Category: Eurozone

MIL-OSI: Atos Group receives confirmatory offer from the French State to acquire part of its former Advanced Computing business
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press release

Atos Group receives confirmatory offer from the French State to acquire part of its former
Advanced Computing business

Vision AI activities excluded from the transaction
- Confirmatory offer received from the French State to acquire Eviden’s Advanced Computing business excluding newly separated Vision AI activities
- Enterprise Value of €410 million including €110 million contingent earn outs, following the exclusion of Vision AI activities
- Vision AI activities, contributing to more than one third of the operating margin of the formerly considered perimeter, repositioned in Eviden to structure a new business unit
- The Parties aim to sign a binding agreement¹in the coming weeks, with a closing of the transaction expected in 2026
Paris, France – June 2, 2025 – Following its press release dated November 25, 2024, Atos SE (“Atos” or the “Company”) announces that it has received a confirmatory offer from the French State to acquire its Advanced Computing business, excluding Vision AI activities (comprising mainly the Ipsotek subsidiary acquired in 2021), for an enterprise value (EV) of €410 million, including €110 million earn-outs that are based on profitability indicators for fiscal years 2025 (€50 million that should be paid upon closing) and 2026 (€60 million).
The revised EV in comparison with the one communicated in November 2024 reflects the reduced scope of the transaction.

Atos Group’s Advanced Computing business regroups the High-Performance Computing (HPC) & Quantum as well as the Business Computing & Artificial Intelligence divisions. The transaction perimeter is expected to generate revenue of circa €0.8 billion in 2025.

Eviden will be reorganizing its Vision AI capabilities (based in the UK) around a new business unit to continue its focus on AI, Data and Security as communicated during the Capital Markets Day. With deep expertise in AI-powered video analytics for operations, safety and security (such as abandoned luggage detection, crowd management or manufacturing quality inspection), this structure will support Atos Group organization to deliver improved and higher-value offerings to clients.

The Board of Directors welcomed the offer, based on the report of the independent expert appointed by the Board, which confirmed that the valuation of the disposed perimeter and the terms of the transaction are at fair market value.

Atos Group 2028 financial trajectory presented at the Capital Markets Day on 14 May 2025, on the assumption of a disposal of Advanced Computing, remains unchanged.

About Atos Group

Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 72,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion, operating in 68 countries under two brands — Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

Contacts

Investor relations: investors@atos.net

Individual shareholders: +33 8 05 65 00 75

Media relations: globalprteam@atos.net

1 The binding agreement refers to the put option agreement. A share purchase agreement attached to the put option agreement will be signed upon and subject to completion of the information procedure and consultation with the relevant employee representative bodies. It is also specified that the transaction is subject to approval by the relevant regulation authorities.

Attachment
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The MIL Network –
June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI: Colt, Honeywell and Nokia join forces to trial space-based quantum-safe cryptography
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press Release
Colt, Honeywell and Nokia join forces to trial space-based quantum-safe cryptography
- Tech collaboration will explore ways to protect encrypted data from quantum risk using Low Earth Orbit satellites.
- Trial to use space-based quantum key distribution to overcome terrestrial distance limitations.
2 June 2025
Espoo, Finland – Colt Technology Services (Colt), a global digital infrastructure company, Honeywell and Nokia today announced a collaboration to explore quantum-safe networking using satellite communications. As part of the initiative, the companies are planning to test new ways of protecting encrypted optical network traffic from risks presented when quantum computing potentially breaks through traditional encryption methods, leaving data vulnerable to cyber threats.

Traditional encryption methods, or cryptography, rely on complex mathematical problems that are difficult for computers to solve, but quantum computers are expected to solve these problems faster, potentially breaking through traditional encryption methods and putting data at risk. One promising advancement in this field is quantum key distribution (QKD), a technology central to the quantum evolution. However, QKD currently faces a major limitation: terrestrial physical constraints restrict its range to around 100 kilometers. To achieve global coverage of QKD, the technology can overcome these limitations by moving into space. Colt, Honeywell and Nokia plan to explore quantum-safe cryptography, trialling space-based and subsea techniques which are resistant to quantum computing attacks.

The companies will trial quantum key distribution – a method used to securely share encryption keys between two parties – using low earth orbit satellites for ultra-long distances and transatlantic reach. The three companies share a collective goal: enable customers to benefit from the huge potential of quantum computing in ways that help solve pressing challenges, while protecting them from risk. The trial is expected to be of interest to organisations responsible for vast amounts of highly sensitive data such as financial firms, healthcare and pharmaceutical organisations and government bodies.

“Fundamental to the collaboration between Colt, Honeywell and Nokia is a shared passion and determination to push the boundaries of technology to find solutions which safeguard our customers and help them succeed. At Colt, we do everything we can to make life easier for our customers. It’s why we’re taking action now to protect our customers from future cybersecurity risks, tackling tomorrow’s threats, today,” said Buddy Bayer, chief operating officer, Colt Technology Services.

“With over five decades of aerospace expertise, Honeywell has witnessed and adapted to the evolution of the global communications landscape. We are proud to continue as a leader in innovating future-proof solutions such as the QEYSSat and QKDSat missions for the quantum era. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in securing the future of critical data: designing solutions to enhance resilience, ensuring long-term data security for critical infrastructure and communications systems,” said Lisa Napolitano, vice president and general manager, Space, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies.

“Nokia is helping our customers stay ahead when it comes to securing critical data through resilient defense-in-depth strategies. Quantum computing brings great promise, but it’s also a potential threat to the encryption models on which society has relied so far. This collaboration with Colt and Honeywell shows how space-based quantum-safe technologies can help protect networks, safeguarding sensitive information across every domain against future quantum threats,” said James Watt, vice president and general manager, Optical Networks at Nokia.

Ahead of the trial, Colt, Honeywell and Nokia have drafted a white paper with more detail on the risks, threats and opportunities presented by quantum cryptography. The paper, entitled ’The Journey to Quantum-Safe Networking’ is available to download here.

The announcement follows a pilot Colt announced in March to explore quantum-secure networking across terrestrial networks.

Multimedia, technical information and related news
Web Page: Quantum Explained
Web Page: Quantum Safe Technologies

About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

About Colt Technology Services

Colt Technology Services (Colt) is a global digital infrastructure company which creates extraordinary connections to help businesses succeed. Powered by amazing people and like-minded partners, Colt is driven by its purpose: to put the power of the digital universe in the hands of its customers, wherever, whenever and however they choose.
Since 1992, Colt has set itself apart through its deep commitment to its customers, growing from its heritage in the City of London to a global business spanning 40+ countries, with over 6,000 employees and more than 80 offices around the world. Colt’s customers benefit from expansive digital infrastructure connecting 32,000 buildings across 230 cities, more than 50 Metropolitan Area Networks and 275+ Points of Presence across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and North America’s largest business hubs.
Privately owned, Colt is one of the most financially sound companies in the sector. Obsessed with delivering industry-leading customer experience, Colt is guided by its dedication to customer innovation, by its values and its responsibility to its customers, partners, people and the planet.

About Honeywell
Products and services from Honeywell Aerospace Technologies are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft, and in many terrestrial systems. The Aerospace Technologies business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components, power systems, and more. It’s hardware and software solutions create more fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights and safer skies and airports. For more information, visit aerospace.honeywell.com or follow Honeywell Aerospace Technologies on LinkedIn.
Honeywell is an integrated operating company serving a broad range of industries and geographies around the world. Our business is aligned with three powerful megatrends – automation, the future of aviation and energy transition – underpinned by our Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform. As a trusted partner, we help organizations solve the world’s toughest, most complex challenges, providing actionable solutions and innovations through our Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation and Energy and Sustainability Solutions business segments that help make the world smarter and safer as well as more secure and sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

Media inquiries
Nokia Press Office
Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

Sarah Miller – Nokia media relations
Phone: 613-720-9716 |
Email: sarah.miller@nokia.com

Colt Head of PR
Anne Amlot
Email: anne.amlot@colt.net

Honeywell
Juliet Collins-Achong
Phone: +44 7787 282932
Email: juliet.collins-achong@honeywell.com

Follow Nokia on social media
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Follow Colt on social media
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The MIL Network –
June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI: Results of the 2025 Annual General Meeting
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

2 June 2025 | SAINT HELIER, Jersey | CoinShares International Limited (“CoinShares” or the “Company“) (Nasdaq Stockholm Market: CS; US OTCQX: CNSRF), a global investment firm specializing in digital assets, is pleased to announce that all of the resolutions proposed at the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of the Company, held as of 30 May 2025, were duly passed via poll.

The Company’s Board of Directors wished to highlight the following:

Resolution 13 – Resolution regarding authorising the Board of Directors to decide on repurchase and transfer of own shares

The AGM resolved that the Board of Directors shall decide on purchases of the Company’s own shares in accordance with the following terms.
1. Share repurchases may be made on Nasdaq Stockholm or any other regulated market.
2. The authorisation may be exercised on one or more occasions before the 2026 Annual General Meeting.
3. The Company’s holding of shares at any given time shall not exceed 15% of the total number of shares in the Company.
4. Repurchases of the Company’s own shares may shall be made at a price of no more than 5% above the average trading price of the shares for the 5 business days prior to the repurchase date.
5. Payment for the shares shall be made in cash.
In addition, the AGM resolved to authorise the Board of Directors to decide on transfer of own shares, with or without deviation from the shareholders’ preferential rights, in accordance with the following, terms.
1. Transfers may be made on (i) Nasdaq Stockholm or (ii) outside of Nasdaq Stockholm in connection with the acquisition of companies, operations, or assets.
2. The authorisation may be exercised on one or more occasions before the 2026 Annual General Meeting.
3. The maximum number of shares that may be transferred corresponds to the number of shares held by the Company at the point in time of the Board of Directors’ decision on transfer.
4. Transfers of shares on Nasdaq Stockholm (or any other regulated market) shall be made at a price of no more than 5% above the average trading price of the shares for the 5 business days prior to the transfer date. For transfers outside of Nasdaq Stockholm, the price shall be set so that the transfer is made at market terms, except for delivery of shares in connection with employee stock option programs.
5. Payment for transferred shares may be made in cash, through in-kind payment, or through set-off against claims with the Company.
The purpose of the authorisations is to give the Board of Directors greater scope to act and the opportunity to adapt and improve the company’s capital structure and thereby create further shareholder value and take advantage of any attractive acquisition opportunities. The authorisation may also be used in order to enable delivery of shares in connection with employee stock option programs.

The Board of Directors shall have the right to decide on other terms for repurchases and transfers of own shares in accordance with its authorisation. The Board of Directors also has the right to authorise the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or the person designated by the Board to make such minor adjustments that may be necessary in connection with the execution of the Board’s decision to repurchase or transfer shares.

Resolution 14 – Resolution regarding amendments to the Company’s Articles of Association

The AGM resolved that Company’s Articles of Association be amended by deletion of the existing articles 3.6.2, 17.2.7 and 24.12 and the insertion of new articles 3.6.2, 17.2.7 and 24.12 as follows:
“3.6.2   the Directors may, by unanimous consent only, during any period of two consecutive calendar years, resolve to allot and issue in one or more tranches such number of ordinary shares (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any shares issued pursuant to, in connection with or upon conversion of any subsequently issued convertible bonds) as does not in the aggregate exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the total number of ordinary shares in issue (excluding any ordinary shares held in treasury) at 9am on 1st January of such year (rounded down to the nearest whole share), without the offer, issue or allotment of such shares or the issue or conversion of any subsequently issued convertible bonds being subject to the provisions of Article 3.2 provided always that any such allotment, issue, or conversion is effected solely in connection with bona fide transactions for business purposes only (and for the avoidance of doubt the terms of this Article 3.6.2 shall not include the issuance of shares or convertible securities as consideration or compensation for services rendered by employees, consultants, directors, or any other individuals in a personal capacity) and provided further that any issuance or allotment to any natural person pursuant to this Article 3.6.2 shall be subject to the unanimous approval of the remuneration committee as required by and in accordance with the terms of reference for such remuneration committee and shall not in aggregate in any calendar year exceed five percent (5%) of the total number of ordinary shares in issue at the time of such offer;”

“17.2.7 the creation of any charge or other security over any assets or property of a Group Company to secure borrowings, or indebtedness in the nature of borrowings, of that Group Company which, when aggregated with all other such borrowings or indebtedness, would exceed £200,000,000 (OTHER THAN in the ordinary course of its Business, and, DISREGARDING any amounts borrowed from other Group Companies) provided always that, subject to applicable law, nothing in these Articles (including without limitation this provision) shall restrict or prevent or be deemed to restrict or prevent the issuance by the Company of any corporate or convertible bonds or other debt instruments on an unsecured basis.”

“24.12 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary within these Articles, meetings of the Board shall be held at such locations and in such manner, and resolutions of Directors passed in writing shall be signed, so as to cause the Company to:
24.12.1    be resident for taxation purposes in Jersey; and
24.12.2    comply with the Taxation (Companies – Economic Substance) (Jersey) Law 2019.”

36,267,305 shares and votes were registered for the AGM, representing 54.39% of the issued share capital as at 16 May 2025.

The number of shares in issue (and total voting rights) as at close of business on 16 May 2025 was 66,678,210 ordinary shares carrying one vote each. Therefore, the total voting rights in the Company as at close of business on 16 May 2025 was 66,678,210.

The full text of the resolutions passed at the AGM can be found in the Notice of the Annual General Meeting (included within the Annual Report) which is available on the Company’s website at https://investor.coinshares.com/c-governance/general-meetings.

In response to a shareholder question and as previous advised during the 1Q25 earnings call, the CEO reaffirmed his commitment to the Company’s long-standing objective of enhancing shareholder value by securing a listing on a major U.S. exchange such as Nasdaq or the NYSE.

Several potential paths to listing were outlined, including a secondary listing and reverse takeover structures. The CEO noted that the reverse takeover market in the U.S. is currently active, offering a range of options—from legacy listed entities seeking a strategic reset to clean shells, with or without available cash.

CoinShares’ strong earnings and robust margins provide meaningful strategic flexibility. At this stage, the Company remains focused on completing its PCAOB historical audit, which is the primary gating item for any U.S. listing initiative.

About CoinShares

CoinShares is a leading global investment company specialising in digital assets, that delivers a broad range of financial services across investment management, trading and securities to a wide array of clients that includes corporations, financial institutions and individuals. Focusing on crypto since 2013, the firm is headquartered in Jersey, with offices in France, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the US. CoinShares is regulated in Jersey by the Jersey Financial Services Commission, in France by the Autorité des marchés financiers, and in the US by the Securities and Exchange Commission, National Futures Association and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. CoinShares is publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker CS and the OTCQX under the ticker CNSRF.

