NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement on China’s large-scale military drills around Taiwan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement on China’s large-scale military drills around Taiwan

    G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement

    6 April 2025

    We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, express deep concern about China’s provocative actions, particularly the recent large-scale military drills around Taiwan.

    These increasingly frequent and destabilizing activities are raising cross-Strait tensions and put at risk global security and prosperity.

    G7 members and the larger international community have an interest in the preservation of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We oppose any unilateral actions to threaten such peace and stability, including by force or coercion.

    G7 members continue to encourage the peaceful resolution of issues through constructive cross-Strait dialogue.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Federal election: Conservatives and Liberals are targeting different generations and geographies online

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Philip Mai, Co-director and Senior Researcher, Social Media Lab, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto Metropolitan University

    Amid a Canadian federal election campaign focused in part on the country’s sovereignty, Canada’s two leading political parties are taking sharply different approaches to their advertising strategies. A close analysis of digital ad impressions on Facebook and Instagram reveals that the battleground is not just ideological, but demographic and geographic.

    While both the Conservative and Liberal parties invest ad dollars in Canada’s most populous provinces, their strategies reveal a deeper story: Conservatives bet on Gen Z and Millennial voters, while Liberals double down on older voters and those in Francophone Canada.

    We first observed these divergent strategies as part of an analysis conducted by the Ted Rogers School of Management Social Media Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University. As part of our Election Transparency and Accountability initiative, we examined Canadian political ad spending on Meta-owned platforms Facebook and Instagram, using PoliDashboard, the open-source platform we developed.

    We conducted a detailed analysis of the ad impression data for the campaigns of all major parties. Here, we focus our findings on online ads purchased by the Liberal and Conservative parties, the current frontrunners in the polls.

    Conservatives woo younger voters

    Based on impressions data from Facebook and Instagram during March 23-30, the week after the election announced, there was a clear generational divide in digital outreach. The Conservatives devoted much of their messaging to Canadians under 45, while the Liberals appeared to focus more on those 55 and older.

    A significant portion of Conservative Party Facebook and Instagram ad impressions came from men aged 25 to 34, who accounted for 16 per cent of all Conservative ad views. Additional impressions came from men aged 18 to 24, women aged 25 to 34, and women aged 35 to 44; each of these groups made up 10 per cent of the total impressions. This suggests an apparent effort by the Conservatives to connect with Gen Z and millennial voters.

    In contrast, Liberal ads garnered higher impressions among older demographics, with women aged 65 and over accounting for the largest share (21 per cent) of total impressions. Women aged 55 to 64 and men over 65 each contributed 12 per cent of Liberal ad impressions. This distribution points to a strategic emphasis on older voters, a group known for reliably turning out on election day.

    The estimated percentage of Meta ad impressions for Conservative and Liberals by demographic groups.
    (PoliDashboard/Social Media Lab), CC BY

    While traditional wisdom suggests that young adults favour progressive politics and parties, public polling suggests that young Canadians are increasingly embracing conservatism amid a housing and affordability crisis. The Conservatives appear poised to channel young peoples’ economic dissatisfaction into votes, using online advertising to reach them.

    Meanwhile, the Liberals appear to be consolidating support among those who have a longer history of voting, especially older women, who represent the largest age and gender cohort that is likely to vote for the party. It’s a tale of two electorates, and two very different strategies for winning.

    Impression data alone doesn’t confirm explicit age or gender targeting, nor does it guarantee support. Sometimes, a demographic simply has more affinity for a party’s content, leading to more impressions. These numbers can reflect both how parties aim their ads and how voters gravitate toward what resonates with them most.

    Regional divides

    The differences between the parties extend beyond age and gender, and into geographic territory. Both campaigns prioritize ad spending in Canada’s most populous provinces — British Columbia, Ontario and Québec — but the way they distribute their focus tells its own story.

    The Conservatives receive a larger share of their ad impressions from British Columbia, with 17 per cent of their total ad impressions; in comparison, the Liberals received just 11 per cent. The contrast is even sharper in Ontario, where 54 per cent of all Conservative ad impressions are concentrated, versus only 31 per cent for the Liberals.

    This difference is likely a deliberate strategic targeting tactic. Ontario, home to 122 federal ridings (with about 36 per cent of all seats in the House of Commons), is a pivotal battleground. The Conservatives’ strategy appears to hinge on flipping key seats in the province, particularly in suburban and outer suburban areas that could decide the election. Combined with their reach with younger voters, this approach signals an all-in effort to gain ground where it counts most.

    The Liberal Party, meanwhile, is doubling down in Québec — one of the largest and most culturally distinct provinces in the country — and where the Liberals are clearly on the offensive. Twenty-nine per cent of Liberal ad impressions are located in the province, compared to just three per cent for the Conservatives.

    Québec has long been a stronghold for the Liberals, particularly in urban areas like Montréal. While the province can be volatile and deeply influenced by local issues, the Liberals’ heavy advertising push suggests they’re working to defend the 33 seats they currently hold and possibly add a couple of new seats.

    Two parties, two visions

    Liberals and Conservatives are both vocally aligned in their repudiation of United States President Donald Trump’s frequent allusion to Canada becoming the “51st state,” a sentiment shared by an overwhelming majority of the Canadian public.

    With external pressure mounting from Trump’s tariff threats and democratic norms being tested across the border, this election isn’t just about policies or parties: it’s about protecting Canada’s independence, values and place in the world.

    However, the trends we’ve identified paint a picture of two distinct campaigns playing to different strengths and chasing different voters. The Conservatives are betting on young, digitally engaged Canadians, especially in Ontario. The Liberals are reinforcing their support among older voters, and looking to hold ground in Québec, where cultural identity and party loyalty still carry significant weight.

    Of course, ad impressions are only one part of the equation. Factors like grassroots efforts, candidate appeal and regional dynamics also play a major role. Still, the ad impression numbers provide a unique glimpse into each campaign’s strategy, and reveal the part of Canada each party believes it must win over.

    Philip Mai receives funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage Digital Citizen Contribution Program.

    Anatoliy Gruzd receives funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage Digital Citizen Contribution Program.

    William Hollingshead 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. Federal election: Conservatives and Liberals are targeting different generations and geographies online – https://theconversation.com/federal-election-conservatives-and-liberals-are-targeting-different-generations-and-geographies-online-253607

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World Health Day: Focusing on women’s physical and mental health around the world

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Close to 300,000 women continue to die during pregnancy or childbirth each year. More than two million babies die in their first month of life and around two million more are stillborn, says the World Health Organization (WHO) which is kicking off a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health.

    The data adds up to one preventable death every seven seconds, according to the UN health agency.

    The Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures campaign is asking governments and health policy makers to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and prioritize women’s longer-term health and well-being.

    Helping every woman and baby survive and thrive

    Through a series of strategic actions, WHO aims to not only save lives but ensure both mothers and infants thrive. In collaboration with partners, it will focus on empowering healthcare professionals and sharing crucial information about healthy pregnancies, safe childbirth, and postnatal care.

    Listening to women

    Access to high-quality, compassionate care is essential for women and families everywhere, WHO emphasises. Health systems must evolve to address a wide range of health concerns, including obstetric complications, mental health issues, non-communicable diseases, and family planning – ensuring that women’s needs are met both before, during, and after childbirth.

    © UNICEF/Eyad El Baba

    Girls affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza receive a care and protection package distributed by UNICEF.

    Women in war zones

    At the same time, the proportion of women and girls caught in conflict zones has skyrocketed in the past year, with women now making up 40 per cent of all civilian deaths in armed conflicts.

    Today, over 600 million women and girls live in areas affected by violence – an  alarming 50 per cent increase since 2017.

    As conflict intensifies across the globe, women and girls are bearing a heavy mental health toll. From Afghanistan and Gaza to Georgia and Ukraine, millions are grappling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and trauma, with limited access to support and care.

    Around one in five people affected by a humanitarian crisis will develop long-term mental health conditions. Despite this, only two per cent of those in need receive the care they require. Mental health funding globally represents between one and two percent of health spending.

    Stark divide on mental health

    The gap between high and low-income countries in mental health services is stark. In wealthy nations, there are more than 70 mental health workers for every 100,000 people. In contrast, in low-income countries, that number drops to fewer than one.

    As conflicts drag on, the number of affected women continues to rise, making this crisis even more urgent. UN gender equality agency, UN Women, spoke to women in Afghanistan, Gaza, Georgia, and Ukraine to understand how these conflicts are stoking a mental health crisis.

    © UNFPA Ukraine

    UNFPA’s mobile psychosocial support teams travel across Ukraine, including to the front lines, offering immediate emergency interventions as well as access to longer-term assistance.

    Women in Gaza trapped in trauma

    In Gaza, relentless bombing, displacement, and deprivation have created a humanitarian catastrophe. Living under siege and the constant threat of violence, women and girls face extreme levels of fear, trauma, and exhaustion. 

    Data from UN Women shows that 75 per cent feel regular depression, 62 per cent cannot sleep, and 65 per cent suffer from nightmares and anxiety – most are left to cope alone.

    “My mental and psychological health is suffering,” said one 27-year-old pregnant mother of three from Khan Younis. “Sometimes I go to the toilet just to cry and cry until I feel better.”

    Women are not only dealing with their own trauma – they are also trying to care for their children.

    “I have not prioritized my health because I am the primary caregiver for my children, assuming the roles of both father and mother,” the 27-year-old mother added. 

    Afghanistan: Women Erased from Public Life

    In Afghanistan, the return of the Taliban has dealt a crushing blow to women’s rights and mental health. Alison Davidian, UN Women’s Country Representative, warns that nearly four years of Taliban decrees have “eviscerated” women’s autonomy.

    With no women in leadership roles and 98 per cent reporting no influence over local decisions, many feel trapped in a life of isolation and despair.

    “Three years ago, an Afghan woman could run for president. Now, she may not even be able to decide when to buy groceries,” Davidian says. The result is overwhelming psychological distress, with 68 per cent of women in Afghanistan reporting their mental health as “bad” or “very bad.”

    © IOM/Léo Torréton

    An IOM mental health and psychosocial support counsellor leads a session with women in Paktika province, Afghanistan.

    Georgia: Antidepressant use on the rise

    In Georgia, ongoing displacement and conflict have left many women with no access to adequate mental healthcare. Approximately 200,000 people remain internally displaced, with nearly 40 per cent living in shelters under dire conditions.

    Mental health issues are widespread, with 23 per cent suffering from PTSD, 10 per cent reporting depression, and 9 per cent dealing with anxiety. Yet only about a third of those affected have sought care.

    “We saw a sharp increase in antidepressant use, particularly in areas with high numbers of displaced people,” said Elene Rusetskaia of the Women’s Information Centre. “The mental health problem is very serious, especially among children.”

    Ukraine: Domestic Violence and Depression Soar Amid War

    In Ukraine, the war stemming from Russia’s invasion has pushed women’s mental health into crisis. Gender-based violence has surged 36 per cent since 2022, and women are shouldering more unpaid care work – up to 56 hours per week. Forty-two percent are now at risk of depression, while 23 per cent report needing counseling.

    Displaced women, many of them refugees, are facing some of the worst mental health challenges, with limited access to support services.

    A recent survey by the International Migration Organization (IOM) found that 53 per cent of internally displaced people in Ukraine suffer from depression, yet assistance remains scarce.

    In response, UN Women has provided protection, legal aid, and psychosocial support to more than 180,000 women and girls in Ukraine through the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund.

    Healthcare funding

    The current humanitarian funding crisis, exacerbated by declining health spending in host countries, is affecting the scope and quality of public health and nutrition programmes for refugees and host communities, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, has said.

    In Jordan, 335,000 women of reproductive age are at risk of losing essential maternal health. Without enough funding, prenatal care, safe delivery and newborn health services will disappear.

    In Bangladesh, around a million Rohingya refugees face a severe health crisis due to the funding freeze, threatening access to essential medical services. In UNHCR-supported programmes, over 40,000 pregnant women may lose access to critical antenatal care, with 5,000 at risk of delivering in unsafe conditions.

    In Burundi, the suspension of nutrition programmes in several camps means that thousands of refugee children under five may not receive adequate treatment for malnutrition.

    Necessity, not luxury

    For women and girls in conflict zones, mental health care is a critical need, not a luxury. Recovery, dignity, and survival depend on access to trauma care, counseling, and community-based services.

    As conflicts continue to devastate communities, the need for mental health support becomes more urgent than ever. Countries must invest in mental health as a core part of humanitarian response, especially in conflict settings, UN Women, emphasized, calling on governments to listen – and act.

    Listen to an interview with the Representative ad interim of the UN reproductive health agency, UNFPA, in Sudan: 

    Soundcloud

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Investments Sector – Consumer Demand for Ethical Investing Remains Strong Despite International Headwinds

    Source: Mindful Money

    New research shows New Zealanders are standing firm in their commitment to ethical investment, with three-quarters wanting their money invested according to their values, even as political movements in some countries attempt to undermine responsible investing frameworks.

    The Voices of Aotearoa: Demand for Ethical Investment in New Zealand 2025 report, released today by Mindful Money and the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), reveals the resilience in New Zealand investors’ ethical expectations. Despite high-profile political criticism of ESG investing internationally and at home, 75% of Kiwis continue to expect their KiwiSaver and managed funds to be invested ethically and responsibly, with their focus shifting from merely avoiding harm to actively creating positive impact.

    Key findings from the 2025 survey include:

    • Strong consumer support persists: 75% of New Zealanders want their KiwiSaver or investment fund to be invested ethically and responsibly. Only 5% disagree.
    • Expectations of better returns: 45% of respondents expect ethical and responsible investments to perform better in the long term, with only 11% disagreeing. This shows Kiwis don’t perceive a trade-off between investing ethically and earning good returns.
    • Increasing concern about greenwashing: Half of New Zealanders are concerned about misleading claims. 54% are more likely to choose funds with independent certification, and 66% want to know which companies are in their portfolio.
    • How companies behave matters: Investors prioritise avoiding companies that violate human rights (91%), abuse labour rights (91%), and damage the environment (89%) over traditional investment exclusions like tobacco and gambling.
    • Growing demand for positive impact: 76% would invest in a fund that creates positive benefits for society and the environment, with 60% seeking comparable returns and 16% willing to accept lower returns.
    • Strong climate action expectations: Three-quarters of respondents consider it important for fund managers to reduce financed emissions, set targets for further reductions, and commit to net zero emissions by 2050.

    Carey Church, Managing Director of Moneyworks Ethical Investing, and principal sponsor of the survey, pointed out: “These findings show that demand for ethical investing remains strong despite the headwinds of criticism from the US White House and some politicians. They have not convinced others. Investment sectors in the rest of the world are showing leadership, continuing to strengthen ethical investment standards. The New Zealand public agrees. This survey continues to show strong demand for ethical investment funds that reflect people’s personal values.”

