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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Global: The peculiar Turkish corruption issue behind Istanbul mayor’s arrest – and how it became a tool of political oppression

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tulin Dzhengiz, Lecturer in Sustainability, Manchester Metropolitan University

    Turkey is in turmoil after Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, a leading opposition figure and potential challenger to Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was arrested on March 19 on charges of corruption.

    More than 1,000 people who protested against the arrest have also been detained as hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in anger at what they say is a major blow against democracy. İmamoğlu, who denies all charges against him, has since been endorsed as the candidate for the 2028 presidential elections for the Republican People’s Party (CHP).

    Central to the allegations of corruption is what is known in Turkey as “naylon faturacılık”. This literally means “nylon invoicing” and refers to the issuing of fake invoices. It doesn’t refer to simple clerical errors or accounting mishaps, but deliberate attempts to fabricate transactions, inflate expenses, or obscure real beneficiaries.

    Technically illegal, the practice is nonetheless widespread in Turkey. It forms part of what many see as the country’s informal economy.

    The informal economy in Turkey spans everything from street vending and informal recycling to complex tax evasion schemes involving registered firms. Naylon faturacılık illustrates how corruption doesn’t always sit outside the system, but often thrives from within it.

    It exposes a blurry boundary between formal and informal economic activity, revealing how some formal businesses manipulate legal frameworks to appear compliant while engaging in illicit practices. In September 2024, Turkey’s Ministry of Finance uncovered 3 billion Turkish Lira (£61 million) worth of fake invoices in an investigation targeting around 4,500 large taxpayers.

    Over the past four years, I’ve interviewed more than 60 business owners, workers, and entrepreneurs across Turkey – from informal micro-enterprises to firms embedded in formal supply chains. One theme surfaced again and again: naylon faturacılık, or fake invoicing.

    People described it not as an exception but as “just part of doing business” in an informal economy. In an economy shaped by patchy enforcement and institutional fragility, this practice has become normalised over the past decade. It’s not legally accepted, but has unfortunately become socially expected.

    Under Turkish law, issuing or using fake invoices is a serious offence, punishable by three to eight years in prison. Yet many of my interviewees, especially those operating in or alongside the informal economy, saw fake invoicing as a necessary way of doing business. They described it as a viable response to rising costs, bureaucratic hurdles and a system that often punishes formality.



    Read more:
    Turkey: a favourable international climate is spurring Erdoğan’s crackdown on democracy

    Opposition leaders, including CHP leader Özgür Özel, argue that İmamoğlu’s arrest is politically motivated – an attempt to discredit their candidate ahead of the presidential election. Özel condemned the operation as a “coup attempt” against Turkey’s democratic future.

    In a press conference, he revealed that most of the people detained alongside İmamoğlu are linked to companies that won public contracts from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) under the control of İmamoğlu. Moreover, some of those arrested, he claimed, are students or relatives with no actual involvement in procurement decisions or public bids.

    The key accusation is that these companies issued fake invoices – billing for work never done, or for services exaggerated or duplicated. Yet Özel contends that no concrete evidence has been presented thus far and much of the government’s case comprises testimony and vague associations from gizli tanık (secret witnesses).

    One such witness reportedly named a communications or media firm that had worked with both İBB and the central government – including on campaigns commissioned by the presidency’s Directorate of Communications that work directly with Erdoğan. When the same activity, individuals or businesses, can be framed as legitimate under one administration and criminal under another, the line between legality and politics becomes dangerously thin.

    While opposition mayors in Turkey face swift legal action against corruption, serious corruption allegations against former Ankara mayor Melih Gökçek, which he denies, involving nearly 46 billion Turkish lira in public losses remain uninvestigated. Gökçek was a member of Erdoğan’s government Justice and Development Party (AK).

    A total of 97 complaints were filed over alleged misconduct during Gökçek’s tenure as mayor of Ankara until 2017, but nothing was done. Critics say this reflects politically selective justice.

    One law for some

    This isn’t just a story about fake invoices. It is about contexts where rules are unevenly enforced, where legal grey zones are abundant and where informality becomes a flexible instrument of control. A practice such as naylon faturacılık tolerated in one political moment can become a liability in another. A company can operate legally while it enjoys good relations with the government – and suddenly find itself under suspicion when that changes.

    In Turkey today, the question is often not whether an act is legal or illegal. It’s more about who is involved and whose power is being threatened. The lines between formal, informal or illegal is not merely economic – it is profoundly political. That’s why the nylon invoicing issue is so revealing. Far from being a fringe practice, it exposes the everyday intersections of power, legitimacy and corruption.

    In a climate of deepening polarisation and eroding institutional trust, many believe that who gets punished for corruption depends less on the act itself and more on which side of the political divide they fall.

    Protests in Turkey callling for ‘rights! law! justice!’

    Turkey’s democracy and justice system are being tested – not only by corruption, but by how selectively corruption is investigated and enforced. In this uncertain moment, the challenge is not only to hold people accountable, but to rebuild trust in institutions and ensure that justice is applied fairly. The protestors’ slogan “hak, hukuk, adalet” (rights, law, justice) carries a deeper warning: power is temporary, but justice must endure.

    As many demonstrators in Turkey are now reminding the Erdoğan government: when the balance shifts, those in power today may find themselves in need of the very fair and independent legal system they are now so determined to undermine.

    Tulin Dzhengiz research on the informal economy received funding from Manchester Metropolitan University.

    – ref. The peculiar Turkish corruption issue behind Istanbul mayor’s arrest – and how it became a tool of political oppression – https://theconversation.com/the-peculiar-turkish-corruption-issue-behind-istanbul-mayors-arrest-and-how-it-became-a-tool-of-political-oppression-252933

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five ways cannabis can contribute to a green future

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Julyan Levy, PhD Candidate, Social Sciences, Coventry University

    24K-Production/Shutterstock

    Cannabis legalisation could raise £1.5 billion for the UK economy, according to a recent report from the charity Transform. But aside from this plant’s economic benefits, cannabis also has many ecological advantages.

    My research into the potential role of cannabis in shaping a fairer and healthier world never fails to excite me. Cannabis flowers became legally allowed as a medicine in the UK in 2018, but its origins as a medicinal herb in Britain dates back to at least Anglo-Saxon times. Its popularity is evident in the many place names scattered across the country, from Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire to Littlehempston in Devon.

    Hemp is a colloquial term for the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa. Hemp often refers to strains of cannabis that have had its main psychoactive chemical, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), bred out of the female flowers.

    Due to the negative associations cannabis has picked up over the past 50 years of prohibition, hemp farmers have distanced themselves from using the term cannabis. In the UK, this association has resulted in strict conditions for growing hemp creating a barrier for farmers.

    In recent years, cannabidiol (CBD), the main non psychoactive chemical found in female cannabis flowers, has become popular as a wellness product. CBD is abundant in low-THC hemp flowers, so it’s easy for the lines between hemp and cannabis to become blurred.

    It’s all cannabis. This plant has some incredible environmental benefits, from improving soil health to storing carbon. Here are five ways that cannabis plants can contribute to a greener planet:

    1. Productive harvests

    Hemp stems have a woody core, known as shivs, that can be mixed with lime to make hempcrete, a carbon-neutral alternative to concrete. Concrete production is one of the major sources of global greenhouse gas emissions. Hempcrete could be used to build eco-friendly social housing across the UK.