For more information on CoinShares, please visit: https://coinshares.com
Company | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com
Investor Relations | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com

This information is information that CoinShares International Limited is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014). The information in this press release has been published through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 08:30 BST on Monday, 2 June 2025.

The MIL Network –
June 2, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Pro-Trump candidate wins Poland’s presidential election – a bad omen for the EU, Ukraine and women

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Simpson, Senior Lecturer, International Studies, University of South Australia

Poland’s presidential election runoff will be a bitter pill for pro-European Union democrats to swallow.

The nationalist, Trumpian, historian Karol Nawrocki has narrowly defeated the liberal, pro-EU mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, 50.89 to 49.11%.

The Polish president has few executive powers, though the office holder is able to veto legislation. This means the consequences of a Nawrocki victory will be felt keenly, both in Poland and across Europe.

With this power, Nawrocki, backed by the conservative Law and Justice party, will no doubt stymie the ability of Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Civic Platform-led coalition to enact democratic political reforms.

This legislative gridlock could well see Law and Justice return to government in the 2027 general elections, which would lock in the anti-democratic changes the party made during their last term in office from 2015–2023. This included eroding Poland’s judicial independence by effectively taking control of judicial appointments and the supreme court.

Nawrocki’s win has given pro-Donald Trump, anti-liberal, anti-EU forces across the continent a shot in the arm. It’s bad news for the EU, Ukraine and women.

A rising Poland

For much of the post-second world war era, Poland has had limited European influence.

This is no longer the case. Poland’s economy has boomed since it joined the EU in 2004. It spends almost 5% of its gross domestic product on defence, almost double what it spent in 2022 at the time of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Poland now has a bigger army than the United Kingdom, France and Germany. And living standards, adjusted for purchasing power, are about to eclipse Japan’s.

Along with Brexit, these changes have resulted in the EU’s centre of gravity shifting eastwards towards Poland. As a rising military and economic power of 37 million people, what happens in Poland will help shape Europe’s future.

Impacts on Ukraine

Poland’s new position in Europe is most clearly demonstrated by its central role in the fight to defend Ukraine against Russia.

This centrality was clearly demonstrated during the recent “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Kyiv, where Tusk joined the leaders of Europe’s major powers – France, Germany and the UK – to bolster support for Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky.

However, Poland’s unqualified support for Ukraine will now be at risk because Nawrocki has demonised Ukrainian refugees in his country and opposed Ukrainian integration into European-oriented bodies, such as the EU and NATO.

Nawrocki was also backed during his campaign by the Trump administration. Kristi Noem, the US secretary of homeland security, said at the recent Conservative Political Action Conference in Poland:

Donald Trump is a strong leader for us, but you have an opportunity to have just as strong of a leader in Karol if you make him the leader of this country.

Trump also hosted Nawrocki in the Oval Office when he was merely a candidate for office. This was a significant deviation from standard US diplomatic protocol to stay out of foreign elections.

Nawrocki has not been as pro-Russia as some other global, MAGA-style politicians, but this is largely due to Poland’s geography and its difficult history with Russia. It has been repeatedly invaded across its eastern plains by Russian or Soviet troops. And along with Ukraine, Poland shares borders with the Russian client state of Belarus and Russia itself in Kaliningrad, the heavily militarised enclave on the Baltic Sea.

I experienced the proximity of these borders during fieldwork in Poland in 2023 when I travelled by car from Warsaw to Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, via the Suwalki Gap.

This is the strategically important, 100-kilometre-long border between Poland and Lithuania, which connects the Baltic states to the rest of NATO and the EU to the south. It’s seen as a potential flashpoint if Russia were ever to close the gap and isolate the Baltic states.

Poland’s conservative nationalist politicians are therefore less Russia-friendly than those in Hungary or Slovakia. Nawrocki, for instance, does not support cutting off weapons to Ukraine.

However, a Nawrocki presidency will still be more hostile to Ukraine and its interests. During the campaign, Nawrocki said Zelensky “treats Poland badly”, echoing the type of language used by Trump himself.

Poland divided

The high stakes in the election resulted in a record turnout of almost 73%.

There was a stark choice in the election between Nawrocki and Trzaskowski.

Trzaskowski supported the liberalisation of Poland’s harsh abortion laws – abortion was effectively banned in Poland under the Law and Justice government – and the introduction of civil partnerships for LGBTQ+ couples.

Nawrocki opposed these changes and will likely veto any attempt to implement them.

While the polls for the presidential runoff election had consistently shown a tight race, an Ipsos exit poll published during the vote count demonstrated the social divisions now facing the country.

As in other recent global elections, women and those with higher formal education voted for the progressive candidate (Trzaskowski), while men and those with less formal education voted for the conservative (Nawrocki).

After the surprise success of the liberal, pro-EU presidential candidate in the Romanian elections a fortnight ago, pro-EU forces were hoping for a similar result in Poland, as well.

That, for now, is a pipe dream and liberals across the continent will now need to negotiate a difficult relationship with a right-wing, Trumpian leader in the new beating heart of Europe.

Adam Simpson 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. Pro-Trump candidate wins Poland’s presidential election – a bad omen for the EU, Ukraine and women – https://theconversation.com/pro-trump-candidate-wins-polands-presidential-election-a-bad-omen-for-the-eu-ukraine-and-women-257617

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 2, 2025
Indian parliamentary delegation meets PKR leaders in Malaysia, seeks support against terrorism

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (2)

n all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, met with representatives of Malaysia’s People’s Justice Party (PKR) in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, as part of India’s global outreach campaign following the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent military response under Operation Sindoor.

The delegation, which arrived in Kuala Lumpur on May 31, was briefed by India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, B.N. Reddy. He underscored the strategic importance of India-Malaysia relations and “outlined the Malaysia-specific messaging to strongly convey India’s commitment to combat terrorism under Operation Sindoor.”

According to a statement from the Indian High Commission, the delegation held “wide-ranging” interactions with members of the Indian diaspora and conveyed India’s “resolute stance against cross-border terrorism.”

“Diaspora members, including voices from the Malaysian Indian Muslim community, unequivocally condemned terrorism. An appeal was made to amplify the message of unity and zero tolerance through various platforms and communities,” the statement said.

The delegation also engaged with major Malaysian media outlets and social media influencers, stressing India’s new doctrine that “terror and talks cannot go together” and asserting that any act of terror will now be treated as an act of war.

“The delegation paid heartfelt homage to the Malaysian national who lost her life in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, emphasizing that terrorism is a global menace that endangers all of humanity,” the statement said.

Speaking to ANI, delegation leader Sanjay Kumar Jha outlined the significance of the multi-nation tour.

“Our first visit was to Japan and it was an important country because so many trades of ours happen with Japan…Japan endorsed the stance of the country…Then we went to South Korea…they also appreciated and supported us…in Singapore also…we had positive talks…Jakarta has the highest Muslim population in the world…their stand against terrorism was in support of India…the whole world has criticised the Pahalgam attack,” he said

He added: “We will be in Malaysia till the day after tomorrow…the President of Malaysia has strongly condemned (Pahalgam attack)…we have made two requests, the first one is that we are not part of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) even though India has a large Muslim population…Pakistan keeps passing resolutions against us…so we have sought support from Malaysia and Indonesia…Pakistan needs to be brought back to the FATF list, so we have kept this demand before all the countries to consider this and extend support to this. Malaysia has supported us in getting a permanent membership in the UN Security Council…,”

Apart from Jha, the delegation includes MPs Aparajita Sarangi (BJP), Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Brij Lal (BJP), John Brittas (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), and Hemang Joshi (BJP), along with former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid, and former Indian Ambassador to France Mohan Kumar.

(With ANI inputs)

June 2, 2025
Kanimozhi-led delegation pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Spain

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi began the final leg of its five-nation visit in Madrid on Sunday.

The Indian Embassy in Spain said in a statement on X: “The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation commenced the final leg of its five-nation visit in Madrid by paying homage to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. The tribute was a solemn occasion to reflect on and honor the Mahatma’s enduring values of non-violence and peace.”

Following the ceremony, the delegation engaged with members of the Indian community and emphasized that India remains unshakable and united in its fight against terrorism, which threatens global peace and humanity. The delegation highlighted that its diverse composition reflects a strong national consensus and resolve across political lines to combat this menace. They urged the Indian community in Spain to take pride in their roots, stand united and actively support India’s efforts to promote justice and peace.

“During the interaction, members of the Indian diaspora shared that their Spanish acquaintances had reacted with shock and concern to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, reflecting growing international awareness of the challenges India faces in combating terrorism,” the statement said.

The community also expressed strong support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts and conveyed their solidarity with the nation, the statement added. “The delegation is scheduled to engage with members of the Spanish government, parliamentarians and civil society representatives on the final day of their visit. These engagements will provide a platform to brief Spanish leaders on Operation Sindoor and to articulate India’s position as the world’s fourth-largest economy, committed to peace, stability and a resolute stance against terrorism.”

In another post on X, the Indian Embassy said: “The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation had a insightful interaction with the Indian diaspora, reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to peace in the face of terrorism. They emphasized that India will lead the global fight against terrorism, upholding the values of peace and resilience. The delegation with humility and conviction, called upon the community to stand united in pride and shared heritage. The diaspora responded with heartfelt enthusiasm, expressing deep solidarity with the nation and a strong sense of identity and belonging.”

“The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation visiting Spain interacted with Arturo Fernandez Alvarez, a Spanish businessman, who is a survivor of the horrible terror attacks that took place in Mumbai on November 26, 2008. Arturo joined the delegation in condemning the menace of terrorism,” added the embassy.

Apart from Kanimozhi, the delegation includes Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta (Retd.), RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, and Former Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri and Ambassador Jawed Ashraf.

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lavish Trips and Long-Haul Junkets: Stormont spends over £470,000 on travel outside the British Isles since the return of devolution

Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

Statement by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston:

“For some weeks I have been collecting data on the spend of the different Executive departments on travel outside the British Isles since devolution returned. To say I am appalled at the scale and extravagance of ministerial and departmental spending on foreign travel is an understatement.

“When collated, the responses reveal an astonishing total of £470,000 spent on international travel by Stormont departments in just over a year — and more than £52,000 of that squandered by Ministers themselves.

“Luxury long-haul flights and costly hotel stays seem to be the norm for the Executive.

“No department has flown further or spent more widely than the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. In total, the department spent nearly £78,000, with trips ranging from Brussels to New Zealand, Germany to New York.

“Three individuals, including the Minister, few to New York Climate Week at a cost of £11,134 — supposedly to discuss sustainability of all things, while burning jet fuel and public money.

“Officials also attended climate-linked events in Sweden, Spain, and Germany — clocking up thousands more in expenses — with little to no clarity on what outcomes, if any, these junkets delivered for the Northern Ireland public.

“The Department of Finance racked up over £32,700 in international travel — including a single trip to Brussels by 16 officials from the Departmental Solicitor’s Office, costing the public £17,066. We’re told this was a “bespoke study visit” linked to the Windsor Framework.

“Can a 16-person legal trip to Brussels be justified? Ministers must explain why such a large group needed to attend, and what real value was achieved.

“The Minister for Education himself spent over £8,000 on overseas travel in a single year — including trips to Washington DC and Reykjavik, Iceland. Minister Givan’s personal travel and accommodation expenses account for nearly 25% of the total expenses by the Department on foreign travel.

Among the more concerning examples in the Department of Education are:
• Two officials who travelled to Paris and racked up costs of over £2,100 and
• A trip to Tokyo which cost £3,366, with no listed outcomes.

“With education budgets under severe strain, with SEN services stretched to breaking point people working in education will be asking questions.

“The biggest spenders though are of course the Executive Office. Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little Pengelly’s department has managed to spend over £126,000 on international travel.

“When people see Ministers parading on the world stage while hospital waiting lists grow at home, it’s not hard to understand the anger. Spending more on a single trip than many people earn in a year is shameful.

“Across the Executive, this pattern of waste repeats. Ministers and officials racking up air miles while local services go without.

“When we ask the public to tighten their belts, the very least they should expect is that Ministers do the same.

“Climate change conferences abroad are no substitute for sound governance at home.

“Ministerial egos should not be subsidised by people struggling to make ends meet.

“With many already questioning the value of Stormont, these figures will do nothing to restore public confidence.”

Note to editors

You can read the full set of questions and answers online here.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Zheng, Sabalenka book quarterfinal meeting at Roland Garros

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

Zheng Qinwen returns a shot during the women’s singles 4th round match between Liudmila Samsonova of Russia and Zheng Qinwen of China at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros, Paris, France, June 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen has set up a quarterfinal clash with top seed Aryna Sabalenka at the French Open.

Less than a year after her historic Olympic triumph on the Paris clay, the Chinese sensation recorded her best result at Roland Garros, reaching the quarterfinals with a 7-6 (5), 1-6, 6-3 victory over Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova on Sunday.

The Australian Open finalist battled for nearly three hours to secure the win.

The first set stayed on serve through six games before the players exchanged breaks in the next four. Tied at 5-5 in the tiebreak, Zheng held her nerve, striking a patient inside-in forehand winner and forcing Samsonova to net a shot to close out the grueling 76-minute set.

Samsonova responded strongly in the second, breaking Zheng twice and serving out the set. Zheng struggled with the Russian’s wide angles and squandered seven break point opportunities.

Regrouping in the final set, Zheng broke Samsonova in the sixth game when the Russian sent a backhand down the line long.

Serving for the match at 5-3, the 22-year-old Zheng fell behind 0-30 but reeled off four straight points, sealing victory after a forehand error from Samsonova.

“I am super happy, honestly,” Zheng said. “There are not many words that can describe my emotions, because I’ve been trying every year, and that’s the real first time for me to be in quarterfinals in Roland Garros.”

Sabalenka continued her consistency at the majors with a 7-5, 6-3 win over American 16th seed Amanda Anisimova to reach her third straight French Open quarterfinal.

Sabalenka won her first six meetings with Zheng, including the 2024 Australian Open final. However, Zheng earned her first victory over the Belarusian last month – on clay – in Rome.

“It’s always tough matches against her,” Sabalenka noted. “She’s a great player. Of course, I expect a great battle, and I’m super excited to face her in the quarterfinals, and I want to get my revenge. I want to get this win after Rome, so I’m happy to face her in the quarters.”

Four-time winner Iga Swiatek had to dig deep to extend her 24-match winning streak in Paris, overcoming No. 12 seed Elena Rybakina 1-6, 6-3, 7-5.

“It means a lot,” said the fifth-seeded Pole. “I think I needed that kind of win to feel these feelings that I’m able to win under pressure, and even if it’s not going the right way, you know, still turn the match around to win it.”

Swiatek will next face Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, who outplayed Italian fourth seed Jasmine Paolini 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1.

On the men’s side, reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz clinched a hard-fought 7-6 (8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory over American Ben Shelton after three hours and 19 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier to reach his fourth straight quarterfinal in Paris.

“Today I fought against myself, against the mind,” second seed Alcaraz said. “I just tried to calm myself. In some moments I was mad, I was angry with myself. Talking not really good things, but I am really happy to not let those thoughts play against me. I tried to calm myself down, and I tried to keep going. That is what I tried.”

The Spaniard will next face Tommy Paul, after the 12th seed defeated Australia’s Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti brushed aside Holger Rune of Denmark 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to set up a last-eight meeting with American Frances Tiafoe, who overcame Daniel Altmaier of Germany 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4).

MIL OSI China News –

June 2, 2025
Swiatek digs herself out of deep hole, Alcaraz powers on at French Open

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Four-time champion Iga Swiatek clawed her way back from the brink to reach the French Open quarter-finals by defeating her claycourt nemesis Elena Rybakina while men’s title holder Carlos Alcaraz also went through after a tough workout on Sunday.

Fifth seed Swiatek looked out of sorts as she trailed 6-1 2-0 on Court Philippe Chatrier, leaving the crowd stunned. But Swiatek found her groove and some grit to prevail 1-6 6-3 7-5.

Her final opponent from last year, Jasmine Paolini, was on the wrong end of another last-16 clash against 13th seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine, the Italian wasting three match points in a 4-6 7-6(6) 6-1 defeat.

Svitolina will provide the next test for Swiatek, who continues her quest to become the first female player since tennis turned professional to claim the singles’ title four times in a row at Roland Garros.

The only women to win the singles at Roland Garros in four straight years were Jeanne Matthey from 1909-12 and Suzanne Lenglen from 1920-23 when only French players competed.

Since tennis turned professional in 1968, Swiatek is one of three women with Monica Seles and Justine Henin to enjoy three consecutive triumphs in Paris and on Sunday it looked like her quest for a fourth straight was going to crash to a halt.

The 12th-seeded Rybakina made a bullet start, putting Swiatek on the back foot with some powerful baseline play and racing to a 5-0 lead, threatening to inflict on the former world number one her first bagel at a Grand Slam.

“It was as if I was playing (men’s world number one and heavy hitter) Jannik Sinner,” Swiatek joked.

DOUBLE FAULTS

If there was any sign that Swiatek was rattled, it was her three double faults at 2-2 in the second set.

The fifth seed still held though and it proved to be a turning point as she went on to break to love and move 4-2 up, bagging 10 consecutive points in the process to send the clash into a decider.

At 4-4, with Rybakina serving at 15-40, the Kazakh appeared to have double-faulted on break point.

Both players were walking towards their benches when chair umpire Kader Nouni’s deep voice overruled the line judge’s call.

The reversal offered Rybakina an unexpected lifeline as the air filled with electricity.

Swiatek later saved a game point with a blistering forehand winner, but it was Rybakina who ultimately secured the crucial hold, shifting the weight of expectation squarely onto her opponent’s shoulders.

Swiatek cooled down and held, then broke and finished it off on the second match point before unleashing a huge scream and bumping her chest in a mix of released anger and relief.

“In the first set, with her playing like that I felt I did not have a single chance,” said Swiatek, who had lost to Rybakina in their two previous encounters on clay.

“Using the top spin was the plan from the beginning but I did not feel she gave me the space to do that. But I’m happy that I was patient enough to stay in the game and use any opportunity that came to me.”

Elsewhere in the top half of the draw, Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen battled on, the Chinese eighth seed overcoming Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova 7-6(5) 1-6 6-3, with a potential clash against world number one Aryna Sabalenka looming.

In the men’s draw, Carlos Alcaraz etched his name deeper in clay by overcoming American Ben Shelton 7-6(8) 6-3 4-6 6-4 for his 100th tour-level win on the surface to reach the quarter-finals for a fourth successive year.

Victory was far from simple and Alcaraz said he fought against himself in the mind.

“I just tried to calm myself. In some moments I was mad, I was angry with myself. Talking not really good things but I am happy to not let those thoughts play against me,” he added.

“I tried to calm myself down and I tried to keep going.”

Up next for him is world number 12 Tommy Paul, who blitzed Alexei Popyrin 6-3 6-3 6-3 to become the first American male player to reach the French Open quarter-finals in 22 years.

Paul matched Andre Agassi’s run from 2003 after Americans on Saturday equalled a 40-year-old record with five women and three men reaching round four of the clay court Grand Slam.

Another American in the last eight is Frances Tiafoe, who beat Germany’s Daniel Altmaier but will find himself with a mountain to climb in the next round as he takes on Italian craftsman Lorenzo Musetti.

World number seven Musetti beat Denmark’s Holger Rune 7-5 3-6 6-3 6-2, showing his impressive palette of claycourt game. He has reached at least the semi-finals of all three Masters events on the slow surface this season.

Sabalenka battled past 16th-seed Amanda Anisimova 7-5 6-3 to become the first player to reach the quarter-finals in 10 straight Grand Slams since American Serena Williams between 2014-17.

The Belarusian squandered a total of seven matchpoints before seeing off Anisimova to set up a clash with Zheng.

(Reuters)

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Meeks, Lofgren Send Letter to Secretary Lutnick on Multilateral Export Controls
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Zoe Lofgren, Ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick raising concerns over reports that the Department of Commerce may withdraw from critical multilateral agreements aimed at restricting access to critical technologies, like semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME). The Members warned Secretary Lutnick that abandoning coordinating efforts with partners would make it harder to prevent the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from accessing cutting-edge technology and undermine America’s national security.

The full text of the letter can be found below. A PDF copy of the letter can be found here.

Dear Secretary Lutnick,

We are concerned by recent reports indicating the Department of Commerce may seek to pull back from critical multilateral agreements and engagements with allies and partners that are designed to coordinate policies to restrict the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from accessing cutting-edge technologies. While it’s important to prevent U.S. technology from powering the PRC’s military, a coordinated approach with partners and allies is necessary in critical technology areas such as advanced semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME), to prevent the PRC from developing critical capabilities that are detrimental to our national security.

To ensure the United States continues to outpace the PRC on semiconductors and SME, we have worked on a bipartisan basis to facilitate a domestic innovation and manufacturing ecosystem while controlling our adversary’s ability to access advanced technologies. We helped to pass the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, sweeping legislation that sought to reinvigorate U.S. leadership in science and technology and included an investment of $52.7 billion designed to help reshore U.S. semiconductor manufacturing capacity. We also recognize the need for a defensive strategy to protect our economic and national security. Both the Trump and Biden Administrations have placed restrictions on PRC entities from purchasing certain high-end semiconductor chips and SME technologies. We believe these export controls were necessary and remain so.

However, U.S. export controls alone are not sufficient because other countries also manufacture advanced semiconductors and associated equipment and tools that they can sell to the PRC. While the previous administration achieved some success with multilateral agreements with the Netherlands and Japan on certain SME controls, those controls would have been far more successful in constraining the PRC if they were coordinated from the start. To this day these trilateral controls remain misaligned in key ways, from a lack of end use controls to different approaches to the denial of licensing.

We recognize that organizing these coalitions can be challenging, but working with allies and partners achieves real results. The United States assembled a coalition of nearly 40 nations to coordinate controls against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. We urge you to continue to engage with our partners and allies to build a similar coalition focused on the PRC. This can only be accomplished through direct and sustained diplomacy, which while not always as fast as we would like, is the only effective option in the long competition with the PRC.

The Commerce Department has an opportunity to demonstrate strength and support the U.S. manufacturing base by coordinating more plurilateral controls, not less. With Russia stalling progress in the four large multilateral regimes, we urge you to seek out small coalitions of countries that have market-share in particular critical technology sectors. In the case of semiconductors, for instance, we should be broadening coordination beyond Japan and the Netherlands to include South Korea, Taiwan, and others. Initiatives and fora, such as the Multilateral Action on Sensitive Technologies (MAST) and the U.S.-E.U. Trade and Technology Council (TTC), can help advance such coordination while furthering U.S. global leadership and interests on standards development, technology transfer, trade, and many other multinational issues.

We are worried that if the United States goes it alone or attempts to bully our partners, they will increasingly hedge to the PRC instead of working with the United States. Disengaging from multilateral dialogues and initiatives could provide an excuse for key governments not to cooperate with our controls. In response to President Trump’s tariffs, President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission has called for strengthening European-PRC relations. In March, the Dutch company ASML announced it would be building a facility in China—a decision that runs counter to U.S. interests and could only have been made with European government support. Last month, the PRC engaged in its first multilateral economic dialogue with Japan and South Korea in five years—seeking a regional partnership among the three nations to weather the trade policies of the United States.

Finally, we caution against a unilateral approach that overly relies upon the foreign direct product rule (FDPR) to extend U.S. jurisdiction to foreign-produced items. While the Department should continue to exercise this authority as a last resort, abuse of the rule may further weaken our standing with allies and partners and result in the removal of U.S. suppliers from major global supply chains in the long run, which would be disastrous for our economy and our ability to outcompete the PRC on critical technologies. A better path would be to coordinate controls with other partners and help them build enforcement capacity, so the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) does not have to monitor and police millions of transactions alone. We would be willing partners in ensuring that BIS has the tools and resources to make U.S. controls more effective.

We are deeply concerned about the harms that will occur to U.S. interests if the United States walks away from multilateral approaches. We urge the Department to continue multistakeholder dialogues to bring our allies along in aligning their export controls with ours, using appropriate leverage available to you. Given the critical importance of this matter to both domestic and foreign affairs, we request that you provide us answers to the following questions by June 5, 2025:
- What is the Department’s current policy with regards to participation in multilateral councils and forums, including MAST, TTC, multilateral agreements, and plurilateral agreements such as the U.S.-Japan-South Korea trilateral agreement?
- What steps is the Department taking to coordinate with our allies and partners on export controls on critical technologies, such as semiconductors and SME?
- To what extent will the Department continue to take into account foreign availability as it designs and coordinates its controls?
- What additional staffing, resources, or authorities does the Department need to more effectively coordinate with partners on controls on technology entering the PRC market?
We would appreciate a briefing from your staff to better understand how you are approaching these questions.

MIL OSI USA News –
June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: [Interview] Lines That Find Than Define: Kun-Yong Lee x Samsung Art Store

Source: Samsung

“Bodyscape was inspired by a line my child left on the wall as she fell.”
— Kun-Yong Lee, contemporary artist

Should art make you think or feel? Is beauty created or discovered? These questions do not have easy answers. But for decades, artist Kun-Yong Lee has explored them head-on — quite literally with his body — in pursuit of an art that anyone can experience.

Starting today, June 2, a curated selection of 15 pieces from Lee’s works will be available on Samsung Art Store.1 Samsung Art Store is an art subscription service available on Samsung Art TVs including The Frame and QLEDs. Currently available in 117 countries around the world, Samsung Art Store offers over 3,500 pieces of art in 4K resolution from over 70 partners. To mark the occasion, Samsung Newsroom spoke with Lee about his artistic philosophy and what inspired this collaboration with Samsung.

Widely regarded as a major figure in contemporary Korean art, Lee has been at the forefront of the Korean avant-garde movement. He began gaining international recognition in the 1970s with notable appearances at the 8th Paris Biennale in 1973 and the 15th São Paulo Biennale in 1979. Over the years, he has been honored with numerous accolades such as the Grand Prize at the Lisbon International Show in 1979, the 8th Lee In-Sung Art Award in 2007 and the Order of Cultural Merit (Silver Crown) in 2022. Spanning drawing, painting, photography, installation and performance, Lee’s expansive practice explores the dynamic relationships between the body, the medium and the audience.

▲ “Bodyscape 76-3” (2022, Kun-Yong Lee)

The Sensory Nature of Art
Q: You are well known for your “Bodyscape” series. What roles do the body and movement play in your art?

The “Bodyscape” series was inspired by a moment when my young daughter, just learning to walk, stumbled while holding a crayon and ended up drawing a line on the wall as she fell. That moment sparked the idea that a work of art could be created without any intention to express a specific concept — simply by allowing the body to move naturally, without even looking at the canvas.

French philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty argued that knowledge comes from sensory experience, not abstract reasoning. Similarly, Austrian linguistic philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein once said, “Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent”— critiquing the limits of philosophy grounded in conceptual language. I resonate with the idea that meaning arises not from language or rational thought but from the movement and sensation of the body. Artistic expression, then, is not merely a product of conscious intent — it is a way for the body to directly construct and respond to the world.

▲ Lee often positions himself behind the canvas or turns his back to it during his creative process.

That’s where my work diverges from traditional painting techniques. I dip my body or brush into paint and stretch my arms as far as they reach, adding line over line. Sometimes, I intentionally turn my back to the canvas. While traditional painting reflects what the artist consciously envisions, my work is shaped by the natural lines that emerge through repeated motion — lines defined by the structure and limited range of movement of my body.

Q: Your work often involves interacting with the audience. How does this interaction influence your art?

I’ve been involved in performance art since I was young. Audience interaction is essential, as performance is a medium that cannot exist without a live audience. When viewers watch the artist’s actions, they begin to wonder what the artist is doing or what will happen next. Every word spoken by the artist and every reaction from the audience become integral parts of the work itself.

“Art encourages us to see the world with greater curiosity — ultimately helping us lead more fulfilling lives.”

Q: What are your favorite pieces?

Among the “Bodyscape” series, I’m most partial to “Bodyscape 76-1,” “Bodyscape 76-2” and “Bodyscape 76-3.”

▲ (From left) “Bodyscape 76-1” (2022) and “Bodyscape 76-2” (2022)

“Bodyscape 76-1” and “Bodyscape 76-2” were created using methods entirely different from traditional painting. For “Bodyscape 76-1,” I stood behind a canvas roughly the height of my body and painted from behind and above — extending only my hands to draw lines. For “Bodyscape 76-2,” I painted with my back turned to the canvas. A new world emerged from a context where I couldn’t see what I was painting.

“Artistic expression is not merely a product of conscious intent — it is a way for the body to directly construct and respond to the world.”

“Bodyscape 76-3” represents an artistic world created solely through the movement of my left and right arms. Like “Bodyscape 76-2,” I stood in front of the canvas but did not face it directly. I positioned myself sideways and extended my right arm as far as it could reach to paint a line, then repeated the motion with my left. There was no fixed reference point — I simply painted within the limits of my reach. The curves drawn by each hand met at the bottom and crossed at the top, forming a heart-like shape. But I wasn’t intentionally drawing a heart — rather, I let the lines created by my body’s movement emerge naturally and accepted them as a central part of the artwork.

▲ Lee poses in front of “Bodyscape 76-2+3-2022” shown on a 114-inch Samsung MICRO LED at Art Basel Hong Kong 2025.

Corporeality is the most essential aspect of my work. This aligns with Merleau-Ponty’s idea that the body is a living subject of perception. Because this sense of corporeality is more apparent in the process than in the final result, I encourage first-time viewers to observe how the work is created.

Engaging the Public Through the Language of Art
Q: How do you define art?

Art shouldn’t belong exclusively to artists — anyone can enjoy, imitate and experience it.

“Audience interaction is essential, as performance cannot exist without an audience.”

In 2022, I experimented with digital interaction through a project titled “Digital Bodyscape 76-3.” Visitors could choose their preferred colors and styles, and an avatar of myself would create a digital version of “Bodyscape 76-3.”

At the 14th Gwangju Biennale in 2023, I invited visitors to experience “Bodyscape 76-3” by drawing lines with their own two arms in the exhibition hall. From young children to grandparents, anyone with a crayon could create a piece of art. There’s a deep sense of fulfillment when people see work they’ve made themselves. I would love to have more opportunities like this in the future —where technology not only deepens communication between artists and audiences, but also invites art lovers to take part in the process.

Q: What is the role of art in society?

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, art offers us a chance to appreciate what we often take for granted, to find meaning in the process rather than just the outcome and to slow down and reflect. Art encourages us to see the world with greater curiosity — ultimately helping us lead more fulfilling lives.

▲ Unfazed by passing trends, Lee shared that “had to wait until his 80s to be acquire worldwide recognition” and is “grateful to his fan number one — his spouse — for bearing the times with him.”.

Samsung Art Store: Pushing the Boundaries of Art Experience
Q: Do you think experiential works can be effectively conveyed through a digital platform like Samsung Art Store?

Being able to conveniently view artworks through a Samsung Art TV is a wonderful opportunity for connection. Sitting comfortably in your living room with a cup of coffee, quietly engaging with an artist’s work — that is a deeply meaningful form of art appreciation. When I saw my work displayed on The Frame at Art Basel Hong Kong, I was truly amazed. In some ways, the emotion and energy of the pieces came through even more vividly than when viewing them in person. That’s the innovation of cutting-edge technology.

“Quietly engaging with an artist’s work over a cup of coffee, at the comfort of your living room sofa — that is a deeply meaningful form of art appreciation.”

What’s more, I believe Samsung Art TVs can overcome the limitations of purely visual artwork. Performance pieces can be experienced with sound and video, while conceptual works can be paired with artist commentary to support deeper understanding. It’s an incredible opportunity for artists. I hope more people will be able to access and enjoy art through Samsung Art Store — an invitation to see the world through an artist’s perspective.

▲ Lee believes that art is for everyone, not just the artists.

Beyond Art: Next Steps
Q: Do you have any advice you’d like to share with younger artists?

Since I was young, I’ve steadily followed my own path — without hesitation or compromise — and time has brought me to where I am today. Although I often felt skeptical about following trends, which are ever-changing. In the end, what matters most is the passion to pursue your own art.

As artists, I believe it is enough to respond sincerely to the spirit of our time, remain true to the present and not be swayed by passing fads.

Samsung Art Store is an art subscription service available on Samsung Art TVs including The Frame and QLEDs. Currently available in 117 countries around the world, Samsung Art Store offers over 70 partners and 3,500 artworks in 4K quality. Through Samsung Art Store, subscribers can enjoy artworks from world-class galleries and masters at home and use it to create new interiors every day.

1 Art Store subscription and Samsung Account required to access full selection of artwork.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 2, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: What is populism?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin Moffitt, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Monash University

In 2017, in the wake of Brexit and Donald Trump’s first election win, populism was named the “word of the year” by Cambridge University Press.

Almost a decade later, we might have thought the term’s popularity would have faded.

But with Trump back in power in the United States, the Reform Party polling very well in the United Kingdom, and Argentinian president Javier Milei wielding his chainsaw at public events, populism is very much still with us.

But what is populism? Is it a left or right phenomenon? And is it here to stay?

What is populism?

Put simply, populism is a political phenomenon that revolves around the central divide between “the people” and “the elite”.

Although there is agreement on this divide, academics tend to disagree on two things when it comes to populism.

The first is what kind of phenomenon it is. Is populism an ideology (that is, a belief system)? A strategy? Or is it a kind of performative political style?

Secondly, experts disagree on whether populism is a threat or corrective to democracy. Some think it can be both.

Populism: left or right?

Much of the confusion about populism stems from the fact that it can appear across the ideological spectrum.

This is because “the people” and “the elite” are flexible terms, and populists can characterise them in very different ways.

Right-wing populists tend to characterise “the people” in socio-cultural terms, and often combine their populism with nativism.

Think for instance, of how Trump’s “people” are coded as White Americans.

Or, how Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi evokes Hindu nationalism in his definition of “the people”.

Other prominent right-wing populist leaders include the likes of Viktor Orban of Hungary, Nigel Farage of the United Kingdom, Geert Wilders of the Netherlands, and Australia’s Pauline Hanson.

Left-wing populists, meanwhile, tend to characterise “the people” in socio-economic terms. They often combine their populism with calls for economic redistribution or shifts in power.

Examples include Latin American populist leaders like Evo Morales of Bolivia and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, who sought to bring the poor into their conception of “the people”.

In the US, Bernie Sanders’ 2016 and 2020 presidential primary campaigns put the working class and people in precarious work at the heart of his “people”.

Other examples of left-wing populism include the Podemos and Syriza parties in Spain and Greece respectively.

This also means the way populists tend to define “the elite” is quite different.

Right-wing populist targets often include:
- government and policy elites (think of Trump’s “drain the swamp”)
- cultural elites (Trump’s attacks on media as “fake news”)
- academics (attacks on the “ivory tower”) and
- transnational bodies (such as attacks on the United Nations).
These groups are connected in right-wing populist discourse and purported to be undermining “the people’s” livelihood by abetting increased immigration or the destruction of “traditional values”.

Left-wing populists tend to target business and power elites, who they see as fleecing “the people” economically and keeping them from expressing their popular power (think of Occupy Wall Street’s divide between the 99% and the 1%).

Populists also tend to have a suspicion of transnational organisations. But while right-wing populists tend to focus on the likes of the United Nations and World Health Organisation, left-wing populists are more suspicious of business transnationals such as the World Trade Organization or World Economic Forum.

Is populism here to stay?

After every major election where a populist leader or party succeeds, there is inevitably talk of a “populist earthquake”, “populist wave” or “populist tsunami”.

These metaphors suggest populism has come out of nowhere, and is causing a major and unexpected shock to the system.

But that’s simply not the case.

If anything, the story of 21st century politics has been one in which populism has become “normalised” and “mainstreamed”.

Populists are no longer merely “challenger” parties nor minor parties.

They increasingly are among the top three parties in their respective countries (particularly in Europe), and have won government in places from the US to India to the Netherlands to Italy to Greece.

This success has seen them steadily viewed as viable and “normal” political players.

Meanwhile, mainstream parties and leaders have increasingly adopted elements of populists’ discourse, platforms and political styles, as a way to compete with populists.

This, ironically, has had the effect of legitimising populists in many countries; it makes their policies and discourse look more “acceptable”.

It’s important to be cynical about any pundit crowing about the “death” of populism – or, on the flipside, the idea it has come out of nowhere.

Populism is here to stay. Acknowledging that can help us better understand its appeal, which in turn, can provide hints about how to best deal with it.

Benjamin Moffitt receives or has received funding from the Australian Research Council and the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation.

– ref. What is populism? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-populism-249369
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Minister Ramokgopa to attend Hamburg Sustainability Conference

Source: South Africa News Agency

Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, is set to represent South Africa at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference in Germany, which takes place in Germany on 2 and 3 June 2025.

The Ministry in The Presidency: Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation said the conference seeks to accelerate global action to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Minister Ramokgopa’s participation at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference will underscore South Africa’s continued efforts to advance accelerated action to achieve domestic development goals through the National Development Plan Vision 2030 (NDP) and the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), and global goals through the SDGs and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“The Minister will also advance the importance of partnerships and equality to achieve to achieve sustainable development,” the Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
Established in 2024, the two-day conference will bring together key decision-makers from governments, civil society, and the private sector.

Spearheaded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Michael Otto Foundation, and the Free Hanseatic City of Hamburg, this initiative is designed to drive sustainable change.

The conference offers a unique platform to forge new partnerships and demonstrates the power of collaboration in tackling global challenges and transforming lives.

According to the Director, Germany Representation Office at the UNDP, Melanie Hauenstein, the world is at a pivotal moment and confronting extraordinary challenges – climate change, conflict, and economic instability, all while investment in development and international cooperation faces unprecedented constraints.

She said that these realities underscore why multilateralism is essential for addressing shared challenges and securing a more stable, sustainable future.

“The Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) is a vital platform for advancing this critical agenda. The HSC goes beyond reflection – it’s an opportunity to deepen our understanding of development and to imagine the sustainable futures we can create together,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

June 2, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: These 5 roadblocks are standing in the way of energy-efficient homes

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jaime Comber, Senior Research Consultant in Energy Futures, University of Technology Sydney

Westend61, GettyImages

We all want homes that keep us warm in winter and cool in summer, without breaking the bank. However, Australian homes built before 2003 have a low average energy rating of 1.8 stars out of 10. This means they’re often uncomfortable to live in and expensive to run.

There’s a strong case for a “renovation wave” of home energy upgrades across Australia. Reducing the use of fossil gas and improving the energy efficiency of existing housing by nearly 50% is also central to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Energy-saving upgrades such as solar panels, batteries, insulation, draught-proofing and hot water heat pumps also reduce the cost of energy bills. So while there’s an upfront cost, upgrades can reduce household expenses in the long run.

We wanted to find out what’s holding people back from getting energy-saving upgrades. We surveyed 100 Australian households and interviewed 19 people about their experiences. Our new research revealed five major barriers that stop these upgrades from being accessible to most households. Suppliers, governments and community organisations can all help overcome these barriers.

Embarking on home energy upgrades can be an emotional rollercoaster ride.
RACE for 2030

1. Information about upgrades is confusing and overwhelming

Households told us the amount of information out there about energy saving upgrades is overwhelming and sometimes conflicting. There are many different types of upgrades and product choices, making it challenging to identify which options provide the best value and what to do first. People found it difficult to know what information and which suppliers to trust.

Households need clear information from a trusted source about what their homes need. Many governments internationally, such as Scotland, provide online resources and tools to provide tailored advice to help with this.

Energy upgrade programs run by neutral community organisations and councils can also help, such as Rewiring Australia’s Electrify 2515 or Geelong Sustainability’s Electric Homes Program. These programs use their expertise to vet suppliers and ensure households receive good deals and high quality products.

2. Homes need to engage multiple suppliers and tradespeople

Many households worked on their home gradually, one upgrade at a time. Each upgrade involved a labour-intensive process of researching products, selecting companies, getting quotes and managing the disruptions caused by the installation. One Sydney homeowner told us:

The process of needing both a plumber and an electrician to change to induction cooking was frustrating. [We had to] to coordinate availability times and appliance delivery.

Australians need companies that can do multiple upgrades at once, to simplify and streamline the process. In Ireland, the government helped stimulate a market for organisations that can cover all the upgrades needed by a household.

Ireland has “One Stop Shops” for home energy upgrades (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland)

3. Households are losing opportunities for straightforward upgrades

Every year, Australians invest billions in home renovations. They spent more than A$3 billion in the December 2024 quarter alone.

One of the best times to improve your home is during major renovations or when old appliances, such as hot water systems, break down. If you’re already facing disruptions and need to spend money, it can be an easy and more cost-effective way to increase your home’s energy efficiency at the same time.

Yet our research found advice on energy-saving upgrades was rarely provided to people undertaking major renovations or emergency replacements unless they asked for it. Households needed to seek out builders, architects and tradespeople who specialised in sustainability to get advice on an energy-saving renovation.

Providing energy upgrades to homes should be a standard component of modern renovations. Otherwise, households are missing out on easy and more affordable opportunities to get these upgrades.

4. Many tradespeople lack knowledge of energy-saving upgrades

Our research found tradespeople are the most common point of contact for households. They can be a valuable source of information and advice to facilitate upgrades. However, many households reported difficulty finding tradespeople knowledgeable about – and willing to install – energy-saving upgrades.

Some upgrades, such as solar panels, require specialised workforces. Others, such as hot water heat pumps are usually installed by regular plumbers and electricians.

Some tradespeople lack the knowledge to advise on energy-saving upgrades or need training to install new technologies to a high standard. This situation leaves households vulnerable to misinformation, with a shortage of skilled workers to do their upgrades.

Tradespeople require increased support and incentives to make energy-saving measures part of their skill set. This is especially true in regional areas, where there are fewer products and workers available.

5. The costs are too high for many households

A final, significant barrier was the cost of home upgrades, which often caused households to drop out early in the process. Australian households, particularly those with less disposable income, need more help with the upfront cost.

One way to do this is through targeted government rebates, which are currently only available in some regions. Another is affordable and accessible financing, like that available in Tasmania and the ACT. The national Home Energy Upgrades Fund could also be extended to make sure available finance matches the scale of the challenge.

Also needed are long-term reforms such as mandatory disclosure of energy performance when homes are sold and minimum energy standards for rental properties, which are currently only required in some jurisdictions in Australia. When these are both addressed we can make comfortable, and affordable homes the norm rather than the exception.

Keeping warm in winter and cool in summer is the number one motivation for energy saving upgrades.
RACE for 2030

A worthwhile journey

Roadblocks aside, households also shared the joy and satisfaction of completing home energy upgrades. While the journey was often difficult, those who reached the end of the road were overwhelmingly pleased with the results. A homeowner who had installed solar panels and undertaken draught-proofing and insulation in Adelaide said:

It’s nice not to have huge electricity bills, and but I find it’s that day to day stuff of actually being comfortable that makes the biggest difference.

This research was undertaken by Jaime Comber, Kamyar Soleimani, Ed Langham, Nimish Biloria, Leena Thomas and Kerryn Wilmot from the University of Technology, Sydney.

Jaime Comber received funding for this research as part of the Energy Upgrades for Australian Homes (EUAH) initiative – a national collaboration between research, industry and government partners to enable scalable, community-led energy upgrades. EUAH is funded through the RACE for 2030 cooperative research centre, which includes contributions from the NSW Government, Government of South Australia and Knauf Insulation. The project is led by Climate-KIC Australia and Monash University.

Ed Langham undertakes contract research for government, community and consumer advocates, and the clean energy industry. This research was funded as part of the RACE for 2030 Cooperative Research Centre’s Energy Upgrades for Australian Homes project, which is co-funded by Australian Government, NSW Government, Government of South Australia and Knauf Insulation. Ed is also affiliated with Schumacher Institute for Sustainable Systems, based in the UK.

Nimish Biloria receives funding through the RACE for 2030 Cooperative Research Centre. This research was undertaken as part of the Energy Upgrades for Australian Homes initiative, which is funded in part by the NSW Government, the Government of South Australia, and Knauf Insulation. Before this, Nimish Biloria has received funding from various governmental bodies, not-for-profit organizations, and the Industry such as the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), City of Sydney, AusIndustry Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, Transport for New South Wales, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Leigh Place Aged Care, Sydney, NSW, HMI Technologies.

– ref. These 5 roadblocks are standing in the way of energy-efficient homes – https://theconversation.com/these-5-roadblocks-are-standing-in-the-way-of-energy-efficient-homes-256906

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-Morocco Joint Communiqué: Strategic Dialogue 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

UK-Morocco Joint Communiqué: Strategic Dialogue 2025

The Kingdom of Morocco and the United Kingdom enter an Enhanced Strategic Partnership and sign a series of agreements driving mutual growth and security.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita received the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The Rt Hon David Lammy MP, in Rabat on 1st June 2025. Mr. Bourita and The Rt Hon David Lammy co-chaired, on this occasion, the 5th session of the Morocco-UK Strategic Dialogue. Following productive talks between the two Ministers, the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have secured a historic agreement to enhance their bilateral relationship.

A historic partnership between two Kingdoms rooted in shared values

The Kingdom of Morocco and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are bound by one of the world’s oldest diplomatic relationships, dating back over 800 years. From the first recorded contact between both Crowns, in the early 13th century, to present day exchanges, the longstanding and enduring ties between Moroccan and British Sovereigns have formed the bedrock of this unique alliance.

Their Majesties King Mohammed VI and King Charles III continue to anchor Moroccan-United Kingdom ties. Their leadership has continuously fostered the stability and high-level commitment necessary to develop an ambitious, forward-looking strategic partnership.

The privileged ties between both Kingdoms rest on a solid foundation of shared values and converging interests. From the Treaty of Peace and Commerce, signed over 300 years ago, to the UK-Morocco Association Agreement, which passed into effect in 2021, trade and economic cooperation continue to grow from strength to strength. People-to-people connections and flourishing cross-cultural exchanges nurture the bonds of friendship and mutual respect that ensure the resilience and growth of this relationship.

Both countries reaffirmed the paramount importance of a rules-based international order and the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and their constant position on respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of countries, the non-use of force for the settlement of conflicts and their support for the principle of respect for self-determination.

Securing a Historic Agreement: Ushering in a New Era of Bilateral Relations

Building upon this exceptional shared history and its many bilateral achievements, the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland seek to usher in a new era of comprehensive and genuine strategic partnership. To this effect, both Ministers reaffirmed their mutual commitment to deepening collaboration across all dimensions: political, diplomatic, security, economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Marking a significant step towards a pioneering partnership fit for the future, the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland reaffirm their shared objectives in the realms of security, conflict resolution, green growth and socio-economic development, for the mutual benefit of their peoples.

The Kingdom of Morocco and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland pledge to act as partners to jointly address regional and global challenges, and to uphold the principles of peace, security, tolerance, and human rights. In this spirit, the two countries intend to optimize existing bilateral frameworks and adopt an ambitious, enduring roadmap across issues of common interest.

Western Sahara: Supporting Morocco’s Autonomy Plan

The UK recognises the importance of the question of Western Sahara for the Kingdom of Morocco and follows closely the current positive dynamic on this issue under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

As a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, the United Kingdom agrees with Morocco on the urgent need to find a resolution to this long-held dispute, which would be in the interest of the parties. The stalled nature of the political process and ongoing conflict prevents the region from realising its full social and economic potential and hampers regional integration, security and development. The time for a resolution and to move this issue forwards is long-overdue, and would strengthen the stability of North Africa and the relaunch of the bilateral dynamic and regional integration.

Both countries support, and consider vital, the central role of the UN-led process to bring the parties together and move the issue forward to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution and reaffirm their full support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Mr. Staffan de Mistura. To this end the UK is ready, willing and committed to lend its active support and engagement to the Personal Envoy and the parties to reach such a solution to this dispute.

In that context the UK, in encouraging the relevant parties to engage, urgently and positively, with the UN-led political process, considers Morocco’s autonomy proposal, submitted in 2007 as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the dispute.

The UK and the Kingdom of Morocco expressed their shared conviction that renewed efforts were urgently needed to support the PESG in the search for a solution, underlying that the only viable and durable solution will be one that is mutually acceptable to the relevant parties, and is arrived at through compromise. They committed themselves to this goal, in the belief that, with goodwill on all sides, a solution could be found very soon. To that end, the UK will continue to act bilaterally, including economically, regionally and internationally in line with this position to support resolution of the conflict.

The two Ministers discussed how to move the question forward, and, in that context, the UK welcomed Morocco’s willingness to engage in good faith with all relevant parties, to expand on details of what autonomy within the Moroccan State could entail for the region, with a view to restarting serious negotiations on terms acceptable to the parties.

Enhancing bilateral cooperation: strengthening collective security, advancing green growth and deepening people-to-people bonds

The Kingdom of Morocco and the UK agree to strengthen their bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the Strategic Dialogue, the Association Council, the Security Dialogue and the informal Human Rights Dialogue.

In the field of security, the Kingdom of Morocco and the UK commit to enhanced efforts to address national security concerns. Both parties committed to increased collaboration on counter-terrorism and its root causes, including the return and rehabilitation of foreign terrorist fighters, tackling online radicalisation, counter-unmanned aerial systems (drones), cybersecurity and risks posed by Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies in particular their potential malicious use, security of critical infrastructure and major international events. Ministers agree that strengthened security cooperation in counterterrorism, illegal migration and serious organised crime will enhance mutual resilience from these threats and that this will be underpinned by an agreed information and intelligence exchange. In this regard, the UK welcomes Morocco’s election as Interpol Vice-President for Africa, reinforcing its role as a key player in both regional and international security efforts.

In the field of Defence, the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will continue to work together to strengthen their defence cooperation, built upon the foundations of a dynamic programme of activity, agreed at the annual Joint Military Commission. With both the Kingdom of Morocco and the UK being Atlantic maritime nations, the two countries agreed to look for opportunities to strengthen maritime collaboration. Both sides agreed to deepen Defence industry cooperation and partnership, including investments in industrial projects, leveraging UK Defence industry expertise and resources to deliver cutting-edge capabilities.

On bilateral trade, the Ministers applauded the expansion of economic ties, which reached £4.2 billion in 2024, doubling since the entry into force of the UK-Morocco Association Agreement in 2021. Building on this positive momentum, both parties expect this new partnership to drive further trade growth, create quality jobs and reduce costs for consumers.

The Parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining and expanding economic ties, paving the way for deeper collaboration and continuity of trade. The UK especially welcomes the support to strengthen public procurement co-operation between the parties.

They acknowledged the importance of intellectual property to the UK’s export economy, and expressed support of efforts to safeguard the Moroccan market from counterfeit and low-quality imitation goods. In this regard, the two sides agreed to examine the registration of a list of UK geographical indications in Morocco, ensuring the protection of emblematic quality products.

Both parties welcomed the efforts to reach a decision on rules of origin and the progress made on the agricultural review, aimed at improving market access and enhancing trade. Their finalization will mark a major step in strengthening the UK-Morocco Agreement and deepening a fair and mutually beneficial partnership.

Both Ministers recognise the untapped investment potential between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and agree to work together to unlock new investment opportunities. In this context, they commit to establishing a Morocco Business Alliance, driven by the private sector.

Morocco also welcomes UK Export Finance’s £5bn commitment to support new business across the country. The UK and Morocco discussed the coverage of UK Export Finance. The UK can consider supporting projects in Western Sahara subject to meeting UKEF’s due diligence requirements. The UK recognises Morocco as a key gateway to Africa’s socio-economic development and reaffirms its commitment to deepening engagement with Morocco as a partner for growth across the continent.

Regarding the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the UK reiterates its congratulations to Morocco on its successful bid to co-host the tournament. Morocco welcomes the UK Government’s technical support and efforts to promote associated commercial opportunities for UK businesses across the value chain. Both Ministers expressed their commitment to collaborate on priority infrastructure projects ahead of the tournament, including by utilising support from the UK Government, where relevant and jointly agreed, as well as expertise from the UK supply chain.

In the field of water, climate and energy transition, both parties will enhance efforts to unlock green growth projects, remove barriers to clean energy deployment and connectivity, and mobilise climate and sustainable finance, including through the Energy Transition Council, the Breakthrough Agenda, and the Powering Past Coal Alliance. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland recognises Morocco’s pioneering leadership in renewable energy and sustainable development, and its strategic efforts to become a regional energy and sustainable mining and fuels hub. Both sides commit to work closely on sustainable water management, building on Morocco’s national strategy for water resilience, and jointly encourage broader international financing and political backing for water security and climate action ahead of COP30. The UK welcomes Morocco’s support for, and participation in, the UK-led Clean Power Alliance. Both countries welcome the new collaboration of the UK Met office and Morocco’s Direction Generale de la Meteorologie as a positive example of collaboration on climate and related environmental services.

In the healthcare sector, the Ministers discussed Morocco’s ambitious plans to expand its national capacity and to achieve universal health insurance. Morocco welcomes the UK’s support in advancing this goal, noting agreements between public and private bodies to strengthen partnership across hospital building, medical equipment supply, and teaching links.

Both parties commit to further deepening their cooperation in education, scientific research, and innovation, including through the promotion of mobility for students, researchers, and faculty, the establishment of co-financing mechanisms for joint research, and the expansion of British university campuses in Morocco. The UK welcomed Morocco’s announcement of automatic recognition of UK higher education qualifications for Moroccan students studying in the UK, as well as its intention to facilitate the establishment of UK higher education institutions and recognise UK degrees delivered in Morocco. Morocco recognises the UK as a partner of choice in its efforts to expand English language education and will match-fund the UK’s current annual investment in British Council pre-service training programmes for English language secondary school teachers and inspectors.

They welcomed the Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) which will give new impetus to the bilateral partnership and deepen collaboration in several areas of common interest including healthcare, water, energy, transport, defence and procurement.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomes and is supporting the major reforms undertaken by Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, for a more open and dynamic society and economy. Both countries note the constructive cooperation between the Bank of England and Bank Al-Maghrib in areas such as cyber security, regulatory alignment, and Central Bank Digital Currency. Both parties will continue to collaborate – alongside relevant multilateral institutions – by sharing expertise and advancing cooperation in financial policy reforms, climate risk, financial stability, and economic diplomacy.

Furthermore, the UK commends the progress achieved by Morocco in the field of human rights under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, both at the national level and on the international stage. The UK congratulated Morocco on its successful presidency of the United Nation’s Human Rights Council in 2024, and both Ministers welcomed Morocco’s participation at the UK’s Wilton Park Conference on Women’s Political Empowerment in January 2025. They also welcomed the second UK-Morocco Informal Dialogue on Human Rights, held in Rabat on 30 April 2024, during which the two countries discussed areas of mutual interest, including freedom of expression, empowerment of women, media freedom, and judicial reforms. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to empowering women and girls across all areas of bilateral cooperation and confirmed their intention to hold a third session of the dialogue before the end of 2025 in London.

Both parties welcome the burgeoning cultural and sport exchange, and the people-to-people ties that underpin this partnership. Both nations will support emerging cultural spaces and festivals, youth and community engagement, and friendly matches between their national football teams.

The two Ministers celebrated the increase in people-to-people contacts between the two kingdoms. Given the record number of Moroccan and British visitors in both directions, and in line with the strengthening of bilateral relations, they agreed to build on existing visa processes and to make meaningful improvement for visitors from both countries.

Fostering cooperation on regional and international issues of common interest

The UK regards Morocco as a credible and trusted partner, playing a key role in promoting stability and development at both the regional and international levels.

The UK welcomed Morocco’s efforts through initiatives launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI to progress peace, stability and socio-economic development in Africa, notably, notably, “the Initiative of the Atlantic African States Process”; and the “International Royal Initiative to facilitate access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic ocean”. Both parties expressed their concern about security threats in the Sahel region, the proliferation of non-state actors, and reports of multiple human rights violations. Both parties consider that the fight against violent extremist organisations in the Sahel requires a holistic response that includes development, trade and investment and the protection of the civilian population alongside security. Both parties agreed to explore cooperation on these issues in this regard.

With regard to the Middle East, the UK commends the key role played by His Majesty King Mohammed VI as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee. Both countries reaffirm their shared commitment to advance a comprehensive peace in the region, including by building on our close cooperation to support regional stability. Both sides reiterate their support for a two-State solution, leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a sovereign and viable Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as a shared capital.

In the context of the UK Foreign Secretary’s visit to Morocco, and following the Strategic Dialogue with His Excellency Nasser Bourita, several agreements have been signed to deepen ties between the two kingdoms, driving mutual growth and security.

The following have been agreed:

2030 World Cup Government to Government Partnership Agreement, signed between the UK Department of Business and Trade, and Morocco’s Minister Delegate of Budget, to progress UK-Morocco collaboration on critical infrastructure projects ahead of tournament.

Memorandum of Understanding signed between the UK Department for Business and Trade and Morocco’s Ministry of Equipment and Water to strengthen bilateral cooperation on water and ports infrastructure, promoting UK expertise in sustainable water management, smart logistics, and green port technologies.

Agreement between the UK Department for Business and Trade and Morocco’s Ministry of Interior to advance sustainable infrastructure and partnerships between the UK and Moroccan local authorities across several priority sectors, including water management, sustainable waste management, and urban mobility.

Noting the ongoing strength of the UK Morocco Association Agreement, driving record bilateral trade volumes, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the UK Department of Business and Trade and Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade to promote procurement co-operation.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and Morocco covering higher education, scientific research, and innovation.

Memorandum of Understanding signed between the UK Department for Business and Trade and Morocco’s Ministry of Health to enable UK private sector engagement to support Morocco’s healthcare transformation programme. confirming comms lines

UK Export Finance Memorandum of Understanding with SGTM to explore opportunities of partnership in Morocco and wider Africa

UK Export Finance, and TAQA Morocco have signed a memorandum of understanding to support TAQA Morocco’s transition to a low-carbon power generation portfolio in line with the sustainable roadmap of the Kingdom of Morocco. This will contribute to give additional access to competitive, innovative and accelerated financial conditions to enhance the Kingdom of Morocco’s competitiveness.

A Memorandum of Understanding on climate collaboration and related environmental services between the UK Met Office and Morocco Meteorological Office

A intent to collaborate with Vicenne to introduce UK digital health solutions to the Moroccan market and support innovation in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

A intent to collaborate with the Mohammed VI Foundation of Health and Science aims to promote UK expertise in medical equipment, hospital design, and academic partnership to support healthcare development in Morocco.

An invitation to the Moroccan Airports Authority to visit the UK and explore partnership opportunities amidst Morocco’s airport transformation plans.

The following agreements will be agreed and signed in the coming days:

A Memorandum of Understanding between UK defence and security trade association ADS Group and the Moroccan Agency of Investment and Export Development to strengthen links between UK and Morocco defence industries.

A Memorandum of Understanding between BAE Systems and the National Defence Administration of Morocco and the Moroccan Agency of Investment and Export Development on investment and capability across the defence sector.

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Published 1 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Joint Statement from U.S. Senators Graham and Blumenthal on Visit to France

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) today made this joint statement on their visit to Paris, France.
“Congratulations to Paris Saint-Germain for winning the Champions league and making history. We learned firsthand that the French are good at soccer and have amazing endurance when it comes to celebrating. Also during our time in Paris, we had worthwhile meetings with France’s Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Finance and President Macron’s national security advisor, and a lengthy and productive phone call with President Macron.
“As authors of the bone-crushing Russia sanctions bill that now has 82 Senate cosponsors, we assured President Macron and his team that we believe Putin is playing games regarding peace and is actually preparing for a military offensive in the late summer or early fall.
“President Macron shares the view that Putin’s behavior demonstrates that he is not interested in peace. Macron is also very determined to unite Europe, working in coordination with the U.S., to change the calculation for Putin. Importantly, we all agreed that if China and India stopped buying cheap Russian oil, Putin’s war machine would grind to a halt.
“President Macron supports lowering the price cap for Russian oil, which will hit Putin in the wallet, and working with his team, he committed to try to deliver a forceful message to China and India regarding their financial backing of Putin’s war. It is our hope that Europe will move forward together on lowering the price caps, and join together to send a clear message to China and India that they must change their behavior.
“Europe and the United States are holding all the cards and can make meaningful efforts to change China and India’s behavior.
“We are also hopeful Europe will up their game regarding the seizure of frozen assets of those who are benefiting off of Putin’s illegal invasion. President Macron was very open to that idea.
“We also discussed Russia’s kidnapping of approximately 20,000 Ukrainian children over the course of the war. President Macron has been a clear, moral voice against this barbaric kidnapping and other Russian atrocities.
“France has been terrific in supporting Ukraine. In many ways, this has been President Macron’s finest hour.
“We will be pushing the Senate to take action by using the expedited Rule 14 process to bring the sanctions bill to the floor. By the G7 summit, we hope to have sanctions put in place — in coordination with Europe — to deliver an unequivocal message to China.
“The theme of this engagement was that we appreciate President Trump’s earnest efforts to bring about peace and entice Putin to come to the table. It is our view Putin is not responding in kind, he is not interested in peace and that he plans to continue to dismember Ukraine. We appreciate that President Zelensky will send a delegation to Istanbul, which is a clear sign that he is earnestly seeking peace. Unfortunately, we believe Monday’s meeting will result in another demand by Russia that will be unrealistic.
“An end of the war that rewards Putin’s aggression will create a ripple effect around the world, which will be catastrophic in every corner. Bad actors will be emboldened, and those who want to align with the West will be deterred.
“If we can have a just and honorable peace, it will reset the world in all the right ways. History is watching.”

MIL OSI USA News –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Minister Guilbeault on Italian Heritage Month

Source: Government of Canada News

OTTAWA, June 1, 2025

In June, we celebrate Italian Heritage Month. People of Italian descent have been in Canada since the 1880s and are an integral part of our society, making it more dynamic.

Our country’s first Italian community numbered around 2,000 people at the end of the 19th century. In the 2021 census, more than 1.5 million people claimed Italian origins. Home to one of the largest Italian diasporas in the world, Canada is proud of this community’s vibrant, shared culture. For generations, people of Italian descent have enriched Canadian society, thanks in part to the Little Italy neighbourhoods in many major Canadian cities that have helped make our country more diverse and more open to the world.

The contributions made by people of Italian descent don’t stop at the gates of these neighbourhoods. They have also made notable impacts in finance, politics, cuisine, music, entrepreneurship, education, science and many other fields.

Italian Heritage Month is a time to recognize the rich culture and traditions of Italian Canadians and to celebrate the spirit of community that brings us together. Let’s take this opportunity to come together and learn about the heritage of our neighbours of Italian ancestry!

Happy Italian Heritage Month everyone!

MIL OSI Canada News –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Minister Guilbeault on Portuguese Heritage Month

Source: Government of Canada News

OTTAWA, June 1, 2025

In June, we are pleased to mark Portuguese Heritage Month, an opportunity to celebrate the history and culture of the Luso-Canadian community, an integral part of our national fabric.

Portuguese people have made Canada their home since the early 1950s—most of them from the Azores and Madeira—in search of a better life. Armed with their courage and will, they settled on Canadian soil to help create the country we cherish today.

More than 500 years after the first Portuguese explorers set foot in Canada, there are now almost 500,000 people of Portuguese origin living here. Present in all our major cities, they form one of the largest Portuguese diasporas in the world. They also excel in a variety of fields; from education and politics to the arts, finance and community service, members of Luso-Canadian communities are making Canada stronger through their vitality and hard work.

Throughout June, I invite everyone to celebrate the heritage and culture of Luso-Canadians and to mark Portugal Day on June 10. Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas is the perfect time to reflect on what unites us and recognize just how significantly our fellow citizens of Portuguese origin have contributed to our culture and diversity.

Happy Portuguese Heritage Month!

MIL OSI Canada News –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Blind box toys are booming: Are they just child’s play or something more concerning?

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Eugene Y. Chan, Associate Professor of Marketing, Toronto Metropolitan University

Collectible figurines on display at Pop Mart in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, on April 29, 2025. (Shutterstock)

If you’ve seen videos of people tearing into tiny toy packages online, or noticed teens obsessing over pastel-coloured figurines at the mall, you’ve probably encountered the global craze for blind box toys.

These small collectibles — usually figures of cartoonish characters — are sold in sealed packaging that hides which specific item is inside. You might get the one you want, or you might not. That uncertainty is part of the thrill.

Unlike traditional toys, these figures are marketed as collectibles. Many are part of themed series, with some designs labelled as “rare” or “secret,” appearing in as few as one in every 144 boxes. This sense of exclusivity fuels repeat purchases and has spawned a resale market where rare figures can command hundreds of dollars.

Popular among children and adults alike, blind box toys have grown into a billion-dollar industry. One of the more popular brands is Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company founded in 2010 known for its collectible designer toys sold in mystery packs.

Gen Z consumers, in particular, have embraced blind box toys both as a nostalgic pastime and as a form of legitimate collecting. The proliferation of unboxing videos on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, where creators open dozens of blind boxes on camera, has added to their appeal.

For many fans, these toys offer more than just cuteness: they also provide suspense, surprise and a rush of dopamine with every box opened. But how did this niche product become a global obsession?

From Tokyo streets to western malls

The origins of blind box toys trace back to East Asia. Capsule toy vending machines called gashapon originated in Japan in the 1960s. By the 1980s, they had become a cultural fixture. These machines dispense small toys in opaque plastic balls, with customers never quite sure which item they’ll receive.

In the early 2010s, Chinese companies like Pop Mart adapted the gashapon model for the mainstream retail space. Instead of vending machines, they began selling artist-designed vinyl toys in blind boxes at dedicated boutiques.

A tourist uses a gashapon machine in Osaka, Japan, in 2024. Gashapon machines are similar to the coin-operated toy vending machines seen outside grocery stores and other retailers in North America.
(Shutterstock)

Pop Mart’s success helped transform the blind box into a mainstream commercial phenomenon. Characters like Molly, Skullpanda and Dimoo became instant hits, combining Japanese kawaii esthetics with western pop art sensibilities.

Pop Mart figures have since developed a cult-like following. Many consumers treat the toys as affordable art objects, displayed in cabinets, on purses or traded online.

Today, blind box retail stores have expanded globally from Asia to Europe and North America. In October 2024, Pop Mart opened its first store in the Midwestern United States, located on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile at The Shops at North Bridge. The store offers exclusive products and taps into the growing demand for collectibles among American consumers.

The psychology behind the mystery

What makes blind box toys so hard to resist?

Their success relies on a psychological principle known as variable-ratio reinforcement — the same reward pattern that makes slot machines so addictive.

You never know exactly when you’ll score the item you’re after, but the possibility that the next box might contain it keeps people coming back. This unpredictability keeps people engaged, especially when the potential reward is framed as rare or valuable.

Cconsumer psychology research also suggests that anticipation plays a major role. Studies show that dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical, spikes not just when we get what we want, but when we anticipate it. The sealed packaging, the suspense of unwrapping and the hope for a rare figure all heighten this effect.

Sonny Angels on display in a store in Shenzhen, China, in March 2019.
(Shutterstock)

For younger collectors, the excitement of “the chase” can foster compulsive buying habits. This effect is amplified by the social influence of watching unboxings online or seeing friends complete their sets, and it becomes a powerful loop.

Even when buyers don’t get the figure they want, the sunk cost fallacy — the feeling that they’ve already invested too much time or money to walk away — keeps them buying more.

The hidden costs of blind boxes

As blind box toys surge in popularity, they have drawn criticism from consumer advocates, psychologists and environmentalists alike.

Some worry that blind boxes normalize gambling-like behaviours, especially among children. The randomness, excitement and promise of rare rewards closely mirror the mechanisms behind loot boxes in video games — another product that has sparked global concern over youth exposure to gambling psychology.

Several countries, including Belgium and the Netherlands, have regulated loot boxes under gambling laws. Blind boxes, though currently unregulated, may be next in line for scrutiny.

Read more:
Blind bags: how toy makers are making a fortune with child gambling

There are also environmental concerns. Many blind box toys come in excessive packaging — plastic wraps, foil bags, cardboard boxes — most of which is discarded immediately. The collectibles themselves are often made of non-recyclable plastics, raising questions about sustainability in an era of rising consumer awareness over waste.

Even among adult fans, some critics question whether blind boxes are designed less to bring joy and more to trigger compulsive consumption. The joy of collecting, they argue, is increasingly overshadowed by the mechanics of engineered desire.

What should we make of the blind box boom?

Blind box toys are not inherently harmful, and for many, they’re a source of fun, nostalgia and self-expression. They also offer an accessible way for consumers to engage with designer art in a collectible, miniature form, as many of them are created by individual artists.

But blind box toys also raise deeper questions about how modern marketing leverages psychological triggers associated with gambling, especially when it comes to children.

As these toys continue to gain traction in the West, it’s worth asking more critical questions, like: are we buying into mystery or are we being sold obsession and compulsion?

The blind box trend reflects broader shifts in how products are marketed, how value is perceived and how consumer behaviour is shaped in a digital, attention-driven economy. Understanding the forces at play may be the first step toward more informed — and perhaps more mindful — collecting.

Eugene Y. Chan 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. Blind box toys are booming: Are they just child’s play or something more concerning? – https://theconversation.com/blind-box-toys-are-booming-are-they-just-childs-play-or-something-more-concerning-257611

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 2, 2025
MIL-OSI: Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle: Bitcoin Solaris Presale Phase 5 Ends in Hours—Mobile Mining App Nears Launch
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TALLINN, Estonia, June 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The window is closing. Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S), the fixed-supply, mobile-mining blockchain, is now in the final hours of Presale Phase 5. With over $1.2 million raised and 11,000+ participants, BTC-S is giving everyday users the opportunity to start building wealth—directly from their smartphones.

The Difference Between Waiting and Winning

Every altcoin season brings two types of people. Some sit on the sidelines, watching videos, reading predictions, and waiting for the “perfect moment.” They plan, but they never move.

Then there are those who act. They discover Bitcoin Solaris and realize the cycle won’t break itself. They start mining, investing, and building—while everyone else hesitates.

That’s why BTC-S isn’t just another token. It’s a lifeline for those ready to stop waiting and start winning.

Mining That Works From Your Pocket

Traditional crypto mining was built for the elite—expensive rigs, massive electricity bills, and a steep learning curve.

Bitcoin Solaris flips the model on its head.

Using the upcoming Solaris Nova App, users can mine BTC-S from:
- Smartphones (Android & iOS): Adaptive energy-saving algorithms keep devices cool and battery-friendly.
- Laptops & PCs: Balance productivity and mining with adjustable settings.
- ASICs or GPU rigs: For advanced users, Solaris optimizes output with its hybrid consensus system.
Checkout Bitcoin Solaris Mining Calculator Here!

And all of this is backed by a hybrid Proof-of-Work + Delegated Proof-of-Stake system, which processes up to 10,000 transactions per second, finalizes in 2 seconds, and consumes 99.95% less energy than Bitcoin.

Final Hours of Phase 5

The presale phase ends in less than 15 hours. Here’s what early participants need to know:
- Current Price: $5
- Next Phase Price: $6
- Public Listing Price: $20
- Early-Bird Bonus: 11%
- Presale Ends: July 31, 2025
- Total Token Supply: 21 million BTC-S
- Presale Allocation: 20% (4.2 million tokens)
This 90-day presale ends on July 31, 2025, and already over $1.8 million has been raised, with 11,000+ users jumping in early.

The projected 1,900% return isn’t some exaggerated hope—it’s calculated potential based on limited token supply, product readiness, and surging demand during altcoin season.

Road Ahead: This Isn’t a Meme Project—It’s a Blueprint

Bitcoin Solaris isn’t just here to pump and vanish. Its roadmap is one of the most comprehensive, structured, and ambitious in the space:
- Q3 2026: Full mainnet and public launch of the Nova App with AI optimizations
- Q4 2026: Launch of the Mining Power Marketplace and hardware wallet integration
- 2027: Layer-2 scaling, Bitcoin Solaris DEX, quantum-resistant security upgrades
- 2028+: Government-level collaborations, AI integration, and global blockchain education
BTC-S isn’t just changing how people mine—it’s reshaping what’s possible with a smartphone and a plan.

Conclusion: You Don’t Need to Wait for a Raise—You Need a Reset

While millions are stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck loop, a new class of users is quietly mining wealth from their phones. Bitcoin Solaris is giving people the power to create financial freedom—not five years from now, but during this altcoin season.

BTC-S Is Built for Mass Adoption—Be Among the First

For more information on Bitcoin Solaris:
Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
X: https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris

Media Contact
Xander Levine
press@bitcoinsolaris.com
Press Kit: Available upon request

Media Contact
Xander Levine
press@bitcoinsolaris.com
Press Kit: Available upon request

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Bitcoin Solaris. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e5697e19-4208-4ae2-817f-e7ead2c403de

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0bb86756-a409-4687-b3d1-1848d6b55171

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/37811ece-e5ef-4547-a2d8-a2568796b906

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25ccb91f-2e4a-4feb-a0b6-2dad13665b9b

The MIL Network –
June 2, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Phil Goff: Israel doesn’t care how many innocent people, children it’s killing

COMMENTARY: By Phil Goff

“What we are doing in Gaza now is a war of devastation: indiscriminate, limitless, cruel and criminal killing of civilians. It’s the result of government policy — knowingly, evilly, maliciously, irresponsibly dictated.”

This statement was made not by a foreign or liberal critic of Israel but by the former Prime Minister and former senior member of Benjamin Netanyahu’s own Likud party, Ehud Olmet.

Nightly, we witness live-streamed evidence of the truth of his statement — lethargic and gaunt children dying of malnutrition, a bereaved doctor and mother of 10 children, nine of them killed by an Israeli strike (and her husband, another doctor, died later), 15 emergency ambulance workers gunned down by the IDF as they tried to help others injured by bombs, despite their identity being clear.

Statistics reflect the scale of the horror imposed on Palestinians who are overwhelmingly civilians — 54,000 killed, 121,000 maimed and injured. Over 17,000 of these are children.

This can no longer be excused as regrettable collateral damage from targeted attacks on Hamas.

Israel simply doesn’t care about the impact of its military attacks on civilians and how many innocent people and children it is killing.

Its willingness to block all humanitarian aid- food, water, medical supplies, from Gaza demonstrates further its willingness to make mass punishment and starvation a means to achieve its ends. Both are war crimes.

Influenced by the right wing extremists in the Coalition cabinet, like Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s goal is no longer self defence or justifiable retaliation against Hamas terrorists.

Israel attacks Palestinians at US-backed aid hubs in Gaza, killing 36. Image: AJ screenshot APR

Making life unbearable
The Israeli government policy is focused on making life unbearable for Palestinians and seeking to remove them from their homeland. In this, they are openly encouraged by President Trump who has publicly and repeatedly endorsed deporting the Palestinian population so that the Gaza could be made into a “Middle East Riviera”.

This is not the once progressive pioneer Israel, led by people who had faced the Nazi Holocaust and were fighting for the right to a place where they could determine their own future and be safe.

Sadly, a country of people who were themselves long victims of oppression is now guilty of oppressing and committing genocide against others.

New Zealand recently joined 23 other countries calling out Israel and demanding a full supply of foreign aid be allowed into Gaza.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters called Israel’s actions “ intolerable”. He said that we had “had enough and were running out of patience and hearing excuses”.

While speaking out might make us feel better, words are not enough. Israel’s attacks on the civilian population in Gaza are being increased, aid distribution which has restarted is grossly insufficient to stop hunger and human suffering and Palestinians are being herded into confined areas described as humanitarian zones but which are still subject to bombardment.

People living in tents in schools and hospitals are being slaughtered.

World must force Israel to stop
Like Putin, Israel will not end its killing and oppression unless the world forces it to. The US has the power but will not do this.

The sanctions Trump has imposed are not on Israel’s leaders but on judges in the International Criminal Court (ICC) who dared to find Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu guilty of war crimes.

New Zealand’s foreign policy has traditionally involved working with like-minded countries, often small nations like us. Two of these, Ireland and Sweden, are seeking to impose sanctions on Israel.

Both are members of the European Union which makes up a third of Israel’s global trade. If the EU decides to act, sanctions imposed by it would have a big impact on Israel.

These sanctions should be both on trade and against individuals.

New Zealand has imposed sanctions on a small number of extremist Jewish settlers on the West Bank where there is evidence of them using violence against Palestinian villagers.

These sanctions should be extended to Israel’s political leadership and New Zealand could take a lead in doing this. We should not be influenced by concern that by taking a stand we might offend US president Donald Trump.

Show our preparedness to uphold values
In the way that we have been proud of in the past, we should as a small but fiercely independent country show our preparedness to uphold our own values and act against gross abuse of human rights and flagrant disregard for international law.

We should be working with others through the United Nations General Assembly to maximise political pressure on Israel to stop the ongoing killing of innocent civilians.

Moral outrage at what Israel is doing has to be backed by taking action with others to force the Israeli government to end the killing, destruction, mass punishment and deliberate starvation of Palestinians including their children.

An American doctor working at a Gaza hospital reported that in the last five weeks he had worked on dozens of badly injured children but not a single combatant.

He noted that as well as being maimed and disfigured by bombing, many of the children were also suffering from malnutrition. Children were dying from wounds that they could recover from but there were not the supplies needed to treat them.

Protest is not enough. We need to act.

Phil Goff is Aotearoa New Zealand’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs. This article was first published by the Stuff website and is republished with the permission of the author.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Three killed, dozens injured in hospital fire in Hamburg, Germany

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

BERLIN, June 1 (Xinhua) — A fire broke out overnight at a hospital in the Hohenfelde district of Hamburg in northern Germany, killing three patients and injuring more than 50 others, local authorities confirmed Sunday.

According to the Hamburg Fire Department, two victims are in life-threatening condition, another 16 people were seriously injured and 36 were slightly injured.

The fire started in the geriatric ward on the first floor of the hospital and spread to the second floor. Firefighters received information about the fire shortly after midnight.

Thick smoke from the fire spread through all floors of the building, prompting a massive emergency response. Firefighters carried out rescue operations through open windows and the fire was completely extinguished early Sunday morning.

The cause of the fire is being investigated. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 1, 2025
Piyush Goyal commences official visit to France, Italy to boost economic ties

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal began his three-day official visit to France on Sunday as part of a five-day tour of France and Italy from June 1 to 5. The visit is aimed at further strengthening India’s strategic and economic partnerships with key European nations.

During his stay in France, the Minister will hold bilateral meetings with senior French officials, including Minister of Economy Eric Lombard and Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin. The discussions will focus on enhancing Indo-French economic ties, trade collaboration, and exploring investment opportunities in priority sectors.

As part of his engagements, Goyal will participate in the India-France Business Round Table and the India-France CEO Forum. He is expected to meet senior leadership from leading French companies such as Vicat, TotalEnergies, L’Oréal, Renault, Valeo, EDF and ATR. The forums aim to deepen industry-level cooperation and foster greater dialogue between businesses from both countries.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Goyal said, “France is a longstanding partner in India’s growth journey. This visit is an opportunity to reinforce our economic collaboration, encourage two-way investments, and support innovation-led partnerships.”

The Minister will also represent India at the informal gathering of World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministers, held on the sidelines of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris. He will articulate India’s views on key global trade issues, including reform of the multilateral trading system and inclusive growth.

Goyal will hold a series of bilateral meetings with international counterparts during the visit. These include the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kasabi.

The Minister will also meet Israel’s Minister for Trade and Investment Nir Barkat, Nigeria’s Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole OON, and Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mr. Mauro Luis Iecker Vieira. These interactions are expected to advance India’s global trade outreach and provide momentum to the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

In addition, Goyal will engage with senior EU officials, including European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen. The talks will focus on boosting India-EU cooperation in trade, technology, and agriculture.

Goyal will continue the second leg of his visit in Italy from June 3, where further engagements with industry leaders and government officials are scheduled.

June 1, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Growing appetite drives up exports of zongzi

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

Traditional sticky rice dumplings — better known as zongzi, a favorite dish during Dragon Boat Festival — are enjoying booming popularity abroad, with exports seeing strong double-digit growth this year from Shenzhen, Guangdong province.

According to Shenzhen Customs, more than 157 metric tons of zongzi have been exported from the city since January, up 95.2 percent year-on-year, showing that the overseas appetite for this festive favorite is growing fast.

Zhu Danpeng, an independent food and beverage analyst, said that as China’s global influence grows, overseas Chinese are feeling a deeper connection to their roots.

“Zongzi isn’t just a festive food, it’s a symbol of cultural identity and nostalgia,” Zhu said. “Occasions such as Dragon Boat Festival are becoming even more meaningful abroad. This trend speaks not only to growing cultural influence, but also the rising confidence among overseas Chinese in the safety, quality and value of Chinese food products.”

Traditionally, Shenzhen-made zongzi were sent mostly to Hong Kong and Macao. But that’s changing quickly. Orders have started flowing in from more markets, including Singapore, the Netherlands and the United States, as international consumers show more interest in Chinese holiday foods, according to Shenzhen Customs.

Although classic fillings like salted egg yolk and pork still dominate, manufacturers in Shenzhen are getting more creative. Red bean paste, seafood and even fruits are now part of the mix, catering to more adventurous eaters. Zongzi fillings are also being exported on their own, opening up even more international business opportunities.

At Santa Ana Bakery, in Shenzhen’s Bao’an district, its employees were busy wrapping and steaming zongzi for global shipments.

“Our export orders are up 14 percent this year compared with last year,” said Wan Yingfang, a manager at the bakery. “Production started earlier, as demand was rising.”

Meanwhile, Shenzhen Customs has stepped up efforts to facilitate exports of the festive favorite.

“Dragon Boat Festival exports are extremely time-sensitive,” said Yao Bing, an official at Tongle division of Shenzhen Customs.

“As a result, we have dedicated staff to help manufacturers quickly get through inspections. We’ve also created a fast-track clearance channel and improved coordination at the ports.”

Other cities in Guangdong are also joining the export wave.

As of Tuesday, more than 150 tons of Dragon Boat Festival-related foods, including zongzi, had been exported from cities such as Guangzhou, Foshan and Zhaoqing, according to Chinanews.com.

These products not only bring comfort to overseas Chinese communities, but also help share a taste of Chinese culture with a wider global audience, said Zhu, the food and beverage analyst.

MIL OSI China News –

June 1, 2025
All-party delegation arrives in Spain to present India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, arrived in Madrid on Sunday as part of an ongoing diplomatic effort to present India’s uncompromising stance on terrorism.

The delegation will engage with officials from the Spanish government, members of the Indian diaspora, and civil society representatives during its two-day visit. The outreach is part of a broader campaign to reinforce India’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, especially in the context of cross-border threats.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Spain said, “The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation, led by MP Ms. @kanimozhidmk and comprising members @RajeevRai, @CaptBrijesh, @GUPTAPC50 and @DrAshokKMittal, arrived in Madrid today. Over the next two days, the delegation will meet with members of the Spanish government, the Indian diaspora and civil society representatives to present India’s stance of #ZeroToleranceForTerrorism.”

The delegation includes Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta (Retd.), RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, and former Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri.

Prior to arriving in Spain, the delegation visited Latvia, where it met with key members of the Latvian Parliament, including Ingrida Circene, Chairperson of the Group for Promoting Cooperation with the Parliament on India, and Inara Murniece, Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee. The discussions focused on India’s security concerns and its determination to respond firmly to any act of terrorism, particularly those emanating from Pakistan.

Ashok Mittal shared details of the Latvia visit on X, stating, “We conveyed India’s unified and unwavering stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism.”

The delegation also held talks with Latvian State Secretary Andzejs Vilumson and Ambassador Andrejs Pildegovics, Special Envoy for Latvia’s United Nations Security Council (UNSC) candidacy. The Indian side shared information on the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which Latvia strongly condemned.

Vilumson reiterated Latvia’s categorical opposition to terrorism in all its forms and expressed solidarity with India following the Pahalgam incident in April.

The visit to Spain follows similar diplomatic engagements in Latvia, Greece, Slovenia, and Russia. These efforts are part of India’s broader international outreach under Operation Sindoor to counter Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and build global consensus on coordinated action against terror networks.

(IANS)

June 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: GA (Int’l) Capital Management Announces Launch of Communication Hubs
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HONG KONG, May 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GA (Int’l) Capital Management, a leader in tailored wealth management and investment services for high-net-worth individuals, is proud to announce the opening of satellite communication hubs in Germany, Belgium, the UK, and the USA. These hubs are designed to enhance the ability of GA Capital’s brokers and analysts to connect with clients globally, offering seamless communication and support, wherever they are.

Instead of traditional walk-in offices, these hubs will function as centres for collaboration, enabling GA Capital’s team to operate more effectively while travelling and working internationally. Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, the hubs allow real-time connections for discussions on market developments, investment strategies, and personalized client support. This expansion underscores GA Capital’s commitment to improving connectivity and accessibility for clients and experts across the globe.

Global Reach, Personalised Connections

“As we continue to grow, our goal is to maintain personal connections at the heart of our business,” said Ho Ting Fung, CEO of GA Capital. “The new communication hubs will empower our brokers and analysts to collaborate with clients, no matter where they are. By offering our team the flexibility to work and communicate on their terms, we ensure that clients receive consistent, high-level service and insights.”

Enabling Enhanced Communication and Service

The hubs will support a range of services, including:
- Discretionary Portfolio Management: Bespoke investment strategies tailored to each client’s financial goals.
- Retirement and Succession Planning: Ensuring clients’ future security and legacy.
- Expatriate Services: Specialised financial services for expatriates, particularly Australian and British citizens, protecting their global interests.
These hubs streamline communication, enabling GA Capital’s experts to provide creative financial solutions and strategies to clients worldwide, maintaining a highly personalised approach to service delivery.

About GA (Int’l) Capital Management Limited
GA (Int’l) Capital Management Limited is a global leader in financial services, offering comprehensive solutions to clients worldwide. Focused on innovation, security, and customer service, the company is dedicated to providing reliable and cutting-edge financial strategies to meet the needs of an ever-changing market.

For inquiries, please contact:
Wong On Ying, COO
GA (Int’l) Capital Management Limited
Email: wong.on.ying@gacapitalm.com
Phone: +852 3002 3446
Website: https://gacapitalm.com/

Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. GA (Int’l) Capital Management does not guarantee investment outcomes or returns. Clients should seek professional advice tailored to their needs before making financial decisions.

This content is provided by GA (Int’l) Capital Management Limited. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information shared in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment, financial, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended that you conduct thorough research and consult with a professional financial advisor before making any investment or trading decisions. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/667d5029-2139-4f90-9833-e0587acd2cdf

The MIL Network –
June 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: Crypto Bubbles Come and Go: How Bitcoin Solaris’s Technology Aims for Stable, Long-Term Appreciation
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TALLINN, Estonia, May 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Phase 5 of its limited presale nears completion, Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S) is gaining momentum for all the right reasons. With its innovative Nova App poised for launch and over $1.2 million raised from 11,000+ participants, the project signals a shift away from short-term hype and toward sustainable, long-term value creation.

Bitcoin Solaris: Mining Reimagined for Real People

In a world where mining has become elite, expensive, and inaccessible to most, Bitcoin Solaris is changing everything.

At the core is the Solaris Nova App—a revolutionary, mobile-first platform designed to make crypto mining available to everyone, regardless of budget, location, or experience.

Don’t Miss This Early BTC-S Opportunity

With this app, users can:
- Mine BTC-S from their smartphones, laptops, or desktop PCs
- Adjust settings based on device performance to optimize energy use
- Store mined BTC-S directly in the built-in wallet
- Start earning with just a tap
There’s no complex setup. No bulky rigs. No tech barriers.

Bitcoin Solaris uses a hybrid Proof-of-Work + Delegated Proof-of-Stake model that processes up to 10,000 transactions per second, with finality in 2 seconds, and uses 99.95% less energy than traditional mining chains.

This isn’t just mining made easier. This is mining made for the modern world—and it’s the foundation for true, lasting crypto growth.

Final Hours of Phase 5: A Critical Entry Point

The presale, which ends on July 31, 2025, is entering a key transition. With less than 30 hours before Phase 5 ends, token pricing will move from $5 to $6, continuing toward a public launch price of $20. Investors in this window also receive an 11% token bonus, maximizing early participation benefits before broader exposure.

Key Presale Details:
- Current Price: $5
- Next Phase: $6
- Public Launch Price: $20
- Bonus: 11%
- Supply Cap: 21 million BTC-S
- Presale Allocation: 20% (4.2 million tokens)
Unlike speculative offerings, Bitcoin Solaris ties its presale directly to the rollout of functional technology. The Nova App—currently in limited beta—is nearing full release, making early access a strategic opportunity rather than a speculative gamble.

Why Influencers Are Lining Up to Support It

Bitcoin Solaris hasn’t just caught the eyes of early users—it’s earning praise from trusted voices in the crypto space. Here’s what they’re saying:
- Crypto Legends: Loved the accessibility of mining for everyday users
- Crypto Royal: Highlighted the smooth UX and low energy consumption
- Token Empire: Focused on long-term potential, calling it “Next to ec”
- Token Galaxy: Praised the hybrid mining model and mobile innovation
This isn’t just a flash of attention—it’s real validation from those who’ve seen dozens of projects rise and fall.

Built for the Long Game, Not the Hype Game

Bitcoin Solaris isn’t about hype. It’s about results.

The team is shipping products, delivering milestones, and building around feedback. The Nova App is nearly ready for full release. The blockchain architecture is proven. Security is confirmed through a full Freshcoins audit and KYC verification. And the user base is growing by the hour.

This is how long-term appreciation begins—by solving real problems and giving people real tools.

Conclusion: A Technology-First Approach to Crypto Growth

Crypto bubbles are temporary. But platforms built on utility, accessibility, and clear economic models are built to last. Bitcoin Solaris offers more than speculation—it offers a system designed for stability, scale, and real user value.

As Phase 5 closes, the window to join at the $5 price point is closing fast. For those seeking a grounded entry into the next era of blockchain mining and crypto income, Bitcoin Solaris is open now—and built for the long game.

Make the move. Build the future.

For More Information
Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
X (Twitter): https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris

Media Contact
Xander Levine
press@bitcoinsolaris.com
Press Kit: Available upon request

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Bitcoin Solaris. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a3a3c8c0-f962-4149-89c6-1589cef9decf
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cb7f8e85-675d-4e12-9a4d-7ca440b6cf8a
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/43315f03-2be8-425b-938f-7c75b6560345
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/19fafb11-c9f8-44ac-8b99-4a1661642ba6

The MIL Network –
June 1, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-EU Reset Deal Is a Sell-Out

Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

Statement by TUV North Down chairman Peter Wilson:

“The announcement of the so-called UK-EU Reset Deal represents yet another disgraceful betrayal of the Union and a shameful continuation of the Irish Sea border, which separates Northern Ireland from the rest of our United Kingdom. Let there be no doubt – this is not a deal to safeguard the Union, but rather to cement the constitutional and economic annexation of Northern Ireland by the European Union.

“We in the TUV reject entirely the notion that the Irish Sea border has gone. If the border was truly gone, why is the Government still spending millions of pounds constructing permanent border posts at our ports, particularly in Larne? These are not symbolic gestures – they are physical manifestations of a regulatory and customs frontier between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, a frontier imposed at the behest of Brussels and with the active compliance of the DUP.

“The DUP’s so-called “Safeguarding the Union” document has been exposed as the sham that it is. Repeating the fiction that the Irish Sea border has been removed is not just disingenuous – it is insulting to the people of Northern Ireland who were promised the benefits of full Brexit but have instead been abandoned as a semi-detached province under foreign rule.

“We now know that the EU will continue to impose its customs code, regulations, and tariffs on Northern Ireland. The continuation of EU Regulation 2017/625 – treating NI as part of the EU and GB as a foreign country – ensures that our economy remains in a straitjacket, unable to fully benefit from UK-wide trade or domestic policy.

“As our leader Jim Allister KC MP has rightly pointed out, the new SPS arrangements are made between the EU and Great Britain, because Northern Ireland is already considered EU territory. That is not sovereignty restored – it is sovereignty surrendered.

“And let’s not forget the parcel border that continues to restrict the movement of goods to our citizens. The idea that this deal brings normality or balance is nothing more than spin. The truth is that none of the underlying architecture of the Protocol has been dismantled.

“The people of North Down and all of Northern Ireland deserve honesty. They deserve leaders who will not capitulate for political convenience, but who will stand firm in defence of our place within the United Kingdom. The DUP have failed in that duty and now attempt to repackage surrender as success.

“The TUV will not be silenced. We will continue to expose these lies, stand against this betrayal, and fight for the full restoration of Northern Ireland’s place within the UK – politically, legally, and economically.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Message of the Holy Father Leo XIV to the Bishops’ Conference of France on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the canonization of Saint John Eudes, Saint John Mary Vianney, and Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus

Source: The Holy See

Message of the Holy Father Leo XIV to the Bishops’ Conference of France on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the canonization of Saint John Eudes, Saint John Mary Vianney, and Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, 31.05.2025
The following is the Message sent by the Holy Father Leo XIV to the Bishops’ Conference of France on the occasion of the one hundredth anniversary of the canonization of Saint John Eudes, Saint John Mary Vianney, and Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus:

Message of the Holy Father
I am happy to be able to address you for the first time, pastors of the Church of France, and through you, all your faithful, as this month of May 2025 marks the one hundredth anniversary of the canonization of three Saints whom, by the grace of God, your country has given to the universal Church: Saint John Eudes (1601-1680), Saint John Mary Vianney (1786-1859) and Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (1873-1897). In raising them to the glory of the altars, my predecessor Pius XI wanted to present them to the People of God as teachers to listen to, models to imitate, and powerful supporters to pray to and invoke. The scale of the challenges facing the Church in France a century later, and the continuing relevance of these three holy figures in meeting them, lead me to invite you to give special prominence to this anniversary.
In this brief Message, I will mention just one spiritual trait that John Eudes, John Mary Vianney and Thérèse have in common and present in a very meaningful and attractive way to the men and women of today: they loved Jesus unreservedly in a simple, strong and authentic way; they experienced his goodness and tenderness in a special daily closeness, and they bore witness to it in an admirable missionary drive.
The late Pope Francis left us, rather like a testament, a beautiful Encyclical on the Sacred Heart in which he states: “That stream which is never exhausted, never passes away … offers itself time and time again to all those who wish to love as he did. For his love alone can bring about a new humanity” (Dilexit nos, 219). There could be no more beautiful and simple programme of evangelization and mission for your country: to help everyone discover the tender and devoted love that Jesus has for them, to the point of transforming their lives.
And in this respect, our three Saints are undoubtedly masters whose life and doctrine I invite you to constantly make known and appreciated by the People of God. Was Saint John Eudes not the first to celebrate the liturgical worship of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary? Was Saint John Mary Vianney not the priest who gave himself passionately to his ministry and who said: “The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus”? and finally, was Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face not the great Doctor of scientia amoris that our world needs, she who “breathed” the Name of Jesus at every moment of her life, with spontaneity and freshness, and who taught the little ones an “easy” way to access it?
Celebrating the centenary of the canonization of these three saints is first and foremost an invitation to give thanks to the Lord for the marvels he has accomplished in this land of France over long centuries of evangelization and Christian life. Saints do not appear spontaneously but, by grace, emerge from living Christian communities that have been able to transmit the faith to them, to kindle in their hearts the love of Jesus and the desire to follow him. This Christian heritage still belongs to you, it still deeply permeates your culture and remains alive in many hearts.
This is why I express the hope that these celebrations will not merely evoke nostalgia for a past that might seem bygone, but that they will awaken hope and give rise to a new missionary impetus. With the help of the saints he has given you and whom you celebrate, God can renew the marvels he has accomplished in the past. Will Saint Thérèse not be the Patroness of the missions in the very lands where she was born? Will Saint John Mary Vianney and Saint John Eudes not be able to speak to the conscience of many young people about the beauty, greatness and fruitfulness of the priesthood, to inspire their enthusiastic desire for it, and to give them the courage to respond generously to the call, at a time when the lack of vocations is harshly felt in your dioceses and priests are under increasing strain? I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the priests of France from the bottom of my heart for their courageous and persevering commitment, and to express my paternal affection for them.
Dear brother Bishops, I invoke the intercession of Saint John Eudes, Saint John Mary Vianney and Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, for your country and the People of God who are courageous pilgrims there, despite the contrary and sometimes hostile winds of indifference, materialism and individualism. May they give courage to these People, in the certainty that Christ, the Saviour of the world, is truly risen.
Imploring upon France the maternal protection of her powerful Patroness, Our Lady of the Assumption, I impart to each of you, and to all those entrusted to your pastoral care, the Apostolic Blessing.
From the Vatican, 28 May 2025
Leo XIV

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Kyiv’s allies have lifted restrictions on Ukraine attacking targets inside Russia – here’s what that means for the war

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Matthew Powell, Teaching Fellow in Strategic and Air Power Studies, University of Portsmouth

The frontlines in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict have largely been bogged down, with little significant movement on either side. It was reported recently that Russian troops had only advanced about 25 miles in the eastern sector near Donetsk in one year, at a huge cost in terms of casualties. As a result, both sides have sought different ways of trying to gain a strategic advantage over their opponent.

Air power has long been a recognised way of restoring a degree of mobility to the battlefield. But in Ukraine, neither side has been able to achieve control of the air, thanks to the quality of their air defences. So instead, both sides are using drones for “tactical” (small-scale) effect.

At this point, it’s worth focusing on the three levels of warfare: tactical, operational and strategic. The chart below, taken from the US Military Review, illustrates how these levels work – operating as a “distinct hierarchy with marginally overlapping areas between the strategic and the operational, and between the tactical and the operational”.

The three levels of war: tactical, operational and strategic.
Army University Press

The tactical level is where small actions are planned and executed. At the operational level, major operations and campaigns are planned with a view to achieving strategic objectives. The strategic level involves longer-term ways to achieve the overarching political objectives of a conflict.

Russia’s ability to deploy long-range missiles and longer-range drones (such as the Shahed 136) that can strike targets – both military and civilian – deep inside Ukraine, has given it a strategic advantage.

There are two strategic aims to these strikes. The first is to reduce Ukraine’s capacity to produce military equipment through its domestic industrial base. The second is to target urban areas and civilian populations to undermine public morale – although how effective this is has long been a matter for debate.

Advantage Russia

The prohibition on Ukraine using weapons supplied by its allies to strike targets in Russia has put it at a considerable disadvantage – meaning that Ukraine’s military has been unable to exploit these weapons’ full potential. So, Russia has been able to build a considerable military/industrial base without threat of attack.

But now, the decision to lift these restrictions by the UK, US and, most recently, Germany will allow Ukraine to attack a wider range of targets and create more strategic difficulties for Russian political and military leadership.

In particular, it’s worth highlighting the recent statement by the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, who announced on May 28 that Berlin would help Kyiv develop new long-range weapons that can hit targets in Russian territory.

To what extent Ukraine will be able to exploit this greater latitude to attack targets inside Russia remains to be seen. But the prospect of long-range missiles being used against its cities – the German Taurus missiles have a range of more than 500km – could give Ukraine a degree of leverage in any fresh peace talks.

The lifting of these restrictions is unlikely to make much difference on the ground for some time, though. While theoretically, Ukraine will be able to strike at some of Russia’s military production sites, Russia has dramatically overhauled its arms production capacity. Nato’s top US commander is reported to have recently told a Senate Armed Services Committee that Russia is “on track to build a stockpile three times greater than the United States and Europe combined”.

No restrictions – for now

It’s also worth noting that both the US and UK signalled their willingness to allow their long-range missiles to strike at missile launchers inside Russia late last year as a defensive measure – but on a limited scale and only using domestically produced weapons, in contrast to the attacks conducted by Russia.

What is different in the most recent announcement is the lifting of restrictions on what can be targeted with weapons provided by western allies, rather than those domestically produced by the Ukrainian defence industry. This is an extension of an initial lifting of restrictions in late 2024
by the US and UK, further broadening the targets that can be attacked.

But the relaxation of these restrictions could be reversed very quickly if Ukraine launches large-scale strikes against civilian populations – which could generate highly adverse publicity for Ukraine and the countries that supplied the weapons.

Russia’s targeting of Kyiv in recent weeks has been bitterly criticised by the US president, Donald Trump, who posted on his TruthSocial website recently: “[Vladimir Putin] has gone absolutely crazy. Needlessly killing a lot of people.”

But Kyiv’s allies will also be wary of how Russia may react. Russia has always threatened dire consequences if Ukraine uses western-supplied weapons to launch attacks within Russia.

Indeed, the political ramifications of the lifting of restrictions are likely to be more consequential than the military outcomes – for now, at least.

Matthew Powell 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. Kyiv’s allies have lifted restrictions on Ukraine attacking targets inside Russia – here’s what that means for the war – https://theconversation.com/kyivs-allies-have-lifted-restrictions-on-ukraine-attacking-targets-inside-russia-heres-what-that-means-for-the-war-257841

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 1, 2025