    Barry Coates, Co-CEO of Mindful Money, commented: “New Zealanders continue to want their investments to avoid harm and contribute to addressing real-world challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and harm to people. They not only want to avoid harm, but they are also seeking investments that deliver positive outcomes for society and the environment.”

    Dean Hegarty, Co-CEO of RIAA, added: “Rising consumer concerns about greenwashing aligns with RIAA’s 2024 benchmark report, which found it has become the top barrier to growth for investment managers. Kiwis want confidence that their money is creating a positive impact, with over half more likely to choose ethical or responsible funds that have independent certification. This presents a significant opportunity for investment providers who can authentically demonstrate how they’re contributing to positive social and environmental outcomes.”

    The survey indicates substantial growth potential, with nearly half (49%) of respondents considering investing in an ethical fund within the next five years, and only 4% stating they would not consider ethical investing at all.

    “These findings reinforce what we’ve been seeing over the past seven years of this survey – New Zealanders want to know that their money is being invested in line with their values. Those values consistently prioritise issues such as human rights, environmental protection, animal welfare and weapons,” said Coates.

    Dean Hegarty concluded: “The message from Kiwis is clear, they expect their investments to align with their values and the demand for responsible products will continue to grow. Investment providers and financial advisers must take this seriously.”

    The 2025 report is a collaboration between RIAA and Mindful Money. It surveyed 1,000 New Zealanders aged 18 years and over via Dynata’s New Zealand panel from 6-17 February 2025.

    About RIAA The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) champions responsible investing and a sustainable financial system in Australia and New Zealand. With over 500 members representing NZ$83 trillion in assets under management, RIAA is the largest and most active network of people and organisations engaged in responsible, ethical and impact investing across Australia and New Zealand.

    About Mindful Money Mindful Money is a charity that aims to make money a force for good. We empower consumers, engage investment providers and advocate for change. The Mindful Money website provides transparency on KiwiSaver and retail investment funds, showing company holdings and relating them to key public concerns so userscan understand their investments and find funds that align with their values.

    Report Launch: The report will be launched at a free seminar at 3-4.30pm on Monday 7th April, at KPMG, Viaduct Harbour in Auckland CBD. Tickets for the in-person and online event are at https://events.humanitix.com/voices-of-aotearoa-2025?hxchl=hex-pfl

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The graver Israel’s atrocities in Gaza, the quieter the BBC grows

    ANALYSIS: By Jonathan Cook

    The BBC’s news verification service, Verify, digitally reconstructed a residential tower block in Mandalay earlier this week to show how it had collapsed in a huge earthquake on March 28 in Myanmar, a country in Southeast Asia largely cut off from the outside world.

    The broadcaster painstakingly pieced together damage to other parts of the city using a combination of phone videos, satellite imagery and Nasa heat detection images.

    Verify dedicated much time and effort to this task for a simple reason: to expose as patently false the claims made by the ruling military junta that only 2000 people were killed by Myanmar’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake.

    The West sees the country’s generals as an official enemy, and the BBC wanted to show that the junta’s account of events could not be trusted. Myanmar’s rulers have an interest in undercounting the dead to protect the regime’s image.

    The BBC’s determined effort to strip away these lies contrasted strongly with its coverage — or rather, lack of it — of another important story this week.

    Israel has been caught in another horrifying war crime. Late last month, it executed 15 Palestinian first responders and then secretly buried them in a mass grave, along with their crushed vehicles.

    Israel is an official western ally, one that the United States, Britain and the rest of Europe have been arming and assisting in a spate of crimes against humanity being investigated by the world’s highest court. Fourteen months ago, the International Court of Justice ruled it was “plausible” that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, is a fugitive from its sister court, the International Criminal Court. Judges there want to try him for crimes against humanity, including starving the 2.3 million people of Gaza by withholding food, water and aid.

    Israel is known to have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, many of them women and children, in its 18-month carpet bombing of the enclave. But there are likely to be far more deaths that have gone unreported.

    This is because Israel has destroyed all of Gaza’s health and administrative bodies that could do the counting, and because it has created unmarked “kill zones” across much of the enclave, making it all but impossible for first responders to reach swathes of territory to locate the dead.

    The latest crime scene in Gaza is shockingly illustrative of how Israel murders civilians, targets medics and covers up its crimes — and of how Western media collude in downplaying such atrocities, helping Israel to ensure that the extent of the death toll in Gaza will never be properly known.

    Struck ‘one by one’
     Last Sunday, United Nations officials were finally allowed by Israel to reach the site in southern Gaza where the Palestinian emergency crews had gone missing a week earlier, on March 23. The bodies of 15 Palestinians were unearthed in a mass grave; another is still missing.

    All were wearing their uniforms, and some had their hands or legs zip-tied, according to eyewitnesses. Some had been shot in the head or chest. Their vehicles had been crushed before they were buried.

    Two of the emergency workers were killed by Israeli fire while trying to aid people injured in an earlier air strike on Rafah. The other 13 were part of a convoy sent to retrieve the bodies of their colleagues, with the UN saying Israel had struck their ambulances “one by one”.

    Even the usual excuses, as preposterous as they are, simply won’t wash in the case of Israel’s latest atrocity — which is why it initially tried to black out the story

    More details emerged during the week, with the doctor who examined five of the bodies reporting that all but one — which had been too badly mutilated by feral animals to assess — were shot from close range with multiple bullets. Ahmad Dhaher, a forensic consultant working at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, said: “The bullets were aimed at one person’s head, another at their heart, and a third person had been shot with six or seven bullets in the torso.”

    Bashar Murad, the Red Crescent’s director of health programmes, observed that one of the paramedics in the convoy was in contact with the ambulance station when Israeli forces started shooting: “During the call, we heard the sound of Israeli soldiers arriving at the location, speaking in Hebrew.

    “The conversation was about gathering the [Palestinian] team, with statements like: ‘Gather them at the wall and bring some restraints to tie them.’ This indicated that a large number of the medical staff were still alive.”

    Jonathan Whittall, head of the UN office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs in Palestine, reported that, on the journey to recover the bodies, he and his team witnessed Israeli soldiers firing on civilians fleeing the area. He saw a Palestinian woman shot in the back of the head and a young man who tried to retrieve her body shot, too.

    Concealing slaughter
     The difficulty for Israel with the discovery of the mass grave was that it could not easily fall back on any of the usual mendacious rationalisations for war crimes that it has fed the Western media over the past year and a half, and which those outlets have been only too happy to regurgitate.

    Since Israel unilaterally broke a US-backed ceasefire agreement with Hamas last month, its carpet bombing of the enclave has killed more than 1000 Palestinians, taking the official death toll to more than 50,000. But Israel and its apologists, including Western governments and media, always have a ready excuse at hand to mask the slaughter.

    Israel disputes the casualty figures, saying they are inflated by Gaza’s Health Ministry, even though its figures in previous wars have always been highly reliable. It says most of those killed were Hamas “terrorists”, and most of the slain women and children were used by Hamas as “human shields”.

    Israel has also destroyed Gaza’s hospitals, shot up large numbers of ambulances, killed hundreds of medical personnel and disappeared others into torture chambers, while denying the entry of medical supplies.

    Israel implies that all of the 36 hospitals in Gaza it has targeted are Hamas-run “command and control centres”; that many of the doctors and nurses working in them are really covert Hamas operatives; and that Gaza’s ambulances are being used to transport Hamas fighters.

    Even if these claims were vaguely plausible, the Western media seems unwilling to ask the most obvious of questions: why would Hamas continue to use Gaza’s hospitals and ambulances when Israel made clear from the outset of its 18-month genocidal killing rampage that it was going to treat them as targets?

    Even if Hamas fighters did not care about protecting the health sector, which their parents, siblings, children, and relatives desperately need to survive Israel’s carpet bombing, why would they make themselves so easy to locate?

    Hamas has plenty of other places to hide in Gaza. Most of the enclave’s buildings are wrecked concrete structures, ideal for waging guerrilla warfare.

    Israeli cover-up
     Even the usual excuses, as preposterous as they are, simply won’t wash in the case of Israel’s latest atrocity — which is why it initially tried to black out the story.

    Given that it has banned all Western journalists from entering Gaza, killed unprecedented numbers of local journalists, and formally outlawed the UN refugee agency Unrwa, it might have hoped its crime would go undiscovered.

    But as news of the atrocity started to appear on social media last week, and the mass grave was unearthed on Sunday, Israel was forced to concoct a cover story.

    It claimed the convoy of five ambulances, a fire engine, and a UN vehicle were “advancing suspiciously” towards Israeli soldiers. It also insinuated, without a shred of evidence, that the vehicles had been harbouring Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters.

    Once again, we were supposed to accept not only an improbable Israeli claim but an entirely nonsensical one. Why would Hamas fighters choose to become sitting ducks by hiding in the diminishing number of emergency vehicles still operating in Gaza?

    Why would they approach an Israeli military position out in the open, where they were easy prey, rather than fighting their enemy from the shadows, like other guerrilla armies — using Gaza’s extensive concrete ruins and their underground tunnels as cover?

    If the ambulance crews were killed in the middle of a firefight, why were some victims exhumed with their hands tied? How is it possible that they were all killed in a gun battle when the soldiers could be heard calling for the survivors to be zip-tied?

    And if Israel was really the wronged party, why did it seek to hide the bodies and the crushed vehicles under sand?

    ‘Deeply disturbed’
     All available evidence indicates that Israel killed all or most of the emergency crews in cold blood — a grave war crime.

    But as the story broke on Monday, the BBC’s News at Ten gave over its schedule to a bin strike by workers in Birmingham; fears about the influence of social media prompted by a Netflix drama, Adolescence; bad weather on a Greek island; the return to Earth of stranded Nasa astronauts; and Britain’s fourth political party claiming it would do well in next month’s local elections.

    All of that pushed out any mention of Israel’s latest war crime in Gaza.

    Presumably under pressure from its ordinary journalists — who are known to be in near-revolt over the state broadcaster’s persistent failure to cover Israeli atrocities in Gaza — the next day’s half-hour evening news belatedly dedicated 30 seconds to the item, near the end of the running order.

    This was the perfect opportunity for BBC Verify to do a real investigation, piecing together an atrocity Israel was so keen to conceal

    The perfunctory report immediately undercut the UN’s statement that it was “deeply disturbed” by the deaths, with the newsreader announcing that Israel claimed nine “terrorists” were “among those killed”.

    Where was the BBC Verify team in this instance? Too busy scouring Google maps of Myanmar, it would seem.

    If ever there was a region where its forensic, open-source skills could be usefully deployed, it is Gaza. After all, Israel keeps out foreign journalists, and it has killed Palestinian journalists in greater numbers than all of the West’s major wars of the past 150 years combined.

    This was the perfect opportunity for BBC Verify to do a real investigation, piecing together an atrocity Israel was so keen to conceal. It was a chance for the BBC to do actual journalism about Gaza.

    Why was it necessary for the BBC to contest the narrative of an earthquake in a repressive Southeast Asian country whose rulers are opposed by the West but not contest the narrative of a major atrocity committed by a Western ally?

    Missing in action
     This is not the first time that BBC Verify has been missing in action at a crucial moment in Gaza.

    Back in January 2024, Israeli soldiers shot up a car containing a six-year-old girl, Hind Rajab, and her relatives as they tried to flee an Israeli attack on Gaza City. All were killed, but before Hind died, she could be heard desperately pleading with emergency services for help.

    Two paramedics who tried to rescue her were also killed. It took two weeks for other emergency crews to reach the bodies.

    It was certainly possible for BBC Verify to have done a forensic study of the incident — because another group did precisely that. Forensic Architecture, a research team based at the University of London, used available images of the scene to reconstruct the events.

    It found that the Israeli military had fired 335 bullets into the small car carrying Hind and her family. In an audio recording before she was killed, Hind’s cousin could be heard telling emergency services that an Israeli tank was near them.

    The sound of the gunfire, most likely from the tank’s machine gun, indicates it was some 13 metres away — close enough for the crew to have seen the children inside.

    Not only did BBC Verify ignore the story, but the BBC also failed to report it until the bodies were recovered. As has happened so often before, the BBC dared not do any reporting until Israel was forced to confirm the incident because of physical evidence.

    We know from a BBC journalist-turned-whistleblower, Karishma Patel, that she pushed editors to run the story as the recordings of Hind pleading for help first surfaced, but she was overruled.

    When the BBC very belatedly covered Hind’s horrific killing online, in typical fashion, it did so in a way that minimised any pushback from Israel. Its headline, “Hind Rajab, 6, found dead in Gaza days after phone calls for help”, managed to remove Israel from the story.

    Evidence buried
     A clear pattern thus emerges. The BBC also tried to bury the massacre of the 15 Palestinian first responders — keeping it off its website’s main page — just as Israel had tried to bury the evidence of its crime in Gaza’s sand.

    The story’s first headline was: “Red Cross outraged over killing of eight medics in Gaza”. Once again, Israel was removed from the crime scene.

    Only later, amid massive backlash on social media and as the story refused to go away, did the BBC change the headline to attribute the killings to “Israeli forces”.

    But subsequent stories have been keen to highlight the self-serving Israeli claim that its soldiers were entitled to execute the paramedics because the presence of emergency vehicles at the scene of much death and destruction was “suspicious”.

    In one report, a BBC journalist managed to shoe-horn this same, patently ridiculous “defence” twice into her two-minute segment. She reduced the discovery of an Israeli massacre to mere “allegations”, while a clear war crime was soft-soaped as only an “apparent” one.

    Notably, the BBC has on one solitary occasion managed to go beyond other media in reporting an attack on an ambulance crew. The footage incontrovertibly showed a US-supplied Apache helicopter firing on the crew and a young family they were trying to evacuate.

    There was no possibility the ambulance contained “terrorists” because the documentary team were filming inside the vehicle with paramedics they had been following for months. The video was included near the end of a documentary on the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, seen largely through the eyes of children.

    But the BBC quickly pulled that film, titled Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone, after the Israel lobby manufactured a controversy over one of its child narrators being the son of Gaza’s deputy Agriculture Minister, who served in the Hamas-run civilian government.

    Wholesale destruction
     The unmentionable truth, which has been evident since the earliest days of the 18-month genocide, is that Israel is intentionally dismantling and destroying Gaza’s health sector, piece by piece.

    According to the UN, Israel’s war has killed at least 1060 healthcare workers and 399 aid workers — those deaths it has been possible to identify — and wrecked Gaza’s health facilities. Israel has rounded up hundreds of medical staff and disappeared many of them into what Israeli human rights groups call torture chambers.

    One doctor, Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, director of the Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza, has been held by Israel since he was abducted in late December. During brief contacts with lawyers, Dr Safiya revealed that he is being tortured.

    Other doctors have been killed in Israeli detention from their abuse, including one who was allegedly raped to death.

