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Category: Middle East

  • MIL-OSI: Amplify Energy and Juniper Capital Announce Amendment to the Merger Agreement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Juniper to Contribute Incremental $10 Million in Cash

    Updates Oil and Gas Hedge Positions and Juniper Reserve Values

    HOUSTON, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amplify Energy Corp. (NYSE: AMPY) (“Amplify” or the “Company”) today announced an amendment to the existing terms of its previously disclosed Agreement and Plan of Merger with Juniper Capital’s (“Juniper”) upstream Rocky Mountain portfolio companies.

    The amended agreement will now provide for Juniper to contribute an incremental $10 million of cash to further reduce the net debt of the combined companies. This amendment follows shareholder engagement and reflects Juniper’s strong belief in the merits of the combination and focus on a strong pro forma company. As previously announced, at closing Amplify plans to issue Juniper approximately 26.7 million shares of Amplify common stock and assume approximately $133 million in net debt(1).

    Such incremental contribution was agreed to in Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 14, 2025 (the “Amendment”). Amplify intends to file supplemental proxy materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in the coming days reflecting the Amendment.

    Martyn Willsher, Amplify’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “These amended terms reflect each party’s belief in the long-term value creation of this proposed transaction and our commitment to shareholder engagement. This transaction has been thoroughly considered alongside a wide range of options by our board of directors, and we continue to believe that this combination is the best path for shareholders to realize the value they deserve.”

    Edward Geiser, Juniper’s Managing Partner, added, “In recognition of the recent market volatility, we believe the additional cash investment is justified to bolster the strength and liquidity of the combined company. We continue to believe that the combination of our Rockies assets with Amplify’s existing operations offers investors a unique opportunity, which is capable of delivering significant shareholder value and free cash flow in a low or high commodity price environment. This increased capital investment reflects our continued confidence in the long-term value creation of the combined company and the top quality of the Amplify management team.”

    Updated Hedge Positions

    In response to shareholder concerns regarding the recent reduction in oil prices, Amplify is providing updated information regarding the current oil and gas hedge positions at both Amplify and Juniper.

    Mr. Willsher commented, “Though oil prices have dropped considerably since we announced the transaction in January, Amplify and Juniper have taken significant steps to minimize the impact of commodity price volatility through their active hedging programs. As a percentage of proved developed producing reserves, Amplify has 80-85% of oil hedged in 2025 and 40-45% hedged in 2026, while Juniper has 65-70% of oil hedged in 2025 and 50-55% hedged in 2026. At current strip prices, Amplify’s hedges have a present worth of approximately $25 million, while Juniper’s hedges have a present worth of approximately $14 million.”  

    As illustrated in the tables below (as of April 15, 2025), both Amplify and Juniper have meaningfully protected against downside commodity risk by hedging a significant portion of their forecasted PDP volumes.

    Amplify standalone hedge book:

      2025   2026   2027
               
    Natural Gas Swaps:          
    Average Monthly Volume (MMBtu)   585,000     500,000     137,500
    Weighted Average Fixed Price ($) $ 3.75   $ 3.79   $ 4.01
               
    Natural Gas Collars:          
    Two-way collars          
    Average Monthly Volume (MMBtu)   500,000     517,500     437,500
    Weighted Average Ceiling Price ($) $ 3.90   $ 4.11   $ 4.45
    Weighted Average Floor Price ($) $ 3.50   $ 3.58   $ 3.56
               
    Oil Swaps:          
    Average Monthly Volume (Bbls)   128,583     90,500     9,000
    Weighted Average Fixed Price ($) $ 70.85   $ 68.43   $ 63.65
               
    Oil Collars:          
    Two-way collars          
    Average Monthly Volume (Bbls)   59,500        
    Weighted Average Ceiling Price ($) $ 80.20        
    Weighted Average Floor Price ($) $ 70.00        
               

    Juniper standalone hedge book:

      2025   2026   2027
               
    Oil Swaps:          
    Average Monthly Volume (Bbls)   68,750     38,500    
    Weighted Average Fixed Price ($) $ 71.83   $ 66.79    
               
    Oil Collars:          
    Two-way collars          
    Average Monthly Volume (Bbls)   31,292     16,625     1,708
    Weighted Average Ceiling Price ($) $ 75.26   $ 74.84   $ 76.15
    Weighted Average Floor Price ($) $ 65.57   $ 63.12   $ 65.00
               

    Updated Juniper Audited Reserves

    Amplify is also providing updated information regarding the audited reserve value associated with Juniper’s assets. Assuming WTI oil prices at $60 per barrel held flat and Henry Hub gas prices at $3.50 per mmbtu held flat, the total proved reserve PV-10(2) value of Juniper’s audited reserves is $356 million.

    Mr. Willsher commented, “Combining Juniper’s proved developed PV-10(2) value of $230 million with the value of Juniper’s current hedge book ($14 million) generates total value of $244 million. Comparing this value to the pro forma debt of approximately $123 million (after Juniper’s $10 million cash contribution), demonstrates the substantial equity value of the Juniper assets even in a sustained low oil price environment. Furthermore, as we’ve previously noted, we believe the Juniper assets have considerable incremental value provided by the extensive development potential, much of which is located on held-by-production leases, which would allow the combined company the flexibility to slow development during low commodity prices but capitalize on higher prices to the benefit of our investors.”

    Mr. Willsher concluded, “We believe the merger provides numerous benefits to shareholders, including the scale and flexibility to weather commodity cycles like we are currently experiencing. Amplify’s low-decline asset base complements Juniper’s high margin assets, which are then further supported by our strong combined hedge positions. With substantial flexibility to defer discretionary capital projects, and our ongoing focus on delivering value to investors in any environment, we continue to expect we will generate strong free cash flow in 2025 and in the years ahead.”

    The details of Juniper’s Audited Reserves are provided in the table below:

      Estimated Net Reserves
      Proved Developed
    		   Proved Undeveloped
    		   Total Proved
    Oil | Natural Gas Price PV-10
    		   PV-10
    		   PV-10
      (in millions)
               
    $70 | $3.50 $335   $280   $615
    $60 | $3.50 230   126   356
           

    Special Meeting of Stockholders

    The Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) to approve the proposals is scheduled to be reconvened on April 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time (and the meeting will be held virtually via the internet at www.cesonlineservices.com/ampysm_vm). The record date for the Special Meeting, March 3, 2025, is unchanged and applies to the reconvened Special Meeting.

    Stockholders who have already cast their votes do not need to take any action, unless they wish to change or revoke their prior proxy or voting instructions, and their votes will be counted at the reconvened Special Meeting. For stockholders who have not yet cast their votes, we urge them to vote their shares now, so they can be tabulated prior to the reconvened Special Meeting. For more information on how to vote, please call the Company’s proxy solicitor, Sodali & Co, on their toll-free number (800) 662-5200 or email AMPY@investor.sodali.com.

    The Company’s Board of Directors continues to recommend that shareholders vote “FOR” the two proposals regarding the merger and identified in the Company’s definitive proxy statement.

    About Amplify Energy

    Amplify Energy Corp. is an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the acquisition, development, exploitation and production of oil and natural gas properties. Amplify’s operations are focused in Oklahoma, the Rockies (Bairoil), federal waters offshore Southern California (Beta), East Texas / North Louisiana, and the Eagle Ford (Non-op). For more information, visit www.amplifyenergy.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements.” All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Terminology such as “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “continue,” “predict,” “potential,” “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results or financial condition to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements contained in this press release specifically include the statements about the Company’s expectations of plans, goals, strategies (including measures to implement strategies), objectives and anticipated results with respect thereto and the expected timing of the reconvened Special Meeting. Please read the Company’s filings with the SEC, including “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, and if applicable, the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, which are available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://www.amplifyenergy.com/investor-relations/default.aspx or on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, for a discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those in such forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All forward-looking statements in this press release are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future results or otherwise.

    Footnotes

    1)   Net debt at announcement consisted of $140 million outstanding as of 12/31/2024 less $2 million of cash and pro forma of $5 million of cash to be contributed by Juniper before the closing date.
    2)   The estimated net reserves are based on 2024 Year End reserves and are evaluated at flat pricing. PV-10 is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents the present value of estimated future cash inflows from proved oil and natural gas reserves that are calculated using the unweighted arithmetic average first-day-of-the-month prices for the prior 12 months, less future development and operating costs, discounted at 10% per annum to reflect the timing of future cash flows. The most directly comparable GAAP measure to PV-10 is standardized measure. PV-10 differs from standardized measure in its treatment of estimated future income taxes, which are excluded from PV-10. Amplify believes the presentation of PV-10 provides useful information because it is widely used by investors in evaluating oil and natural gas companies without regard to specific income tax characteristics of such entities. PV-10 is not intended to represent the current market value of the estimated proved reserves. PV-10 should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the standardized measure as defined under GAAP. As GAAP does not prescribe a comparable GAAP measure for PV-10 of reserves adjusted for pricing sensitives, it is not practicable for us to reconcile PV-10 to a standardized measure or any other GAAP measure.
         

    Contacts

    Amplify Energy

    Jim Frew — Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    (832) 219-9044
    jim.frew@amplifyenergy.com

    Michael Jordan — Director, Finance and Treasurer
    (832) 219-9051
    michael.jordan@amplifyenergy.com  

    Sodali & Co.

    Michael Verrechia / Eric Kamback / Christopher Rice
    (800) 662-5200
    AMPY@investor.sodali.com  

    FTI Consulting

    Tanner Kaufman / Brandon Elliott / Rose Zu
    amplifyenergy@fticonsulting.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank delivered exceptional 2024 financial performance, cementing its position as a systemic pan-African trade finance institution

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

    CAIRO, Egypt, April 15, 2025/APO Group/ —

    African Export-Import Bank (“Afreximbank” or the “Group”) (www.Afreximbank.com) has released the consolidated financial statements of the Bank and its subsidiaries, for the year ended 31 December 2024.

    Financial Highlights

    Afreximbank reported strong financial performance despite a complex global economic landscape marked by geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and elevated interest rate, posting a net income of US$973.5 million for FY 2024, a 29% increase from the previous year – with subsidiaries beginning to make meaningful contributions to the Group’s financial results.

    These impressive results highlight Afreximbank’s resilience, systemic relevance and its commitment to delivering on its mandate and the objectives set under its Sixth Strategic Plan. The Group’s total income increased by 23% to reach US$3.3 billion, driven by growth in business volumes and supported by higher market interest rates. As a result, net interest income for FY2024 amounted to US$1.8 billion, a 25% increase compared to FY2023, reflecting the effective and efficient management of borrowing costs.

    Despite rising operating expenses, Cost-to-Income ratio improved to 18% in FY 2024, down from 19% in the previous year – demonstrating enhanced operational efficiency. This was achieved even as total operating expenses rose by 21% to US$367.7 million (FY2023: US$304.5 million), primarily due to global inflationary pressures and increased investment in human capital to support expanded business activities.

    Group’s total assets, including contingencies, grew by 7.55%, reaching US$40.1 billion as of 31 December 2024, compared to US$37.3 billion at the close of FY’2023. The growth was largely driven by increases in net loans and advances to customers, guarantees and letters of credit, as well as investments at fair value, property and equipment.

    The carrying value of property and equipment increased by 33%, rising from US$328.1 million to US$436.4 million, primarily driven by the accelerated construction of the state-of-the-art Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) facilities in Abuja, Nigeria, and Harare, Zimbabwe.

    The Group’s Shareholders’ funds grew by 17% in 2024, reaching US$7.2 billion (FY’2023: US$6.1 billion). This growth was largely driven by the Net income of US$973.5 million generated in 2024 which contributed to the increase in equity, while FY’2023 dividends of US$314.5 million were appropriated following the Shareholders’ approval in June 2024. Additionally, the successful capital-raising efforts under the second general capital increase (GCI II) programme, which secured fresh equity contributions totalling US$412.8 million during the year also contributed to the increase in Group shareholders’s funds.

    The Bank’s callable capital, a significant proportion of which was credit enhanced as part of the Bank’s Capital Management Strategy, amounted to US$4.3 billion as at 31 December 2024 (FY’2023: US$3.7 billion).

    Operating Highlights

    In 2024, Afreximbank was ranked number one in all three categories in the Bloomberg Capital Markets League Tables Report for African Capital Markets. The Bank was the top Sub-Saharan Africa bookrunner, administrative agent and mandated lead arranger. These rankings affirm the Bank’s role as a market leader in facilitating capital from within and outside of the continent from a diverse range of investors and stakeholders for financing needs for African member states and organizations.

    Afreximbank continued to expand its membership, further deepening its continental and diaspora reach. Libya’s accession to the Establishment Agreement brought the number of African member states to 53 by year-end, and just weeks later, Somalia became the 54th participating state. On the Caribbean front, membership momentum remained strong, with 12 of the 15 CARICOM countries having signed the Bank’s Participating Agreement, paving way for Afreximbank to expand its operations into the region.

    The Bank’s subsidiaries also delivered a robust growth and made a significant impact throughout the year. The Fund for Export Development (FEDA), the equity investment subsidiary of the Bank, expanded its impact portfolio to over US$0.5 billion, targeting key sectors such as industrial platforms, financial services, agribusiness, and healthcare. AfrexInsure, the Bank’s specialty insurance subsidiary, successfully deployed its solutions to an expanding customer base across multiple sectors and geographies. By year-end, AfrexInsure had completed transactions in seventeen countries, up from seven the previous year, covering US$3.54 billion in assets. Notably, AfrexInsure was able to place 97% of its premiums with pan-African players, in line with its mandate to keep premiums on the continent.

    The Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) continued its upward trajectory in 2024, with 3 additional Central Banks and 50 commercial banks joining the platform, bringing the total number of Central Banks to 16 and commercial banks to 144. In addition, PAPSS launched the African Currency Marketplace (PACM) in 2024, which successfully handled 12 currencies during its pilot phase and becoming a useful platform for large corporates encountering difficulties in repatriating funds across the continent. Work is also progressing towar the launch of the PAPSS card, further enhancing the platform’s capacity to facilitate seamless financial transactions across the continent.

    In the last quarter of 2024, the Bank priced its debut Samurai bond, securing a regular 5 tranche JPY 67.2 billion. Concurrently, the Bank launched its inaugural Retail Samurai bond with a 3-year fixed-rated tranche valued at JPY 14.1 billion. The bonds are rated ‘A-’ by Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd and helped with diversifying the Bank’s funding sources.

    The fundraising opportunities were further validated by the AAA/Stable rating awarded to the Bank by China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), the highest rating ever granted to an African multilateral financial institution. This prestigious rating not only affirms the Bank’s developmental impact and operational strength but also enhances our ability to diversify funding sources and strengthen our partnership with China, Africa’s largest trading partner.

    Afreximbank, in collaboration with the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat, and the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria will hold the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) in Algiers, Algeria, from 4-10 September 2025. The event, the largest of its kind in Africa, champions the cause of changing the socio-economic landscape of Africa by devising progressive initiatives aimed at promoting intra-African trade, continental integration and a platform for bringing the AfCFTA vision to life.

    Mr. Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, commented:

    “In a challenging and rapidly evolving global geopolitical and economic environment, the Group delivered robust financial performance, exceeding expectations and outperforming prior years. This achievement highlights management’s commitment to executing the 6th Strategic Plan, ensuring operational efficiency, and enhancing value. The Bank’s strong financial position is underpinned by solid liquidity, a well-capitalized balance sheet, and a high-quality asset portfolio. Management remains confident in the Group’s ability to navigate ongoing economic headwinds and sustain growth trajectory. Strategic initiatives to mitigate risks and optimize operations have reinforced the foundation for long-term success. Looking ahead, global economic conditions are expected to remain volatile, with inflationary pressures, tighter financial conditions, and geopolitical uncertainties posing potential risks. The Bank will continue to play its role as a systemically relevant institution, balancing growth, liquidity, profitability, and risk management while pursuing sustainable expansion.”

    Highlights of the results for the Group and Bank are shown below:

    Financial Metrics

    FY-2024

    FY-2023

    Gross Income (US$ billion)

    3.3

    2.6

    Operating Income (US$ billion)

    2.0

    1.6

    Net Income (US$ million)

    973.5

    756.1

    Total Assets (US$ billion)

    35.3

    33.5

    Total Liabilities (US$ billion)

    28.1

    27.3

    Shareholders’ Funds (US$ billion)

    7.2

    6.1

    Net asset value per share

    US$69,270

    US$63,683

     Financial Metrics

    FY-2024

    FY-2023

    Profitability

    Return on average assets (ROAA)

    Return on average equity (ROAE)

    2.96%

    15.31%

    2.56%

    13.31%

    Operating Efficiency

    Net interest spread

    Cost-to-income ratio

    4.07%

    18.35%

    4.09%

    19.09%

    Asset Quality

    Non-performing loans ratio (NPL)

    2.33%

    2.47%

    Liquidity and capital adequacy

    Cash/Total assets

    Capital Adequacy ratio (Basel II)

    13.18%

    24%

    16.80%

    25%

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: GITEX AFRICA Morocco’s third edition opens to the continent’s largest gathering of globally influential tech leaders, government officials and innovators

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

    RABAT, Morocco, April 15, 2025/APO Group/ —

    GITEX AFRICA Morocco (www.GITEXAfrica.com), the continent’s largest tech and startup show today opened its doors to the biggest players across the local, regional and international digital landscapes, turning the city of Marrakech into an epicentre of advanced technology, talent, and transformation.

    Running until 16 April, GITEX AFRICA Morocco is held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God Assist Him, the authority of the Kingdom’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, in partnership with Digital Development Agency (ADD), and organised by KAOUN International – the overseas event agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and organiser of GITEX events globally.

    Her Excellency, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Government of Morocco opened the show’s inauguration ceremony to welcome participants from over 130 countries, 1,450 exhibitors, 350 global investors, and 650 conference speakers.

    The opening address was delivered as part of the inauguration panel session made up from key dignitaries, including H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, Government of the United Arab Emirates, and Mr. Chakib Alj, the President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM).

    Her Excellency, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Government of Morocco, said: “GITEX AFRICA affirms the growing importance of the digital economy, which represents today 15% of global GDP, or some $6.5 trillion. Aware of the challenges of this digital revolution, the Kingdom of Morocco is actively committed to building a future where digitalization, and through it AI, constitutes a lever for progress, for the benefit of all. It is in this sense that His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, affirmed in his speech to the Extraordinary Summit of heads of state and government of the African Union in Kigali, in March 2018: “Africa is on its way to becoming a global digital laboratory.” A wise and enlightened vision that continues to guide the initiatives of our country and our continent.”

    Mr. Mohammed Drissi Melyani, Director General of the Digital Development Agency, said: “This international event, organised under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI may God Assist Him, has become one of the most prominent digital and technological gatherings on the African and international levels. It is no longer just an occasion to showcase the latest innovations, but has become a strategic place to strengthen digital inclusion between African countries, to build bridges of cooperation with our international partners, and to accelerate the pace of sustainable digital transformation. This reflects our firm ambition and strong commitment to achieve an inclusive digital transition and to establishing a new digital culture that prioritises the advancement of administration, entrepreneurial fabric, and society, as well as to build of a developed and competitive digital economy.”

    Trixie LohMirmand, Chief Executive Officer, KAOUN International, said: “As we enter the third edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco, there is a strong sense of momentum and purpose. This event has evolved into a powerful platform driving Africa’s digital future and, with AI at the forefront of global innovation, Morocco is positioning itself as a hub for an incredible transformation across the continent. This is backed by ambitious national strategies, a vibrant ecosystem of startups, and growing international partnerships. GITEX AFRICA Morocco serves not just as a showcase agenda-defining tech, but also as a catalyst for collaboration, investment, and scaling, connecting African innovators and talent with global markets and empowering the next generation to build, revolutionise, and lead the AI economy.”

    This year GITEX AFRICA Morocco is primed to forge new partnerships and explore new industries, thereby elevating its influence and impact on Africa’s digital landscape even further. The 2025 edition presents an expanded agenda and representation from new countries from the African, European and Asian continents including, Belgium, Gabon, Niger, Switzerland, Uzbekistan, Zambia. In addition to the show’s traditional focus on AI, cybersecurity, and telecoms the event will also cover energy transition, mobility, edutech, sports technologies, and agritech.

    GITEX AFRICA Morocco returns for its third year with support from institutional partners: ANRT, Royal Air Maroc, ONCF, OCP, ONDA, AMDIE, ONMT and CGEM.

    For news and updates on GITEX AFRICA Morocco, please visit: www.GITEXAfrica.com.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Third international meeting of the Post-Holocaust Issues Special Envoys Network on Holocaust-era Restitution

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Third international meeting of the Post-Holocaust Issues Special Envoys Network on Holocaust-era Restitution

    Lord Pickles attends meeting in The Hague to discuss progress and challenges relating to the restitution of Holocaust-era assets.

    Attendees at a meeting of the Special Envoys Network on Holocaust-era Restitution, in the Hague.

    On 2 April, UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues Lord Pickles attended a meeting of the Special Envoys Network on Holocaust-era Restitution in The Hague. The meeting was hosted by the Netherlands’ National Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism, Eddo Verdoner, alongside the World Jewish Restitution Organisation and the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security.

    The US Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues Ellen Germain updated that 32 countries had now signed up to the Best Practices for the Washington Conference Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art. She made a special plea to those countries who had signed the original Washington Conference Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art 25 years ago to sign up to the best practices document.

    Lord Pickles made the point that no country is immune from restitution claims. He reported that the Tate Britain art museum was set to reunite the great-grandchildren of a Belgian Jewish art collector with a painting looted from his home by the Nazis.

    The oil painting ‘Aeneas and his Family Fleeing Burning Troy’ by English painter Henry Gibbs was stolen from the home of Samuel Hartveld after he fled Antwerp with his wife in May 1940. The piece, dating from 1654, was one of hundreds of thousands the Nazis plundered from Jewish families during World War II.

    Its restitution has been a slow process, often involving legal battles and complex international searches. The return of the painting will mark the latest triumph for a special panel set up by the UK Government to investigate such works that have ended up in Britain’s public collections.

    The UK Spoliation Advisory Panel ruled the Aeneas painting was “looted as an act of racial persecution”, and has arranged for it to be returned to Hartveld’s heirs in the coming months.

    Lord Pickles welcomed the success of the Special Envoys Network on Holocaust Era Restitution in developing the best practices document, and in firstly tackling restitution of movable property.

    However, he acknowledged that there were still many Holocaust survivors and their families who had waited 80 years for justice and recognition of their loss of property.  He added that bureaucratic inertia had delayed the resolution of too many restitution claims for too long.

    Lord Pickles reflected that in some countries, the regulations were so stringent that it was very difficult for survivors who no longer live in the country of their birth to receive any restitution. This is a particular obstacle for survivor communities living in the US and Israel, as well as those in the UK. He stressed that it was time to focus on getting individual property back to their rightful owners, before it is too late.

    Lord Pickles said,

    Eighty years after the Holocaust, we have undoubtedly made progress, but there is still so much more to be done, and so little time left to do it. Meetings like this are essential for moving from principles to action. We owe it to survivors, their families, and future generations to ensure that justice is not only promised but delivered.

    On 3 April, the special envoys travelled to Amsterdam to visit the recently opened Dutch National Holocaust Museum. This is the first museum to tell the entire story of the persecution of the Jews in the Netherlands.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: European Union – Statement by Jean-Noël Barrot on his arrival at the Foreign Affairs Council (14 Apr. 2025)

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    This weekend, the horror in Ukraine reached its peak with the Palm Sunday massacre. In Sumy in the north-east of the country, innocent civilians were targeted twice by Vladimir Putin’s missiles. It’s a demonstration – if it were still needed – of Vladimir Putin’s contempt for civilians and for the laws of war. Let me remind you that Vladimir Putin is still under an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for war crimes. It’s also a demonstration of his real intentions. Whereas Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire more than a month ago now, Vladimir Putin clearly has no intention of moving in that direction. So he must be forced to, and that’s why I’m calling on the European Union to adopt the most severe sanctions against Russia, to paralyse its economy and prevent it from fuelling its war effort. I think the United States, which has put a lot of effort into achieving a ceasefire – and Donald Trump himself has devoted a lot of time and energy to it – can also, through sanctions which are ready, force and oblige Vladimir Putin to sit down at the negotiating table.

    In Gaza, the situation is more tragic than ever. Access for humanitarian aid to the enclave stopped more than a month ago now. There must be a return to the ceasefire, unimpeded access for humanitarian aid must be permitted, and the Hamas hostages must be released. Talks can then begin on the basis of the plan prepared by the Arab countries for Gaza’s reconstruction, governance and security, and then for movement towards a political solution, because there is no military solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A political solution is the focus of the United Nations conference chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, which aims to preserve the two-State solution and put it on track, through collective and reciprocal recognition enabling the Israeli people and the Palestinian people to live side by side in peace and security.

    On Iran, today we’re adopting a raft of sanctions against people responsible for the state-hostages policy. That’s the demand I set out at the last Foreign Affairs Council. I’m pleased that we can adopt these sanctions today against seven people and two entities, including Shiraz prison. It was time, because the conditions in which some of [our] French-European compatriots are being held are humiliating and akin to torture in international law, and some of them are deprived of consular protection. That’s why I’ve announced that France will lodge a complaint to the International Court of Justice for the violation of consular protection. And I’ve reminded all our compatriots to avoid travelling to Iran, and those who are in transit to return as soon as possible. At the same time, the United States embarked on talks with Iran this weekend. We very much welcome this initiative, but we’ll be vigilant, with our British and German friends and partners, to ensure that any negotiations that might begin are indeed in line with our security interests when it comes to the Iranian nuclear programme, which poses a significant threat to French and European territory. We’re awaiting the report, in a few weeks’ time, by the IAEA Director General, which is due to demonstrate – or at any rate report on – the progress of that programme.

    Regarding Azerbaijan, I’m very concerned about the rising tensions on the border. I’d like the European mission deployed on the ground to be greatly increased in order to be able to observe and contain those tensions. The peace treaty must now be signed and arbitrary detainees, prisoners, must be released. That’s the gist of what I said last week.

    I’ll end with the situation in the Balkans, which was the focus of discussion yesterday evening and to which we’ll return today to make active efforts to ensure that the region – which is at the heart of the European Union and to which we want to export our stability rather that import its instability – all our efforts must converge to bring stability and a form of calm, despite the tensions that have emerged in recent days.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: European Union – Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council (14 Apr. 2025)

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, took part in the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) today, Monday 14 April.

    On France’s initiative, the meeting provided an opportunity to adopt further European sanctions against nine individuals and entities responsible for Iran’s state-hostages policy, of which two of our compatriots, Cécile Kohler et Jacques Paris, are still victims – as are several other European citizens – and have been so for nearly three years. These sanctions target judges and prosecutors officiating in courts that do not respect basic rights, as well as detention centres.

    Regarding Ukraine, the Member States emphasized the importance of giving Ukraine the means to negotiate in a position of strength when the time comes. In the coming weeks it is necessary to adopt, as soon as possible, a new package of robust sanctions against Russia containing individual and sectoral measures.