    Hemp seeds are a nutritious food source, high in protein and omega-3. With the UK’s food system in crisis, hemp seeds and the oil they produce could be a more widespread sustainable homegrown food source if hemp could be grown on an industrial scale.

    But industrial monocultures of crops are harmful to biodiversity. One alternative is agroecology – working with nature to prioritise biodiversity through small-scale farming.

    Hemp is ideally suited to agroecology, but it’s not an easy crop to grow in the UK
    because licensing laws make it very difficult for hemp farmers to tap into a global market worth billions.

    Farmers at one community farm, Hempen in Oxfordshire, sowed their first hemp crop over an area of 30 acres. In 2019, Hempen were forced to destroy their CBD harvest as their licence wasn’t renewed.

    In California, THC strains are allowed. One farming community started producing its own CBD-based medicines on just one acre of land. Others use the plant in other interesting ways, from rehabilitating formally incarcerated people to off-grid market gardens.

    Hemp offers potential as a fast-growing crop that enriches soil health.
    MAR007/Shutterstock

    2. Healthy soils

    Soil is essential for growing 98.8% of our food. Yet, it is often contaminated with toxic chemicals from industrial processes or the legacies of war.

    A process known as phytoremediation cleans the soil of these toxic contaminants. Hemp’s deep roots have a high tolerance for absorbing dangerous heavy metals. It is also a great break crop – this is a way for farmers to rotate the types of crops they grow to keep the soil healthy.



    Read more:
    Hemp is more sustainable than timber – here’s how it could transform low-carbon construction

    3. Plastic alternatives

    Plastic is poisoning our bodies and our planet. Recent reports suggest that the human brain may contain enough microplastics to make a spoon.

    Bioplastics made from hemp are biodegradable, composting down into organic matter leaving no microplastics. Hemp bioplastics are already being used by a number of commercial companies from building cars to packaging.

    Bioplastics do not offer a complete solution, but with the right infrastructure they could help reduce the need to derive more plastics from fossil fuels.

    4. Carbon storage

    Trees and other plants remove carbon dioxide from the air through the process of photosynthesis. Hemp is great at this, storing twice as much carbon dioxide than trees.

    Hemp is easy to grow without synthetic chemical inputs. It requires virtually no pesticides and reaches maturity much more quickly than trees. Once it absorbs the carbon, it’s easily stored in hempcrete blocks that can be used in construction.

    5. Energy storage

    It’s very difficult to store excess energy from renewable sources for use at a later date when the sun might not be shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Big batteries are one solution but these require mining precious metals.

    Another solution are supercapacitors – mega-efficient energy storage solutions that can be as small as a coin. Graphene, a flat material stronger than steel, is an essential element in the production of supercapacitors but it’s expensive and energy-intensive to make.

    The whole stem biomass (unused plant waste) from cannabis could provide a low-cost way to make graphene. Research shows that supercapacitors using hemp-based graphene perform much more efficiently than current commercial models.

    Hemp has many other known uses, from textiles to paper. The UK could lead the way in hemp innovation. The previous UK government did announce some minor changes to hemp licensing. Now, further changes to legislation could help farmers to harness the potential of this wondercrop in the fight against climate change.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Julyan Levy is affiliated with The Green Party of England and Wales.

    – ref. Five ways cannabis can contribute to a green future – https://theconversation.com/five-ways-cannabis-can-contribute-to-a-green-future-251523

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How our perception of waste shapes our reality

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By John Scanlan, Research Fellow in Place and Culture, University of Central Lancashire

    lassedesignen/Shutterstock

    Recently, a leaflet was delivered to my home from Nuclear Waste Services, the company that is overseeing the final disposal of some of the most dangerous waste that exists. It reminded me that the small village where I live in Cumbria is one of three proposed locations for the burial of nuclear waste. If realised, it would be a site that has to be secure and safe for at least 100,000 years.

    Such a timescale makes the markers around which we otherwise plan our lives (the birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and so on) seem almost infinitely small. This presents a challenge to any attempts to make us take ownership of such waste.

    When you think about waste, you probably imagine the mundane leftovers of your everyday experience. Because of their proximity to our daily lives, cultural historians like me can learn a lot from the history of such leftovers.

    Contemporary artists like Michael Landy and curators at the EU House of History’s year-long exhibition, Throwaway, have also explored this everyday aspect of waste.

    But between such extremes of everyday life and the abstract future, we can find waste everywhere. After spending more than two decades thinking about what waste actually is and what we might learn from it, I have learned that waste, as a thing, an idea, a problem, is always wholly determined from a human standpoint.

    There is no waste in nature. And what is waste in human life only remains so if it cannot be reused or reconfigured for human ends or absorbed by nature.

    Contemporary waste

    If we can say that nuclear waste was a development of the 20th century, then it is clear that we can think of waste through the particular historical forms it has taken. An example of 21st-century waste is the immaterial digital leftovers that we now unconsciously generate. This data waste, generated from the technologies and media platforms that now facilitate much of our work and leisure time, is harvested and recycled by a multitude of corporate, business, government and other interests. Such leftovers will outlive us, but they are more or less invisible to us.

    What we can learn from this, as I explore in my new book, The Idea of Waste, is not only that there are forms of waste originating in certain times or places, but that waste is very much a contemporary phenomenon. It is always an idea that is taking new forms, while at the same time continuing to exist in all prior forms.

    A new waste consciousness emerged in the late 1960s in response to consumer society and the new packaging wastes it created. It was summed up by the concept of recycling (a word almost unknown before that time).

    There was a dual meaning in environmental activist campaign messages such as “Don’t waste waste – recycle!”. The point was that waste was not just a material thing, it was a way of perceiving or thinking about such material things. Promoting notions like zero waste hinges on how we perceive what is valuable or what is worthless, which varies according to our knowledge at any given time.

    This is why designers and architects, tech startups and various upcyclers can position themselves as visionaries who are able to shape how we think about wastes: they understand that waste is not always waste.

    But even their efforts to minimise or reduce waste to zero still have to face the fact that in any act of making or creating, energy and resources will have been expended. The life cycle of designed or upcycled materials that embody circular ideals will also come to an end, returning us once again to remainders and leftovers. In that sense, zero waste is an ideal that is intended to design a new human consciousness.

    The lesson we may draw from all of this is that there can be no history of waste that charts a path of victory. It is impossible to say that we conquered one form of waste and then moved on the next one. Waste is always with us. But it is also always taking new forms and without constant vigilance, it will, in one form or another, overwhelm us.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    John Scanlan 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. How our perception of waste shapes our reality – https://theconversation.com/how-our-perception-of-waste-shapes-our-reality-251981

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn on Democrats’ Tesla Attacks: ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – Today on Fox News’ The Faulkner Focus, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) slammed Democrats for resorting to attacking Tesla cars and dealerships across the country because they refuse to accept that President Trump was delivered a mandate on November 5th to get our economy back on track and cut government spending with the help of the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
    On the Destruction of Tesla Vehicles:
    “It is Trump derangement syndrome.”
    “I’m glad to hear the Attorney General say that this will not be accepted and that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Maybe that will stop this once they see the full weight of prosecution come down on them.”
    “What DOGE is doing, what Elon Musk is doing is demonstrating some of the most egregious examples of wasteful spending.”
    “I’m actually excited about the opportunities that this presents for us to do something about something we should have done a long time ago.”
    On Comments from Democrats like Failed Candidate Tim Walz:
    “Well, you can see now why [Tim Walz] lost the election, if that’s the best he has to offer.”
    “They are unteachable, and certainly they didn’t learn anything from the election on November 5th, when their party and their platform was rejected by the American people.”
    “I would prefer that they would engage constructively and try to work together with us to try to solve some of these problems, rather than just lose their mind and destroy an inanimate object like a Tesla vehicle.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-French relationship strengthened as Defence Chiefs discuss Ukraine and European security with their French counterparts

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK-French relationship strengthened as Defence Chiefs discuss Ukraine and European security with their French counterparts

    The UK and France have today continued top level defence engagements with a meeting of both nations Military Chiefs in London.

