NewzIntel.com

Category: Middle East

  • MIL-OSI: IoBM Launches Yoojel—AI-Powered Search Engine—and Digiex, a Next-Generation Crypto Card Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Innovation Business Machine (IoBM) is delighted to announce the inception of two potentially landmark platforms: Yoojel, an AI-native web browser for smart and intuitive AI based Search Engine, and Digiex, a Crypto card that converts digital assets into currency, which can be accepted anywhere in the world by merchants. With these milestones, IoBM boldly steps forward in giving shape to digital tools that are safe, intelligent, and convenient to use in today’s life.

    Yoojel: The Intelligent Browser of the Future

    Yoojel is an intuitive AI based Search Engine. It is designed with artificial intelligence to elevate the human experience with the World Wide Web. Yoojel defines browsing in the new age of real-time contextual intelligence, predictive search results, and an adaptive user interface.

    Key features of Yoojel include

    • AI-powered search and curation with results tailored not just by keywords but by user intent
    • Minimalist interface: clean, elegant design for distraction-free use
    • Privacy by design: data sovereignty and local-storage-first principles
    • Integration-ready: built to work side by side with productivity tools, smart wallets, and cloud services

    Muhammad Umair Saeed, Founder and CEO of IoBM, said, “Yoojel isn’t just another browser; it’s your intelligent gateway to the web. We built Yoojel to represent a future in which browsing is no longer about finding links but rather about finding knowledge.”

    Digiex: Real-World Spending with Crypto Made Simple

    Digiex provides a smooth transaction experience with crypto-to-fiat transfer in real-time, allowing users to spend their digital assets with a card accepted worldwide. Supporting multiple blockchains, the Digiex card offers smart invoicing, layers of security, and full wallet management.

    Digiex is for professionals, digital nomads, corporations, and the unbanked. It empowers you so you can be in control of how and where you spend your digital currency.

    Highlights of Digiex:

    • Multi-Chain Asset Support (BTC, ETH, USDT, etc.)
    • Smart Invoicing and Expense Tracking for business and personal finances
    • Spend Analytics with AI support

    “Digiex connects the crypto ecosystem with everyday finances,” Saeed said. “We are empowering a truly digital financial lifestyle.”

    About Muhammad Umair Saeed

    Muhammad Umair Saeed is a globally recognized technology entrepreneur, investor, and thought leader with a unique combination of technology depth/perspective and business commerce perspective, who has delivered market-leading next-generation platforms in the disciplines of AI, blockchain, digital identity, and post-quantum cryptography. He is the founder and often considered Chief Visionary of Innovation Business Machine (IoBM), a $2 billion company operating in Dubai, Europe, the Middle East, and Turkey.

    His company, IoBM, has led start-ups in some of the largest combined ventures across fintech, smart wallets, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and metaverse technologies. He authored many important tenets regarding user sovereignty, privacy-first computing for a digitally sovereign user experience, and scalable digital finance that underpin Yoojel and the recently announced Digiex.

    In his role at IoBM, he has established a range of collaborations across continents with multiple strategic organizations, inclusive of financial institutions, blockchain technology consortia, and AI research institutes. His leadership even goes further towards breaking the so-called “rules” of business for the benefit of humanity… whether it be establishing a post-quantum-secure ecosystem, deploying blockchain software solutions for enterprise in the real world, or the latest in cybersecurity bridges and wallets for user-based solutions. Muhammad Umair Saeed, a passionate visionary and believer in purposeful innovation, is not only envisioning the future of digital finance and smart browsing; he is building it.

    Media Contact:

    Company Name: IoBM
    Company Website: http://www.io-bm.com
    Contact Person: Muhammad Umair Saeed
    Email Address: umair@io-bm.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by IoBM. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4e1998ab-c00c-46cd-9ba7-bc695e37e7a7

    The MIL Network –

  • Hamas studies Gaza ceasefire proposal labelled ‘final’ by Trump

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Hamas said on Wednesday it was studying what U.S. President Donald Trump called a “final” ceasefire proposal for Gaza but that Israel must pull out of the enclave, and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas would be eliminated.

    Trump said on Tuesday Israel had agreed to the conditions needed to finalise a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas after a meeting between his representatives and Israeli officials.

    In a statement, the Palestinian militant group said it was studying new ceasefire offers received from mediators Egypt and Qatar but that it aimed to reach an agreement that would ensure an end to the war and an Israeli pullout from Gaza.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the elimination of Hamas in his first public remarks since Trump’s announcement.

    “There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a ‘Hamastan’. We’re not going back to that. It’s over,” Netanyahu told a meeting hosted by the Trans-Israel pipeline.

    The two sides’ statements reiterated long-held positions, giving no clues as to whether or how a compromise agreement could be reached.

    “I hope it would work this time, even if for two months, it would save thousands of innocent lives,” Kamal, a resident of Gaza City, said by phone.

    Others questioned whether Trump’s statements would deliver long-term peace.

    “We hope he is serious like he was serious during the Israeli-Iranian war when he said the war should stop, and it stopped,” said Adnan Al-Assar, a resident of Khan Younis in Gaza’s south.

    There is growing public pressure on Netanyahu to reach a permanent ceasefire and end the nearly two-year-long war, a move opposed by hardline members of his right-wing ruling coalition.

    At the same time, U.S. and Israeli strikes on nuclear sites in Iran and ceasefire agreed on in last month’s 12-day Israel-Iran air war have put pressure on Hamas, which is backed by Tehran.

    Israeli leaders believe that, with Iran weakened, other countries in the region have an opportunity to forge ties with Israel.

    ‘SOME POSITIVE SIGNS’

    Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel was “serious in our will” to reach a hostage deal and ceasefire.

    “There are some positive signs. I don’t want to say more than that right now. But our goal is to begin proximity talks as soon as possible,” he said while visiting Estonia.

    Of 50 hostages held by Hamas, about 20 are believed to be still alive.

    Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid posted that his party could provide a safety net if any cabinet members opposed a deal, effectively pledging not to back a no-confidence motion in parliament that could topple the government.

    At the end of May, Hamas had said it was seeking amendments to a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, said this was “totally unacceptable.”

    That proposal involved a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half the hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the remains of other Palestinians; Hamas would release the remaining hostages as part of a deal that guarantees the end of the war.

    “Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War,” Trump posted on Tuesday, without specifying the conditions.

    A source close to Hamas said its leaders were expected to debate the proposal and seek clarifications from mediators before giving an official response.

    Gaza health authorities said Israeli gunfire and military strikes had killed at least 139 Palestinians in northern and southern areas in the past 24 hours, and the Israeli military ordered more evacuations late on Tuesday.

    Among those killed was Marwan Al-Sultan, director of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, in an airstrike that has also killed his wife and five children, medics said.

    The Israeli military said it had targeted a “key terrorist” from Hamas in the Gaza City area. It said it was reviewing reports of civilian casualties and that the military regretted any harm to “uninvolved individuals” and takes steps to minimise such harm.

    Hamas fighters stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, and killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

    Israel’s subsequent military assault has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry, displaced almost all the 2.3 million population and caused a humanitarian crisis.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Sudan: Sharp rise in attacks on healthcare after two years of conflict with 1,000 people killed this year – Save the Children

    Source: Save the Children

    PORT SUDAN , 03 July 2025 – Nearly 1,000 people have been killed so far this year in Sudan while seeking health care or visiting loved ones in hospital, with attacks on hospitals nearly tripling after two years of conflict [1] and exacerbating a cholera outbreak, Save the Children said.
    Save the Children analysis of attacks on healthcare as reported by the World Health Organization found that at least 933 people, including children, were killed in over 38 incidents in the first six months of 2025. This is nearly 60 times the number of deaths reported over the same period a year ago [2].
    Over 148 people were injured in healthcare attacks in the first half of 2025, which is nearly triple the number of people injured over the same period last year.
    The deadly attacks targeted clinics, health facilities, major hospitals, ambulances, and medical convoys while looting of warehouses housing drugs and medical supplies has put more people at risk in a country where half the population – 30.4 million people – are in need of humanitarian aid.
    Save the Children said the number of attacks on healthcare has been high since conflict broke out in April 2023 but the spike in casualty numbers this year was alarming, with nearly four times more people killed than in 2023 and 2024 combined.
    The latest attack on healthcare took place last week at Al-Mujlad Hospital in West Kordofan state and left over 40 people dead, including six children and five health workers, the WHO’s office in Sudan said. Dozens were also injured in the attack.
    In January this year, at least one girl and three boys were reportedly killed and three boys injured in an attack on the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher, in Sudan’s North Darfur. The children were among patients receiving care in the hospital’s emergency ward, being treated for injuries resulting from previous bombings in the area.
    The attacks on healthcare facilities and workers have increased as the country is reeling from a spiralling cholera outbreak, with 80,000 confirmed cases including more than 1,000 children under five and more than 2,000 deaths nationwide since the outbreak was declared two months ago [3].
    On top of direct attacks on hospitals, looting of medical supplies is further compounding the suffering for millions in Sudan. This has included the theft of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) – a crucial treatment for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition – from UNICEF’s supplies at Al Bashair Hospital in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, in March and Save the Children facilities.
    Save the Children is urgently working to increase life-saving supplies, especially ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), a micronutrient-rich paste used to treat severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children-especially into Darfur. But RUTF stocks are already dangerously low, and Sudan is among the countries projected to face critical global supply chain gaps in the coming months due to aid cuts.
    “Healthcare workers should never have to worry about their safety while providing health services and patients should never have to look over their shoulders while seeking care in hospitals.
    “The number of people killed and injured in direct attacks on healthcare this year is alarmingly too high and yet the biggest danger posed by these attacks is families and children opting not to seek services from hospitals when in need and turning to unsafe traditional means.
    “We are concerned that in most cases, the hospitals that have come under fire also happen to be the only remaining hospitals in those areas, putting healthcare out of reach for millions including displaced people. With at least 80% of hospitals in Sudan decimated by the conflict, all efforts need to be taken to protect the few standing health facilities still providing services.”
    Save the Children is urgently calling on the international community to redouble efforts to demand a ceasefire to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access and a drastic scale-up of humanitarian assistance. This includes securing safe passage for food, medical aid, commercial supplies, and critical nutrition interventions for children suffering from wasting especially in the Darfur region.
    Save the Children has worked in Sudan since 1983 and is currently supporting children and their families across Sudan providing health, nutrition, education, child protection and food security and livelihoods support. Save the Children is also supporting refugees from Sudan in Egypt and South Sudan.
    Notes:
    [1] In the first half of 2025 at least 38 attacks on healthcare were reported compared to 13 attacks over the same period in 2024. At least 933 people were killed between 1 January and 30 June 2025 in attacks on healthcare recorded by the World Health Organisation’s Surveillance System for Attacks on Healthcare. This is compared to 16 people killed in 13 attacks on healthcare over a similar period last year. (Database accessed on 01 July 2025). Table below shows the number of attacks, deaths and injuries as retrieved from WHO’s surveillance system for attacks on health care (ssa) on 01 July 2025.
    Period Number of attacks Reported deaths Injuries January – June 2024 13 16 55 January – June 2025 38 933 148 2023 – 2024 (since start of conflict) 136 238 214
    [2] Important note that the WHO surveillance system came into full effect in November 2024 and there is a possibility of underreporting for previous years/ period.
    [3] According to data from Sudan’s ministry of health.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Iran’s president issues order to suspend cooperation with IAEA

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued an order to enact a law to suspend the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Tasnim news agency reported on Wednesday.

    The law calls for a suspension of cooperation with the IAEA until Iran’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its nuclear facilities and scientists are fully guaranteed, said Constitutional Council Spokesman Hadi Tahan Nazif.

    Pezeshkian issued the order on Tuesday in a letter to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Supreme National Security Council, said the report.

    The law, passed by the Iranian parliament last Wednesday and approved by the Constitutional Council the following day, was enacted due to “the violation of Iran’s national sovereignty by the United States and Israel, and their attacks on the country’s territorial integrity as well as peaceful nuclear facilities,” said Tahan Nazif.

    On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on several areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and many civilians. Iran responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel.

    On June 22, U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States had carried out airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites — Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. In response, Iran launched missile attacks on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

    After 12 days of fighting, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was reached on June 24. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Switzerland shock France to reach last 8 at FIBA U19 WC

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Host nation Switzerland upset basketball powerhouse France 86-79 in overtime in the Round of 16 on Wednesday, advancing to the quarterfinals in its first-ever appearance at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup.

    France, ranked No. 3 in the world, had finished third, second, and second in the past three editions of the tournament and was considered one of the top favorites this year. Switzerland, ranked 60th in the FIBA World Rankings for boys, had never competed in a FIBA U19 World Cup before 2025.

    France took the first quarter 24-13, and both teams struggled offensively in the second, with France entering halftime holding a 12-point lead.

    With five minutes, 34 seconds left in regulation, France led 66-54, but Switzerland responded with a 12-0 run to tie the game at 66-66 by the end of the fourth quarter. The Swiss maintained momentum in overtime, closing out the upset with a seven-point advantage.

    Dayan Nessah posted 22 points and 15 rebounds for Switzerland, while teammate Oliver Sassella scored a game-high 25 points.

    Switzerland will face New Zealand in the quarterfinals after the Kiwis defeated China 99-86.

    In other Round of 16 action, the United States routed Jordan 140-67, Germany beat Serbia 92-83, Israel edged Cameroon 86-82, Australia downed the Dominican Republic 106-96, Slovenia slipped past Argentina 81-80, and Canada cruised past Mali 100-75. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China’s Turkey branch granted clearing bank status for yuan settlements

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) — The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China’s branch in Turkey has acquired the status of a clearing bank for yuan settlements, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) said.

    The regulator noted that this decision was made in accordance with the memorandum of understanding signed by the central banks of both countries.

    Earlier, on June 13, the PBOC announced that the two banks had signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a clearing mechanism for yuan settlements in Turkey. Such a mechanism will facilitate the use of national currencies for cross-border settlements between enterprises and financial institutions in both countries, and will also further facilitate bilateral trade and investment procedures.

    On the same day, the PBOC announced the extension of a bilateral currency swap agreement with the Central Bank of Turkey. The total amount of funds in it reached 35 billion yuan (approximately 4.88 billion US dollars), or 189 billion Turkish lira.

    According to official data, China is currently Turkey’s largest trading partner in Asia and the third largest in the world. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hamas says conducting consultations over Gaza ceasefire proposals

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Palestinians pray over victims who were killed in Israeli airstrikes, at a hospital in Gaza City, July 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Hamas said on Wednesday that it is conducting consultations to discuss Gaza ceasefire proposals put forward by mediators.

    The Palestinian militant group said in a statement that it is “acting with a high sense of responsibility” and holding consultations on the mediators’ proposals to reach an agreement that ensures an end to Israeli aggression, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the delivery of urgent humanitarian relief to the Gaza Strip.

    “The mediators are making intensive efforts to bridge the gap between the parties, reach a framework agreement, and begin a new round of serious negotiations,” it said.

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire and urged Hamas to accept the deal.

    “I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

    Hamas and Israel have held several rounds of indirect negotiations over the past months, but no final ceasefire agreement has been reached. In previous talks, Hamas demanded a complete end to the war, while Israel insisted on a temporary ceasefire.

    Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire. Since then, at least 6,454 Palestinians have been killed and 22,551 others injured, according to data released by Gaza’s health authorities on Wednesday.

    The total Palestinian death toll since the conflict erupted in October 2023 has risen to 57,012, with 134,592 others wounded, the health authorities said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: First Lady Erdoğan meets with Pope Leo XIV

    Source: President of Turkiye

    First Lady Emine Erdoğan met with the Spiritual Leader of the Catholic World and Head of the Vatican City State, Pope Leo XIV, during her visit to the Vatican for the “Fraternal Economy Session on Ethical Multilateralism” programme hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

    The meeting, held at the Vatican Apostolic Palace, addressed the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, efforts to combat climate change, the fight against Islamophobia and racism, and the importance place of family within the society.

    Congratulating Pope Leo XIV on his election to the office a short while ago, Mrs. Erdoğan hoped this would be auspicious for the Christian world.

    During the meeting, which focused on the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza under Israel’s aggression and blockade, First Lady Erdoğan called on the Pope to make sure the Christian world engages in the Gaza issue more strongly with a view to reaching permanent ceasefire and securing the delivery of humanitarian aid.

    First Lady Erdoğan underlined that a two-state solution must be implemented as soon as possible and the number of countries recognizing the State of Palestine must increase in order to establish lasting and sustainable peace in Palestine.

    First Lady Erdoğan also stated that Christians living in the region, whose churches and communities are under constant threat, need to regain their peace, too.

    Also touching on the fight against climate change, First Lady Erdoğan informed Pope Leo XIV about the “Zero Waste” movement, launched in Türkiye and then institutionalized at the United Nations, and added that there is a great potential for cooperation between Türkiye and the Vatican in addressing climate change.

    Drawing attention to the alarming levels Islamophobia, racism and intolerance have reached recently, First Lady Erdoğan stressed the need for gathering the efforts undertaken on these issues around a collective will.

    Different cultures and faiths co-exist in Türkiye peacefully for centuries, First Lady Erdoğan said, adding that Christian communities constitute an inseparable part of Türkiye’s rich mosaic. 

    In a social media post following the meeting, First Lady Erdoğan stated: “During my visit to the Vatican for the ‘Fraternal Economy Session on Ethical Multilateralism’ programme hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, I had the honour of meeting His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the Spiritual Leader of the Catholic World and Head of the Vatican City State.

    During our meeting, we focused on the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

    We discussed the crucial need for the Christian community to adopt a more assertive position in order to secure a lasting ceasefire and guarantee the full provision of humanitarian aid.

    I conveyed our appreciation for the Vatican’s endorsement of the two-state solution, which serves as the basis for a fair and lasting peace in Palestine.

    His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and I also engaged in a conversation regarding the Zero Waste approach, which is a fundamental tenet of our global environmental movement.

    We are in agreement that the climate crisis is a shared concern for all of humanity, irrespective of their faith or region.

    In this context, I have observed that there is significant potential for collaboration between Türkiye and the Vatican in addressing climate change. We assessed our shared areas of collaboration.

    I express my sincere appreciation to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for his generous hospitality and hope that the significant responsibility he has embraced will yield positive outcomes for the Catholic community and all of humanity.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Erdoğan receives Speaker al-Mashhadani of the Iraqi Council of Representatives

    Source: President of Turkiye

    President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received Speaker of the Council of Representatives of Iraq Mahmoud al-Mashhadani at the Justice and Development (AK) Party Headquarters in Ankara.

    Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (GNAT) Numan Kurtulmuş was also present at the meeting.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Opening Remarks by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs At Georgetown University Convocation Ceremony

    Source: Government of Qatar

     

    Mr. Robert Groves, Interim President of Georgetown University

    Mr. Safwan Masri, Dean of Georgetown University in Qatar

    Graduates,

    Distinguished Guests,

    May the peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you,

     

    It is my pleasure to join you this evening for an occasion that embodies what we firmly believe in the State of Qatar: that rigorous education serves as the cornerstone for preparing individuals capable of actively contributing to global stability and development. This gathering is not merely an academic celebration, but also a reflection of our national vision to invest in human capital, considering it the highest value and most precious resource.

    This meaning gains further depth as we celebrate today the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Georgetown University in Qatar, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the founding of Qatar Foundation, serving as a living testament to the steadfast belief that investing in human capital is the pathway to building stable and productive societies, and that shaping the future begins within the university campus and extends to working hours and decision-making processes.

    Ladies and Gentlemen, 

    Our region and the world today are facing unprecedented levels of challenges, ranging from armed conflicts to food crises, climate issues, and geopolitical tensions. In this context, the State of Qatar has remained a reliable partner in efforts to promote security and stability, while maintaining a balance between mediation diplomacy and long-term developmental policies.

    In every step we take, we draw inspiration from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, which places both education and empowerment at the core of the nation’s development agenda, recognizing their pivotal role in fostering security, stability, and driving growth. Guided by this belief, the government of Qatar treats higher education as a strategic choice to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, and to build a diverse and sustainable knowledge-based economy. From this perspective, we are committed to establishing qualitative academic partnerships that contribute to graduating distinguished national competencies and enhance Qatar’s position as a leading regional hub in the fields of knowledge and.

    We believe that knowledge is a beacon that guides all, but the true difference lies in how that knowledge is harnessed to create meaningful impact. That is why we view qualitative academic partnerships—such as our partnership with Georgetown University—not merely as agreements, but as bridges that connect the present to the future, and the local to the global. They are not just contracts, but a shared commitment to creating a positive impact in the world.

    I also commend the Executive Master’s Program in Diplomacy and International Affairs, which has been specifically designed to prepare Qatari diplomatic cadres capable of bridging academic knowledge with practical skills in the field of international politics. It serves as a living example of the integration between national needs and global academic expertise, directly reflecting on the performance of state institutions, both domestically and internationally.

    Graduates of both Genders, 

    Today, you stand at the threshold of a new phase, one that extends beyond transitioning from lecture halls to professional domains. It requires you to be active contributors in shaping a world that is more equitable, understanding, and interconnected. This academic institution has equipped you with analytical tools, critical thinking methodologies, and the skills to engage in a world characterized by diverse voices and challenges.

    Allow me to say—years ago, I stood where you stand today, filled with the same enthusiasm, the same existential questions, and the same boundless ambition. At that time, I believed the path ahead was clear and the facts were immutable. However, over time, I came to realize that life is far more complex than any academic equation, and I learned that adhering to principles does not equate to rigidity, and that striking a balance between aspiration and reality is the key to sustainability.

    You may encounter setbacks, moments of doubt, or a feeling that the way ahead is longer than anticipated. Do not fear such moments; as it is through them that vision is refined, character is shaped, and the leader is distinguished from the ordinary ones.

    I urge you today to hold the fear of God in your conscience and let your guiding principle be the service of the nation and its people. Maintain your faith in yourselves, do not relinquish your passion, and do not allow pressures to extinguish the spirit of hope within you. You are the generation upon which we rely to craft new visions and create meaningful impact. Remember that the nation and its leadership stand behind you with confidence, and that you are not merely heading towards jobs, but towards positions where decisions are made and bridges are built.

    In an era marked by accelerating transformations and deepening crises, from the tragedy in Gaza to regional tensions, Qatar reaffirms its unwavering commitment to mediation and diplomacy as a means to safeguard civilians and advance political solutions. It has proven that dialogue is an effective alternative to conflict, that credibility is built through consistent action, and that you are now part of this trajectory—a generation that believes in knowledge and works towards responsible change.

    Ladies and Gentlemen, 

    We take pride today in having graduates from more than forty nationalities, embodying our commitment to cross-cultural education and creating an inclusive academic environment. We also celebrate the milestone of reaching one thousand (1,000) university graduates in Qatar, an achievement that reflects a qualitative accumulation in building human capital, which we consider a developmental priority. We call for investing this capital in initiatives that serve our national priorities and enhance our responsible engagement with the world.

    In conclusion, I extend my congratulations to you and your families on this achievement that we commemorate today, not merely as an academic success, but as a testament to your readiness to contribute to shaping the future. 

    You do not represent individual accomplishments; rather, you are part of a larger national project that believes in the principle that human capital is the most significant investment, and that building the future begins with qualified minds and conscientious hearts. 

    Maintain your passion for knowledge and your willingness to shoulder responsibility.

    May God bless you and guide your steps.

    May the Peace, Mercy, and blessings of God be upon you,

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Affirms Importance of Innovative Financing, Effective Partnerships to Achieve SDGs

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Seville, July 01, 2025

    HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad affirmed the importance of innovative financing and effective partnerships in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Her Excellency emphasised HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s directives to make development as an investment in security, stability, and human dignity.

    This came in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered by HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation during a high-level event organized by Qatar Fund for Development, titled “Innovative Financing for Sustainable Development: Addressing Gaps and Scaling Solutions” held on the sidelines of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain.

    Her Excellency noted that the State of Qatar hosted the Second International Conference on Financing for Development in 2008, and has since remained an active participant in all international and regional conferences on development financing. This reflects Qatar’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation and contributing to global efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals, HE added.

    The State of Qatar continues to implement its sustainable development agenda, “Qatar National Vision 2030,” which has focused since 2008 on human development, social development, economic development, and environmental development, HE said, noting that, in early 2024, Qatar launched the third phase of its National Development Strategy, aimed at advancing the creation of a healthy society, building a diversified and sustainable knowledge-based economy, enhancing environmental sustainability, and strengthening the role of the family as the foundation of society.

    Her Excellency underlined that, given today’s global challenges, there is a pressing need to reinforce multilateral action and international cooperation, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, while working to maintain international peace and security. HE also underscored the importance of reforming international financial structures, harnessing science, technology, and innovation, and prioritizing innovative solutions capable of making rapid and impactful change to help bring efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals back on track, particularly in developing and least developed countries.

    An effective role is expected from the United Nations and its specialized agencies in supporting member states’ efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and protect human rights, Her Excellency said, stressing the State of Qatar’s support for the UN Secretary-General’s reform initiative (UN80 Initiative).

    HE Minister of State for International Cooperation expressed the State of Qatar’s pride in its productive international and regional partnerships, including its long-standing and multifaceted cooperation with the United Nations, aimed at advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in developing and least developed countries.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump is not like other presidents – but can he beat the ‘second term curse’ that haunts the White House?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Garritt C. Van Dyk, Senior Lecturer in History, University of Waikato

    Getty Images

    While he likes to provoke opponents with the possibility of serving a third term, Donald Trump faces a more immediate historical burden that has plagued so many presidents: the “second term curse”.

    Twenty-one US presidents have served second terms, but none has reached the same level of success they achieved in their first.

    Second term performances have ranged from the lacklustre and uninspiring to the disastrous and deadly. Voter dissatisfaction and frustration, presidential fatigue and a lack of sustainable vision for the future are all explanations.

    But Trump doesn’t quite fit the mould. Only one other president, Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century, has served a second nonconsecutive term, making Trump 2.0 difficult to measure against other second-term leaders.

    Trump will certainly be hoping history doesn’t repeat Cleveland’s second-term curse. Shortly after taking office he imposed 50% tariffs, triggering global market volatility that culminated in the “Panic of 1893”.

    At the time, this was the worst depression in US history: 19% unemployment, a run on gold from the US Treasury, a stock market crash and widespread poverty.

    More than a century on, Trump’s “move fast and break things” approach in a nonconsecutive second term might appeal to voters demanding action above all else. But he risks being drawn into areas he campaigned against.

    So far, he has gone from fighting a trade war and a culture war to contemplating a shooting war in the Middle East. His “big beautiful bill” will add trillions to the national debt and potentially force poorer voters – including many Republicans – off Medicaid.

    Whether his radical approach will defy or conform to the second term curse seems very much an open question.

    No kings

    The two-term limit was enacted by the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution in 1951. Without a maximum term, it was feared, an authoritarian could try to take control for life – like a king (hence the recent “No Kings” protests in the US).

    George Washington, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson all declined to serve a third term. Jefferson was suspicious of any president who would try to be re-elected a third time, writing:

    should a President consent to be a candidate for a 3d. election, I trust he would be rejected on this demonstration of ambitious views.

    There is a myth that after Franklin Delano Roosevelt broke the de facto limit of two terms set by the early presidents, the ghost of George Washington placed a curse on anyone serving more than four years.

    At best, second-term presidencies have been tepid compared to the achievements in the previous four years. After the second world war, some two-term presidents (Eisenhower, Reagan and Obama) started out strong but faltered after reelection.

    Eisenhower extricated the US from the Korean War in his first term, but faced domestic backlash and race riots in his second. He had to send 500 paratroopers to escort nine Black high school students in Little Rock, Arkansas, to enforce a federal desegregation order.

    Reagan made significant tax and spending cuts, and saw the Soviet Union crumble in term one. But the Iran-Contra scandal and watered down tax reform defined term two.

    Obama started strongly, introducing health care reform and uniting the Democratic voter base. After reelection, however, the Democrats lost the House, the Senate, a Supreme Court nomination, and faced scandals over the Snowden security leaks and Internal Revenue Service targeting of conservative groups.

    Truly disastrous examples of second term presidencies include Abraham Lincoln (assassination), Woodrow Wilson (first world war, failure of the League of Nations, a stroke), Richard Nixon (Watergate, impeachment and resignation), and Bill Clinton (Lewinsky scandal and impeachment).

    Room for one more? Trump has joked about being added to Mount Rushmore.
    Shutterstock

    Monumental honours

    It may be too early to predict how Trump will feature in this pantheon of less-than-greatness. But his approval ratings recently hit an all-time low as Americans reacted to the bombing of Iran and deployment of troops in Los Angeles.

    A recent YouGov poll showed voters giving negative approval ratings for his handling of inflation, jobs, immigration, national security and foreign policy. While there has been plenty of action, it may be the levels of uncertainty, drastic change and market volatility are more extreme than some bargained for.

    An uncooperative Congress or opposition from the judiciary can be obstacles to successful second terms. But Trump has used executive orders, on the grounds of confronting “national emergencies”, to bypass normal checks and balances.

    As well, favourable rulings by the Supreme Court have edged closer to expanding the boundaries of executive power. But they have not yet supported Trump’s claim from his first term that “I have an Article 2, where I have the right to do whatever I want as President”.

    Some supporters say Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. And he was only half joking when he asked if there is room for one more face on Mount Rushmore. But such monumental honours may only amount to speculation unless Trump’s radical approach and redefinition of executive power defy the second-term curse.

    Garritt C. Van Dyk has received funding from the Getty Research Institute.

    – ref. Trump is not like other presidents – but can he beat the ‘second term curse’ that haunts the White House? – https://theconversation.com/trump-is-not-like-other-presidents-but-can-he-beat-the-second-term-curse-that-haunts-the-white-house-260002

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Court Hands the American People a Legal Victory Against Family of Colorado Terrorist Here Illegally

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    A court ruled against the family of the terrorist behind a vicious attack in Boulder, Colorado, clearing the way for the family to be deported

    WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, a federal court dismissed a lawsuit to release the family of the terrorist responsible for an anti-Semitic firebombing attack in Boulder, Colorado last month, from ICE custody.

    “This is a proper end to an absurd legal effort on the plaintiff’s part. Just like her terrorist husband, she and her children are here illegally and are rightfully in ICE custody for removal as a result,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “This terrorist will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We are investigating to what extent his family knew about this heinous attack, if they had knowledge of it, or if they provided support to it.” 

    Mohamed Sabry Soliman firebombed a pro-Israel demonstration using Molotov cocktails and a homemade flamethrower to attack dozens of demonstrators on June 1. One of those injured, 82-year-old Karen Diamond, died of her injuries on June 25. Soliman now faces over 70 charges, including: 

    • First-degree murder,
    • First-degree assault,
    • Committing a hate crime. 

    After Soliman’s arrest, it was discovered that not only is he in the United States illegally on an expired visa, but his wife and five children were here illegally as well. After being detained by ICE to undergo removal proceedings, U.S. District Court Judge Gordon Gallagher issued a ruling blocking their deportation on June 4. 

    On July 2, U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia dismissed the lawsuit filed by the family in Dvortsin v. Noem, declaring that “the Court finds that Petitioners’ habeas proceeding and their claims in this case must be and hereby are DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE. This case is CLOSED.” 

    We are continuing to pray for the victims of this attack and their families. Justice will be served.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Georgia expelled over 40 foreign citizens for violating migration laws

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Tbilisi, July 2 (Xinhua) — As a result of joint measures carried out by the Migration Department and other units of the Georgian Interior Ministry, 41 foreign citizens were expelled from the country, the press service of the Georgian Interior Ministry reported on Wednesday.

    The expulsion was carried out on the basis of the Georgian Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons. Among those deported were citizens of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, India, Jordan, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Armenia and Zimbabwe. All of them were banned from re-entering the country.

    According to official data, 525 foreign citizens were deported from Georgia between January and June 2025. This is 280 percent more than the same period last year.

    In late June, the Georgian parliament approved a package of legislative amendments aimed at tightening migration policy. The new rules provide for a simplified deportation procedure. Court proceedings will no longer suspend the expulsion process if a visa or residence permit is refused. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Condemns Statements by Israeli Minister of Justice Regarding Annexation of Occupied West Bank

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, July 2, 2025

    The State of Qatar condemns the statements made by the Israeli Minister of Justice concerning the annexation of the occupied West Bank. Qatar considers these remarks an extension of the occupation’s settlement, colonial, and racist policies, and a blatant violation of international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses the urgent need for solidarity from the international community to confront the occupation’s escalating and dangerous policies that threaten regional security. These include ongoing crimes in the West Bank, violations of religious sanctities, plans to Judaize Jerusalem, and restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip.

    The Ministry reiterates the State of Qatar’s firm and unwavering position in support of the Palestinian cause and the steadfastness of the brotherly Palestinian people. This stance is based on international legitimacy resolutions and the two-state solution, ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons, Representative Chu lead bicameral letter demanding accountability for President Trump’s discriminatory travel ban

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Representative Judy Chu (D-Calif.) led 68 of their Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to rescind his discriminatory travel ban that will keep families apart and devastate the U.S. economy. The members are demanding transparency into President Trump’s decision-making process and answers about how the travel ban will impact communities across the U.S.  

    In a letter addressed to President Trump, Secretary of Homeland Security Noem, Secretary of State Rubio, and Attorney General Bondi, the members outlined the disastrous consequences that President Trump’s travel ban will have on both families and the American economy.

    “The effects of President Trump’s discriminatory travel ban will be devastating. In the last year alone over 126,000 visas have been issued to nationals from just the twelve countries on the fully restricted list. These are individuals who are looking to come to the United States to reunite with family, support our economy, or otherwise enrich our country in innumerable ways,” wrote the members.

    During his first term, President Trump enacted extreme travel bans that disrupted thousands of lives and weakened our nation’s economy and global standing. On his first day in office, President Joe Biden rescinded these bans, but on June 4, 2025, President Trump enacted another sweeping, discriminatory travel ban.

    President Trump is imposing full restrictions on entry into the United States from nationals of Afghanistan, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, and partial restrictions on entry from nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—meaning individuals from these countries cannot come to the U.S. permanently or apply for certain visas. President Trump is also reportedly considering imposing travel restrictions on an additional 36 countries.

    “President Trump’s actions once again disgrace the founding principles of our nation and enshrine cruelty into our immigration system,” the members continue. “Additionally, this travel ban will harm our economy by depriving the United States of workers in key fields experiencing labor shortages like medicine and agriculture and further devastating our domestic tourism industry which is already expected to decline by $12.5 billion in 2025.”

    As a result, the members demand accountability and answers from the Trump administration. The members wrote, “Given these severe impacts, we condemn this proclamation and urge President Trump to rescind it immediately. We also seek transparency into President Trump’s decision-making process and, accordingly, request answers to the following questions by July 3rd, 2025.”

    Earlier this year, Senator Coons and Representative Chu, alongside 130 of their colleagues, reintroduced the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act, which would prevent any president from implementing a discriminatory travel ban by strengthening the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit discrimination based on religion. The bill would also require that any suspension of entry into the United States be narrowly tailored, backed by credible evidence, and subject to appropriate consultation with Congress.

    You can read the full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation delivers Egypt’s address at the roundtable on “Revitalizing international development cooperation”


    Download logo

    H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, delivered Egypt’s speech at the multilateral roundtable titled “Revitalizing international development cooperation”, on behalf of H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, during the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development held in Spain from June 29 to July 3, 2025.

    Dr. Rania Al-Mashat explained that the current period is witnessing a significant decline in progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, due to escalating geopolitical tensions and multiple ongoing crises, which has resulted in successive negative impacts, especially on developing and least developed countries, which bear the heaviest burden of the global debt crisis leading to a widening and deepening gap between developed and developing countries day by day.

    H.E.  added that the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development represents an important opportunity to reaffirm the existence of genuine political will to address the situation and to discuss effective proposals that would enhance concessional financing, support existing financial mechanisms, including Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), as well as develop new mechanisms to mobilize the required financing.

    The Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation pointed out that among these mechanisms, development-linked debt instruments are an example of financial instruments that can contribute to stimulate funding linked to development priorities, affirming the importance of donor countries’ commitment to their pledges to developing countries, adding that the challenges faced by developing countries are also beginning to affect many middle-income countries, which face the risk of undermine the progress they have achieved due to the worsening global debt situation.

    Al-Mashat emphasized the need to focus on priority sectors, such as health and education, while making concerted efforts to alleviate debt burdens, which can be achieved by implementing sustainable mechanisms that contribute to supporting developing countries in a integrated manner.

    In conclusion of her speech, H.E. stated that the conversation should not be limited to increasing the volume of financing alone, but should also focus on capacity building of countries, so that they are able to work effectively to achieve their national priorities and implementing their development strategies independently and sustainably, expressing her hope that the conference would come out with concrete recommendations capable of making a real, positive impact in advancing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: Banning Palestine Action ‘a disturbing legal overreach’ by UK Government, Amnesty International UK Chief Executive warns

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The House of Commons has voted to proscribe direct action group Palestine Action.

    ‘Instead of taking draconian measures to [proscribe Palestine Action], the Government should be taking immediate and unequivocal action to put a stop to Israel’s genocide and end any risk of UK complicity in it’ – Sacha Deshmukh 

    Responding to news that the House of Commons has voted in support of the Government’s decision to ban Palestine Action as a “terrorist organisation”, Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s Chief Executive, said:  

    “Amnesty International condemns the Government’s decision to ban Palestine Action under anti-terror laws, as an unprecedented legal overreach. 

    “The UK has a deeply flawed and overly broad definition of terrorism which human rights monitors including Amnesty International have been warning about for years. This latest disturbing move only serves to highlight that those warnings were justified. 

    “Terrorism legislation hands the authorities massive powers to arrest and detain people, suppress speech and reporting, conduct surveillance and take other measures that would never be permitted in other circumstances. Using them against a direct-action protest group is an egregious abuse of what they were created for.       

    “Whatever MPs may think about whether Palestine Action’s tactics are appropriate or not, existing criminal laws, accompanied by human rights protections, were more than capable of responding to them. Instead of taking draconian measures to shut down direct action protesters and criminalise anyone who expresses support for their actions, the Government should be taking immediate and unequivocal action to put a stop to Israel’s genocide and end any risk of UK complicity in it.” 

    Proscribing Palestine Action: An abuse of counter-terrorism powers  

    Today (Wednesday 2 July), Westminster MPs voted 385 – 26 in support of a Government motion to proscribe Palestine Action under Section 3 of the Terrorism Act 2000, on the basis that it is ‘an organisation concerned with terrorism’. The House of Lords will vote on the same motion tomorrow. If that vote goes through, the ban is expected to come into force on Saturday (5 July). 

    Counter-terrorism laws must always be treated with the highest degree of caution and restraint, as they exist to authorise interference with due process and other fundamental human rights protections. 

    However, the Terrorism Act 2000 contains a deeply flawed definition of terrorism, which has been criticised by domestic and international human rights monitors for many years. These criticisms are based on the breadth of its wording, which goes well beyond international comparators and recognised best practice and potentially permits disproportionate and unnecessary terrorism designations.  

    Today’s step closer to the proscription of Palestine Action is a clear example of that concern coming to fruition.  

    There is already ample existing criminal law capable of responding to a direct-action protest networks like Palestine Action.  

    A terrorism designation is a major escalation beyond mere criminalisation of direct-action protest activity. Proscription will have major adverse consequences for the freedom of expression rights of others, with implications for respect for the rule of law. As such, the proscription of Palestine Action would breach the UK’s international human rights obligations to use its counter-terrorism powers in a proportionate way and only when strictly necessary to achieve a legitimate aim. 

    Banning Palestine Action not only makes membership of the organisation a criminal offence – through broadly worded speech offences such as ‘expression of support’ and ‘glorification’ – it also puts at risk the free speech rights of many other activists who are deeply concerned about the plight of Palestinians in the context of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. 

    ENDS 

    Media contact: Rachel Reilly 

    07909533106 || rachel.reilly@amnesty.org.uk || 

    Out-of-hours: 07721 398984 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Public procurement: when Brussels finances Turkish and Iranian companies – E-002575/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002575/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Virginie Joron (PfE)

    Some French people find it difficult to watch their taxes being used to pay for free motorways in Poland, trains in Spain or nursery assistants in Romania. For example, the Commission has earmarked EUR 1.5 billion for the Romanian border[1], EUR 419 million for railway infrastructure in Spain (Almeria)[2] and EUR 448 million for the training of nursery assistants in Romania[3].

    Brussels should ensure a European preference when awarding public contracts.

    In Spain, Romania and Greece, many EU public contracts are awarded or subcontracted to companies from non-EU countries that do not apply reciprocity or are not signatories to the GPA[4]. For example, EU taxpayers finance companies supplying pipes and water pipes manufactured in Türkiye (SMS), China and Iran (Hanyco).

    • 1.How does the Commission ascertain if products used for public contracts benefiting from EU subsidies are made in Europe or in a country with reciprocal access to public contracts?
    • 2.Why does the Commission not publish a list of the countries that have not offered reciprocal access to their public contracts in the last five years?[5]
    • 3.Will the Commission require tenders – regardless of the amount and percentage rule[6] – containing products from third countries that do not apply reciprocity to be excluded, whether or not those countries have signed the GPA?

    Submitted: 25.6.2025

    • [1] Border-Curtici-Simeria railway line. Total budget (2013-2023): €1 809 360 168.12; EU contribution: €1 537 956 142.91 (85 %), https://kohesio.ec.europa.eu/en/projects/Q3095706.
    • [2] Murcia-Almería railway line. Total budget: €523 966 300.00; EU contribution: €1 419 173 142.91 (80 %), https://kohesio.ec.europa.eu/en/projects/Q3159194.
    • [3] ‘Progress in the quality of alternative childcare’. EU contribution: €448 million out of a budget of €530 million, https://kohesio.ec.europa.eu/en/projects/Q3097484.
    • [4] WTO Agreement on Government Procurement, https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/gproc_e/memobs_e.htm.
    • [5] Article 86(2) of Directive 2014/25/EU (water, energy, transport and postal services), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32014L0025.
    • [6] Article 85(2): any tender submitted may be rejected where the proportion of the products originating in third countries exceeds 50 % of the total value of the products.
    Last updated: 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Public procurement: when Brussels finances Turkish and Iranian companies – E-002575/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002575/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Virginie Joron (PfE)

    Some French people find it difficult to watch their taxes being used to pay for free motorways in Poland, trains in Spain or nursery assistants in Romania. For example, the Commission has earmarked EUR 1.5 billion for the Romanian border[1], EUR 419 million for railway infrastructure in Spain (Almeria)[2] and EUR 448 million for the training of nursery assistants in Romania[3].

    Brussels should ensure a European preference when awarding public contracts.

    In Spain, Romania and Greece, many EU public contracts are awarded or subcontracted to companies from non-EU countries that do not apply reciprocity or are not signatories to the GPA[4]. For example, EU taxpayers finance companies supplying pipes and water pipes manufactured in Türkiye (SMS), China and Iran (Hanyco).

    • 1.How does the Commission ascertain if products used for public contracts benefiting from EU subsidies are made in Europe or in a country with reciprocal access to public contracts?
    • 2.Why does the Commission not publish a list of the countries that have not offered reciprocal access to their public contracts in the last five years?[5]
    • 3.Will the Commission require tenders – regardless of the amount and percentage rule[6] – containing products from third countries that do not apply reciprocity to be excluded, whether or not those countries have signed the GPA?

    Submitted: 25.6.2025

    • [1] Border-Curtici-Simeria railway line. Total budget (2013-2023): €1 809 360 168.12; EU contribution: €1 537 956 142.91 (85 %), https://kohesio.ec.europa.eu/en/projects/Q3095706.
    • [2] Murcia-Almería railway line. Total budget: €523 966 300.00; EU contribution: €1 419 173 142.91 (80 %), https://kohesio.ec.europa.eu/en/projects/Q3159194.
    • [3] ‘Progress in the quality of alternative childcare’. EU contribution: €448 million out of a budget of €530 million, https://kohesio.ec.europa.eu/en/projects/Q3097484.
    • [4] WTO Agreement on Government Procurement, https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/gproc_e/memobs_e.htm.
    • [5] Article 86(2) of Directive 2014/25/EU (water, energy, transport and postal services), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32014L0025.
    • [6] Article 85(2): any tender submitted may be rejected where the proportion of the products originating in third countries exceeds 50 % of the total value of the products.
    Last updated: 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Cyprus, Palestine, Yemen & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (2 July 2025) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    ———————————

    Highlights:
    Cyprus
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Yemen
    Haiti
    South Sudan

    ———————————
    CYPRUS
    Following the informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format that was held in Geneva on 17-18 March of this year, the Secretary-General will convene on 16 and 17 July, here at UN Headquarters, the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, as well as representatives of the guarantor powers of Greece, Türkiye and the United Kingdom, for another informal meeting on Cyprus.
    The meeting will provide an opportunity to continue the dialogue and exchange views on the progress made since March. 

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    Turning to the increasingly dire situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that overnight, Israeli authorities issued a new displacement order for two neighbourhoods in Khan Younis, following reported Palestinian rocket fire. Up to 80,000 people are estimated to be living in these neighourhoods. Approximately 85 per cent of Gaza’s territory is currently either under displacement orders or located within militarized zones – which is severely hampering people’s access to essential humanitarian support and the ability of aid workers to reach those in need.
    Our colleagues working on water, sanitation and hygiene also tell us that Al Satar – a key water reservoir – has become inaccessible as a result of the order. The facility serves as the main water distribution hub for Khan Younis and a critical supply point for water coming through the Israeli pipeline in the area.
    Any damage to the reservoir could lead to a collapse of the city’s water distribution system, with grave humanitarian consequences.
    OCHA warns that these displacement orders continue to strain vital services and push people into increasingly smaller swaths of Gaza’s territory. Since the breakdown of the ceasefire in March and as of yesterday, some 714,000 people have been forcibly displaced once more across Gaza, with nearly 29,000 displaced in just 24 hours between Sunday and Monday.
    Many existing shelters are severely overcrowded, with poor hygiene conditions – posing severe risks for public health. Our partners working on health, water, sanitation and hygiene report that across Gaza, rates of acute watery diarrhea have reached 39 per cent among patients receiving health consultations.
    The increase is being driven by insufficient clean drinking and domestic water reaching shelters, worsening the dire hygiene and sanitation conditions. The governorates of Gaza and Khan Younis have the worst levels of acute watery diarrhea, due to severe overcrowding in sites and shelters.
    You will recall that no shelter assistance has entered Gaza in four months, despite the hundreds of thousands of newly displaced people. Our shelter partners say that 97 per cent of the sites surveyed reported displaced people sleeping in the open. OCHA reiterates that an unrestricted flow of supplies through multiple crossing points over a sustained period of time is critical to address people’s needs and prevent the already desperate situation from worsening.
    Meanwhile, the depletion of fuel stocks continues to wreak havoc on aid operations, constraining the UN and our humanitarian partners’ ability to respond.
    Yet again today, an attempt to deliver some of the remaining fuel stocks to the north was denied by Israeli authorities.
    The denial follows a successful delivery yesterday of diesel from the World Health Organization’s remaining stock to Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City to prevent further shutdown of critical services. WHO says the facility is overwhelmed and severely under-resourced. Its beds are full, and patients are once again being treated on the floor.
    Our partners working on emergency telecommunications stress that unless fuel stocks are replenished immediately, Gaza could face a complete communications blackout, severely hindering humanitarian access and coordination, and preventing affected communities from receiving critical information.
    Critical water, sanitation, hygiene and healthcare facilities have already begun shutting down in some areas, including hospital equipment and services, water trucking, and water and sewage pumps. If the fuel crisis isn’t addressed soon, humanitarian responders could be left without the systems and tools necessary to operate safely, manage logistics and distribute humanitarian assistance. This would endanger aid workers and escalate an already dire humanitarian crisis.

    Full Highlights:
    https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=02%20July%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWsQI3oYzuM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Cyprus, Palestine, Yemen & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (2 July 2025) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    ———————————

    Highlights:
    Cyprus
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Yemen
    Haiti
    South Sudan

    ———————————
    CYPRUS
    Following the informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format that was held in Geneva on 17-18 March of this year, the Secretary-General will convene on 16 and 17 July, here at UN Headquarters, the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, as well as representatives of the guarantor powers of Greece, Türkiye and the United Kingdom, for another informal meeting on Cyprus.
    The meeting will provide an opportunity to continue the dialogue and exchange views on the progress made since March. 

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    Turning to the increasingly dire situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that overnight, Israeli authorities issued a new displacement order for two neighbourhoods in Khan Younis, following reported Palestinian rocket fire. Up to 80,000 people are estimated to be living in these neighourhoods. Approximately 85 per cent of Gaza’s territory is currently either under displacement orders or located within militarized zones – which is severely hampering people’s access to essential humanitarian support and the ability of aid workers to reach those in need.
    Our colleagues working on water, sanitation and hygiene also tell us that Al Satar – a key water reservoir – has become inaccessible as a result of the order. The facility serves as the main water distribution hub for Khan Younis and a critical supply point for water coming through the Israeli pipeline in the area.
    Any damage to the reservoir could lead to a collapse of the city’s water distribution system, with grave humanitarian consequences.
    OCHA warns that these displacement orders continue to strain vital services and push people into increasingly smaller swaths of Gaza’s territory. Since the breakdown of the ceasefire in March and as of yesterday, some 714,000 people have been forcibly displaced once more across Gaza, with nearly 29,000 displaced in just 24 hours between Sunday and Monday.
    Many existing shelters are severely overcrowded, with poor hygiene conditions – posing severe risks for public health. Our partners working on health, water, sanitation and hygiene report that across Gaza, rates of acute watery diarrhea have reached 39 per cent among patients receiving health consultations.
    The increase is being driven by insufficient clean drinking and domestic water reaching shelters, worsening the dire hygiene and sanitation conditions. The governorates of Gaza and Khan Younis have the worst levels of acute watery diarrhea, due to severe overcrowding in sites and shelters.
    You will recall that no shelter assistance has entered Gaza in four months, despite the hundreds of thousands of newly displaced people. Our shelter partners say that 97 per cent of the sites surveyed reported displaced people sleeping in the open. OCHA reiterates that an unrestricted flow of supplies through multiple crossing points over a sustained period of time is critical to address people’s needs and prevent the already desperate situation from worsening.
    Meanwhile, the depletion of fuel stocks continues to wreak havoc on aid operations, constraining the UN and our humanitarian partners’ ability to respond.
    Yet again today, an attempt to deliver some of the remaining fuel stocks to the north was denied by Israeli authorities.
    The denial follows a successful delivery yesterday of diesel from the World Health Organization’s remaining stock to Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City to prevent further shutdown of critical services. WHO says the facility is overwhelmed and severely under-resourced. Its beds are full, and patients are once again being treated on the floor.
    Our partners working on emergency telecommunications stress that unless fuel stocks are replenished immediately, Gaza could face a complete communications blackout, severely hindering humanitarian access and coordination, and preventing affected communities from receiving critical information.
    Critical water, sanitation, hygiene and healthcare facilities have already begun shutting down in some areas, including hospital equipment and services, water trucking, and water and sewage pumps. If the fuel crisis isn’t addressed soon, humanitarian responders could be left without the systems and tools necessary to operate safely, manage logistics and distribute humanitarian assistance. This would endanger aid workers and escalate an already dire humanitarian crisis.

    Full Highlights:
    https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=02%20July%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWsQI3oYzuM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Green taxation in Cyprus – E-001234/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The green taxation reform is a key element of Cyprus’ Recovery and Resilience Plan[1]. It aims to internalise environmental externalities, encouraging more efficient use of resources and incentivising the adoption of renewable energy.

    This is crucial in Cyprus where the green taxation system and municipal waste recycling lag behind the rest of Europe, and water scarcity is a particular issue.

    The green taxation reform includes a carbon tax, which constitutes a transition towards the Emissions Trading System 2 on buildings, road transport and additional sectors (ETS2) applicable from 2027, a levy on water and a charge on landfill waste, both of which will be incrementally increased.

    The reform should precisely set the right incentives for transitioning to climate neutrality, modernising waste and water management and enhancing renewable energy capacity. It is crucial to pass it soon so that this incentivisation happens quickly. The reform will help Cyprus come closer to its climate objectives and the legally binding maximum landfill rate of 10% by 2035.

    Regarding the availability of tools to support Cyprus in closing its infrastructure gaps and mitigating the transition costs for households, on top of e.g. structural and cohesion funds, the Social Climate Fund (SCF) will support a socially fair transition towards climate neutrality by addressing the effects of the EU-wide introduction of carbon pricing in the buildings and road transport sectors applicable from 2027.

    Already as of 2026, the SCF will provide Member States with dedicated funding to support vulnerable groups, with building renovation, decarbonisation of heating, renewable energy as well as sustainability mobility and transport.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility/country-pages/cyprus-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en.
    Last updated: 2 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Commission delegated regulation of 10 June 2025 amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675 to add Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Monaco, Namibia, Nepal and Venezuela to the list of high-risk third countries which have provided a written high-level political commitment to address the identified deficiencies and have developed an action plan with the FATF, and to remove Barbados, Gibraltar, Jamaica, Panama, the Philippines, Senegal, Uganda and the United Arab Emirates from that list – B10-0311/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0311/2025

    European Parliament resolution on the Commission delegated regulation of 10 June 2025 amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675 to add Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Monaco, Namibia, Nepal and Venezuela to the list of high-risk third countries which have provided a written high-level political commitment to address the identified deficiencies and have developed an action plan with the FATF, and to remove Barbados, Gibraltar, Jamaica, Panama, the Philippines, Senegal, Uganda and the United Arab Emirates from that list

    (C(2025)3815) – 2025/2740(DEA))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the Commission delegated regulation (C(2025)3815),

    – having regard to Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

    – having regard to Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering or terrorist financing, amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Directive 2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Directive 2006/70/EC[1], and in particular Article 9(2) and Article 64(5) thereof,

    – having regard to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675 of 14 July 2016 supplementing Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council by identifying high-risk third countries with strategic deficiencies[2], in particular the Annex thereto,

    – having regard to Rule 114(3) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the Commission presents the delegated regulation as an omnibus package to secure its passage, thereby including several countries and territories that deserve separate parliamentary scrutiny;

    B. whereas the addition to the list of several jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering / countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regimes, including Algeria and the criminal Venezuelan narco-regime, should not be used as a strategy to put pressure on Parliament to accept deals with the colony of Gibraltar;

    C. whereas Gibraltar is widely recognised as an offshore financial centre with a favourable tax regime and financial regulation that has raised concerns for its use for illicit financial activities that result in a severe distortion of the European Economic Area (EEA);

    D. whereas transparency and international cooperation are critical to the integrity of the global financial system and to combating money laundering, tax evasion and terrorist financing;

    E. whereas concerns persist about financial opacity and the facilitation of illicit financial activities in Gibraltar that are affecting the whole EEA, in particular surrounding municipalities;

    F. whereas Articles 61 and 62 of Directive (EU) 2015/849 highlight the need to identify and assess the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing in different financial sectors and activities;

    G. whereas Gibraltar is listed as a non-cooperative jurisdiction in some Member States;

    1. Objects to the Commission delegated regulation;

    2. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission and to notify it that the delegated regulation cannot enter into force;

    3. Considers that the Commission delegated regulation:

    (a) positively addresses the risks in the cases of Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Monaco, Namibia, Nepal and Venezuela;

    (b) does not properly take into account the threats to the international financial system in the case of Gibraltar, in accordance with the criteria set out in Directive (EU) 2015/849 and other relevant regulations;

    (c) does not take into account the colony’s effective compliance with international standards against money laundering, tax evasion and terrorist financing, in accordance with the relevant provisions of Directive (EU) 2015/849;

    (d) does not encourage Gibraltar’s current government to take the necessary measures to protect the integrity of the global financial system and to prevent illicit financial activities, in accordance with the principles and objectives set out in the current legislation;

    (e) does not take into account the Spanish negotiating position for the long-term on the decolonisation procedure;

    4. Calls on the Commission to submit a new delegated act as soon as possible which does not delete Gibraltar from the table in point I of the Annex to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675;

    5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and to the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Threat to the EU from the mafia of Türkiye and the Occupied Territories – E-001699/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission takes a comprehensive approach to protect the EU from financial crime. The anti-money laundering (AML/CFT) Directive[1] includes the obligation to identify third countries posing significant money laundering risks.

    The AML package adopted in 2024[2] further strengthen these efforts inter alia by establishing mechanisms to better identify and manage risks from third countries.

    The Commission engages in depth with candidate countries on topics related to organised crime, corruption and drug trafficking in the context of the negotiations on accession, which offers a direct and operational framework to engage with Türkiye.

    Risks stemming from Türkiye and in the non-government controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus are part of these ongoing discussions with Türkiye.

    As a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Commission is fully aware of Türkiye’s compliance levels on AML/CFT, including its efforts to address any concerns through tangible actions, and of the risks associated with the non-government controlled areas as highlighted in the evaluation reports concerning Cyprus.

    While FATF removed Türkiye from its ‘grey list’ of countries in June 2024, the Commission agrees that close monitoring of the effectiveness of Türkiye’s AML/CFT framework is essential.

    In line with the EU methodology for identifying high risk third countries[3], as regards any candidate country, the Commission may consider mitigating measures included in the accession negotiations that address the identified strategic deficiencies.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2015/849/oj/eng.
    • [2] https://finance.ec.europa.eu/news/latest-update-anti-money-laundering-and-countering-financing-terrorism-legislative-package-2024-04-24_en.
    • [3] SWD(2020) 99: https://finance.ec.europa.eu/document/download/f745b6e8-735b-4855-b050-f52276356fe6_en?filename=200507-anti-money-laundering-terrorism-financing-action-plan-methodology_en.pdf.
    Last updated: 2 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Ongoing threats and persecution of Christians and other religious and ethnic communities in Syria – E-001399/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU continues to call for an end to violence across Syria and urges all parties to protect all Syrians without discrimination. In its regular contacts with the transitional authorities and local actors, the EU continues to advocate for a peaceful inclusive transition, guided by respect for international law, pluralism and non-discrimination .

    The EU particularly supports human rights and the principle of equality among all components of society and remains attentive to the actions of the transitional authorities and the way the transition develops.

    The EU was alarmed by the violent events in the coastal areas and strongly condemned the horrific sectarian crimes committed against civilians[1]. Accountability and transitional justice are key to lasting peace.

    The EU welcomed the establishment of an investigative committee a nd calls for all perpetrators of violence to be brought to justice in line with international law norms and standards.

    The EU has been and continues to be a staunch supporter of accountability mechanisms working on Syria, including the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, the United Nations Commission of Inquiry, and the Independent Institution on Missing Persons.

    The EU provides humanitarian assistance to all Syrian people in need, through pre-certified humanitarian partners in all parts of Syria, without discrimination.

    EU-funded humanitarian operations are based on people’s needs, humanitarian principles, and accountability to affected populations, emphasising transparency, efficiency and effectiveness.

    In response to the events on the coast, the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations delivered critical emergency assistance to affected populations through its humanitarian partners.

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/11/syria-statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-recent-wave-of-violence/.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU funding of Israeli companies involved in the ongoing genocide in Palestine – E-002540/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002540/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anthony Smith (The Left), Manon Aubry (The Left), Damien Carême (The Left), Marina Mesure (The Left), Arash Saeidi (The Left), Emma Fourreau (The Left), Rima Hassan (The Left), Younous Omarjee (The Left), Leila Chaibi (The Left)

    Last October, we sent the European Commission Question for written answer E-001930/2024/rev.1[1] on support from the Horizon Europe programme for Israeli companies involved in the ongoing genocide in Palestine. In response, the Commission said it was unaware of such practices and reiterated that the funded projects were closely monitored and conditional on respect for human rights in accordance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

    However, a recent investigation by journalists[2] has revealed that EUR 42 million from the European Defence Fund, as well as funds from seven other European countries, have been allocated to the ACTUS project. EUR 14 million of this funding were provided to a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, Israel’s leading defence company, for building drones. This support is in addition to the millions of euros from the Horizon programme dedicated to military research involving Israeli ministries and military companies[3].

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the European Commission intend to condemn participation in the genocide in Gaza by Israeli companies receiving EU funds?
    • 2.Does it plan to stop these companies from receiving EU financial support?
    • 3.Will it propose suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement to the Council, in order to fully respect human rights commitments?

    Submitted: 24.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2024-001930_EN.html
    • [2] https://disclose.ngo/fr/article/la-france-et-leurope-financent-sans-le-dire-lindustrie-militaire-israelienne.
    • [3] https://www.lecho.be/economie-politique/europe/general/des-fonds-europeens-de-recherche-financent-la-defense-israelienne/10609758.html.
    Last updated: 2 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Checking compliance of Italian exports of military technology to Israel with the EU criteria in Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP – E-002559/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002559/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Carolina Morace (The Left), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Leoluca Orlando (Verts/ALE), Alessandro Zan (S&D), Dario Tamburrano (The Left)

    Article 2 of Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP lays down binding criteria for the granting of arms export licences by Member States, including:

    — Criterion Two: regarding the recipient country’s compliance with international humanitarian law, which requires licences to be denied if there is a clear risk that the technology might be used in breach of the law of conduct during war (jus in bello);

    — Criterion Six: regarding the behaviour of the recipient country, including compliance with international commitments.

    In view of the serious violations of international humanitarian law by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, documented by the UN, independent NGOs and academic institutions, and given the dual-use or military nature of the technologies involved, can the Commission please answer the following:

    • 1.With regard to Criteria Two and Six in Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, does it consider the export of arms and military technology by Member States to Israel to be compatible with their obligations under the Common Foreign and Security Policy?
    • 2.In the context of military agreements or transfers of technology from third countries, are Member States required to apply the Council Common Position’s criteria mutatis mutandis, in line with Articles 21 and 24 of the Treaty on European Union and Article 205 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union?
    • 3.Does the Commission plan to recommend the reassessment of licences and military cooperation programmes with Israel under Article 5 of the Council Common Position?

    Supporter[1]

    Submitted: 25.6.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE)
    Last updated: 2 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Türkiye’s attempt to instrumentalise the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in violation of international law – E-002509/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002509/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Kefalogiannis (PPE)

    Türkiye has attempted to instrumentalise the meeting of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, with decisions promoting Turkish positions in favour of a two-state solution in Cyprus but also of an alleged ‘Turkish minority’ in Thrace and a ‘Turkish’ community in the Dodecanese, which is at odds with the resolutions of the Security Council and the Lausanne Treaty, which defines the minority as religious.

    Paragraph 24 of the Declaration of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ states that they: ‘Support the aspirations of the Muslim Turkish Cypriots to secure their inherent rights […] and the importance of developing contacts […] in order to overcome the unjust isolation imposed upon them’, while paragraph 25 thereof, which deals with the Muslim minority of Thrace and the Muslims of the Dodecanese, states that they: ‘Reiterate [their] support for the Turkish Muslim minority of Thrace and the Turkish Muslim population of the Dodecanese in Greece’.

    A number of states, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, have expressed their reservations with regard to the above, stressing that the resolution conveys a completely misleading and critical image of Greece.

    What action does the Commission intend to take in response to the blatant violation by Türkiye – an EU candidate country – of international law, in particular of the Treaty of Lausanne and the Security Council resolutions on a solution to the Cyprus problem?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    Last updated: 2 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt: President El-Sisi Speaks with President of Ukraine Zelensky


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    Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.

    Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the two Presidents discussed the latest developments in the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. President El-Sisi emphasized the crucial importance of reaching diplomatic and political solutions, stressing the imperative to prioritize dialogue as a means of resolving the current crisis. The President reaffirmed Egypt’s full support for all efforts aimed at reaching a peaceful settlement at the earliest time possible.

    The call also focused on developments in the Middle East and ways to restore regional stability. The two sides underscored the necessity of upholding the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, affirming the urgent need to resume negotiations as a pathway to a peaceful resolution of the crisis. President El-Sisi also reviewed Egypt’s ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and ensure the delivery of desperately-needed humanitarian aid and assistance.

    President El-Sisi and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy also tackled ways to strengthen bilateral relations and explored prospects for cooperation across various fields, particularly in the economic, trade, and investment sectors, in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and their peoples.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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