    On Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Minister stressed the importance of signing the peace treaty swiftly, and shared his deep concern about the rising tensions on the border. The role of the European mission deployed on the ground is essential for observing incidents. He reiterated the need to immediately release the people arbitrarily held in Azerbaijan.

    As regards the situation in the Middle East, the Minister recalled President Macron’s visit to Egypt and the need for an immediate return to the ceasefire in Gaza, the release of the hostages and the resumption of humanitarian aid.

    Finally, on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Member States reaffirmed their commitment to the country’s unity and constitutional order. France favours a firm response by the EU that harnesses all the levers available to it, in order to restore stability.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Hasan Ismaik Opens Strategic Investment Opportunity in Germany’s Historic TSV 1860 Munich

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Billionaire businessman and Chairman of HAMIC Group, Hasan Abdullah Ismaik, has announced that he is currently reviewing multiple acquisition offers for his stake in TSV 1860 Munich, one of Germany’s most iconic football clubs. The move marks a significant strategic opportunity for global investors seeking to be part of a legacy brand with strong cultural roots and untapped growth potential.

    Founded over 165 years ago, TSV 1860 Munich holds a celebrated place in German football history, having won the Bundesliga championship in 1966. The club is deeply embedded in the spirit of the city of Munich and enjoys a wide and loyal fan base, with its distinctive blue representing more than just sport—it represents identity, pride, and tradition.

    In an exclusive interview with Germany’s ARD TV channel, Ismaik stated:
    “We have received several compelling offers from investors who recognize the unique potential of 1860 Munich. We are currently evaluating the best option to ensure the club’s long-term growth and global positioning.”

    Ismaik emphasized the club’s solid foundation and remarkable capacity for expansion, noting that with a strategic investment of €300 million, TSV 1860 Munich has the potential to exceed a €2 billion market valuation in the near future.

    This development follows over a decade of successful stewardship under Ismaik, whose early investment in 2011 helped stabilize the club financially. His involvement has safeguarded its heritage and positioned it for a new era of ambitious transformation.

    In closing, Ismaik shared a powerful message of optimism:
    “We know that lions rest for long periods—but the time has come to awaken them.”

    Visit our website: www.HAMIC.com

    For more information, please contact:

    PR@hamic.com

    +971582913443

    Follow us on https://www.instagram.com/hamicgroup/

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6ac6ea67-ca0e-427b-8847-d2cbc7f90b0b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Obama praises Harvard for ‘setting example’ to universities resisting Trump

    Asia Pacific Report

    Former US President Barack Obama has taken to social media to praise Harvard’s decision to stand up for academic freedom by rebuffing the Trump administration’s demands.

    “Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions — rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking concrete steps to make sure all students at Harvard can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and mutual respect,” Obama wrote in a post on X.

    He called on other universities to follow the lead.

    Harvard will not comply with the Trump administration’s demands to dismantle its diversity programming, limit student protests over Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, and submit to far-reaching federal audits in exchange for its federal funding, university president Alan M. Garber ’76 announced yesterday afternoon.

    “No government — regardless of which party is in power — should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue,” he wrote, reports the university’s Harvard Crimson news team.

    The announcement comes two weeks after three federal agencies announced a review into roughly $9 billion in Harvard’s federal funding and days after the Trump administration sent its initial demands, which included dismantling diversity programming, banning masks, and committing to “full cooperation” with the Department of Homeland Security.

    Within hours of the announcement to reject the White House demands, the Trump administration paused $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and $60 million in multi-year contracts to Harvard in a dramatic escalation in its crusade against the university.

    More focused demands
    On Friday, the Trump administration had delivered a longer and more focused set of demands than the ones they had shared two weeks earlier.

    It asked Harvard to “derecognise” pro-Palestine student groups, audit its academic programmes for viewpoint diversity, and expel students involved in an altercation at a 2023 pro-Palestine protest on the Harvard Business School campus.

    It also asked Harvard to reform its admissions process for international students to screen for students “supportive of terrorism and anti-Semitism” — and immediately report international students to federal authorities if they break university conduct policies.

    It called for “reducing the power held by faculty (whether tenured or untenured) and administrators more committed to activism than scholarship” and installing leaders committed to carrying out the administration’s demands.

    And it asked the university to submit quarterly updates, beginning in June 2025, certifying its compliance.

    Garber condemned the demands, calling them a “political ploy” disguised as an effort to address antisemitism on campus.

    “It makes clear that the intention is not to work with us to address antisemitism in a cooperative and constructive manner,” he wrote.

    “Although some of the demands outlined by the government are aimed at combating antisemitism, the majority represent direct governmental regulation of the ‘intellectual conditions’ at Harvard.”

    The Harvard Crimson daily news, founded in 1873 . . . how it reported the universoity’s defiance of the Trump administration today. Image: HC screenshot APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to attend 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers Meeting at Brasilia, Brazil

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to attend 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers Meeting at Brasilia, Brazil

    Shir Chouhan to hold bilateral meetings with Brazil Minister of Agriculture & Livestock Mr Carlos Henrique Baqueta Fávaro, Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Farming Mr Luiz Paulo Teixeira,

    Theme of 15th BRICS Agricultural Ministerial Meeting is “Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture through Cooperation, Innovation, and Equitable Trade among BRICS Countries”

    Posted On: 15 APR 2025 10:54AM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is leading the Indian delegation to the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), scheduled to be held on 17th April, 2025 in Brasilia, Brazil. The theme of 15th BRICS AMM is “Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture through Cooperation, Innovation, and Equitable Trade among BRICS Countries”. Agriculture Ministers and senior officials from BRICS member countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran are expected to attend the Meeting.

    During the visit, Shri Chouhan will hold bilateral meetings with key Brazilian counterparts, including Mr. Carlos Henrique Baqueta Fávaro, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, and Mr. Luiz Paulo Teixeira, Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Farming (MDA). These meetings will focus on enhancing collaboration between India and Brazil in various areas of agriculture, agri-technology, rural development, and food security.

    The Minister will interact with leaders of major Brazilian agribusiness companies and representatives of the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries in São Paulo, exploring avenues for partnership and investment in the agriculture value chain. As part of his visit, the Minister will also participate in a tree plantation drive at the Embassy of India in Brasilia, under the noble initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, aimed at raising environmental consciousness and honouring motherhood. In addition, the Minister will interact with the vibrant Indian diaspora in São Paulo, acknowledging their role as cultural ambassadors and contributors to bilateral ties. This visit reaffirms India’s commitment to deepen cooperation with BRICS nations and to advance South-South cooperation in agricultural innovation, resilience, and sustainability.

    ***

    PSF/KSR/AR

    (Release ID: 2121725) Visitor Counter : 83

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Announces 31st Human Exploration Rover Challenge Winners

    Source: NASA

    NASA has announced the winning student teams in the 2025 Human Exploration Rover Challenge. This year’s competition challenged teams to design, build, and test a lunar rover powered by either human pilots or remote control. In the human-powered division, Parish Episcopal School in Dallas, Texas, earned first place in the high school division, and the Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, captured the college and university title. In the remote-control division, Bright Foundation in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, earned first place in the middle and high school division, and the Instituto Tecnologico de Santa Domingo in the Dominican Republic, captured the college and university title.
    The annual engineering competition – one of NASA’s longest standing student challenges – wrapped up on April 11 and April 12, at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, near NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The complete list of 2025 award winners is provided below:

    First Place: Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, Texas
    Second Place: Ecambia High School, Pensacola, Florida
    Third Place: Centro Boliviano Americano – Santa Cruz, Bolivia

    First Place: Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina
    Second Place: Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
    Third Place: University of Alabama in Huntsville

    First Place: Bright Foundation, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
    Second Place: Assumption College, Brangrak, Bangkok, Thailand
    Third Place: Erie High School, Erie, Colorado

    First Place: Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
    Second Place: Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina
    Third Place: Tecnologico de Monterey – Campus Cuernvaca, Xochitepec, Morelos, Mexico

     Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

    Human-Powered

    High School Division: International Hope School of Bangladesh, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
    College/University Division: Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama

    Remote-Control

    Middle School/High School Division: Bright Foundation, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
    College/University Division: Southwest Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Oklahoma

    Remote-Control

    Middle School/High School Division: Assumption College, Bangrak, Bangkok, Thailand
    College/University Division: Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

    Human-Powered

    High School Division: Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, Texas
    College/University Division: Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina

    Remote-Control

    Middle School/High School Division: Bright Foundation, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
    College/University Division: Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

    Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina

    Human-Powered

    High School Division: Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, Texas
    College/University Division: University of Alabama in Huntsville

    Universidad de Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico (Human-Powered Division)

    Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (Human-Powered Division)

    Human-Powered

    High School Division: Albertville Innovation School, Albertville, Alabama
    College/University Division: Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

    Remote-Control

    Middle School/High School Division: Instituto Salesiano Don Bosco, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
    College/University Division: Tecnologico de Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

    Human-Powered

    High School Division: International Hope School of Bagladesh, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
    College/University Division: Universidad Catolica Boliviana “San Pablo” La Paz, Bolivia

    Remote-Control

    Middle School/High School Division: ATLAS SkillTech University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    College/University Division: Instituto Salesiano Don Bosco, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

    Human-Powered

    High School Division: Space Education Institute, Leipzig, Germany
    College/University Division: Purdue University Northwest, Hammond, Indiana

    Remote-Control

    Middle School/High School Division: Erie High School, Erie, Colorado
    College/University Division: Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina

    Human-Powered

    High School Division: Academy of Arts, Career, and Technology, Reno, Nevada
    College/University Division: Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

    Fabion Diaz Palacious from Universidad Catolica Boliviana “San Pablo” La Paz, Bolivia

    Deira International School, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    More than 500 students with 75 teams from around the world participated in the  31st year of the competition. Participating teams represented 35 colleges and universities, 38 high schools, and two middle schools from 20 states, Puerto Rico, and 16 other nations. Teams were awarded points based on navigating a half-mile obstacle course, conducting mission-specific task challenges, and completing multiple safety and design reviews with NASA engineers. 
    NASA expanded the 2025 challenge to include a remote-control division, Remote-Operated Vehicular Research, and invited middle school students to participate. 
    “This student design challenge encourages the next generation of scientists and engineers to engage in the design process by providing innovative concepts and unique perspectives,” said Vemitra Alexander, who leads the challenge for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement at Marshall. “This challenge also continues NASA’s legacy of providing valuable experiences to students who may be responsible for planning future space missions, including crewed missions to other worlds.”
    The rover challenge is one of NASA’s eight Artemis Student Challenges reflecting the goals of the Artemis campaign, which will land Americans on the Moon while establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration, preparing for future human missions to Mars. NASA uses such challenges to encourage students to pursue degrees and careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 
    The competition is managed by NASA’s Southeast Regional Office of STEM Engagement at Marshall. Since its inception in 1994, more than 15,000 students have participated – with many former students now working at NASA, or within the aerospace industry.    
    To learn more about the Human Exploration Rover Challenge, please visit: 
    https://www.nasa.gov/roverchallenge/home/index.html

    Taylor GoodwinMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.256.544.0034taylor.goodwin@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Gilat Receives a Multimillion Order from a Global Defense Organization

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PETAH TIKVA, Israel, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions and services, announced today its Defense Division received a Multimillion order from a Global Defense Organization for the supply of advanced antenna technology to be integrated into the organization’s advanced defense communication systems. Deliveries are scheduled towards the end of 2025.

    Gilat’s antenna solutions are designed to support secure and resilient connectivity under the most demanding conditions, helping defense organizations stay connected, anywhere, anytime. This win reflects Gilat’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-performance solutions that meet the stringent requirements of defense applications worldwide.

    “This order builds on our strong partnership, reflecting the trust earned through consistent performance and technological excellence,” said Gilad Landsberg, President of Gilat Defense. “It highlights the value our partners place on our advanced defense communications and our ongoing commitment to their missions.”

    About Gilat

    Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT) is a leading global provider of satellite-based broadband communications. With over 35 years of experience, we develop and deliver deep technology solutions for satellite, ground, and new space connectivity, offering next-generation solutions and services for critical connectivity across commercial and defense applications. We believe in the right of all people to be connected and are united in our resolution to provide communication solutions to all reaches of the world.

    Together with our wholly owned subsidiaries—Gilat Wavestream, Gilat DataPath, and Gilat Stellar Blu—we offer integrated, high-value solutions supporting multi-orbit constellations, Very High Throughput Satellites (VHTS), and Software-Defined Satellites (SDS) via our Commercial and Defense Divisions. Our comprehensive portfolio is comprised of a cloud-based platform and modems; high-performance satellite terminals; advanced Satellite On-the-Move (SOTM) antennas and ESAs; highly efficient, high-power Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) and Block Upconverters (BUC) and includes integrated ground systems for commercial and defense markets, field services, network management software, and cybersecurity services.

    Gilat’s products and tailored solutions support multiple applications including government and defense, IFC and mobility, broadband access, cellular backhaul, enterprise, aerospace, broadcast, and critical infrastructure clients all while meeting the most stringent service level requirements. For more information, please visit: http://www.gilat.com

    Certain statements made herein that are not historical are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Gilat to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, changes in general economic and business conditions, inability to maintain market acceptance to Gilat’s products, inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications, rapid changes in the market for Gilat’s products, loss of market share and pressure on prices resulting from competition, introduction of competing products by other companies, inability to manage growth and expansion, loss of key OEM partners, inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, inability to protect the Company’s proprietary technology and risks associated with Gilat’s international operations and its location in Israel, including those related to the terrorist attacks by Hamas, and the hostilities between Israel and Hamas and Israel and Hezbollah. For additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties associated with Gilat’s business, reference is made to Gilat’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

    Contact:

    Gilat Satellite Networks

    Hagay Katz, Chief Product and Marketing Officer
    hagayk@gilat.com

    Alliance Advisors:

    GilatIR@allianceadvisors.com
    Phone: +1 212 838 3777

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump administration freezes $2.2B funding to Harvard

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Trump administration on Monday announced a freeze on 2.2 billion U.S. dollars in multi-year grants and a 60 million contract to Harvard University, hours after the university rejected a list of demands from the federal government.

    Earlier in the day, Harvard refused to comply with the administration’s demands to make sweeping changes to the univeristy’s governance, hiring and admissions practices, noting that it will not “negotiate over its independence or its constitutional rights.”

    “We have informed the administration through our legal counsel that we will not accept their proposed agreement,” Harvard University President Alan M. Garber wrote in a letter to members of the Harvard Community. “The administration’s prescription goes beyond the power of the federal government.”

    The administration’s demands include: adopting and implementing merit-based hiring and admissions policies, and ceasing all preferences based on race, color and national origin; reforming the recruitment, screening and admissions of international students to prevent admitting students hostile to U.S. values and institutions, including students supportive of terrorism or antisemitism; reforming programs with “egregious records of antisemitism” and shutting down all diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

    Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has issued warnings to several top U.S. universities that they could face funding cuts if they do not adjust their policies. The administration’s main demands include eliminating what it describes as anti-Semitism on campus and dismantling diversity initiatives that favor minority groups.

    Against the backdrop of the Israel-Palestine conflict, many universities across the United States saw a wave of pro-Palestinian protests last year, drawing increased government attention to alleged anti-Semitic sentiments on campuses.

    “The disruption of learning that has plagued campuses in recent years is unacceptable. The harassment of Jewish students is intolerable. It is time for elite universities to take the problem seriously and commit to meaningful change if they wish to continue receiving taxpayer support,” the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism said in a Monday statement.

    Columbia University, which was at the heart of last year’s pro-Palestinian protests, became the first institution to face consequences, losing 400 million dollars in federal funding last month. University officials said they are currently in ongoing discussions with the administration to have the funding reinstated.

    Federal funding for other institutions, including Cornell University and Northwestern University, has also been frozen and is currently under investigation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Iran confirms Muscat to host 2nd round of nuke talks with US

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Iran has confirmed that Muscat, the capital of Oman, will remain the venue for the second round of “indirect” negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

    “Following consultations, it was decided that Muscat continues to be the host of the second round of the negotiations, which are scheduled to be held on Saturday,” the semi-official Mehr news agency quoted Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei as saying early Tuesday.

    In the first round of Muscat talks on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi engaged in “indirect” discussions with U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, facilitated by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. These talks focused on Iran’s nuclear program and the potential removal of U.S. sanctions.

    The talks in Muscat followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement in early March that he had sent a letter to Iranian leaders, delivered through the United Arab Emirates, proposing negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. Iran later agreed on indirect talks.

    Iran signed a nuclear deal in July 2015 with six major countries — Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. Under the deal, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

    However, Trump unilaterally pulled his country out of the deal in May 2018 during his first term, and reimposed sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to scale back its commitments under the deal. Since then, efforts to revive the nuclear agreement have made little progress.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Urgent inquiry regarding the continued detention and deportation risk of Abdulrahman al-Khalidi – E-001410/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001410/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ilaria Salis (The Left), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Mélissa Camara (Verts/ALE), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE), Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Damien Carême (The Left), Catarina Martins (The Left), Özlem Demirel (The Left), Li Andersson (The Left), Isabel Serra Sánchez (The Left)

    Abdulrahman al-Khalidi, a Saudi political activist, is detained in Bulgaria, despite a court ruling, handed down on 26 March 2025, ordering his release. He has been held in the Busmantsi Detention Centre for over three years, and authorities are still planning to deport him to Saudi Arabia, where he faces grave risks because of his activism. Al-Khalidi’s detention has been justified on unclear national security grounds, without judicial oversight, which violates Bulgarian judicial rulings and human rights protections[1].

    • 1.What action is the Commission taking to ensure that Bulgaria complies with international obligations, particularly the principle of non-refoulement, and prevents al-Khalidi’s deportation to Saudi Arabia, where he faces torture, arbitrary detention and other human rights violations?
    • 2.How will the Commission ensure that Bulgaria respects judicial decisions, specifically the ruling of Sofia Administrative Court ordering al-Khalidi’s release, and prevents unlawful detention based on arbitrary national security claims?
    • 3.Given the severe risks to al-Khalidi’s life, will the Commission intervene to ensure that Bulgaria grants him asylum protection in line with EU law?

    Submitted: 7.4.2025

    • [1] See: https://www.meltingpot.org/en/2025/04/abdulrahman-al-khalidi-is-at-serious-risk-of-deportation/ and https://balkaninsight.com/2025/04/01/bulgaria-still-detaining-saudi-activist-despite-court-release-order/.
    Last updated: 15 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A weird phrase is plaguing scientific papers – and we traced it back to a glitch in AI training data

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aaron J. Snoswell, Research Fellow in AI Accountability, Queensland University of Technology

    Google Deepmind / Unsplash

    Earlier this year, scientists discovered a peculiar term appearing in published papers: “vegetative electron microscopy”.

    This phrase, which sounds technical but is actually nonsense, has become a “digital fossil” – an error preserved and reinforced in artificial intelligence (AI) systems that is nearly impossible to remove from our knowledge repositories.

    Like biological fossils trapped in rock, these digital artefacts may become permanent fixtures in our information ecosystem.

    The case of vegetative electron microscopy offers a troubling glimpse into how AI systems can perpetuate and amplify errors throughout our collective knowledge.

    A bad scan and an error in translation

    Vegetative electron microscopy appears to have originated through a remarkable coincidence of unrelated errors.

    First, two papers from the 1950s, published in the journal Bacteriological Reviews, were scanned and digitised.

    However, the digitising process erroneously combined “vegetative” from one column of text with “electron” from another. As a result, the phantom term was created.

    Excerpts from scanned papers show how incorrectly parsed column breaks lead to the term ‘vegetative electron micro…’ being introduced.
    Bacteriological Reviews

    Decades later, “vegetative electron microscopy” turned up in some Iranian scientific papers. In 2017 and 2019, two papers used the term in English captions and abstracts.

    This appears to be due to a translation error. In Farsi, the words for “vegetative” and “scanning” differ by only a single dot.

    Screenshot from Google Translate showing the similarity of the Farsi terms for ‘vegetative’ and ‘scanning’.
    Google Translate

    An error on the rise

    The upshot? As of today, “vegetative electron microscopy” appears in 22 papers, according to Google Scholar. One was the subject of a contested retraction from a Springer Nature journal, and Elsevier issued a correction for another.

    The term also appears in news articles discussing subsequent integrity investigations.

    Vegetative electron microscopy began to appear more frequently in the 2020s. To find out why, we had to peer inside modern AI models – and do some archaeological digging through the vast layers of data they were trained on.

    Empirical evidence of AI contamination

    The large language models behind modern AI chatbots such as ChatGPT are “trained” on huge amounts of text to predict the likely next word in a sequence. The exact contents of a model’s training data are often a closely guarded secret.

    To test whether a model “knew” about vegetative electron microscopy, we input snippets of the original papers to find out if the model would complete them with the nonsense term or more sensible alternatives.

    The results were revealing. OpenAI’s GPT-3 consistently completed phrases with “vegetative electron microscopy”. Earlier models such as GPT-2 and BERT did not. This pattern helped us isolate when and where the contamination occurred.

    We also found the error persists in later models including GPT-4o and Anthropic’s Claude 3.5. This suggests the nonsense term may now be permanently embedded in AI knowledge bases.

    Screenshot of a command line program showing the term ‘vegetative electron microscopy’ being generated by GPT-3.5 (specifically, the model gpt-3.5-turbo-instruct). The top 17 most likely completions of the provided text are ‘vegetative electron microscopy’, and these suggestions are 2.2 times more likely than the next most likely prediction.
    OpenAI

    By comparing what we know about the training datasets of different models, we identified the CommonCrawl dataset of scraped internet pages as the most likely vector where AI models first learned this term.

    The scale problem

    Finding errors of this sort is not easy. Fixing them may be almost impossible.

    One reason is scale. The CommonCrawl dataset, for example, is millions of gigabytes in size. For most researchers outside large tech companies, the computing resources required to work at this scale are inaccessible.

    Another reason is a lack of transparency in commercial AI models. OpenAI and many other developers refuse to provide precise details about the training data for their models. Research efforts to reverse engineer some of these datasets have also been stymied by copyright takedowns.

    When errors are found, there is no easy fix. Simple keyword filtering could deal with specific terms such as vegetative electron microscopy. However, it would also eliminate legitimate references (such as this article).

    More fundamentally, the case raises an unsettling question. How many other nonsensical terms exist in AI systems, waiting to be discovered?

    Implications for science and publishing

    This “digital fossil” also raises important questions about knowledge integrity as AI-assisted research and writing become more common.

    Publishers have responded inconsistently when notified of papers including vegetative electron microscopy. Some have retracted affected papers, while others defended them. Elsevier notably attempted to justify the term’s validity before eventually issuing a correction.

    We do not yet know if other such quirks plague large language models, but it is highly likely. Either way, the use of AI systems has already created problems for the peer-review process.

    For instance, observers have noted the rise of “tortured phrases” used to evade automated integrity software, such as “counterfeit consciousness” instead of “artificial intelligence”. Additionally, phrases such as “I am an AI language model” have been found in other retracted papers.

    Some automatic screening tools such as Problematic Paper Screener now flag vegetative electron microscopy as a warning sign of possible AI-generated content. However, such approaches can only address known errors, not undiscovered ones.

    Living with digital fossils

    The rise of AI creates opportunities for errors to become permanently embedded in our knowledge systems, through processes no single actor controls. This presents challenges for tech companies, researchers, and publishers alike.

    Tech companies must be more transparent about training data and methods. Researchers must find new ways to evaluate information in the face of AI-generated convincing nonsense. Scientific publishers must improve their peer review processes to spot both human and AI-generated errors.

    Digital fossils reveal not just the technical challenge of monitoring massive datasets, but the fundamental challenge of maintaining reliable knowledge in systems where errors can become self-perpetuating.

    Aaron J. Snoswell receives funding from the Australian Research Council funded Discovery Project “Generative AI and the future of academic writing and publishing” (DP250100074) and has previously received research funding from OpenAI.

    Kevin Witzenberger receives funding from the Australian Research Council funded Discovery Project “Generative AI and the future of academic writing and publishing” (DP250100074)

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

    – ref. A weird phrase is plaguing scientific papers – and we traced it back to a glitch in AI training data – https://theconversation.com/a-weird-phrase-is-plaguing-scientific-papers-and-we-traced-it-back-to-a-glitch-in-ai-training-data-254463

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Rome to host new round of US-Iran nuclear talks

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A new round of talks between the United States and Iran on Tehran’s nuclear program will be held in Rome, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Monday.

    He noted that Italy agreed to host the meeting following requests from the negotiating parties and Oman, which is serving as a mediator. Tajani made the remarks while visiting the Italian pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Ansa news agency reported.

    He added that the Italian government is “prepared to do everything necessary to support negotiations that could lead to resolving the nuclear issue and building peace.”

    A first round of indirect talks between U.S. and Iranian officials was held in Oman on April 12.

    These were the first such discussions since the United States withdrew in 2018 from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was signed in 2015.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hamas says reviewing Israel’s new ceasefire proposal

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Civil defense workers transfer a victim from the rubble of destroyed buildings after an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Hamas said Monday evening that it is reviewing Israel’s new Gaza ceasefire proposal delivered by Egypt and Qatar, while Palestinian sources said the prospect of achieving any tangible breakthrough is slim as differences remain between Hamas and Israel.

    Egypt’s Al-Qahera News TV channel reported, quoting high-ranking Egyptian sources, that Egypt and Qatar have delivered the Israeli proposal to Hamas and are awaiting its response as soon as possible.

    Speaking on condition of anonymity, an informed source of Hamas told Xinhua that the proposal included a 45-day temporary ceasefire, during which Hamas would release half of the Israeli hostages it holds.

    The source said the Hamas delegation, headed by senior official Khalil al-Hayya, expressed surprise at the inclusion of a clause related to the movement’s disarmament, which it categorically rejected.

    “Disarmament is not on the table and will not be discussed, now or in the future,” the source said, adding that any agreement must begin with “a cessation of the Israeli aggression and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.”

    According to the source, Hamas informed the mediators that it was prepared to release nine Israeli hostages in an initial phase, but only under the condition of a comprehensive halt to hostilities, a demand that Israel has not accepted.

    On Sunday, the Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo at the invitation of Egyptian officials to participate in the talks.

    Meanwhile, Israel’s Channel 11 reported that Israel is ready to compromise on specific issues but will not accept any agreement that undermines its war objectives.

    According to the channel, an Israeli official said that Israel will not abandon its position on restricting Hamas’s military capabilities and ensuring that any truce leads toward a process of disarmament.

    According to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation Kan, Israel proposed, via mediators, the release of hostages, including American citizen Edan Alexander, in return for U.S. guarantees to proceed with the next phase of ceasefire discussions.

    The Israeli proposal also includes a 45-day pause in fighting, the entry of conditional humanitarian aid, and the redeployment of Israeli forces to positions held before March 2.

    Despite ongoing mediation by Egypt and Qatar, sources close to Hamas said “significant gaps” remain between the parties. Efforts by Egypt and Qatar to bridge the divide between Hamas and Israel continue, but no clear path to a truce has yet emerged, according to a source of Hamas.

    In the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate amid continued military operations. Security sources in Gaza said that Israeli airstrikes targeted several areas across Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Younis.

    Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, announced that its fighters engaged in an armed clash with Israeli forces east of the Shuja’iyya neighborhood, claiming to have inflicted casualties.

    While the Israeli army did not issue an official statement on the incident, Hebrew media reported that two Israeli soldiers were seriously injured and evacuated by helicopter for treatment.

    However, civilians in Gaza continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. Nader Abdul Karim, a displaced resident from Gaza City now living in a UNRWA shelter in Deir al-Balah, told Xinhua, “We had hoped this round of talks would result in a truce, but our hopes are fading.”

    “Every day, we fear becoming part of the rising death toll,” he lamented.

    Salha Abu Rahmi, a displaced woman from Beit Hanoun, said, “The negotiations are happening far from us, and every time they fail, we face more bombing. We are the ones paying the price.”

    In Khan Younis, resident Oday Abu Zeid echoed similar concerns. “If this war does not end soon, more families will be wiped out. Every failed round of talks means more suffering,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 15, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 15, 2025.

    Social media is the new election battleground. Is embracing influencers smart, risky or both?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Grantham, Lecturer in Communication, Griffith University From Abbie Chatfield and Hannah Ferguson to Ozzy Man, influencers have never been more central to an Australian election campaign. Much has been made of the increasingly common site of politicians on TikTok or Instagram reels. Some political groups don’t

    Trump’s tariffs rollercoaster is really about Republican unity
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lester Munson, Non-Resident Fellow, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney After announcing Liberation Day – stiff “retaliatory” tariffs on every country and penguin-inhabited island in the world – US President Donald Trump rescinded the vast majority of tariffs eight days later when stock and bond markets

    Peters emphasises growing importance of NZ’s Pacific ties with the United States
    By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, RNZ Pacific journalist in Hawai’i New Zealand’s Pacific connection with the United States is “more important than ever”, says Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters after rounding up the Hawai’i leg of his Pacific trip. Peters said common strategic interests of the US and New Zealand were underlined while in the state. “Our

    Israeli military reservists court Australian universities amid ‘hypocrisy’ over anti-war protests
    Hundreds of university staff and students in Melbourne and Sydney called on their vice-chancellors to cancel pro-Israel events earlier this month, write Michael West Media’s Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon. SPECIAL REPORT: By Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon While Australia’s universities continue to repress pro-Palestine peace protests, they gave the green light to pro-Israel events

    Why the Mormon church is on an expansion project, with 2 secretive new temples planned for Australia
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced it will build 15 new temples in countries across the world, including one in Liverpool, New South Wales. This follows a similar announcement

    Winter electricity prices are rising – how do we know we’re getting value for money?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Meade, Adjunct Associate Professor, Griffith University, Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research, Griffith University Shutterstock Winter is coming to New Zealand and Australia, and with it come those inevitably higher power bills from heating our homes. But even without that seasonal spike, household power

    Amid the election promises, what would actually help ‘fix’ the housing crisis? Here’s 5 ideas
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, John Curtin Distinguished Professor & ARC Future Fellow, Curtin University Shutterstock As the election campaign rolls on, housing has been, unsurprisingly, a major campaign focus. We’ve seen a series of housing policy announcements from across the political spectrum, including duelling announcements from the major

    New study finds no evidence technology causes ‘digital dementia’ in older people
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nikki-Anne Wilson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), UNSW Sydney RDNE Stock project/Pexels In the 21st century, digital technology has changed many aspects of our lives. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest newcomer, with chatbots and other AI tools changing how we learn and creating

    Amid the election promises, what would actually help ‘fix’ the housing crisis? Here are 5 ideas
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, John Curtin Distinguished Professor & ARC Future Fellow, Curtin University Shutterstock As the election campaign rolls on, housing has been, unsurprisingly, a major campaign focus. We’ve seen a series of housing policy announcements from across the political spectrum, including duelling announcements from the major

    Cutting migrant numbers won’t help housing – the real immigration problems not being tackled this election
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter McDonald, Honorary Professor of Demography, Centre for Health Policy, The University of Melbourne Immigration is shaping as one of the most potent policy issues of the election campaign. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced a Coalition government would cut the two major migration programs – permanent

    Focusing on a child’s strengths can transform assessments – and help them thrive after an ADHD or autism diagnosis
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Guastella, Professor and Clinical Psychologist, Michael Crouch Chair in Child and Youth Mental Health, University of Sydney Jota Buyinch Photo/Shutterstock When parents are concerned about their child’s development, they often seek an assessment to address concerns and identify any conditions, such as autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

    Australian honeybees are under attack by mites and beetles. Here’s how to keep your backyard hive safe
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cornelia Sattler, Research Fellow in Ecology & Videographer, Macquarie University Varroa mites on a male bee larva. Theotime Colin Australia’s honeybees are facing an exceptional crisis. The tiny but devastating foreign pest Varroa destructor is steadily spreading across the country. The mite feeds on baby bees (larvae),

    Would looser lending rules help more people buy a house – or just put them at risk?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Grant, Associate Professor in Finance, University of Sydney doublelee/Shutterstock Big promises on housing were at the centre of both major parties’ announcements at the official federal election campaign launches on the weekend. Among the highlights, Labor pledged to build 100,000 new homes and extend a government-guaranteed

    Why is it so hard for everyone to have a house in Australia?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ehsan Noroozinejad, Senior Researcher, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Bilalnol/Shutterstock Home ownership in Australia was once regarded as proof of success in life. However, it remains elusive for many people today. Prices have soared beyond wage growth, rents keep rising, and even some well-intentioned government

    Why the Mormon church is on an expansion project, with two secretive new temples planned for Australia
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced it will build 15 new temples in countries across the world, including one in Liverpool, New South Wales. This follows a similar announcement

    Owners are officially no longer responsible for tourism accidents on their land – but they never really were
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Peace, Lecturer in Occupational Health and Safety, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington EyesWideOpen/Getty Images Newly announced reforms to the Health and Safety at Work Act mean landowners will no longer be responsible for tourism-related injuries on their properties. But it’s not clear this

    New Zealand’s humanity – does it include all of us, or only for some?
    COMMENTARY: By Katrina Mitchell-Kouttab “Wherever Palestinians have control is barbaric.” These were the words from New Zealand’s Chief Human Rights Commissioner Stephen Rainbow. During a meeting with Philippa Yasbek from Jewish Voices for Peace, Dr Rainbow allegedly told her that information from the NZ Security Intelligence Services (NZSIS) threat assessment asserted that Muslims were the

    Leaked ‘working paper’ on New Caledonia’s political future sparks new concerns
    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk A leaked “working paper” on New Caledonia’s future political status is causing concern on the local stage and has prompted a “clarification” from the French government’s Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls. Details of the document, which was supposed to remain confidential, have been widely circulated online

    Election Diary: Will Peter Dutton help son Harry buy a house?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Political leaders’ kids are routinely put on display to share the glory or the pain of election night. Earlier, they’re often at campaign launches to “humanise” the candidates. Peter Dutton pulled out all stops with the family for his Sunday

    Big Girls Don’t Cry is a powerful, heart-wrenching, and comical celebration of Indigenous resilience and survival
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Case, Lecturer in Musicology, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney Stephen Wilson Barker/Belvoir With Big Girls Don’t Cry, Gumbaynggirr/Wiradjuri playwright Dalara Williams proves herself to be a formidable talent. Cheryl (Williams), Queenie (Megan Wilding) and Lulu (Stephanie Somerville) are three best friends who share a

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SUNDAY SHOWS: President Trump’s America First Trade Policies in Action

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    This morning, the Trump Administration’s top officials took to the Sunday shows to discuss the state of President Donald J. Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, how negotiations are progressing, and the results they’ve already delivered on behalf of American workers and businesses.
    Here’s what you missed:
    Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on This Week
    On tariffs for certain electronics: “Those products are going to be part of the semiconductor sectoral tariffs, which are coming … We need to have these things made in America.”
    On the constitutionality of tariffs: “Congress has passed laws that gave the president the ability to protect our national security … If we just run gigantic trade deficits and sell our soul to the rest of the world, eventually we are going to be the worker for the rest of the world.”
    On expanding market access: “Our farmers are finally going to have access to the world’s markets. Our farmers have never had the opportunity to sell corn in India — so what’s going to happen is as they sell more and more products, prices will come down.”
    Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing Peter Navarro on Meet the Press
    On tariffs negotiations: “This is unfolding exactly like we thought it would … We have a strategy here where the President says we’re going to charge them what they charge us … knowing full well that a lot of countries would come right to us and want to bargain.”
    On semiconductor tariffs: “The policy is no exemptions, no exclusions … What the Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, is going to do — and he’s doing it as we speak — is an investigation of the chips supply chain. The goal is stability and resilience.”
    On inflation: “We had really good news on the inflation front — both the Producer Price Index, which is your wholesale prices, and Consumer Price Index had the lowest print since fall of 2023.”
    National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett on State of the Union
    On China: “In the 15 years after China entered the WTO, real wages went down — so wages went down by more than prices as we thought these cheap goods were going to revolutionize America. In fact, it was the opposite.”
    U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on Face the Nation
    On trade deal negotiations: “My goal is to get meaningful deals before 90 days — and I think we’re going to be there with several countries in the next few weeks.”
    On the response to reciprocal tariffs: “President Trump has a global program to try to reshore American manufacturing and address the trade deficit. It’s a global issue. The only reason we’re really in this position right now is because China chose to retaliate.”
    On tariffs exemptions: “For the national security tariffs, you have to do an investigation in order to impose the tariffs … That’s why they don’t have a tariff covered right now because you have to go through the investigation … We expect there will have to be some kind of tariff.”
    Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on Fox News Sunday
    On trade: “For decades, the way we have been treated in this country and especially our farmers and ranchers is absolutely stunning. We have been living under a tariff regime but it has been the regime of other countries … The President is working to fix it.”
    On ethanol production: “Ethanol is a very important part of our energy independence strategy. President Trump has been unequivocal in his support for ethanol.”
    Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Sunday Morning Futures
    On the Panama Canal: “What President Trump said in his State of the Union address is that China has too much influence over the Panama Canal and America’s going to take it back — and that’s exactly what I was charged to do … Chinese influence cannot control our own backyard.”
    On Iran: “[President Trump is] dead serious that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon … He’s also dead serious that if we can’t figure this out at the negotiating table, then there are other options.”
    White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller on Sunday Morning Futures
    On tariffs: “When the President issued his reciprocal tariffs, our government at the time specifically said that chips and semiconductors, which are critical components of our national security, were going to be dealt with through a separate Commerce authority known as a 232. That was always the plan because those components are so essential to our national security. We need to have a separate process for dealing with how to reshore those essential industries … There are no exemptions.”
    On President Trump’s historic actions: “History will record that the actions President Trump has taken in recent days were the beginning of saving the West from complete economic domination by another power.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The NPR, PBS Grift Has Ripped Us Off for Too Long

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    For years, American taxpayers have been on the hook for subsidizing National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), which spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as “news.”
    As President Trump has stated, taxpayer funding of NPR’s and PBS’s biased content is a waste.
    Here are some examples of the trash that passes for “news” at NPR and PBS:
    In 2024, NPR ran a Valentine’s Day feature around “queer animals,” in which it suggested the make-believe clownfish in Finding Nemo would’ve been better off as a female, that “banana slugs are hermaphrodites,” and that “some deer are nonbinary.”
    In 2024, PBS produced a documentary making the case for reparations.
    In 2023, PBS’s Washington Week roundtable covered up Joe Biden’s clear mental decline, with far-left “journalist” Jeff Goldberg claiming Biden is actually “quite acute.”
    In 2022, NPR educated the nation on the “whole community of genderqueer dinosaur enthusiasts” and “trans-ceratops.”
    In 2021, a PBS station aired a “children’s program” that featured a drag queen named “Lil’ Miss Hot Mess.”
    In 2021, NPR reported on the “cousin of diet culture” known as “healthism, which is the idea that we have to be healthy” — as if that was a bad thing.
    In 2021, NPR suggested doorway sizes are based on “latent fatphobia.”
    In 2021, NPR lamented that “animals deserve pronouns, too.”
    In 2022, NPR ran a feature titled “What ‘Queer Ducks’ can teach teenagers about sexuality in the animal kingdom.”
    In 2020, PBS show Sesame Street partnered with CNN for a town hall aimed presenting children with a one-sided narrative to “address racism” amid the Black Lives Matter riots.
    In 2020, NPR explored “the racial origins of fat phobia.”
    In 2017, NPR ran a story titled “Cannibalism: It’s ‘Perfectly Natural,’” in which an author describes eating another human’s placenta: “It was really the prep that made it taste good. Granted, the [husband] was a chef and so he knew how to prepare it osso bucco style and used a really nice wine I had brought. It smelled great. It didn’t taste bad.”
    In 2017, PBS aired a panel devoted to what it “mean[s] to be woke” and “white privilege.”
    In 2017, PBS produced an entire movie celebrating a transgender teenager’s so-called “changing gender identity.”
    In 2015, NPR dedicated an entire segment to the “population of anthropomorphic animal enthusiasts known as ‘furries.’” 
    NPR and PBS have zero tolerance for non-leftist viewpoints:
    In 2020, NPR refused to cover the explosive Hunter Biden laptop scandal in the runup to the election, baselessly claiming there were “many, many red flags” and its “assertions don’t amount to much.”
    NPR wrote: “We don’t want to waste our time on stories that are not really stories, and we don’t want to waste the listeners’ and readers’ time on stories that are just pure distractions.”

    When a 25-year veteran NPR reporter and editor spoke out about the network’s refusal to report on the Hunter Biden laptop — and their obsession with liberal causes — they suspended him.
    The editor found that registered Democrats outnumbered Republicans 87 to zero in their newsroom.
    NPR prolifically reported on the Russian collusion hoax, with the editor describing “[Adam] Schiff talking points” as “the drumbeat of NPR news reports.”
    NPR management asked its editors to avoid the term “biological sex” when discussing transgender issues.

    NPR CEO Katherine Maher once called President Trump “racist,” shared a photo of herself wearing a “Biden for President” campaign hat, serves on the board of a Soros-funded activist group, and described the “reverence for the truth” as a “distraction.”
    In 2023, a study found that congressional Republicans saw 85% negative coverage while congressional Democrats saw 54% positive coverage on PBS’s flagship news program.
    According to a 2024 study, PBS news staff used 162 variations of the term “far-right,” but only six variations of “far-left.”
    Media bias rating agency AllBias — which surveyed nearly 24,000 readers — found NPR’s bias aligns with “liberal, progressive or left-wing thought and/or policy agendas.”
    In 2010, NPR terminated journalist Juan Williams, who said it was because he was not a “predictable, black liberal.”
    NPR repeatedly dismissed the theory that COVID-19 originated in a lab — a conclusion now deemed likely by the FBI, CIA, and Department of Energy.
    April 2020: “Scientists Debunk Lab Accident Theory Of Pandemic Emergence”
    May 2020: “As Trump Pushes Theory Of Virus Origins, Some See Parallels In Lead-Up To Iraq War”
    May 2021: “Many Scientists Still Think The Coronavirus Came From Nature”
    March 2023: “Virologist says COVID origin report could make it harder to study dangerous diseases”
    September 2024: “New research points to raccoon dogs in Wuhan market as pandemic trigger. It’s controversial”

    A 2024 Media Research Center study found that PBS’s coverage of the Republican National Convention was 72% negative, while coverage of the Democratic National Convention was 88% positive.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Padilla, Western Senators Introduce Bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act to Combat Wildfires

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    ICYMI: Padilla, Western Senators Introduce Bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act to Combat Wildfires

    A list of Senate Fix Our Forests Act provisions particularly impactful for California is available here
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, last week, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Wildfire Caucus, and Senators John Curtis (R-Utah), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Senate version of the Fix Our Forests Act, bipartisan legislation to combat catastrophic wildfires, restore forest ecosystems, and make federal forest management more efficient and responsive.
    The comprehensive Senate bill reflects months of bipartisan Senate negotiations to find consensus on how to best improve forest management practices, accelerate processes to protect communities, advance watershed restoration, and strengthen partnerships between federal agencies, states, tribes, and private stakeholders. The Senate version of the bill would also bolster coordination efforts across agencies through a new Wildfire Intelligence Center, which would streamline the federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combating wildfires.
    A one-pager on the bill is available here.
    See coverage on the Senate version of the Fix Our Forests Act below:
    LA Times: California Sen. Padilla hopes Fix Our Forests Act will prevent more L.A. fires
    By Faith E. Pinho
    Months after wildfires ravaged Los Angeles County, California Sen. Alex Padilla is hoping his bill to overhaul forest management and prevent wildfires might be the first bipartisan measure for President Trump to sign.
    “I don’t think anything could completely prevent wildfires, but through this work, if we can prevent just one more community from experiencing the heartbreak felt by the families in Santa Rosa or in Paradise or the Pacific Palisades and Altadena, then this effort would’ve been worth it,” Padilla said Thursday.
    Padilla, who chairs the Senate Wildfire Caucus, joined with a bipartisan group of senators from the West — Sens. John Curtis (R-Utah), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) — to introduce the Fix Our Forests Act, which mirrors a bipartisan measure of the same name that the House passed in January.
    The Fix Our Forests Act would usher in sweeping changes to how the federal government manages its land — which constitutes 45% of the uninhabited, wildfire-prone land in California, according to the Congressional Research Service. It would create a wildfire intelligence center to centralize federal management, require assessments of fireshed areas and streamline how communities reduce their wildfire risk. It also would ramp up research into wildfire mitigation technologies and change some forestation treatments. […]
    Padilla argued that his bill improved upon issues brought by those groups, including adding a provision for prescribed burns, “building on the expertise and experience of Native American tribes that have been implementing prescribed fires for generations.”
    The Senate version also redefined projects eligible for grants, “to make sure that the L.A. would be eligible right now,” said Matt Weiner, chief executive and founder of the advocacy organization Megafire Action, which pushed for the legislation.
    “I think it’s pretty crazy, frankly, that we’re on the cusp of getting to the president’s desk here a bill that he could sign into law that would be bipartisan and one of the most comprehensive rewrites of federal wildfire policy in decades,” Weiner said. “Amid all the chaos, there’s an opportunity to do something really meaningful here in a bipartisan way.” […]
    California’s leaders — including Gov. Gavin Newsom and Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler — applauded the Senate version of the bill. Newsom pointed to his own efforts temporarily lifting state regulations to speed up rebuilding in the wake of the L.A. fires.
    “The Fix Our Forest Act is a step forward that will build on this progress — enabling good projects to happen faster on federal lands,” Newsom said in a statement.
    Axios San Diego: New bill aims to bolster fight against wildfires in California
    By Kate Murphy
    A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the West is introducing a bill to combat “catastrophic” wildfires and overhaul forest management.
    Why it matters: Climate change and drought are causing wildfires to become more intense, widespread and harder to put out.
    The legislation comes after the Los Angeles County blazes in January were called one of the costliest wildfire events in U.S. history, with estimated damages reaching up to $131 billion.
    State of play: Some highlights of the Fix Our Forests Act — sponsored by Sens. John Curtis (R-Utah), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) —are :
    Reducing wildfire risks in certain areas with more cross-boundary collaboration.
    Creating an interagency program to help communities build wildfire-resistant measures.
    Increasing research to test and utilize wildfire prevention technologies. […]

    What they’re saying: As the state faces more frequent and catastrophic wildfires, this bill “prioritizes building fire-resilient communities, accelerating the removal of hazardous fuels, and strengthening coordination across federal, state, and tribal agencies, including through the creation of the first-ever National Wildfire Intelligence Center,” Sen. Padilla said in a statement.
    PoliticoPro: Western senators lead bipartisan push for wildfire mitigation bill
    By Jordan Wolman
    A bipartisan group Western-state senators is planning to introduce wildfire mitigation legislation that would expedite forest-thinning projects, establish an interagency risk-and-response center and set stricter limits on legal challenges.
    Republicans John Curtis of Utah and Tim Sheehy of Montana are joining Democrats Alex Padilla of California and John Hickenlooper of Colorado in sponsoring the Fix Our Forests Act, according to a draft of the bill shared first with POLITICO.
    The legislation, which passed the House in a bipartisan vote earlier this year after wildfires devastated Los Angeles, presents a rare opportunity for compromise in Congress and a chance for progress on forestry and wildfire issues that have plagued the West in recent years. […]
    The Senate bill also has support from groups including The Nature Conservancy, Environmental Defense Fund, International Association of Fire Chiefs and Megafire Action.
    The Senate version of the bill has received significant support from environmental groups, first responders, and wildfire organizations, including:
    The Nature Conservancy; National Wildlife Federation; Environmental Defense Fund; National Audubon Society; Citizens’ Climate Lobby; Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership; Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition; The Stewardship Project; the Federation of American Scientists; CAL FIRE; the International Association of Fire Chiefs; Alliance for Wildfire Resilience; Megafire Action; the Association for Firetech Innovation; Climate & Wildfire Institute; Tall Timbers; Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action); Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO); the American Property Casualty Insurance Association; and the Property and Environment Research Center.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Israeli military reservists court Australian universities amid ‘hypocrisy’ over anti-war protests

    Hundreds of university staff and students in Melbourne and Sydney called on their vice-chancellors to cancel pro-Israel events earlier this month, write Michael West Media’s Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon.

    SPECIAL REPORT: By Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon

    While Australia’s universities continue to repress pro-Palestine peace protests, they gave the green light to pro-Israel events earlier this month, sparking outrage from anti-war protesters over the hypocrisy.

    Israeli lobby groups StandWithUs Australia (SWU) and Israel-IS organised a series of university events this week which featured Israel Defense Force (IDF) reservists who have served during the war in Gaza, two of whom lost family members in the Hamas resistance attack on October 7, 2023.

    The events were promoted as “an immersive VR experience with an inspiring interfaith panel” discussing the importance of social cohesion, on and off campus.”

    Hundreds of staff and students at Monash, Sydney Uni, UNSW and UTS signed letters calling on their universities to “act swiftly to cancel the SWU event and make clear that organisations and individuals who worked with the Israel Defense Forces did not have a place on UNSW campuses.”

    SWU is a global charity organisation which supports Israel and fights all conduct it perceives to be “antisemitic”. It campaigns against the United Nations and international NGOs’ findings against Israel and is currently supporting actions to suspend United States students supporting Palestine.

    It established an office in Sydney in 2022 and Michael Gencher, who previously worked at the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, was appointed as CEO.

    The event’s co-sponsor, Israel-IS, is a similar propaganda outfit whose mission is to “connect with people before they connect with ideas” particularly through “cutting edge technologies like VR and AI.”

    Among their 18 staff, one employee’s role is “IDF coordinator’” while two employees serve as “heads of Influencer Academy”.

    The events were a test for management at Monash, UTS, UNSW and USyd to see how far each would go in cooperating with the Israel lobby.

    Some events cancelled
     At Monash, an open letter criticising the event was circulated by staff and students. The event was then cancelled without explanation.

    At UNSW, 51 staff and postgraduate students signed an open letter to vice-chancellor Atilla Brungs, calling for the event’s cancellation. It was signed on their behalf by Jessica Whyte, an associate professor of philosophy in arts and law and Noam Peleg, associate professor in the Faculty of Law and Justice.

    Prior to the scheduled event, Michael West Media sent questions to UNSW. After the event was scheduled to occur, the university responded to MWM, informing us that it had not taken place.

    As of today, two days after the event was scheduled, vice-chancellor Brungs has not responded to the letter.

    UTS warning to students
     The UTS branch of the Australasian Union of Jewish Students partnered with Israel-IS in organising the UTS event, in alignment with their core “pillars” of Zionism and activism. The student group seeks to “promote a positive image of Israel on campus” to achieve its vision of a world where Jewish students are committed to Israel.

    UTS Students’ Association, Palestinian Youth Society and UTS Muslim Student Society wrote to management but deputy vice-chancellor Kylie Readman rejected pleas. She replied that the event’s organisers had guaranteed it would be “a small private event focused on minority Israeli perspectives” and that speakers would only speak in a personal capacity.

    While acknowledging the conflict in the Middle East was stressful for many at UTS, she then warned students, “UTS has not received formal notification of any intent to protest, as is required under the campus policy. As such, I must advise that any protest activity planned for 2nd April will be unauthorised. I would urge you to encourage students not to participate in an unauthorised protest.”

    Students who allegedly breach campus policies can face disciplinary proceedings that can lead to suspension.

    UTS Student Association president Mia Campbell told MWM, “The warning given by UTS about protesting definitely felt intimidating and frightening to a number of students, including myself.

    “Especially as a law student, misconduct allegations can affect your admission to the profession . . .  but with all other avenues of communication exhausted between us and the university, it felt like we didn’t have a choice.

    I don’t want to look back on what I was doing during this genocide and have done any less than what was possible at the time.

    A UTS student reads the names of Gaza children killed in Israel’s War on Gaza. Image: Wendy Bacon/MWM

    Sombre, but quietly angry protest
    The UTS protest was sombre but quietly angry. Speakers read from lists naming dead Palestinian children.

    One speaker, who has lost 120 members of his extended family in Gaza, explained why he protested: “We have to be backed into a corner, told we can’t protest, told we can’t do anything. We’ve exhausted every single policy . . . Add to all that we are threatened with misconduct.”

    Do you think we can stay silent while there are people on campus who may have played a part in the killings in Gaza?

    SWU at University of Sydney
     University of Sydney staff and students who signed an open letter received no reply before the event.

    Activists from USyd staff in support of Palestine, Students Against War and Jews Against the Occupation ‘48 began protesting outside the Michael Spence building that houses the university’s senior executives on the Wednesday evening, April 2.

    Escorted by UTS security, three SWU representatives arrived. A small group was admitted. Soon afterwards, the participants could be seen from below in the building’s meeting room.

    A few protesters remained and booed the attendees as they left. These included Mark Leach, a far right Christian Zionist and founder of pro-Israeli group Never Again is Now. Later on X, he condemned the protesters and described Israel as a “multi-ethnic enclave of civilisation.”

    Warning letters for students
    Several student activists have received letters recently warning them about breaching the new USyd code of conduct regulating protests. USyd has also adopted a definition of anti-semitism which critics say could restrict criticism of Israel.

    It has been slammed by the Jewish Council of Australia as “dangerous” and “unworkable”.

    A Jews against Occupation ’48 speaker, Judith Treanor, said, “Welcoming this organisation makes a mockery of this university’s stated values of respect, non-harassment, and anti-racism.

    “In the context of this university’s adoption of draconian measures to stifle freedom of expression in relation to Palestine, the decision to host this event promoting Israel reveals a shocking level of hypocrisy and a huge abuse of power.”

    Jews Against the Occupation ‘48: L-R Suzie Gold, Laurie Izaks MacSween and Judith Treanor at the protest. Image: Vivienne Moore/MWM

    No stranger to USyd
    Michael Gencher is no stranger to USyd. Since October 2023, he has opposed student encampments and street protests.

    On one occasion, he visited the USyd protest student encampment in support of Palestine with Richard Kemp, a retired British army commander who tirelessly promotes the IDF. Kemp’s most recent X post congratulates Hungary for withdrawing from “the International Criminal Kangaroo Court. Other countries should reject this political court and follow suit.”

    Kemp and Gencher filmed themselves attempting to interrogate students about their knowledge of conflict in the Middle East on May 21, 2024, but the students refused to be provoked and declined to engage.

    In May 2024, Gercher helped organise a joint rally at USyd with Zionist Group Together with Israel, a partner of far-right group Australian Jewish Association. Extreme Zionist Ofir Birenbaum, who was recently exposed as covertly filming staff at an inner city cafe, Cairo Takeaway, helped organise the rally.

    Students at the USyd encampment told MWM  that they experienced provocative behaviour towards them during the May rally.

    Opposition to StandWithUs
     Those who oppose the SWU campus events draw on international findings condemning Israel and its IDF, explained in similar letters to university leaders.

    After the USyd event, those who signed a letter received a response from vice-chancellor Mark Scott.

    He explained, “We host a broad range of activities that reflect different perspectives — we recognise our role as a place for debate and disagreeing well, which includes tolerance of varied opinions.”

    His response ignored the concerns raised, which leaves this question: Why are organisations that reject all international and humanitarian legal findings, including ones of genocide and ethnic cleansing,

    being made to feel ‘safe and welcome’ when their critics risk misconduct proceedings?

    SWU CEO Michael Gencher went on the attack in the Jewish press:

    “We’re seeing a coordinated attempt to intimidate universities into silencing Israeli voices simply because they don’t conform to a radical political narrative.” He accused the academics of spreading “provable lies, dangerous rhetoric, and blatant hypocrisy.”

    SWU regards United Nations and other findings against Israel as false.

    Wendy Bacon is an investigative journalist who was professor of journalism at UTS. She worked for Fairfax, Channel Nine and SBS and has published in The Guardian, New Matilda, City Hub and Overland. She has a long history in promoting independent and alternative journalism. She is a long-term supporter of a peaceful BDS and the Greens.

    Yaakov Aharon is a Jewish-Australian living in Wollongong. He enjoys long walks on Wollongong Beach, unimpeded by Port Kembla smoke fumes and AUKUS submarines. This article was first published by Michael West Media and is republished with permission of the authors.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 04.14.2025 Sen. Cruz, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Allow American Victims of Terrorism to Sue International Organizations Supporting Terrorists

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and colleagues introduced the LIABLE Act, which removes immunity from, and allows suits against, international organizations that provide material support to designated terror groups which commit terrorism against Americans.
    Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “The United Nations Relief and Works Agency officials have for decades knowingly provided support to Hamas terrorists, including salaries and materials. That support facilitated Hamas’s terrorist attack on October 7th, which was the worst one-day massacre of Jews since the Holocaust and included the murder and kidnapping of dozens of Americans. Those victims and their families deserve the ability to hold UNRWA accountable, and the LIABLE Act would give them that opportunity.”
    The bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.).
    Sen. Cramer said, “International organizations who knowingly support foreign terrorist organizations should be held legally responsible for their complicity in terrorism. The LIABLE Act ensures those who provide material support to terrorism—whether through direct involvement or by aiding and abetting—can no longer hide behind legal immunity.”
    Sen. Budd said, “I’m proud to stand with Senator Cruz and my colleagues to introduce the LIABLE Act, which would ensure that victims of terrorism, along with their families, can seek justice and hold international organizations accountable for aiding and abetting terrorist acts. There is no better example of this than UNRWA, an organization with longstanding ties to Hamas, whose staff members participated in the horrific October 7th attacks.  America must send a clear message: supporting terrorism will never be tolerated or ignored.”
    Sen. Ricketts said, “UNRWA employees provided material support for Hamas terrorists and contributed to the barbaric October 7th attacks,” said Ricketts. “They need to be held accountable for aiding and abetting terrorism. This bill will enable American victims of terrorism to get justice.”
    Sen. Hagerty said, “UNRWA has provided material support to the terrorist organization Hamas and has cultivated anti-Israel extremism and terrorism. UNRWA employees directly participated in the terrorist attacks of October 7th that killed dozens of Americans and UNRWA schools produced over 100 graduates who participated in the atrocities of that terrible day. I am proud to cosponsor this necessary legislation that makes it possible to hold UNRWA accountable for its complicity in terrorism.”
    Sen. Barrasso said, “Any international organization aiding terrorist groups must be investigated and held accountable. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency has a lot to answer for after providing resources to Hamas terrorists. The blood of innocent Americans and Israelis who were kidnapped or killed on October 7 is on their hands. I am proud to join Senator Cruz and my colleagues on this important legislation to give victims and their families an opportunity for much-deserved justice.”
    Sen. Scott said, “For years, UNRWA has been aiding Iran-backed Hamas in their spread of hateful antisemitism. UNRWA has supported Hamas in enabling these terrorists to commit the horrific massacre and mass kidnapping of Israelis and Jewish Americans over 550 days ago, on October 7th, and the sick individuals responsible for this terrorism must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I’m proud to join my colleague, Senator Ted Cruz, to introduce the LIABLE Act and ensure the victims and their families can finally bring UNRWA to justice.”
    Sen. Schmitt said, “International organization like UNWRA are deeply tied with Hamas and must be held accountable for playing a role in kidnapping, murdering, and maiming countless innocent lives on October 7th. I am proud to stand with Senator Cruz as a cosponsor of the LIABLE Act to hold these organizations accountable.”
    Read the bill text here.
    BACKGROUND
    The Limiting Immunity for Assisting Backers of Lethal Extremism (LIABLE) Act would allow American victims of terrorist groups to sue international organizations that provide resources to terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. These organizations would otherwise be immune from lawsuits pursuant to the International Organization Immunity Act (IOIA), which parallels the immunity provided to foreign states through the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA).
    During the Biden administration, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) received hundreds of millions of dollars which was poured into the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. That process would normally constitute material support for terrorism, because the assistance directly and indirectly benefits Hamas—a known terrorist group. And yet, the Biden administration granted waivers among other legislative measures to circumvent the law and enable UNRWA to support Hamas.

    ICYMI: WSJ Op-Ed: “Let Terror Victims Sue UNRWA”
    Sen. Cruz and colleagues wrote to then-AG Garland urging the U.S. Department of Justice to open a criminal investigation into UNRWA USA, a U.S.-based non-profit that raises funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), for providing material support for terrorism.

    Sen. Cruz is committed to being the Senate leader in supporting our ally, Israel, and bolstering the U.S.-Israel relationship.

    Sen. Cruz introduced a bill to designate the Iranian-controlled Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization.  
    Sen. Cruz led a letter to then-U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield opposing Palestinian effort to suspend Israel from the U.N. General Assembly.
    Sen. Cruz introduced the Terminating Unlawful Negligence and Nullifying Exemptions and Licenses to Sanctions (TUNNELS) Act of 2024, to rescind the licenses employed by the Biden administration to channel U.S. aid through international and non-governmental organizations to Gaza, and prevent these licenses from being reissued.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK announces new humanitarian funding for Sudan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK announces new humanitarian funding for Sudan

    The UK has announced new support to Sudan ahead of the Sudan conference which will bring together international representatives.

    • The UK will commit further life-saving aid for over 650,000 people affected by the ongoing violence as Sudan faces the worst humanitarian crisis on record.
    • A one-day conference will unite foreign ministers and leading humanitarian leaders at a conference in London to mark the two-year anniversary of the brutal conflict in Sudan.   
    • International representatives will discuss how to achieve a peaceful end to the conflict and address the issues preventing aid reaching those most in need. 

    Today [15th April] the UK will co-host a conference in London alongside the African Union, EU, France and Germany to mark the two-year anniversary of the conflict in Sudan with attendees including major donors and multilateral institutions.   

    Bringing together foreign ministers from across the globe, the Foreign Secretary will step up international efforts to protect civilians and work towards an end to the conflict.   

    During a one-day conference, he will announce new life-saving aid to support over 650,000 Sudanese people. Alongside international counterparts, he will also identify steps to improve humanitarian access and find a long-term political solution.   

    Sudan is facing the worst humanitarian crisis on record, with over 30 million people in desperate need of aid, over 12 million people are displaced, and famine is spreading throughout Sudan. Over 12 million women and girls are also at risk of gender-based violence.

    The new £120 million funding announced today will deliver lifesaving food and nutrition supplies, including for vulnerable children and will provide emergency support to survivors of sexual violence. 

    The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:   

    Two years is far too long – the brutal war in Sudan has devastated the lives of millions – and yet much of the world continues to look away.  We need to act now to stop the crisis from becoming an all-out catastrophe, ensuring aid gets to those who need it the most.

    As I saw earlier this year on a visit to Chad’s border with Sudan, the warring parties have shown an appalling disregard for the civilian population of Sudan. This conference will bring together the international community to agree a pathway to end the suffering. 

    Instability must not spread – it drives migration from Sudan and the wider region, and a safe and stable Sudan is vital for our national security. The UK will not let Sudan be forgotten.

    African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye said:

    Achieving peace in Sudan depends on valuing every voice and everyone playing a role in building a prosperous Sudan. The African Union is committed to assisting all the people of Sudan build a brighter democratic future by working to silence the guns.

    The ongoing conflict and instability risks spilling over into the wider region, driving Sudanese people away from their homes, with some taking dangerous onward journeys to the UK and Europe. Instability in Sudan also directly impacts the UK’s national security. 

    The UK wants to help tackle instability in Sudan and reduce the level of irregular migration from the region to Europe and the UK as part of its Plan for Change.  

    In January 2025, the Foreign Secretary visited the Chad-Sudan border at Adré to see first-hand the impact of the conflict on refugees.    

    Background

    • Countries and organisations attending the Sudan conference include the United Kingdom, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), France, Germany, Canada, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Norway, Qatar, South Sudan, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, Uganda, United States of America, alongside high-level Representatives of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States (LAS) and the United Nations (UN).
    • On 17 November, the Foreign Secretary announced a £113 million aid package, which will support over a million people affected by violence in Sudan.  
    • The new £120 million funding announced today is for the 2025/2026 financial year and will deliver food including pulses, oils, salts and cereals.   
    • The UK welcomes the 13 February decision to keep the critical Chad-Sudan Adré border crossing open for three more months. But the Sudanese Armed Forces must keep it open permanently, and without restrictions.     

    • The parties to the conflict continue to obstruct the work of humanitarian agencies, through delaying visas for aid workers and limiting their movements throughout Sudan.

    • Funding announced today aims to reach over 600,000 people including:
    • 670,000 people reached with food assistance for three months.
    • 205,000 people reached through a cash-based response.
    • 600,000 people reached through nutrition and water and sanitation.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Four Appointments to State Board of Education

    Source: US State of Missouri

    APRIL 14, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced four appointments to the State Board of Education. As his first appointments to the Board, these individuals reflect Governor Kehoe’s vision and commitment to supporting education.

    Michael Matousek, of Kansas City, was appointed to the State Board of Education.

    Mr. Matousek currently serves as the director of the Government Freight Conference at the American Trucking Association. He has previous experience as the state legislative affairs director for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and legislative director in the Office of Congressman Sam Graves. Mr. Matousek earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida.

    Kenneth “Brooks” Miller Jr., of Sunrise Beach, was appointed to the State Board of Education.

    Mr. Miller previously served as the president and CEO of Jordan Valley Community Health Center. In addition to his professional career, he has served as the vice president of the Springfield Board of Public Utilities and was most recently on the Truman State University Board of Governors. Mr. Miller earned his master’s degree in education administration and bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northeast Missouri State University.

    Jon Otto, of Kansas City, was appointed to the State Board of Education.

    Mr. Otto serves as corporate counsel for Evergy, Inc. focusing on corporate governance, SEC compliance, corporate finance, and real estate transactions. Prior to joining Evergy, he was an attorney at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, LLP and Polsinelli, PC law firms. Mr. Otto has served as a board member for Académie Lafayette charter school, University Health KC, Missouri Charter Public School Association, Child Protection Center, Minddrive, and the UMKC Law Alumni Association. Mr. Otto earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law and his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Clark Atlanta University.

    Dr. Thomas Prater, of Springfield, was appointed to the State Board of Education.

    Dr. Prater is a physician and partner at Mattax-Neu-Prater Eye Center in Springfield. From 2016 to 2020, he served as the Zone 2 Councilman on the Springfield City Council. He was also a member of the Springfield R-12 Board of Education from 1998 to 2014. Dr. Prater is an active member of the Missouri State Medical Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canada is lagging in innovation, and that’s a problem for funding the programs we care about

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Andrew Maxwell, Bergeron Chair in Technology Entrepreneurship, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, Canada

    As Canadians prepare to vote in another federal election, the country’s economy faces a sobering reality. As the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) notes, productivity is stagnating, our innovation performance lags global peers and high-potential startups often fail to scale.

    Despite these warning signs, innovation policy remains largely absent from political discourse. Canadians hear a great deal about how political parties are going to spend money, but little about where the money is going to come from.

    This is a critical oversight. Canada’s enduring productivity gap is more than an economic statistic — it’s why the country is struggling to sustain the social programs, such as health care and education, that Canadians value.

    If Canadians want to maintain their standard of living, Canada must close that gap through a more deliberate, strategic approach to innovation.

    Innovation is economic strategy

    In today’s knowledge-based economy, as business executive and innovator Jim Balsillie observes, power flows to countries that own digital data and their “value-added applications” (like apps or platforms) and intellectual property.

    Countries like the United States, China and South Korea have embedded innovation into national strategy, investing in sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), clean technology and biotech to drive growth and resilience. Canada, by contrast, has taken a fragmented, reactive approach.

    Canada’s over-reliance on research and development (R&D) spending and patent counts has failed to translate into commercial success. According to the OECD, Canada ranks among the highest in public R&D investment but among the lowest in innovation outcomes such as productivity growth and technology adoption.

    Canada also often conflates research with innovation. While both are vital, innovation is about turning knowledge into use through deployment, adoption, commercialization and scaling. Much of today’s transformative innovation, particularly in AI and software, depends on the transfer of tacit knowledge (related to things like user insights, execution experience and expertise in a particular domain) not just codified knowledge (for example, patents, technical drawings and licenses).

    Why innovation policy fails

    Governments struggle with innovation because it defies conventional policymaking:

    • It requires failure tolerance. Innovation is iterative. But political systems fear failure.

    • It demands long-term vision. Results may take years, beyond typical electoral cycles.

    • It’s technically complex. Few policymakers have deep expertise in emerging technologies or understand the research and development process.

    • It’s often misunderstood. Funding research is not the same as building innovation capacity or developing innovation processes.

    • It’s hard to quantify. Quantifying innovation outcomes is complex and challenging to measure, making it also difficult to measure return.

    As economist and innovation policy expert Mariana Mazzucato argued in The Entrepreneurial State: Debunking Public vs. Private Sector Myths, innovation success depends on bold missions, cross-sector collaboration and a willingness to learn from failure. Canada’s current model lacks these ingredients.

    Breaking the cycle of failure

    To break this cycle, Canada needs a non-partisan national innovation institution — an agency empowered to advise on strategy, evaluate outcomes and embed technical expertise into policy at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.

    Models like DARPA from the U.S., Vinnova from Sweden and the Israel Innovation Authority show how long-term, high-impact innovation can be achieved with the right institutional scaffolding and appropriate knowledge.

    Video about Vinnova, Sweden’s national innovation agency.

    Canadians have created a number of innovation organizations with national implications, such as the Council of Canadian Academies, the CD Howe Institute, Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Institute for Competitiveness and Prosperity (ICP), which closed in 2019.

    Yet none have been national organizations that addressed the broad proposed mandate to explicitly advise governments on technology and policy strategy, evaluate innovation outcomes and embed technical expertise into recommendations.

    A non-partisan national innovation institution must:

    1. Track outcomes more than inputs. Innovation success can be measured by a number of project- or industry-specific outcomes, such as productivity, firm growth and export revenue. The ICP proposed measuring the “prosperity gap,” comparing innovation performance to peer jurisdictions.

    2. Support long-term strategic objectives, focusing on Canada’s strengths in critical areas like AI, clean technology, energy health-care technology, and leveraging expertise and experience in these and other areas.

    3. Embed technology experts alongside health-care and education experts in the decision-making process. Recruit scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs to anticipate technology and market trends, guiding both implementation and policy development.

    4. Differentiate innovation from research. Support both, but recognize the differences and explicitly link innovation to adoption and new use cases.

    5. Promote value capture. Ensure Canadian firms and the country benefit from and retain control of key technologies that enable them to scale domestically.

    6. Recognize the inherent risks in innovation and the potential for failure. Evaluate and build on impact and learn from failure to enhance innovation processes and improve future outcomes.

    7. Align our educational institutions with innovation goals revising programs, creating more flexible learning options and enhancing entrepreneurship so that more research outcomes are commercialized.

    These steps aren’t hypothetical. They’re backed by evidence from countries that have succeeded in turning innovation into sustained economic performance.

    Why now?

    Canada’s economy is heavily dependent on resource exports and vulnerable to technological disruption. Meanwhile, the global AI and clean tech races are accelerating. Canada is at risk of falling further behind — not just economically, but geopolitically.

    But Canada also has strengths: world-class researchers, diverse entrepreneurial talent and global partnerships. What’s missing is a cohesive national strategy to harness this potential. Creating a non-partisan innovation institution would be a powerful first step.

    If Canadians want to provide revenue for governments decide how to fund education, health care and climate adaptation, they must grow their economy. And to do that, Canada needs smarter innovation policy.

    It’s time to stop celebrating activity and start rewarding outcomes. Let’s build the structures that allow Canadian ingenuity to thrive — not in theory, but in practice.

    Andrew Maxwell works for York University, but received no direct benefit from comments in this article. He receives funding from various research agencies for his work in the area, but none of which creates the potential for conflict. He is a member of the Academy of Management, the International Society for Professional Innovation Management and Professional Engineers Ontario..

    – ref. Canada is lagging in innovation, and that’s a problem for funding the programs we care about – https://theconversation.com/canada-is-lagging-in-innovation-and-thats-a-problem-for-funding-the-programs-we-care-about-254423

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Mike Molstead Motors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    Published: April 14, 2025

    Throughout this Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.

    RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Mike Molstead Motors of Floyd County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
    “Mike Molstead built a successful family-owned and operated business by keeping his community in the driver’s seat,” said Chair Ernst. “Today, under the leadership of Mike’s four sons, Molstead Motors continues to fuel folks in north Iowa one vehicle at a time by focusing on personalized financing, real-time market pricing, and top-tier auto repair and detail servicing. As Mike continues his 25-year battle with lung cancer, my thoughts and prayers are with him and the entire Molstead family.”
    In 1982, while attending the University of Northern Iowa and playing football, Mike Molstead began selling cars at a local dealership in Cedar Falls. He worked his way up to general sales manager before deciding to start his own dealership. In 1995, Mike opened Mike Molstead Motors in Charles City. Over the years, the business has expanded from selling primarily General Motors vehicles to a full-service dealership that sells, services, and details Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, GMC, and Ford vehicles across two locations. Today, Mike and his four boys, Josh, Jordan, Jackson, and Jared, along with many other family members, work together to run the company. This month, Mike Molstead Motors will celebrate its 30th anniversary.
    Stay tuned as Chair Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle Push VA to Build Roseburg Veterans’ Home

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    April 14, 2025
    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, alongside U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04), are calling on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prioritize funding for the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) proposed Roseburg Veterans’ Home project.
    Currently, ODVA operates two high-quality, award-winning Oregon Veterans’ Homes: the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles, a 151-bed skilled nursing facility, and the Edward C. Allworth Veterans’ Home in Lebanon, a 154-bed assisted living facility. These facilities provide skilled and long-term nursing, memory, and rehabilitative care to veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star parents, allowing veterans to live in a culture of community with fellow veterans and those with shared military experiences. The lawmakers are urging VA Secretary Collins to support the Roseburg Veterans’ Home project to expand this model of small home care to more veterans in the state.
    “Since 2011, ODVA has worked closely with the VA to develop this critical project to serve veterans in southern Oregon — and the time to build the Roseburg Veterans’ Home is now,” the lawmakers said.
    Roseburg has a sizable veteran population, with current estimates suggesting that Douglas County is home to over 10,000 veterans, many of whom served in the Vietnam War era or earlier. A new facility in the community would provide an affordable, high-quality, long-term care option for the estimated 68,000 veterans across the VA Southern Oregon Healthcare System service area which includes Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and Lake counties in Oregon as well as Siskiyou and Del Norte counties in California.
    The Oregon lawmakers have long supported the Roseburg State Veterans’ Home project, which remains in the preliminary stages of preconstruction. Currently, the project has secured the required 35 percent funding commitment from the State of Oregon to qualify for federal funding from the VA. With Oregon doing its part to make the long-awaited project a reality, Merkley, Wyden, and Hoyle are urging the VA to do the same. They are calling for Secretary Collins to commit the remaining 65 percent in federal funds in FY25. Additionally, they are encouraging the VA to prioritize the transfer of the more than 13 acres identified for this project on the Roseburg VA Medical Center campus to the ODVA.
    “Veterans have served our country with tremendous courage and sacrifice. We owe them the highest standard of care and services our nation has to offer,” the lawmakers said.
    Full text of the letter can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Sentenced To More Than 10 Years In Prison For Kidnapping Elderly Victim

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Jordan Nathaniel Hedden, 32, was sentenced today to 121 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for the 2023 kidnapping of an elderly victim, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Hedden’s co-conspirator, Stephanie Miranda Neace, 32, of Blairsville, Georgia, is currently awaiting sentencing, after a federal jury last week convicted her of kidnapping.

    Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina joins U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

    According to filed documents, court proceedings, and trial evidence presented at Neace’s trial, on November 30, 2023, the victim, a 71-year-old female, was driving from Georgia to North Carolina, when she saw the defendants walking. The victim offered the defendants a ride because it was cold outside. The defendants accepted the ride, and soon after they entered North Carolina, Hedden instructed the victim to drive to his car. When they arrived at the location, a car was not there. Hedden then ordered the victim to stop the vehicle, and when the victim refused, Hedden forced the victim to stop the car and get in the back seat. Hedden then took over driving.

    According to court records, the victim began to cry and Hedden yelled at her and told her to shut up. Hedden appeared to be high and agitated and became paranoid that the victim had a tracking device. At one point, Hedden stopped the vehicle, and he and Neace searched the car and the victim herself for tracking devices. Then, they took the victim’s phone and disabled it. Hedden also demanded money from the victim, but the victim only had $2. Fearing for her safety, the victim told the defendants to take her to an ATM and the defendants agreed. During the drive into Tennessee, Hedden made the victim promise that she would not identify them to the police.

    During the drive to the ATM, the victim convinced Hedden to let her withdraw money from a gas station ATM instead of a bank. The victim also told Hedden that she would give the defendants the money if they let her stay behind safely at the gas station. When they arrived at the gas station, the victim took her purse and her car key fob. She told Hedden to turn off the car so the headlights could not be seen from the people inside the gas station, and Hedden complied. As the victim and Hedden were walking toward the gas station, the victim began to run to the door and scream for help. Hedden ran back to the car, attempted to use it to flee but was unable to start the car without the key fob. Hedden and Neace then fled on foot and escaped into the woods but were apprehended days later.

    On November 13, 2024, Hedden pleaded guilty to kidnapping and aiding and abetting. He is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the FBI for their investigation of the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Don Gast and Alexis Solheim of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville are in charge of the prosecution.

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Lebanon: Authorities must immediately dismiss complaint against independent media outlets

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Lebanese authorities must immediately dismiss a criminal complaint filed against independent media outlets Daraj Media and Megaphone News, Amnesty International said today, following news that the two independent digital media outlets have been summoned for interrogation by the Cassation Public Prosecution Office on Tuesday 15 April in connection with the complaint.

    The complaint came shortly after the media outlets’ criticism of certain candidates for the governorship of the Central Bank and their calls for accountability for Lebanon’s financial and economic crises. The complaint, filed in March, was initiated by three lawyers acting in a private capacity following the media outlets’ reporting on government financial decisions, appointments, and the Central Bank. Both outlets have investigated and reported on allegations of financial mismanagement, corruption, and money laundering. The complainants accused the media outlets of “undermining the state’s financial standing, undermining confidence in the local currency, inciting the withdrawal of bank deposits and the sale of government bonds, receiving suspicious foreign financing with the aim of undermining confidence in the state, inciting strife, undermining the reputation of the state, weakening national sentiment and attacking and conspiring against the security of the state.”

    “The Lebanese authorities’ decision to summon Daraj Media and Megaphone News for questioning signals a willingness to allow powerful political and financial interests to instrumentalize the criminal justice system to intimidate and harass critical voices. The authorities should be protecting press freedom, not undermining it,” said Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

    “The targeting of these media outlets represents a dangerous escalation in ongoing efforts to intimidate independent journalism in Lebanon and to stifle the necessary scrutiny that outlets like Daraj Media and Megaphone News have provided through their reporting of the role of powerful actors in creating and prolonging the financial and economic crisis that continues to have a devastating impact on people’s rights.

    “The Lebanese authorities must immediately dismiss the complaint and ensure independent media are able to continue their work without fear of intimidation or harassment.”

    The targeting of these media outlets represents a dangerous escalation in ongoing efforts to intimidate independent journalism in Lebanon and to stifle the necessary scrutiny that outlets like Daraj Media and Megaphone News have provided through their reporting

    Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa

    The authorities’ prompt response to complaints against journalists also stands in stark contrast to the slower pace at which investigations into allegations of corruption and other misconduct, including torture, have progressed.

    Moreover, the proceedings against Daraj Media and Megaphone News are flouting domestic laws regarding criminal investigations, including those establishing safeguards for journalists. Both Daraj Media and Megaphone News confirmed receiving notification of the summons through a phone call and that they were not provided with written detail of the charges being brought against them or the legal basis for their summons.

    Article 147 of Lebanon’s Code of Criminal Procedure requires that summons must be provided in writing, and the document must include, among other things, the offence that is the subject of the investigation and the legal provision(s) on which it is based. Additionally, the Publications Law requires that complaints based on journalistic work are handled through the Publications Court, rather than the public prosecutor. The summons follows a broader smear and disinformation campaign over the past weeks against Daraj Media and Megaphone News led by non-state actors and entities with ties to political and economic power centers.

    Amnesty International has documented a worrying increase in the use of vague legal provisions to harass and intimidate journalists, activists, and critics in Lebanon, with thousands targeted by criminal investigations since the onset of the economic crisis in 2019. The summons against Daraj and Megaphone News are yet another example of the misuse of these provisions in an attempt to suppress critical voices.

    MIL OSI NGO –