    UK Military Chiefs with their French counterparts stood in front of MOD Main Building

    • UK and France working hand-in-hand to secure a lasting peace In Ukraine.
    • Historic Anglo-French Lancaster House Agreement to be strengthened in 2025.
    • Chiefs will discuss efforts to step-up on European security.

    Leading international efforts to build a ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to support Ukraine’s future security, France and the UK have today continued top level defence engagements with a meeting of both nations Military Chiefs in London.

    The heads of the defence forces for both countries, alongside the heads of the Armies, Navies and Air Forces, will be discussing UK and French efforts to galvanise the European response to the situation in Ukraine as well as the growing defence partnership between the two countries.

    The third annual UK-France All Military Chiefs meeting comes at a pivotal time for European security and continues the acceleration of top level defence engagement around the Coalition of the Willing, where the UK and France have been leading discussions on how our military can support security guarantees for Ukraine’s future.

    Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, said:

    At this pivotal time for European security the third meeting of the British and French Chiefs of Staff should be seen as a sign of reassurance and commitment. Europe’s two leading nuclear powers are stepping up to forge a stronger and deeper partnership that has a vital foundational role to play in the security of the continent.

    Today’s deliberations will help shape the future of British and French military cooperation, and our shared efforts to support Ukraine with military aid now and after any peace deal.

    The combined convening power of Britain and France is immense. The political leadership of Prime Minister Starmer and President Macron is reflected in the military planning that is now underway between our respective staffs as we draw together a Coalition of the Willing from Europe and beyond.

    This meeting comes after a series of high-level engagements hosted in both Paris and London, with the Prime Minister travelling to Paris and hosting leaders in London and the Defence Secretary conducting simultaneous visits to France as well as joining an operational planning meeting last week alongside the Prime Minister at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ).  

    The UK Is also set to host further joint planning meetings at PJHQ in Northwood this week, where intensive discussions will continue over several days.

    Joint Anglo-French efforts to build political alignment and collective agreement amongst Euro-Atlantic security actors is essential to ensure that any Ukraine deal is adequately defended. As the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary have both clearly stated, a lasting peace in Ukraine can only be achieved if we provide real and credible security assurances to deter Putin.

    The meetings will also provide an opportunity for dialogue ahead of UK-France Summit later in 2025. This summit will seek to enhance the 2010 Lancaster House Treaties on Security and Defence. These already provide the UK and France with a firm foundation of in-depth military cooperation, unmatched between European partners. The renewed treaties will be an ambitious refresh of our defence relationship and at this time of unprecedented challenge is vital to both of our security interests.  

    This work will aim to deliver the further integration of UK and French armed forces and include our shared Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF) concept, which has given the UK and France an unparalleled level of interoperability as allies.  

    Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority, and an integral part of its Plan for Change. The work of defence, is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting all of the Government’s five missions as a foundation of its plan.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN peace operations need to become more agile and responsive to remain effective: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    UN peace operations need to become more agile and responsive to remain effective: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on adaptability in UN peace operations.

    As we have heard many times this morning, UN peace operations make a vital contribution to building and sustaining peace around the world. 

    And to remain effective, UN peace operations need to become more agile and responsive, embracing innovation to combat modern security threats.

    I want to pay tribute to the peacekeepers serving bravely around the world.

    This Council must support peacekeepers and defend them when they are under attack. 

    The UK condemns all attacks on UN peacekeepers. 

    We express our deep condolences to the families of peacekeepers who have died serving in the field including in attacks this year on peacekeepers in MONUSCO and MINUSCA.

    President, I will highlight three areas where the United Kingdom encourages further steps to strengthen peacekeeping.

    First, peace operations need to be able to adapt quickly to changing political and security contexts wherever they operate. 

    Missions should have clear objectives, informed by local realities, which are regularly reviewed. 

    This requires enhanced strategic planning, greater operational flexibility and a stronger focus on supporting political processes. 

    Missions also need to be able to communicate their work effectively to host communities.

    Second, peace operations should be equipped to meet modern security challenges. 

    Asymmetric threats, misinformation and new technologies are reshaping global conflicts. 

    The UN needs to harness innovation, using data-driven decision-making, intelligence-led approaches, and digital tools to enhance operational effectiveness of peacekeeping missions and protect civilians and peacekeepers.

    And peacekeepers require specialised capabilities matching the realities they face. 

    Training on emerging threats, including cyber warfare, disinformation campaigns, and climate-related security risks, should all become an integral part of peacekeeping preparedness.

    Third, the success of UN peace operations is contingent, as you said President, on inclusive partnerships. 

    Greater collaboration at the national, regional and international level, including with regional organisations and civil society, as well as improved coordination across the UN system, will all improve delivery. 

    A complementary, mutually reinforcing approach to peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities is also critical. 

    The UK remains a steadfast advocate for strengthening women’s participation in peacekeeping, recognising their essential role in building lasting peace.

    President, to conclude, the UK reaffirms its commitment to UN peace operations.

    We look forward to discussing how to further support adaptation at the Peacekeeping Ministerial in May.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sexual predator’s sentence extended after intervention by Solicitor General

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Sexual predator’s sentence extended after intervention by Solicitor General

    A sexual predator who raped a 10-year-old he groomed on social media has had his sentence increased after the Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby KC MP, intervened.

    The Court of Appeal increased Ryan Sutton’s sentence by three years after his case was referred by the Solicitor General under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

    The court heard that Ryan Sutton (24), from Worcester, met the 10-year-old victim on social media in March 2023.

    Ryan Sutton groomed the victim with flattery and offers to spend money on them. Messages were often sexual in nature and the pair exchanged photographs. Between 11 and 23 April, Ryan Sutton and the victim spoke on Facetime 225 times.

    On 23 April 2023, Ryan Sutton travelled from his home to meet the victim in Finedon before he raped them. Ryan Sutton originally ran off when he was spotted with the victim before police arrested him, where they found condoms in his bag.

    The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

    The offender groomed and abused a child. His crimes were truly abhorrent and the court has quite rightly increased his sentence.

    My thoughts today are with the victim of this offender’s actions, and her family. This case should serve as a strong warning that this Government will take all possible action to protect women and girls from any form of abuse.

    Sutton was charged with one count of rape of a child under 13, one count of assault by penetration of a child under 13, one count of meeting a child following sexual grooming, one count of sexual communication with a child, and one count of sexual assault of a child under 13.

    He was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court on 19 December 2024 to six years imprisonment with a licence extension of 12 months.

    This sentence was increased to nine years’ imprisonment with a licence extension of 12 months on 12 March 2025 at the Court of Appeal.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Measures to protect the 2025 General Election

    Source: Government of Canada News

    All democratic countries around the world face foreign interference in their electoral processes. Safeguarding the integrity of our elections is central to Canada’s national security and to the protection of our democracy.

    The Government of Canada has robust measures in place to protect our democracy and Canadians from foreign interference so that Canada’s democracy remains one of the strongest in the world. This includes measures established under the Plan to Protect Canada’s Democracy, and several new and updated measures implemented since the last general election in 2021.

    Security and intelligence

    Canada’s security and intelligence organizations are at the frontline of Canada’s effort to combat foreign interference campaigns against our democratic institutions.

    The Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force, comprised of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), which is currently serving as Chair, the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), provides enhanced monitoring and assessment of foreign interference threats during the election period. The SITE Task Force is Canada’s principal mechanism to monitor the threat of foreign interference during elections. Since the 44th General Election, the scope of SITE was expanded to include monitoring domestic and violent extremism threats directed at elections, as well as electoral security.

    Each SITE Task Force member agency works within their respective mandate to monitor and address election threats. During a general election, the SITE Task Force briefs the Panel administering the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol (CEIPP) on a regular basis.

    The SITE Task Force assessments and advice are based on classified and unclassified intelligence collected on the threat environment around democratic processes and institutions. This includes intelligence about foreign threat actors’ intentions and activities relating to foreign interference, as well as any observations of threats of violent extremism directed at elections or by-elections.

    Critical Election Incident Public Protocol (CEIPP)

    During a federal general election, the CEIPP (the Protocol) outlines the process to notify Canadians of an incident or an accumulation of separate incidents impacting the election. The Protocol is limited to incidents that occur during the writ period and that do not fall within the mandate of the Chief Electoral Officer.

    The Protocol is administered by a group of experienced senior Canadian public servants (the Panel) who, working with the information provided by national security agencies, jointly determine whether the threshold for informing Canadians has been met.

    During the election period, the Panel is briefed regularly by the SITE Task Force. A public announcement would only take place if the Panel determines that an incident or an accumulation of incidents threatens Canada’s ability to have a free and fair election.

    There are several considerations when making this determination:

    • the degree to which the incident(s) undermine(s) Canadians’ ability to have a free and fair election;
    • the potential of the incident(s) to undermine the credibility of the election; and
    • the degree of confidence officials have in the intelligence or information.

    The threshold is high to ensure that communication about an incident does not in and of itself disrupt or influence the election.

    If the Panel decides to inform Canadians, the announcement would focus on:

    1. the notification of the incident;
    2. what is known about the incident (as deemed appropriate); and
    3. steps Canadians should take to protect themselves if relevant.

    The Panel began to prepare for this election in early 2024, and has been meeting on a regular basis to: 

    Informed and engaged citizens

    An informed and resilient public is the strongest defence against disinformation. The Government of Canada has tools and resources to help recognize and resist disinformation and foreign interference.  

    Disinformation is a global issue that affects all democracies, and requires a response from all areas of society—governments, industry, civil society and citizens. The Government of Canada funds and supports Canadian research and civil society organizations to promote a healthy information ecosystem and help Canadians and the government understand online disinformation and its impact on Canadian society. For example, the government has contributed $38 million to more than 165 projects through the Digital Citizen Initiative (DCI) to build a base of evidence to identify potential action and develop future policy. Programs under the DCI support democracy and social inclusion in Canada by enhancing and supporting efforts to counter online disinformation and other online threats.

    Open and ongoing communication

    In accordance with a Ministerial Directive issued in May 2023, CSIS must advise members of Parliament (MPs) of credible threats against them or their families. This commitment aims to ensure the safety and security of parliamentarians in light of emerging risks. MPs may also receive security awareness or resiliency briefings from agencies including the RCMP, CSIS and CSE or threat-specific briefings, for example, on foreign interference or violent extremism under the Integrated Threat Assessment Center (ITAC)’s mandate on threats to public officials.

    All of the major parties have identified points of contact who have been provided a clearance to receive threat information. At the drop of the writ, SITE members will provide baseline threat briefings to all of the parties. Throughout the general election, periodic updates will be provided, and if necessary, specific threat briefings can be provided.

    Protecting voters

    Voters may be targeted by foreign actors to overtly or covertly influence their vote. 

    Foreign states can use deceptive, covert, and/or illegal methods to advance their interests in Canada to our detriment. These state activities can range from harassment and intimidation to direct threats against individuals or their loved ones. 

    It is important for all individuals and groups living in Canada, regardless of their nationality and eligibility to vote in federal elections, to know that there are support mechanisms in place to help them when experiencing potential foreign interference or state-backed harassment and intimidation.

    The RCMP and police of jurisdiction provide outreach and engagement to groups who may be at a higher risk of being targeted and will work together to maintain situational awareness of any threats targeting voters.

    The public must remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or information to local police or the RCMP.

    Protecting candidates

    Election candidates can be targets of cyber or physical threats during an election campaign. This can stem from foreign state actors who are trying to interfere in the election, or from those who might not agree with the candidate’s platform. Individuals who are the target of a physical threat should contact their local police of jurisdiction.

    The government is committed to keeping candidates, their campaigns, and their personnel safe throughout the electoral process. With an increased risk of threats of violence and intimidation directed at Canadian public figures, security services are available to the Leaders of the Political Parties recognized in the House of Commons during the general election period and immediately following the election period.

    Ahead of the general election, the SITE Task Force has provided general briefings, and will provide further briefings on foreign interference to security-cleared representatives of political parties represented in the House of Commons to help educate, increase awareness, and open two-way communication between SITE and the political parties. These briefings identified the tactics used by actors that engage in foreign interference, specific issues or trends, and how to protect against threats.

    Anyone who feels threatened online or in person, should report these incidents to their local police. If there is a fear of an immediate threat, they should call 9-1-1 immediately.

    Visit the Democratic Institutions website for more information on additional measures implemented by the Government of Canada to protect the general election.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Detecting and reporting disinformation

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Disinformation is false information that is deliberately intended to mislead. Once a disinformation narrative is introduced into the information ecosystem, the goal is for it to be spread virally and unwittingly by others.

    Disinformation is a constantly evolving threat that affects all democracies and impacts all parts of society in different ways. Countering disinformation is a global issue and requires a response from all areas of society—governments, industry, independent election administrators, civil society and citizens.

    Successful democracies rely on:

    • confidence in key institutions;
    • trust and cooperation between citizens; and
    • a shared understanding of basic facts.

    Disinformation can damage each of these by attacking, polarizing, and misinforming people. At its worst, disinformation can lead to hate, violence and political harassment. Disinformation is also used by foreign states seeking to threaten the integrity of our elections, attack our sovereignty and undermine confidence in the results.

    During this election, it is even more important for people living in Canada to be resilient to disinformation. Everyone is susceptible to disinformation. Think critically about the information you consume and take steps to make sure the information that you share is accurate and reliable.

    Spotting disinformation

    Disinformation can be hard to spot. Look for content that:

    • Provokes an emotional response, particularly with negative or frightening claims.
    • Exaggerates or distorts valid information.
    • Manipulates photos or images by altering them or using them out of context.
    • Makes bold or extreme statements on a controversial issue.
    • Has been shared widely on platforms with a track record of spreading disinformation.
    • Contains “clickbait”— sensational and purposefully misleading headlines, images, and videos meant to entice viewers to click on specific links.
    • Makes claims that seem too good to be true.

    Confirming it is disinformation

    Confirm the original story

    • Pause to consider the accuracy of content before drawing conclusions or sharing.
    • Check to make sure that that the authors and sources are credible.
    • Check to see if the source is real and if it has a good reputation.

