TSX: BITF), a global vertically integrated Bitcoin data center company, today announced that it has entered into a binding Letter of Intent (“LOI”) to sell its 200 MW site in Yguazu, Paraguay to HIVE Digital Technologies, Ltd (“HIVE”). The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025.

    Bitfarms CEO Ben Gagnon stated, “We are pleased to announce the sale of our Yguazu site to HIVE as we continue to streamline our operations and rebalance towards North America. Bitfarms will be reinvesting the capital from this sale towards its 1 GW growth pipeline in the U.S. for BTC and HPC/AI infrastructure which marks a significant milestone in our transition from an international Bitcoin miner to a North American energy and compute infrastructure company.”

    “We remain fully committed to our current operations in Latin America, with three sites totaling 144 MW that all benefit from long-term power contracts, competitive pricing and geographical diversification. This shift towards U.S.-based assets is in-line with our strategy to diversify beyond Bitcoin mining and capitalize on the significant growth opportunities in HPC/AI.”

    Terms
    Under the terms of the binding LOI, HIVE will purchase from Bitfarms its 100% ownership stake of its Yguazu, Paraguay Bitcoin mining site. The proposed transaction values the completed site at approximately $85 million, inclusive of approximately $19 million of power deposits with ANDE and the assumption of remaining capital obligations.

    Bitfarms to receive:

    • $25 million upon closing of this transaction
    • $31 million over 6 months following closing
    • $19 million as reimbursement for power deposits made to ANDE by Bitfarms
    • Approximately $10 million in remaining capital obligations

    Transaction Benefits

    • Significantly reduces Bitfarms’ anticipated 2025 capital requirements.
    • Rebalances portfolio to ~80% North American and 20% International by YE 2025, when coupled with our acquisition of Stronghold Digital Mining, which is expected to close in the next couple of months.
    • Reduces estimated average power costs by ~10%.
    • Does not impact miner deployment schedule. Reduces YE 2025 MW capacity from 955 MW to 755 MW.

    About Bitfarms Ltd.

    Founded in 2017, Bitfarms is a global vertically integrated Bitcoin data center company that contributes its computational power to one or more mining pools from which it receives payment in Bitcoin. Bitfarms develops, owns, and operates vertically integrated mining facilities with in-house management and company-owned electrical engineering, installation service, and multiple onsite technical repair centers. The Company’s proprietary data analytics system delivers best-in-class operational performance and uptime.

    Bitfarms currently has 12 operating Bitcoin data centers and two under development, as well as hosting agreements with two data centers, in four countries: Canada, the United States, Paraguay, and Argentina. Powered predominantly by environmentally friendly hydro-electric and long-term power contracts, Bitfarms is committed to using sustainable and often underutilized energy infrastructure.

    To learn more about Bitfarms’ events, developments, and online communities:

    www.bitfarms.com
    https://www.facebook.com/bitfarms/
    https://twitter.com/Bitfarms_io
    https://www.instagram.com/bitfarms/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitfarms/

    Glossary of Terms

    • Y/Y or M/M= year over year or month over month
    • EH or EH/s = Exahash or exahash per second
    • MW or MWh = Megawatts or megawatt hour
    • HPC/AI = High Performance Computing / Artificial Intelligence

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains certain “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release and are covered by safe harbors under Canadian and United States securities laws. The statements and information in this release regarding the sale of the Yguazu, Paraguay Site, the merits of the rebalancing operations to North America, the reinvestment of the proceeds of the sale for growth, the North American energy and compute infrastructure strategy, and other statements regarding future growth, plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking information. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “prospects”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information.

    This forward-looking information is based on assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time they were made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to: an inability to complete the sale of the Yguazu, Paraguay Site on the terms as announced or at all; the reinvestment of the proceeds of the sale may not occur on an economic basis; the anticipated benefits of the rebalancing of operations to North America and the North American energy and compute infrastructure strategy may not be realized; expansion may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; the digital currency market; the ability to successfully mine Bitcoin; revenue may not increase as currently anticipated, or at all; it may not be possible to profitably liquidate the current Bitcoin inventory, or at all; a decline in Bitcoin prices may have a significant negative impact on operations; an increase in network difficulty may have a significant negative impact on operations; the volatility of Bitcoin prices; the anticipated growth and sustainability of hydroelectricity for the purposes of Bitcoin mining in the applicable jurisdictions; the inability to maintain reliable and economical sources of power for the Company to operate Bitcoin mining assets; the risks of an increase in the Company’s electricity costs, cost of natural gas, changes in currency exchange rates, energy curtailment or regulatory changes in the energy regimes in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates and the adverse impact on the Company’s profitability; the ability to complete current and future financings; the risk that a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting could result in a misstatement of the Company’s financial position that may lead to a material misstatement of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements if not prevented or detected on a timely basis; any regulations or laws that will prevent Bitfarms from operating its business; historical prices of Bitcoin and the ability to mine Bitcoin that will be consistent with historical prices; and the adoption or expansion of any regulation or law that will prevent Bitfarms from operating its business, or make it more costly to do so. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company’s filings on www.sedarplus.ca (which are also available on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov), including the restated MD&A for the year-ended December 31, 2023, filed on December 9, 2024. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including factors that are currently unknown to or deemed immaterial by the Company. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by law . Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, or any other securities exchange or regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Investor Relations Contacts:

    Tracy Krumme
    SVP, Head of IR & Corp. Comms.
    +1 786-671-5638
    tkrumme@bitfarms.com

    Media Contacts:

    Caroline Brady Baker
    Director, Communications
    cbaker@bitfarms.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: January 27th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Introduce Resolution Condemning Pardons of Individuals Found Guilty of Assaulting Capitol Police Officers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    Resolution comes after Trump pardons 1,500 criminals convicted of violently assaulting police officers
    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced a new resolution condemning the pardons of individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers.
    The resolution follows the reckless action by President Trump, on the first day of his second term, to grant full, complete, and unconditional pardons to over 1,500 people charged, and in many cases already convicted and incarcerated, with committing crimes in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and to commute the sentences of 14 others, including leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, far-right militias. Among those pardoned by Trump were 169 people who pleaded guilty to assaulting police officers on January 6th. During the siege of the Capitol that day, over 80 U.S. Capitol Police Officers were assaulted, as well as over 60 officers from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.
    The senators’ resolution, condemning the pardons for individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers, simply states: “Resolved, That the Senate disapproves of any pardons for individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police officers.” This week, Senate Democrats will seek unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass the resolution.
    “These criminals used flagpoles, fire extinguishers and bear spray to assault the police securing the Capitol on January 6. No one who assaults a police officer should be given a ‘get out of jail free card’ from the President,” said Heinrich.
    “What took place at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th is a stain on American history. The events of that have left a scar on many, including the law enforcement officers that defended the Capitol. President Trump’s pardons of violent criminals is a betrayal of the rule of law and our brave law enforcement officers,” said Luján. “I urge my Republican colleagues to join us in condemning this vicious attack on law enforcement and in showing the nation that political violence is unacceptable.”
    According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, approximately 1,572 defendants have been federally charged with crimes associated with the attack of the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. This includes approximately 598 charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement agents or officers or obstructing those officers during a civil disorder, including approximately 171 defendants charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury to an officer. As proven in court, the weapons used and carried on the Capitol grounds during the January 6th attack include firearms; OC spray; tasers; edged weapons, including a sword, axes, hatchets, and knives; and makeshift weapons, such as destroyed office furniture, fencing, bike racks, stolen riot shields, baseball bats, hockey sticks, flagpoles, PVC piping, and reinforced knuckle gloves.
    Among others, the individuals who assaulted law enforcement officers and were granted full, unconditional pardons by President Trump this week include:
    Rockne Gerald Earles, of Chama, N.M., who pled guilty last year to two felony assault charges on Capitol Police officers. In one attack, captured on video, Earles wrestled a police officer to the steps outside the Capitol Building. That officer was later hospitalized with a concussion and missed 45 days of work due to his injuries. Earlier this month, federal prosecutors recommended a sentence of 52 months in prison for Earles.
    Taylor James Johnatakis, of Kingston, Washington, was convicted of three felonies in November 2023, including assaulting officers. Prosecutors said that he “coordinated a violent assault on a line of police officers defending” the Capitol and that video shows he “used a metal barricade to attack officers head on and grabbed one officer to prevent him from defending himself against other attacking rioters.”
    Julian Khater, who assaulted a U.S. police office—Brian Sicknick—and later pled guilty to assaulting a police officer with a dangerous weapon.
    Robert Palmer, who attacked police with a fire extinguisher, a wooden plank, and a pole.
    Tyler Bradley Dykes of Bluffton, South Carolina, who was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for stealing a police riot shield and twice using it against officers. He pleaded guilty to two felony counts of assaulting, resisting or impeding officers.
    Devlyn Thompson, who hit a police officer with a metal baton.
    Andrew Taake, of Houston, Texas, who was sentenced to a little more than six years for assaulting law enforcement officers with bear spray and a metal whip.
    Christopher Quaglin, who federal prosecutors said “viciously assaulted numerous officers” and was one of the most violent rioters, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison.
    David Dempsey, who, according to prosecutors, “was one of the most violent rioters,” and received 20 years in prison. Prosecutors also said Dempsey had a “very significant history of arrests and convictions” prior to the January 6th attack.
    Daniel Rodriguez, of Fontana, California, who plunged a stun gun into the neck of Washington Police Officer Michael Fanone multiple times.
    Ryan Nichols, of Longview, Texas, who assaulted officers with pepper spray, and later on Jan. 6, at his hotel room, he called for additional violence.
    Howard Richardson, of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, who struck a police officer three times with a flagpole, hard enough to break the flagpole.
    Robert Sanford, from Chester, Pennsylvania, who hit two police officers in the head with a fire extinguisher and threw a traffic cone at another officer.
    Jonathan Munafo, of Albany, New York, who punched a police officer, stole the officer’s riot shield, and struck a Capitol office window with two poles.
    The resolution is led by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.). Alongside Heinrich and Luján, the resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    The text of the resolution is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Public Country-by-Country reporting

    Source: Australian Department of Revenue

    What is Public CBC reporting?

    Public CBC reporting is a reporting regime which requires certain large multinational enterprises to publish selected tax information. The information must be reported either on a CBC basis or on an aggregated basis. The regime applies for reporting periods commencing from 1 July 2024.

    The entities within the regime publish their Public CBC report by providing it to the ATO and then the ATO uploading it on data.gov.au. Public CBC reporting improves how information is shared with the public to help compare entity tax disclosures, to better assess whether an entity’s economic presence in a jurisdiction aligns with the amount of tax they pay in that jurisdiction.

    Public CBC reporting requires disclosures about:

    • the revenues, profits and income taxes of the global group
    • the activities of the global group
    • an entity’s international related party dealings.

    Who is required to report?

    An entity must report for a reporting period if all of the following apply to it:

    • is a Public CBC reporting parent for the preceding period
    • is an entity of the type specified
    • satisfies the requirements for that reporting period.

    An entity is of the type specified if it is any one of the following:

    • constitutional corporation
    • trust, provided each of the trustees is a constitutional corporation
    • partnership, provided each of the partners is a constitutional corporation.

    Entities meet the requirements for a reporting period if all of the following apply:

    • they were a Public CBC reporting parent for a period that includes the whole or a part of the preceding reporting period
    • they were a member of a Public CBC reporting group at any time during the reporting period
    • at any point during the reporting period, they, or a member of their Public CBC reporting group, were an Australian resident or a foreign resident operating an Australian permanent establishment
    • $10 million or more of their aggregated turnover for the reporting period was Australian-sourced
    • they were not an exempt entity or included in a class of exempt entities.

    Public CBC reporting registration

    All Public CBC reporting parents are encouraged to register with the ATO as this simplifies:

    • the giving of the Public CBC report to the ATO
    • requesting an extension of time to provide the Public CBC report
    • requesting an exemption from reporting obligations.

    The registration form and instructions are under development and will be made available in 2025.