    Israel’s destruction of Gaza’s hospitals and execution of medical personnel is part of the same message: there is nowhere safe, no sanctuary, the laws of war no longer apply

    Why is Israel carrying out this wholesale destruction of Gaza’s health sector? There are two reasons. Firstly, Netanyahu recently reiterated his intent to carry out the complete ethnic cleansing of Gaza.

    He presents this as “voluntary migration”, supposedly in accordance with US President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate the enclave’s population of 2.3 million Palestinians to other countries.

    There can be nothing voluntary about Palestinians leaving Gaza when Israel has refused to allow any food or aid into the enclave for the past month, and is indiscriminately bombing Gaza. Israel’s ultimate intention has always been to terrify the population into flight.

    Israel’s ambassador to Austria, David Roet, was secretly recorded last month stating that “there are no uninvolved in Gaza”— a constant theme from Israeli officials. He also suggested that there should be a “death sentence” for anyone Israel accuses of holding a gun, including children.

    Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has threatened the “total devastation” of Gaza’s civilian population should they fail to “remove Hamas” from the enclave, something they are in no position to do.

    Not surprisingly, faced with the prospect of an intensification of the genocide and the imminent annihilation of themselves and their loved ones, ordinary people in Gaza have started organising protests against Hamas — marches readily reported by the BBC and others.

    Israel’s destruction of Gaza’s hospitals and execution of medical personnel is part of the same message: there is nowhere safe, no sanctuary, the laws of war no longer apply, and no one will come to your aid in your hour of need.

    You are alone against our snipers, drones, tanks and Apache helicopters.

    Too much to bear
     The second reason for Israel’s destruction of Gaza’s health sector is that we in the West, or at least our governments and media, have consented to Israel’s savagery — and actively participated in it — every step of the way. Had there been any meaningful pushback at any stage, Israel would have been forced to take another course.

    When David Lammy, Britain’s Foreign Secretary, let slip in Parliament last month the advice he has been receiving from his officials since he took up the job last summer — that Israel is clearly violating international law by starving the population — he was immediately rebuked by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office.

    Let us not forget that Starmer, when he was opposition leader, approved Israel’s genocidal blocking of food, water and electricity to Gaza, saying Israel “had that right”.

    In response to Lammy’s comments, Starmer’s spokesperson restated the government’s view that Israel is only “at risk” of breaching international law — a position that allows the UK to continue arming Israel and providing it with intelligence from British spy flights over Gaza from a Royal Air Force base in Cyprus.

    Our politicians have consented to everything Israel has done, and not just in Gaza over the past 18 months. This genocide has been decades in the making.

    Three-quarters of a century ago, the West authorised the ethnic cleansing of most of Palestine to create a self-declared Jewish state there. The West consented, too, to the violent occupation of the last sections of Palestine in 1967, and to Israel’s gradual colonisation of those newly seized territories by armed Jewish extremists.

    The West nodded through waves of house demolitions carried out against Palestinian communities by Israel to “Judaise” the land. It backed the Israeli army creating extensive “firing zones” on Palestinian farmland to starve traditional agricultural communities of any means of subsistence.

    The West ignored Israeli settlers and soldiers destroying Palestinian olive groves, beating up shepherds, torching homes, and murdering families. Even being an Oscar winner offers no immunity from the rampant settler violence.

    The West agreed to Israel creating an apartheid road system and a network of checkpoints that kept Palestinians confined to ever-shrinking ghettoes, and building walls around Palestinian areas to permanently isolate them from the rest of the world.

    It allowed Israel to stop Palestinians from reaching one of their holiest sites, Al-Aqsa Mosque, on land that was supposed to be central to their future state.

    The West kept quiet as Israel besieged the two million people of Gaza for 17 years, putting them on a tightly rationed diet so their children would grow ever-more malnourished. It did nothing — except supply more weapons — when the people of Gaza launched a series of non-violent protests at their prison walls around the enclave, and were greeted with Israeli sniper fire that left thousands dead or crippled.

    The West only found a collective voice of protest on 7 October 2023, when Hamas managed to find a way to break out of Gaza’s choking isolation to wreak havoc in Israel for 24 hours. It has been raising its voice in horror at the events of that single day ever since, drowning out 18 months of screams from the children being starved and exterminated in Gaza.

    The murder of 15 Palestinian medics and aid workers is a tiny drop in an ocean of Israeli criminality — a barbarism rewarded by Western capitals decade after decade.

    This genocide was made in the West. Israel is our progeny, our ugly reflection in the mirror — which is why Western leaders and establishment media are so desperate to make us look the other way. That reflection is too much for anyone with a soul to bear.

    Jonathan Cook is a writer, journalist and media critic, and author of many books about Palestine. He is a winner of the Martha Gellhorn Special Prize for Journalism. Republished from the Middle East Eye and the author’s blog with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Election Diary: Dutton backs down on working-from-home crackdown after outcry threatens to cost votes

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Peter Dutton has raised the white flag on his controversial attempt to force Canberra public servants back into the office, with the opposition now saying there will be no change in current arrangements.

    The shadow minister for the public service, Jane Hume, said: “We have listened, and understand that flexible work, including working from home, is part of getting the best out of any workforce”.

    The Coalition’s public service policy, released Sunday, says a Dutton government will “support flexible working arrangements for the public service, including working from home, by respecting existing flexible working arrangements, and enshrining them in future agreements.

    “There will be no mandated minimum number of days for public servants to work in the office.”

    Originally the Coalition wanted to get public servants back into the office five days a week, with Hume saying they had shown a “lack of respect for the work that went into earning the taxes the spend”.

    But on Sunday, Hume said, “Many professional men and women in the Commonwealth public service are benefiting from flexible working arrangements, including working from home, which allow them to make valuable contributions to serving Australians.

    “We know the importance of flexible work for many Australians, and have always supported the private sector making its own decisions on flexible work arrangements.”

    The move to try to return the public servants to the office has been a bugbear for the opposition from the start. Dutton landed in further trouble when he suggested women who were adversely affected by the policy could share jobs.

    Many voters feared if the return-to-the-office policy was introduced for public service workers, it could quickly lead to more pressure in the private sector. Many private employers have been trying to limit work-from-home arrangements.

    Working from home has become particularly entrenched since the pandemic, and the Liberals’ hard line threatened to lose them votes widely, especially among women.

    Dutton has progressively been qualifying and walking back the opposition’s proposal. Now, it’s been ditched completely.

    The Coalition’s public service policy would reduce the federal public service by 41,000 jobs over five years, while protecting frontline services and national security positions.

    Penny Wong paints Dutton as a ‘risk’ in an uncertain world

    The Liberals like to see national security issues as one of their strong suits. But Labor – thanks to US President Donald Trump’s global tariffs – is now boldly casting Dutton as posing a risk to Australia in a changing, uncertain world.

    Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Sunday described the opposition leader as stubborn, arrogant and always believing he knows best.

    “That leads him to make bad calls,” Wong told the ABC. “You see that in his stubborn insistence on a deal with President Trump at whatever cost. You see that in a reckless and risky linking of defence into this trade dispute.

    “What this showed us was this was a man who makes bad calls and this is a man who is a risk to this country when we face these uncertain times.”

    Penny Wong on Insiders on Sunday.

    Dutton has insisted he would have more chance of winning an exemption from US tariffs than Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

    Trying to make his point, he was loose in his language last week. Notably, he said one of the things he would invoke was our defence relationship with the US.

    This was immediately interpreted as a threat. Later it was clarified he meant offering something positive to the US. But in an election campaign, the clarification seldom catches up with the original statement.

    Meanwhile, former Prime Minister John Howard weighed in to say the Australian-American defence relationship should never be brought into such a negotiation.

    Albanese is also saying the government will try to change Trump’s mind about applying tariffs to Australia. Like Dutton, he would have Australia’s critical minerals in the negotiating mix, although exactly how is not clear.

    The Liberals say if Dutton became PM he’d visit Washington within 60 days. There’d be a lot of pressure on the new prime minister to get a deal.

    If Labor is returned, Albanese would no doubt make an effort. But one suspects when push came to shove, he’d be reluctant to cede much, given the direct hit from the 10% tariff on Australian exports is relatively mild.

    The 2025 Liberal Party is a narrow congregation

    Petro Georgiou, one of the Liberals’ high-profile backbench moderates during the Howard years, died last week. His death reminded people – if they needed reminding – that the Liberal Party is a very different beast these days.

    Howard talked about the party being a “broad church”, embracing both conservatives and moderates. Howard, himself, of course, was no moderate but there were a number of small-“l” liberals with strong voices in his government – among them Robert Hill, John Fahey (former NSW premier), and Michael Wooldridge.

    While some powerful moderates were in the tent, others were kicking up the sand around it from the backbench. Prominent among them was Georgiou, a former adviser to Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser. He and colleagues took on Howard over various issues, especially on refugees.

    Fast forward to the Abbott government and, despite Tony Abbott’s conservatism, moderates were prominent: Julie Bishop, Christopher Pyne, Malcolm Turnbull, George Brandis.

    One significant reason for the important place the moderates had in the past was the nature of the Liberal Party. Its strongholds were affluent, urban areas, where voters were above average in income and education.

    But from Howard’s time on, Liberal leaders increasingly turned their eyes elsewhere. Howard had his “battlers”, and pursued voters from the right in Queensland. Abbott went after his “tradies”. Dutton is looking to outer suburbia to make his gains.

    Turnbull, the only moderate among the last four Liberal leaders, has, ironically, undermined the moderates. His trenchant criticisms of subsequent leaders have given many small-“l” liberal voters permission to vote teal.

    Last election, the teals dispatched several moderate Liberals, including Josh Frydenberg, who lost to independent Monique Ryan in Georgiou’s old seat of Kooyong. (Frydenberg hadn’t started out as a moderate, but effectively became one.) Other moderates, most notably Simon Birmingham, have exited politics before or at this election.

    One of Georgiou’s strongest allies back in the day was Victorian MP Russell Broadbent. Broadbent, who was also close to Turnbull, lost preselection for his seat of Monash and defected to the crossbench in 2023. He’s now running in Monash as an independent against the new Liberal candidate Mary Aldred (whose father was in parliament).

    In Monash, the Liberals don’t just have Broadbent snapping at their heels, but a teal candidate, as well. Broadbent says his old party should be glad he’s in the contest.

    “The teal would have won it otherwise,” he claims. The Liberals consider the seat pretty safe, but they’ll be thankful he is giving them his preferences.

    Michelle Grattan 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. Election Diary: Dutton backs down on working-from-home crackdown after outcry threatens to cost votes – https://theconversation.com/election-diary-dutton-backs-down-on-working-from-home-crackdown-after-outcry-threatens-to-cost-votes-253732

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: 4 actions to support a sustainable democracy: No heroism required

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Wolfgang Linden, Professor Emeritus in Clinical and Health Psychology, University of British Columbia

    The media make an urgent case that democracy is threatened and autocrats are gaining ground. Democracy fatigue is in large part attributable to an inherently slow process, requiring many compromises and engagement by citizens. I argue that we are not helpless and offer action strategies to make the effort required to maintain democracy more palatable.

    As a researcher in psychology, I discovered (as have others) that the basic principles driving human behaviour are remarkably similar across a wide range of domains. They include child development, social psychology, psychotherapy and also politics. Now, as an emeritus professor, I am applying this knowledge to the wider-reaching application of ways to strengthen democracy.

    Using research-based and realistic views of the degree of control we have over politics, I propose four actions for individuals in support of strengthening democracy.

    1. Make voting social and celebratory

    A yardstick of a healthy democracy is election participation, which has dropped over time and hovers around two-thirds of eligible voters, with slightly higher rates in Canada than in the United States. Human beings are by nature social and seek company, and that alone is a perfect reason to go voting together with family and friends; make it an event.

    We know that couples go voting together and thus have greater participation rates than singles. Also, efforts to mobilize reluctant voters have possible spillover effects to other hesitant voters in their nearby environment. Lastly, it makes especially good sense to engage any first-time eligible voter because starting a voting habit early builds habitual voting. You could even encourage this first-time voter to get a (paid) job in the polling station!

    2. Reframe voting probabilities

    Sentiments like “my vote counts for little” are common. Nevertheless, we often see cliff-hanger results where tiny pools of votes count a lot.

    In 2024 in British Columbia, for example, three out of 93 races showed the two leading parties apart by fewer than 225 votes. One of these battles was ultimately won with a 22-vote difference, which really mattered because it was the one seat needed to swing the entire election towards winning a majority in the legislature.

    3. Use the word ‘us,’ challenge use of ‘they’

    Some politicians use fearmongering as a deliberate strategy and label non-supporters or people who differ from them as dangerous. “They” get blamed for the world’s ills, and can be excluded, or worse.

    When people around you overdo the divisiveness, ask them who are “they” and in what ways are they really different? Ultimately, when studied worldwide, all of “us” seek physical safety, supportive social networks, and stable, decent-paying jobs. We hope for fairness and want to support our families.

    Also, when dealing with issues like pollution, for example, remember that dirty air and water or radioactive waste don’t care about politically defined borders. They are all “our” garbage and “our” problem.

    4. How to shift from ‘they’ to ‘we’

    One proposition to help shift from “they” to “we” is to engage in new hobbies that excite you but involve people who are predictably unlike you. If you are a desk jockey by day, you might meet people with very different backgrounds when you join a hiking group or a woodworking co-op.

    Once you build this bridge and better understand others’ worlds, it becomes easier to work on solutions for joint social problems. At the workplace, hiring people with very diverse expertise has been shown to lead to more creative and satisfactory solutions than by drawing experts from a narrow pool.

    Also, by seeking consensus with others, you strengthen your own conflict-resolution skills. They can then be used in other places like marriage, condominium self-government, workplace politics or in holding groups of friends together.

    Yet another way of actively adopting the idea of “us” is to join advocacy groups that work on topics important to you and your community. Participedia is a global platform for anyone interested in public participation and democratic innovation. They have explored hundreds of organizations in 159 countries.

    Bottom line, neither heroic behaviour nor exceptional courage is required to engage in these readily available building blocks of a sustainable democracy.

    Wolfgang Linden is affiliated with Council of Canadians, Fair Vote Canada; both not for profit, not aligned with a political party

    – ref. 4 actions to support a sustainable democracy: No heroism required – https://theconversation.com/4-actions-to-support-a-sustainable-democracy-no-heroism-required-248748

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Coalition has announced an even more radical plan to cut international students than Labor. Here’s how it would work

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Norton, Professor of Higher Education Policy, Monash University

    Last year, the Coalition made the surprise decision to oppose Labor’s plans for new international student caps.

    On Sunday, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton proposed an even more radical policy of his own to limit the number of international students in Australia.

    He announced a combination of tighter enrolment limits, increased visa application fees and changes to temporary graduate visas, which allow some former students to remain in Australia to work.

    This is aimed at either deterring potential students from applying or stopping them from going to their preferred university.

    What’s the Coalition’s policy?

    The Coalition and Labor similarly argue high numbers of international students are putting pressure on housing markets.

    But the opposition is also concerned there are too many international students in some courses. They say some courses can have international enrolments of up to 80%.

    To address both problems, the Coalition proposes a maximum international student enrolment share at public universities (which is almost all universities in Australia). This would be around 25% of all commencing (or new) enrolments. Other education providers, such as private colleges and TAFEs, would face separate caps.

    The Coalition estimates this would result in 30,000 fewer new international students per year than Labor’s policy.

    What is happening under Labor?

    Last year, Labor wanted to give the education minister wide powers to cap international student enrolments by education provider, campus and course.

    Apart from some exempt categories (such as postgraduate research students), vocational and higher education providers would have been allocated 270,000 commencing enrolments between them for 2025. This is compared to 323,000 commencing enrolments in 2023.

    But the bill was opposed by the Greens and the Coalition. So Labor had to move to plan B.

    Using its migration powers, in December 2024, the government issued a ministerial direction on how the Department of Home Affairs should process applications for student visas. This is arguably a de facto cap.

    Immigration officials have been instructed to prioritise student visa applications for all institutions until they near the individual caps that were blocked by the Senate last year.

    Once visa applications are at 80% of each provider’s cap, subsequent applications go into a slower visa processing stream.



    Read more:
    International student numbers in Australia will be controlled by a new informal cap. Here’s how it will work

    Signs applications are already down

    Prospective international students cannot apply for a visa unless an education provider gives them a “confirmation of enrolment”.

    We are seeing signs the ministerial direction is leading to fewer “confirmations of enrolment” and resulting applications.

    My analysis below shows student visa applications for January and February 2025 are well down on equivalent months in 2024, 2023 and 2019 (pre-Covid).

    In late 2024, demand was below the boom times of 2023 and early 2024, but still above 2019.

    What does the Coalition’s plan mean for unis?

    Labor’s policy for university caps uses a formula based on past international student enrolments. The Coalition’s caps would be a percentage of total new enrolments. They expect this to be around 25%, but will set the precise number after consultation and receiving the most recent data.

    Coalition education spokesperson Sarah Henderson has expressed concerns high concentrations of international students have “not been good for our country or for the education outcomes of Australian students”.

    Based on 2023 enrolment data – the latest that also includes domestic students – 35% of new university students in Australia were from overseas. But several universities had international student shares above 50%.

    On the Coalition’s estimates, their policy would see no more than 115,000 new international students in public universities each year, down from 139,000 under Labor’s approach.

    The Coalition acknowledges this will particularly affect the highly ranked Group of Eight universities, including The University of Melbourne and The University of Sydney. Dutton argues these universities have admitted “excessive numbers” of international students.

    Coalition caps for private providers

    One reason the Coalition gave for not supporting Labor’s legislation last year was the disproportionate effect on private education providers, which include both vocational and higher education colleges.

    Under the Coalition’s plan, private providers will still have caps, but they will be different than those for universities. Exactly how this will work is unclear. Their combined caps will be “at most 125,000”, according to the Coalition. Under Labor’s policy, their combined cap is a little higher, at about 132,000.

    A complicating factor here is the government’s existing migration policies have smashed demand for vocational education – as my analysis shows.

    This means many vocational education providers may not be able to fully use the places allocated under Labor’s indicative cap. These shortfalls may create space to increase caps for other private education providers.

    Visa application fees

    Last year, in a bid to cut international student numbers, Labor more than doubled the student visa application fee from A$710 to $1,600. They subsequently reversed this for Pacific Islander applicants.

    Under the Coalition, the visa application fee would more than triple to $5,000 for applicants to Group of Eight universities. For students seeking entry to other providers, the fee would be $2,500.

    Temporary graduate visas

    The Coalition also promises a “rapid review” of the temporary graduate visa program. This would be to prevent its “misuse” as a way to gain access to the Australian labour market and permanent migration.

    Labor has already reduced the number of years former students can stay on temporary graduate visas, reduced the age limit to be granted a visa from 50 to 35 years, and increased the minimum English requirements.

    Applications for temporary graduate visas are down on past levels.

    While Labor’s changes made some potential visa applicants ineligible, recent applications could be the calm before the storm. Large numbers of 2023 and 2024 international students will complete their courses in the coming years, with many of them eligible for temporary graduate visas under current policies.

    International education will take a hit regardless

    The Coalition’s international student election policy is less of a surprise than its refusal to back Labor’s caps last year. They have foreshadowed tough policies many times in recent months.

    But the proposed increased visa application fees and enrolment caps would be painful for both students and education providers.

    Universities have repeatedly argued international students are not major causes of the housing crisis. They have also argued international education is a valuable export and it is being undermined by policy changes out of Canberra. But this has had no impact on the stance of either Labor or the Coalition.

    So, the number of international students in Australia will fall regardless of the federal election result. The decline is set to be greater under a Coalition government. But regardless of the election result, the days of unlimited international student numbers are over.

    The Conversation

    Andrew Norton works for Monash University, which is a member of the Group of Eight and would be significantly affected by the policies discussed in this article.

    – ref. The Coalition has announced an even more radical plan to cut international students than Labor. Here’s how it would work – https://theconversation.com/the-coalition-has-announced-an-even-more-radical-plan-to-cut-international-students-than-labor-heres-how-it-would-work-253919

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and US hit major milestone in development of hypersonic weapons

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    UK and US hit major milestone in development of hypersonic weapons

    UK hypersonic research, which could see weapons travelling at several thousand miles per hour, has reached a landmark moment after successful completion of a major testing programme.

    Hypersonic engine being tested

    • UK scientists complete major hypersonic propulsion test, enabled by close collaboration between UK government, industry and US government.
    • The propulsion system is set to power a cutting-edge hypersonic cruise missile concept.
    • 233 test runs were carried out at a number of hypersonic speeds, marking a critical step forward in UK Defence capabilities.

    This research aims to support delivery of a hypersonic weapon technology demonstrator by 2030 through the MOD’s Team Hypersonics (UK) programme. This will provide a transformational capability that delivers operational advantage for the future UK armed forces.

    National security is a foundation of this government’s Plan for Change and today’s news comes after the Prime Minister announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War. 

    A joint team led by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) together with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and supported by industry partners including UK SME Gas Dynamics Ltd, carried out 233 successful static test runs at the NASA Langley Research Centre in Virginia, USA.

    This extensive testing was part of the UK’s Hypersonic Weapons Programme, and took place over six weeks involving real-time data analysis to refine design aspects and boost propulsive performance.

    The trial explored several design variations, ensuring the propulsion system’s readiness for future system design updates. The engine is poised to power a cutting-edge hypersonic cruise missile concept and successfully demonstrated the performance of the high-speed air-breathing engine – enabling greater ranges than a conventional rocket – advancing the UK’s hypersonic weapon capabilities.

    The tests spanned the full flight Mach number range from supersonic to hypersonic speeds, validating the robustness of the engine design and paving the way for future upgrades.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

    We are living in a more dangerous world and it has never been more important for us to innovate and stay ahead of our adversaries, equipping our forces with the technologies of the future.

    This milestone moment on hypersonics research, supported by British scientists and British small businesses, demonstrates another crucial area where we are working in lockstep with the United States to bolster our Armed Forces and strengthen our deterrence.

    Dstl’s Chief Executive, Paul Hollinshead said:

    This milestone represents a critical advancement in the UK’s defence capabilities and reinforces our standing in the AUKUS hypersonic weapon development collaboration. The success of these tests highlights the UK’s commitment to technological leadership and innovation in this crucial area.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Woman-to-woman marriage in west Africa: a vanishing tradition of power and agency

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Bright Alozie, Assistant Professor, Portland State University

    Marriage in west Africa has played a central role in shaping aspects of society, and has evolved over time. While traditional heterosexual unions dominate discussions, a lesser-known but significant practice – woman-to-woman marriage – has existed for centuries.

    In my research, I examined this institution, which allows a woman to assume the role of a husband by marrying another woman. There’s evidence of woman-to-woman marriage in more than 40 societies across west Africa, including the Igbo of Nigeria, the Frafra of Ghana and the Dahomeans of present-day Benin.

    How it works is that a woman – often wealthy or of high status – pays a bride price and takes on a wife who is expected to bear children. A male relative or chosen partner, known as the genitor, fathers the children. The children will legally belong to the female husband and are considered part of her lineage. This reinforces kinship structures, or family ties within traditional communities and clans, vital to west African societies.

    Unlike romantic same-sex unions, these are social contracts. They aim to preserve lineage, secure inheritance, and enhance a woman’s economic and political agency.

    Female husbands gain significant control over property by assuming the role of head of household. This enables them to own and manage assets independently, a right typically reserved for men.

    Securing heirs through their wives ensures the continuation of their lineage and the inheritance of their property and status. It solidifies their long-term agency and influence within the community.

    The union also grants them more legal standing – they can enter into contracts, resolve disputes, and represent their family in legal matters, further empowering them in a patriarchal society.

    This all translates into considerable influence. Female husbands can hold positions of authority, and command respect. They challenge traditional gender roles.

    Colonial distortions and modern misconceptions have obscured the meaning and function of this historically prevalent practice. Despite its important role, it has declined over time. With growing stigma, the old customs have become less common.

    My research seeks to underscore the historical value of woman-to-woman marriage. It offers a lens for understanding the complexities of African gender systems, female agency and social structures.

    Tradition rooted in kinship and social stability

    Using a combination of oral interviews, archival research and literature reviews, I found that there are various scenarios in which woman-to-woman marriage is practised in west Africa.

    In Okrika, in Nigeria’s Rivers State, for example, I was told how a married woman who has no male child in her family is allowed to marry a woman so that a male child can be born into the family. If her marriage does not produce a male child and she has money, the culture allows her to marry more than one wife as long as she can take care of them and the union can produce a male child to carry the name of her family.

    In my interview with Chief Nkemjirika Njoku, of the Mbaise Igbo in Nigeria, he described another scenario. He explained that if a man died without male heirs, his daughters could pay a bride price for a woman to bear children in his name. This ensured his lineage did not disappear.

    Similarly, among the Frafra people of Ghana one study shows how:

    a wealthy woman may marry one or more women for her husband by providing the bridewealth. These women bear children in her name in the event of her being childless or to offer extra labour.

    These accounts illustrate how marriage and kinship complement each other and how this practice provided women with economic influence and social mobility, often rivalling men’s.

    Colonial disruptions and modern challenges

    Despite the tradition’s important role, during the 19th century European colonial officials and Christian missionaries misunderstood and condemned the practice.

    Viewing it through a Victorian moral framework – rigid and conservative values of 19th-century Britain which emphasised strict gender roles, sexual restraint and moral purity – they mistakenly equated it with homosexuality and sought to outlaw it. For instance, in 1882 British colonial authorities in Ghana criminalised same-sex relations. These laws included woman-to-woman marriages, despite their deeply rooted cultural significance.

    The practice persisted in various forms, however, but did become less prevalent.

    In some cases, the unions were subtly restructured to avoid colonial scrutiny. Participants framed them more as business partnerships or familial arrangements rather than marriages. For instance, many prominent traders would use the unions to expand their wealth and business networks. Among the Hausa-Fulani textile traders of the Sokoto Caliphate, for example, a wealthy widow could marry a woman to manage her trade. This ensured that children born within the union inherited her wealth.

    Subverting or reinforcing patriarchy?

    Today, woman-to-woman marriage remains misunderstood. Some argue it reinforces patriarchal structures, while others conflate it with lesbian relationships.

    The growing influence of Christianity and Islam has led to its stigmatisation. Meanwhile modern legal systems fail to recognise the unions, leaving female husbands and their children vulnerable in inheritance disputes.

    Advancements in reproductive technology provide alternative means for childbearing, reducing the need for these marriages.

    In my opinion, though, this tradition remains a valuable and powerful system. It highlights the ingenuity of African societies in creating alternative structures of power, kinship and economic security – especially for women.

    Based on my research I concluded that woman-to-woman marriage is an example of flexible African gender constructs. Gender is not strictly tied to biological sex but to social roles and responsibilities. African societies have creatively adapted marriage and kinship to meet economic and social needs.

    More than a marriage practice, woman-marriage has been an assertion of female agency, an economic strategy, and a means of preserving lineage.

    Bright Alozie 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. Woman-to-woman marriage in west Africa: a vanishing tradition of power and agency – https://theconversation.com/woman-to-woman-marriage-in-west-africa-a-vanishing-tradition-of-power-and-agency-251919

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Do African MPs reflect the people who vote for them? We studied 17 countries to find out

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Robert Mattes, Professor in Government and Public Policy, University of Strathclyde, and Adjunct Professor in the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town, University of Strathclyde

    By the end of 2025, 42 African countries will have held national elections in the previous 24 months. But do these elections produce parliaments that accurately reflect the societies they serve? Aside from studies of women in Africa’s legislatures, there is surprisingly little information about this important issue.

    Elected parliaments are the essence of representative democracy. Law makers are more likely to know what voters need and want if they are alike in age, gender, language, education or occupation.

    As scholars of African politics, we wanted to find out if African legislators actually represented their voters. We compared the results of two separate surveys conducted between 2009 and 2012 across the same 17 African countries.

    The first comes from the African Legislatures Project. This interviewed 823 elected representatives (MPs). The second was produced by Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network.

    Our study found wide gaps between citizens and their representatives in some respects, but a high degree of similarity in others.

    Compared to ordinary African citizens, African legislators possess much higher levels of education. They are also far more likely to be older, male and to come from professional or business backgrounds. Yet the overall profile of legislators closely matches that of the voters in terms of ethnicity and religion.

    Religion and ethnicity

    One of the most striking findings is the match between the religious, language and ethnic make-up of African legislatures and voters.

    Across all 17 countries, the proportion of law makers who are either Muslim or Christian closely resembles their electorates. They are also similar at the level of religious denomination (for example Catholic, Methodist or Pentecostal).

    Legislatures closely mirror the languages spoken by citizens in their countries. In some countries the overlap is very high. In Lesotho, for example, almost all MPs and citizens speak the same language (Sesotho). In Zimbabwe, the distribution of Shona and Ndebele speaking MPs is much the same as it is for the public.

    There’s less overlap in Tanzania (where many more parliamentarians point to Swahili as their home language than Kisukuma, which most citizens speak). And in Namibia and South Africa, most MPs claim English as their home language rather than the otherwise dominant Oshiwambo or Zulu, respectively.

    Many scholars argue that proportional representation voting systems (where people vote for party lists, rather than candidates) are necessary to reflect ethnic diversity. Our findings demonstrate that this is not necessarily the case. We found high levels of correspondence in diverse societies that elect members from “first past the post” single member districts, such as Zimbabwe, Ghana, Malawi and Uganda. This is because political parties will strategically select candidates who reflect the religious and ethnic identities of specific constituencies so that candidates are seen as “one of us”.

    Where presented with a choice between candidates of differing religious or ethnic backgrounds, voters will tend to prefer the one similar to them. They feel that candidates who come from their area, or speak their language, are more likely to understand their needs and preferences.

    Education and occupation

    Our study also established that African elections produce legislatures that are older, more male, far more educated and wealthier than their voters.

    While only 9% of citizens possessed a university degree across these 17 countries in the years under review, 58% of MPs had one. In Uganda, this figure climbed to 90%: a substantial educational disparity.

    Occupational backgrounds also reveal a pronounced skew. A large proportion of parliamentarians come from business (24%) or professional (27%) sectors. Average citizens are likely to be blue collar or agricultural workers.

    Gender and age

    Despite making up roughly 50% of African societies, just 18% of the parliamentarians we interviewed were women.

    Proportional representation voting systems do increase gender balance. This shows in Mozambique (40% of parliamentarians are female), Namibia (35%) and South Africa (28%). But other mechanisms such as gender quotas in the governing party nomination process (Tanzania, 32%), or reserved seats (Uganda, 27%), also increase women’s representation.

    Finally, elected legislatures are almost always older than their electorate. But African legislators appear to be especially venerable. While the median age of the over-18 citizen population across these 17 societies is 33, the median age of our sample of MPs was 53. This raises questions about the ability of older legislators to fully understand and address the concerns of younger generations.

    Are parliamentarians an unaccountable ‘power elite’?

    We also wondered whether the social and economic advantages provided by higher education and experience in business and the professions might keep MPs in power, and out of touch with the needs of citizens.

    Two factors appear to work against this outcome.

    First, we examined potential markers of status and influence: university education; high-status occupational background; and previously held positions in party leadership, national government, or local government. It turns out that the average MP had only accumulated two of these things.

    Second, consistent with other studies of African legislatures that find surprising levels of turnover of individual parliamentarians, the typical law maker in our surveys had been in office for just five years. Whatever status or privilege they carry with them into the legislative chamber does not guarantee a long stay.

    What can we learn from this?

    These results provide some insights for the continent’s next election season.

    Most ruling parties were humbled at the polls in 2024, and several lost their majority in parliament (Botswana, Ghana, Mauritius, Senegal and South Africa). The trend of high legislator turnover seems likely to continue.

    Thus, newly elected parliamentarians are unlikely to form a coherent “power elite”. The real challenge seems to be to harness the impressive skills African MPs bring to their jobs to enable them to play a more meaningful role in writing laws and holding their executives to account.

    Robert Mattes is co-founder and Senior Advisor to Afrobarometer.

    Matthias Krönke is affiliated with Afrobarometer.

    Shaheen Mozaffar 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. Do African MPs reflect the people who vote for them? We studied 17 countries to find out – https://theconversation.com/do-african-mps-reflect-the-people-who-vote-for-them-we-studied-17-countries-to-find-out-252055

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Ian Powell: When apartheid met Zionism – the case for NZ recognising Palestine as a state

    COMMENTARY: By Ian Powell

    The 1981 Springbok Tour was one of the most controversial events in Aotearoa New Zealand’s history. For 56 days, between July and September, more than 150,000 people took part in more than 200 demonstrations in 28 centres.

    It was the largest protest in the country’s history.

    It caused social ruptures within communities and families across the country. With the National government backing the tour, protests against apartheid sport turned into confrontations with both police and pro-tour rugby fans — on marches and at matches.

    The success of these mass protests was that this was the last tour in either country between the two teams with the strongest rivalry among rugby playing nations.

    This deeply rooted antipathy towards the racism of apartheid helps provide context to today’s growing opposition by New Zealanders to the horrific actions of another apartheid state.

    Depuis la révolte de 1976, le nom de ce township noir symbolise la lutte de la population noire contre le système d’apartheid. Les habitants mènent leur vie quotidienne au milieu des conflits et manifestations, le 15 juin 1980. (Photo by William Campbell/Sygma via Getty Images)

    ” data-medium-file=”https://politicalbytes.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/apartheid-in-south-africa.jpg?w=300″ data-large-file=”https://politicalbytes.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/apartheid-in-south-africa.jpg?w=612″/>

    A township protest against apartheid in South Africa in 1980. Image: politicalbytes.blog

    Understanding apartheid
     Apartheid is a humiliating, repressive and brutal legislated segregation through separation of social groups. In South Africa, this segregation was based on racism (white supremacy over non-whites; predominantly Black Africans but also Asians).

    For nearly three centuries before 1948, Africans had been dispossessed and exploited by Dutch and British colonists. In 1948, this oppression was upgraded to an official legal policy of apartheid.

    Apartheid does not have to be necessarily by race. It could also be religious based. An earlier example was when Christians separated Jews into ghettos on the false claim of inferiority.

    In August 2024, Le Monde Diplomatic published article (paywalled) by German prize-winning journalist and author Charlotte Wiedemann on apartheid in both Israel and South Africa under the heading “When Apartheid met Zionism”:

    She asked the pointed question of what did it mean to be Jewish in a country that saw Israel through the lens of its own experience of apartheid?

    It is a fascinating question making her article an excellent read. Le Monde Diplomatic is a quality progressive magazine, well worth the subscription to read many articles as interesting as this one.

    Relevant Wiedemann observations
     Wiedemann’s scope is wider than that of this blog but many of her observations are still pertinent to my analysis of the relationship between the two apartheid states.

    Most early Jewish immigrants to South Africa fled pogroms and poverty in tsarist Lithuania. This context encouraged many to believe that every human being deserved equal respect, regardless of skin colour or origin.

    Blatant widespread white-supremacist racism had been central to South Africa’s history of earlier Dutch and English colonialism. But this shifted to a further higher level in May 1948 when apartheid formally became central to South Africa’s legal and political system.

    Although many Jews were actively opposed to apartheid it was not until 1985, 37 years later, that Jewish community leaders condemned it outright. In the words of Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris to the post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission:

    “The Jewish community benefited from apartheid and an apology must be given … We ask forgiveness.”

    On the one hand, Jewish lawyers defended Black activists, But, on the other hand, it was a Jewish prosecutor who pursued Nelson Mandela with “extraordinary zeal” in the case that led to his long imprisonment.

    Israel became one of apartheid South Africa’s strongest allies, including militarily, even when it had become internationally isolated, including through sporting and economic boycotts. Israel’s support for the increasingly isolated apartheid state was unfailing.

    Jewish immigration to South Africa from the late 19th century brought two powerful competing ideas from Eastern Europe. One was Zionism while the other was the Bundists with a strong radical commitment to justice.

    But it was Zionism that grew stronger under apartheid. Prior to 1948 it was a nationalist movement advocating for a homeland for Jewish people in the “biblical land of Israel”.

    Zionism provided the rationale for the ideas that actively sought and achieved the existence of the Israeli state. This, and consequential forced removal of so many Palestinians from their homeland, made Zionism a “natural fit” in apartheid South Africa.

    Nelson Mandela and post-apartheid South Africa
     Although strongly pro-Palestinian, post-apartheid South Africa has never engaged in Holocaust denial. In fact, Holocaust history is compulsory in its secondary schools.

    Its first president, Nelson Mandela, was very clear about the importance of recognising the reality of the Holocaust. As Charlotte Wiedemann observes:

    “Quite the reverse . . .  In 1994 Mandela symbolically marked the end of apartheid at an exhibition about Anne Frank. ‘By honouring her memory as we do today’ he said at its opening, ‘we are saying with one voice: never and never again!’”

    In a 1997 speech, on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Mandela also reaffirmed his support for Palestinian rights:

    “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”

    There is a useful account of Mandela’s relationship with and support for Palestinians published by Middle East Eye.

    Mandela’s identification with Palestine was recognised by Palestinians themselves. This included the construction of an impressive statue of him on what remains of their West Bank homeland.

    Palestinians stand next to a giant statue of Nelson Mandela following its inauguration ceremony in the West Bank city of Ramallah on April 26, 2016. – Palestinians inaugurated the statue of Mandela donated by the South African city of Johannesburg to their political capital. The six-metre (20-foot) two-tonne bronze statue was a gift from Johannesburg with which Ramallah is twinned. (Photo by ABBAS MOMANI / AFP)

    ” data-medium-file=”https://politicalbytes.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/mandela-statue-in-west-bank-city-of-ramallah.jpg?w=300″ data-large-file=”https://politicalbytes.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/mandela-statue-in-west-bank-city-of-ramallah.jpg?w=750″/>

    Palestinians stand next to a 6 metre high statue of Nelson Mandela following its inauguration ceremony in the West Bank city of Ramallah in 2016. It was donated by the South African city of Johannesburg, which is twinned with Ramallah. Image: politicalbytes.blog

    Comparing apartheid in South Africa and Israel
     So how did apartheid in South Africa compare with apartheid in Israel. To begin with, while both coincidentally began in May 1948, in South Africa this horrendous system ended over 30 years ago. But in Israel it not only continues, it intensifies.

    Broadly speaking, this included Israel adapting the infamously cruel “Bantustan system” of South Africa which was designed to maintain white supremacy and strengthen the government’s apartheid policy. It involved an area set aside for Black Africans, purportedly for notional self-government.

    In South Africa, apartheid lasted until the early 1990s culminating in South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994.

    Tragically, for Palestinians in their homeland, apartheid not only continues but is intensified by ethnic cleansing delivered by genocide, both incrementally and in surges.

    Apartheid Plus: ethnic cleansing and genocide
     Israel has gone further than its former southern racist counterpart. Whereas South Africa’s economy depended on the labour exploitation of its much larger African workforce, this was relatively much less so for Israel.

    As much as possible Israel’s focus was, and still is, instead on the forcible removal of Palestinians from their homeland.

    This began in 1948 with what is known by Palestinians as the Nakba (“the catastrophe”) when many were physically displaced by the creation of the Israeli state. Genocide is the increasing means of delivering ethnic cleansing.

    Ethnic cleansing is an attempt to create ethnically homogeneous geographic areas by deporting or forcibly displacing people belonging to particular ethnic groups.

    It can also include the removal of all physical vestiges of the victims of this cleansing through the destruction of monuments, cemeteries, and houses of worship.

    This destructive removal has been the unfortunate Palestinian experience in much of today’s Israel and its occupied or controlled territories. It is continuing in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

    Genocide involves actions intended to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.

    In contrast with civil war, genocide usually involves deaths on a much larger scale with civilians invariably and deliberately the targets. Genocide is an international crime, according to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948).

    Today the Israeli slaughter and destruction in Gaza is a huge genocidal surge with the objective of being the “final solution” while incremental genocide of Palestinians speeds up in the occupied West Bank.

    Notwithstanding the benefits of the recent ceasefire, it freed up Israel to militarily focus on repressing West Bank Palestinians.

    Meanwhile, Israel’s genocide in Gaza during the current vulnerable hiatus of the ceasefire has shifted from military action to starvation.

    The final word
     One of the encouraging features has been the massive protests against the genocide throughout the world. In a relative context, and while not on the same scale as the mass protests against the racist South African rugby tour in 1981, this includes New Zealand.

    Many Jews, including in New Zealand and in the international protests such as at American universities, have been among the strongest critics of the ethnic cleansing through genocide of the apartheid Israeli state.

    They have much in common with the above-mentioned Bundist focus on social justice in contrast to the dogmatic biblical extremism of Zionism.

    Amos Goldberg, professor of genocidal studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem is one such Jew. Let’s leave the final word to him:

    “It’s so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. Jewish history will henceforth be stained.”

    This is a compelling case for the New Zealand government to join the many other countries in formally recognising the state of Palestine.

    Ian Powell is a progressive health, labour market and political “no-frills” forensic commentator in New Zealand. A former senior doctors union leader for more than 30 years, he blogs at Second Opinion and Political Bytes, where this article was first published. Republished with the author’s permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: US revokes all visas for South Sudanese citizens

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Saturday that the United States is canceling all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and suspending the issuance of new ones.

    The action comes after South Sudan’s transitional government failed to accept the return of its deported citizens in a timely manner, Rubio said in a statement.

    Washington “will be prepared to review these actions when South Sudan is in full cooperation,” Rubio added.

    This is the first visa ban targeting all passport holders from a specific country since President Donald Trump returned to office on January 20. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government-branded merchandise and away days banned

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government-branded merchandise and away days banned

    Spending taxpayer money on unnecessary branded merchandise and staff ‘away days’ will be banned in the latest crackdown on wasteful spending across departments

    • Government doing away with costly away days and pricy merchandise
    • Every pound of taxpayer money targeted on securing Britain’s future through the Plan for Change, delivering security for working people and renewal for our country
    • Part of crackdown on wasteful spending in government in favour of a more productive and agile state

    Spending taxpayer money on unnecessary branded merchandise and staff ‘away days’ will be banned in the latest crackdown on wasteful spending across departments.

    Staff training and development are key to boosting productivity, but officials will now be instructed to hold training and team-building exercises and ‘away days’ in government buildings that are available for free, instead of hiring external venues.  

    Thousands of pounds have also been spent in recent years on goods branded with department logos or slogans—including mugs, jumpers, water bottles, and even fidget cubes. 

    Such spending will be banned, focusing funding where it matters to working people such as rebuilding the NHS and strengthening our borders.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden MP, said:

    By cutting wasteful spending we can target resources at frontline public services with more teachers, extra hospital appointments and police back on the beat.

    We will use taxpayers’ money to deliver our Plan for Change, kick-starting economic growth, rebuilding the NHS and strengthening our borders.

    The Cabinet Office has set out requirements for all departments to review their policies on procuring corporate-branded and non-essential merchandise, with a view to restricting future purchases. 

    These stricter rules will permit government merchandise only when essential for delivering the government’s agenda, for example, in overseas trade and diplomacy, to promote growth.

    Further measures will require departments to ensure that external venues for away days are only used when space in government buildings is unavailable.  

    This announcement builds on plans to significantly reduce the approximately 20,000 government credit cards in circulation. Last week, all departments and their public bodies were instructed to freeze their cards, with cardholders required to reapply under tighter new guidelines.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Fiji solidarity group condemns Rabuka plans for embassy in Jerusalem

    Asia Pacific Report

    A Fiji-based Pacific solidarity group supporting the indigenous Palestine struggle for survival against the Israeli settler colonial state has today issued a statement condemning Fiji backing for Israel.

    In an open letter to the “people of Fiji”, the Fijians for Palestine Solidarity Network (F4P) has warned “your government openly supports Israel despite its genocidal campaign against Palestinians”.

    “It is directly complicit in Israel’s genocide against Palestinians and history will not forgive their inaction.”

    The group said the struggle resonated with all who believed in justice, equality, and the fundamental rights of every human being.

    Fijians for Palestine has condemned Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s coalition government plans to open a Fijian embassy in Jerusalem with Israeli backing and has launched a “No embassy on occupied land” campaign.

    The group likened the Palestine liberation struggle to Pacific self-determination campaigns in Bougainville, “French” Polynesia, Kanaky and West Papua.

    Global voices for end to violence
     The open letter on social media said:

    “Our solidarity with the Palestinian people is a testament to our shared humanity. We believe in a world where diversity, is treated with dignity and respect.

    “We dream of a future where children in Gaza can play without fear, where families can live without the shadow of war, and where the Palestinian people can finally enjoy the peace and freedom they so rightly deserve.

    “We join the global voices demanding a permanent ceasefire and an end to the violence. We express our unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people.

    “The Palestinian struggle is not just a regional issue; it is a testament to the resilience of a people who, despite facing impossible odds, continue to fight for their right to exist, freedom, and dignity. Their struggle resonates with all who believe in justice, equality, and the fundamental rights of every human being.

    “The images of destruction, the stories of families torn apart, and the cries of children caught in the crossfire are heart-wrenching. These are not mere statistics or distant news stories; these are real people with hopes, dreams, and aspirations, much like us.

    “As Fijians, we have always prided ourselves on our commitment to peace, unity, and humanity. Our rich cultural heritage and shared values teach us the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is not popular or convenient.

    “We call on you to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people this Thursday with us, not out of political allegiance but out of a shared belief in humanity, justice, and the inalienable human rights of every individual.

    “There can be no peace without justice, and we stand in unity with all people and territories struggling for self-determination and freedom from occupation. The Pacific cannot be an Ocean of Peace without freedom and self determination in Palestine, West Papua, Kanaky and all oppressed territories.

    “To the Fijian people, please know that your government openly supports Israel despite its genocidal campaign against Palestinians. It is directly complicit in Israel’s genocide against Palestinians and history will not forgive their inaction.”

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Protests staged in US against Trump administration’s policies

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Protests erupted in dozens of cities across the United States on Saturday over the controversial policies unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration since January.

    Crowds of protesters took to the streets to oppose Trump over the economy, immigration and human rights.

    Organized by a coalition of more than 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions and veterans’ associations, the coordinated move led to over 1,400 protests nationwide. Demonstrators gathered at state capitols, federal buildings, congressional offices, Social Security Administration headquarters, city halls and public parks.

    The move under the banner of “Hands Off” featured a wide array of protest signs and slogans, such as “End Oligarchy,” “Let Gaza Live,” and “Save Social Security.”

    “This is a nationwide mobilization to stop the most brazen power grab in modern history. Trump, (Elon) Musk, and their billionaire cronies are orchestrating an all-out assault on our government, our economy, and our basic rights — enabled by Congress every step of the way,” said a piece on handsoff2025.com, the official website of the campaign.

    Some elected officials joined the campaign as well. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said she doesn’t want her children and others to live in a world where threats and intimidation are the means of government and values such as diversity and peace are under attack.

    According to organizers, nearly 600,000 people have signed up for the “Hands off” movement.

    Since taking office, the Trump administration has faced heavy criticism for sweeping policy changes, including mass layoffs in federal agencies, deportation of immigrants, steep budget cuts and imposing tariffs on multiple countries. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump funding cuts on media impacts on independent Asia Pacific outlet

    Pacific Media Watch

    One of the many casualties of the Trump administration’s crackdown on “soft power” that enabled many democratic media and truth to power global editorial initiatives has been BenarNews, a welcome contribution to the Asia-Pacific region.

    BenarNews had been producing a growing range of insightful on powerful articles on the region’s issues, articles that were amplified by other media such as Asia Pacific Report.

    Managing editor Kate Beddall and her deputy, Imran Vittachi, announced the suspension of the decade-old BenarNews editorial operation this week, stating in their “Letter from the editors”:

    “After 10 years of reporting from across the Asia-Pacific, BenarNews is pausing operations due to matters beyond its control.

    “The US administration has withheld the funding that we rely on to bring our readers and viewers the news from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, the Philippines and island-states and territories in the Pacific.

    “We have always strived to offer clear and accurate news on security, politics and human rights, to shed light on news that others neglect or suppress, and to cover issues that will shape the future of Asia and the Pacific.

    “Only last month, we marked our 10th anniversary with a video showcasing some of the tremendous but risky work done by our journalists.

    “Amid uncertainty about the future, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank our readers and viewers for their loyalty and trust in BenarNews.

    “And to Benar journalists, cartoonists and commentary writers in Washington, Asia, Australia and the Pacific, thank you for your hard work and passion in serving the public and helping make a difference.

    “We hope that our funding is restored and that we will be back online soon.”


    BenarNews: A decade of truth in democracies at risk.    Video: BenarNews

    One of the BenarNews who has contributed much to the expansion of Pacific coverage is Brisbane-based former SBS Pacific television journalist Stefan Ambruster.

    He has also been praising his team in a series of social media postings, such as Papua New Guinea correspondent Harlyne Joku — “from the old school with knowledge of the old ways”. Ambruster writes:

    “Way back in December 2022, Harlyne Joku joined Radio Free Asia/BenarNews and the first Pacific correspondent Stephen Wright as the PNG reporter to help kick this Pacific platform off.

    “Her first report was Prime Minister James Marape accusing the media of creating a bad perception of the country.

    “Almost 90 stories in just over two years carry Harlyne’s byline, covering politics, geopolitics, human and women’s rights, media freedom, police and tribal violence, corruption, Bougainville, and also PNG’s sheep.

    “Her contacts allowed BenarNews Pacific to break stories consistently. She travelled to be on-ground to cover massacre aftermaths, natural disasters and the Pope in Vanimo (where she broke another story).

    “Particularly, Harlyne — along with colleagues Victor Mambor in Jayapura and Ahmad Panthoni and Dandy Koswaraputra in Jakarta — allowed BenarNews, to cover West Papua like no other news service. From both sides of the border.

    “And it was noticed in Indonesia, PNG and the Pacific region.

    “Last year, she was barred from covering President Probowo Subianto’s visit to Moresby, a move condemned by the Media Council of Papua New Guinea.

    “At press conferences she questioned Marape about the failure to secure a UN human rights mission to West Papua, as a Melanesian Spearhead Group special envoy, which led to an eventual apology by fellow envoy, Fiji’s Prime Minister Rabuka, to Pacific leaders.”

    PNG correspondent Harlyne Joku (right) with Stefan Armbruster and Rado Free Asia president Bay Fang in Port Moresby in February 2025. Image: Stefan Armbruster/BN

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Neguse, Senator Bennet Renew Calls for Tim’s Act, Bipartisan Bill to Improve Working Conditions for Federal Firefighters

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, D.C. — As the wildland firefighting workforce continues to face increasing uncertainty as a result of the Trump Administration’s reckless attacks on federal employees, Congressman Joe Neguse, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet are re-upping calls to overhaul federal wildland firefighter compensation and benefits. Their bill Tim’s Act—named in honor of Tim Hart, a brave smokejumper from Cody, Wyoming who tragically lost his life on May 24, 2021, while battling the Eicks Fire in New Mexico—bolsters recruitment, retention, and well-being within this vital workforce. 

    “Federal wildland firefighters are our nation’s unsung heroes. This workforce is underpaid and undervalued, despite putting their lives on the line to protect our homes, families, and communities. Unconscionable. We’re calling on Democrats and Republicans alike to take decisive action to implement much-needed reforms in how we recognize their sacrifices, and join us in championing Tim’s Act,” said Congressman Neguse. “Congress has now finally enacted a permanent pay fix, but the work continues as we now turn to other critical issues—addressing recruitment and retention, housing, mental health benefits, rest, recuperation, and the overall well-being of our nation’s wildland firefighting workforce.” 

    “As climate change fuels increasingly frequent and destructive wildfires across the West, we rely more and more on wildland firefighters to protect our homes and communities,” said Senator Bennet. “These brave firefighters deserve support for their mental and physical health and more time to recover. This legislation ensures they receive the benefits they deserve for their life-saving work.”

    Neguse has worked tirelessly to spearhead bipartisan, bicameral efforts to permanently increase pay for federal wildland firefighters, first implemented by the Biden-Harris Administration in 2021, including, most recently, championing the reintroduction of the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act. After Congressional Republicans delayed action for over a year—tying this common-sense pay reform to government funding negotiations—the measure has finally been codified into law. However, federal wildland firefighters working for agencies like the Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) now are still at risk of mass layoffs and reduction in force measures initiated under the Trump administration.

    Neguse and Bennet are working to build on recent bipartisan actions to increase federal wildland firefighter pay to help address the other challenges facing this workforce through Tim’s Act, including improving hazardous duty  pay, supporting enhanced pay management oversight and retirement benefits, and boosting firefighter physical and mental well-being by ensuring firefighters receive paid rest and recuperation leave.

    Federal wildland firefighters are severely overworked and underpaid, often tasked with laborious and grueling conditions to protect communities across the country. Tim’s Act takes a holistic approach to recognizing the immense sacrifices made by this workforce.

    Background

    Since taking office, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02) has worked tirelessly to bring federal resources home to communities recovering from disaster and to advocate for increased support for wildland firefighters, wildfire prevention, and forest management. 

    In 2021, Neguse successfully enacted elements of Tim’s Act through the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which created a new classification series specifically for wildland firefighters, temporarily increased pay, and established new support systems for firefighters through mental health services. In the 118th Congress, he also spearheaded bipartisan, bicameral efforts to address this issue head-on and permanently increase pay, championing both Tim’s Act and the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act. These pay provisions were codified by Congress’s most recent continuing resolution bill, paving the way for additional steps to ensure this workforce receives the compensation and benefits they deserve

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Protests staged in US cities against Trump administration’s policies

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Protests erupted in dozens of cities across the United States on Saturday over the controversial policies unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration since January.

    Crowds of protesters took to the streets to oppose Trump over the economy, immigration and human rights.

    Organized by a coalition of more than 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions and veterans’ associations, the coordinated move led to over 1,400 protests nationwide. Demonstrators gathered at state capitols, federal buildings, congressional offices, Social Security Administration headquarters, city halls and public parks.

    The move under the banner of “Hands Off” featured a wide array of protest signs and slogans, such as “End Oligarchy,” “Let Gaza Live,” and “Save Social Security.”

    “This is a nationwide mobilization to stop the most brazen power grab in modern history. Trump, (Elon) Musk, and their billionaire cronies are orchestrating an all-out assault on our government, our economy, and our basic rights — enabled by Congress every step of the way,” said a piece on handsoff2025.com, the official website of the campaign.

    Some elected officials joined the campaign as well. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said she doesn’t want her children and others to live in a world where threats and intimidation are the means of government and values such as diversity and peace are under attack.

    According to organizers, nearly 600,000 people have signed up for the “Hands off” movement.

    Since taking office, the Trump administration has faced heavy criticism for sweeping policy changes, including mass layoffs in federal agencies, deportation of immigrants, steep budget cuts and imposing tariffs on multiple countries. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China states its position on opposing US abuse of tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The Chinese government’s position on opposing U.S. abuse of tariffs was released on Saturday.
    Recently, under various pretexts, the United States has imposed tariffs on all trading partners, including China, which severely infringes upon the legitimate rights and interests of nations, severely violates World Trade Organization rules, severely harms the rules-based multilateral trading system, and severely disrupts the stability of the global economic order. The Chinese government strongly condemns and firmly opposes this.
    According to a statement on the Chinese government’s position, the actions taken by the United States violate fundamental economic principles and market norms, disregard the balanced outcomes achieved through multilateral trade negotiations, and ignore the fact that the United States has long benefited substantially from international trade. Using tariffs as a tool of extreme pressure for selfish gain is a textbook example of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying.
    Under the guise of pursuing “reciprocity” and “fairness,” the United States is engaging in zero-sum games and, in essence, seeking “America First” and “American exceptionalism,” the statement said.
    It said that the United States is exploiting tariffs to subvert the existing international economic and trade order, prioritizing U.S. interests above the global common good and sacrificing the legitimate interests of countries worldwide to serve its own hegemonic agenda.
    “Such actions will inevitably face widespread opposition from the international community,” it noted.
    China is an ancient civilization and a land of ritual. The Chinese people advocate treating others with sincerity and trust.
    “We don’t make trouble, but we have no fear of trouble,” the statement said, stressing that pressure and threats are not the right way to deal with China. China has taken and will continue to take resolute measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests.
    Noting that China-U.S. economic and trade relations should be mutually beneficial in nature, the statement said the United States should conform to the common expectations of the people in the two countries and around the world. In line with the need to safeguard the fundamental interests of the two countries, the United States should stop using tariffs as a weapon to suppress China’s trade and economy, and stop undermining the legitimate development rights of the Chinese people.
    As the world’s second-largest economy and second-largest consumer market for goods, China will open its doors wider to the outside world no matter how the international situation changes, the statement stressed.
    It said China will continue to open up to the world at a high level, steadily expand its institutional opening-up in rules, regulations, management and standards, implement high-level trade and investment liberalization and facilitation policies, and foster a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized first-class business environment, to share its development opportunities with the world, and achieve mutual benefits and win-win results.
    Economic globalization is the only way forward for the development of human society. The rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core has made important contributions to promoting global trade, economic growth and sustainable development, the statement noted.
    “As openness and cooperation is the trend of history, the world will not and should not retreat to mutual isolation and division,” the statement said. Mutual benefits and win-win outcomes reflect the common aspirations of all people, while beggar-thy-neighbor economic bullying will ultimately backfire.
    “It is the shared responsibility of the international community to make economic globalization more open, inclusive, universally beneficial and balanced,” it said.
    Development is a universal right for all countries, not the exclusive privilege of a few. International affairs should be discussed and handled collectively, and the future and destiny of the world should be in the hands of all nations, the statement said.
    There are no winners in trade wars or tariff wars, and protectionism leads to a dead end, it stressed. And all countries should uphold the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, uphold genuine multilateralism, work together to oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, and uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.
    The statement highlighted the belief that the vast majority of countries that value fairness and justice will stand on the right side of history, making decisions that serve their own interests. The world must embrace equity, not hegemony. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko opened a branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko opened a branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana

    April 5, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko opened a branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana

    April 5, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the opening of the exhibition “Evolution of Technologies in Cuba: Challenges and Opportunities for New Generations” of the Geocuba Group of Companies

    April 5, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the opening of the exhibition “Evolution of Technologies in Cuba: Challenges and Opportunities for New Generations” of the Geocuba Group of Companies

    April 5, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the ceremonial departure of the first car from the UAZ assembly line in Havana

    April 5, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the ceremonial departure of the first car from the UAZ assembly line in Havana

    April 5, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the ceremonial departure of the first car from the UAZ assembly line in Havana

    April 5, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko opened a branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana

    As part of his working visit to the Republic of Cuba, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the opening ceremony of the branch of the Southern Federal University (SFedU) in Havana. This is the first branch of a Russian university in the republic.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel have repeatedly emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership between the countries.

    “Our countries have long been friends and cooperate in various fields, including science and education. And today, here in Havana, we are ceremoniously opening the first branch of a Russian university on Cuban soil – the Southern Federal University. This is a historic event. Cuban students will be able to master advanced supplementary education programs in Russian and prepare for admission to Russian universities. The first students will begin classes in the next academic year. We have a huge responsibility: to ensure a bright future for our countries, their prosperity and sovereignty – technological, financial, cultural and ideological,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to everyone who participated in the implementation of this important project, especially noting the President of the Southern Federal University Marina Borovskaya and the Rector of the University of Havana Miriam Nicado Garcia.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko also presented certificates for the purchase of computer equipment to students and scientists, wishing them success in their work and studies.

    During the opening ceremony of the branch, the rector of the University of Havana, Miriam Nicado Garcia, was awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of SFedU. Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated the rector, noting her outstanding achievements and contribution to the development of the university.

    Also in the presence of Dmitry Chernyshenko, an agreement was signed between the University of Havana and the Southern Federal University on the free use of the premises of the branch building for the educational process.

    SFedU President Marina Borovskaya expressed confidence that the opening of a SFedU branch at the University of Havana will take the interaction between the universities to a new level.

    “The University of Havana is our long-standing friend and reliable partner. We are already solving a number of joint research and educational tasks, successfully exchanging experience. Last year, Cuban students and university staff visited SFedU, where they not only got acquainted with the university, but also underwent training, collected information for their research projects, found colleagues from SFedU, with whom they joined forces to continue their research. The opening of the SFedU branch in Havana will give impetus to even closer cooperation in many scientific fields,” Marina Borovskaya emphasized.

    Another important event of the visit to Havana was Dmitry Chernyshenko’s participation in the ceremonial departure of the first vehicle from the UAZ assembly line in Havana.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted that this joint project became possible thanks to the support of the presidents of Russia and Cuba. Now SUVs, light trucks and minibuses will be produced here, on a modern conveyor. The production capacity of the line is up to one and a half thousand cars per year. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed confidence that the project will become a serious support for the Cuban economy and will strengthen cooperation between the countries.

    In addition, Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the opening of the exhibition “Evolution of Technologies in Cuba: Challenges and Opportunities for New Generations” of the Geocuba group of companies, one of whose key partners is the Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography. The Deputy Prime Minister familiarized himself with the educational and industrial expositions presented at the exhibition.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government has approved a six-year plan for road development

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    By 2030, Russia plans to build and reconstruct more than 3.7 thousand km of highways. This is envisaged by the six-year road activity plan, which was approved by order of the Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The document will become one of the main instruments for implementing the new national project “Infrastructure for Life”.

    In 2025–2030, the country plans to build and reconstruct over 1,900 km of federal and 1,700 km of regional roads, including about 900 km of roads in rural areas. As part of the President’s instruction, the construction of 50 bypasses of populated areas on federal and regional highways will be completed by the end of 2030. In the new regions – the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, Zaporizhia and Kherson Oblasts – it is planned to restore highways with a total length of over 1,500 km.

    Among the major projects announced in the plan are the construction and reconstruction of the following highways: M-2 “Crimea”, M-5 “Ural”, M-7 “Volga”, M-8 “Kholmogory”, M-9 “Baltia”, M-10 “Russia”, R-21 “Kola”, R-22 “Caspian”, R-217 “Caucasus”, M-4 “Don”, R-255 “Siberia”, R-258 “Baikal”, R-280 “Novorossiya”, R-504 “Kolyma”, A-121 “Sortavala”, A-181 “Scandinavia”, A-370 “Ussuri”.

    The funding volume for the planned activities will amount to 9.2 trillion rubles.

    “The Ministry of Transport must strictly monitor the expenditure of funds, the progress of work and the deadlines for their completion. After all, the accuracy of logistics and the comfort of citizens’ movement directly depend on this. And most importantly, it affects the safety of pedestrians and drivers, their lives and health,” Mikhail Mishustin noted at a government meeting on April 2.

    As a result of the plan’s implementation, the share of federal highways, backbone roads and roads of the largest urban agglomerations that are in good condition should increase to 85%, and roads of regional or inter-municipal significance – to 60%.

    “Approval of the road activity plan is a very important stage. It determines how we will work and develop the road framework of our country in the coming years. I would like to note that we have applied six-year planning for the first time. This will allow us to synchronize all the tasks that we face within the framework of the national project “Infrastructure for Life” until 2030 with the forecast until 2036, to tie everything into a single mechanism. The road plan is necessary for a broad understanding of the entire situation and comprehensive work. People do not care who is responsible for the road – federal, regional or municipal, but it is important to quickly and safely get there on good roads, without thinking about who they belong to,” said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    The document will be published.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas held the 22nd meeting of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas

    April 4, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas held the 22nd meeting of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission

    April 4, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko during the 22nd meeting of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission

    April 4, 2025

    Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas during the 22nd meeting of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission

    April 4, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas

    The 22nd meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Cuban Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation was held in the capital of Cuba, Havana. The co-chairs were Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas.

    The parties discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation, including in the fields of energy, industry, tourism, agriculture, technology, education, culture and sports, as well as issues of implementing promising investment projects. Following the meeting, 13 documents were signed, including the final act and cooperation agreements.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko thanked Ricardo Cabrisas for the warm welcome of the Russian delegation in Havana and stressed that Russia expects the visit of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in May 2025. Earlier, the President of the Republic accepted an invitation sent on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

    “I would like to note with great satisfaction the regularity of the meetings of the intergovernmental commission. This allows us to work effectively to advance key issues on the bilateral agenda. We highly value the trusting and constructive political dialogue at all levels, including the highest. We intend to further strengthen Russian-Cuban relations in a wide range of areas: in the field of industrial cooperation, trade and humanitarian cooperation, exchange of experience and transfer of Russian technological developments, joint scientific research,” noted Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The Deputy Prime Minister spoke about the support provided to Cuba, including the emergency measures program to minimize the consequences of the energy crisis that occurred on the island at the end of last year.

    In addition, according to Dmitry Chernyshenko, the educational sphere is an integral part of bilateral cooperation. Last year, over 60 agreements were concluded between Russian and Cuban universities. From 2023 to the present, eight open education centers for the study of the Russian language have been operating on the island. In 2024, Russian universities opened two geological classes in Cuban universities, as well as a Center for the targeted training of specialists in the field of energy and electronics. As part of the current visit of the Russian delegation, the work of the branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana will be launched.

    It is planned to continue work on expanding the portfolio of bilateral investment initiatives, the total number of which currently exceeds 100. The Deputy Prime Minister also noted the resumption of deliveries of Russian cars to Cuba. In 2024, over 180 units of mechanical engineering products were exported to the island.

    Within the framework of agro-industrial cooperation, a project for processing Russian wheat at a Cuban flour mill is being implemented for the second year in a row. The possibility of Russian business participation in the modernization of the sugar industry in Cuba is being considered.

    The tourism industry continues to develop. In 2024, the Russian tourist flow to Cuba remained at the level of the record 2023 and amounted to 160 thousand people. At the same time, the number of Cuban citizens who visited Russia last year increased by more than 50%.

    “To solve the challenges we face today, it is extremely important to have the support of reliable partners and allies, such as the Russian Federation. The current meeting of the intergovernmental commission is a suitable platform for studying the proposals that are on the negotiating table. I am confident that the meetings will yield concrete results that will help strengthen the relations between our countries,” said Ricardo Cabrisas.

    On the Russian side, representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Digital Development, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture and other departments also took part in the meeting of the IPC.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MICE tourism gains momentum

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Ballroom inspections and mahjong sessions may not be what automatically springs to mind when you consider Hong Kong’s appeal to visitors. Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions tourism – MICE tourism, for short – is not about being conventional, however.

    Recently, nine representatives from the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers, hailing from Germany, Canada, Mexico and elsewhere, embarked on a five-day MICE tourism study mission in Hong Kong, at the invitation of the Tourism Board.

    Their first stop was a Wan Chai hotel that opened late last year. The delegation inspected its banquet halls, suites and facilities, and enjoyed an unexpected highlight – an impromptu mahjong session in the games room that gave them a taste of one of the most popular Chinese pastimes.

    The group then proceeded to the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) where they were shown around several exhibition venues and meeting rooms, learning about their layout and design, as well as the centre’s transport connectivity, and took the opportunity to gaze out over Victoria Harbour.

    Multiple facets
    For MICE visitors – whether squeezing in sightseeing activities around conferences or enjoying company incentive trips – riding the 130-year-old Peak Tram remains an essential Hong Kong experience, of course.

    Having ascended Victoria Peak by tram, the delegation embarked on a nostalgic journey through 1970s–80s Hong Kong at the Peak Tower museum, before marvelling at magnificent panoramic views of the city’s famous skyline and Victoria Harbour from the Sky Terrace.

    The group then descended to Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan, where they performed the ritual of touching the holy deer statue with gold foil to seek blessings. All in all, they were able to immerse themselves fully in Hong Kong’s commercial, cultural and religious facets in a single day.

    The tour participants represented diverse clients across sectors ranging from government to technology and pharmaceuticals, and are responsible for planning events across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. They said their experiences in Hong Kong would inform future decisions about staging professional conferences and summits in the city.

    Lasting impressions
    Among the delegation was Jocelyne Mulli, managing director of a German organiser of professional conferences. Her firm has been using Hong Kong as its springboard into the Asia-Pacific region since 2012.

    Though a frequent visitor to Hong Kong and to the HKCEC, she said her latest trip had opened her eyes to ongoing upgrades and more flexible service offerings in the city. In particular, she praised Hong Kong’s fusion of heritage and modernity, applauding its sustained achievements in MICE tourism development over the years.

    “You are a hub, you are a base, and you are in the best place to welcome international delegates,” she said. “It is not everywhere that you have ballrooms, venue spaces of such size. You have a multilingual society and you have these historical aspects.”

    For his part, Alejandro Ramirez Tabche, the CEO of a Mexican event planning company, said that seeing specific venues for himself had made him realise Hong Kong is the perfect MICE destination. Describing the city as “gorgeous”, he said he would recommend it to his peers as a location for holding events without hesitation.

    “Hong Kong is always a top destination and people experience real fun and happiness,” he enthused. “And also, you have luxurious hotels, good food and good attractions. The people are so kind and they are very eager to help anytime.”

    While in Hong Kong, the group also explored the Old Town Central neighbourhood’s blend of modern and historic elements, visited the giant panda twins at Ocean Park, and toured the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park, gaining a full appreciation of the city’s diverse offerings.

    Robust revival
    MICE tourism has emerged as a key driver of high-value travel to Hong Kong, with the city welcoming over 1.42 million overnight MICE visitors in 2024, a year-on-year increase of about 10%. Their average spending per capita outperformed overall overnight visitor expenditure by about 40% and catalysed growth across sectors including convention services, retail, dining and entertainment.

    The Tourism Board is adopting a multipronged approach to developing MICE tourism, sparing no effort to secure major events for Hong Kong, while also inviting global conference organisers to experience the city’s MICE facilities and tourism assets first-hand.

    Tourism Board Director & Business Development Team Lead of MICE Phoebe Shing outlined that the organisation has been successful in bidding for and facilitating 56 large-scale MICE events in Hong Kong this year, including 16 which are debuting in the city. The events span sectors ranging from innovation and technology to fintech, medical science and aviation.

    “In June, Hong Kong will host the International Society for Stem Cell Research 2025 annual meeting for the first time,” she said. “For the aviation sector, we will welcome Routes World 2025 in September, and also Airspace Asia Pacific 2025 in December.”

    These events are projected to attract approximately 170,000 MICE visitors from the Mainland and overseas, with total participation reaching 260,000.

    Ms Shing added that with MICE tourism’s robust recovery, coupled with the ongoing restoration of international flight capacity, further growth in MICE visitors is expected.

    “The Hong Kong Tourism Board will continue to promote MICE tourism, striving to bring more MICE events to Hong Kong. We will also solidify Hong Kong as the world’s meeting place in order to attract more high-yield visitors to our city.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Huge income boost for millions of pensioners and working people.

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Huge income boost for millions of pensioners and working people.

    Millions of pensioners will receive as much as £470 more a year added to their State Pension from today, thanks to the government’s’ ironclad commitment to the pensions Triple Lock throughout this parliament.

    • Millions of pensioners to receive up to an additional £470 in their State Pension this year.
    • Triple Lock means those receiving the State Pension are set to increase by up to £1,900 over the term of this Parliament.
    • Over five million households receiving working-age benefits such as Universal Credit will also see an average boost of £150, with Plan for Change putting more money in working people’s pockets.

    This comes alongside the annual uprating of working-age benefits such as Universal Credit, with people receiving those set to receive an extra £150 on average over the course of this year – an increase set to benefit 5.7 million working-age households. Disability benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance and child benefits are also set to increase by the same amount.

    The Triple Lock – which guarantees that the State Pension increases annually by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5% – means the basic and new State Pensions are increasing by 4.1%, well above the current level of inflation.

    These changes come alongside increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, benefiting three million eligible workers across the country. With the National Living Wage increasing to £12.21 for those aged 21 and over and the National Minimum Wage for those aged 18 to 20 seeing a record increase to £10 an hour, three million workers will benefit, with eligible full-time workers set to see an increase in their annual salary of £1,400.

    This support is securing Britain’s future through the Plan for Change, which is delivering security and renewal by kick-starting economic growth to put more money in working people’s pockets and rebuilding the NHS.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:

    Our ironclad commitment to the Triple Lock gives pensioners across the country the certainty and security they need to live a full life in retirement.

    We are putting more money in people’s pockets and driving up household income as part of our Plan for Change.

    Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said:

    Raising the State Pension and rescuing the NHS – these are this government’s priorities to give all pensioners the dignity they deserve in their retirement. Those who have worked hard throughout their lives, paying into the system, are owed nothing less.

    We’re improving the lives of millions of pensioners through our £7.84 billion additional funding for the State Pension this year. That means up to £470 extra in pensioners’ pockets from this week and comes alongside our work to boost Pension Credit uptake, and the £26 billion we’ve invested in the NHS that has seen waiting lists in England fall for 5 months in a row.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    With today’s increase in working-age benefits, and our ironclad commitment to pensioners through the Triple Lock, we are making the decisions that support those who need it in Britain, putting money into people’s pockets and delivering our Plan for Change.

    The uprating of State Pensions and working-age benefits amounts to a cash boost of over £6.9 billion, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring pensioners enjoy the dignity and respect they deserve in retirement, while also supporting low-income families.

    It also comes alongside proposals for the biggest welfare reforms for a generation. These measures are designed to ensure a welfare system that is fit for purpose and available for future generations – opening up employment opportunities, boosting economic growth and tackling the spiralling benefits bill while also ensuring those who cannot work get the support they need.

    That support also includes help for pensioners. The government’s drive to support low-income pensioners has led to 50,000 extra Pension Credit awards since the summer – an increase of 64% compared to the same period last year.

    Pension Credit is worth on average £4,300 a year and also unlocks support including help with Housing Costs, Council Tax and free television licenses.

    Support also includes a £742 million extension of the Household Support Fund in England, from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026, providing support with the cost of essentials such as food, heating and bills.

    Additional information:

    • The majority of the new rates will apply from Monday 7 April 2025. Please see here for a full list of rising benefits: Benefit and pension rates 2025 to 2026 – GOV.UK
    • Those in receipt of the State Pension and other uprated benefits will see an increase in their next payments following Monday 7 April.
    • Details of when the State Pension is paid can be found on GOV.UK: The new State Pension – GOV.UK
    • With uprating in effect, pensioners receiving the full basic State Pension will see their weekly payments rise from £169.50 to £176.45 per week, worth an additional £360 a year. In addition, the full rate of the new State Pension will increase from £221.20 to £230.25 per week, an increase of £470 a year.
    • People in receipt of Universal Credit and other benefits including Personal Independence Payments will see their payments increase by 1.7% with 5.7 million households on Universal Credit to gain £150 on average.
    • The minimum guarantee for Pension Credit – the minimum amount that someone on Pension Credit will receive – is also set to increase by 4.1% from 7 April. For single pensioners it will increase from £218.15 to £227.10. For couples it will increase from £332.95 to £346.60.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fake reviews and sneaky hidden fees banned once and for all

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Fake reviews and sneaky hidden fees banned once and for all

    Outrageous fake reviews and sneaky hidden fees are now banned once and for all in a major win for consumers right across the UK.

    • Fake reviews and hidden fees that cost consumers £2.2bn every year now banned 
    • CMA takes on major new powers to directly enforce new consumer laws 
    • Changes will protect consumers and create a more level playing field for businesses, helping to deliver economic stability as part of the Plan for Change 

    Outrageous fake reviews and sneaky hidden fees are now banned once and for all in a major win for consumers right across the UK. These laws will help deliver economic stability as part of the Plan for Change. 

    The new measures coming into force today will give the public control over their cash and save them money in the long run.

    All mandatory fees, such as admin fees or ticket booking fees, must now be included in the headline price and can’t be deceptively dripped in throughout the checkout process, to dupe customers into paying more than they originally bargained for.  

    The ban aims to bring to an end the shock that online shoppers get when they reach the end of their shopping experience only to find a raft of extra fees lumped on top. 

    So, for shoppers buying train tickets – they won’t be stung by a hidden booking fee at the end of the checkout. 

    When buying a takeaway, the delivery and admin fees must be clear at the start of the process.

    The same will apply to all online shopping experiences from concert tickets to trips to the cinema. 

    Every year a whopping £2.2 billion is spent by consumers on unavoidable hidden fees, which is why these new rules are coming into force.  

    Not only will it create greater transparency, but it will make it far easier for consumers to confidently compare products and services to make sure they are getting the best bang for their buck.  

    Justin Madders, Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, said:  

    From today consumers can confidently make purchases knowing they are protected against fake reviews and dripped pricing.  

    These changes will give consumers more power and control over their hard-earned cash, as well as help to establish a level playing field by deterring bad actors that undercut compliant businesses, helping to deliver economic stability as part of our Plan for Change. 

    Outlandish fake reviews will also be banned today – so customers know what they are buying when they shop online.

    The legislation will prevent punters turning up to a restaurant with 5-star reviews only to be served 1-star quality food. Or ordering a product online from a top-rated seller only to find it never turns up, or that when it does, it doesn’t look anything like it did in the picture, despite what previous buyers said. 

    Reviews were found to be used by 90% of consumers and contributed to the £217 billion spent in online retail markets in 2023, underscoring the importance of these new consumer protection laws. 

    New laws will also help prevent well-intentioned and compliant businesses from being under-cut by those seeking to catch out consumers with stealthy additional prices and fake reviews.  

    Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said:

    We will use these new provisions to safeguard people from harmful and unfair treatment, and to foster the level-playing field for the vast majority of businesses who want to do the right thing for their customers. We will be tackling the more egregious practices first and working hard to support businesses with compliance, conscious that – especially for small businesses – the burden of following the rules must be proportionate.

    This new consumer protection regime will be implemented by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in a way that is as simple as possible for smaller businesses to comply with.

    This government is committed to taking action to reduce unnecessary burdens on business, meaning that should any new rules be required, these will be as clear as possible and only used where necessary and proportionate.

    Notes to editors 

    • Legislation only bans unavoidable hidden fees. Optional fees, such as airline seats and luggage upgrades for flights, are not included. 
    • Website hosts are accountable for the reviews on their page. Businesses and online platforms will be legally required to take steps to prevent and remove the publication of fake reviews that are published on their websites. This could include, for example, having adequate detection and removal procedures in place to prevent fake reviews being published.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wait times slashed for 80,000 thanks to boost in cancer detection

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Wait times slashed for 80,000 thanks to boost in cancer detection

    80,000 patients have received a quicker diagnosis or ruling out of cancer in 28 days between July 2024 and January 2025 compared to the previous year.

    • Government’s record £26 billion Budget investment into the NHS sees 80,000 more people having cancer diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days
    • Bold action to resolve strikes, increase funding into the NHS and get more teams working out of hours has transformed delivery for patients
    • Cancer care at the heart of government plans to reform NHS through Plan for Change, with National Cancer Plan set to be published later this year

    80,000 patients across the country have faced shorter waits for life-changing cancer diagnoses as a result of the government’s record investment in our NHS to cut waiting times, latest figures show.

    The government’s Budget fixed the foundations of the economy to deliver a record £26 billion investment in our NHS to get it back on its feet and make it fit for the future as part of the Plan for Change. This investment, together with putting an end to industrial action, tackling waste and bringing in crucial reforms, are already transforming our NHS.

    That includes a new drive to offer more appointments out of hours – which directly attributed to over three quarters (76.1%) of patients receiving their cancer diagnosis or all clear within 28 days from July 2024 to January 2025, up from 71.8% 12 months earlier.

    As one of the biggest killers in the UK, it is vital that cancer patients get quick access to the testing they need. Faster diagnosis is linked to significantly improved cancer outcomes and means more patients can start treatment as quickly as possible.

    Today’s figures show a clear improvement in performance, demonstrating how proper investment, along with a plan to put patients first, delivers on the commitments promised by the government to slash waiting lists – putting an end to the misery for many people who have not received the cancer care they require.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    This government made tough decisions at the Budget that put £26 billion into our NHS – and patients are already seeing the results.

    Too many cancer patients are facing agonisingly long waits for diagnosis and treatment. As a survivor, I know first hand just how important it is to receive timely diagnosis so treatment can begin as quickly as possible.

    We are on a mission to drive down waiting times and our Plan for Change is already getting patients seen and treated faster, with 80,000 more diagnosed or ruled out with cancer between July and January.

    This is just the start and we will continue driving fundamental reform of the NHS to ensure it is delivering for all patients once again.

    The government is delivering change working people can feel, with waiting lists cut by 193,000 since July – and alongside this, 2 million extra appointments including for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy, and diagnostic tests also being delivered 7 months ahead of schedule.

    But the government is going further and faster. The recently published Elective Reform Plan also commits to going even further for patients, through opening more Community Diagnostic Centres, taking the total to over 170 this year across England.

    These sites will all be open for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week by March 2026, located in convenient places across the country to ensure patients have greater access to the tests, checks and scans they require. And on top of this, the government is also committing £1.5 billion to equip the health service with more surgical hubs and scanners to help catch more cancers earlier.

    The recently published NHS Planning Guidance has committed to getting a further 100,000 people diagnosed on time by March 2026, with the government on track to deliver this significantly ahead of schedule.

    With 2.8 million people expected to be living with cancer this year in England alone, improving outcomes for patients, including quicker diagnosis, is a key part of the government’s plans to cut waiting times and deliver fundamental NHS reform through the Plan for Change.  

    Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said:

    Providing rapid access to tests ensures that people with cancer can start treatment as soon as possible when it is most likely to be successful, and will help to put people’s minds at rest if they don’t have cancer, so it is an important step forward that thousands more patients each month are getting the all-clear or a diagnosis within 4 weeks.

    Thanks to the efforts of staff and NHS campaigns encouraging people to get worrying symptoms checked out or to take up our offer of screening, we are seeing more people coming forward than ever, and I encourage anyone who is overdue for a check or who has noticed changes in their body to contact their GP surgery as soon as possible so they can get checked.

    Lord Darzi’s investigation into the NHS highlighted that the rate of improvement for cancer survival slowed substantially during the 2010s, and the government has been steadfast in its commitment to improving outcomes for patients.

    Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said:

    Waiting for answers can be an incredibly worrying period for anyone affected, so we welcome the government’s commitment to further cut waits for cancer diagnosis and treatment this year. 

    The UK government has the opportunity to improve things further and faster with their upcoming National Cancer Plan for England. More people are being diagnosed with cancer than ever before, and our health service needs a long term plan to be able to properly prepare and help people live longer, better lives.

    Eve Byrne, Director of National System Change at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:

    We welcome these changes and the positive impact this will have on people living with cancer.   

    We are looking forward to working with the government to transform cancer care by developing the National Cancer Plan. This is an opportunity to make sure everybody in the UK can access world-class cancer care, whoever they are, wherever they may be based.

    Alongside the 10 Year Health Plan, the government will also publish its National Cancer Plan this year, with a call for evidence now live to encourage cancer experts, people living with cancer, and medical professionals to help shape its development.

    A new UK Collaborative for Cancer Clinical Research is also being launched to provide coordination, target investment, and maximise opportunities for the UK to lead in clinical research. This will help to unlock innovation and growth. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary statement following the detention of two British MPs in Israel

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Foreign Secretary statement following the detention of two British MPs in Israel

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has released a statement following the detention of two British MPs in Israel

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    It is unacceptable, counterproductive, and deeply concerning that two British MPs on a parliamentary delegation to Israel have been detained and refused entry by the Israeli authorities.

    I have made clear to my counterparts in the Israeli government that this is no way to treat British Parliamentarians, and we have been in contact with both MPs tonight to offer our support.

    The UK government’s focus remains securing a return to the ceasefire and negotiations to stop the bloodshed, free the hostages and end the conflict in Gaza.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier’s statement on softwood lumber

    Premier David Eby has released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Commerce announcement that it plans to raise softwood duties against Canadian producers to 34.45%:

    “The U.S. Department of Commerce announced yesterday that they are going to more than double countervailing duties imposed on Canadian softwood lumber, driving up housing costs for Americans who voted for a President who promised to lower costs.

    “This is an attack on forest workers and British Columbians. I know that during hard times it is often the workers who pay the price. To every forestry worker in British Columbia hearing the news of this impending increase to softwood lumber duties, know this: We have got your back and your government will fight for you.

    “In Canada, the continued unjustified softwood lumber duties, combined with additional U.S. tariffs and other trade actions, have united Canadians. We have friends and family in the United States who need Canadian lumber to build or rebuild their homes, and both Canadians and Americans need an end to this trade dispute.

    “We will, as always, work with the other provinces and territories, the forest sector and the federal government to fight this most recent decision through all avenues available to us, at the first possible opportunity.

    “I am meeting with the Prime Minister on Monday, April 7, 2025, and I plan on raising this issue with him directly. B.C. workers and their families depend on the jobs that these tariffs are targeting, and we hope to see the same Team Canada approach to protecting them, just like with the automotive and steel industry jobs in Ontario and Quebec.

    “We will continue to work with business, labour and First Nations leaders to seek approaches to defend the hard-working forestry workers of B.C., their families and the industry as a whole from the increasingly hostile actions of our largest trading partner.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OCEANIA – Debt crisis in the Pacific: Jubilee Year campaign aims to provide relief

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Port Moresby (Agenzia Fides) – “Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa are Pacific countries at risk of experiencing the worst consequences of internal and external debt. The Caritas Internationalis Jubilee campaign, ‘Transform Debt into Hope,’ should convince everyone to be vigilant about what political elites could do to avoid the dire circumstances of debt growth,” writes Father Giorgio Licini, missionary of PIME (Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions) and Caritas collaborator of the Episcopal Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, in a letter sent to Fides. “About fifty civil society and religious organizations around the world support the ‘Turn Debt into Hope’ petition and campaign. However, there are none from Oceania,” Father Licini points out, referring to the specific situation in Papua New Guinea, the country where he lives.”Papua New Guinea,” he points out, “owes creditors approximately 50 billion kina (approximately 11 billion euros, ed.), as the country prepares to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of its independence in September. The country’s solid financial position in the first two decades after independence from Australia, when the national currency was essentially equal to or more than the US dollar, is now a distant memory.” “The country,” he explains, “is classified as rich in resources but has poor human development indicators. About 75 percent of the population lives in poverty or has only the bare necessities of life, often in remote and inaccessible areas lacking basic services. The debt accumulated in recent years is more or less evenly distributed between domestic and foreign debt.”Corruption is a social challenge: “The perception that the country is at least partially determined by corruption and mismanagement is strong. Gaining government positions and jobs is widely perceived as an opportunity for personal enrichment, with family, clan, and allies benefiting in every way possible,” the missionary reports. “Yet,” he continues, “with clear political will, Papua New Guinea can curb corruption, keep its debt under control, and avoid the worst results seen in other developing countries, which are now unable even to pay the interest on their debts.”In light of this global concern, Caritas Internationalis has launched a campaign in the 2025 Jubilee Year entitled “Turn Debt into Hope,” which puts into practice the call for debt relief suggested by Pope Francis in the Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year.There are concrete figures on the current “debt crisis,” which affects more than 100 countries: The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank estimate that 60 percent of low-income countries are in “debt distress” or are on the verge of defaulting on their repayment obligations. “As many as 48 developing countries,” says Father Licini, “spend more on debt interest payments than on health and education, further perpetuating inequality and poverty. More than 3.3 billion people live in these countries.”And while rich countries hold the majority of the debt, “the cost of borrowing for developing countries is two to twelve times higher, trapping many of them in a cycle of rising debt,” Father Licini notes. “In 2023, countries in the Global South spent 12.5 times more on debt repayment than on combating climate change, making them vulnerable to its devastating impacts. What we urgently need, then, is a bold commitment from governments and financial institutions to stop the debt crisis now: the cancellation of unjust and unsustainable debts to prevent debt crises from recurring by addressing their root causes.” They also call for “a reform of the global financial system to prioritize people and the planet” so that the same crisis cannot repeat itself cyclically.A particular goal of the Caritas Internationalis campaign, according to the missionary, “is the cancellation of ‘unsustainable debt,’ i.e., debt that cannot truly be repaid.” At the international level, the petition will be presented wherever world leaders gather to discuss politics and economics, for example at the G7 summit in Canada in June, the G20 summit in South Africa in November, and the COP30 summit in Brazil. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 5/4/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –