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Category: Latin America

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Registration opens for second public hearing in US-Argentina tubular goods dispute

    Source: World Trade Organization

    The meeting is scheduled to start at 9.00 (Geneva time) on 19 November 2024 and may continue until 17.00. It will resume at 9.00 the following day, 20 November. Subject to prior registration as set out below, the meeting can be viewed remotely via livestreaming or in a viewing room at the WTO.

    The meeting may be closed by the panel at any time to discuss business confidential information. The panel may also close the meeting to public viewing at any time, on its own initiative or at the request of either party, if there is a risk of breach of confidentiality or of disruption of the meeting.

    The public observation of the meeting will be held in English only; interpretation will not be available.

    To register for the meeting, please complete the application form. Completed forms must be sent as an email attachment to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until 17.00, Geneva time, on 12 November 2024. Those who have successfully registered will be informed by a confirmation email by 15 November 2024, which will include further details on how to access the viewings.

    Please note that the names of registered viewers may be communicated to the parties, Argentina and United States, at their request.

    All registered individuals viewing the meeting on-site at the WTO will need to present a valid identification document (passport, ID card or driver’s licence) on-site to gain access to the viewing room. Places in the viewing room reserved for the public will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis upon receipt of a completed registration form.

    As a condition for registering to view the meeting, viewers will be required to confirm their understanding that any recording or sharing of the livestream or the closed-circuit broadcast (including via filming, screenshots, audio recordings, or any other media) is strictly prohibited.

    Additionally, those viewing the meeting remotely via livestreaming will be required to confirm their understanding that sharing the web-link or access credentials in any form is strictly prohibited. For those viewing the meeting on-site at the WTO viewing room, mobile phones must be switched off.

    The WTO cannot offer any support, including financial, for accommodation, flight arrangements and visas.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Members explore ways of boosting developing economies’ integration into global trade

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Members explore ways of boosting developing economies’ integration into global trade

    This was the first meeting of the Committee’s negotiating session since the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13), at which ministers adopted a Declaration on Special and Differential Treatment that seeks to ensure that developing economies — including LDCs — receive timely training and technical assistance to help them implement standards or technical regulations. The Declaration also provides guidance for members to continue working towards enhancing the implementation of special and differential treatments in the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, and instructs them to report on any progress by December 2024. The Declaration also instructs WTO members to continue to work on improving the application of special and differential treatment provisions, and to report on progress to the General Council before the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14).
    There are currently three facilitators working with members on the Agreement-specific proposals on special and differential treatment tabled by the G90 group, covering sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade, technology transfer for LDCs and trade-related investment measures, respectively.
    On sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) and technical barriers to trade (TBT), the facilitator from Singapore updated the Committee on recent informal discussions. Members explored synergies between the work in the Special Session and in the two Committees respectively overseeing these issues. The chairpersons of the SPS and TBT Committees — Cecilia Risolo from Argentina and Daniela García from Ecuador, respectively — provided updates on their work to fulfil the MC13 mandate for a precise, effective and operational implementation of special and differential treatment provisions of the SPS and TBT Agreements.
    The facilitators for technology transfer to LDCs (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) and for trade-related investment measures (Brazil) also provided updates on their consultations to advance the work in their respective areas.
    The three facilitators suggested holding thematic sessions with a view to achieving a shared understanding of the challenges faced by developing economies, including LDCs, and the solutions suggested by the G90. Members are considering these suggestions.
    Ambassador Kadra Ahmed Hassan of Djibouti, Chair of the Committee on Trade and Development in Special Session, encouraged the facilitators to continue engaging with members. “If we are to deliver on development at MC14, we need to keep moving forward,” she said.
    Developing economies and LDCsreceive special and differential treatment provisions according to over 150 provisions of the WTO agreements. These include access to technical assistance activities and longer transition periods to implement agreements and decisions. The negotiations taking place in the Special Session of the Committee on Trade and Development are mandated by Paragraph 44 of the 2001 Doha Ministerial Declaration.
    More information on special and differential treatment is available here.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Anthropologist César Abadía Barrero awarded 2024 Alejandro Ángel Escobar National Prize in Social and Human Sciences

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    César Abadía Barrero, associate professor of anthropology, was awarded the 2024 Alejandro Ángel Escobar National Prize in Social and Human Sciences in Bogotá, Colombia, on Wednesday, Oct. 2. 

    He received the honor for his research detailed in the book “Health in Ruins: The Capitalist Destruction of Medical Care at a Colombian Maternity Hospital.” 

    The book investigates the effects of private sector involvement in Colombia’s health system during the 1990s, focusing on El Materno, the country’s oldest maternity and neonatal health center. 

    The Alejandro Ángel Escobar Foundation presents the National Science and Solidarity Awards annually to recognize the most innovative and socially impactful scientific work by Colombian scientists and organizations dedicated to solidarity causes. 

    Established nearly 70 years ago, the award is named for businessman Alejandro Ángel Escobar, who created these incentives inspired by the Nobel Prizes and the Rockefeller Foundation. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California expands access to traditional healing for substance use treatment

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 16, 2024

    What you need to know: California is expanding access to culturally-based substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services. Today marks the first time Medi-Cal will cover traditional health care practices that are deeply rooted in cultural practices and have been shown to improve health outcomes, particularly for individuals with SUDs. 

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that California is expanding access to culturally-based substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services.  

    After years of working toward this milestone, today marks the first time Medi-Cal will cover traditional health care practices in use since time immemorial. These are deeply rooted in cultural practices and have been shown to improve health outcomes, particularly for individuals with SUDs.

    Native Americans continue to be disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic, with higher overdose death rates than other racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

    As the home of the largest population of Native Americans in the country, California is committed to helping heal the historical wounds inflicted on tribes – including the glaring health disparities we see between Native communities and other groups. Like many of the issues that plague successive generations of Native people, those inequities can be traced back to the historical atrocities the U.S. inflicted on tribes across the country. By supporting greater access to traditional medicine and healing, we are taking another step toward a healthier, brighter future.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “Native American communities have long faced barriers to accessing traditional medicines and healing resources in this State,” said Tribal Affairs Secretary Christina Snider-Ashtari. “Support for these critical practices will again allow the rich and diverse Native populations who have lived here since time immemorial – along with those who now call California home – to access time-honored and tested methods to bolster wellness in Native families, communities, and tribal nations.”

    Traditional healers and natural helpers

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) approval for California, alongside Arizona, New Mexico, and Oregon, allows two new categories of interventions to be covered by Medi-Cal, as developed by the state in partnership with tribal partners:  

    • The first, provided by traditional healers, includes music therapy (i.e., traditional music, songs, dancing, and drumming) and spiritual interventions (i.e., ceremonies, rituals, and herbal remedies). A traditional healer is any person currently recognized as a spiritual leader with at least two years of experience practicing in a setting recognized by a Native American tribe and who is contracted or employed by an Indian Health Care Provider (IHCP).
    • The second, provided through natural helpers, includes navigational support, psychological skill building, self-management, and trauma support. A natural helper is a health advisor who delivers health, recovery, and social supports in the context of tribal cultures. Natural helpers can be spiritual leaders, elected officials, or paraprofessionals who are trusted members of a Native American tribe.

    This marks a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to recognize the valuable contributions of traditional healing practices within the health care system. Traditional healing services have been trusted and tested methods of care for Native Americans for generations. They are deeply rooted in cultural practices and have been shown to improve health outcomes, particularly for individuals with SUDs.

    Studies have demonstrated that these culturally centered approaches can enhance engagement and recovery outcomes, making them an essential component of holistic care for Native communities. Additionally, the state recognizes that tribal communities understand themselves best – and that each tribe has different needs, traditions, and histories – so each participating IHCP will create its own process to identify and credential its own traditional healers and natural helpers.

    “CMS’ approval is first and foremost the fulfillment of the efforts of our tribal leader and Urban Indian Organization partners whose vision and steadfast advocacy made this a priority,” said State Medicaid Director Tyler Sadwith. “I am immensely proud that California tribal and Urban Indian communities now have access to culturally based traditional healing practices through Medi-Cal, marking a historic step toward health equity and honoring the rich traditions of our diverse Native communities.”

    “It is vital that we honor our traditional ways of healing and understand they are as important and valuable as Western medicine,” said Kiana Maillet, licensed therapist and owner of Hiichido Licensed Clinical Social Worker Professional Corporation. “Traditional healing is deeply engrained in our blood memory, our cultures, and our communities. Without it, we are missing a piece of who we are. As we continue to regain access to traditional ways – ways that our ancestors were punished for in the past – we move forward with healing from historical traumas and improving the health of our future generations.”

    Starting January 1, 2025, IHCPs can request Medi-Cal reimbursement for Traditional Healer and Natural Helper Services provided to residents of qualifying counties. In the coming months, the state will consult with tribes and tribal partners to develop guidance.

    Bigger picture

    In 2019, Governor Newsom apologized on behalf of the State of California to California Native American peoples, and announced the creation of the California Truth and Healing Council. Through collaborative and consultative work of the Council, the Governor’s Office of Tribal Affairs, and tribes across the state, a number of policies and programs have been developed so that the state can better address historical injustices and support tribes and tribal work in everything from health to climate. 

    Medi-Cal coverage for traditional healer and natural helper services strengthens the longstanding investments the state has made to expand SUD prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction resources for California tribal and Urban Indian communities through the Tribal MAT Project. 

    This work also builds on the state’s broader efforts to address the opioid crisis and overdose epidemic, which is outlined in the Governor’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis and on opioids.ca.gov, a one-stop tool for Californians seeking resources for prevention and treatment, as well as information on how California is working to hold Big Pharma and drug traffickers accountable in this crisis. More information on the state’s efforts can be found here.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Oct 16, 2024

    News What you need to know: As leaders in Republican-led states continue to block reproductive freedoms, refuse to fund summer meal programs for kids, and fail to implement early childhood education, Governor Newsom signed a new package of legislation  — building on…

    Oct 15, 2024

    News What you need to know: A $3.5 million federal grant will fund cleanup efforts at the recently expanded San Gabriel Mountains National Monument to improve access to the site and enhance water quality on the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, a key Southern…

    Oct 15, 2024

    News What you need to know: The state today broke ground on a project that expands ongoing restoration work at the Salton Sea to improve conditions for wildlife and surrounding communities. Most recently, $175 million in federal funding was made available to…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sacrifice and Success: NASA Engineer Honors Family Roots

    Source: NASA

    Lee esta historia en Español aquí.
    Born and raised in Peru, Daniel Velasquez moved to the United States when he was 10 years old. While that decision was a big transition for his family, it also created many opportunities for him. Now Velasquez is an operations engineer for NASA’s Air Mobility Pathfinders project at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.
    Velasquez develops flight test plans for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, specifically testing how they perform during various phases of flight, such as taxi, takeoff, cruise, approach, and landing. He was drawn to NASA Armstrong because of the legacy in advancing flight research and the connection to the Space Shuttle program.
    “Being part of a center with such a rich history in supporting space missions and cutting-edge aeronautics was a major motivation for me,” Velasquez said. “One of the biggest highlights of my career has been the opportunity to meet (virtually) and collaborate with an astronaut on a possible future NASA project.”

    Velasquez is incredibly proud of his Latino background because of its rich culture, strong sense of community and connection to his parents. “My parents are my biggest inspiration. They sacrificed so much to ensure my siblings and I could succeed, leaving behind the comfort of their home and family in Peru to give us better opportunities,” Velasquez said. “Their hard work and dedication motivate me every day. Everything I do is to honor their sacrifices and show them that their efforts weren’t wasted. I owe all my success to them.”
    Velasquez began his career at NASA in 2021 as an intern through the Pathways Internship Program while he was studying aerospace engineering at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Through that program, he learned about eVTOL modeling software called NASA Design and Analysis of Rotorcraft to create a help guide for other NASA engineers to reference when they worked with the software.
    At the same time, he is also a staff sergeant in the U.S Army Reserves and responsible for overseeing the training and development of junior soldiers during monthly assemblies. He plans, creates, and presents classes for soldiers to stay up-to-date and refine their skills while supervising practical exercises, after action reviews, and gathering lessons learned during trainings.

    “This job is different than what I do day-to-day at NASA, but it has helped me become a more outspoken individual,” he said. “Being able to converse with a variety of people and be able to do it well is a skill that I acquired and refined while serving my country.”
    Velasquez said he never imagined working for NASA as it was something he had only seen in movies and on television, but he is so proud to be working for the agency after all the hard work and sacrifices he made that lead him to this point. “I am incredibly proud to work every day with some of the most motivated and dedicated individuals in the industry.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey, Colleagues Call on Biden Administration to Speed Up Enforcement of Iran Sanctions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey

    In letter, bipartisan group of Senators call out Administration for missing deadlines on Iran sanctions

    The missed deadlines were put in place by Casey’s Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act, which cracks down on Iran’s petroleum trade

    Senators: “Due to the quantity of oil that Iran is able to trade and the subsequent profits, as well as their historical pattern of utilizing these funds to foster violence and chaos, it is vital that the United States take concrete action to disrupt their petroleum trade”

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) joined his colleagues Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and John Hoeven (R-ND) in a letter urging the Administration to speed up enforcement of sanctions on Iran’s petroleum trade. The letter pointed out that the Administration has missed several deadlines put in place by the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act, which cracks down on foreign persons who knowingly engage in the petroleum trade with Iran.

    “Due to the quantity of oil that Iran is able to trade and the subsequent profits, as well as their historical pattern of utilizing these funds to foster violence and chaos, it is vital that the United States take concrete action to disrupt their petroleum trade. Therefore, we ask the administration to honor the reporting deadlines and enforcement requirements prescribed within the SHIP and Fight CRIME Acts,” wrote the Senators.

    On April 23, 2024, Senator Casey voted to pass an emergency supplemental spending law with legislative provisions to strengthen U.S. national security, including the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act and the Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports (Fight CRIME) Act. 

    The SHIP Act includes important provisions to sanction foreign persons that knowingly engage in the petroleum trade with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Fight CRIME Act restricts certain missile-related activities and transfers by Iran. The bills include a number of reporting deadlines and enforcement requirements for the Administration so that Congress can track efforts to deny Iran the resources and ability to engage in destabilizing activities, commit human rights violations, support international terrorism, and fund weapons development.

    Senator Casey has long pushed to protect American economic and national security by monitoring Iranian oil activity. Earlier this year, Casey cosponsored the bipartisan Iranian Sanctions Enforcement Act–legislation establishing a fund to cover expenses related to the seizure or forfeiture of property found in violation of sanctions imposed by the United States against Iran or a covered proxy of Iran, including Hamas, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran-sponsored militias in Iraq and Syria. Additionally, after learning about potential Iranian oil transport on Panamanian vessels in violation of U.S. sanctions, Casey urged the Panamanian Maritime Authority (AMP) to investigate the hundreds of vessels of concern. Thanks to Casey’s advocacy, AMP launched investigations into all Panamanian ships suspected of transporting Iranian oil, de-flagged vessels that had no evidence of oil transport, and removed dozens of ships from its registry.  

    Read the full letter HERE or below:

    Dear Secretary Blinken, Secretary Yellen, Acting Director Palluconi, and Administrator DeCarolis:

    On April 23, 2024, Congress passed H.R. 815, an emergency supplemental appropriation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, that was signed into law by President Biden on April 24. The supplemental package included additional funding for Ukraine, Israel, the Indo-Pacific, and humanitarian assistance. The national security package also included legislation to strengthen U.S. national security, including the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act and the Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports (Fight CRIME) Act. The SHIP Act includes important provisions to sanction foreign persons that knowingly engage in the petroleum trade with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Fight CRIME Act restricts certain missile-related activities and transfers by Iran. The legislation includes a number of regulation publishing and reporting requirements from the administration in order for Congress to track efforts to deny Iran the resources and ability to engage in destabilizing activities, commit human rights violations, support international terrorism, and fund weapons development.

    For decades, there has been evidence that Iran has funded direct attacks on America and our allies. Since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Iran has only become more emboldened to act against democratic interests across the globe. To cite just two recent events, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed in its August 2024 report that Iran continues to increase its stockpile of enriched uranium, and on September 10, 2024, the Pentagon confirmed reports that Iran has transferred shipments of Fath 360 close-range ballistic missiles to Russia to support their continued aggression against Ukraine. Iran is able to further these disrupting activities due to profits from their oil trade.  According to United Against Nuclear Iran, a non-partisan watchdog organization that tracks Iranian oil shipment, Iran exported 1,626,866 barrels per day in August 2024.  Due to the quantity of oil that Iran is able to trade and the subsequent profits, as well as their historical pattern of utilizing these funds to foster violence and chaos, it is vital that the United States take concrete action to disrupt their petroleum trade. Therefore, we ask the administration to honor the reporting deadlines and enforcement requirements prescribed within the SHIP and Fight CRIME Acts that were included in H.R. 815, the emergency supplemental appropriations.

    To date, the administration has not met the following deadlines:

    • By July 23, 2024 (90 after enactment, and every 180 days thereafter), the Secretary of State shall provide a report that identifies Iranian persons utilizing an unmanned combat aerial vehicle against a United States citizen. P.L. 118-50, Div. K Sec.6(a)
    • By August 12, 2024 (10 days before regulation enactment), the President shall notify the appropriate Congressional committees of the proposed regulations to combat proliferation of Iranian missiles. P.L. 118-50, Div. K Sec. 5(f)(2)
    • By August 22, 2024 (120 days after enactment), the President shall promulgate regulations as necessary for the implementation of sanctions to combat proliferation of Iranian missiles. P.L. 118-50, Div. K Sec. 5(f)(1)
    • By August 22, 2024 (120 days after enactment, and annually thereafter), the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration shall submit a report describing Iran’s growing exports of petroleum and petroleum products, including their exports to the People’s Republic of China and the ships and ports involved in the oil sales. P.L. 118-50, Div. J Sec. 4(a)
    • By August 22, 2024 (120 days after enactment), the Secretary of State shall submit written strategy on the role of the People’s Republic of China’s role in evading U.S.-imposed sanctions on Iranian-origin petroleum products. P.L. 118-50, Div. J Sec. 5

    The following deadlines are upcoming within the next 30 days:

    • By October 11, 2024, (10 days before regulation enactment) the President shall notify and brief the appropriate Congressional Committees on the regulations to be established to implement the SHIP Act. P.L. 118-50, Div. J Sec. 3(e)(2)
    • By October 21, 2024 (180 days after enactment), the President shall prescribe necessary regulations to implement sanctions enforcement. P.L. 118-50, Div. J Sec. 3(e)(2)
    • On and after October 21, 2024 (180 days after enactment), the President shall impose sanctions on foreign persons determined to have knowingly engaged in the Iranian petroleum trade. P.L. 118-50, Div. J Sec. 3(a)

    Given the havoc Iran is wreaking in the Middle East and the wider region, this information is both timely and vital for Congress to carry out appropriate sanctions oversight and understand what greater legislative action is required to ensure Iran does not have the resources to harm the United States or our partners and allies. We look forward to these timely reports and enhanced understanding of the administration’s plan to counter Iranian oil trade and accessible revenue for their funding of terrorism. We ask that you honor the October deadlines and work to address the deadlines already missed in order to provide Congress with the relevant reports as quickly as possible.

    We further request that you provide our offices an update on your efforts and when to expect these reports no later than October 29, 2024. Thank you for your continued work and attention to this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Wildlife, climate and plastic: how three summits aim to repair a growing rift with nature

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jack Marley, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition

    By the end of 2024, nearly 200 nations will have met at three conferences to address three problems: biodiversity loss, climate change and plastic pollution.

    Colombia will host talks next week to assess global progress in protecting 30% of all land and water by 2030. Hot on its heels is COP29 in Azerbaijan. Here, countries will revisit the pledge they made last year in Dubai to “transition away” from the fossil fuels driving climate breakdown. And in December, South Korea could see the first global agreement to tackle plastic waste.

    Don’t let these separate events fool you, though.

    “Climate change, biodiversity loss and resource depletion are not isolated problems” say biologist Liette Vasseur (Brock University), political scientist Anders Hayden (Dalhousie University) and ecologist Mike Jones (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences).



    Read more:
    Humanity’s future depends on our ability to live in harmony with nature

    “They are part of an interconnected web of crises that demand urgent and comprehensive action.”

    Let’s start with the climate.


    This roundup of The Conversation’s climate coverage comes from our award-winning weekly climate action newsletter. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 35,000+ readers who’ve subscribed.

    Earth’s fraying parasol

    “How hot is it going to get? This is one of the most important and difficult remaining questions about our changing climate,” say two scientists who study climate change, Seth Wynes and H. Damon Matthews at the University of Waterloo and Concordia University respectively.

    The answer depends on how sensitive the climate is to greenhouse gases like CO₂ and how much humanity ultimately emits, the pair say. When Wynes and Matthews asked 211 authors of past reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, their average best guess was 2.7°C by 2100.

    “We’ve already seen devastating consequences like more flooding, hotter heatwaves and larger wildfires, and we’re only at 1.3°C above pre-industrial levels — less than halfway to 2.7°C,” they say.



    Read more:
    New survey of IPCC authors reveals doubt, and hope, that world will achieve climate targets

    There is a third variable that is harder to predict but no less important: the capacity of forests, wetlands and the ocean to continue to offset warming by absorbing the carbon and heat our furnaces and factories have released.

    This blue and green carbon pump stalled in 2023, the hottest year on record, amid heatwaves, droughts and fires. The possibility of nature’s carbon storage suddenly collapsing is not priced into the computer models that simulate and project the future climate.

    Parched forests can emit more carbon than they soak up.
    Matthew James Ferguson/Shutterstock

    However, the ecosystems that buffer human-made warming are clearly struggling. A new report from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) showed that the average size of monitored populations of vertebrate wildlife (animals with spinal columns – mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians) has shrunk by 73% since 1970.



    Read more:
    Wildlife loss is taking ecosystems nearer to collapse – new report

    Wildlife could become so scarce that ecosystems like the Amazon rainforest degenerate, according to the report.

    “More than 90% of tropical trees and shrubs depend on animals to disperse their seeds, for example,” says biodiversity scientist Alexander Lees (Manchester Metropolitan University).

    “These ‘biodiversity services’ are crucial.”



    Read more:
    Without birds, tropical forests won’t bounce back from deforestation

    The result could be less biodiverse and, importantly for the climate, less carbon-rich habitats.

    Plastic in a polar bear’s gut

    Threats to wildlife are numerous. One that is growing fast and still poorly understood is plastic.

    Bottles, bags, toothbrushes: a rising tide of plastic detritus is choking and snaring wild animals. These larger items eventually degrade into microplastics, tiny fragments which now suffuse the air, soil and water.

    “In short, microplastics are widespread, accumulating in the remotest parts of our planet. There is evidence of their toxic effects at every level of biological organisation, from tiny insects at the bottom of the food chain to apex predators,” says Karen Raubenheimer, a senior lecturer in plastic pollution at the University of Wollongong.



    Read more:
    Scientists reviewed 7,000 studies on microplastics. Their alarming conclusion puts humanity on notice

    Plastic is generally made from fossil fuels, the main agent of climate change. Activists and experts have seized on a similar demand to address both problems: turn off the taps.

    In fact, the diagnosis of Costas Velis, an expert in ocean litter at the University of Leeds, sounds similar to what climate scientists say about unrestricted fossil fuel burning:

    “Every year without production caps makes the necessary cut to plastic production in future steeper – and our need to use other measures to address the problem greater.”



    Read more:
    A global plastic treaty will only work if it caps production, modelling shows

    A production cap hasn’t made it into the negotiating text for a plastic treaty (yet). And while governments pledged to transition away from coal, oil and gas last year, a new report on the world’s energy use shows fossil fuel use declining more slowly than in earlier forecasts – and much more slowly than would be necessary to halt warming at internationally agreed limits. The effort to protect a third of earth’s surface has barely begun.

    Each summit is concerned with ameliorating the effects of modern societies on nature. Some experts argue for a more radical interpretation.

    “Even if 30% of Earth was protected, how effectively would it halt biodiversity loss?” ask political ecologists Bram Büscher (Wageningen University) and Rosaleen Duffy (University of Sheffield).



    Read more:
    Biodiversity treaty: UN deal fails to address the root causes of nature’s destruction

    “The proliferation of protected areas has happened at the same time as the extinction crisis has intensified. Perhaps, without these efforts, things could have been even worse for nature,” they say.

    “But an equally valid argument would be that area-based conservation has blinded many to the causes of Earth’s diminishing biodiversity: an expanding economic system that squeezes ecosystems by turning ever more habitat into urban sprawl or farmland, polluting the air and water with ever more toxins and heating the atmosphere with ever more greenhouse gas.”

    – ref. Wildlife, climate and plastic: how three summits aim to repair a growing rift with nature – https://theconversation.com/wildlife-climate-and-plastic-how-three-summits-aim-to-repair-a-growing-rift-with-nature-241419

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Public Health Order on firearms expires – Key components of order will remain under MOU’s

    Source: US State of New Mexico

    SANTA FE – A public health order that imposed temporary firearm restrictions, enhanced drug monitoring, and other public safety measures in response to gun violence and substance misuse expired on Saturday and will not be renewed, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Wednesday.

    “The public health order, though temporary, allowed us to implement urgent and necessary measures that have had a measurable, positive effect on public safety in our state,” Lujan Grisham said. “I have decided to allow the public health order to expire, but our fight to protect New Mexico communities from the dangers posed by guns and illegal drugs will continue.”

    Lujan Grisham first issued the public health order in September 2023 after the tragic shooting death of an 11-year-old boy in Albuquerque. Emphasizing the urgent need to address gun violence in the state, the governor’s temporary restrictions banned firearms in public parks and playgrounds in Bernalillo County, strengthened oversight of firearm sales and implemented wastewater testing for fentanyl in public schools.

    The Public Health Order also led to the establishment of memorandums of understanding between the state of New Mexico and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Albuquerque Police Department and the 2nd Judicial District to share public safety data and ensure transparency and accountability.

    In the year since the governor’s public health order went into effect, significant strides were made in reducing gun violence in New Mexico. Key accomplishments include:

    • More than 1,700 firearms collected through gun buy-back events.
    • A doubling of arrests in Albuquerque including 36% related to violent and/or gun-related crimes.
    • Increased public awareness about the serious issue of juveniles being detained for gun possession.
    • Fewer gunfire incidents in Albuquerque, as reported by the city’s gunshot detection system.
    • In the last year, 52,743 free gun locks have been distributed by the New Mexico Department of Health.
    • The New Mexico Department of Health has distributed 31,806 doses of naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses, with 3,653 overdose reversals reported in the last year.
    • An interactive dashboard developed by the New Mexico Environment Department that shows drug testing of wastewater from public schools across the state, helping school officials and communities understand drug trends in their areas.
    • Increased inmate population at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center.
    • A coalescing of state and local agencies, including New Mexico State Police, Albuquerque Police, Bernalillo County Sheriff, and others, to develop a coordinated response to tackle gun violence.

    “Our work is not done,” said Lujan Grisham. “We need the legislature to pass stronger public safety laws, increase penalties for violent offenders, and ensure that those suffering from substance misuse have access to treatment. This is no time to slow down—we must accelerate our efforts to protect our families. The legislature must also prioritize budget requests from our law enforcement agencies, who need more resources to continue their fight against crime.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor orders flags to half-staff in honor of Sen. John Arthur Smith

    Source: US State of New Mexico

    SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has ordered all flags in the state of New Mexico to be flown at half-staff in honor of former state senator John Arthur Smith, who passed away on October 7. Flags will be lowered from sunrise on October 18 until sundown on October 21.

    Smith served the people of New Mexico for over three decades, representing District 35—which includes Dona Ana, Hidalgo, Luna, and Sierra Counties—from 1989 until his retirement in 2020. As the longtime chairman of the New Mexico Senate Finance Committee, he earned the respect of colleagues across the political spectrum, guiding the state’s fiscal policy with prudence and ensuring that funds were used wisely to benefit New Mexicans.

    Smith championed wise state investments in healthcare and education, particularly in his hometown of Deming, where he advocated for improved hospitals and schools. He also played a pivotal role in the creation of the Early Childhood Education and Care Department trust fund, laying the foundation for universal, high-quality childcare in New Mexico and serving as a national leader in early childhood education reform.

    “Senator John Arthur Smith’s dedication to our state, his financial expertise, and his commitment to improving the lives of New Mexicans will leave a lasting legacy,” said Lujan Grisham. “It is fitting to honor his life of public service through this period of mourning.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Global Bodies – Dr. Haroun Kabadi of Chad wins the MP of the year award – IPU

    Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

    16 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – The 2024 Cremer-Passy Prize, the MP of the year award, has been awarded to Dr. Haroun Kabadi, former President of the National Assembly of Chad (2011 to 2021) in recognition of his exceptional work in promoting peace and security.

    Currently, Dr. Kabadi heads Chad’s National Transitional Council, which is playing the role of legislative body as the country returns to constitutional order following the death of the President in 2021.

    Born in 1949, Dr. Kabadi holds a doctorate in agronomy and a master’s degree in rice genetics.

    His extensive political career includes serving as a Minister, Special Advisor to the President, Secretary-General of the Presidency and Prime Minister.

    During his tenure as President of the National Assembly, Dr. Kabadi worked tirelessly to strengthen peace, security and socio-political stability in Chad, the Sahel region, Central Africa and internationally.

    He contributed to the adoption of several legal instruments promoting peace and security within regional and sub-regional parliamentary organizations.

    As President of the G5 Sahel Interparliamentary Committee, he mobilized efforts against terrorism and advocated for dialogue and socio-economic development.

    In July 2022, Dr. Kabadi organized an international meeting on the role of parliaments in security and peace. He also met with members of the European Parliament to discuss the situation in the Sahel and seek their support for peace and security in the region.

    Background

    The Prize is named after the IPU’s two founders, parliamentarians Frédéric Passy and Sir William Randal Cremer, who created the IPU in 1889.

    The Cremer-Passy Prize is open to any sitting parliamentarians who make an outstanding contribution to the defence and promotion of the IPU’s objectives, as well as those “who contribute to a more united, peaceful, sustainable and equitable world”.

    Previous winners include Ms. Cynthia López Castro of Mexico and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (2022), and Mr. Samuelu Penitala Teo of Tuvalu (2023).

    Nominations for the prize are made by the IPU’s six geopolitical groups. https://www.ipu.org/about-ipu/members/geopolitical-groups

    The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded more than 130 years ago as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes democracy and helps parliaments develop into stronger, younger, greener, more gender-balanced and more innovative institutions. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mother and Son Sentenced for Illegally Importing Endangered Wildlife

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Raymond Anthony Rabago Montoya, 23, of Phoenix, was sentenced on October 2, 2024, by United States District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He also was ordered to pay $3,000 to the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund. His co-defendant and mother, Griselda Guadalupe Montoya-Gastelum, 50, of Sonora, Mexico, was previously sentenced by Judge Lanza on July 8, 2024, to 18 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Montoya-Gastelum pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Violate the Lacey Act on April 25, 2024, and Rabago Montoya pleaded guilty to the same offense on April 26, 2024.

    Defendants coordinated the illegal importation of exotic and protected wildlife from Mexico, including tigers, panthers, monkeys, and exotic parrots, into the United States, concealed through ports of entry, for financial gain. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began investigating the defendants in August 2022 after receiving a report from a person who believed that the four exotic parrots they had purchased from Rabago Montoya had been illegally imported. This report and further investigation led to the January 2023 execution of a search warrant at the home of Carlos Castro, where a tiger cub, an alligator, 12 snapping turtles, 6 tortoises, and boxes of other reptiles were found. Snapchat messages revealed that Montoya-Gastelum and Castro discussed illegal exotic animal sales and trades. Castro was subsequently convicted of Unlawful Sale of Wildlife in the Arizona Superior Court, Maricopa County.

    After federal agents observed advertisements for the sale of spider monkeys on Facebook, they conducted two undercover purchases of monkeys from the defendants for $6,000 each, one in April and one in May 2023. In June and August 2023, Rabago Montoya was encountered by law enforcement with dozens of endangered parrots concealed in his vehicle, many of which were deceased. Defendants were indicted on September 12, 2023, and arrested the following day.

    “Once again we see Arizonans profiting from the concealment of contraband through the Nogales and Lukeville Ports of Entry,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “Here, in lieu of controlled substances we have mistreated protected animals: and the sentences imposed send strong messages both of deterrence and of the importance of robust environmental protections.”

    “Wildlife trafficking is illegal and immoral, as countless animals that are taken from the wild are smuggled across borders in inhumane conditions,” said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “In the case of spider monkeys, many trafficked animals perish due to inadequate care, while those that survive face a life of captivity. We hope this case emphasizes that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and our partners will continue to ensure that those engaged in wildlife trafficking are brought to justice.”

    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stuart Zander and Lisa Jennis, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-23-01305-PHX-DWL
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-138_Montoya et al.

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    2024-138_Montoya et al.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Grassley Recognized for Work to Combat Sex-Trafficking Crisis: ‘The Only Person in a Position of Power Who Cares’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    Inside America’s Fastest-Growing Criminal Enterprise: Sex Trafficking

    ‘Washington’s lack of interest in the sex-trafficking crisis is stunning. Sometimes it seems as though the only person in a position of power who cares about the issue is 91-year-old Senator Grassley.’

    By Madeleine Rowley

    October 14, 2024

    There is no question that the border crisis is the primary reason for the increase in the sex trafficking of migrants…

    In July, Republican senator Chuck Grassley hosted a roundtable on the trafficking crisis at the border. Tara Rodas, 55, a federal employee who in 2021 worked at an emergency intake shelter in California, testified that while she was there, a 13-year-old girl from El Salvador was released to a sponsor in Ohio who was affiliated with the MS-13 gang.

    …

    Washington’s lack of interest in the sex-trafficking crisis is stunning. Sometimes it seems as though the only person in a position of power who cares about the issue is 91-year-old Senator Grassley…

    “I’ve been trying to protect unaccompanied children that are put in dangerous environments,” he told me in an interview. “These are the most vulnerable people, and somebody’s got to look out for them, and that’s me.”

    The next year, he wrote a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, saying that up to 3,400 unaccompanied children’s sponsors had criminal histories. Two years later, he urged the ORR to take responsibility for unaccompanied children who had ties to the gang. “Your agencies repeatedly pass the buck to each other. As a result, children are allowed to disappear. When these children disappear without any supervision, they are vulnerable to join dangerous gangs like MS-13,” he said.
    Grassley reached across the aisle in 2019 and 2021, working with Democratic senators Dianne Feinstein and Ron Wyden, respectively, regarding allegations of sexual abuse and employee misconduct at ORR-funded shelters. Grassley and Wyden’s investigation found that between 2016 and 2020, ORR received nearly 7,500 reports of sexual misconduct involving an unaccompanied child staying at a shelter…
    With the election of Joe Biden—and the border crisis that ensued—other Republicans have jumped on the trafficking bandwagon, but Grassley has continued to lead the charge, using his staff to conduct significant investigations. In January, for instance, he sent a detailed letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray, detailing evidence his staff had uncovered of unaccompanied children who were suspected of being in the hands of traffickers.

    Democrats have been shamefully silent on the trafficking issue. At the roundtable Grassley held in July, not a single Democrat attended. Neither did Mayorkas. “Democrats didn’t come because they’re just too embarrassed to talk about the shortcomings of this administration on immigration,” Grassley told me. “Especially when you have HHS sending kids to MS-13 gang-related sponsors in Ohio. It’s hard to explain that.”

    As for the Office of Refugee Resettlement… It has yet to do anything to reduce the sex trafficking that is taking place under its nose. On the contrary, it has lately been pushing through rules that will minimize the vetting of sponsors…This, of course, will allow the NGOs to push migrant children through the system even faster. But it will also make it easier for gangs and criminals to “sponsor” migrant girls after they’ve crossed the border. Grassley is trying to stop that from happening…
    Read the full piece HERE.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: October 16th, 2024 Heinrich Announces Legislation to Build More Homes in New Mexico, Highlights Over $1 Million He Secured for Housing Development in Santa Fe

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    SANTA FE, N.M. — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, met with leaders from Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity and Homewise to announce his New Homes Tax Credit Act, legislation to build more housing and renovate homes for working families, and see how the $1,100,000 he secured through the Appropriations process is helping Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity develop land and build housing for working families.

    U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announces his New Homes Tax Credit Act in Santa Fe, October 16, 2024. 

    “New Mexico is facing a housing shortage. The driving factor behind it is clear: we need to build more homes to meet demand. I authored the New Homes Tax Credit Act and secured federal funding to build more housing, so we can give more working families in our state a shot at owning a home. I will continue fighting to increase housing supply and put homeownership within reach for more New Mexicans,” said Heinrich.

    Heinrich recently introduced the New Homes Tax Credit Act, legislation that will provide tax credits to incentivize new investments and additional resources for single-family home construction and renovations for working families.  

    As Chairman of the U.S. Joint Economic Committee (JEC), Heinrich released a report on housing supply in America, which found that underbuilding, restrictive zoning policies, and home financing hurdles have caused the supply of starter homes to shrink and prices to rise. High interest rates and mangled supply chains have also contributed to increased home prices. Heinrich’s legislation will address the lack of housing inventory for individuals and families whose incomes are up to 120 percent of the area median income (AMI), particularly including in areas where middle-income families have historically been priced out. In Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, for example, this added housing inventory would benefit families with annual incomes of up to $103,680, $109,800, and $78,960, respectively. 

    Additionally, Heinrich secured $1,100,000 through the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations process for Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity to develop land into a mixed-income development focused on building 25 to 30 housing units for working families. In total, Heinrich has secured $14,500,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for northern New Mexico to address the housing shortage.

    For a list of Heinrich’s actions to lower housing costs and tackle the housing shortage in New Mexico, click here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer’s Trip to  Haiti

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer traveled to Port-au-Prince, Haiti on October 16 to meet with senior Haitian officials, and leadership of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission and the Haitian National Police (HNP) to drive progress on security and governance efforts. Mr. Finer was joined by a senior U.S. delegation from the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the National Security Council.  During separate meetings with members of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) and Prime Minister Garry Conille, Mr. Finer expressed condolences for the tragic loss of innocent life in the recent gang-led massacre in Pont-Sondé and reiterated the U.S. commitment to support Haitian-led efforts to restore security and pave the way toward free and fair elections.  Mr. Finer also commended the TPC for the transition of the presidency to President Leslie Voltaire on October 7, while noting that all Haitian officials must continue to put country over party and deliver on their promise to work for all Haitians.
    In his meeting with MSS and HNP leadership, Mr. Finer underscored our continued commitment to rally international support and provide the tools necessary to restore security and rule of law in Haiti.  To ensure that the MSS has the resources that it requires, the United States is by far the largest contributor to support the MSS mission to date.  Following the Haitian government’s request to the UN Security Council to authorize a UN peacekeeping mission to take over from the MSS at an appropriate time, Mr. Finer reassured Haitian officials of U.S. support for such a transition.
    The United States remains the largest contributor of humanitarian aid to the Haitian people through our UN and NGO partners, while also supporting the renewal of the HOPE/HELP trade preferences program as soon as possible to spur greater economic prosperity in Haiti.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department and City of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Seek Partial Termination of Consent Decree Covering Albuquerque Police Department

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Justice Department and City of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Seek Partial Termination of Consent Decree Covering Albuquerque Police Department

    The Justice Department and City of Albuquerque (City), New Mexico, filed a joint motion today seeking court approval to terminate certain portions of the consent decree covering the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). The joint motion follows the independent monitor’s 20th report, also filed today, which concluded that the City and APD have reached full compliance with 99% of the consent decree’s terms, the highest level of compliance achieved by APD.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Demands VP Harris Own Up for Failures as Border Czar

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) wrote Vice President Kamala Harris asking questions about the policy decisions she has made in her role overseeing border issues for the Biden administration, as well as the dangerous consequences and crimes that have ensued as a result.

    “Every community is a border community because the Biden-Harris administration has refused to enforce our immigration laws,” Grassley today said of his letter. “The federal government’s number one job is to keep its citizens safe. By reversing the effective border security policies of the Trump administration, the Biden-Harris administration has done the very opposite of protecting American citizens.”

    Grassley on a radio call this morning cited the following actions, among others, the Biden-Harris administration has taken that have weakened U.S. national security and made innocent Americans targets of otherwise preventable crimes: 

    • Ordering the Defense Department to stop building the southern border wall;
    • Blocking $2 billion previously allocated for barrier construction; and
    • Ending the Trump-era “Remain in Mexico” program.

    Click HERE for audio of Grassley discussing his letter to Vice President Harris. The full letter is available HERE and below. 

    Vice President Kamala D. Harris

    The White House

    Office of the Vice President

    1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

    Washington, D.C. 20500

    Dear Vice President Harris:

    In one of your first official public appearances, you joined President Biden in the Oval Office when he opined on the Trump administration’s immigration and border policies. President Biden dismissed the previous administration’s policies as “counterproductive to our security,” “harmful,” and a “moral and national shame.” 

    Since your first day in office, you and President Biden have worked to dismantle the Trump-era border policies and halted further construction of the border wall. The presidential proclamation terminating construction read, in part: “It shall be the policy of my Administration that no more American taxpayer dollars be diverted to construct a border wall.” This initiated a so-called “careful review of all resources appropriated or redirected to construct a southern border wall.” By April 2021, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced the cancellation of border barrier projects. In June of the same year, the Biden-Harris administration returned $2 billion to the DOD previously allocated for the purpose of border wall construction. Your administration also initiated a review of the Remain in Mexico policy, which Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Mayorkas subsequently ended in June 2021.

    Meanwhile, every fiscal year throughout your engagements, crossings from Mexico and the

    Northern Triangle markedly exceeded any year of the Trump administration. Despite the stark increase from those nations and many others, deportations and returns overall have decreased as a share of crossings. 

    Now, you are engaging in a numbers racket, telling Americans modest decreases in encounters from soaring, record highs is somehow proof that what your administration has been doing all along is working. It is not. 

    President Biden’s executive order—more than three years after your administration’s reckless reversal of key policies—is an implicit admission that he and you bear ultimate responsibility for this crisis and this disastrous approach. As a result of these slow-walked changes, our national security has been undermined and the safety of our communities has been threatened all across the country. 

    Due to the Biden-Harris administration’s failure to achieve adequate border security, illegal immigrants, including those entering from Mexico and the Northern Triangle, have been able to perpetrate heinous acts against innocent American citizens. For example:

    • On May 14, 2024, an 18-year-old Honduran national, who purportedly entered the United States illegally in April 2022, pled guilty to sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl in Waterloo, Iowa.
    • On April 2, 2024, a Honduran national, who was previously convicted of sexual assaulting a woman in Connecticut and deported, was charged for failing to register as a sex offender. He was reportedly able to re-enter the United States undetected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and subsequently was arrested twice before being charged.
    • On February 25, 2024, a 19-year-old Honduran national was arrested for the alleged rape and aggravated assault of a 14-year-old girl at knifepoint in Louisiana. He entered the United States illegally in October 2023.
    • On May 4, 2024, a Guatemalan national was arrested for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in a van in Palm Beach County, Florida. He reportedly entered the United States illegally in January 2024, was given an immigration hearing date in 2027, and was released by DHS.
    • On June 26, 2024, a Guatemalan national was charged with alleged sexually battery of a 14-year-old girl in Okaloosa County, Florida. He was deported on February 9, 2024, before this incident, but was able to re-enter the United States untraced days later.
    • On May 8, 2024, an El Salvadoran migrant was arrested for allegedly murdering a woman and the malicious assault of two homeless individuals with a baseball bat in West Virginia. He had an extensive criminal history and was in prison in El Salvador for over twenty years for “DUI [driving under the influence], sexual assault/murder, aggravated robbery, and narcotics related crimes.” Law enforcement believes he illegally entered the United States shortly after his release from prison.

    This is just a snapshot from this year alone of the sorts of preventable tragedies, which have become all too common across the United States.

    The Biden-Harris administration’s policies—pulling resources, reversing Remain in Mexico, and stopping wall construction—are largely to blame for our open and unsafe border over the last three-and-a-half years. Because of your actions and inactions, every state is now a border state and every community is a border community.

    Given your role as the leader of engagement with this region, which the media has colloquially dubbed as “Border Czar” or “Root Causes Czar,” I ask that you provide answers to the following immigration and border policy questions by October 24, 2024.

    1. Have you engaged with your international counterparts regarding violence perpetrated against innocent Americans by citizens of their countries? Have you raised this concern with any counterpart(s)? If so, what concerns were raised and when? What was their response?
    2. In light of the Biden-Harris administration’s ending of Remain in Mexico in 2021, what data can you provide suggesting migration from Mexico has been “stemmed” as you were tasked with accomplishing prior to 2024?
    3. In February 2024, the Biden-Harris administration endorsed a proposal that, among other provisions, included a requirement that a few hundred million dollars in unspent funds be used specifically for border wall construction. As noted above, the Biden-Harris administration previously returned $2 billion allocated for the purpose of building a border wall. Did the Biden-Harris administration ever consider reversing course regarding this funding? If not, why not? If so, why has no discernable action been taken to that end?
    4. The Biden-Harris administration has auctioned off some $300 million worth of unused border wall materials for mere pennies on the dollar. Why did the Biden-Harris administration endorse a proposal asking Congress to require them to use hundreds of millions of unspent dollars for border wall construction after deciding to sit on hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of unused supplies instead of building the wall?

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What is a Coral Reef?

    Source: NASA

    Coral reefs cover only 1% of the ocean floor, but support an estimated 25% of all marine life in the ocean, earning them the moniker ‘rainforest of the sea.’ They also play a critical role for coastal communities; preventing coastal erosion, protecting coastlines from hurricane damage, and generating $36 billion in annual income worldwide.
    We asked Juan Torres-Pérez, a research scientist and coral reef expert at NASA Ames Research Center, about the science behind coral reefs, and the role they play in both marine ecosystems and human communities.

    Reef
    Reefs are ridge-like structures, either natural or artificial. “A reef by definition is a structure that provides some relief above the ocean floor,” Torres-Pérez said. “It could be something man-made: you can pile a bunch of car tires, and then they get colonized by different organisms. Or it could be natural: a small hill on top of the ocean floor in which the primary framework is a rock.”
    Corals
    Corals are animals from the phylum Cnidaria, typically found along tropical coastlines. They comprise hundreds to thousands of living organisms called polyps, each only a few millimeters in diameter. Each polyp has its own body and a mouth with stinging tentacles to capture food such as plankton and small fish. The polyps grow together until they form a colony, and it is this colony that we recognize as a coral. There are two types of coral: hard corals and soft corals. Hard corals, also known as stony corals or more formally as Scleractinians, secrete calcium carbonate to form a hard skeleton; it is this type of coral that form a coral reefs. Soft corals, also known as Alcyonacea, are fleshy and bendable, often resembling trees or fans.  

    The colorful appearance of corals comes from the microscopic algae that live inside coral cells, called zooxanthellae. These algae perform photosynthesis, bringing vital food and nutrients to the corals. “The majority of the products from photosynthesis, about 80 to 90%, pass on to the coral, and then the coral uses those for its own metabolism,” said Torres-Pérez. “This is why corals are usually found in shallow waters: because these organisms need the sunlight to photosynthesize.”
    Coral Reefs
    A coral reef is a term used to describe the collective structure of hard corals that help shape a coral reef ecosystem. “A coral reef is a reef whose main structure is made by living organisms, in this case corals,” said Torres-Pérez. “A coral reef will always be a reef, but not all reefs are coral reefs.” The largest coral reef in the world is Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, which is over 1,000 miles long and covers around 133,000 square miles.

    Healthy coral reefs play a crucial role in providing coastal protection, habitats for marine life, and even key ingredients for potential new medicines.
    “Coral reef ecosystems provide habitat for thousands of species, from unicellular organisms like bacteria or some phytoplankton communities, to large organisms like sharks, groupers or snappers, and reptiles like sea turtles,” Torres-Pérez said.
    Corals act as a protective barrier during big storm events such as typhoons or hurricanes and have proven to be 97% effective in preventing damage to the natural and built environment. As coral reefs have been damaged in recent decades, coastal flooding and erosion have increased, causing significant damage to coastal communities.
    Many communities depend on coral reefs as a resource to sustain their livelihoods. “These are critical ecosystems, not only in terms of the whole biodiversity of the planet but because they also provide sustenance for millions of people, especially in island nations,” Torres-Pérez said. Coral reefs also support fisheries (fish caught for commercial, recreational, or subsistence purposes), recreational activities, and educational purposes.
    Scientists have been exploring coral as a new ingredient source for some medicines. They have discovered that a chemical from coral can be extracted to create antibiotics that are effective against bacteria resistant to other types of antibiotics. These ingredients are replicated in a lab, eliminating the need to continuously harvest and harm corals.

    According to a 2020 report produced by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN), 14% of the world’s coral reefs have been lost since 2009. In the wake of the 2023-2024 global coral bleaching event, that number is expected to increase.

    Coral bleaching is caused by increasing ocean temperatures. As water temperatures rise, it causes corals to expel their zooxanthellae, leaving behind a bone-white shell and depriving the coral of its main food source. “Eventually what happens is that the coral is too weak to compete with other organisms, like filamentous algae, that can overgrow the coral and eventually kill the whole colony,” said Torres-Pérez.
    Other threats to coral reefs come from human activity, such as pollution or physical damage. “Increases in sedimentation from poor land management get deposited into the reefs,” said Torres-Pérez, citing urban stormwater runoff and deforestation as two examples of sedimentation. Coral sedimentation is the deposition and accumulation of sediments, like fine sands or mud, on a reef. This clouds the waters, blocking critical sunlight and reducing the ability of zooxanthellae to photosynthesize.
    Another human-caused threat to corals is eutrophication, the unnatural increase of nutrients in the water. “Eutrophication provides grounds for the development of filamentous algae, which grows much faster than corals,” said Torres-Pérez. Some of these excess nutrients in the water come from sewage released into coastal waters or runoff of agricultural fertilizers into the ocean. The algae feed off the excess nutrients and grow into massive blooms, which suppress the growth of corals.

    Moreover, Torres-Pérez pointed out that human-caused physical damage to reefs can result from mechanical damage, such as ship anchors being thrown onto corals. Some fishing techniques, like deep water trawling (dragging fishing nets along the sea floor), can also damage reefs by pulling and tearing corals away from their bases. On a more individual scale, coral damage can also result from being stepped on by humans, or accumulated trash left behind by beach-goers.

    Many coral reefs in the world are still unclassified, unexplored, or yet to be discovered. NASA’s NeMO-Net hopes to change that. Torres-Pérez, who is a Co-Investigator for NeMO-Net, described how the citizen science project functions like an interactive mobile video game, allowing anyone to identify corals. “Users can characterize different components of a coral reef based on 2D [and 3D] images of a coral reef,” said Torres-Pérez. “which goes into a machine learning component.” The information from these classifications is fed into a scientific model and helps NASA both classify and assess the health of coral reefs around the world. To learn more about NeMO-Net and how to get involved, check out their website.
    In 2022, Torres-Pérez founded OCEANOS (Ocean Community Engagement and Awareness using NASA Earth Observations and Science for Hispanic/Latino Students), a program aimed at bringing oceanography and STEM opportunities to the next generation of Hispanic/Latino students in Puerto Rico. During the program, students build and test their own low-cost optical sensors, test data in a phytoplankton lab, replant coral reefs, and create storymap presentations of their work. “We want students to feel confident and capable to pursue STEM careers,” Torres-Pérez said, “and we want them to become agents of change in their community to share the importance of preserving the ocean.”

    Outside of NASA, Torres-Pérez is an active member of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF); an interagency body established in 1998 from Executive Order 13089: Coral Reef Protection that aims to preserve, protect, and restore coral reef ecosystems.

    To learn more about coral reefs and how they are monitored, Torres-Pérez recommends checking out resources from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which has a section on their website dedicated to corals. One notable coral reef resource from NOAA is their Coral Reef Watch website, which monitors sea surface temperatures on global and local scales. The website serves government and non-governmental agencies with their data products, which are used to monitor and predict climate impacts on coral reefs worldwide.
    Written by: Katera Lee, NASA Ames Research Center

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: No escape from Eagle’s prying eyes

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police arrested a gang member in east Auckland early this morning, after disturbing his dangerous late-night ride along the Southern Motorway.

    Auckland City Central Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Dave Plunkett, says a Police unit noticed a speeding motorcycle in Grafton just before midnight.

    “Police signalled for the rider to stop but he fled at speeds well over the legal road limit. We did not pursue the motorbike, due to this dangerous manner of driving.

    “However, the Police Eagle helicopter was deployed to the area and observed the motorbike as it exited the motorway towards Mount Wellington, and to an address on Panama Road.

    “Eagle directed Police ground staff to the address, where the alleged motorbike rider met them the gate and led them to the suspected motorbike in a garage.”

    The bike was impounded for six months along with another motorbike in the garage, that had multiple alerts for fleeing Police.

    The alleged rider, a 45-year-old patched Head Hunters gang member, was summoned to the Auckland District Court where he will face charges of failing to stop and dangerous driving.

    “This incident shows once again that we have no tolerance for reckless driving behaviour that puts other road users at risk,” Senior Sergeant Plunkett says.

    “Thanks to the good work of all Police staff involved, the rider will be held to account.”

    ENDS.

    Tony Wright/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Trade Minister to attend G20 meeting in Brazil

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Trade Minister Todd McClay will attend the Group of Twenty (G20) Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in Brasilia next week. 

    “As an exporting nation reliant on trade, this is a significant opportunity to boost our interests with some of the world’s largest economies and many of our most important trading partners,” Mr McClay says.

    “New Zealand was invited to attend following our success in negotiating the E-Commerce agreement at this year’s WTO Ministerial Trade negotiation in Abu Dhabi, and our inaugural attendance at the G7 Trade Ministers meeting in Reggio Calabria.”

    Minister McClay will represent New Zealand alongside G20 members to discuss sustainable development, investment, global food security, reducing Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and strengthening of the Multilateral system to grow trade. 

    In addition to G20 meetings, Mr McClay will look to engage directly with counterparts including from Brazil, Canada, Chile, the European Union, Germany, India, Mexico, Netherlands, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    While in the region, the Minister will also lead a business delegation to São Paulo to boost New Zealand’s $242 million exported to Brazil and supporting the 40 Kiwi businesses already operating in the region.

    The delegation includes 13 organisations: Aroa Biosurgery, Auckland Council, Foot Science International, Framecad, Gallagher Animal Management, Latin America Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence (CAPE), Latin America New Zealand Business Council (LANZBC), Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC), Loadscan, Mindhive Global, New Zealand Brazil Business Chamber (NZBBC), Seequent, and Tait Communications.

    “We are committed to ensuring New Zealand remains competitive on the world stage and that our high-quality, safe and sustainable exports gain the recognition they deserve.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Large high-grade iron ore deposit found in east China

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A high-grade iron ore deposit has been discovered in east China’s Shandong Province, with estimated reserves at 104 million tonnes.

    The Department of Natural Resources of Shandong Province has identified 16 high-grade iron ore bodies in the Qihe-Yucheng region.

    High-grade iron ore typically has a total iron content of over 45 percent — making it a strategic mineral resource in short supply in China.

    Hu Zhiyong, an official with the department, said the newly confirmed high-grade iron ore deposit is one of few in China, and is notable for its large distribution, considerable ore body thickness, high ore quality, and promising exploration potential.

    He emphasized the global imbalance in iron ore supply and demand, noting that major reserves are concentrated in countries such as the United States, Australia, Brazil, Russia and China. Despite having iron ore reserves, China faces a shortage of high-grade iron ore.

    The Qihe-Yucheng area, now poised to become a major high-grade iron ore base, is expected to alleviate some of the resource challenges facing China and improve the nation’s security in terms of iron ore supply, he added.

    As of 2022, a total of 173 kinds of minerals had been found in China, according to a report released by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mayor to promote Auckland in key international markets

    Source: Auckland Council

    Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is embarking on official visits to Brazil and China aimed at increasing trade and fostering relations between New Zealand’s largest city and countries with a combined population of over 1.6 billion.

    He will be supporting senior delegations of Auckland-based business leaders seeking to promote their products in these key markets.

    The potential creation of a dedicated passenger and freight air link between Asia, Auckland and South America – the Southern Cross trade connection, also known as Southern Link – will be a key discussion point on both legs.

    “Trade between China and Brazil totals around $490 billion annually – there is a huge opportunity for Auckland to tap into that with an air link that stops here and allows our businesses to get their products into these markets reliably, quickly and cost-effectively,” Mayor Brown said.

    “This is all about driving new investment in Auckland and helping companies based here to tap into export opportunities.

    “We have to be proactive and unapologetic about reaching out, building links and letting the world know that Auckland is a thriving and progressive place that welcomes trade and investment.

    “I’m very pleased to have a number of Auckland-based business leaders joining me at their own expense who see value and opportunity in taking our city to the world.

    “Modern Auckland is a cultural melting pot – we are a Pacific city in Asia, with more than 170,000 people who identify as Chinese alone living here. It’s important to keep reinforcing that we are proud, outward-looking people wanting to participate in the world around us.”

    The Mayor is well-acquainted with both countries, having been to Brazil on several occasions and written a book that was translated into Portuguese and sold well in Brazil. He has also led business delegations to China while he had his own interests.

    In 2008, he was invited by then-Prime Minister Rt Hon Helen Clark to travel to Beijing for the signing of the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, where a particular highlight was attending the formal lunch to celebrate the signing with Premier Wen Jiabao.

    He is an official invited guest of the New Zealand Government whilst in Brazil, departing October 20 and returning October 25. It will be the first time an Auckland Mayor has made an official visit to Brazil, with a population well in excess of 200 million.

    He will accompany Trade Minister Todd McClay to a bilateral meeting with the Vice-Governor of São Paulo and participate in an economic and business briefing.

    There will also be a roundtable event hosted by NZ Trade and Enterprise, a partnership signing between New Zealand companies and their Brazilian customers and a NZ Business Technology Showcase featuring local companies in the technology and manufacturing sectors.

    The Mayor will return to Auckland before travelling to China on 31 October, leading a delegation of New Zealand business leaders for a series of official events.

    It will be the first time in five years an official delegation from Auckland has gone to China – New Zealand’s biggest export market worth more than $20 billion annually.

    He will have meetings with members of the Hainan Government in Haikou, support Auckland businesses exhibiting at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, meet the China Chamber of Commerce in Ningbo, meet the Mayor of Ningbo and speak at a function in Guangzhou recognising 35 years of Auckland’s sister city relationship.

    While in Guangzhou, the Mayor will visit Auckland companies with operations there, including Zuru, before attending the International Friendship Cities Cooperation and Development Conference in Chengdu at the invitation of the Sichuan Government.

    The Mayor will be taking a particular interest in China’s approach to rapid infrastructure development – noting it has rolled out 46,000km of high-speed rail in under 20 years – and will look for opportunities for Auckland to benefit from better, faster and cheaper delivery methods.

    He will stop briefly in Tokyo en-route back to Auckland for a meeting with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and attend part of the 50th Japan-New Zealand Business Council Conference before returning to Auckland on 17 November.

    The travel has been approved by the chair of council’s audit committee and complies with council rules. One Mayoral Office staff member will accompany the Mayor on each leg and the total cost is expected to be around $75,000, with business delegates meeting their own travel costs.

    Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson will be Acting Mayor in Mayor Brown’s absence.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE’s speech in delivering “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” to LegCo (4)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    (C) International Trade Centre58. The global trade landscape is undergoing constant changes, with parts of the supply chains shifting to the Global South and B&R countries, while many Mainland enterprises are also actively establishing their presence abroad.59. Hong Kong topped the global rankings in international trade and business legislation, according to the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024. We have been the prime destination for Mainland and overseas enterprises setting up international headquarters to manage offshore trading and supply chain businesses.Build a High Value-added Supply Chain Service Centre60. Hong Kong is home to a deep pool of talents and extensive networks in offshore trading and supply chain management, including production chain management, export credit risk management, trade financing, marketing, testing and certification, accounting and other professional services. We will strengthen the provision of high value‑added supply chain services by:(i) establishing a high value‑added supply chain services mechanism – The Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will set up a mechanism and enhance the interface for attracting Mainland enterprises to establish international or regional headquarters in Hong Kong, providing one‑stop, diversified professional advisory services for enterprises in Hong Kong looking to go global;(ii) providing greater export protection for enterprises – The statutory maximum indemnity percentage of the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) will be increased from 90% to 95%. The ECIC will also provide more free buyer credit checks with extended geographical coverage, and enhance financing support for e‑commerce businesses;(iii) providing robust export credit services – We will encourage the China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation to explore setting up businesses in Hong Kong, providing export credit insurance services covering overseas investment with prolonged investment period, offering Mainland enterprises in Hong Kong venturing overseas markets and foreign‑funded companies doing businesses in Mainland market with more comprehensive export credit services;(iv) promoting electronic trade financing – The HKMA is experimenting with tokenised electronic bills of lading through its Project Ensemble Sandbox. The goal is to lower fraud risks through the better use of technology and to facilitate the provision of trade financing by financial institutions. The HKMA will work with other jurisdictions on a pilot basis to develop mechanisms for trade information transmission, promoting cross‑boundary data transfers and the digitalisation of international trade. It will also allow potential stablecoin issuers to test blockchain use cases, including solutions for cross‑boundary payments through the stablecoin issuer sandbox; and(v) enhancing financial services with data – The HKMA expects to connect its Commercial Data Interchange (CDI) with the system of the Land Registry next year to facilitate enhancement of banking services through the better use of data.Expand Our Global Economic and Trade Networks61. In addition to developing the European and American markets, we will continue to expand our economic and trade networks, especially with B&R countries. Relevant measures include:(i) further opening up of trade in services with the Mainland – Under the Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) Agreement on Trade in Services (Amendment Agreement II) signed recently, further liberalisation measures have been introduced across several services sectors. These include the construction, testing and certification, financial services, film, and television sectors. In particular, the period requirement of substantive business operations in Hong Kong for three years has been removed in most services sectors. This will attract more Hong Kong start‑ups, overseas enterprises, and talents from around the world to establish their presence in Hong Kong to tap the Mainland market. We will implement the Amendment Agreement II, step up promotion and provide assistance to enterprises as needed;(ii) reinforcing the interface of trade mechanisms – We will continue to seek early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). We are also in investment agreement negotiations with Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, and plan to begin negotiations with Egypt and Peru. Our free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Peru have been concluded and we expect to sign the FTA this year. We will also expand the global network of our Economic and Trade Offices, focusing on establishing economic and trade ties with emerging markets; and(iii) further exploring priority markets – We will continue to pay visits and lead business and professional services delegations to priority markets such as B&R countries. We will also organise the B&R Cross‑professional Forum to promote Hong Kong’s professional services.Promote Development of a Headquarters Economy62. The Government will step up efforts to bring in strategic enterprises from outside the city to set up headquarters or corporate divisions in Hong Kong. The FSTB will submit a bill this year to introduce a company re‑domiciliation mechanism obviating the need for companies intending to re‑domicile in Hong Kong to be wound up in its original domicile overseas and establish a new company in Hong Kong. The companies will be able to preserve their legal identity and business continuity, saving cost as a result of the simplified procedures.63. The validity period of multiple‑entry visas for foreign staff of companies registered in Hong Kong, including non‑permanent residents, will be extended to a maximum of five years to facilitate their visit to the Mainland, and their applications will enjoy priority processing.64. We will strengthen the range of financial services available for Mainland enterprises in Hong Kong wishing to expand overseas, encouraging Mainland financial enterprises to co‑ordinate and manage their overseas business in Hong Kong and facilitating their internationalisation. The HKMA is exploring ways to enable Mainland enterprises looking to go global to enjoy facilitation of cross‑boundary RMB settlement and financing through enhanced offshore RMB liquidity, utilising technology and promoting international collaboration.Foster Trading of Liquor65. At present, Hong Kong imposes a duty of 100% on the import price of liquor (with alcoholic strength of more than 30%). To promote liquor trade and boost the development of high value‑added industries including logistics and storage, tourism as well as high‑end food and beverage consumption, the Government has made reference to the successful experience of driving the wine trade through exemption of wine duty, and will, starting today, reduce the duty rate for liquor with an import price of over $200 from 100% to 10% for the portion above $200, while the duty rate for the portion of $200 and below, as well as liquor with an import price of $200 or below will remain unchanged.(D) International Aviation Hub66. As an international aviation hub, Hong Kong is connected to nearly 200 destinations worldwide. Our city has topped the global ranking for air cargo throughput for more than a decade.67. The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) will complete the Three‑Runway System by the end of this year. From 2035, the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)’s capacity will increase by 50%.Enhance Aviation Development Strategies68. The Government will step up efforts in expanding our aviation network by supporting the HKIA to explore new destinations and flights, particularly enhancing co‑operation with civil aviation counterparts from B&R countries. In parallel, we will combine the strengths of our airport and Zhuhai Airport to improve the Fly‑Via‑Zhuhai‑Hong Kong direct passenger service and jointly develop international air cargo business for greater synergy.Develop a World-leading Airport City69. The Government will plan with the AAHK for expanding the scale of the Airport City by more than double, building a new, world‑leading landmark in the bay area among the Airport Island, the Hong Kong Port Island of the HZMB and Tung Chung East New Town. New projects will be developed to promote high‑end commercial, tourist and leisure activities. These include creating an ecosystem for the arts industry, building the AsiaWorld‑Expo Phase 2, developing a yacht bay with ancillary facilities, opening a food market for imported fresh food and providing more public spaces.Expand Cargo Capacity through the GBA and Enhance Advantages of the Air Cargo Industry70. The AAHK is pressing ahead in full steam with the innovative development of a sea‑air intermodal cargo‑transhipment mode in collaboration with Dongguan. The initial stage of first‑phase construction for the permanent logistics park in Dongguan, the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park, will be completed by the end of next year, and the cargo‑handling capacity will progressively reach one million tonnes per annum. Advance planning will be made to commence the second‑phase development, introducing more high value‑added logistics, cross‑boundary e‑commerce and courier service facilities.71. The Government will extend arrangements under the Air Transhipment Cargo Exemption Scheme to other intermodal cargo‑transhipment modes to boost competitiveness.(E) Regional Centre for International Legal and Dispute Resolution ServicesCommence Training for International Legal Talents72. The Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy will be officially launched this year, cultivating legal talents to be familiar with international law, common law, civil law, national legal systems and other legal aspects. The dedicated office and expert committee under the Department of Justice (DoJ) are pressing ahead with the related work.Step up Promotion of Mediation Services73. The International Organization for Mediation will have its headquarters set up in Hong Kong upon adoption and entry into force of the relevant international convention. The Government will enhance the system on local accreditation and disciplinary matters of the mediation profession to further strengthen our role as an international mediation centre. We will incorporate mediation clauses in government contracts and encourage private organisations to make reference to and adopt such clauses. We will also launch the Pilot Scheme on Community Mediation to offer more training opportunities for promoting mediation culture.Develop a Sports Dispute Resolution System74. With the development of sports activities and industry, sports disputes have become increasingly complicated. We will explore establishing a sports dispute resolution system and promote sports arbitration, leveraging the institutional advantages of Hong Kong in dispute resolution.(To be continued.)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt intensifies super hub strategy

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    While delivering the 2024 Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee announced today that the Government has made meticulous plans to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for trade, aviation and legal services.

    He called attention to the reason behind why his administration is building a high value-added supply chain services centre to serve the Mainland and overseas enterprises, and facilitate their establishment of an offshore trading headquarters in Hong Kong.

    “Hong Kong is home to a deep pool of talent and extensive networks in offshore trading and supply chain management, including production chain management, export credit risk management, trade financing, marketing, testing and certification, accounting and other professional services.”

    He explained that Invest Hong Kong and the Trade Development Council will set up a mechanism and enhance the interface for attracting Mainland enterprises to establish international or regional headquarters in Hong Kong, providing one-stop, diversified professional advisory services for enterprises in Hong Kong looking to go global.

    In an effort to provide greater export protection for enterprises, Mr Lee stated that the Government plans to raise the statutory maximum indemnity percentage of the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation to 95%. It also encourages the China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation to establish a presence in Hong Kong.

    Another goal includes actively promoting the development of a headquarters economy to bring strategic enterprises from outside Hong Kong and extending the validity period of multiple-entry visas to the Mainland for foreign staff of companies registered in Hong Kong to up to five years.

    Additionally, Mr Lee described the Government’s aim of promoting electronic trade financing.

    “The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is experimenting with tokenised electronic bills of lading through its Project Ensemble Sandbox. The goal is to lower fraud risks through the better use of technology and to facilitate the provision of trade financing by financial institutions.

    “The HKMA will work with other jurisdictions on a pilot basis to develop mechanisms for trade information transmission, promoting cross-boundary data transfers and the digitalisation of international trade.

    “It will also allow potential stablecoin issuers to test blockchain use cases, including solutions for cross-boundary payments through the stablecoin issuer sandbox.”

    He added that to enhance financial services with data, the HKMA expects to connect its Commercial Data Interchange with the system of the Land Registry next year to facilitate enhancement of banking services through the better use of data.

    In addition to developing the European and American markets, the Chief Executive stressed that the Government will continue to expand Hong Kong’s economic and trade networks, especially with Belt & Road (B&R) countries.

    It will do so by further opening up trade in services with the Mainland so as to attract more Hong Kong start-ups, overseas enterprises, and talent from around the world to establish their presence in Hong Kong to tap the Mainland market.

    Mr Lee noted that another goal calls for reinforcing the interface of trade mechanisms.

    “We will continue to seek early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. We are also in investment agreement negotiations with Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, and plan to begin negotiations with Egypt and Peru.”

    To promote liquor trade and boost the development of high value-added industries including logistics and storage, tourism as well as high end food and beverage consumption, the Government will, starting today, reduce the duty rate for liquor with an import price of over $200 from 100% to 10% for the portion above $200, while the duty rate for the portion of $200 and below, as well as liquor with an import price of $200 or below will remain unchanged.

    With the Three-Runway System set to be completed this year, Mr Lee highlighted that Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub will be further accentuated.

    He made it clear that Hong Kong will fully utilise the capacity of the Three-Runway System.

    “The Government will step up efforts in expanding our aviation network by supporting Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to explore new destinations and flights, particularly enhancing co-operation with civil aviation counterparts from B&R countries.

    “In parallel, we will combine the strengths of our airport and Zhuhai Airport to improve the Fly-Via-Zhuhai-Hong Kong direct passenger service and jointly develop international air cargo business for greater synergy.”

    Mr Lee lauded the endeavour of expanding the scale of the Airport City to build a world-leading new landmark.

    “The Government will plan with Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) for expanding the scale of the Airport City by more than double, building a new, world-leading landmark in the Greater Bay Area among the Airport Island, the Hong Kong Port Island of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and Tung Chung East New Town.

    “New projects will be developed to promote high-end commercial, tourist and leisure activities. These include creating an ecosystem for the arts industry, building the AsiaWorld‑Expo Phase 2, developing a yacht bay with ancillary facilities, opening a food market for imported fresh food and providing more public spaces.”

    One more important objective of the Government is to expand cargo capacity through the bay area and enhance advantages of the air cargo industry, Mr Lee stated.

    “AAHK is pressing ahead in full steam with the innovative development of a sea-air intermodal cargo‑transhipment mode in collaboration with Dongguan. The initial stage of first-phase construction for the permanent logistics park in Dongguan, the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park, will be completed by the end of next year, and the cargo-handling capacity will progressively reach one million tonnes per annum.

    “Advance planning will be made to commence the second-phase development, introducing more high value-added logistics, cross-boundary e-commerce and courier service facilities.”

    While expounding on the Government’s consistent work to promote Hong Kong as a regional centre for international legal and dispute resolution services, the Chief Executive specified that training for international legal talent will commence and promotion of mediation services will be stepped up.

    “The International Organization for Mediation will have its headquarters set up in Hong Kong upon adoption and entry into force of the relevant international convention. The Government will enhance the system on local accreditation and disciplinary matters of the mediation profession to further strengthen our role as an international mediation centre.”

    Apart from incorporating mediation clauses in government contracts and encouraging private organisations to make reference to and adopt such clauses, Mr Lee stated that the Pilot Scheme on Community Mediation will also be launched to offer more training opportunities for promoting a mediation culture.

    As an added bonus, he revealed that the Government is thinking about developing a sports dispute resolution system.

    “With the development of sports activities and industry, sports disputes have become increasingly complicated. We will explore establishing a sports dispute resolution system and promote sports arbitration, leveraging the institutional advantages of Hong Kong in dispute resolution.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Operation Narsil disrupts network of child abuse websites designed to generate profits from advertising

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    3 August 2023

    Tracking the money made by perpetrators and preventing the revictimization of children

    LYON, France — INTERPOL has concluded a two-year global operation to bring to justice criminals operating networks of child sexual abuse websites designed to generate profits from advertising.

    Running from December 2021 to July 2023, Operation Narsil also targeted the finance mechanisms used by the website administrators to conduct their online advertising campaigns.

    Over two years, INTERPOL member countries worked together using INTERPOL’s Worst of List (IWOL), sharing targeted intelligence, pinpointing suspects and coordinating arrests of the people managing the websites.

    Created in 2010, IWOL contains a watchlist of websites containing extreme child abuse material.  The General Secretariat headquarters works with law enforcement in all regions so that national Internet service providers close down these websites.

    “Operation Narsil sends a strong message to the criminals making money from these websites that INTERPOL, and its alliance of police forces in 195 member countries, know where they are, what they are doing, and how to find them,” said Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL Secretary General.

    “Every time a person clicks on these images, they are effectively entering a crime scene. Identifying and removing these websites reduces the availability and potential normalization of online child abuse material, and, most importantly, reduces the re-victimization of the children abused,” added Secretary General Stock.

    Worldwide crime trend

    In one case, a brother and sister, both in their early thirties, were arrested as a result of IWOL digital clues and intelligence provided by the global police community pointing investigators to the suspects in Argentina.

    Investigations by Argentina’s Victim Identification Office in the Anti Cyber Crimes against Minors Division and the Specialised Cybercrime Prosecution Unit (UFECI), working with Federal Courts in Mendoza Province, led to the identification and arrest of the two suspects.

    Fourteen electronic devices were seized from their home as well as cash and credit cards. The siblings are thought to have created, maintained and financially benefitted for more than a decade from websites featuring child sexual abuse material and associated advertising campaigns.

    “Given the technological complexities of this case and the degree to which the criminal activity went undetected, these arrests highlight the importance of police cooperation across regional, national, and international borders,” said the Head of Argentina’s Federal Police, Juan Carlos Hernandez, who also serves as delegate for the Americas on INTERPOL’s Executive Committee.

    Argentina’s Federal Police search electronic devices seized during Operation Narsil for child abuse images

    Officers of Argentina’s Federal Police review materials seized during Operation Narsil

    Argentina’s Federal Police reviewing seized materials

    Officers of Argentina’s Federal Police review visitor statistics to the suspect’s sites

    “With synchronized arrests across continents, this operation confronted global networks that profit from child abuse images and videos. INTERPOL is a strong global network of officers fully committed to putting an end to the online abuse of children, and we applaud the action and incredible results countries have achieved in Operation Narsil,” added Argentina’s Police Chief.

    Local crime, global cooperation

    Working with the Prosecutor’s Office, Bulgarian law enforcement identified and arrested a 34-year-old man who made his living operating an online forum that facilitated the sharing of child sexual abuse materials.

    Bulgarian Police closed the online forum he had been running since 2020 and which is thought to have facilitated access to thousands of media files depicting serious child sexual abuse material.

    Following the arrest, investigations are ongoing to identify forum users.

    In one case during the Russian leg of Operation Narsil, police authorities arrested two 24-year-old citizens for the production and online circulation of materials depicting the sexual violation of minors. Authorities searched the suspects’ homes, seizing computer equipment containing specialized software for creating and administrating websites, and removable hard drives containing child sexual abuse material.

    With the support of US Homeland Security Investigations, Thai police arrested a 45-year-old Thai national for the possession and online distribution of child sexual abuse material. His arrest came after police executed a search warrant at his residence, uncovering large amounts of child sexual abuse material and financial transaction records associated with online distribution of the abuse photos.

    Narsil – meaning a longsword which tackles all evil – is one of the first INTERPOL operations to focus on identifying, locating and arresting the people receiving advertising revenues from website visitors interested in viewing the site’s child sexual abuse content.

    INTERPOL has been monitoring websites disseminating child sexual abuse imagery for more than 13 years and, in collaboration with law enforcement partners across the world, has seized more than 20,000 domains.

    Operation Narsil involved investigations triggered by law enforcement in Austria, Argentina, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Colombia: Two arrested for live streaming child sexual abuse

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    Authorities have safeguarded victims aged 19 months, 7 and 9.

    LYON, France – Colombia police have safeguarded three children and arrested their mother and aunt, accused of live streaming the children’s sexual abuse for profit.

    Australian authorities first brought the case to INTERPOL’s attention in December 2022 after finding a video depicting child sexual abuse on the Darknet. The video material was uploaded to INTERPOL’s International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database, where specialized officers from around the world could consult and analyse it for clues.

    One month later, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation alerted INTERPOL’s Crimes against Children (CAC) unit to the possible identity of one of the offenders, pinning their likely location as Colombia. The CAC unit confirmed their hypothesis, uncovering a number of clues and prepared a comprehensive victim identification report for Colombian authorities.

    Upon reception and investigation, Colombia’s national police confirmed the location and identity of the children and the two offenders. They found that the mother and aunt had been using specific platforms to produce and sell made-to-order, live sexual abuse video material for ‘customers’ abroad.

    On 22 February, Colombian authorities carried out a coordinated rescue-and-arrest operation, working with child protection services to safeguard the children and ensure they receive medical and psychological care.

    INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said, “This appalling case shows that live streaming child sexual exploitation is not confined to any region, it is global, and as in this case, usually involving very young children.

    “We will continue to work with Colombian investigators to analyse seized devices, identify further victims and review data to find the individuals who were ordering and facilitating the horrific abuse from behind their screens,” concluded Secretary General Stock.

    Today the ICSE database links 68 countries and connection of additional countries is ongoing. Since its launch, the database has assisted in the identification and documentation of more than 33,000 victims and 14,900 offenders worldwide.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: ‘Distance is not a problem’: HSE develops cooperation with think tanks of BRICS countries

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    At the end of September Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) HSE held a meeting with representatives of analytical centers from Brazil, India, and Egypt. The participants considered the possibilities of cooperation, including conducting joint surveys and comparative studies, and discussed the formation of common databases and joint publications on foresight and scientific and technical policy. A decision was also made to prepare a draft multilateral agreement on the establishment of the BRICS Foresight Research Association.

    Leonid Gokhberg, First Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics and Director of the ISSEK, welcomed the participants and presented an overview of HSE research activities in areas of possible cooperation, focusing in particular on those conducted by the team of the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge.

    ISSEK comprises 19 research centres and two international laboratories, with over 240 employees, making it the largest research unit of the Higher School of Economics. The key areas of the institute’s activities are statistical measurements and forecasting of development directions in science, technology, innovation, education, the digital economy and creative industries. ISSEK scientists analyse scientific, technical and innovation policies implemented in Russia and around the world, and study the factors of sustainable economic growth, social welfare and competitiveness.

    ISSEK is implementing a number of large-scale research projects. The Doing Science in Russia study analyzes the current state of Russian science and its development prospects. The Russian Cluster Observatory, which studies the innovative and creative development of cities and regions, publishes two ratings: the Innovative Development Rating of Russian Regions and the HSE Global Cities Innovation Index. In the third, recently published edition, the authors examine more than 1,000 agglomerations with the largest number of high technologies and creative leaders from 144 countries. Hundreds of ISSEK research projects use the results of the unique iFORA big data mining system developed by its team.

    Leonid Gokhberg outlined potential areas of cooperation between ISSEK and foreign partners in the framework of joint research, publications and courses in such areas as foresight, the use of big data, scientific and technical policy, the business climate in the field of science and technology, the digital economy, the creative economy, and innovative urban development.

    The Director of the ISSEK also proposed the creation of a BRICS Foresight Research Association, which would promote cooperation in the field of futures research.

    Fernando Rizzo, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies and Management in Science, Technology and Innovation (CGEE, Brazil), introduced the audience to the history and activities of the organization. CGEE was founded in 2001 and has 115 employees. The center supports decision-making processes on topics related to science, technology and innovation. CGEE experts evaluate and monitor public policies, identify promising technologies and competencies, conduct foresight studies, and provide strategic consulting services for decision-making. CGEE includes several research observatories: Information Services for Science, Technology and Innovation; Space Technology Observatory; Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory; Innovation Observatory for Sustainable Cities; Bioeconomy Observatory; Digital Transformation Observatory.

    In 2024, CGEE organized the 5th National Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation, a major event that attracted a total of 30,000 participants from 27 Brazilian states. The conference presented the Brazilian Plan for Artificial Intelligence (BPAI) 2024-2028.

    Dr. Mohamed Ramadan Rezk, Director of the Egyptian Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory (ESTIO, Egypt), began his presentation with the surprising idea that foresight existed as far back as Ancient Egypt, where the future, i.e. life after death, was depicted on bas-reliefs. In its modern sense, foresight research began in Egypt in 1975, when the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations conducted a study on the demographic impact of potential development strategies from 1975 to 1985. ESTIO was established in February 2014 as a subordinate organization of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) to develop science, technology and innovation indicators, conduct foresight studies and raise awareness of foresight in Egypt. Later, in 2021, the North African Applied Systems Analysis Center (NAASAC) was established as a collaboration between ASRT, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria and the National Planning Institute of Egypt. Its activities include developing an online educational program on applied research; organizing joint applied research on issues relevant to decision makers in Egypt, North Africa and the Arab States; and providing advisory services to governments and businesses. ASRT conducts foresight research in areas such as energy, water, the impact of COVID-19 on society, and climate change.

    Dr. Gautam Goswami, Principal Scientist, Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC, India), shared the strengths of his organization. TIFAC is a technology think tank under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It brings together eminent experts from government agencies, research institutes, universities and industry. TIFAC focuses on areas such as assessing the country’s technology needs and forecasting promising areas of technology development. Since 1996, TIFAC has been publishing a series of reports called “The Future of Technology” (the first and second editions set the forecast horizon for 2020 and 2035; the report “The Future of Technology – 2047” is currently being prepared). The council’s experts also prepare other short- and long-term foresight reports, as well as the Technology Market Research Report, which tracks new technologies, collects patent information, and maintains databases of technologies and experts. TIFAC also provides foresight training to industry professionals, government officials, and academics.

    Iwao Ohashi from Japan, Advisor for Japan and Asia Pacific Countries to the Association of Industrial Parks of Russia, shared his opinion on the prospects for Russia’s technological development under sanctions. He believes that Russia should develop cooperation in technology and innovation with the BRICS countries. Joint foresight studies are also very important, and Iwao Ohashi believes that the creation of the BRICS Foresight Research Association would be a very promising idea. Mr. Ohashi noted that in the near future, China will most likely become a global leader in innovation. At the same time, he emphasized that “we need to make a strategic bet on the creation of Russian innovation centers within the country and in its regions, as well as invite foreign experts to Russia.”

    Following the presentations, ISSEK scientists exchanged ideas for cooperation with foreign participants. Dirk Meissner, Head ofLaboratory of Innovation Economy and academic director of the master’s program “Governance in the field of science, technology and innovation“, mentioned cooperation with colleagues from the University of Campinas in Brazil. “Geographical distance is no longer a problem,” said Dirk Meissner, emphasizing the importance of communication and education online.

    Liliana Proskuryakova, Head of DepartmentLaboratory for Science and Technology Research, noted the issues of health care, energy and water resources as cross-cutting themes in the participants’ speeches. A comprehensive analysis of these basic needs of humanity can determine the priorities of cooperation, in addition, this agenda is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals that are relevant for our countries. Mikhail Gershman, Director Center for Scientific, Technical, Innovation and Information Policy, head of the project “Making Science in Russia”, invited colleagues to join forces in the framework of comparative cross-country studies of the working conditions of scientists and state scientific and technical policy. Ekaterina Streltsova, director Center for Statistics and Monitoring of Science and Innovation, proposed establishing cooperation to conduct joint research on technological development, including using patent analysis tools.

    Evgeny Kutsenko, Director of the Russian Cluster Observatory, spoke about the project’s scientific plans, including cluster development, unicorn companies and creative industries. The possibilities of strengthening joint projects based on the results of big data analysis were demonstrated by showing the system developed at ISSEKiFORA, expert of the Center for Strategic Analytics and Big Data of the ISSEK Maria Antasheva.

    “I am pleased to meet you. CGEE started collaborating with HSE many years ago. And when Alexander Sokolov suggested intensifying scientific ties, most of the CGEE staff, who already had experience interacting with the Higher School of Economics, knowing the high level of its research, readily supported this idea,” said Fernando Rizzo, Director of CGEE. “At our center, we work in various areas, including sustainable cities, bioeconomy, energy, airspace, agriculture and education. Among the potential areas of our international cooperation, I see training and education in AI and data science, the use of generative AI for research and innovation, joint data infrastructure and the use of predictive modeling in big data analysis.”

    The meeting participants agreed to strengthen international ties and implement projects in areas of mutual interest, including within the framework of the planned multilateral agreement to create the BRICS Foresight Research Association.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.hse.ru/nevs/expertise/975578115.html

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salazar and Wasserman Schultz Introduce Legislation to Stop Venezuelan Oil Exports Until Maduro Leaves Power

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s (FL-27)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) introduced the Revoke Exemptions for Venezuelan Oil to Curb Autocratic Repression (REVOCAR) Act. The bill is the House of Representatives companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).

    After the presidential election held in Venezuela on July 28, 2024, Nicolás Maduro and his regime have unleashed a torrent of repression and violence towards supporters of María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, the leader of the opposition and winner of the election, respectively. Since then, the Biden-Harris Administration renewed U.S. oil company Chevron’s license to operate in Venezuela just 33 days after the stolen election, undermining the United States’ ability to adequately pressure Maduro to concede his defeat and leave power.

    The REVOCAR Act will rescind these licenses and ensure American and European companies can no longer finance Maduro’s repression and hasten the democratic transition process the Venezuelan people voted for.

    “It’s long past time to cut off the flow of money that the Maduro Dictatorship uses to oppress their people,” said Chairwoman Salazar. “We are sending a loud and clear message that if Maduro stays, there will be no oil money for the Venezuelan regime.”

    At a recent hearing, Chairwoman Salazar condemned several oil companies in the United States and Europe for continuing to conduct business with PDVSA, Venezuela’s state-owned oil company and financial lifeline for the Maduro regime, even after the results of the July 28 presidential election. Salazar noted that companies like Chevron, Repsol, Eni, and Maurel et Prom are profiting off the continued repression of the Venezuelan opposition by operating with PDVSA.

    The REVOCAR Act ends Maduro’s financial lifeline by prohibiting American citizens and companies from engaging with PDVSA by eliminating General Licenses issued by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). These licenses are necessary to do business with the Maduro regime. The prohibitions would extend for three years or until the President certifies that a peaceful, democratic transfer of power to Venezuelan president-elect Edmundo González Urrutia has taken place.

    “Maduro’s brutal regime refuses to honor the undeniable election results, despite clear evidence proving his loss. Rescinding these special licenses, which exclusively serve to subsidize the regime’s crony corruption, violent repression, and flagrant human rights abuses, must be part of our international effort to reject Maduro’s election theft,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “If we truly intend to see through a peaceful transition of power and honor the will of the Venezuelan people, we cannot afford to indulge fossil fuel companies’ investors at the expense of democracy.”

    “Despite the sweeping and clear opposition victory in the recent Venezuelan presidential election, the Maduro regime refused to release results, announced that it had won instead, and arbitrarily arrested thousands of opposition supporters,” said Senator Durbin. “We must put an end to the outright theft of the Venezuelan voters’ overwhelming choice for a better future. I’m pleased that Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Salazar are introducing the House bill to terminate all U.S. petroleum cooperation and related trade with Venezuela until the legitimate results of the recent election are respected. The Maduro regime clings to power using oil revenues dependent on U.S. involvement. Under our bill, that will end, and so will Maduro’s financial strength.”

    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: STATEMENT: Congresswoman Ramirez Discusses Democracy, Human Rights, Migration with Grassroots, Indigenous Communities in Honduras

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Delia Ramirez – Illinois (3rd District)

    Chicago, IL – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement after returning from a six-day delegation to Honduras with other Congressional offices to meet with and learn from grassroots and Indigenous communities, and civil society.

    “I recently returned from a trip to Honduras, where I had the privilege to listen to and learn with grassroots and indigenous groups about the root causes of migration. I want to express my gratitude for the time, wisdom, and generosity of local leaders and communities. We who care about human rights, land defense, environmental protection, and democracy-building in the United States have much to learn from the organizers and movement leaders across Honduras.

    While we may be thousands of miles apart, the fights for justice across Latin America – struggles that drive migration to the U.S. southern border – share common roots with the movements and organizing in Illinois’ Third Congressional District. Whether it is the struggle to ensure community control of land, resist displacement, expose corporate influence’s destructive impact on our environment and politics, or build solidarity economies and cooperatives, we cannot deny that our efforts, stability, and success are interconnected.

    It is also impossible to visit with the Garifuna, the Lenca, the Campesinos, the land defenders, and those who mourn assassinated leaders and disappeared loved ones and not face the US’ complicity in creating conditions that drive the migration of hondureños. For too long, American interests have treated Honduras and other Central American countries as our “back patio” and our free market playgrounds. For decades, US companies that participate in human rights violations and the destruction of the cultural, political, and environmental inheritance of the Honduran people have acted with impunity. US dollars, influence, and leadership have been used to privatize, displace, extract, intimidate, and silence those who would dare to defend their ancestral land rights, their collective economic models, and their precious natural resources.

    Congresswoman Ramirez visits  Berta Cáceres Flores’ resting place in Honduras. 

    I sat both with Juan López’s compañeras and with the leaders who rose up after the assassination of Berta Cáceres Flores. Justice must be realized for environmentalists Juan and Berta. Protection must be implemented for all those who continue to experience grave threats as they fight for their democracy and human rights. Land restoration must be delivered for the Garifuna, Campesino collectives, and Lenca people.

    Is there more that must be demanded and delivered by Honduras’ own government? Absolutely. As a US Congressperson, I am concerned that the United States’ own policies and practices reflect a commitment to the dignity, sovereignty, and self-determination of the Honduran people.

    As a founder of the Global Migration Caucus and the Vice Ranking Member of the Homeland Security committee, it is clear to me that to address the global crisis of migration, we must protect the sources of life for people across the globe – the land, the water, the air, the forests. We must use our influence and resources to ensure that everyone has not only the right to migrate, but the right to remain, free of persecution, violence, economic deprivation, and corruption.

    I am working every day to deliver policies in Illinois’ Third Congressional District that encourage community control of land, resist displacement, expose corporate influence’s destructive impact on our environment and our politics, and build solidarity economies and cooperatives. I want nothing less for the people of Honduras.”

    For photos of the delegation,CLICK HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Tokio Marine HCC Appoints David Perez to Launch US Excess Casualty Business

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tokio Marine HCC (TMHCC), based in Houston, Texas, has today announced the expansion of its specialty product offering with its entry into the Excess Casualty market. David Perez has been appointed as President, Excess Casualty, to lead the launch and build out the new offering. David takes up his new role with immediate effect and will report to Susan Rivera, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TMHCC.

    TMHCC’s entry into this space is timely and will provide insureds vital new capacity as limit retrenchment continues amid challenging loss cost trends. David’s unique understanding of the casualty industry, combined with TMHCC’s underwriting best practices honed over its 50-year history, creates a powerful foundation for profitable growth and market leadership.

    David brings nearly four decades of experience to the new division. He joins from Liberty Mutual where he served as Chief Underwriting Officer, Global Risk Solutions. He has also held senior underwriting positions, across the US and Bermuda, including at Torus Insurance Limited, American International Group, and Starr Excess Liability Insurance Company Ltd.

    Susan Rivera, CEO of TMHCC, said, “TMHCC’s entry into the Excess Casualty market at this pivotal juncture once again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the needs of insureds and aligning capacity where it is required most. While entering a new market can bring its own set of challenges, TMHCC is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunity the firming of the excess casualty market presents. David brings with him a wealth of experience and will undoubtedly strengthen our deep technical expertise as TMHCC cements its position in the market. It also highlights our commitment to employing the best in the business as we prioritize the development and growth of products that will enable policyholders to enhance their resilience.”

    David Perez, President of Excess Casualty, added, “TMHCC has an exceptional reputation in the specialty insurance sector, and I am excited to launch its presence into the Excess Casualty market. There is a clear opportunity for TMHCC’s unique blend of underwriting acumen, analytics and disciplined limits and cycle management. I am looking forward to working with Susan and the team to build the new offering.”

    About Tokio Marine HCC
    Tokio Marine HCC is a member of the Tokio Marine Group, a premier global company founded in 1879 with a market capitalization of $73 billion as of June 30, 2024. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Tokio Marine HCC is a leading specialty insurance group with offices in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. Tokio Marine HCC’s major domestic insurance companies have financial strength ratings of ‘A+’ (Strong) from S&P Global Ratings, ‘A++’ (Superior) from AM Best, and ‘AA-’ (Very Strong) from Fitch Ratings; its major international insurance companies have financial strength ratings of ‘A+’ (Strong) from S&P Global Ratings. Tokio Marine HCC is the marketing name used to describe the affiliated companies under the common ownership of HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc., a Delaware-incorporated insurance holding company. For more information about Tokio Marine HCC, please visit http://www.tokiomarinehcc.com.

    Contact:
    MHP Group
    tmhcc@mhpgroup.com
    +44 (0)7586 050 758

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mexico: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2024 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 15, 2024

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Key Messages

    Activity is decelerating. Despite an expansionary fiscal stance, growth is slowing to around 1½ percent this year, due to binding capacity constraints and tight monetary policy. Continuing monetary restraint and slowing activity are expected to lower inflation to Banxico’s 3-percent target by 2025. The current account deficit is expected to widen slightly in 2024 as investment- and consumption-related imports outpace exports. Risks to growth are tilted to the downside while inflation risks remain on the upside. Weaker-than-expected growth in the U.S., an increase in global risk aversion, and unforeseen effects from recent institutional reforms could weigh on output. On the other hand, better-than-expected import demand from the U.S. or the ongoing reshaping of global value chains could boost activity and inward investment.

    A medium-term fiscal strategy is needed to reduce deficits and debt, raise tax revenues, and create fiscal space for investments in human and physical capital. This would require putting in place a comprehensive tax reform early in the new administration, durably reducing the fiscal deficit while carefully prioritizing public spending, and reducing inequities in the pension system. Addressing the imbalances between the federal budget and Pemex, and enhancing corporate governance of the latter, are also important priorities.

    The ongoing reshaping of global value chains offers the incoming administration an important opportunity to deepen the already-strong economic links with the U.S. Taking advantage of these prospects, however, requires a wide-ranging set of supply-side reforms to complement the well-established, very strong institutional framework for macroeconomic policies. Regulatory reforms, better-targeted public investment that further relieves infrastructure bottlenecks, broader access to financial services, and a more predictable supply of energy and water would all support private sector-led growth. Other priority measures include governance reforms that address corruption and tackle organized crime.

    Recent judicial reforms create important uncertainties about the effectiveness of contract enforcement and the predictability of the rule of law. The replacement of judges at various levels of the judiciary in the coming year creates a new source of uncertainty that may impinge upon private investment decisions. It is critical that this reform be implemented in a clear and predictable way that ensures the independence and professionalism of the judiciary and strengthens the rule of law. Staff’s current baseline does not incorporate potential headwinds from these uncertainties.

    Fiscal Policy

    The authorities are committed to achieving their 2024 fiscal target. The overall deficit for the year is currently projected to be 5.9 percent of GDP, a fiscal impulse of around 2 percent of GDP that is expected to bring gross public sector debt close to 58 percent of GDP by end-2024. Increased spending on large infrastructure projects, wages, pensions, and social spending are all adding to fiscal support for the economy. There is, however, a risk that additional support for Pemex and/or greater-than-expected spending on infrastructure projects could lead to a modest fiscal overrun by end-year.

    Mexico needs to put in place a credible medium-term fiscal consolidation underpinned by well-identified policy measures. The incoming authorities’ plan to initiate an important fiscal consolidation in 2025 that should lower the deficit to below 3 percent of GDP over the medium term, underscoring Mexico’s commitment to fiscal prudence. This will require the identification and implementation of additional fiscal measures, preferably including an overarching tax reform. In particular, the 2025 budget should focus on reducing tax expenditures and reassessing both tax rates and thresholds, particularly for the personal income tax. Further expenditure rationalization, including tax exceptions, and improved tax administration would contribute to this needed adjustment and help bolster market confidence.

    A review of policies regarding support for Pemex, and the energy sector more generally, would enhance the credibility of the government’s fiscal plans. Federal government support for Pemex in the form of various tax reliefs, investments, and transfers have cost 1 percent of GDP in 2024. Further support should be conditioned on Pemex developing a viable business strategy and improving its corporate governance. This could include focusing Pemex activities on profitable fields, selling non-core assets, developing a new strategy for unprofitable refinery operations, and incentivizing public-private partnerships (including via equity participation). The strategy should also examine the implications for, and linkages with, the federal electricity company.

    More is needed to address structural inequities in the pension system. Public pension spending has increased by 0.6 percent of GDP over the past three years and will continue to rise over the medium term. While the recent reform to raise the replacement rate,aimed to equalize treatment across workers, inequities remain between and within cohorts. A broader review is therefore needed of the benefit structure and the minimum contribution requirement.

    Further deepening of financial intermediation would make growth more inclusive. The recent development of fintech products and digital payments have expanded access to financial products. In addition, financial regulations that lower loan-loss provisioning for female borrowers have increased women’s access to credit. These efforts could be complemented by expanding the adoption of digital payment systems and eliminating institutional barriers to entry for new products and entities that are deemed to be financially sound.

    The IMF staff team would like to thank the Mexican authorities and other counterparts for their support, hospitality, and constructive discussions.

     

    Table 1. Mexico: Selected Economic, Financial, and Social Indicators

    I. Social and Demographic Indicators

    GDP per capita (U.S. dollars, 2023)

       13,643.3

    Poverty headcount ratio (% of population, 2023) 1/

         37.0

    Population (millions, 2023)

            131.1

    Income share of highest 20 perc. / lowest 20 perc. (2022)

           8.4

    Life expectancy at birth (years, 2024)

               75.5

    Adult literacy rate (2020)

         95.2

    Infant mortality rate (per thousand, 2023)

    13.6

    Gross primary education enrollment rate (2022) 2/

       102.0

    II. Economic Indicators

    Proj.

    2020

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    (Annual percentage change, unless otherwise indicated)

    National accounts (in real terms)

    GDP

    -8.4

    6.0

    3.7

    3.2

    1.5

    1.3

    Consumption

    -8.6

    7.1

    4.5

    4.6

    1.0

    0.9

    Private

    -9.8

    8.4

    4.9

    5.0

    1.0

    0.9

    Public

    -0.7

    -0.5

    1.7

    2.1

    1.2

    1.1

    Investment

    -18.3

    11.4

    7.4

    17.8

    4.0

    3.8

    Fixed

    -17.2

    10.5

    7.5

    18.0

    5.0

    3.0

    Private

    -18.6

    12.6

    7.7

    17.6

    5.3

    3.2

    Public

    -5.7

    -3.5

    5.8

    20.9

    3.8

    1.2

    Inventories 3/

    -0.3

    0.2

    0.0

    0.0

    -0.2

    0.2

    Exports of goods and services

    -7.0

    7.1

    8.9

    -7.4

    -0.6

    3.3

    Imports of goods and services

    -12.0

    15.7

    7.6

    5.0

    1.1

    2.3

    GDP per capita

    -9.1

    5.4

    2.9

    2.3

    0.6

    0.5

    External sector

    External current account balance (in percent of GDP)

    2.4

    -0.3

    -1.2

    -0.3

    -0.7

    -0.9

    Exports of goods, f.o.b.  4/

    -9.4

    18.6

    16.7

    2.6

    1.4

    3.6

    Imports of goods, f.o.b. 4/

    -15.9

    32.0

    19.6

    -1.0

    3.0

    4.6

    Net capital inflows (in percent of GDP) 5/

    0.8

    -1.0

    -0.9

    -0.9

    -1.9

    -1.4

    Terms of trade (goods, improvement +)

    0.8

    -1.0

    -3.1

    16.9

    -1.7

    -0.3

    Gross international reserves (in billions of U.S. dollars)

    199.1

    207.7

    201.1

    214.4

    235.0

    244.8

    Exchange rates

    Real effective exchange rate (avg, appreciation +) 6/

    -7.7

    5.9

    5.3

    16.4

    …

    …

    Nominal exchange rate (MXN/USD) (eop, appreciation +)

    -5.9

    -3.2

    5.7

    12.8

    …

    …

    Inflation, Employment and Population

    Consumer prices (end-of-period)

    3.2

    7.4

    7.8

    4.7

    4.5

    3.2

    Core consumer prices (end-of-period)

    3.8

    5.9

    8.3

    5.1

    4.0

    3.1

    Formal sector employment, IMSS-insured workers (average) 

    -2.5

    1.9

    4.3

    3.6

    …

    …

    National unemployment rate (annual average)

    4.4

    4.1

    3.3

    2.8

    3.0

    3.3

    Unit labor costs: manufacturing (real terms, average) 

    10.4

    4.4

    11.8

    -1.3

    …

    …

    Total population 7/

    0.8

    0.6

    0.8

    0.9

    0.9

    0.8

    Working-age population 7/

    1.1

    1.0

    1.1

    1.2

    1.1

    1.0

    Money and credit

    Financial system credit to non-financial private sector 8/

    0.9

    4.2

    10.9

    8.7

    8.0

    7.5

    Broad money

    13.4

    9.5

    7.3

    11.0

    7.8

    7.3

    Public sector finances (in percent of GDP) 9/

    General government revenue

    23.5

    22.9

    24.3

    24.4

    24.2

    23.8

    General government expenditure

    27.8

    26.6

    28.6

    28.7

    30.1

    27.3

    Overall fiscal balance 10/

    -4.3

    -3.7

    -4.3

    -4.3

    -5.9

    -3.5

    Structural primary balance  11/

    0.6

    1.2

    0.9

    1.1

    -1.1

    0.9

    Fiscal impulse 12/

    0.5

    -0.5

    0.2

    -0.2

    2.2

    -2.0

    Gross public sector debt

    58.5

    56.7

    54.1

    53.0

    57.6

    57.9

    Memorandum items

    Nominal GDP (billions of pesos)

    24,087

    26,690

    29,473

    31,772

    34,313

    36,766

    Output gap (in percent of potential GDP)

    -2.8

    -2.0

    0.0

    1.2

    0.6

    -0.1

    Sources: World Bank Development Indicators, CONEVAL, National Institute of Statistics and Geography, National Council of Population, Bank of Mexico, Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit, and Fund staff estimates.

    1/ CONEVAL uses a multi-dimensional approach to measure poverty based on a “social deprivation index,” which takes into account the level of income; education; access to health services; to social security; to food; and quality, size, and access to basic services in the dwelling.

    2/ Percent of population enrolled in primary school regardless of age as a share of the population of official primary education age.

    3/ Contribution to growth. Excludes statistical discrepancy.

    4/ Excludes goods procured in ports by carriers.

    5/ Excludes reserve assets

    6/ Based on IMF staff calculations.

    7/ Based on CONAPO population projections.

    8/ Includes domestic credit by banks, nonbank intermediaries, and social housing funds.

    9/ Data exclude state and local governments and include state-owned enterprises and public development banks.

    10/ The 2020 PSBR is adjusted for some statistical discrepancies between above-the-line and below-the-line numbers.

    11/ Adjusting revenues for the economic and oil-price cycles and excluding one-off items, in percent of potential GDP.

    12/ Negative of the change in the structural primary fiscal balance.
    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Brian Walker

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/15/cs-mexico-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2024-article-iv-mission

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