    Public CBC reporting obligations

    The Public CBC reporting parent entity must give the Public CBC report electronically to the ATO within 12 months after the end of the relevant reporting period.

    An update to correct any material errors must be given to the ATO within 28 days of the Public CBC reporting parent identifying or otherwise becoming aware of that error.

    Penalties apply for non-compliance.

    The Public CBC reporting form and instructions are in development, they will be made available in 2025.

    What does jurisdictional reporting mean?

    For Australia and specified jurisdictions determined by the Minister, particular information must be published on a CBC basis.

    For all other jurisdictions the CBC reporting group operates in, the Public CBC reporting parent has a choice to publish that same information on either a CBC basis or an aggregated basis.

    Specified jurisdictions list

    The Minister’s determination of jurisdictions for the purpose of Public CBC reporting is provided by legislative instrument. The Taxation Administration (Country by Country Reporting Jurisdictions) Determination 2024Opens in a new window outlines the specified jurisdictions.

    Jurisdictions that have a comprehensive international tax agreement with Australia:

    • Singapore
    • Switzerland

    Other jurisdictions:

    • Andorra
    • Anguilla
    • Antigua and Barbuda
    • Aruba
    • Barbados
    • Bahamas
    • Bahrain
    • Belize
    • Bermuda
    • British Virgin Islands
    • Cayman Islands
    • Cook Islands
    • Curacao
    • Dominica
    • Gibraltar
    • Grenada
    • Guernsey
    • Hong Kong
    • Isle of Man
    • Jersey
    • Liberia
    • Mauritius
    • Monaco
    • Montserrat
    • Nauru
    • Niue
    • Panama
    • Republic of the Marshall Islands
    • Saint Kitts and Nevis
    • Saint Lucia
    • Saint Maarten (Dutch Part)
    • Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
    • Samoa
    • San Marino
    • Seychelles
    • Turks and Caicos Islands
    • US Virgin Islands
    • Vanuatu

    Public CBC information to be reported

    The Public CBC reporting parent is required to publish: 

    • its own legal name
    • the names of each entity in the CBC reporting group
    • a description of the CBC reporting group’s approach to tax
    • information about Australia and specified jurisdictions, on a CBC basis
    • information about its other jurisdictions, either on a CBC or aggregated basis.

    Information required to be reported

    If the Public CBC reporting parent chooses to report on a CBC basis for all jurisdictions that the group operates in, it does not need to publish any information on an aggregated basis. However, if the Public CBC reporting parent only publishes information on a CBC basis for Australia and the specified jurisdictions, it must publish information for all other jurisdictions on an aggregated basis.

    Australia and specified jurisdictions

    The information required to be reported for Australia and specified jurisdictions is:

    • the name of the jurisdiction
    • a description of main business activities
    • the number of employees (on a full-time equivalent basis) at the end of the reporting period
    • revenue from unrelated parties
    • revenue from related parties that are not tax residents of the jurisdiction
    • profit or loss before income tax
    • book value at the end of the reporting period of tangible assets, other than cash and cash equivalents
    • income tax paid (on a cash basis)
    • income tax accrued (current year)
    • the reasons for the difference between income tax accrued (current year) and the amount of income tax due if the income tax rate applicable to the jurisdiction were applied to profit and loss before income tax
    • the currency used in calculating and presenting the above information.

    Other jurisdictions (aggregated information)

    The information required to be reported on an aggregated basis, for all other jurisdictions the group operates in, is, the aggregation of the following for all of those jurisdictions:

    • a description of main business activities in those jurisdictions
    • the number of employees (on a full-time equivalent basis) at the end of the reporting period
    • revenue from unrelated parties
    • revenue from related parties that are not tax residents of the jurisdiction in which that revenue is being derived
    • profit or loss before income tax
    • book value at the end of the reporting period of tangible assets, other than cash and cash equivalents
    • income tax paid (on a cash basis)
    • income tax accrued (current year)
    • the currency used in calculating and presenting the above information.

    The information required to be reported, has been adopted from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 207: Tax 2019 reporting standard. The GRI 207 may be used as a source of guidance in interpretating the publishing requirements. Regard may also be had to the BEPS Action 13 Guidance and the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines where they provide greater detail on the interpretation of terms.

    Correction of errors

    If a Public CBC reporting parent becomes aware of a material error contained in any of the information that has been published, the CBC reporting parent must correct the error by giving corrected information to the Commissioner in the approved form. This is required no later than 28 days after the entity becomes aware of the material error.

    Penalties apply for non-compliance.

    Publishing the information

    The Public CBC reporting parent is required to publish the information on an Australian government website by giving the information in the approved form to the Commissioner.

    The Public CBC reporting form and instructions are under development and will be made available in 2025.

    The Commissioner’s role

    The Commissioner will facilitate publication of the reported information as soon as practicable, on the Australian government website data.gov.au.

    If a material error is corrected by the Public CBC reporting parent, the Commissioner will publish the corrected information on data.gov.au as soon as practicable. 

    The first publication is expected to be released in late 2026.

    Extension of time to provide the Public CBC report

    The Public CBC report is due within 12 months after the end of the relevant reporting period. For example, for the reporting period ending 30 June 2025, the Public CBC report is due by 30 June 2026.

    A Public CBC reporting parent may apply to the Commissioner for an extension of time to provide the Public CBC report. A Public CBC reporting parent does not have to register to request an extension of time, but consideration and processing of the request may be delayed if it is not registered.

    Guidance on extension of time requests will be made available in 2025.

    Exemptions

    The primary purpose of the Public CBC regime is to enhance tax transparency. However, a Public CBC reporting parent may seek an exemption from reporting obligations, from the Commissioner. The Commissioner may exempt an entity (a ‘full exemption’) or specify that an entity is exempt from publishing information of a particular kind (a ‘partial exemption’) for a single reporting period.

    A Public CBC reporting parent does not have to register to request an exemption, but consideration and processing of the request may be delayed if it is not registered.

    Guidance on exemptions will be made available in 2025. For more information, see Public country-by-country reporting transparency measure and exemption discretions.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Electronic Intifada: Bringing Israeli genocide perpetrators to justice

    This article was written before The Electronic Intifada’s founding editor Ali Abunimah was arrested in Switzerland on Saturday afternoon for “speaking up for Palestine”. He has since been released and deported.

    SPECIAL REPORT: By Ali AbunimahIsrael smuggled one of its soldiers out of Cyprus, apparently fearing his detention on charges related to the genocide in Gaza, according to Dyab Abou Jahjah, the co-founder of The Hind Rajab Foundation.

    Abou Jahjah, a Belgian-Lebanese political activist and writer, told The Electronic Intifada livestream last week that his organisation was stepping up efforts all over the world to bring to justice Israeli soldiers implicated in the slaughter of tens of thousands of men, women and children over the last 15 months.

    You can watch the interview with Abou Jahjah and all of this week’s programme in the video above.


    Gaza Ceasefire Day 5. Video: The Electronic Intifada

    Speaking from Gaza, Electronic Intifada contributor Donya Abu Sitta told us how people there are coping following the ceasefire, especially those returning to devastated homes and finding the remains of loved ones.

    She shared a poem inspired by the hopes and fears of the young children she continued to teach throughout the genocide.

    Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued to attack Palestinians in some parts of Gaza. That was among developments covered in the news brief from associate editor Nora Barrows-Friedman, along with the efforts to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation.

    Israel’s genocidal war has orphaned some 40,000 children in Gaza.

    Contributing editor Jon Elmer covered the latest ceasefire developments and the resistance operations in the period leading up to it.

    We also discussed whether US President Donald Trump will force Israel to uphold the ceasefire and what the latest indications of his approach are.

    And this writer took a critical look at Episcopal Bishop of Washington Mariann Edgar Budde.

    She has been hailed as a hero for urging Donald Trump to respect the rights of marginalised groups, as the new president sat listening to her sermon at Washington’s National Cathedral.

    But over the last 15 months, Budde has parroted Israeli atrocity propaganda justifying genocide, and has repeatedly failed to condemn former President Joe Biden’s key role in the mass slaughter and did not call on him to stop sending weapons to Israel.

    Pursuing war criminals
     In the case of the soldier in Cyprus, The Hind Rajab Foundation filed a complaint, and after initial hesitation, judicial authorities in the European Union state opened an investigation of the soldier.

    “When that was opened, the Israelis smuggled the soldier out of Cyprus,” Abou Jahjah said, calling the incident the first of its kind.

    “And when I say smuggling, I’m not exaggerating, because we have information that he was even taken by a private jet,” Abou Jahjah added.

    The foundation is named after Hind Rajab, a 6-year-old Palestinian girl who was in a car with members of her family, trying to escape the Israeli onslaught in Gaza City, when they were attacked.

    The story of Hind, trapped all alone in a car, surrounded by dead relatives, pleading over the phone for rescue, a conversation that was recorded by the Palestinian Red Crescent, is among the most poignant and brazen crimes committed during Israel’s genocide.

    According to Abou Jahjah, lawyers and activists determined to seek justice for Palestinians identified a gap in the efforts to hold Israel accountable that they could fill: pursuing individual soldiers who have in many cases posted evidence of their own crimes in Gaza on social media.

    The organisation and its growing global network of volunteers and legal professionals has been able to collect evidence on approximately 1000 Israeli soldiers which has been handed over to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

    In addition to filing cases against Israeli soldiers traveling abroad, such as the one in Cyprus, and other recent examples in Brazil, Thailand and Italy, a main focus of the foundation is individuals who hold both Israeli and another nationality.

    “Regarding the dual nationals, we are not under any restraint of time,” Abou Jahjah explained. “For example, if you’re Belgian, Belgium has jurisdiction over you.”

    Renouncing their second nationality cannot shield these soldiers, according to Abou Jahjah, because courts will take into account their citizenship at the time the alleged crime was committed.

    Abou Jahjah feels confident that with time, war criminals will be brought to justice. The organisation is also discussing expanding its work to the United States, where it may use civil litigation to hold perpetrators accountable.

    Unsurprisingly, Israel and friendly governments are pushing back against The Hind Rajab Foundation’s work, and Abou Jahjah is now living under police protection.

    “Things are kind of heavy on that level, but this will not disrupt our work,” Abou Jahjah said. “It’s kind of naive of them to think that the work of the foundation depends on a person.”

    “We have legal teams across the planet, very capable people. Our data is spread across the planet,” Abou Jahjah added. “There’s nothing they can do. This is happening.”

    Resistance report
     In his resistance report, Elmer analysed videos of operations that took place before the ceasefire, but which were only released by the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, after it took effect.

    He also previewed Saturday, 25 January, when nearly 200 Palestinian prisoners were released in exchange for four Israeli female soldiers.

    Will Trump keep Israel to the ceasefire?
     Pressure from President Trump was key to getting Israel to agree to a ceasefire deal it had rejected for almost a year. But will his administration keep up the pressure to see it through?

    There have been mixed messages, with Trump recently telling reporters he was not sure it would hold, but also intriguingly distancing himself from Israel. “That’s not our war, it’s their war.”

    We took a look at what these comments, as well as a renewed commitment to implementing the deal expressed by Steve Witkoff, the president’s envoy, tell us about what to expect.

    As associate editor Asa Winstanley noted, “this ceasefire is not nothing.” It came about because the resistance wore down the Israeli army, and statements from Witkoff hinting that the US may even be open to talking to Hamas deserve close attention.

    ‘Largely silent’
     By her own admission, Bishop Mariann Budde has remained “largely silent” about the genocide in Gaza, except when she was pushing Israeli propaganda or engaging in vague, liberal hand-wringing about “peace” and “love” without ever clearly condemning the perpetrators of mass slaughter and starvation of Palestinians, demanding that the US stop the flow of weapons making it possible, or calling for accountability.

    This type of evasion serves no one.

    You can watch the programme on YouTube, Rumble or Twitter/X, or you can listen to it on your preferred podcast platform.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Highlights Bill To Halt U.S. Investment In Venezuela’s Energy Sector Until Legitimate 2024 Election Results Are Elected

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 27, 2025
    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today highlighted a bill he introduced terminating all U.S. petroleum cooperation and petroleum-related trade with Venezuela until the legitimate results of the recent Venezuelan election are respected. On July 28, 2024, more than 10 million Venezuelans peacefully voted in the presidential election, with results meticulously compiled by credible election monitors showing an overwhelming victory for opposition candidate, Edmundo González, over President Nicolás Maduro. The regime issued an arrest warrant forGonzález and brazenly refused to swear him in as President on January 10, the country’s Inauguration Day. The Maduro regime currently uses oil revenues dependent on U.S. involvement to maintain its police state. Durbin filed the bill as an amendment to the annual defense authorization bill last year. A bipartisan companion bill was reintroduced in the House earlier this month by Representatives Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL-25) and Maria Salazar (D-FL-27).  
    “In 2018, I had the opportunity to visit Venezuela—it was a once prosperous, albeit imperfect, democracy suffering from terrible economic and political decline. I told then-President Maduro that if he rigged the upcoming election, Venezuelans would be more isolated and endure unnecessary suffering. It didn’t stop him for a minute. He went ahead with a discredited election. The result was as predicted. The economy of Venezuela started descending into chaos. People were literally starving. There was an exodus of millions of people from Venezuela,” Durbin said.
    “Last July, Venezuela held another presidential election during which the regime arbitrarily blocked leading opposition candidates from the ballot and tried to undermine the electoral process. Nonetheless, more than 10 million Venezuelans actually voted and the results were meticulously documented by credible election monitors showed a sweeping victory for Edmundo González—his opponent,” said Durbin. “I was glad to see that one of newly confirmed Secretary of State Rubio’s first calls was to President-elect González.”
    “Yet, despite his clear victory, the Maduro Administration has refused to give up the office of presidency and refused to recognize the legitimate election result. …. [it] announced that it had won actually… which is becoming a common trick by these dictators, and refused to swear him in on their inauguration day,” Durbin said. “So, today, I am reintroducing a short, simple bill terminating all U.S. petroleum cooperation and related trade with Venezuela until the legitimate results of the election are respected. It’s pretty simple—the entrenched regime clings to power using oil revenues dependent on the U.S. Under my bill, that will end. President Trump and Secretary Rubio could also take this step right away without my legislation.”
    Durbin concluded, “Lastly, I appeal to our democratic allies in the region, including the democracies of the Caribbean, to stand resolute in defense of a sweeping and clear vote by their exhausted Venezuelan neighbors. They cannot sit idly by for another six years of regime-inflicted suffering and collapse in Venezuela.”
    Durbin traveled to Venezuela in April 2018, during which time he met with then National Assembly Member Juan Guaidó as well as Nicolás Maduro, warning him that pursuing a sham election the following month would further isolate his autocratic regime.
    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Readout: Foreign Secretary meeting with US Secretary of State

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Foreign Secretary call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio: 27 January 2025 

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy spoke with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio today.  

    The Foreign Secretary congratulated Secretary Rubio on his appointment as Secretary of State and the pair discussed their shared links to the Caribbean, with the Foreign Secretary’s family ties to Guyana and Secretary Rubio’s family links to Cuba. 

    They both welcomed the opportunity for the UK and the US to work together in alignment to address on shared challenges including the situation in the Middle East, Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, the challenges posed by China and the need for Indo-Pacific security.  

    The pair said they looked forward to working together and to meeting in person soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Convenes Businesses, State Officials to Talk Trump’s Tariffs Threats and the Impact on Vermont’s Local Economy, Hardworking Families 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    ST. ALBANS, VT – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, convened Vermont businesses and state and local leaders for a roundtable discussion on President Trump’s threats to reignite a trade war with Canada and other U.S. trade allies by imposing dramatic tariffs on goods imported from Canada. Senator Welch advocated for a ‘Do No Harm’ policy approach and warned against imposing tariffs that get passed on to the consumer—Vermont families. 
    “We saw the harmful impact of the Trump Tariffs during his first term, and we can’t accept a return to that chaotic trade policy. Canada is Vermont’s biggest trading partner, and one of our most important allies nationally. Our trade relationship needs to be strong, because the success of hardworking families, businesses, farms, and manufacturers depends on it,” said Senator Welch. “President Trump’s plans are still unknown, but what we do know today is that a trade war is not the answer. We need a ‘Do No Harm’ policy. This is about jobs, and this is about the consistency Vermont businesses deserve. I’ll advocate in Washington for Vermonters, and push for open markets, which are necessary to keep our economy strong.”  
    Senator Welch was joined by leaders in the technology, agriculture, energy, services, construction and manufacturing industries. Participants talked about the importance of Canada as an economic partner for Vermont’s local communities, and how the proposed Trump Tariffs could be detrimental to the state’s businesses, farms, and manufacturers, leading to higher costs for hardworking families.  
    View photos from the event below:  
    Sen. Welch was joined today by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce; the Vermont Association of General Contractors; Manufacturing Solutions, Inc.; H20 Innovation; A.N. Deringer, Inc.; Poulin Grain; Green Mountain Power; Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak; Brett Long, Deputy Commissioner, Vermont Department of Economic Development; and Tim Smith, Mayor, St. Albans. 
    Attendees at the roundtable spoke about the impact of the tariffs on their businesses and their concerns regarding President Trump’s rhetoric regarding trade since taking office last week. In many cases, Vermont manufacturers buy inputs from Canada to manufacture into products. However, the ability of Vermont’s small manufacturing businesses to absorb a 25% increase in costs on parts or raw materials is limited. If President Trump follows through on his threats of a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico, Vermonters could see higher homebuilding costs, increased costs of grain for farmers, more expensive equipment for maple producers, and costlier electricity.   
    The tariffs could also further exacerbate inequalities found within the current U.S. tax system. As trade wars accelerate, some families—especially those with young children—end up being disproportionately impacted by high tariffs, as the U.S. imports 97% of clothing, and infant formulas are hit by tariffs of 17.5%. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: DR Congo: Battle for Goma continues as ‘volatile’ crisis unfolds

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    As fighting intensifies between the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group and Congolese forces, UN chief of Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix underscored the critical state of the battle for eastern DRC’s regional capital Goma, describing the crisis as “volatile and dangerous”.

    In a briefing on Monday, Mr. Lacroix told journalists in New York that some staff from the UN’s Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) was forced to seek shelter for a few hours due to the ongoing conflict.

    He explained that this had “limited their ability to have the full level of information that they would have gotten if they had not been sheltering”, making it difficult to assess the fast-evolving situation.

    Mr. Lacroix said that peacekeepers remain in their positions but noted that safety was “paramount” for non-essential personnel and their dependents, who have been relocated away from Goma.

    He confirmed that MONUSCO personnel would continue to deliver on their mandate to the best of their ability, including protecting civilians and disarming combatants in accordance with international humanitarian law.

    “The fate of the millions of civilians living in Goma or having been displaced is really the priority, along with the safety and security of UN personnel,” Mr. Lacroix said.

    Humanitarian catastrophe

    Bruno Lemarquis, UN Deputy Special Representative, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in the DRC, briefed the press from the ground and painted a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis.

    “What is unfolding in Goma is coming on top of already one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth, with close to 6.5 million displaced people in the country, including close to three million displaced people in North Kivu,” he said.

    He described scenes of mass displacement and violence: “Civilians are taking the brunt of the escalating hostilities”, with heavy artillery fire “directed at the city centre” including a maternity hospital.

    “For example, several shells struck the Charity Maternity Hospital in central Goma, killing and injuring civilians, including newborn and pregnant women,” he emphasised.

    “[Hospitals] are struggling to manage the influx of wounded people,” he said, noting that basic services, including water, electricity and internet, are severely disrupted.

    Mr. Lemarquis called for temporary humanitarian pauses to facilitate the safe evacuation of civilians and ensure aid delivery. “We must act now to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of the people of Goma,” he urged.

    Rwanda’s role

    Responding to questions about Rwanda’s involvement, Mr. Lacroix confirmed the presence of Rwandan troops supporting M23 in Goma, citing significant troop numbers.

    He condemned the killing of peacekeepers, noting that three had died, including two from South Africa and one from Uruguay, with 12 others injured.

    The Under-Secretary-General reiterated the UN’s call for all parties, including Rwanda, to respect the safety and security of UN personnel.

    Regarding Rwanda’s role as a leading troop-contributing country to UN missions, Mr. Lacroix stated, “At this moment, we have to focus on the emergency, with saving as many lives as possible, and trying to bring about the cessation of hostilities.”

    Diplomatic efforts

    Mr Lacroix reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting regional peace initiatives, welcoming the East African Community’s plan for a summit on 28 January and an African Union Peace and Security Council session on Tuesday.

    Both officials stressed the urgency of international engagement, with Mr. Lemarquis highlighting a recent $70 million allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support humanitarian efforts.

    The press conference concluded with a stark message from Mr. Lacroix: “I urge the international community to intensify its engagement to prevent the bloodshed and to support the humanitarian response. We must act now.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Crimestoppers GNO and U.S. Marshals New Orleans Task Force Operation Boo Dat Concludes with Over 50 Arrests and an Endangered Teen Recovery

    Source: US Marshals Service

    New Orleans, LA – Crimestoppers Greater New Orleans (GNO) and the U.S. Marshals Service New Orleans Task Force sponsored their annual Operation Boo Dat 2024 from Oct. 22, 2024, to Jan. 18, 2025.  The operation was a partnership between New Orleans Police Department, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Kenner Police Department, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana Probation and Parole, Homeland Security Investigations, and USMS New Orleans Task Force resulted in 51 arrests, with 16 of the arrests being for felony sex offender registration violations.  A missing/endangered 13-year-old female was also recovered for NOPD during the operation and that recovery led to an immigration violation arrest of a 16-year-old male who was believed to have been involved in juvenile gang activity across the New Orleans metro area.  Twenty-one of the 51 arrested fugitives were arrested during the operation on felony warrants related to open sex-based offenses.  Crimestoppers GNO provided critical support during the operation to include a media released photo spread of 31 fugitives.  The photo spread resulted in the arrests or clearing of 11 of the photo spread targets.  The 20 remaining targets are still at large and Crimestoppers GNO rewards are available for information that leads to their arrest.

    During the operation, sex offender compliance checks were also conducted in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and St. Tammany parishes.  These compliance checks require law enforcement officers to physically visit the sex offender’s reported address of residence to verify that the offender still lives at the provided address.  Countless hours of follow-up investigative work are often required during and after a compliance check.  The compliance checks led to the arrests of 16 fugitives wanted for violating their sex offender registration (Failure to Register or Update as a Sex Offender—FTR).  Several of the FTR arrests were based off Crimestoppers GNO tips.    

    Highlights of Operation Boo Dat 2024 included:

    — The Nov. 1, 2024, arrest of Kevin Dubon-Carrasco, who was wanted by JPSO on an October 2024 warrant for sexual battery, indecent behavior with juveniles, and domestic abuse battery-child endangerment. The alleged victim was an 8-year-old child.  Dubon-Carrasco was arrested in the 3300 block of Green Acres, Metairie, and later rebooked with immigration violations.

    — The Nov. 6, 2024, arrest of Michael K. Brooks on an August 2024 NOPD warrant for aggravated battery by shooting, home invasion, and first-degree rape.  He was also wanted out of Fort Smith, Arkansas, on an active warrant for aggravated assault.  After an almost three-hour standoff with Brooks fleeing on foot through a neighborhood in the 2400 block of Sixth Street, he was finally arrested with assistance from NOPD Special Operations Division.

    — The Nov. 13, 2024, USMS Missing Child Unit recovery of an endangered 13-year-old female runaway for NOPD.  She had been listed as a runaway for NOPD 3rd District earlier in November. She had a prior history of running away and allegations of prior sexual abuse.  It was determined via investigation that she was associated with alleged teenage gang members known to operate in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish and be in possession of firearms and rifles.  With critical assistance from HSI and SBPSO she was recovered in Chalmette, and a 16-year-old male was taken into immigration custody based on the female’s recovery.

    — The Nov. 19, 2024, arrest of Jose Briseno-Molina, who was wanted by the Montgomery County Texas Sheriff’s Office on a warrant for aggravated sexual assault of children.  The alleged victims were under the age of 13.  Briseno-Molina is alleged to have fled Texas to Jefferson Parish, working at a barber shop to raise money before allegedly planning to flee to Mexico.  USMS Southern District of Texas contacted the USMS New Orleans Task Force for assistance and, with critical support from JPSO, the task force arrested Briseno-Molina in the 700 block of Terry Parkway in Jefferson Parish. An ICE immigration hold was also placed on him.  

    — The Dec. 4, 2024, arrest of Ashley Karl Carambat, wanted on a November 2024 STPSO warrant for pornography involving juveniles under the age of 13 and aggravated crimes against nature.   Information was developed by the USMS New Orleans Task Force that Carambat had relocated to the Mobile, Alabama, area and a collateral lead was sent to the USMS Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, who arrested her in Spanish Fort, Alabama.

    — The Dec. 19, 2024, arrest of Jalil Jonas Williams on an NOPD warrant for second-degree murder. Williams, who was on active LA P&P supervision, is alleged to have murdered a Cox Cable technician in the 8000 block of Dwyer Road Dec. 16, 2024.  He was also wanted for an attempted armed robbery in the French Quarter and is a person of interest in another armed robbery in Jefferson Parish.  With assistance from a Crimestoppers GNO tip he was arrested at the New Orleans Bus/Train Station where he was awaiting a bus to allegedly flee from New Orleans.  He was in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest.

    — The Dec. 20, 2024, arrest of Parnell Wilson, wanted by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office on a July 2024 warrant for two counts of first-degree rape of a child (an 8-year-old girl).  Wilson was on active Louisiana Probation and Parole supervision. The USMS New Orleans Task Force, working with LA P&P, developed information that Wilson was going back and forth between New Orleans and Tangipahoa Parish and refusing to comply with his supervision.  He was finally arrested at the LA P&P Office in New Orleans based on work done by the USMS New Orleans Task Force and LA P&P.  

    “Operation Boo Dat demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Marshals Service, Crimestoppers GNO, and our local law enforcement to protect our communities from violence and exploitation,” said Eastern District of Louisiana U.S. Marshal Enix Smith III.

    “Together, we will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents and hold accountable those who threaten them.”  

    Any information can be provided to the U.S. Marshals Service at (504) 589-6872 or via email at usms.wanted@usdoj.gov.  Crimestoppers GNO may also be contacted with tips at (504) 822-1111.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The ICC has a key role in ensuring perpetrators are held accountable for crimes committed in Darfur: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the ICC’s work in Sudan.

    First, the Prosecutor was clear that the conflict in Sudan has gone on for far too long.  

    My Foreign Secretary saw the scale of the suffering for himself when he visited the Adre crossing on the Chad-Sudan border on Saturday. 

    As the Foreign Secretary said, this is the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world.

    For this reason, the UK has announced a further £20m in funding to assist with increased food production and life-saving sexual and reproductive health services for refugees fleeing Sudan.  

    This builds on our announcement in November of the doubling of our aid to over £226m. 

    These funds are delivering emergency food assistance to almost 800,000 displaced people.

    They are providing improved access to shelter, drinking water, emergency healthcare and education.   

    Further efforts to galvanise international support are also required.  

    This is why my Foreign Secretary announced his intention to convene a meeting of foreign ministers to ensure aid gets to where it is needed most and to re-energise efforts to end this conflict.

    Second, the International Criminal Court has a key role to play in ensuring perpetrators are held accountable for crimes committed in Darfur.

    In that context, the United Kingdom welcomes the creation of a structured dialogue between the Office of the Prosecutor and Civil Society Organisations.  

    This can help ensure that the voices of victims are heard.

    We further welcome the conclusion of the Ali Kushayb trial in December 2024.  

    As the first trial to be concluded in a Situation referred to the Court by the UN Security Council, this represents a historic milestone. 

    We look forward to hearing updates on any further applications for arrest warrants.

    Third, the UK reiterates our call for full cooperation with the Court.  

    We welcome the constructive engagement by the Sudanese authorities with the ICC during this reporting period.  

    We further urge them to cooperate with the ICC to ensure the arrest and surrender of those subject to outstanding arrest warrants: Omar Al Bashir, Abdel Raheem Muhammad Hussein and Ahmad Harun. 

    Mr President, let me conclude by reiterating the UK’s continued support for the Court, and our respect for its independence.  

    It is important that the ICC is able to carry out its important work in Darfur and elsewhere without interference.

    Sanctioning the ICC in response to one of its decisions would impede its ability to carry out this important work, in Darfur, Venezuela, Ukraine and in all situations where the Court is active.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 01/27/2025 Blackburn, Luján Introduce Bill to Safeguard U.S. Communications Networks from National Security Threats

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security (ROUTERS) Act to safeguard Americans’ communications networks from foreign-adversary controlled technology, including routers, modems, or devices that combine both:
    “Tens of millions of families and small businesses across the country use wireless routers as their primary access point to the internet,” said Senator Blackburn. “Many of these routers are susceptible to infiltration by foreign actors – including China – exposing our country to serious danger. This bill will better protect U.S. communications networks and our national security.”
    “The ROUTERS Act is a crucial step in ensuring that everyday internet devices like consumer routers and modems don’t pose a risk to our national security or consumer privacy,” said Senator Luján. “Securing our broadband infrastructure is a top priority, and we must create safeguards at every point across our systems. That is why I am proud to reintroduce this critical piece of legislation to help protect the privacy and security of millions of Americans.”

    ROUTERS ACT:

    The ROUTERS Act would require the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information at the Department of Commerce to conduct a study of the national security risks posed by routers, modems, or other devices that are designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned, controlled, or subject to the jurisdiction of U.S. adversaries. This includes the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, or Venezuela.

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – DCAM in the DROI Subcommittee Meeting on 27 January 2025 – Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America, including the EU-Central America Association Parliamentary Committee

    Source: European Parliament

    The Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and in association with the Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (DCAM) held an Exchange of views on the human rights situation in Nicaragua on 27 January 2025 in its meeting.

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Concerned by Escalating Violence in Democratic Republic of Congo

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

    The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and reiterates his strongest condemnation of the M23 [23 March Movement] armed group’s ongoing offensive and advances towards Goma in North Kivu with the support of the Rwanda Defence Forces.

    In the last 48 hours, two United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) peacekeepers from South Africa and one peacekeeper from Uruguay were killed while implementing the mandate entrusted upon them by the Security Council.  Eleven peacekeepers sustained injuries and are being treated in the UN hospital in Goma.

    The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers as well as to their Governments and the people of South Africa and Uruguay, and wishes a swift recovery to the injured.  He pays tribute to the bravery of all the United Nations peacekeepers while implementing their mandate to protect civilians and defend them against armed group violence, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    The Secretary-General reminds all parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law.  He recalls that attacks against United Nations personnel may constitute a war crime.  He calls on the appropriate authorities to investigate this incident and swiftly bring those responsible to justice.

    The Secretary-General reiterates his call to respect the ceasefire agreement.  He calls on M23 to immediately cease all hostile actions and withdraw from occupied areas.  He further calls on the Rwanda Defence Forces to cease support to M23 and withdraw from Democratic Republic of the Congo territory.  He reaffirms the United Nations support to the Luanda Process and calls for an immediate resumption of negotiations in this framework.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Black Holes Can Cook for Themselves, Chandra Study Shows

    Source: NASA

    Astronomers have taken a crucial step in showing that the most massive black holes in the universe can create their own meals. Data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Very Large Telescope (VLT) provide new evidence that outbursts from black holes can help cool down gas to feed themselves.
    This study was based on observations of seven clusters of galaxies. The centers of galaxy clusters contain the universe’s most massive galaxies, which harbor huge black holes with masses ranging from millions to tens of billions of times that of the Sun. Jets from these black holes are driven by the black holes feasting on gas.
    These images show two of the galaxy clusters in the study, the Perseus Cluster and the Centaurus Cluster. Chandra data represented in blue reveals X-rays from filaments of hot gas, and data from the VLT, an optical telescope in Chile, shows cooler filaments in red.
    The results support a model where outbursts from the black holes trigger hot gas to cool and form narrow filaments of warm gas. Turbulence in the gas also plays an important role in this triggering process.
    According to this model, some of the warm gas in these filaments should then flow into the centers of the galaxies to feed the black holes, causing an outburst. The outburst causes more gas to cool and feed the black holes, leading to further outbursts.
    This model predicts there will be a relationship between the brightness of filaments of hot and warm gas in the centers of galaxy clusters. More specifically, in regions where the hot gas is brighter, the warm gas should also be brighter. The team of astronomers has, for the first time, discovered such a relationship, giving critical support for the model.
    This result also provides new understanding of these gas-filled filaments, which are important not just for feeding black holes but also for causing new stars to form. This advance was made possible by an innovative technique that isolates the hot filaments in the Chandra X-ray data from other structures, including large cavities in the hot gas created by the black hole’s jets.
    The newly found relationship for these filaments shows remarkable similarity to the one found in the tails of jellyfish galaxies, which have had gas stripped away from them as they travel through surrounding gas, forming long tails. This similarity reveals an unexpected cosmic connection between the two objects and implies a similar process is occurring in these objects.
    This work was led by Valeria Olivares from the University of Santiago de Chile, and was published Monday in Nature Astronomy. The study brought together international experts in optical and X-ray observations and simulations from the United States, Chile, Australia, Canada, and Italy. The work relied on the capabilities of the MUSE (Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer) instrument on the VLT, which generates 3D views of the universe.
    NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Chandra X-ray Center controls science operations from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and flight operations from Burlington, Massachusetts.
    Read more from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.
    Learn more about the Chandra X-ray Observatory and its mission here:

    chandra

    https://chandra.si.edu

    This release features composite images shown side-by-side of two different galaxy clusters, each with a central black hole surrounded by patches and filaments of gas. The galaxy clusters, known as Perseus and Centaurus, are two of seven galaxy clusters observed as part of an international study led by the University of Santiago de Chile.
    In each image, a patch of purple with neon pink veins floats in the blackness of space, surrounded by flecks of light. At the center of each patch is a glowing, bright white dot. The bright white dots are black holes. The purple patches represent hot X-ray gas, and the neon pink veins represent filaments of warm gas. According to the model published in the study, jets from the black holes impact the hot X-ray gas. This gas cools into warm filaments, with some warm gas flowing back into the black hole. The return flow of warm gas causes jets to again cool the hot gas, triggering the cycle once again.
    While the images of the two galaxy clusters are broadly similar, there are significant visual differences. In the image of the Perseus Cluster on the left, the surrounding flecks of light are larger and brighter, making the individual galaxies they represent easier to discern. Here, the purple gas has a blue tint, and the hot pink filaments appear solid, as if rendered with quivering strokes of a paintbrush. In the image of the Centaurus Cluster on the right, the purple gas appears softer, with a more diffuse quality. The filaments are rendered in more detail, with feathery edges, and gradation in color ranging from pale pink to neon red.

    Megan WatzkeChandra X-ray CenterCambridge, Mass.617-496-7998mwatzke@cfa.harvard.edu
    Lane FigueroaMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama256-544-0034lane.e.figueroa@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Members consider China’s request for panel to examine electric vehicle measures in Türkiye

    Source: World Trade Organization

    DS629: Türkiye — Measures Concerning Electric Vehicles and Other Types of Vehicles from China

    China submitted a request for the establishment of a dispute panel to rule on various measures taken by Türkiye concerning electric vehicles (“EVs”) and certain other types of vehicles originating in China. Consultations took place on 20-21 November in an effort to resolve the dispute but failed to produce a mutually agreed solution, prompting China to submit its request for the panel. 

    China said Türkiye’s measures are protectionist and discriminatory, and violate Türkiye’s core obligations under the WTO agreements, including most favoured nation treatment, tariff bindings, and general elimination of quantitative restrictions. China expressed grave concerns that some members, including Türkiye, have introduced restrictive measures on Chinese new energy products, including EVs, which are inconsistent with WTO rules. Increased tech protectionism is not a solution, China said, adding that the panel request is one of the responses to such unlawful measures.

    Türkiye said the two sides had constructive consultations in November 2024 and that it shared information and clarifications with its Chinese colleagues in a cooperative manner. Türkiye said its measures are completely justified against the backdrop of the strong challenges its automotive industry has been facing for many years due to anti-competitive practices, subsidization, and excess capacity. These problems should be addressed in the relevant WTO bodies for a level playing field in industrial sectors. Against that background, Türkiye said it cannot at this time agree to the establishment of a panel.

    The DSB took note of the statements and agreed to revert to this matter should the requesting member wish to do so.

    DS597: United States – Origin Marking Requirement (Hong Kong, China)

    The United States once again raised the matter of the panel ruling in DS597 at the DSB meeting. The US said it was raising the matter as a result of recent developments in Hong Kong, China regarding free speech and human rights.  The US referred back to its previous statements regarding its position on essential security and its reasons for placing this item on the DSB agenda.

    Hong Kong, China said the US again raising this matter and questioning its inherent rights under international law was an abuse of WTO rules. The panel ruling clearly confirms that the US action lacks legal justification, Hong Kong, China said, adding that it stands ready to proceed through the due process of appeal should the US lift its blockage on the appointment of Appellate Body members.

    China reiterated its objections to the item being on the DSB agenda and said any member, regardless of its power and size, should refrain from taking unilateral and protectionism measures in the name of national security or using it as a vehicle to disregard the core principles of the WTO and interfere in other members’ internal affairs.

    Appellate Body appointments

    Colombia, speaking on behalf of 130 members, introduced for the 83rd time the group’s proposal to start the selection processes for filling vacancies on the Appellate Body. The extensive number of members submitting the proposal reflects a common interest in the functioning of the Appellate Body and, more generally, in the functioning of the WTO’s dispute settlement system, Colombia said.

    The United States noted that a new US President was inaugurated on 20 January, and the US is currently transitioning to a new Administration.  Members are aware of the longstanding US concerns with WTO dispute settlement that have persisted across US administrations; those concerns remain unaddressed and it does not support the proposed decision, the United States said.

    Twenty members then took the floor to comment. Most reiterated their support for the joint proposal and for the urgent need to restore a fully functioning dispute settlement system as soon as possible. Many welcomed the progress made in the dispute settlement reform discussions to date and the proposal by the General Council Chair to initiate consultations with interested delegations to hear views on how to build on progress made in a manner that would further advance dispute settlement reform work.

    Several members said they looked forward to hearing from the Chair on how those consultations would be organized.  Ten members urged others to consider joining the Multi-party interim appeal arrangement (MPIA), a contingent measure to safeguard the right to appeal in the absence of a functioning Appellate Body. 

    Colombia said on behalf of the 130 members it regretted that for the 83rd occasion members have not been able to launch the selection processes. Ongoing conversations about reform of the dispute settlement system should not prevent the Appellate Body from continuing to operate fully, and members shall comply with their obligation under the Dispute Settlement Understanding to fill the vacancies as they arise, Colombia said for the group.

    Surveillance of implementation

    Australia presented a status report regarding its implementation of the panel ruling in the case brought by China in DS603, “Australia — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Measures on Certain Products from China.”  Australia said it provided a written status report in this dispute on 16 January noting that Australia has fully implemented the ruling and that the matter is now resolved.

    China thanked Australia for its statement and said this case demonstrates the effectiveness of the WTO dispute settlement system. At a time when the multilateral trading system faces unprecedented challenges, cooperation among members is vital to maintaining the effective operation of the dispute settlement mechanism, China said.  China added that it is ready to work with Australia and other members to continue to resolve trade frictions under the WTO framework.

    The United States presented status reports with regard to DS184, “US — Anti-Dumping Measures on Certain Hot-Rolled Steel Products from Japan”,  DS160, “United States — Section 110(5) of US Copyright Act”, DS464, “United States — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Measures on Large Residential Washers from Korea”, and DS471, “United States — Certain Methodologies and their Application to Anti-Dumping Proceedings Involving China.”

    The European Union presented a status report with regard to DS291, “EC — Measures Affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products.”

    Indonesia presented its status reports in DS477 and DS478, “Indonesia — Importation of Horticultural Products, Animals and Animal Products.” 

    Next meeting

    The next regular DSB meeting will take place on 24 February 2025.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s Petroleum Industry

    Source: Government of India

    India’s Petroleum Industry

    Fueling Growth and Innovation

    Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 8:22PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    India’s petroleum industry is a comprehensive sector encompassing exploration, production, refining, distribution, and marketing of petroleum and its by-products. This includes upstream activities like extraction of crude oil and natural gas, midstream activities such as transportation and storage, and downstream processes including refining and distribution of fuels like petrol, diesel, LPG, and kerosene. A critical contributor to India’s energy basket, the petroleum industry ensures energy security and underpins various economic activities.

    At present, India has nineteen Public-Sector Undertaking (PSU) refineries, three Private-Sector refineries, and one Joint Venture refinery. The country’s refining capacity increased from 215.066 Million Metric Tons per annum (MMTPA) in April 2014 to 256.816 MMTPA in April 2024.

     

    Origin and Brief History

    The roots of India’s petroleum industry trace back to 1867 when the first oil well was drilled in Digboi, Assam. This discovery marked the inception of the country’s exploration and production activities. The establishment of the Indian Oil Corporation in 1959 heralded a structured approach to refining and distribution. Over the decades, the sector witnessed significant expansion, from small-scale refineries to a robust network capable of meeting domestic and export demands. Today, India’s petroleum industry stands as a symbol of resilience and innovation, evolving in response to global and domestic energy challenges.

    Industry Development and Evolution

    The Indian petroleum industry has evolved significantly, driven by technological advancements and policy reforms. The 1990s marked a pivotal era with economic liberalization, leading to increased private and foreign investment. Public sector undertakings (PSUs) like ONGC and Indian Oil Corporation have played a crucial role in exploration and refining. Establishing state-of-the-art refineries, such as Jamnagar Refinery in Gujarat, has bolstered refining capacities, making India a refining hub in Asia. Furthermore, government initiatives like the National Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) have incentivized exploration activities.

    India’s energy landscape is rapidly evolving. The country boasts 651.8 million metric tons of recoverable crude oil reserves and 1,138.6 billion cubic meters of recoverable natural gas reserves within its sedimentary basins.

    Here are some recent updates in India’s petroleum industry:

    1. India is on track to increase its exploration acreage to 1million square kilometers by 2030, with a 16% increase expected in 2025.
    2. The price of a domestic LPG cylinder in India is among the lowest worldwide, with costs as low as Rs. 803 per 14.2 Kg cylinder. For PMUY households, after a targeted subsidy of Rs 300 per cylinder, the effective price is Rs 503/ cylinder.
    3. The approval process for exploration and production activities in the petroleum industry has now been simplified, reducing 37 approval processes to just 18, of which nine are now available for self-certification.
    4. Introducing the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill in 2024 ensures policy stability for oil and gas producers, and enables single license for all hydrocarbons. This bill was recently passed by the Rajya Sabha on December 3, 2024.

     

    Foreign trade of Petroleum

    India has witnessed a remarkable surge in petroleum product exports over the last decade. The country’s refining capacity, now exceeding 250 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), has enabled it to cater to global markets.

    Key export destinations include South Asian, African, and European countries. The government’s emphasis on export-oriented growth and establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for refineries have further boosted this trend. Exports not only contribute to foreign exchange reserves but also enhance India’s stature as a global energy supplier.

    Source: https://ppac.gov.in/

     

    Share in GDP

    As per the information provided by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Gross Value Addition (GVA) of manufacture of Coke and Refined Petroleum Products has increased from Rs.1.56 lakh Crore in 2012-13 to Rs. 2.12 lakh Crore in 2022-23 (as per first revised estimates) which has also contributed in increase of All India GDP from Rs.99.44 lakh Crore to Rs. 269.49 lakh Crore in the corresponding period, at current prices. This industry also provides direct and indirect employment to millions, spanning exploration, refining, distribution, and retail sectors. The industry’s value chain supports ancillary industries such as petrochemicals, logistics, and manufacturing. The sector enhances socio-economic stability by fostering skill development and offering diverse career opportunities.

    Global Ranking in Refining and Supply

    India ranks among the top five refining nations globally, thanks to its robust infrastructure and strategic geographic location. The country is the seventh-largest exporter of refined petroleum products. Facilities like the Jamnagar refinery, one of the world’s largest, underscore India’s dominance in the refining sector. This global standing enhances India’s energy security and positions it as a key player in international energy markets. International Energy Agency (IEA) in February 2024 assessed that India will become the largest source of global oil demand growth between now and 2030. India is the second-largest economy in biofuel blending, following Brazil.

     

    Metric

    India’s Global Rank

    Exporter of Refined Products

    7th

    Ethanol Blending in Petrol

    2nd

    BioFuel Producer

    3rd

    LNG Terminal Capacity

    4th

    Refining Capacity (MMTPA)

    4th

     

    Technological Advancements in Petroleum Industry

    Adopting cutting-edge technologies has been pivotal to the petroleum industry’s growth. Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques, digitalization, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) have optimized exploration and production processes. Refineries are increasingly adopting green technologies to minimize environmental impact. Projects such as bio-refineries and the development of alternative fuels like compressed bio-gas (CBG) showcase the industry’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

    Government Initiatives

    The Indian government has launched several initiatives to bolster the petroleum sector. Here are some key schemes:

    1. Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana: Supporting bio-ethanol projects such as second generation and third generation plants for sustainable fuel production.
    2. Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Enhancing energy security through storage facilities. In India, the SPR is primarily located at three underground storage facilities in Visakhapatnam, Mangalore, and Padur (Karnataka), with a total capacity of 5.33 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of crude oil managed by the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL).
    3. Ethanol Blending Program: Promoting biofuels to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and curb emissions. The government has a target of achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025-26. Since the inception of the EBP Programme, ethanol blending has increased from 38 crore litres in the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2013-14 to over 707.4 crore litres in ESY 2023-24.
    4. City Gas Distribution Network Expansion: Expanding piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure by covering 733 districts in 34 states/UTs covering almost 100% of the mainland area and almost 100% of total geographical area of the country.
    5. Energy Security Initiatives: Investing in overseas exploration and acquisition of oil blocks.

    Moving towards Greener Fuels

    1. SATAT Initiative (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation): The SATAT initiative invites potential investors to set up Compressed Biogas (CBG) production plants. The aim is to make better use of agricultural residue, cattle dung, and municipal solid waste, and provide farmers with an additional source of revenue.
    2. Mission Green Hydrogen: Promoting green hydrogen production to reduce carbon footprint. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, a global demand of over 100 MMT of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives like Green Ammonia is expected to emerge by 2030. Aiming at about 10% of the global market, India can potentially export about 10 MMT Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia per annum. The production capacity targeted by 2030 is likely to leverage over ₹8 lakh crore in total investments and create over 6 lakh jobs. Nearly 50 MMT per annum of CO2 emissions are expected to be averted as a result of the various Green Hydrogen initiatives under the Mission. Achievement of Mission targets is expected to contribute to India’s energy security and reduce a cumulative ₹1 lakh crore worth of fossil fuel imports by 2030 .
    3.  National Bio-Energy Programme: Focused on bio-energy production and reducing waste.
    4. Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP): Encouraging private investment in exploration and production.

     

    Implications for India’s Growth and Development

    The petroleum industry’s expansion has multifaceted implications. Economically, it boosts GDP, foreign exchange earnings, and industrial growth. Politically, energy independence strengthens India’s global standing and reduces strategic vulnerabilities. Socially, the industry’s growth promotes rural development through improved energy access and employment.

     

    Future Prospects

    India’s petroleum industry faces a dynamic future, shaped by global energy transitions and domestic demand. Increasing investments in exploration, expanding refining capacities, and embracing renewable energy sources will define its trajectory. Initiatives like green hydrogen production and carbon capture technologies highlight the sector’s adaptability. With a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, India is poised to maintain its leadership in the global energy landscape while aligning with its climate commitments.

     

    Key Area

    Future Target

    Refining Capacity

    309.5 MMTPA by 2030

    Ethanol Blending

    20% by 2025-26

    Green Hydrogen Production

    5 MMTPA by 2030

    Exploration Acreage

    1 million sq. kms. by 2030

     

    References

    https://www.isprlindia.com/aboutus.asp

    https://mopng.gov.in/

    https://nghm.mnre.gov.in/overviews.php

    https://ongcindia.com/web/eng/about-ongc/ongc-at-a-glance/oil-and-gas-industry

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2043042

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2038435

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1940265

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1946408

    https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2003519

    https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=152007&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

    https://pib.gov.in/newsite/pmreleases.aspx?mincode=20

    https://ppac.gov.in/import-export

    https://ppac.gov.in/infrastructure/installed-refinery-capacity

    https://pmuy.gov.in/

    https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2024/jan/doc202413295811.pdf

    Click here to see PDF.

    ******

    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Rishita Aggarwal

     

    Annexure 1

    Refineries in India:

    Refinery Location

    Name of the Company

    Name Plate Capacity (MMTPA)

     

    PSU Refineries

    		  

    Digboi – 1901

    Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

    0.650

    Guwahati – 1962

    Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

    1.200

    Barauni – 1964

    Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

    6.000

    Koyali – 1965

    Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

    13.700

    Bongaigaon – 1974

    Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

    2.700

    Haldia – 1975

    Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

    8.000

    Mathura – 1982

    Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

    8.000

    Panipat – 1998

    Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

    15.000

    Paradip – 2016

    Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

    15.000

    Manali – 1965

    Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

    10.500

    Cauvery Basin* – 1993

    Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

    0.000

    Mumbai – 1954

    Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

    9.500

    Vizag – 1957

    Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

    13.700

    Mumbai – 1955

    Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

    12.000

    Bina^ – 2011

    Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

    7.800

    Kochi – 1963

    Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

    15.500

    Numaligarh – 2000

    Numaligarh Refinery Ltd.

    3.000

    Mangalore – 1996

    Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd.

    15.000

    Tatipaka, AP – 2001

    Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd.

    0.066

    Total PSU Refineries

    		  

    157.316

     

     

     
     

    JV Refineries

    		  

    Bathinda – 2012

    HPCL Mittal Energy Ltd.

    11.300

    Total JV Refineries

    		  

    11.300

     

     

     

     

    Private Sector Refineries

    		  

    DTA-Jamnagar – 1999

    Reliance Industries Ltd.

    33.000

    SEZ-Jamnagar – 2008

    Reliance Industries Ltd.

    35.200

    Vadinar – 2006

    Nayara Energy (Formerly Essar Oil Ltd.)

    20.000

    Total Private Sector

    		  

    88.200

    Grand Total

    		  

    256.816

     

     

    * The Cauvery Basin refinery is under capacity augmentation.

    ^The Bina oil refinery, in the year 2021, become wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited – a ‘Maharatna’ PSU of Government of India.

    (Release ID: 2096817) Visitor Counter : 95

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 1975 was declared International Women’s Year. 50 years on, the ‘revolution in our heads’ is still being fought

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marian Sawer, Emeritus Professor, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University

    National Archives of Australia

    In December 1972, the same month the Whitlam government was first elected, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1975 as International Women’s Year (IWY). This set in train a series of world-changing events, in which Australia was to play a significant part.

    The aim of IWY was to end discrimination against women and enable them to participate fully in economic, social and political life. Fifty years later, such participation has become an indicator of development and good governance. But the full promise of International Women’s year has yet to be fulfilled, hampered by pushback and the scourge of gender-based violence.

    ‘The greatest consciousness-raising event in history’

    Dubbed “the greatest consciousness-raising event in history”, the UN’s first World Conference on Women took place in Mexico City in June 1975. Consciousness-raising had been part of the repertoire of women’s liberation. Now it was taken up by government and intergovernmental bodies.

    The Mexico City conference was agenda-setting in many ways. The Australian government delegation, led by Elizabeth Reid, helped introduce the world of multilateral diplomacy to the language of the women’s movement. As Reid said:

    We argued that, whenever the words “racism”, “colonialism” and “neo-colonialism” occurred in documents of the conference, so too should “sexism”, a term that had not to that date appeared in United Nations documents or debates.

    Reid held the position of women’s adviser to the prime minister. In this pioneering role, she had been able to obtain government commitment and funding for Australia’s own national consciousness-raising exercise during IWY.

    A wide range of small grants promoted attitudinal change – “the revolution in our heads” – whether in traditional women’s organisations, churches and unions, or through providing help such as Gestetner machines to the new women’s centres.

    IWY grants explicitly did not include the new women’s services, including refuges, women’s health centres and rape crisis centres. Their funding was now regarded as an ongoing responsibility for government, rather than suitable for one-off grants.

    IWY began in Australia with a televised conversation on New Year’s Day between Reid and Governor-General John Kerr on hopes and aspirations for the year. On International Women’s Day (March 8), Prime Minister Gough Whitlam’s speech emphasised the need for attitudinal change:

    Both men and women must be made aware of our habitual patterns of prejudice which we often do not see as such but whose existence manifests itself in our language and our behaviour.

    The Australian postal service celebrated the day by releasing a stamp featuring the IWY symbol, showing the spirit of women breaking free of their traditional bonds. At Reid’s suggestion, IWY materials, including the symbol, were printed in the purple, green and white first adopted by Emmeline Pankhurst in 1908 and now known as the suffragette colours.


    Author supplied

    Policy power

    Inside government, Reid had introduced the idea that all Cabinet submissions needed to be analysed for gender impact. After the Mexico City conference, this idea became part of new international norms of governance.

    Following the adoption at the conference of the World Plan of Action, the idea that governments needed specialised policy machinery to promote gender equality was disseminated around the world.

    Given the amount of ground to be covered, IWY was expanded to a UN Decade for Women (1976–85). By the end of it, 127 countries had established some form of government machinery to advance the status of women. Each of the successive UN world conferences (Copenhagen 1980, Nairobi 1985, Beijing 1995) generated new plans of action and strengthened systems of reporting by governments.

    The Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing was a high point. Its “platform for action” provided further impetus for what was now called “gender mainstreaming”. By 2018, every country recognised by the UN except North Korea had established government machinery for this purpose.

    The global diffusion of this policy innovation was unprecedented in its rapidity. At the same time, Australia took the lead in another best-practice innovation. In 1984, the Commonwealth government pioneered what became known as “gender budgeting”. This required departments to disaggregate the ways particular budgetary decisions affected men and women.

    As feminist economists pointed out, when the economic and social division of labour was taken into account, no budgetary decision could be assumed to be gender-neutral. Governments had emphasised special programs for women, a relatively small part of annual budgets, rather than the more substantial impact on women of macro-economic policy.

    Standard-setting bodies such as the OECD helped promote gender budgeting as the best way to ensure such decisions did not inadvertently increase rather than reduce gender gaps.

    By 2022, gender budgeting had been taken up around the world, including in 61% of OECD countries. Now that it had become an international marker of good governance, Australian governments were also reintroducing it after a period of abeyance.

    Momentum builds

    In addition to such policy transfer, new frameworks were being adopted internationally. Following IWY, the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was adopted in 1979. CEDAW became known as the international bill of rights for women, and has been ratified by 189 countries. This is more than any other UN Convention except that on the rights of the child.

    All state parties to CEDAW were required to submit periodic reports to the UN on its implementation. Non-government organisations were encouraged to provide shadow reports to inform the questioning of government representatives. This oversight and dialogue relating to gender equality became part of the norm-building work of the UN.

    However, this very success at international and regional levels helped fuel “anti-gender movements” that gathered strength after 1995. No more world conferences on women were held, for fear there would be slippage from the standards achieved in Beijing.

    In Australia, the leveraging of international standards to promote gender equality has been muted in deference to populist politics. It became common to present the business case rather than the social justice case for gender-equality policy, even the cost to the economy of gender-based violence (estimated by KPMG to be $26 billion in 2015–16).

    The battle continues

    Fifty years after IWY, Australia is making up some lost ground in areas such as paid parental leave, work value in the care economy, and recognition of the ways economic policy affects women differently from men.

    However, all of this remains precarious, with issues of gender equality too readily rejected as part of a “woke agenda”.

    The world has become a different place from when the Australian government delegation set out to introduce the UN to the concept of sexism. In Western democracies, women have surged into male domains such as parliaments. Australia now has an almost equal number of women and men in its Cabinet (11 out of 23 members).

    But along with very different expectations has come the resentment too often being mobilised by the kind of populist politics we will likely see more of in this election year.

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

    – ref. 1975 was declared International Women’s Year. 50 years on, the ‘revolution in our heads’ is still being fought – https://theconversation.com/1975-was-declared-international-womens-year-50-years-on-the-revolution-in-our-heads-is-still-being-fought-241791

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and reiterates his strongest condemnation of the M23 armed group’s ongoing offensive and advances towards Goma in North Kivu with the support of the Rwanda Defence Forces.

    In the last 48 hours, two MONUSCO peacekeepers from South Africa and one peacekeeper from Uruguay were killed while implementing the mandate entrusted upon them by the Security Council. Eleven peacekeepers sustained injuries and are being treated in the UN hospital in Goma.

    The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers as well as to their Governments and the people of South Africa and Uruguay, and wishes a swift recovery to the injured. He pays tribute to the bravery of all the United Nations peacekeepers while implementing their mandate to protect civilians and defend them against armed group violence, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).

    The Secretary-General reminds all parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law. He recalls that attacks against United Nations personnel may constitute a war crime. He calls on the appropriate authorities to investigate this incident and swiftly bring those responsible to justice. 

    The Secretary-General reiterates his call to respect the ceasefire agreement. He calls on the M23 to immediately cease all hostile actions and withdraw from occupied areas.  He further calls on the Rwanda Defence Forces to cease support to the M23 and withdraw from DRC territory.  He reaffirms the United Nations’ support to the Luanda process and calls for an immediate resumption of negotiations in this framework.

    ***** 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: BW Energy Joins Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Amid Record Dussafu Output, Namibia Exploration Progress

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

    PARIS, France, January 27, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Jérôme Bertheau, Executive Vice President – Global Projects at BW Energy, will speak at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum, set to take place May 13-14 in Paris. Bertheau’s participation underscores the company’s commitment to advancing Africa’s energy sector through innovative developments and strategic investments.

    BW Energy is making significant strides in Africa’s energy landscape, particularly in Gabon, where the company is enhancing production at the Dussafu field through advanced recovery techniques. Last October, the company signed PSCs for the Niosi Marin and Guduma Marin offshore exploration blocks in partnership with Panoro Energy and VAALCO Energy. These agreements include drilling one well in the Niosi Marin block during the exploration phase, alongside plans for a 3D seismic acquisition campaign. BW Energy aims to complete the first phase of Hibiscus and Ruche development and bring production to a nameplate capacity of 40,000 barrels per day.

    IAE 2025 (www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    ​​In addition to its activities in Gabon, BW Energy is making progress in Namibia with plans to drill a well on the Kharas prospect offshore, northwest of the Kudu Formation. The company has secured long-lead items and is in discussions with other operators for rig capacity, with drilling expected to begin in the second half of 2025. Furthermore, BW Energy has completed the processing of a PSDM 3D dataset over the offshore Kudu gas field and is advancing its development planning for the proposed Kudu gas-to-power project. The company is also progressing its Maromba oilfield development in Brazil, with a final investment decision expected in early 2025.

    Bertheau’s participation at IAE 2025 highlights BW Energy’s commitment to innovation and its focus on maximizing the value of its African assets while promoting local content and sustainable development. The company’s involvement underscores its position as a leading energy player, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships to drive growth across its portfolio.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Hawley Reintroduce RECA to Give Nuclear Radiation Victims Compensation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), along with Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) reintroduced the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act to compensate Americans exposed to radiation by government nuclear programs. 
    Despite the Senate passing this bill, the House of Representatives failed to pass the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) reauthorization before its expiration deadline in the 118th Congress.  
    “In New Mexico and across the country, thousands sacrificed to contribute to our national security. Today, individuals affected by nuclear weapons testing, downwind radiation exposure, and uranium mining are still waiting to receive the justice they are owed,” said Senator Luján. “It is unacceptable that so many who have gotten sick from radiation exposure have been denied compensation by Congress. Despite having passed RECA legislation twice through the Senate with broad bipartisan support, and securing the support of the previous administration, I was disheartened that Speaker Johnson refused a vote on RECA to help victims. This Congress, I am proud to partner with Senator Hawley again to extend and expand RECA. RECA is a bipartisan priority and I am hopeful that we will once again get it through the Senate and hope the Speaker commits to getting victims the compensation they are owed.”
    “The time to reauthorize RECA is now. The Senate has done this twice before and must do it again. For far too long, Missourians and others across America have suffered without compensation from their government. It is vital that we unite to pass this legislation now, and that the President sign it into law,” said Senator Hawley.  
    Since being elected to Congress, Senator Luján has played a leading role in advancing legislation to strengthen the RECA program. He has introduced RECA legislation in every Congress since being elected in 2008.
    In 2023, Senator Luján led a bipartisan coalition of Senators to pass RECA as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) – the most significant Congressional action in decades to strengthen the program. Republican leadership ultimately blocked its inclusion in the final NDAA bill despite bipartisan support. 
    In March 2024, the Senate passed Senator Luján’s legislation to extend and expand the RECA program with strong bipartisan support. This included support from Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.
    After RECA legislation passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support, Senator Lujánled a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to immediately act to pass RECA. 
    After months of inaction by Speaker Johnson, Senator Luján held a bipartisan, bicameral press conference in September 2024 with RECA advocates, urging Speaker Johnson to allow a vote on the Senate-passed RECA legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Rural communities in Québec are embracing ‘mushroom tourism’ to boost local economies

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Amélie Cloutier, Professor of Strategy and Innovation, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

    Mycotourism combines mushroom foraging in natural habitats with culinary traditions and rural culture, offering a unique experience distinct from traditional tourism. (Shutterstock)

    Mycotourism, or mushroom tourism, is becoming increasingly popular as travellers seek out more nature-focused experiences. This unique tourism niche combines guided mushroom foraging with culinary traditions and rural culture to offer travellers an experience distinct from more traditional forms of tourism.

    Mycotourism has significant economic and environmental potential to boost local economies, particularly in rural areas, while also fostering a deeper connection between visitors and nature. When it is practised sustainably, it can also help conserve local ecosystems and cultural traditions by sharing traditional mushroom harvesting methods and ecological knowledge with the public.

    The growing popularity of mycotourism reflects a larger shift toward forest-related and gastronomy tourism. Forest-related tourism includes activities like foraging and product harvesting as travellers seek closer connections to nature, while gastronomy tourism involves travellers seeking out culinary experiences.

    Rural tourism, too, has seen growing interest in recent years. United Nations Tourism designated 2020 as the “Year of Tourism and Rural Development” and mycotourism aligns with this focus, as it is tied closely to rural economies, often involving small, seasonal businesses that face seasonal and visibility challenges.

    In response to this trend, the Québec government has revealed a 2024-2029 strategy to establish the province as a premier culinary destination with a promising future. As mycotourism grows, it aligns with Québec’s broader culinary and tourism goals.

    Mycotourism: A brief overview

    While mushroom foraging has long been practised informally in many parts of the world, it’s now evolving into a formalized tourism industry, led by local experts to ensure safety. Countries such as Mexico, Spain, Portugal, Scotland and South Africa are current pioneers in this market.

    Spain, where mycotourism originated, leads the way with its well-established “micoturismo” industry, especially in the Castilla y León region.

    While mushroom foraging has long been practised informally in many parts of the world, it’s now evolving into a formalized tourism industry.
    (Shutterstock)

    In Canada, Québec has become a hotspot for mycotourism thanks to its rich natural landscapes, including vast forests and diverse ecosystems. The province has seen increased demand from both local and international visitors.

    The Québec regions of Kamouraska and Mauricie, in particular, have emerged as leaders in North American mycotourism. This surge, which was boosted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has positioned these regions as key destinations for mushroom enthusiasts.

    The number of amateur mycology circles and their members has also risen sharply in the province, reflecting a growing interest in wild mushrooms.

    However, despite its growth, mycotourism remains relatively unfamiliar to many Canadians. It signals an untapped opportunity for the tourism industry in the country.

    Overcoming industry challenges

    The mycotourism sector faces several challenges, including fragmented initiatives, which presents challenges in areas like promotion, infrastructure and knowledge sharing.

    There is a need for better co-ordination among mycotourism stakeholders. In Québec, these stakeholders include regional tourism associations, sectoral tourism associations like Terroir et Saveurs du Québec.

    Establishing a unified platform or network for mycotourism stakeholders stakeholders could facilitate the exchange of best practices, improve promotion and support its sustainable growth.

    By closely monitoring new initiatives, researchers, entrepreneurs and tourism professionals can better understand the challenges and opportunities in this field.

    This collaborative approach would identify potential partners for future collaborations, highlight resources and tools and ensure the development of this industry respects all the stakeholders, including Indigenous communities.

    Canada is well-positioned to become a global leader in mycotourism.
    (Shutterstock)

    Our mushroom tourism research

    Our recent research study sheds light on the growth of the mycotourism industry in Québec. Through an in-depth environmental scan, we identified 57 providers across the province, with the majority concentrated in Mauricie and Bas-Saint-Laurent, including the region of Kamouraska.

    We found that most mycotourism businesses in Québec are micro or very small enterprises, which means collaboration and networking are both essential for supporting their growth and sustainability.

    The activities offered by these providers fell into five main categories:

    1. Events and learning: Includes festivals, conferences, training sessions and courses.
    2. Culinary experiences: Features culinary workshops and tasting sessions.
    3. Guided tours and hosting: Encompasses guided tours and group hosting events.
    4. Nature exploration and foraging: Includes guided, self-picking foraging expeditions.
    5. Accommodations with mushroom picking: Lodging experiences that allow guests to participate in mushroom picking during their stay.

    In addition, our study identified four types of enterprises in the sector. These ranged from solo ventures specializing in niche activities, to versatile solo ventures with a diverse range and experiences and services, to slightly larger businesses focusing on targeted services.

    It’s clear that Québec’s mycotourism sector is dynamic, with businesses continually developing new and innovative offerings. The wide range of experiences offered are designed to attract new segments of tourists interested in agritourism, gastronomy or other unique accommodations.

    Unlocking mycotourism potential

    As mycotourism continues to grow, it is crucial for small-scale initiatives in this sector to gain stronger support and recognition from tourism authorities, regional organizations and government agencies.

    Without this support, these businesses may struggle to overcome challenges like limited visibility, fragmented efforts and insufficient resources. If these challenges are not addressed, it could hinder the growth of the sector and its ability to contribute to local economies and rural development.

    With its vast forests, rich biodiversity and developing agritourism and gastronomy sectors, Canada is well-positioned to establish itself as a top destination for mushroom enthusiasts. But to fully realize its full potential, Canada must create an environment that promotes innovation, collaboration and investment in mycotourism.

    Amélie Cloutier receives funding from FRQSC.

    Marc-Antoine Vachon receives funding from Développement Économique Canada pour les régions du Québec et de la Fondation de l’UQAM grâce à un don de Transat A.T..

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

    – ref. Rural communities in Québec are embracing ‘mushroom tourism’ to boost local economies – https://theconversation.com/rural-communities-in-quebec-are-embracing-mushroom-tourism-to-boost-local-economies-246392

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Deported

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced January 24, 2025, to one year in federal prison.

    Pablo Perez-Chavez, age 24, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 29, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported following a conviction for an aggravated felony.

    At the guilty plea, Perez-Chavez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government.  Perez-Chavez was convicted in January 2023 in the Northern District of Iowa of possession of a firearm by an alien, served 10 months’ imprisonment and placed on a three-year term of supervised release before being deported in May 2023.  On July 15, 2024, immigration officials learned Perez-Chavez had illegally returned to the United States after Perez-Chavez reported to the Linn County Jail to serve a state OWI sentence.  Perez-Chavez was also charged with violating the terms of his supervised release by reentering the United States without permission.  

    Perez-Chavez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Perez-Chavez was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  Perez-Chavez was also sentenced to four months’ imprisonment to be served consecutively for violating the terms of his supervised release on his prior firearm conviction.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    Perez-Chavez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 24-CR-67.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Bybit Introduces Blockchain-Powered Payment Solution in Brazil with PIX Compatibility

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has launched Bybit Pay in Brazil, introducing a cutting-edge payment solution that integrates seamlessly with PIX, the country’s leading instant payment system. The launch underscores Bybit’s commitment to bridging Web2 and Web3 payments and providing a streamlined way for users to transact in both fiat and cryptocurrency. Wherever there is PIX, Bybit Pay can be used.

    Bybit Pay: Redefining Digital Transactions
    Bybit Pay allows users to connect their crypto wallets to a variety of financial possibilities, supporting both fiat and cryptocurrency. The platform simplifies transactions across websites, mobile applications, and point-of-sale (POS) systems, offering an intuitive interface for deposits, withdrawals, and payments. Its launch in Brazil aligns with the country’s growing adoption of digital finance technologies.

    Joan Han, Sales and Marketing Director at Bybit, highlighted the significance of the launch: “Bybit Pay is designed to bridge traditional and digital payments effortlessly. Brazil’s forward-thinking adoption of digital finance makes it the ideal market for this launch. By leveraging PIX QR codes and multi-currency support, Bybit Pay offers a seamless, secure, and flexible solution tailored to the evolving needs of our users.”

    Currently, Bybit Pay is available to verified users in Brazil through the Bybit app and website. The platform supports payments in Brazilian reais (BRL) and leading cryptocurrencies, including USDT, USDC, BTC, and ETH.

    Key Features and Benefits of Bybit Pay

    • PIX QR Code Compatibility

    Bybit Pay integrates with PIX, allowing users to scan QR codes to complete payments in fiat or cryptocurrency. This functionality offers a convenient and familiar experience for Brazilian users.

    • Integrated Wallet Management

    The platform combines crypto and fiat wallet functionality, enabling users to manage funds seamlessly across both financial systems.

    • Multi-Currency Support

    Bybit Pay supports a range of currencies, including BRL and popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT).

    • Blockchain-Backed Security

    Bybit Pay ensures secure, tamper-proof transactions through blockchain encryption, maintaining user privacy and transparency.

    • Benefits for Merchants

    Merchants gain the ability to accept payments from Bybit’s global user base of over 60 million, broadening their customer reach and providing an integrated fiat-crypto payment experience.

    Welcome Promotion: Cashback Opportunity for Brazilian Users
    To celebrate the launch, Bybit is offering a promotional campaign that rewards early adopters.

    • Event Period: January 27 – February 28, 2025
    • Eligibility: Users who deposit an equivalent of $100 or more and complete a payment by scanning a PIX QR code.

    Each week, 100 participants will be randomly selected to receive 100 percent cashback in USDT, capped at the BRL equivalent of 100 USDT per user.

    Winner Quotas (Weekly):

    • Payments of $5 – $10: 50 winners
    • Payments of $11 – $50: 30 winners
    • Payments of $51 – $100: 20 winners

    Transforming Digital Payments in Brazil
    Bybit Pay’s integration with PIX, alongside its multi-currency support and blockchain-powered security, positions the platform as a transformative solution in Brazil’s digital payment landscape. The launch represents a significant step forward in Bybit’s mission to enhance global payment systems and provide secure, flexible solutions for users and merchants.

    #Bybit / #BybitPay /#TheCryptoArk

    About Bybit
    Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

    For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press 
    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
    For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

    Contact

    Head of PR
    Tony Au
    Bybit
    tony.au@bybit.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8d2640d1-8542-442b-93a8-058da17e062d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Unveils Double Deposit Bonus, $50 Welcome Bonus, and 100x Leverage Crypto Trading with No KYC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin hovers around the $100,000 mark, analysts predict prolonged market volatility, making cryptocurrency derivatives trading the preferred choice for traders seeking to profit from both upward and downward trends. To empower traders and maximize their potential, BexBack Exchange has introduced an exclusive package featuring a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage for cryptocurrency trading—all with a No KYC policy, ensuring privacy and seamless trading.

    How Does 100x Leverage Work?

    100x leverage enables traders to control larger positions with minimal capital investment. For example:

    • Suppose Bitcoin is priced at $100,000, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. Using 100x leverage, you control a position worth 100 BTC.
    • If the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be:
      (105,000−100,000)×100BTC÷100,000=5BTC That’s a 500% return on your initial investment.

    With BexBack’s 100% deposit bonus, your trading power doubles, giving you the ability to amplify profits even further.

    How the 100% Deposit Bonus Works

    BexBack’s deposit bonus is designed to boost your trading potential. While it cannot be withdrawn directly, the bonus:

    1. Increases Margin Capacity – Use the bonus to open larger positions and enhance your profit potential.
    2. Provides Risk Protection – During significant market fluctuations, the bonus serves as extra margin, reducing liquidation risks.

    For example, depositing 1 BTC unlocks an additional 1 BTC in bonus funds, doubling your margin.

    Why Choose BexBack?

    • No KYC Required: Trade with just an email address—simple and private.
    • 100% Deposit Bonus: Double your trading funds instantly.
    • $50 Welcome Bonus: Earn $50 after completing your first trade.
    • High Leverage: Up to 100x leverage to maximize capital efficiency.
    • Demo Account: Practice risk-free with 10 BTC in virtual funds.
    • Transparent Fees: No slippage, no spreads, and clear fee structures.
    • 24/7 Global Support: Dedicated multilingual customer service anytime, anywhere.
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    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ed72ce34-c448-429b-baf5-afdbccee1640

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b63bbbd5-050a-4972-9308-fa38c4b98ca8

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8fe9b4af-bef7-450b-8933-9d7096274920

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a1ccb133-7ea0-4960-a4b2-f127cce10ea8

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9778b6a3-46d2-49b8-a574-adb73a41cd4f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Pacvue Rolls Out Amazon DSP Management and Optimization Tools to LATAM, EMEA and APAC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pacvue, the leading commerce acceleration platform that integrates retail media, commerce management and measurement, today announced expanded access to its full range of Amazon DSP capabilities beyond North America, bringing Pacvue’s intelligent automation, reporting and optimization solutions to 16 countries across LATAM, EMEA and APAC. Through Pacvue, brands in these regions now have self-serve access to a full suite of programmatic media solutions to elevate their growth strategies. 

    “Our partners around the globe have been eagerly awaiting access to Amazon DSP tools, so we’re excited to be among the first platforms to unlock these new capabilities for them,” said Melissa Burdick, president and co-founder at Pacvue. “Access to Amazon DSP tools brings greater capabilities and reach for advertisers in these regions, as well as opportunities for growth from a wider variety of ad types, channels and audiences.”

    Pacvue is an early adopter of the Amazon DSP Campaign Management API’s global expansion. Previously, Pacvue’s Amazon DSP customers outside North America only had access to reporting capabilities. Now, advertisers in these regions are able to leverage the Pacvue platform to reach Amazon Ads audiences via Amazon DSP. This expansion includes campaign creation and management, budget, bid and dayparting automation controls.

    “The synergy between Amazon DSP, Amazon Search and Pacvue’s intelligent platform has transformed how we are able to measure success on a global scale for Crucial, Micron’s only consumer brand,” said Becky Durbin, VP Marketplaces at Labelium. “By combining our Amazon targeting strategy with Pacvue’s advanced optimization and reporting tools, we successfully activated new AMC audiences, drove campaign efficiencies and delivered impactful, full-funnel measurement across multiple markets.”

    Pacvue announced the following features for customers in expanded regions:

    • Amazon sponsored ads & Amazon DSP combined dashboard
    • AMC audience creation that enables seamless transitions from insights to action via Amazon DSP campaigns
    • Automation tools like dayparting, allowing for precise optimizations throughout the day
    • Automated budget management that controls monthly and daily spend without manual oversight
    • Advanced reporting and analytics powered by Amazon Ads performance data and Pacvue’s industry-leading tech

    Countries where Pacvue’s full Amazon DSP platform will now be available:

    • North America: United States, Canada and Mexico
    • EMEA: Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
    • LATAM: Brazil 
    • APAC: Australia, India, Japan, Singapore

    In addition to the expansion of Amazon DSP campaign management tools, Pacvue is also an official Amazon DSP Reseller. As a reseller, Pacvue offers businesses access to Amazon DSP capabilities, empowering advertisers with the tools and support needed to maximize their digital advertising impact.

    Visit Pacvue.com to learn about its latest commerce solutions and recent company developments.

    About Pacvue:
    Pacvue is the leading commerce acceleration platform that integrates retail media, commerce management, and measurement. The company’s first-to-market platform drives incrementality, profitability and market share for brands, while turning insights into actionable recommendations. Backed by a global team of experts, Pacvue works with over 70,000 brands and agencies across 95+ retailers worldwide including Amazon, Walmart, Target and Instacart. With the incorporation of Pacvue’s enterprise solution with Helium 10 for SMBs, Pacvue is now the most comprehensive commerce and retail media platform available in the market. Founded in 2018, their global presence includes locations in Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, London, Shanghai and Tokyo. For more information, visit www.pacvue.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Trump’s tariffs can’t solve America’s fentanyl crisis

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Rodney Coates, Professor of Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, Miami University

    Americans consume more illicit drugs per capita than anyone else in the world; about 6% of the U.S. population uses them regularly.

    One such drug, fentanyl – a synthetic opioid that’s 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine – is the leading reason U.S. overdose deaths have surged in recent years. While the rate of fentanyl overdose deaths has dipped a bit recently, it’s still vastly higher than it was just five years ago.

    Ending the fentanyl crisis won’t be easy. The U.S. has an addiction problem that spans decades – long predating the rise of fentanyl – and countless attempts to regulate, legislate and incarcerate have done little to reduce drug consumption. Meanwhile, the opioid crisis alone costs Americans tens of billions of dollars each year.

    With past policies having failed to curb fentanyl deaths, President Donald Trump now looks set to turn to another tool to fight America’s drug problem: trade policy.

    During his presidential campaign, Trump pledged to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico if they don’t halt the flow of drugs across U.S. borders. Trump also promised to impose a new set of tariffs against China if it doesn’t do more to crack down on the production of chemicals used to make fentanyl. He reiterated his plan on his first day back in office, saying to reporters, “We’re thinking in terms of 25% on Mexico and Canada because they’re allowing … fentanyl to come in.”

    Speaking as a professor who studies social policy, I think both fentanyl and the proposed import taxes represent significant threats to the U.S. While the human toll of fentanyl is undeniable, the real question is whether tariffs will work – or worsen what’s already a crisis.

    Fentanyl: The ‘single greatest challenge’

    In 2021, more than 107,000 Americans died from overdoses – the most ever recorded – and nearly seven out of 10 deaths involved fentanyl or similar synthetic opioids. In 2022, fentanyl was killing an average of 200 people each day. And while fentanyl deaths declined slightly in 2023, nearly 75,000 Americans still died from synthetic opioids that year. In March of that year – the most recent for which full-year data on overdose deaths is available – the then-secretary of homeland security declared fentanyl to be “the single greatest challenge we face as a country.”

    But history shows that government efforts to curb drug use often have little success.

    The first real attempt to regulate drugs in the U.S. occurred in 1890, when, amid rampant drug abuse, Congress enacted a law taxing morphine and opium. In the years that followed, cocaine use skyrocketed, rising 700% between 1890 and 1902. Cocaine was so popular, it was even found in drinks such as Coca-Cola, from which it got its name.

    This was followed by a 1909 act banning the smoking of opium, and, in 1937, the “Marihuana Tax Act.” The most comprehensive package of laws was instituted with the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which classified drugs into five categories based on their medical uses and potential for abuse or dependence. A year later, then-President Richard Nixon launched the “War on Drugs” and declared drug abuse as “public enemy No. 1.” And in 1986, Congress passed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act, directing US$1.7 billion for drug enforcement and control.

    President Richard Nixon declared drug abuse “Public enemy No. 1” at this 1971 press conference.

    These policies have generally failed to curb drug supply and use, while also causing significant harm to people and communities of color. For example, between 1980 and 1997, the number of incarcerations for nonviolent drug offenses went from 50,000 to 400,000. But these policies hardly put a dent in consumption. The share of high school seniors using drugs dipped only slightly over the same period, from 65% in 1980 to 58% in 1997.

    In short, past U.S. efforts to reduce illegal drug use haven’t been especially effective. Now, it looks like the U.S. is shifting toward using tariffs – but research suggests that those will not lead to better outcomes either, and could actually cause considerable harm.

    Why tariffs won’t work

    America’s experiments with tariffs can be traced back to the founding era with the passage of the Tariff Act of 1789. This long history has shown that tariffs, industrial subsidies and protectionist policies don’t do much to stimulate broad economic growth at home – but they raise prices for consumers and can even lead to global economic instability. History also shows that tariffs don’t work especially well as negotiating tools, failing to effect significant policy changes in target countries. Economists generally agree that the costs of tariffs outweigh the benefits.

    Over the course of Trump’s first term, the average effective tariff rate on Chinese imports went from 3% to 11%. But while imports from China fell slightly, the overall trade relationship didn’t change much: China remains the second-largest supplier of goods to the U.S.

    The tariffs did have some benefit – for Vietnam and other nearby countries with relatively low labor costs. Essentially, the tariffs on China caused production to shift, with global companies investing billions of dollars in competitor nations.

    This isn’t the first time Trump has used trade policy to pressure China on fentanyl – he did so in his first term. But while China made some policy changes in response, such as adding fentanyl to its controlled substances list in 2019, fentanyl deaths in the U.S. continued to rise. Currently, China still ranks as the No. 1 producer of fentanyl precursors, or chemicals used to produce illicit fentanyl. And there are others in the business: India, over that same period, has become a major producer of fentanyl.

    A question of supply and demand

    Drugs have been pervasive throughout U.S. history. And when you investigate this history and look at how other nations are dealing with this problem rather than criminalization, the Swiss and French have approached it as an addiction problem that could be treated. They realized that demand is what fuels the illicit market. And as any economist will tell you, supply will find a way if you don’t limit the demand. That’s why treatment works and bans don’t.

    The U.S. government’s ability to control the production of these drugs is limited at best. The problem is that new chemical products will continually be produced. Essentially, failure to restrict demand only places bandages on hemorrhaging wounds. What the U.S. needs is a more systematic approach to deal with the demand that’s fueling the drug crisis.

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

    – ref. Why Trump’s tariffs can’t solve America’s fentanyl crisis – https://theconversation.com/why-trumps-tariffs-cant-solve-americas-fentanyl-crisis-245978

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister for Foreign Affairs visits Colombia

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Minister for Foreign Affairs visits Colombia – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    On 28–29 January, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard will visit Colombia. The visit will include meetings with Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro and Minister of Foreign Affairs Luis Gilberto Murillo. A business delegation comprising around 20 Swedish companies, with a focus on mining and energy, will take part in the visit.

    “I look forward to deepening relations between our countries on this visit. Sweden and Colombia enjoy broad cooperation on green transition, gender equality and human rights. There is also extensive trade between our two countries, and strong Swedish business interests in areas including mining and energy,” says Ms Malmer Stenergard.

    The visit to Colombia is a follow-up to President Petro’s visit to Sweden in mid-2024. As part of the trip, Ms Malmer Stenergard will visit the department of Chocó on Colombia’s Pacific coast, where she will meet with UN bodies, civil society organisations and public authorities working with peace issues, humanitarian assistance to victims of the armed conflict in Colombia, and women’s empowerment and participation in the peace process. 

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –