Category: Middle East

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Expresses Full Solidarity with Sudan After Gold Mine Collapse

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha – June 30, 2025

    The State of Qatar expresses full solidarity with the sisterly Republic of Sudan following the collapse of a gold mine in the Howaid area, which results in multiple deaths and injuries.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveys Qatar’s sincere condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Sudan, and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Greek Foreign Minister

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, June 30, 2025

    HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call on Monday from HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic George Gerapetritis.

    The call discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them. It also discussed the developments in the region, in addition to a number of topics of common concern.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s Joint Press Encounter with the President of Spain [scroll down for all-English and all-Spanish]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Querido Pedro Sánchez, Presidente del Gobierno de España quiero agradecerte y agradecer al Gobierno y al pueblo de España por la magnífica organización de esta Conferencia y por la extraordinaria hospitalidad que estamos recibiendo.
     
    España es un pilar del multilateralismo, un socio firme de las Naciones Unidas y un defensor del desarrollo – como demuestra, una vez más, al acoger esta importante conferencia.
     
    España es también una voz líder mundial por la paz – y comprende los profundos vínculos entre el desarrollo y la paz.
     
    At a time of profound global turmoil, we must keep working for peace, for peace in the Middle East.
     
    For an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of all hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access as a first step to achieve the two-State solution.
     
    For the ceasefire between Iran and Israel to hold.
     
    For a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the UN Charter, international law and UN resolutions. 
     
    For an end to the horror and bloodshed in Sudan.
     
    We know that sustainable peace requires sustainable development.
     
    Ladies and gentlemen of the media.
     
    As I said in opening the Conference this morning, development is not just about numbers on a page.
     
    It’s about food, health care and education.
     
    It’s about jobs and social protection.
     
    It’s about infrastructure like water systems, internet access and climate-resilient buildings.
     
    It’s about providing equal opportunity for girls and women which moves all societies ahead.
     
    It’s about easing human suffering, and driving progress across every community, large and small.
     
    Development is about people.
     
    And we have collectively made great strides in development in recent decades.
     
    But progress doesn’t happen on its own. 
     
    It takes support and investment.
     
    As we meet, the world is falling behind in its commitments to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
     
    Achieving them will take an investment of more than $4 trillion a year.
     
    And meanwhile, global growth is slowing, trade barriers are rising, and aid budgets are falling.
     
    Developing countries are drowning in debt service payments, which have skyrocketed to $1.4 trillion every year.
     
    And the great enabler of development — international cooperation — is being chipped away by geopolitical mistrust and division.
     
    Now, this Conference is about rebuilding that trust with concrete commitments.
     
    With the adoption of the Sevilla Commitment document, countries are proving their dedication to getting the engine of development revving again:
     
    Through new domestic and global commitments that can channel public and private finance to the areas of greatest need…
     
    By overhauling the world’s approach to debt to make borrowing work in service of sustainable development…
     
    And by reforming the global financial architecture to reflect today’s realities and the urgent needs of developing countries, that must have a much stronger voice and participation in the institutions of this financial architecture.
     
    The Sevilla Platform of Action being launched later today will help us move from words to action.
     
    It contains dozens of new practical initiatives to accelerate funding for development around the world.
     
    This includes the commitment to establish a borrowers forum for countries to learn from one another and coordinate their approaches in debt management and restructuring.
     
    This is one of 11 immediately actionable proposals to help resolve the debt crisis, backed by my group of experts on debt that will be publishing their report.
     
    I look forward to working closely with Member States — including the G20 — to bring this forum to life.
     
    Por encima de todo, Sevilla va de soluciones.
     
    Y de encontrar esas soluciones en un momento de dificultades y división para la familia humana.
     
    Espero que nuestros esfuerzos colectivos aquí en Sevilla puedan inspirar y motivar a los países del mundo a trabajar unidos para resolver otros desafíos globales.
     
    Y una vez más, quiero agradecer al Presidente del Gobierno y al pueblo español por dar la bienvenida al mundo aquí en Sevilla. 
     
    Muchas gracias.

    ****
    [all-English]

    Prime Minister Sánchez, my thanks to you and the government and people of Spain for your tremendous hospitality.

    Dear Pedro Sánchez, President of the Government of Spain, I would like to thank you and the Government and people of Spain for the magnificent organization of this Conference and for the extraordinary hospitality we are receiving.

    Spain is a pillar of multilateralism, a steadfast partner of the United Nations, and a champion of development as we see once again in your hosting of this major conference. 

    Spain is also a leading global voice for peace — and understands the deep linkages between development and peace.

    At a time of profound global turmoil, we must keep working for peace, for peace in the Middle East.

    For an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of all hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access as a first step to achieve the two-State solution.

    For the ceasefire between Iran and Israel to hold.

    For a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the UN Charter, international law and UN resolutions. 

    For an end to the horror and bloodshed in Sudan.

    We know that sustainable peace requires sustainable development.

    Ladies and gentlemen of the media.

    As I said in opening the Conference this morning, development is not just about numbers on a page.

    It’s about food, health care and education.

    It’s about jobs and social protection.

    It’s about infrastructure like water systems, internet access and climate-resilient buildings.

    It’s about providing equal opportunity for girls and women which moves all societies ahead.

    It’s about easing human suffering, and driving progress across every community, large and small.

    Development is about people.

    And we have collectively made great strides in development in recent decades.

    But progress doesn’t happen on its own. 

    It takes support and investment.

    As we meet, the world is falling behind in its commitments to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Achieving them will take an investment of more than $4 trillion a year.

    Meanwhile, global growth is slowing, trade barriers are rising, and aid budgets are falling.

    Developing countries are drowning in debt service payments, which have skyrocketed to $1.4 trillion every year.

    And the great enabler of development — international cooperation — is being chipped away by geopolitical mistrust and division.

    This Conference is about rebuilding that trust with concrete commitments.

    With the adoption of the Sevilla Commitment document, countries are proving their dedication to getting the engine of development revving again:

    Through new domestic and global commitments that can channel public and private finance to the areas of greatest need…

    By overhauling the world’s approach to debt to make borrowing work in service of sustainable development…

    And by reforming the global financial architecture to reflect today’s realities and the urgent needs of developing countries, that must have a much stronger voice and participation in the institutions of this financial architecture.

    The Sevilla Platform of Action being launched later today will help us move from words to action.

    It contains dozens of new practical initiatives to accelerate funding for development around the world.

    This includes the commitment to establish a borrowers forum for countries to learn from one another and coordinate their approaches in debt management and restructuring.

    This is one of 11 immediately actionable proposals to help resolve the debt crisis, backed by my group of experts on debt that will be publishing their report.

    I look forward to working closely with Member States — including the G20 — to bring this forum to life.

    Above all, Sevilla is about solutions.

    And finding these solutions at a divided and difficult moment for the human family.

    It is my hope that our collective efforts here in Sevilla can inspire and motivate the countries of the world to work as one to solve other global challenges.

    Once again, I’d like to thank Prime Minister Sánchez and the people of Spain for welcoming the world to Sevilla. 

    Thank you.

    *****
    [all-Spanish]

    Querido Pedro Sánchez, Presidente del Gobierno de España quiero agradecerte y agradecer al Gobierno y al pueblo de España por la magnífica organización de esta Conferencia y por la extraordinaria hospitalidad que estamos recibiendo.

    España es un pilar del multilateralismo, un socio firme de las Naciones Unidas y un defensor del desarrollo – como lo demuestra, una vez más, al acoger esta importante conferencia.

    España es también una voz líder mundial por la paz – y comprende los profundos vínculos entre el desarrollo y la paz.

    En estos momentos de profunda agitación mundial, debemos seguir trabajando por la paz, por la paz en Oriente Medio.

    Por un alto el fuego inmediato en Gaza, la liberación inmediata de todos los rehenes y un acceso humanitario sin trabas – como primer paso para lograr la solución de dos Estados.

    Por el mantenimiento del alto el fuego entre Irán e Israel.

    Por una paz justa y duradera en Ucrania, basada en la Carta de las Naciones Unidas, el derecho internacional y las resoluciones de la ONU. 

    Por el fin del horror y el derramamiento de sangre en Sudán.

    Sabemos que una paz sostenible requiere un desarrollo sostenible.

    Señoras y señores de los medios,

    Como he dicho esta mañana al inaugurar la Conferencia, el desarrollo no es solo números en un papel.

    El desarrollo tiene que ver con la alimentación, la atención sanitaria y la educación.

    Con los empleos y la protección social.

    Con las infraestructuras, como los sistemas de abastecimiento de agua, el acceso a Internet y los edificios resistentes al clima.

    Se trata de ofrecer igualdad de oportunidades a las niñas y las mujeres, que tan a menudo son las primeras a quienes se deja atrás.

    Se trata de aliviar el sufrimiento humano e impulsar el progreso en todas las comunidades, tanto grandes como pequeñas.

    El desarrollo se trata de las personas.

    Y colectivamente hemos hecho grandes progresos en materia de desarrollo en las últimas décadas.

    Pero los progresos no se producen por sí solos. 

    Se necesita apoyo e inversión.

    Mientras nos reunimos, el mundo se está quedando a la zaga en sus compromisos de impulsar los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible.

    Para alcanzarlos, hará falta una inversión de más de 4 billones de dólares al año.

    Y mientras tanto, el crecimiento mundial se ralentiza, las barreras comerciales aumentan, y disminuyen los presupuestos para ayuda.

    Los países en desarrollo están ahogados por los pagos de servicio de la deuda, que se han disparado hasta los 1,4 billones de dólares anuales.

    Y la desconfianza y la división geopolíticas están minando el gran motor del desarrollo, que es la cooperación internacional.

    Esta Conferencia trata de reconstruir esa confianza con compromisos concretos.

    Con la adopción del documento del Compromiso de Sevilla, los países están demostrando que quieren volver a acelerar el motor del desarrollo:

    Con nuevos compromisos nacionales y globales que dirijan la financiación pública y privada a las esferas donde es más necesaria…

    Revisando el enfoque global de la deuda para hacer que el endeudamiento esté al servicio del desarrollo sostenible…

    Y reformando la arquitectura financiera mundial para que refleje las realidades actuales y las necesidades urgentes de los países en desarrollo que deben tener una voz y una participación mucho más fuertes en las instituciones de esta arquitectura financiera.

    La Plataforma de Acción de Sevilla, que se pondrá en marcha hoy, nos ayudará a pasar de las palabras a los hechos.

    Contiene docenas de nuevas iniciativas prácticas para acelerar la financiación del desarrollo en todo el mundo.

    Este incluye el compromiso de establecer un foro de prestatarios para que los países aprendan unos de otros y coordinen sus planteamientos en la gestión de la deuda y la reestructuración.

    Esta es una de las 11 propuestas de acción inmediata para ayudar a resolver la crisis de la deuda, respaldadas por mi grupo de expertos en deuda que publicará su informe.

    Espero trabajar en estrecha colaboración con los Estados miembros -incluido el G20 – para dar vida a este foro.

    Por encima de todo, Sevilla va de soluciones.

    Y de encontrar esas soluciones en un momento de dificultades y división para la familia humana.

    Espero que nuestros esfuerzos colectivos aquí en Sevilla puedan inspirar y motivar a los países del mundo a trabajar unidos para resolver otros desafíos globales.

    Y una vez más, quiero agradecer al Presidente del Gobierno y al pueblo español por dar la bienvenida al mundo aquí en Sevilla. 

    Muchas gracias.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Death toll from Israeli strikes on Iran rises to 935 – Iranian authorities

    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

    TEHRAN, June 30 (Xinhua) — The death toll from Israeli strikes on Iran between June 13 and 24 has risen to 935, including 38 children and 132 women, Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported on Monday.

    As Iranian judicial spokesman Asghar Jahangir said at a press conference in Tehran, citing data from the Iranian Forensic Medicine Organization, some of the women killed were pregnant.

    On June 13, Israel launched a series of massive airstrikes on nuclear and military sites in the Islamic Republic, killing military commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians and injuring many others, according to Iranian officials.

    Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory, which also resulted in casualties and destruction.

    A ceasefire agreement between the two countries was reached on June 24, ending a 12-day standoff. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Welcomes Signing of Peace Agreement between Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

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

    I welcome the signing of a peace agreement on 27 June in Washington, D.C., by the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, facilitated by the United States.

    This agreement is a significant step towards de-escalation, peace and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region.  I commend the United States for its leadership in facilitating this process, in coordination with the State of Qatar and the African Union Mediator, Faure Gnassingbé of Togo.  I acknowledge the contributions of the five co-facilitators designated by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

    I urge the parties to honour in full the commitments they have undertaken in the peace agreement and pursuant to Security Council resolution 2773 (2025), including the cessation of hostilities and all other agreed measures.

    The United Nations, including through the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), remains fully committed to supporting the implementation of the agreement, in close coordination with the African Union, regional and international partners.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Trump’s Illegal & Unconstitutional Bombings in Iran, Duckworth Votes to Block Further Use of Military Force Without Congressional Authorization

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    June 27, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee—issued the following statement today after voting for an Iran war powers resolution that would force the President to secure a declaration of war or authorization for use of military force from Congress to legally engage in a war against Iran. Senate Republicans blocked the resolution, which failed on a 53-47 vote. 
    “Ever since Donald Trump illegally launched a military strike against Iran, one thing has remained clear: our troops are at greater risk today than they were before the attack.
    “Our servicemembers will always execute their orders and complete their missions to the highest standard like the experts they are. But rather than declaring ‘mission accomplished,’ the Trump Administration should be focused on protecting them and American personnel in the region and convincing Congress to authorize its use of military force. We’re not sure these strikes actually halted the Iranian program yet, and it is unacceptable that the Administration sought to thwart members of Congress from performing their most solemn Constitutional duty: debating matters of war and peace.”
    “If Trump wants to honor our troops, he needs to come before Congress immediately to consult with the democratically elected representatives of our military, their family members and the American citizens before making decisions that risk the lives of our servicemembers, cost billions of taxpayer dollars and threaten to mire us in yet another quagmire in the Middle East. That is one of the reasons why I supported today’s resolution, which would force debate and a vote on whether to engage in acts of war against Iran—as Article I of our Constitution lays out. By blocking this resolution, Senate Republicans are once again making clear they would much rather bow down to Trump than putting our national security and the best interests of our servicemembers first.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lower Gas Prices Just in Time for Summer Holiday Travel

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    Gas prices are falling as millions of Americans hit the road for the holiday weekend.
    According to CNBC, “gas is the cheapest it’s ever been.” Inflation-adjusted gas prices “are near the lowest levels we’ve seen in the last 20 years” — and with rising incomes, “Americans are actually spending far less of their income on energy than they have in quite some time.”
    The good news is being felt across the nation:
    Tupelo, Mississippi: “If you’re driving, you could be in for a pleasant surprise at the pump.”
    New York City, New York: “It looks like gas prices are about to get cheaper.”
    Toledo, Ohio: “Summer gas prices are at a surprising four-year low.”
    Columbia, South Carolina: “If you’re planning to hit the road ahead of the 4th of July weekend, gas prices are currently the lowest that they’ve been since 2021.”
    Jacksonville, Florida: “Some good news for gas prices — they continue to fall ahead of the 4th of July holiday.”
    Macon, Georgia: “If you’re planning to travel this week, gas prices in our area are down. They’re the lowest that we’ve seen this time since 2021.”
    The Arizona Republic:“Arizona motorists are seeing a relatively cheap summer at the gas pump, despite recent conflicts abroad.Oil prices have fluctuated since the start of the Israel-Iran war earlier this month. But gas prices have remained relatively steady across the nation — and have largely declined in Arizona.”
    GasBuddy: Gas Prices to Fall to Lowest July 4th Level Since 2021 as Middle East Tensions Cool
    CNN: “They’re pretty low — and they’re trending lower … This would be the lowest on Fourth of July for gas since at least 2021 — perhaps even since 2020 during COVID. Of course, people are making more money, on average, than they did back then, so on an inflation-adjusted basis, gasoline is swallowing up a smaller and smaller chunk of paychecks.”
    ABC News: “Most people traveling right now are traveling by road. Gas prices — $3.18/gallon right now, that’s the national average for regular unleaded. Last year, that was $3.49/gallon — so significantly lower.”
    CNBC: “As Americans gear up for summer travel, prices at the pump may be cooling off. This summer could bring the lowest gas prices in years.”
    The New York Times: “Summer road trips appear to be safe from a big spike in gasoline prices … The last time the cost for drivers was lower in late June was in 2021.”
    The Wall Street Journal: “The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline, $3.21, is about 23 cents cheaper than this time last year … Reduced prices would be a boon for consumers during the warmer months when Americans drive more. Low energy prices so far this year have already contributed to the economy’s resilience and helped keep inflation in check.”
    NBC News: “Looking at gas prices that are the best in four years — and this is so important for all of those millions of people who will be hitting the roads … 20 cents less than it was a year ago, so that’s six or seven bucks extra when you fill up. That’s real money.”
    Fox Business: “Summer gas prices hit lowest level in 4 years despite Middle East tensions”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden Statement on Israel-Iran Ceasefire Agreement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) released the following statement after President Trump announced the ceasefire agreement brokered between Israel and Iran:

    “Once again, President Trump has proven to be the Peacemaker in Chief. This is a fantastic step toward peace in the Middle East, but Iran is not to be taken at their word. We will not “trust but verify” — we will just verify that the Iranian terrorist regime completely halts their nuclear program.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Security and trade at heart of Foreign Secretary visit to Ankara

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Security and trade at heart of Foreign Secretary visit to Ankara

    UK visit to Turkey to bolster defence and security ties

    • David Lammy will visit Ankara to underscore close trade and security links between UK and Turkey during first bilateral visit to the country.  
    • Foreign Secretary to meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan to discuss the situation in the Middle East and Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.  
    • Visit comes as negotiations begin over new free trade agreement to supercharge UK-Turkey trade and deliver growth through the Plan for Change.

    The UK’s deep security and trade links with Turkey are set to be further strengthened as the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, visits Ankara today [Monday 30 June].  

    In his first bilateral visit to the country, the Foreign Secretary will seek to advance UK-Turkish efforts on shared priorities, including joint work on regional security and the deepening of UK-Turkey trade and defence ties. 

    While in Ankara, the Foreign Secretary will meet Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss stability in the Middle East and efforts to secure a just, lasting peace in Ukraine following Russia’s illegal invasion. As close NATO allies, the UK and Turkey are working together to push for diplomatic solutions and an end to ongoing violence which threatens regional and global security.   

    As set out in the recent National Security Strategy, security and defence collaboration with Turkey is imperative to UK security interests. This includes joint work on the prospective export of Eurofighter Typhoons to Turkey, and the government is clear that welcoming Turkey as a Typhoon operator will build on the bonds of friendship developed over many decades between key NATO Allies.  

    Our cooperation with Turkey also delivers our security objectives of tackling global challenges such as terrorism, serious organised crime and irregular migration.

    The strengthening of the UK-Turkey trading relationship will also be a key priority for the Foreign Secretary, with his visit coming as the UK and Turkey begin negotiations over a new Free Trade Agreement (FTA) designed to unlock more opportunities for British and Turkish businesses.   

    UK-Turkey trade was worth almost £28 billion in 2024 and directly supports tens of thousands of UK jobs – furthering strengthening this relationship is a priority for the Foreign Secretary and will help to stimulate UK economic growth, a key part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.  

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:  

    In an increasingly volatile world, the UK and Turkey remain the closest of friends and partners as we work together to find peaceful solutions to conflict in the Middle East and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.  

    Ours is a relationship which delivers directly for Turkish and British citizens at home – trade between our nations is responsible for thousands of jobs, while our security and defence links help keep our people safe.  

    During his visit, the Foreign Secretary will see a range of Turkish produced armoured vehicles built using UK-made safety equipment and engines at the Nurol Makina factory.   

    Later, at Ankara Airport, he will meet with Country President Simon Ward from aerospace company, Airbus, to mark a recent deal between Airbus and Turkish cargo airline MNG Airlines for commercial aircraft containing British-made Rolls Royce engines, worth hundreds of millions to the UK and Turkish economies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran says US ‘betrayed’ diplomacy by ‘encouraging’ Israeli attacks

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    TEHRAN, June 30 (Xinhua) — Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Monday accused the United States of “betraying” diplomacy, saying Washington’s alleged role in recent military strikes against Israel jeopardizes the future of proximity talks on Iran’s nuclear program.

    At a weekly press conference in Tehran, spokesman Esmail Baghaei said the United States had encouraged the Israeli attack, which came just two days before the scheduled sixth round of Oman-brokered Iran-US talks.

    The US has betrayed the diplomatic process, he stressed, adding that “one cannot expect that this fact will not affect the continuation of negotiations.”

    The diplomat also rejected US accusations that Iran was not serious about the talks, calling them “baseless” and a pretext to justify the strikes.

    In addition, E. Baghaei criticized Germany and France for supporting Israel, singling out German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s remarks, which described Israeli actions as “the dirty work that Israel is doing for all of us.” These words will bring “historical and eternal shame on Germany,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets President of Somaliland

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, June 30, 2025

    HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Monday with HE President of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, who is visiting the country.

    During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the latest developments in Somalia and discussed the importance of supporting efforts aimed at achieving security and stability there, as well as ways to enhance communication and build trust between the various parties.

    HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed the State of Qatar’s belief that Somalia’s future is built through openness and constructive communication among all its components, to ensure respect for the sovereignty and national unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Participates in High-Level Opening Session of FFD4

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Sevilla, June 30, 2025

    The State of Qatar participated in the high-level opening session of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) currently taking place in Seville in the Kingdom of Spain.

    The State of Qatar’s delegation to the session was headed by HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad.

    The conference comes to follow up on the United Nations’ (UN) process on financing for development by reinforcing the agreements and commitments of the three previous international conferences.

    The first of which was held in Monterrey, Mexico, in 2002 where fundamental principles for development financing were established.

    Doha hosted the second conference in 2008 amid the global financial crisis, giving it particular significance in addressing the impact of the crisis on developing countries.

    The third conference, which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2015, resulted in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, a comprehensive framework for financing sustainable development.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s operations are leading to mass casualties: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s operations are leading to mass casualties: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on the Middle East Peace Process.

    Let me start by underlining that the ceasefire between Israel and Iran offers a much-needed moment of hope for the region.

    This hope must extend to Gaza. We need a ceasefire now. 

    This remains the most credible path to end the terrible suffering of hostages and their families, to end Hamas’ control of Gaza and to allow Palestinians to rebuild.

    We also need a ceasefire because the suffering in Gaza is appalling and cannot continue.

    Israel’s aid delivery measures are inhumane. 

    The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s operations which are supposed to be saving lives, are themselves leading to mass casualties. 

    Starving people who are desperate to feed their families are told food awaits them. 

    But over 500 have reportedly been killed trying to access it.

    And meanwhile, UNICEF reports that more than 5000 children between the age of six months and five years old were admitted for acute malnutrition in May alone. 

    It is truly appalling.

    We are also deeply concerned by reports that Hamas has targeted Gaza Humanitarian Foundation staff and by reports of widespread looting by criminal gangs, which are undermining security around aid distribution.

    This is unacceptable.

    The more desperate people become, the more disorder becomes inevitable. The UN can deliver aid at scale without endangering civilians.

    Israel must let the UN save lives, open all access routes and allow fuel into Gaza.

    In addition, humanitarian workers need to operate in safety. 

    Just last week, another ICRC staff member was killed, a tragic reminder of the risks they face.

    We have repeatedly called for credible Israeli investigations into Israel’s killing of aid workers, including World Central Kitchen, the Palestinian Red Crescent, and the UNOPS strike. 

    Israel must provide accountability for these terrible actions and ensure they are not repeated, in line with its obligations under international law.

    Finally, amidst the bloodshed in Gaza, the situation in the West Bank is also deteriorating. 

    Israel’s withholding of tax revenues appears a deliberate effort to leave the Palestinian Authority crippled and unable to pay salaries.

    Military operations have displaced over 40,000 people. 

    Just last week, an attack by violent settlers on Kafr Malik led to the killing of three Palestinians. 

    We condemn settlement expansion and settler violence and we demand that the Israeli government puts an immediate end to these unlawful acts.

    We cannot stand by while the foundations of a two-state solution are systematically dismantled.

    Madam President, it is time to bring the war in Gaza to an end, and to get the hostages home. 

    And more than that, we must renew our collective efforts toward a just and lasting two-state solution, in which Israelis and Palestinians can both live side by side in peace and security.

    It is beyond time to come together behind a sustainable end to this conflict, which has blighted so many generations on both sides.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Takes Up Renewal of Disengagement Observer Force

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    9949th Meeting (AM)

    The Security Council is expected to adopt a text renewing the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) for a period of six months, until 31 December 2025, and request the Secretary-General to ensure that UNDOF has the required capacity and resources to fulfil its mandate in a safe and secure way.

    UNDOF is a peacekeeping mission established in 1974 by the United Nations to supervise the ceasefire and disengagement of forces between Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights.

    For information media. Not an official record.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Discusses Middle East Crisis

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    9950th Meeting (AM)

    The Security Council will today discuss Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, pursuant to resolution 2334 (2016), which requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council every three months on the implementation of the resolution’s provisions.  Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, is expected to brief the Council on the Secretary-General’s latest report.  However, speakers are also likely to address broader issues affecting the region, including aid delivery, military operations in Gaza, and regional spillover effects.

    For information media. Not an official record.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Video: Israel on Gaza – Security Council Media Stakeout | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Media stakeout by Danny Danon, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations, on Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1E46g8TTxc

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Africa: DRC and Rwanda sign a US-brokered peace deal: what are the chances of its success?

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Jonathan Beloff, Postdoctoral Research Associate, King’s College London

    The foreign ministers of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) signed a new peace agreement on 27 June 2025 under the auspices of the US.

    The agreement aims to foster long-term peace, and increased economic trade and security. The DRC is one of Africa’s largest nations, with over 110 million people. Rwanda has a population of 14 million.

    After three decades of war and tensions between the two neighbours since the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the hope is that this agreement will establish the foundations for progress that benefits both nations.

    It was the Donald Trump administration’s moment to illustrate the effectiveness of its “transactional” foreign policy, focused on exchanges and short-term benefits for each actor.

    Most of the agreement’s details remained undisclosed until its signing. One aspect that’s surfaced was the claim that the DRC abandoned its demand for the removal of Rwandan soldiers from its territory. The Congolese government, research groups and the UN have accused Rwanda of supplying military aid, including soldiers, to the March 23 Movement (M23), which has been at war with the government in Kinshasa since 2021. The Rwandan government denies any active involvement but has some sympathies for the Congolese rebel group.

    Under the June 2025 agreement, each side provided concessions and demands that are perhaps easier said than done. Both countries also want to show the Trump administration their willingness to negotiate and make a deal. This is in the hopes of future deals with the US, which Trump has remained vague on.

    The DRC has immense mineral wealth, including gold, diamonds, tungsten, coltan, tin and lithium. These latter minerals are used in computer chips, batteries and other technologies.


    Read more: Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group seeks local power in DRC, not just control over mining operations


    The question is whether this latest agreement will lead to peace in the DRC. The likely answer is no, based on research on instability in the eastern DRC, Rwandan foreign policy and the security and political dynamics between Rwanda and the DRC for over 15 years.

    This is mainly because

    • key players involved in the crisis were left out of negotiations

    • no provisions are made for enforcement

    • the opportunities for US companies remain questionable given the lack of security in the mining regions.

    The roots of the crisis

    After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, former genocide perpetrators used the DRC’s vast size as cover to plan attacks on Rwanda. They intended to return to Rwanda to finish the genocide. The consequences led to the First Congo War (1996-1997) and the Second Congo War (1998-2003).

    It was during the bloody second war that the DRC was carved up by multiple rebel groups aligned with various nations and political actors. The UN accuses Rwanda and Uganda of carrying out a massive illegal mineral trade. Both nations deny this.

    The consequences of the conflict are still felt over 20 years later. Despite multiple peace agreements, and disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programmes, an estimated 120 rebel groups remain active in the Congo.

    One of them, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), aims to return Rwanda to ethnic division and the genocide. The Rwandan government fears the group’s genocide and hate ideology.

    Additionally, the FDLR and other extremist actors such as Wazalendo target the Banyarwanda. This ethnic group, residing primarily in eastern DRC, is historically related to Rwanda. It has been the target of attacks, which have forced tens of thousands of people to flee into Rwanda.


    Read more: The Banyamulenge: how a minority ethnic group in the DRC became the target of rebels – and its own government


    These attacks led to the resurrection of the M23. Despite its failures in 2013, the M23 scored major advances in late 2021 in response to attacks on the Banyarwanda. The rebel group led a successful military campaign that occupied large swathes of territory in eastern DRC.

    Their success is largely attributed to the Rwandan Defence Forces, despite Kigali denying this claim.

    Concessions from each nation

    The latest peace agreement addresses the security, political and economic interests of both nations.

    The specifics are still unavailable. However, several assumptions based on the framework and leaked reports can be made.

    The first is that both nations must respect each other’s territorial sovereignty and stop aiding rebel forces. This will include joint security coordination, and working with the existing UN peacekeeping mission. Additionally, Congolese refugees who fled eastern DRC – estimated to be over 80,000 – will be allowed to return. Finally, the two nations will establish mechanisms to foster greater economic integration.

    The DRC has also signalled its willingness to attract American investors. DRC’s vast mineral wealth remains largely underdeveloped. American investment could develop mining that’s safer and extracts larger amounts of minerals than current methods. Kinshasa has also agreed to combat corruption and simplify the tax system.

    While most of these incentives would be aimed at mineral extraction companies, they also include private security firms. The Congolese military’s inability to defeat the M23 highlights a problematic security environment that some in the DRC believe can be addressed through foreign intervention. However, these security guarantees are still relatively unknown and face complications that could affect the success of any agreement.

    The weaknesses

    There are a number of reasons this latest agreement is unlikely to lead to peace.

    First, the M23 did not participate in the negotiations. Given that they are the primary military actor in eastern DRC, their commitment to a peace process cannot be guaranteed.

    Second, other rebel forces in different parts of the country will feel left out too. They could see this agreement as an opportunity to press for greater concessions from the Congolese government.

    Third, there are few mechanisms to enforce the agreement. Since the Second Congo War, there have been multiple treaties, agreements and disarmament programmes with little success. The Pretoria Accord between Rwanda and the DRC in 2002 did not lead to long-term peace. The M23’s name is a nod to their anger over a failed 2009 agreement. In 2024, Rwanda and Congo nearly reached an agreement under Angola’s mediation, but Angola stepped down. The process was then taken over by Qatar and later the US.

    Lastly, American investors may be deterred by the security, regulatory and corruption issues that plague the DRC. Even if the Congolese government promises to address these issues, it lacks the necessary capabilities to fulfil its commitment.

    – DRC and Rwanda sign a US-brokered peace deal: what are the chances of its success?
    – https://theconversation.com/drc-and-rwanda-sign-a-us-brokered-peace-deal-what-are-the-chances-of-its-success-260066

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Funding shortages threaten relief for millions of Sudanese refugees: World Food Programme (WFP)


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    In an alert, the UN agency warned that it faces having to make “drastic cuts” to life-saving food assistance, which may “grind to a halt” in the Central African Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia and Libya in the coming months as resources run out.

    WFP noted that the situation for many Sudanese refugees is already dire, more than two years since war erupted between Sudan’s national army and paramilitary rebels.

    “In Uganda, many vulnerable refugees are surviving on less than 500 calories a day” – less than a quarter of daily nutritional needs – as new arrivals strain refugee support systems, WFP said. In Chad, which hosts almost a quarter of the four million refugees who fled Sudan, food rations will be reduced in the coming months without new contributions.

    Vulnerable youngsters

    Children are particularly vulnerable to sustained periods of hunger and malnutrition rates among young refugees in reception centres in Uganda and South Sudan have already breached emergency thresholds. According to WFP, refugees are already severely malnourished even before arriving in neighbouring countries to receive emergency assistance.

    “This is a full-blown regional crisis that’s playing out in countries that already have extreme levels of food insecurity and high levels of conflict,” said Shaun Hughes, WFP Emergency Coordinator for the Sudan Regional Crisis.

    “Millions of people who have fled Sudan depend wholly on support from WFP, but without additional funding we will be forced to make further cuts to food assistance. This will leave vulnerable families, and particularly children, at increasingly severe risk of hunger and malnutrition.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President El-Sisi Meets Commander-in-Chief of Libya’s National Army Field Marshal Haftar


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    Today in Al-Alamain City, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. The meeting was attended by Libya’s Chief of Security Units Staff, Lieutenant General Khaled Haftar, and Libya’s Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces, Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, as well as Egypt’s Director of the General Intelligence Service, Major General Hassan Rashad.

    Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting underscored the special and close brotherly relations between Egypt and Libya. President El-Sisi reiterated that Libya’s stability is an integral part of Egypt’s national security. The President stressed that Egypt is exerting utmost efforts, in coordination with Libyan parties and the General Command of the Libyan National Army, to reinforce security and stability in Libya, preserve its unity and sovereignty, and restore its development path. President El-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s full support for all initiatives aimed at achieving these objectives.

    President El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s commitment to preserving the unity and cohesion of Libyan state institutions, reaffirming the vital need to strengthen coordination among all Libyan parties to develop a comprehensive political roadmap, paving the way for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections. President El-Sisi underlined the urgent need to counter foreign interference and work to facilitate the departure of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libyan territory.

    President El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s appreciation for the national role played by the Libyan National Army in combating terrorism, which contributed to eliminating terrorist organizations in eastern Libya. Field Marshal Haftar voiced his profound appreciation for Egypt’s pivotal role in restoring security and stability in Libya. He lauded Egypt’s unyielding efforts in supporting and assisting the Libyan people since the outbreak of the crisis, grounded in the historical relations that unite the two brotherly peoples. Field Marshal Haftar also valued Egypt’s active contribution to transferring its development experience to Libya and benefiting from the expertise of leading Egyptian companies. He affirmed commitment to overcoming challenges and realizing the Libyan people’s aspirations for stability and prosperity.

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

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Security: Joint Statement from CISA, FBI, DC3 and NSA on Potential Targeted Cyber Activity Against U.S. Critical Infrastructure by Iran

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Iranian state-sponsored or affiliated threat actors are known to conduct a range of targeted cyber activity to include exploit known vulnerabilities in unpatched or outdated software, compromise internet-connected accounts and devices that use default or weak passwords and work with ransomware affiliates to encrypt, steal and leak sensitive information.

    At this time, we have not seen indications of a coordinated campaign of malicious cyber activity in the U.S. that can be attributed to Iran. However, we are urging critical infrastructure organizations to stay vigilant to Iranian-affiliated cyber actors that may target U.S. devices and networks. We strongly urge organizations to review our joint fact sheet and implement recommended actions to strengthen our collective defense against this potential cyber activity.

     The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3) and the National Security Agency (NSA) are actively monitoring and coordinating with government, industry, and international partners to identify and share actionable intelligence and provide resources and assistance. We also strongly urge organizations report suspicious or criminal activity related to potential Iranian cyber activity.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Hyra Network Honored as “Technology Startup of the Year” at the 2025 Globee® Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The digital economy has witnessed transformative platforms that fundamentally changed resource sharing: Grab revolutionized transportation, Airbnb transformed hospitality, and Shein disrupted supply chains. Now, a Vietnamese technology company is redefining the next frontier-computational power sharing itself.

    Hyra Network has been officially named “Technology Startup of the Year” at the prestigious 2025 Globee® Awards for Technology, marking a watershed moment for decentralized artificial intelligence infrastructure. This recognition validates an ambitious vision that could reshape how the world builds, owns, and benefits from AI technology.

    (Official winner list available at: globeeawards.com/2025-winners-technology)

    The Vision Behind Innovation

    This breakthrough platform is researched and developed by Hyra Tek JCS (Vietnam) and operated by Hyra Tek Smart Solution L.L.C (UAE). Hyra Network’s mission is to democratize computational power by activating billions of idle devices and transforming everyday users into AI infrastructure providers.

    Hyra Network serves as the flagship platform alongside Hyra AI, creating an unprecedented model where computational resources are shared across distributed networks rather than concentrated in centralized data centers. If ride-sharing optimizes vehicle utilization and home-sharing maximizes property efficiency, then computational sharing unlocks vast processing power lying dormant in smartphones, computers, and IoT devices globally.

    Global Recognition for Excellence

    The Globee® Awards represent the technology sector’s highest honor, with winners selected by over 100 seasoned professionals including C-suite executives, venture capitalists, and industry analysts.

    “This honor transcends our company – it validates the entire movement toward democratized AI infrastructure,” said Mr. Jonh Tran, Founder of Hyra Network. “We’re witnessing global acknowledgment that the future of AI belongs not to centralized monopolies, but to communities that collectively own and benefit from these powerful technologies.”

    The decentralized AI infrastructure and compute resource-sharing model of Hyra Network

    Pioneering Community-Powered AI

    At its core, Hyra Tek’s innovation centers on Hyra AI, one of the world’s first Train-to-Earn platforms. This system allows users to convert personal devices into active AI training nodes, earning rewards while contributing to advanced model development. The Layer-3 blockchain architecture supports high-throughput, low-latency workloads, enabling scalable AI training and inference at the network’s edge.

    The economic model creates a virtuous cycle: participants provide computational resources, earn tangible rewards, and simultaneously advance AI capabilities that benefit the broader ecosystem.

    Global Impact

    Today, the Hyra ecosystem spans more than 205 countries, powering a global network of approximately 2.5 million connected devices, including 700,000 active online nodes and over 1 million KYC-verified users. With strong community engagement across Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, Hyra delivers more than 360,000 teraflops of distributed computing power and supports a growing base of enterprise clients – now serving over 10 paying customers. This real-world adoption reaffirms Hyra’s core belief: that distributed, permissionless infrastructure can drive meaningful innovation while remaining truly open and accessible to all.

    As artificial intelligence and DePIN technologies gain momentum, Hyra positions itself at the technological vanguard, architecting the foundation for a more equitable, intelligent, and inclusive AI future.

    Media Contact

    Jess Dao – Brand Manager
    pr@hyra.network
    Office No. C1804-166 – Mulk Nakheel Celik Building, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c68cfcf1-94ef-429d-a06b-2b7c914137de
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aba5b027-80ec-4494-8ce1-41c720be04e8
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/05a2242b-5102-458c-ba09-cde359f246cd

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Hyra Network Honored as “Technology Startup of the Year” at the 2025 Globee® Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The digital economy has witnessed transformative platforms that fundamentally changed resource sharing: Grab revolutionized transportation, Airbnb transformed hospitality, and Shein disrupted supply chains. Now, a Vietnamese technology company is redefining the next frontier-computational power sharing itself.

    Hyra Network has been officially named “Technology Startup of the Year” at the prestigious 2025 Globee® Awards for Technology, marking a watershed moment for decentralized artificial intelligence infrastructure. This recognition validates an ambitious vision that could reshape how the world builds, owns, and benefits from AI technology.

    (Official winner list available at: globeeawards.com/2025-winners-technology)

    The Vision Behind Innovation

    This breakthrough platform is researched and developed by Hyra Tek JCS (Vietnam) and operated by Hyra Tek Smart Solution L.L.C (UAE). Hyra Network’s mission is to democratize computational power by activating billions of idle devices and transforming everyday users into AI infrastructure providers.

    Hyra Network serves as the flagship platform alongside Hyra AI, creating an unprecedented model where computational resources are shared across distributed networks rather than concentrated in centralized data centers. If ride-sharing optimizes vehicle utilization and home-sharing maximizes property efficiency, then computational sharing unlocks vast processing power lying dormant in smartphones, computers, and IoT devices globally.

    Global Recognition for Excellence

    The Globee® Awards represent the technology sector’s highest honor, with winners selected by over 100 seasoned professionals including C-suite executives, venture capitalists, and industry analysts.

    “This honor transcends our company – it validates the entire movement toward democratized AI infrastructure,” said Mr. Jonh Tran, Founder of Hyra Network. “We’re witnessing global acknowledgment that the future of AI belongs not to centralized monopolies, but to communities that collectively own and benefit from these powerful technologies.”

    The decentralized AI infrastructure and compute resource-sharing model of Hyra Network

    Pioneering Community-Powered AI

    At its core, Hyra Tek’s innovation centers on Hyra AI, one of the world’s first Train-to-Earn platforms. This system allows users to convert personal devices into active AI training nodes, earning rewards while contributing to advanced model development. The Layer-3 blockchain architecture supports high-throughput, low-latency workloads, enabling scalable AI training and inference at the network’s edge.

    The economic model creates a virtuous cycle: participants provide computational resources, earn tangible rewards, and simultaneously advance AI capabilities that benefit the broader ecosystem.

    Global Impact

    Today, the Hyra ecosystem spans more than 205 countries, powering a global network of approximately 2.5 million connected devices, including 700,000 active online nodes and over 1 million KYC-verified users. With strong community engagement across Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, Hyra delivers more than 360,000 teraflops of distributed computing power and supports a growing base of enterprise clients – now serving over 10 paying customers. This real-world adoption reaffirms Hyra’s core belief: that distributed, permissionless infrastructure can drive meaningful innovation while remaining truly open and accessible to all.

    As artificial intelligence and DePIN technologies gain momentum, Hyra positions itself at the technological vanguard, architecting the foundation for a more equitable, intelligent, and inclusive AI future.

    Media Contact

    Jess Dao – Brand Manager
    pr@hyra.network
    Office No. C1804-166 – Mulk Nakheel Celik Building, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c68cfcf1-94ef-429d-a06b-2b7c914137de
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aba5b027-80ec-4494-8ce1-41c720be04e8
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/05a2242b-5102-458c-ba09-cde359f246cd

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Welcomes DRC–Rwanda Peace Agreement as Milestone Toward Lasting Stability

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Geneva/Nairobi, 30 June 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) welcomes the signing of a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, brokered by the United States, the African Union, and the State of Qatar. The agreement represents a critical step toward ending decades of violence and displacement in the region and comes at a symbolic moment as the DRC marks 65 years of independence.

    “This agreement offers a rare and vital opportunity to chart a new course for peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “But peace must be felt on the ground. It must mean safety for families who have fled their homes, support for communities that have opened their doors to the displaced, and a future for young people who have known nothing but conflict. We call on the international community to seize this moment not just to support the political process, but to invest in the humanitarian and recovery efforts that will make peace real for millions of people.”

    Across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, millions continue to bear the brunt of one of the world’s most persistent and complex crises. In the eastern provinces alone, more than 700,000 people have been displaced since the start of 2024, forced to flee their homes as violence intensifies. Families have been uprooted multiple times, often with little more than what they can carry, seeking safety in overcrowded shelters, informal sites, or host communities that are already under strain.

    IOM teams have been delivering lifesaving assistance across the country, providing emergency shelter, health care, protection services, and mental health and psychosocial support to those most affected by the violence. Support is also being extended to host communities, many of whom are facing immense pressure as they take in those who have been forced to flee.

    While the peace agreement marks a hopeful turning point, the road to lasting stability will be long and complex. Years of conflict have left deep scars and humanitarian needs remain staggering. The peace agreement must now be matched by meaningful action on the ground.

    IOM reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Organization stands ready to work alongside national authorities, regional bodies, and international partners to ensure that this agreement translates into real and lasting progress, restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and helping communities recover from the impacts of violence and displacement.

    For more information, please visit IOM’s Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) renewing their collaboration on sustainable economic development for Africa

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

    The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have signed an agreement strengthening their collaboration on sustainable economic development, designed to boost infrastructure development and economic opportunities across the African continent.  

    The Memorandum of Understanding, which builds on an earlier one in 2018, was signed by African Development Bank president, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and AIIB President and Chair of the Board of Directors Jin Liqun on Saturday 28 June. The signing took place on the sidelines of a meeting of Heads of Multilateral Development Banks held in Paris, France, the same day. 

    The agreement outlines continued collaboration from both parties in six priority areas, aligned with the Bank Group’s Ten-Year Strategy 2024–2033 as well as AIIB’s Corporate Strategy and its Strategy on Financing Operations in Non-Regional Members. The areas are:  

    (i) Green infrastructure 

    (ii) Industrialization 

    (iii) Private capital mobilization including Public – Private Partnerships 

    (iv) Cross-border-connectivity 

    (v) Digitalization; and  

    (vi) Policy-based financing 

    The MOU will promote among other things, co-financing, co-guaranteeing and other forms of joint participation in financial assistance for development projects primarily in sustainable infrastructure. The African Development Bank and AIIB’s existing cooperation in this area, includes providing guarantees to support the issuance of Egypt’s first Sustainable Panda Bond in 2023, valued at RMB 3.5 billion.  

    This historic issuance—backed by guarantees from both AfDB and AIIB—marked the first African sovereign bond placed in the Chinese interbank bond market. The guarantees provided by the two triple-A-rated multilateral banks were instrumental in de-risking the transaction, enabling Egypt to secure competitive terms and attract investor confidence. 

    “This partnership continues to be an effective pathway to provide economic development for our member countries, especially in infrastructure. By reaffirming today, we are boosting energy access by accelerating Mission 300 which is targeting to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030,” Dr Adesina said. 

    Mr. Jin Liqun remarked: “The renewal of our partnership with the African Development Bank reflects AIIB’s commitment to supporting sustainable development beyond Asia. Through this collaboration, we can leverage our combined expertise to deliver transformative projects that will benefit millions across the continent and create prosperity through quality infrastructure investment.” 

    – on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Contact: 
    Amba Mpoke-Bigg
    Communication and External Relations Department
    email: media@afdb.org

    About the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): 
    The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is a multilateral development bank with a mission to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia and beyond. Headquartered in Beijing, we commenced operations in January 2016 and have now grown to 84 approved members from around the world. By investing in sustainable infrastructure and other productive sectors today, we will better connect people, services and markets that over time will impact the lives of billions and build a better future. 

    About the African Development Bank Group: 
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states.

    For more information: www.AfDB.org

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI USA: Torres Slams Homeland Security Funding Bill That Slashes FEMA, Cybersecurity, and Veterans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

    June 27, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) condemned the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations bill during a full committee markup, calling it “dangerous, cruel, and a threat to public safety, constitutional rights, and national security.” Torres blasted House Republicans for gutting FEMA, slashing cybersecurity funding, and enabling violent immigration enforcement tactics that have led to the wrongful detention and deportation of immigrants, veterans, and even U.S. citizens.

    This past January, the Los Angeles area faced devastating wildfires.  Thousands of families lost their homes, hundreds of business owners lost their businesses, and there has been serious damage to roads, schools, and more.And since that time, more major disaster declarations have piled up.  Since January, there have been 25 major disaster declarations by FEMA. Natural disasters don’t look at state boundaries or political representatives- and when it comes to helping Americans in desperate need, we shouldn’t either.

    “This bill isn’t about safety — it’s about playing politics with people’s lives,” said Torres. “It dismantles disaster response, leaves our critical infrastructure vulnerable to cyberattacks, and bankrolls the unconstitutional targeting of communities like mine. From the wildfires in California to ICE raids on our streets, this bill cuts where we can least afford it and prioritizes cruelty over security.”

    Torres also warned that the bill cripples the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) just as the nation faces escalating threats from Iran and other adversaries. She announced the introduction of the Protecting America’s Cybersecurity Act to restore vital funding and staffing at CISA.

    Her due process for veterans amendment, would ensure that noncitizen veterans are not deported without access to legal representation. Non-citizen veterans can enlist in the military if they are legally residing in the United States. That means they chose to defend a country that isn’t their birthplace. They weren’t born here, but they believed in America enough to fight for it. That is a powerful act of loyalty and they should be given due process. 

    To address key gaps in the bill, Torres introduced three amendments:

    • Amendment #1: Provides $16.8 billion in emergency FEMA funding to help communities recover from major disasters in 2025, including wildfires, floods, and tornadoes across at least 13 states.

    • Amendment #2: Blocks any funding from being used to dismantle or undermine the Flores Settlement Agreement, which protects children in immigration custody with basic standards like safe conditions and limits on detention time.

    • Amendment #3: Prohibits the deportation of non-citizen U.S. military veterans without legal counsel and a fair hearing, and requires DHS to report on veteran deportation cases. Torres highlighted the recent deportation of Purple Heart Army veteran Sae Joon Park as a devastating example of injustice.

    Torres urged her colleagues to reject the bill and support amendments that restore public safety, protect children and veterans, and uphold the Constitution.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Torres Condemns Republicans for Cutting $400 Million from Congressional Watchdog to Stop Investigations into the Trump Administration’s Illegal Actions

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

    June 27, 2025

    Republicans Reject Rep. Torres’ Amendment to Protect the Government Accountability Office, Instead Choosing to Fund Trump’s $400 Million Luxury Jetliner Gift from Qatar

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres condemned the Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill during a full committee markup and led an amendment to prevent Republicans from cutting $400 million from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent watchdog that roots out waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government. Every dollar invested in the GAO results in $123 in savings, making GAO Congress’ most effective watchdog for protecting taxpayer dollars. Since 2002, the GAO’s work has led to $1.45 trillion in savings. Congresswoman Torres’ amendment would have increased funding for this important agency by $400 million, paid for by rescinded  taxpayer dollars that will  be used to convert Trump’s luxury jetliner gifted from Qatar earlier this year. Republicans voted to reject this amendment. 

    “Republicans say they care about waste, fraud, and abuse, but support $400 million of taxpayer dollars to give President Trump a luxury jetliner. At the same time, they say “responsible spending” is why they are cutting that same amount, $400 million, from the Government Accountability Office, which is Congress’ most effective watchdog at rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse. This comes as the GAO is conducting nearly 40 investigations into the Trump Administration for illegally freezing or holding Congressional funding,” said Congresswoman Torres (CA-35). “I’m disappointed, but not surprised that Republicans rejected my amendment to stop Americans from paying for a private jet for Trump while ensuring Congress’ watchdog has the resources it needs to investigate violations of the law.” 

    At the markup, Rep. Torres joined Democrats in successfully fighting to allow Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients to work in the Legislative Branch through an amendment from Congressman Pete Aguilar (CA-33).

    The Republican FY2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill: 

    • Aids and abets President Trump in continuing to steal money promised to the American taxpayer by gutting and politicizing the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office, slashing its budget by half (nearly $400 million) and undermines the rule of law across the federal government by restricting the GAO from bringing civil actions against any department, agency, officer, or employee of the United States for failing to comply with the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974.

    • Threatens the preservation of our nation’s history and culture by slashing resources for the Library of Congress.

    • Shows House Republicans are continuing to ignore the sacrifices of the United States Capitol Police by failing to call for the immediate installation of the completed January 6 plaque honoring law enforcement.  

    For More Information on the bill, please click here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Minovia Therapeutics Announces FDA Fast Track and Rare Pediatric Disease Designations for MNV-201 in Pearson Syndrome

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Haifa, ISRAEL, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Minovia Therapeutics Ltd. (“Minovia” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel therapies to treat mitochondrial diseases and combat age-related decline, announces that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track Designation to the Company’s lead investigational compound, MNV-201. The FDA has also granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to MNV-201, which is in Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of Pearson Syndrome, an ultra-rare and life-threatening mitochondrial disorder affecting children.

    “Both Fast Track Designation and Pediatric Rare Disease Designation are critical milestones for Minovia, as they strongly validate the clinical approach for our science, while also acknowledging the urgent need for new treatment options for Pearson Syndrome. Importantly, these FDA designations help us to decrease the potential time to market and provide additional benefits across the FDA process that will prove both medically and financially valuable,” said Minovia Co-founder and CEO, Natalie Yivgi-Ohana, Ph.D.

    FDA’s Fast Track Designation is designed to accelerate the development and review of therapies for serious or life-threatening conditions with unmet medical need. The designation provides Minovia with the opportunity for increased FDA interactions, potential eligibility for priority review, and the opportunity for a rolling submission of a future Biologics License Application (BLA) for MNV-201. Concurrently, Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPD) is granted to drugs which are under development for rare childhood diseases and provides the Company with the potential to receive a pediatric priority review voucher (PRV) if the drug is initially approved for that rare childhood disease. A PRV grants the holder an expedited six-month review of a new drug application. PRVs are tradeable and have historically commanded prices in excess of US$100 million, although currently PRV programs are on hold awaiting reauthorization by Congress.

    Minovia is currently conducting an IND-enabled Phase 2 clinical trial of MNV-201 in Pearson Syndrome. The Company is advancing interactions with the FDA to finalize a pivotal trial design and expects to initiate registrational studies in 2026.

    The Company also recently announced entry into a definitive business combination agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”) with Launch One Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: LPAA, “Launch One”), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company. Following the expected closing of the transaction contemplated by this Business Combination Agreement (the “Business Combination”), projected for late 2025, the combined company will operate as Minovia Therapeutics and trade on Nasdaq under a new ticker symbol.

    About MNV-201

    MNV-201 is a first-in-class cell therapy that uses Minovia’s proprietary Mitochondrial Augmentation Technology (MAT) to add healthy, energy-producing mitochondria into a patient’s own stem cells — aiming to restore organ function and improve health. In early-stage clinical studies, MAT has demonstrated a strong safety profile and signs of multi-system benefit in patients with Pearson Syndrome, including improvements in growth, muscle function, hematologic stability, and improved quality of life.

    About Pearson Syndrome

    Pearson Syndrome is caused by large-scale deletions in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that impair the energy-generating function of cells, leading to bone marrow failure, metabolic crises, and organ dysfunction. With no approved therapies, current care is purely supportive, and patients die during childhood.

    About Minovia Therapeutics

    Minovia Therapeutics, chaired by John Cox, is a clinical-state biotechnology company working on treatments to replace dead or defective mitochondria with new healthy mitochondria, helping people with mitochondrial diseases and fighting aging. Its main treatment, MNV-201, is already being tested for Pearson Syndrome and Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Minovia is also developing ways to help people live longer, healthier lives. Based in Haifa, Israel, where it operates a GMP facility for mitochondrial drug substance and drug product manufacturing for clinical trials related to its therapy, Minovia is expanding to the U.S. For more information, visit www.minoviatx.com.

    About Launch One Acquisition Corp.

    Launch One Acquisition Corp. is a company set up to merge with and take public an exciting business in healthcare or technology. Listed on Nasdaq under the ticker LPAA, Launch One is led by experienced leaders who want to support game-changing solutions. For more information, contact Jurgen van de Vyver at jurgen@launchpad.vc.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the Business Combination and the Business Combination Agreement, among Launch One, Minovia and Mito US One Ltd., a newly formed Israeli company limited by shares (“Pubco”), and certain other parties named therein. Launch One and Minovia intend to file relevant materials with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including a Registration Statement on Form F-4 of Pubco (the “Registration Statement”), which will include a proxy statement/prospectus of Launch One, and will file other documents regarding the proposed Business Combination with the SEC. This communication is not intended to be, and is not, a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus or any other document that Launch One has filed or may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed Business Combination. The Registration Statement has not been filed or declared effective by the SEC. Following such filing and upon such declaration of effectiveness, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus contained within the Registration Statement and other relevant materials for the proposed Business Combination will be mailed or made available to stockholders of Launch One as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed Business Combination.

    Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and stockholders of Launch One are urged to carefully read, when they become available, the entire Registration Statement, the proxy statement/prospectus, and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to these documents, and the documents incorporated by reference therein, because they will contain important information about Launch One, Minovia, Pubco and the proposed Business Combination. Launch One’s investors and stockholders and other interested persons will also be able to obtain copies of the Registration Statement, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, other documents filed with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein, and all other relevant documents filed with the SEC by Launch One and/or Pubco in connection with the Business Combination, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to Launch One or Minovia at the addresses set forth below.

    Participants In the Solicitation

    Launch One, Minovia, Pubco and their respective directors, executive officers, other members of management and employees may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Launch One’s stockholders with respect to the Business Combination. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, and interests in the Business Combination, of Launch One’s directors and officers in Pubco’s and Launch One’s filings with the SEC, including, when filed with the SEC, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, amendments and supplements thereto, and other documents filed with the SEC. Such information with respect to Minovia’s directors and executive officers will also be included in the proxy statement/prospectus. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described above under the heading “Additional Information and Where to Find It.”

    Non-Solicitation

    This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential transaction and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of Launch One, Pubco, or Minovia, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about future events or Minovia’s, Launch One’s, or Pubco’s future financial or operating performance. For example, statements regarding the development and regulatory approval of MNV-201, the implications of Fast Track Designation, RPD and PRVs and the timing of future clinical trials or potential applications are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “project,” “strive,” “budget,” “forecast,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology.

    These forward-looking statements regarding future events and the future results of Minovia or Launch One are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industry in which Minovia or Launch One operates, as well as the beliefs and assumptions of Minovia’s and Launch One’s management. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to, without limitation, (i) known and unknown risks, including the risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the final prospectus of Launch One relating to its initial public offering filed with the SEC, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by Launch One or Pubco; (ii) uncertainties; (iii) assumptions; and (v) other factors beyond Minovia’s or Launch One’s control that are difficult to predict because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. They are neither statements of historical fact nor promises or guarantees of future performance. Therefore, Minovia’s actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements and Minovia and Launch One therefore caution against relying on any of these forward-looking statements.

    These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Minovia and its management, as the case may be, are inherently uncertain and are inherently subject to risks, variability and contingencies, many of which are beyond Minovia’s or Launch One’s control. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement and any subsequent definitive agreements with respect to the Business Combination; (ii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Launch One, Minovia, Pubco, or others following the announcement of the Business Combination and any definitive agreements with respect thereto; (iii) the inability to complete the Business Combination due to the failure to obtain consents and approvals of the shareholders of Launch One and Minovia, to obtain financing to complete the Business Combination or to satisfy other conditions to closing, or delays in obtaining, adverse conditions contained in, or the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals required to complete the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement; (iv) changes to the proposed structure of the Business Combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations or as a condition to obtaining regulatory approval of the Business Combination; (v) projections, estimates and forecasts of revenue and other financial and performance metrics, projections of market opportunity and expectations, and the estimated implied enterprise value of Minovia; (vi) Minovia’s ability to scale and grow its business, and the advantages and expected growth of Minovia; (vii) Minovia’s ability to source and retain talent, and the cash position of Minovia following closing of the Business Combination; (viii) the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards in connection with, and following, the consummation of the Business Combination; (ix) the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations of Minovia as a result of the announcement and consummation of the Business Combination; (x) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of Minovia to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain key relationships and retain its management and key employees; (xi) costs related to the Business Combination; (xii) changes in applicable laws, regulations, political and economic developments; (xiii) the possibility that Minovia may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; (xiv) Minovia’s estimates of expenses and profitability; (xv) the failure to realize estimated shareholder redemptions, purchase price and other adjustments; and (xvi) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the filings by Launch One and Minovia with the SEC. There may be additional risks that neither Launch One nor Minovia presently know or that Launch One and Minovia currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Launch One or Minovia speak only as of the date they are made. Neither Launch One nor Minovia undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect any changes in their respective expectations with regard thereto or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

    Contact

    Minovia Therapeutics Ltd.
    Natalie Yivgi Ohana, Co-Founder and CEO
    +972-74-7039954
    info@minoviatx.com

    Launch One Acquisition Corp.
    Jurgen van de Vyver
    jurgen@launchpad.vc
    +1-510-692-9600

    Investor Relations
    Dave Gentry, CEO
    RedChip Companies
    +1-407-644-4256
    LPAA@redchip.com

    Investor Relations
    Jules Abraham
    Managing Director, Communications
    CORE IR
    1-212-655-0924
    Julesa@coreir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: CBB Delegation Visits Amazon Web Services in London

    Source: Central Bank of Bahrain

    Published on 30 June 2025

    Manama, Bahrain – 30 June 2025: A delegation of officials from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), led by H.E. the Governor Khalid Humaidan, visited Amazon Web Services (AWS) at its headquarters in London, United Kingdom. The delegation, which included Mr. Mohamed Abdulkarim, Executive Director – Corporate Services, Mr. Mohamed Al Sadek, Executive Director – Market Development and Mrs. Noora Abdulghani, Executive Director – Supervision, was welcomed by Ms. Tanuja Randery, Managing Director of AWS for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

    As part of the visit, the delegation participated in an executive briefing session that featured a series of presentations on various topics. These included emerging innovations contributing to the financial sector’s digital transformation, the role of advanced technologies in strengthening the supervisory and regulatory capabilities of central banks, and the strategic value of data analytics in unlocking business opportunities in financial services.

    Commenting on the visit, H.E. Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, stated: “It was a pleasure to visit Amazon Web Services, a global leader in cloud solutions and data analytics. This engagement marks a crucial step in strengthening collaboration and exchanging knowledge and reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and enhancing the financial services sector in Bahrain. It also underscores our determination to remain adaptive in a rapidly evolving financial services landscape, reinforcing our growth and stability mandate across the sector.”

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    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Iranian national and wife federally indicted after wife threatens to shoot ICE officers in Tempe as a result of an ICE Arizona investigation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    PHOENIX, Ariz. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment June 24 against Iranian national, Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand, 40, of Tempe, Arizona for alien in possession of a firearm, and against his wife, Linet Vartanniavartanians, 37, a U.S. citizen from Tempe, Arizona, for threatening to assault a federal officer. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the FBI are conducting the investigation in this case.

    Documents filed in the case allege that ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers went to Eidivand and Vartanniavartanians’ Tempe residence on Saturday, June 21, to administratively arrest Eidivand for failing to comply with a 2013 removal order. Eidivand had challenged the removal order on several occasions, but the Board of Immigration Appeals denied those motions repeatedly. Despite the court order to return to his home country, Eidivand remained in the U.S. over a decade.

    When ICE ERO officers arrived at the couple’s residence, they announced themselves and were answered by Vartanniavartanians, who refused to open the door and told the officers to return with a warrant. Shortly thereafter, Tempe Police officers arrived on the scene and told ICE ERO that Vartanniavartanians had called the police and threatened to shoot the federal officers. She claimed that she had a loaded gun and that she would shoot anyone who tried to come inside the house. She also threatened to go outside and shoot ICE officers in the head. When the police dispatcher spoke with Eidivand, he confirmed that there were guns in the home.

    The following day, June 22, special agents with ICE Homeland Security Investigations and officers from ICE ERO executed a federal search warrant on the residence. Inside the home, agents found a loaded firearm on the kitchen counter and a second loaded firearm on a nightstand. Both Vartanniavartanians and Eidivand were arrested at the scene and taken into custody without further incident.

    A conviction for alien in possession of a firearm carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both. A conviction for threatening to assault a federal officer carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Addison Owen, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Why bending over backwards to agree with Donald Trump is a perilous strategy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew Gawthorpe, Lecturer in History and International Studies, Leiden University

    Donald Trump is a difficult figure to deal with, both for foreign leaders and figures closer to home who find themselves in his crosshairs. The US president is unpredictable, sensitive and willing to break the rules to get his way.

    But in Trump’s second term, a variety of different leaders and institutions seem to have settled on a way to handle him. The key, they seem to think, is flattery. The most obvious example came at the recently concluded Nato summit in The Hague, Netherlands, where world leaders got together to discuss the future of the alliance.

    Previous summits with Trump have descended into recrimination and backbiting. The organisers were determined to avoid a repeat – and decided the best way to do it was to make Trump feel really, really good about himself.

    Even before the summit began, Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte had texted Trump to thank him for his “decisive action” in bombing Iran. This, he said, was something “no one else dared to do”.

    Then, when discussing Trump’s role in ending the war between Israel and Iran, Rutte referred to Trump as “daddy” – a name the White House has already transformed into a meme.

    The summit itself was light on the sort of contentious and detailed policy discussions that have historically bored and angered Trump.

    Instead, it was reduced to a series of photo opportunities and speeches in which other leaders lavished praise on Trump. Lithuania’s president, Gitanas Nausėda, even suggested the alliance ought to copy Trump’s political movement by adopting the phrase “make Nato great again”.

    Nato leaders aren’t the only ones trying this trick. British prime minister Keir Starmer has had a go at it too. Starmer has made sure that Trump will be the first US president to make a second state visit to the UK. He described the honour in Trump-like terms: “This has never happened before. It’s so incredible. It will be historic.”

    After Trump announced global trade tariffs earlier in the year, Starmer was the first leader to give Trump a much-needed victory by reaching a framework trade agreement. But it worked both ways, with Starmer able to land a political victory too.

    In his first term, flattery was also seen as a tool to be used to get Trump onside. Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky tried it in phone conversations with the US president, calling him a “great teacher” from whom he learned “skills and knowledge”.

    Flattery and compliance clearly have their uses. Trump is extremely sensitive to criticism and susceptible to praise, however hyperbolic and transparent it might be. Buttering him up may be an effective way to get him to back off.

    But it doesn’t achieve much else. At the Nato summit, an opportunity was missed to make progress on issues of real importance, such as how to better support Ukraine in its war against Russia or to better coordinate European defence spending.

    A summit dedicated to the sole aim of making Trump feel good is one with very limited aims indeed. All it does is push the difficult decisions forward for another day.

    A missed opportunity

    Individual decisions to bow down to Trump also mean missing the opportunity to mount collective resistance. One country might not be able to stand up to the president, but the odds of doing so would be greatly improved if leaders banded together.

    For example, Trump’s trade tariffs will damage the US economy as well as those of its trading partners. That is especially the case if those partners impose tariffs of their own on US goods.

    If each country instead follows Britain’s lead in the hope of getting the best deal for itself, they will have missed the opportunity to force the president to feel some discomfort of his own – and possibly change course.

    But perhaps the greatest danger of flattering Trump is that it teaches him that he can get away with doing pretty much whatever he likes. For a president who has threatened to annex the territory of Nato allies Denmark and Canada to nevertheless be feted at a Nato summit sends a message of impunity.

    That’s a dangerous lesson for Trump to learn. He has spent much of his second term undermining democratic and liberal norms at home and key tenets of US foreign policy abroad, such as hostility to Russia. He is attempting to undermine all traditional sources of authority and expertise and instead make the world dance to his own tune.

    Given the expansive scope of his aims, which many experts already think is leading to a constitutional crisis that threatens democracy, the willingness to suck up to Trump normalises him in a menacing way.

    When his targets roll over, it sends a message to others that Trump is unstoppable and resistance is futile. It encourages not just the next presidential abuse of power, but also the next surrender from those he chooses to attack.

    Perhaps the best that can be said for this strategy is that maybe it will appease Trump enough to prevent him from doing too much actual harm. But when dealing with such an unpredictable and vindictive president, that is a thin reed of hope.

    It is much more likely to encourage him to press on – until the harm becomes too severe to ignore.

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

    ref. Why bending over backwards to agree with Donald Trump is a perilous strategy – https://theconversation.com/why-bending-over-backwards-to-agree-with-donald-trump-is-a-perilous-strategy-259936

    MIL OSI