#ICYMI Earlier today the #USArmy announced our Best of the Best for 2024.
#ArmyBestSquad: United States Army Pacific Command
Soldier of the Year: Spc. Mason Breunig, USARPAC
NCO of the Year: Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Haynes, U.S. Army Medical Command
These Soldiers were selected after competing in the week-long Best Squad Competition.
The competition features a multitude of different fitness and combat-related events ranging from the Army Combat Fitness Test and various weapons lanes, to a strenuous 12-mile foot march and detailed individual warrior tasks and squad battle drills.
Remarks by Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, on the situation in the Middle East – Security Council, 9746th meeting.
—————————–
Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, for his part said, “this situation has put our peacekeepers at serious risk” and reported several incidents, including the wounding of two peacekeepers earlier today who were “hit by tank fire.”
Also this morning, Lacroix said, “IDF soldiers fired on a UN position [UNP 1-31] from an opening in the fence made by the IDF the previous day during adjacent ground works. Several vehicles and a communications system were damaged.”
The peacekeeping Chief said, “previously I have highlighted that Hizbullah activities in the vicinity of UN positions held the potential to draw return fire. Now, we face a similar situation with the Israel Defence Forces installing positions directly adjacent to UN positions – a development that we strongly protest.”
He reported that the UN Mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL’s operational activities “have virtually come to a halt since 23 September” as peacekeepers “have been confined to their bases with significant periods of time in shelter” limiting the Mission’s monitoring and reporting ability.
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
Look out for this House of Lords debate on electric vehicles, coming up on Wednesday 16 October. Members are expected to discuss the process of a successful transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and meeting net zero targets.
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
The House of Lords Public Services Committee has published its report on the transition from education to work for young disabled people. It calls on the government to work with employers to ensure they have the tools and support they need to create inclusive workplaces. The report also calls for increased awareness of the workplace rights of disabled people and the urgent need for systems to tackle workplace discrimination.
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
The House of Lords Public Services Committee has published its report on the transition from education to work for young disabled people. It calls on the government to work with employers to ensure they have the tools and support they need to create inclusive workplaces. The report also calls for increased awareness of the workplace rights of disabled people and the urgent need for systems to tackle workplace discrimination.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)
MINISTER MACPHERSON TO ANNOUNCE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND STEPS TO TURBOCHARGE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT TO ACHIEVE 1.5% ADDITIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CREATE JOBS
The United Nations doesn’t have an army; instead, it deploys peacekeepers to some of the most troubled places on earth to try and bring lasting stability.
Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, on Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to Nihon Hidankyo for its work advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons.
The summit is an opportunity for the EU to develop a closer partnership with the GCC and its member states (the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar and the State of Kuwait), who are geostrategic partners at a time of challenging geopolitical circumstances.
Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:
Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
On Wednesday, October 16 at 09:00 AM ET, we will release new research on the recent global inflation surge. Our analysis explores how supply chain disruptions and demand shifts fueled inflation, and examines the impact of monetary tightening.
Informal comments to the media by Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, on the situation in Lebanon.
—————————-
Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix told reporters today (14 Oct) after the Security Council closed consultations in New York City, “the decision was made that UNIFIL would currently stay in all its position, in spite of the calls that were made by the Israeli Defense Forces to vacate the position that are in the vicinity of the Blue Line. I want to emphasize that this decision still remains.”
The Under-Secretary-General emphasized ongoing communication efforts. He said, “the liaison mechanism continues to work,” adding that he would be meeting with the Israeli Permanent Representative on Tuesday (15 Oct) for further discussions.
Lacroix also underscored the importance of maintaining open routes for UNIFIL’s operational needs. He said, “the movements that need to be carried out by UNIFIL with the purpose of resupplying position, with the purpose of supporting the civilian population, those movements need to be deconflicted, and they need to be also cleared by the parties, including the IDF.”
Despite security concerns Lacroix reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to peacekeeping in southern Lebanon. He appealed to all parties saying, “our main call to all the parties is to respect their international obligation when it comes to protecting the safety and security of peacekeepers.”
Lacroix reiterated UNIFIL’s mandate, which is to aid in the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. He said, “it’s for the parties to implement resolution 1701. UNIFIL are not mandated to implement, and certainly not to enforce, resolution 1701.”
Informal comments to the media by Pascale Baeriswyl, President of the UN Security Council for the month of October and Permanent Representative of Switzerland, following the Lebanon/UNIFIL Consultations.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell hosts a virtual briefing on Friday to discuss FEMA’s actions responding to Hurricane Milton and the ongoing recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene.
*Disclaimer: Audio is choppy for the first 9 minutes, and this is an audio only recording.*
Administrator’s Opening Remarks:
Good afternoon, everyone. I’m coming to you from Martin County and Port St. Lucie, Florida to provide updates on early recovery efforts to Hurricane Milton and the incredible work being done to help people recover from Hurricane Helene.
My heart goes out to all those impacted by these two storms, and I want to assure you that the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to being with those impacted every step of the way as they jumpstart their recovery.
I spent yesterday and today visiting communities across Florida, assessing damage and meeting with survivors.
I saw neighbors helping neighbors and communities coming together during this difficult time.
In fact, I just came back from a community event where organizations have banded together to serve barbeque and other hot meals to people who have been impacted by devastating tornados caused by Hurricane Milton.
When people picture hurricanes, wind and floods most often come to mind. But Milton was a stark reminder of the threat tornados pose and the importance of heeding the warnings provided by emergency alerts.
Over 30 (38) tornados touched down as Milton swept across the state. As we surveyed the damage, we saw dozens of homes completely destroyed.
Our strong partnership with Florida enabled us to take swift action to pre-position people, resources and supplies so we could be prepared to meet the needs of survivors as soon as it was safe to do so. I want to recognize the heroic work of first responders and rescue teams, many of which FEMA brought in from across the country before the storm. Together, we were ready for a catastrophic storm.
While the wind and storm surge impacts from Milton were less than originally forecast on Florida’s west coast, the tornado damage in the eastern parts of the state showed that this was a statewide disaster that will require the whole federal family to support Florida’s recovery.
Today, I want to break down for you exactly what we are doing to help the state and Floridians recover from both storms.
I am committed to ensuring people get the help they need and deserve to make a full recovery. In fact, I’m pleased to share that we have already flowed over $150 million dollars to Floridians from Helene alone. Just this morning, Governor DeSantis submitted an expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Milton, and I have directed my team to process the request as quickly as possible to open up FEMA’s programs immediately.
I will be heading back to North Carolina tonight, and I look forward to seeing our progress there. My Deputy Administrator, Erik Hooks, a North Carolina native, has been on the ground the last few days.
The President and Vice President have called on me to do everything I can to help people recover and my leadership team on the ground across the southeast continues to work every day to do just that.
As I look back on nearly two weeks in the field since the onset of Helene, I have seen people rise above unimaginable tragedy and communities come together to mend each other’s hearts. Helping people is a simple human reaction, and that’s what we’ll continue to do.
Remarks by Ms. Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, on the situation in the Middle East – Security Council, 9746th meeting.
———————–
The Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council that “the devastating conflict in Lebanon, coupled with intensified strikes in Syria and the raging violence in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, points to a region dangerously teetering on the brink of an all-out war” and said, “our collective inability to stop the violence and stem the bloodshed is damning.”
DiCarlo said, “Hizbullah and other non-state armed groups must stop firing rockets and missiles into Israel. We urge Israel to stop its bombardment of Lebanon and to withdraw its ground forces. The parties must seize the diplomatic options put on the table before them, not the weapons by their side.”
She urged the parties to commit to a return to a cessation of hostilities, and the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701 (2006).
DiCarlo said, “the Lebanese state must have control over all weapons within its territory. We see what happens when it does not. The political impasse for the election of a president is approaching two years. At this time of crisis, I urge Lebanon’s political leaders to take resolute steps towards addressing the vacuum.”
She added, “the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Lebanon and Israel must be respected.”
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Dedicated public servants at FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center are working tirelessly to support those affected by Milton and Helene. Their commitment to helping communities recover is inspiring.
Declaring that the people of Myanmar need peace, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on countries to leverage their influence towards an inclusive political solution to the conflict there. In remarks to reporters in Laos, he also said priority should go to the protection of civilians in line with international humanitarian law.
The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.
Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L
The LIVE Recording of A View from Afar podcast will begin today, Monday at 12:45pm October 14, 2024 (NZST) which is Sunday evening, 7:45pm (USEST).
In this episode of A View From Afar political scientist Paul Buchanan and host Selwyn Manning I will analyse how the state of Israel has gone rogue, attacking United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.
At this juncture it is clear this is an intentional attack. Over the past week Israel Defense Force troops have repeatedly attacked UN peacekeepers who were authorised and deployed to the region by the United Nations Security Council.
Also last week; the Government of Israel issued a statement notifying the United Nations Secretary General that he was now banned from Israel and was persona non grata.
Within a day of that statement, IDF troops had fired on UN peacekeeping positions in Southern Lebanon. Since then, the IDF has continued operations that threaten the UN’s presence.
And Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has now issued a directive to the UN peacekeeping force to withdraw from the area north of its borders in Southern Lebanon.
Also, despite the United States Biden Administration cautioning Israel on its attacks on UN personnel, overnight New Zealand time, the United States has deployed 100 US troops on the ground in Israel to operate missile defence systems.
Today, Paul and Selwyn will consider:
* Why Israel has begun to attack United Nations peacekeepers in the region?
* Why has the United Nations deepened its involvement in Israel’s so-called defence?
* What of Hezbollah, Hamas; are their attacks on Israel a defence or an attacking offensive?
* What of Iran, what is its position and will it engage in a full-scale war with Israel and what are the consequences should it do so?
Live Audience: Remember, if you are joining us live via the social media platforms, feel free to comment as we can include your comments and questions in this programme.
INTERACTION WHILE LIVE:
Paul and Selwyn encourage their live audience to interact while they are live with questions and comments.
To interact during the live recording of this podcast, go to Youtube.com/c/EveningReport/
Remember to subscribe to the channel.
For the on-demand audience, you can also keep the conversation going on this debate by clicking on one of the social media channels below:
Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)
Global goods trade is projected to post a 2.7% increase in 2024, up slightly from the previous estimate of 2.6%, WTO economists said in an updated forecast on 10 October. The volume of world merchandise trade is likely to increase by 3.0% in 2025; however, rising geopolitical tensions and increased economic policy uncertainty continue to pose substantial downside risks to the forecast. Services trade have a more favourable outlook compared to goods according to leading indicators.
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee questions Sir Patrick Vallance, now Lord Vallance of Balham, on his general responsibilities as Minister for Science and issues related to its ongoing inquiry into engineering biology. Watch live from 10:15am on Tuesday 15 October.
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
Members help students engage with the work of the House of Lords through our Learn with the Lords programme.
Hear from Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, Lord Haskel, Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle and Baroness Fookes about why they take part in the programme and why they feel it’s important for young people to get involved with @UKParliament and democracy.
Security Council briefing by Lisa Doughten, Director, Financing and Partnerships Division, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), on the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in both Gaza and the West Bank.
—
The past year has brought unimaginable suffering. It has been one year since the horrendous attack by Hamas and other armed groups in Israel. And rockets continue to be fired indiscriminately into Israel.
Few times in recent history have we witnessed suffering and destruction of the size, scale, and scope that we see in Gaza. In the past year, this Council has been briefed repeatedly on the horror unfolding in Gaza, at least monthly on average.
Once again, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. Unfortunately, much of what I am about to say mirrors what we reported a month ago. Widespread suffering persists while the humanitarian situation worsens.
—
Nearly every one of the more than 2 million people in Gaza receives some form of aid or service provision from UNRWA, along with nearly one million Palestine refugees in the West Bank. If approved, such legislation would be diametrically opposed to the UN Charter and in violation of Israel’s obligations under international law.
—
Evacuation orders are meant to protect civilians, but the exact opposite is happening. As we have said so many times, there is no safe place in Gaza.
Three of the ten partially functional hospitals in the north have been ordered to evacuate all patients without providing alternatives for relocating them. We have not been able to get fuel to other hospitals in the north.
There has been no electricity since October last year. Without electricity, or fuel for the generators, everything shuts down: medical facilities, water, sanitation, and other essential services.
—
Humanitarian partners report that women and children are hard-hit by the trauma of this war.
Each day, according to UNRWA,10 children are losing one or both of their legs. Gaza is home to the largest cohort of child amputees in modern history. Women are three times more likely to miscarry, and three times more likely to die from childbirth.
And, yet humanitarians are not giving up.
—
Urgent diplomatic efforts are needed to de-escalate the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and to prevent a wider regional descent into bloodshed.
Member States must take steps to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a path towards sustainable peace.
These atrocities must end.
Security council briefing by Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
USDA leadership, governmental and non-governmental partners will host an expo featuring Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, a historic $3 billion investment in approximately 140 projects nationwide through which the U.S. Department of Agriculture is delivering on the promise of positioning American agriculture as a global leader in delivering voluntary, incentives-driven, market-based climate solutions.
UN personnel often work under incredibly challenging circumstances, especially in the deep field where the security situation is volatile and emergencies or critical incidents are the norm. On this #WorldMentalHealthDay, we celebrate all stress counsellors who promote #MentalHealthintheWorkplace.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy A. Miller was in Nogales, Arizona, meeting with local CBP leadership and workforce from across Southern Arizona. While in Arizona, Mr. Miller hosted a media availability to discuss CBP’s enhanced enforcement efforts that are enhancing the safety and security of our communities.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Our Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced the immediate availability of $100 million in Emergency Relief funds for the North Carolina Department of Transportation to help pay for the costs of immediate emergency work resulting from Hurricane Helene flood damage.
FHWA Acting Administrator Kristin White traveled to North Carolina to join Gov. Roy Cooper to see recovery efforts underway after Hurricane Helene.