    Compare information from multiple sources

    • Do a search to see if other news outlets are reporting the same story.
    • Is the information current?
    • Is the information relevant to current events?

    Use fact-checking tools and services

    See if the story has already debunked. Fact-checking tools:

    Look at the design elements

    • Does the design look out of place?
    • Look for unprofessional logos, unusual colours, or odd spacing.

    Use online search engines to verify information

    • It helps to use key words such as “hoax,” “scam,” or “fake” in your search.
    • Do a reverse image search to reveal if an image has been altered or copied from elsewhere on the internet.
      • To reverse search an image, copy the image, or the image’s URL into the search bar of an image search tool.

    Validate domain names

    • Check the link to see who is publishing the information.
    • Does the link address match the official name of the organization?
    • Are there typos in the link address?
    • Do a search for the organization and follow the link. Does it direct you to the same place?

    Spot fake social media accounts

    • Check the profile photo: Do a reverse image search to see if the profile photo has been copied from somewhere else online.
    • Look for recycled images: Fake accounts often rely on stock images and memes.
    • Look for typos: Many spelling or grammar mistakes can be signs of a fake account.
    • Look at the account profile: Is it new? Does it contain details about the person? If not, be wary.
    • Look at the account engagements: Account owners can pay for fake engagement. If the comments seem random, contain only emojis, or all come from one person, the engagement may not be legitimate.
    • Look at the follower-to-engagement ratio: Account owners can also pay for followers. If an account has thousands of followers but very little engagement, it’s likely fake.

    Best Practices to Counter Online Disinformation   

    1. Don’t share disinformation: The best thing you can do is nothing at all. By not sharing false content you are helping to stop the spread of online disinformation.
    2. Promote a culture of accuracy: Demonstrate that you value the accuracy of information and encourage others to do the same. If you see information and have verified it is false, you can:
      1. Ask questions: Questioning content is almost as effective as correcting false information. If you don’t want to do this publicly, you can send a private message to ask “Are you sure?” or “Is that source reliable?”.
      2. Correct it: You can correct false information with accurate information from a reliable source. Be sure to show where it came from. You don’t have to repeat the bad information or tell anyone they are wrong, but instead share accurate information that shows the facts.
      3. Debunk it: If you can clearly show that the information is false, you can debunk it by saying it’s wrong and showing why. Don’t link to the false information or the original social media post. Use a screenshot instead.
    3. Be aware and understand it: Equip yourself with the tools to identify disinformation. Understand how the internet and social media platforms work and possible efforts to manipulate the information you consume. Be vigilant when receiving information. Watch for the common signs of disinformation, including content that: makes an extraordinary claim; seems too good to be true; and has been shared widely on platforms with a track record of spreading disinformation.
    4. Report it:
      1. All social media platforms give users a way to report disinformation, usually by clicking on the 3 dots and selecting “Report post”.
      2. Suspicious activities and any incidents of intimidation, harassment, coercion, or threats should be reported to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s (RCMP) National Security Information Network or local police jurisdiction:1-800-420-5805 / online form.
      3. Other suspicious incidents should be reported to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS): 613-993-9620 or 1-800-267-7685 / online form.
      4. Reduce the risks associated with cyber threats to elections by reporting a cyber incident to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. Your information will enable the Cyber Centre cyber security advice, guidance and services.
      5. Report an offence committed under the Canada Elections Act to the Commissioner of Canada Elections, who is responsible for ensuring compliance with, and enforcement of, the Canada Elections Act. You can do so by completing an online form.

    Resources

    Government of Canada resources

    Elections Canada resource

    Non-government resources from across Canada

    International resources

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Government of Canada on Protecting Canada’s General Elections

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Ottawa, Ontario, March 24, 2025 – Today, the Clerk of the Privy Council, on behalf of the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol (CEIPP) Panel, issued the following statement:

    “Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, empowering citizens to shape the future through their vote. Exercising this democratic right is not only a privilege but a duty that sustains freedom and equality for all. Federal departments and national security agencies across the Government have been working diligently to protect our democracy and institutions from threats that aim to undermine our democratic and electoral processes. Their work is critical to securing Canada’s democratic processes, and ensuring the safety and security of Canadians in the face of foreign interference and violent extremism threats directed at elections.

    “As of March 23, 2025, Canada has entered into an election period, activating the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol (the Protocol). The Protocol is an impartial process for communicating with Canadians during the election period about interference that may threaten the integrity of elections. The Protocol is consistent with the Caretaker Convention, which calls on the Government to act with restraint while maintaining routine or urgent operations during the writ period.

    “The Protocol calls for communication with Canadians, under exceptional circumstances, about incidents that could threaten Canada’s ability to have a free and fair election. The Panel will make the decision on whether the threshold for a public announcement has been met based on information provided by Canada’s national security agencies and other sources, taking into account various perspectives on national security, foreign affairs, democratic governance, and legal matters. We stand ready to communicate publicly as required and as appropriate during this election period so that Canadian voters remain informed. The non-partisan and impartial Panel must also consider Government actions to address threats to election integrity.

    “Throughout the election period, the Panel will receive regular intelligence briefings from Canada’s national security agencies. These briefings will be used to assess whether a threat or threats to Canada’s election meets the threshold for a public announcement. The Panel must ensure that efforts to counter foreign or domestic interference in elections respect the right of Canadians to express their opinions during an election period. Outside of Panel communications, the Government will continue to update Canadians on other incidents that don’t meet the threshold, but that we are monitoring.

    “Under Canada’s Plan to Protect Democracy, the Protocol complements the many mechanisms put in place by the Government of Canada to safeguard the 2025 General Election. This  includes ongoing efforts by Canada’s national security agencies to protect against all possible threats to Canada’s democracy, as well as the work of the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force. The SITE Task Force coordinates Government of Canada intelligence collection and analysis efforts concerning threats to Canada’s federal election processes and it includes Global Affairs Canada’s Rapid Response Mechanism Canada (RRM Canada), which monitors the digital information environment for foreign state-sponsored disinformation.

    “But we can’t do it alone. Protecting democracy requires a united and sustained effort from all orders of government, social media platforms, civil society, and citizens to uphold information integrity online throughout the electoral period. The Government of Canada is calling for a collaborative effort to protect information integrity in the general elections.

    “It is also our shared responsibility to protect ourselves and each other from threats to our democracy. Protecting Democracy Toolkits were developed to help identify and build resilience to threats of disinformation and foreign interference, with tailored guidance for elected officials, public servants, and community leaders. These resources, alongside additional information from civil society organizations and federal partners, are available on the Protecting Democracy web page. 

    “I will continue to work with departments and agencies, and Elections Canada, to ensure Canadians remain confident in the strength and the resilience of our democracy.”

    Associated links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Federal emissions plan will cost Albertans

    For years, the federal government has been targeting net zero by 2050 and putting in place an aggressive approach to reduce emissions as outlined in its Emissions Reduction Plan. This scheme, which included the carbon tax, emissions cap, electricity regulations and other initiatives, has drawn strong criticism from provinces, industry, business groups and Canadians.

    A report by the Conference Board of Canada, commissioned by Alberta’s government, sheds new light on the negative impacts of the federal government’s punitive environmental approach. By 2050, Alberta’s GDP will shrink by 11 per cent, employment will decline by four per cent and the average person will have $3,300 less in disposable income – while Canada still misses its emissions target.

    Alberta’s government is calling on the next federal government to permanently abandon the carbon tax, emissions cap and the entire flawed federal approach. Instead, the federal government should focus on reducing emissions without hurting the economy or making life harder for Albertan and Canadian families.

    “These findings should send a message to whoever ends up being the next federal government. Our province remains firmly committed to protecting the environment and creating a future for our children, but that can’t be achieved by trampling on Canadians’ livelihoods. Ottawa has offered nothing but penalties and vague rhetoric. Instead of meaningful incentives to reduce emissions, we get carbon taxes, a production cap, and layers and layers of costly regulations, all burdening families and workers who are already stretched thin.”

    Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

    The Conference Board of Canada assessed how Alberta businesses and consumers will react to the federal policies based on the costs and effectiveness of the technologies necessary to meet the federal targets.

    It found that Alberta will be disproportionately impacted by the current federal plan, experiencing a deep recession in 2030 and subsequently slower economic growth going forward. According to the report, compared to the 2050 baseline scenario, Alberta’s GDP, jobs, revenue and incomes will significantly decline because of federal emissions policies:

    • GDP: Projected to be 11 per cent lower
    • Employment: Projected to be 4.1 per cent lower
    • Government revenues: Projected to be 9.3 per cent lower
    • Real (price adjusted) incomes: Down $3,300 (or 7.3 per cent) per person

    Nationally, real GDP in Canada is estimated to fall 3.8 per cent in 2050. Canadian oil and gas production in 2050 would be 37 per cent lower, mostly due to the proposed federal oil and gas production cap.

    On March 12, the independent Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) – following on reports from S&P Global, Deloitte Canada and the Conference Board of Canada – released a scathing report outlining the negative impacts of the proposed federal oil and gas emissions cap. According to the report, the PBO estimates that the federal government’s cap alone will in fact slash oil and gas production by almost 5 per cent, all while these required production cuts reduce nominal GDP by $20.5 billion in 2032.

    The PBO report also suggests this policy will reduce economy-wide employment in Canada by 40,300 jobs and full-time equivalents by 54,400 in 2032.

    Alberta’s government continues to call for the next federal government to focus on policies that grow the economy, while working with provinces and respecting the Canadian constitution.

    Quick facts:

    • The Conference Board of Canada scenarios assume oil and gas production grow to 9.7 million barrels of oil equivalent in 2050 with peak oil production of 9.9 million barrels per day in 2042, reflecting continued global oil demand.
    • Canada’s employment is estimated to be 2.6 per cent lower, consumer prices 2.5 per cent higher, and real GDP 3.8 per cent lower in 2050 under the federal plan (compared to the baseline scenario).
    • According to the report, Canada’s electricity sector would need to reduce emissions by 376 per cent below baseline in 2050, through significant investment in carbon capture and storage, to meet the federal net-zero commitment.
    • The Conference Board of Canada’s realistic scenario assumes carbon capture and storage (CCS) will be deployed at a slower rate than is generally assumed by the federal government.
    • Canada’s Emission Reduction Plan, released in March 2022, is a roadmap and its policies include the carbon tax, Clean Electricity Regulation, Clean Fuel Regulation, federal oil and gas emissions cap, methane reduction targets, zero emission vehicle mandates, and various other subsidy programs.
    • The Conference Board of Canada’s report on assessing the impact of the federal Emissions Reduction Plan was completed prior to U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration and does not include the impacts of potential U.S. tariffs.
      • U.S. tariffs have further illustrated the importance of market access to Canada’s energy security.

    Related information

    • Assessing the Socio-Economic Impacts of Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, law enforcement partners arrest 370 alien offenders during enhanced operation in Massachusetts

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and federal law enforcement partners apprehended 370 illegal aliens in Massachusetts during an enhanced targeted enforcement operation focusing on transnational organized crime, gangs, and egregious illegal alien offenders March 18-23.

    “The Commonwealth is a safer place for our residents to live and work because ICE and our federal law enforcement partners arrested hundreds of alien offenders and removed them from the streets of Massachusetts,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “Throughout this enhanced enforcement operation, we targeted the most dangerous alien offenders in some of the most crime-infested neighborhoods in and around Boston. Our efforts resulted in 370 arrests throughout the commonwealth. ICE and our federal law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the homeland through the eradication of transnational criminal organizations, dismantling dangerous criminal gangs preying on the American public, locating and arresting criminal alien offenders, and making our communities a safer place to live.”

    During the six-day enhanced operation, ICE and federal law enforcement partners targeted egregious criminal alien offenders including transnational criminal organizations known to operate in and around Boston and throughout Massachusetts. These organizations include the notorious MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Trinitarios, and 18th Street gangs.

    “This week’s enhanced enforcement operations with our partners from the FBI, DEA, ATF, DSS and CBP prove that we are taking a whole of government approach to protecting our communities from foreign nationals involved in transnational gangs, drug traffickers, child predators, violent criminals and dangerous individuals living in New England,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “ICE will use every resource and authority we have to prioritize the safety and security of our communities.”

    “Everyone should agree that we cannot and will not tolerate individuals who not only violate our immigration laws but then commit crimes that endanger our communities. Those who enter and remain in this country unlawfully are breaking the law,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Leah B. Foley. “My office remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that dangerous individuals are identified, prosecuted, and removed, so that the people of Massachusetts can live and work in safe and secure communities.”

    205 of those arrested had significant criminal convictions or charges. Six were foreign fugitives currently facing charges or convictions for murder, drug trafficking, organized crime, and money laundering

    “Safeguarding the integrity of the immigration and citizenship process is critical. We simply can’t permit violent and dangerous criminals to enter or remain in the United States under false pretenses, with unknown allegiances and intentions. It’s a direct threat to public safety and our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Jodi Cohen. “There’s no question our communities are safer today because of this enhanced, targeted operation. FBI Boston, like all our federal partners, will continue to support ICE with these efforts.”

    Law enforcement officials seized approximately 44 kilograms of methamphetamines, 5 kilograms of fentanyl, 1.2 kilograms of cocaine, three firearms and ammunition from illegal alien offenders during the operation.

    “DEA is proud to have worked with our federal partners in this successful enforcement effort using all of the resources of the federal government to remove violent criminal aliens from our communities, said DEA New England Field Division acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau. “DEA has prioritized investigations on those involving violent, illegal criminal aliens responsible for flooding our communities with deadly and dangerous drugs. DEA’s core mission is to keep the American public safe by seizing deadly and dangerous drugs before they get into our communities, and to bring justice to the criminals responsible for manufacturing, distributing, and supplying these drugs.”

    ICE and their federal law enforcement partners made many of the apprehensions after local jurisdictions refused to honor immigration detainer requests to turn over the offenders and instead chose to release aliens from custody, forcing officers and agents to make at-large arrests in Massachusetts communities.

    “The successful outcome of this immigration enforcement operation demonstrates the dedication and collaboration of our law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division James M. Ferguson. “By targeting individuals who pose a threat to public safety, we are reinforcing our commitment to protecting our communities and upholding the integrity of our nation’s immigration laws.”

    “The Diplomatic Security Service is fully committed to supporting the Administration’s priority to reduce illegal immigration and root out those who endeavor to exploit the U.S. travel system,” said Diplomatic Security Service Boston Field Office Special Agent in Charge Matthew O’Brien. “This enhanced operation definitively made our communities safer. DSS proudly coordinates with our U.S. and international law enforcement partners to conduct passport, visa fraud, and human trafficking investigations and assist in apprehending fugitives to protect the integrity of U.S. borders and prevent illegal immigration.”

    Among those arrested during the enhanced targeted operation include:

    • A Dominican alien who illegally re-entered the U.S. after removal charged with multiple drug distribution crimes, arrested in Boston.
    • A Dominican alien who illegally re-entered the U.S. after removal charged with trafficking fentanyl, arrested in Boston.
    • A Chilean alien convicted of 4 counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years old, arrested in Marlborough.
    • A Brazilian alien charged with manslaughter, homicide by a motor vehicle, homicide while under the influence of liquor, breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a crime, and larceny, arrested in Worcester.
    • A Honduran alien who illegally re-entered the U.S. after removal convicted of rape of a child, assault and battery of a person over 14 and failure to register as a sex offender, arrested in Salem.
    • A Brazilian alien wanted for murder and convicted for firearms trafficking in his native country, arrested in Milford.
    • A Brazilian alien wanted for homicide in in his home country, arrested in Lowell.
    • A Russian alien charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and wanted in his native country for armed robbery and membership in a criminal organization, arrested in Medford.
    • A Dominican alien wanted for homicide in his native country, arrested in Dorchester.
    • A Brazilian alien wanted in his native county for failure to serve a sentence after his convictions for homicide and illegal possession of a firearm arrested in Marlborough.
    • A Salvadoran alien previously deported from the U.S. and documented 18th Street gang member convicted of assault and battery and sentenced to two and a half years committed arrested in Wakefield.
    • A Guatemalan alien charged with rape and convicted of enticing a minor under the age of 16, released by the New Bedford District Court without the ICE detainer being honored, arrested in New Bedford.
    • A Jamaican alien previously deported from the U.S. convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, armed robbery, possession of a firearm, and assault arrested in Pittsfield.
    • A Brazilian alien wanted for in his native country for drug trafficking, money laundering, membership in a criminal organization arrested in West Yarmouth.

    Partner law enforcement participating in the operation were the Boston offices of the FBI, DEA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service and DSS, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROBoston and @HSINewEngland.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – EU energy relations with the Western Balkans – 24-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament 2

    The six countries that make up the region known as the Western Balkans differ in terms of size, population, economy, energy mix and energy import dependency. At the same time, they share common elements because of their geographical proximity, and – in some cases – common policies adopted in the past. An example is their ageing infrastructure dating back to the 1970s, which was damaged during the conflicts in former Yugoslavia. Another common element (except for Albania) is their reliance on solid fossil fuels (mainly coal), and their dependency on imports of fossil fuels. The EU is the leading trade partner for the countries of the Western Balkans and an important investor in the region. In addition, it is the largest provider of financial assistance to the region, supporting the six countries’ development and reforms, as well as its transition towards sustainable energy, with financial and technical assistance. The EU provides assistance through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance, the Western Balkans Investment Framework and the European Investment Bank. While the EU has an important role in the region, Russia and China are major players, too. Russia has been active for decades in the Western Balkans, while China has started engaging more recently. Their strategy also differs, with Russia more focused on exporting its fossil fuels to the region, and China investing through its Belt and Road Initiative. Nonetheless, such involvement creates dependencies, which could hamper these countries’ integration into the EU – from both a political and an energy/economic perspective – as well as the functioning of the EU itself. In this context, experts have noted what steps the EU and the countries in the region could take to lessen these dependencies, while enhancing the Western Balkan countries’ energy security and helping them take the necessary steps towards the green transition.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Moldova 2024 presidential election and constitutional referendum: ODIHR election observation mission final report

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Moldova 2024 presidential election and constitutional referendum: ODIHR election observation mission final report

    Both rounds of the presidential election as well as the constitutional referendum were well managed, and contestants campaigned freely despite concerns over illicit foreign interference and active disinformation efforts. The election administration worked professionally and demonstrated impartiality in its decision-making. Voters were offered a variety of political alternatives among presidential candidates, who were registered in an inclusive process. However, the manner in which the presidential election and referendum campaigns were conducted simultaneously, and media coverage that favoured the incumbent, did not provide fully equal opportunities. The regulation of the short second-round period limited campaign opportunities and the effectiveness of legal remedies, while overly burdensome financial reporting requirements together with limited disclosure of actual donations and expenditures negatively impacted the transparency of campaign finances in the second round. 
    These are among the main conclusions from the final report published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The report provides 25 recommendations to align Moldova’s election processes more closely with OSCE commitments and other international standards.
    Key recommendations include:
    Comprehensively and inclusively reviewing the legal framework to address all outstanding ODIHR recommendations and eliminating gaps and inconsistencies, including regulations on the second round of elections, and likewise reviewing the legal framework for referendums;
    Providing the Central Election Commission with the necessary resources to ensure it can carry out its work, and strengthening its capacity to monitor campaign finance;
    Effectively enforcing provisions on preventing the misuse of public resources and public office, and further enhancing initiatives to combat vote-buying and illicit campaign finance;
    Removing restrictions on the right to vote based on intellectual or psychosocial disability;
    Undertaking a comprehensive audit of the State Voter Register and strengthening inter-institutional cooperation to ensure its accuracy;
    Providing an effective mechanism for challenging election results, and ensuring adequate access for voters to file appeals;
    Providing clear safeguards for the genuine independence of the Audiovisual Council and the public broadcaster.
    ODIHR’s election observation mission in Moldova opened on 12 September 2024 and remained in the country until 27 October.
    All 57 participating States across the OSCE region have formally committed to following up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations. Further information on previous ODIHR recommendations and the extent to which they have been implemented so far can be found on p.36 of the report. ODIHR’s electoral recommendations database tracks the implementation of previous recommendations across the OSCE region.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bonamici, NW Members Demand Trump Admin Not Close Portland, Seattle Housing Offices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    March 21, 2025

    WASHINGTON DC [3/21/25] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1) led Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representatives Adam Smith (WA-9), Suzan DelBene (WA-1), Val Hoyle (OR-4), Andrea Salinas (OR-6), and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) in demanding that the Trump administration abandon plans to close the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s field office in Portland and regional office in Seattle.

    The Trump administration is reportedly planning to close a majority of HUD offices across the country, including the offices in Portland and Seattle. This move would be especially harmful to Region X, which includes Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska. The members noted that federal law requires HUD to maintain an office in every state, and that closing the offices in Portland and Seattle would mean the nearest HUD office will be in San Francisco, CA, more than 650 miles from Portland and 850 miles from Seattle.

    “We know how devastating it can be when services are moved out of state and implore you to keep the Seattle regional office and Portland field office open,” the Members wrote. “The Pacific Northwest is already experiencing a significant housing shortage. The closure of these regional and field offices would significantly hinder the ability of state agencies, public housing authorities, community-based organizations, and private developers and landlords to develop new housing and address this housing crisis.”

    The Members of Congress explained that regional staff have the expertise needed to meet local needs and are essential to provide vital services and technical assistance with mortgage assistance, affordable housing developments, fair housing claims, and more.

    “Field offices are the most direct touchpoint to navigate the complexities of federal housing assistance programs by providing eviction prevention assistance and other housing quality services to individuals and families with few or no other options,” the Members wrote. “The closure of these offices would result in undue risk for our constituents.”

    The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

    Dear Secretary Turner:

    We write to you with deep concern about recent reports indicating that your agency may plan to close a majority of its field and regional offices across the country. Specifically, we are concerned about the reported plan to close the regional office in Seattle, WA, and the field office in Portland, OR, which would leave our constituents without any support. Given the immense benefit these offices provide across the region, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) statutory responsibility to maintain an office in every state  and to thoroughly analyze and publicly report on the impacts of any field office closures on costs, the local economy, and service delivery , we urge you to retain HUD’s footprint by keeping these offices open.

    Field office staff serve as primary points of contact who have both specialized expertise in housing assistance programs and an understanding of the local context. HUD field staff help communities problem solve, navigate administrative challenges, and respond to urgent needs and emergencies. Those staff are best able to perform these duties when they have a deep understanding of the local market and strong relationships with local partners. Should HUD decide to move forward with the planned closures, the nearest HUD office will be in San Francisco, CA, more than 650 miles from Portland and 850 miles from Seattle. These closures would have devastating effects on our communities as many projects currently in development would be delayed and specific program expertise lost.

    Regional and field offices provide a range of vital services and technical assistance to our constituents and the federal government, including processing applications for mortgage insurance for single-family homes, affordable housing developments, and other facilities. Regional and field offices also assist individual tenants, landlords, and municipalities with housing properties and resolve fair housing claims.  Field offices are the most direct touchpoint to navigate the complexities of federal housing assistance programs by providing eviction prevention assistance and other housing quality services to individuals and families with few or no other options. The closure of these offices would result in undue risk for our constituents.

    Housing stakeholders, including community members, State and local governments, Public Housing Authorities, and Housing Finance Agencies, also rely on HUD field offices to provide support for a wide range of needs and help navigate administrative challenges. For Public Housing Authorities, HUD field offices are the first point of contact for HUD concerns, support communities when disasters strike, and conduct environmental review of projects to determine if the project meets federal, state, and local environmental standards. For Housing Finance Agencies, HUD field offices are invaluable in bringing partners to the table to work together to provide financing and other services for multifamily affordable housing. HUD field offices have also been important to facilitating and supporting place-based community partnerships, like Promise Zones, EnVision Centers, and Opportunity Zones.

    We know how devastating it can be when services are moved out of state and implore you to keep the Seattle regional office and Portland field office open. In past years, HUD moved to transfer all of Oregon’s Multifamily Section 8 work to the regional office in San Francisco. This decision hurt the state’s ability to execute Multifamily Section 8 work, and Portland’s field office lost significant capacity to work through challenges. The Pacific Northwest is already experiencing a significant housing shortage. The closure of these regional and field offices would significantly hinder the ability of state agencies, public housing authorities, community-based organizations, and private developers and landlords to develop new housing and address this housing crisis.

    We request that you reevaluate any consideration of closure of field offices across the country and urge you to keep the Portland field office and Seattle regional office open. If these closures are under consideration, we ask that you explain why your agency is considering closing these offices, adhere to all statutory requirements to assess and publicly report on impacts before any staff changes are made, and respond to the concerns we raised about the lack of access to services that would result from any closures. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. We stand ready to work with you to keep these important services accessible to our constituents, and we look forward to receiving a response from you no later than Thursday, April 3, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, law enforcement partners arrest more than 370 alien offenders during enhanced operation in Massachusetts

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and federal law enforcement partners apprehended 370 illegal aliens in Massachusetts during an enhanced targeted enforcement operation focusing on transnational organized crime, gangs, and egregious illegal alien offenders March 18-23.

    “The Commonwealth is a safer place for our residents to live and work because ICE and our federal law enforcement partners arrested hundreds of alien offenders and removed them from the streets of Massachusetts,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “Throughout this enhanced enforcement operation, we targeted the most dangerous alien offenders in some of the most crime-infested neighborhoods in and around Boston. Our efforts resulted in 370 arrests throughout the commonwealth. ICE and our federal law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the homeland through the eradication of transnational criminal organizations, dismantling dangerous criminal gangs preying on the American public, locating and arresting criminal alien offenders, and making our communities a safer place to live.”

    During the six-day enhanced operation, ICE and federal law enforcement partners targeted egregious criminal alien offenders including transnational criminal organizations known to operate in and around Boston and throughout Massachusetts. These organizations include the notorious MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Trinitarios, and 18th Street gangs.

    “This week’s enhanced enforcement operations with our partners from the FBI, DEA, ATF, DSS and CBP prove that we are taking a whole of government approach to protecting our communities from foreign nationals involved in transnational gangs, drug traffickers, child predators, violent criminals and dangerous individuals living in New England,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “ICE will use every resource and authority we have to prioritize the safety and security of our communities.”

    “Everyone should agree that we cannot and will not tolerate individuals who not only violate our immigration laws but then commit crimes that endanger our communities. Those who enter and remain in this country unlawfully are breaking the law,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Leah B. Foley. “My office remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that dangerous individuals are identified, prosecuted, and removed, so that the people of Massachusetts can live and work in safe and secure communities.”

    205 of those arrested had significant criminal convictions or charges. Six were foreign fugitives currently facing charges or convictions for murder, drug trafficking, organized crime, and money laundering

    “Safeguarding the integrity of the immigration and citizenship process is critical. We simply can’t permit violent and dangerous criminals to enter or remain in the United States under false pretenses, with unknown allegiances and intentions. It’s a direct threat to public safety and our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Jodi Cohen. “There’s no question our communities are safer today because of this enhanced, targeted operation. FBI Boston, like all our federal partners, will continue to support ICE with these efforts.”

    Law enforcement officials seized approximately 44 kilograms of methamphetamines, 5 kilograms of fentanyl, 1.2 kilograms of cocaine, three firearms and ammunition from illegal alien offenders during the operation.

    “DEA is proud to have worked with our federal partners in this successful enforcement effort using all of the resources of the federal government to remove violent criminal aliens from our communities, said DEA New England Field Division acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau. “DEA has prioritized investigations on those involving violent, illegal criminal aliens responsible for flooding our communities with deadly and dangerous drugs. DEA’s core mission is to keep the American public safe by seizing deadly and dangerous drugs before they get into our communities, and to bring justice to the criminals responsible for manufacturing, distributing, and supplying these drugs.”

    ICE and their federal law enforcement partners made many of the apprehensions after local jurisdictions refused to honor immigration detainer requests to turn over the offenders and instead chose to release aliens from custody, forcing officers and agents to make at-large arrests in Massachusetts communities.

    “The successful outcome of this immigration enforcement operation demonstrates the dedication and collaboration of our law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division James M. Ferguson. “By targeting individuals who pose a threat to public safety, we are reinforcing our commitment to protecting our communities and upholding the integrity of our nation’s immigration laws.”

    “The Diplomatic Security Service is fully committed to supporting the Administration’s priority to reduce illegal immigration and root out those who endeavor to exploit the U.S. travel system,” said Diplomatic Security Service Boston Field Office Special Agent in Charge Matthew O’Brien. “This enhanced operation definitively made our communities safer. DSS proudly coordinates with our U.S. and international law enforcement partners to conduct passport, visa fraud, and human trafficking investigations and assist in apprehending fugitives to protect the integrity of U.S. borders and prevent illegal immigration.”

    Among those arrested during the enhanced targeted operation include:

    • A Dominican alien who illegally re-entered the U.S. after removal charged with multiple drug distribution crimes, arrested in Boston.
    • A Dominican alien who illegally re-entered the U.S. after removal charged with trafficking fentanyl, arrested in Boston.
    • A Chilean alien convicted of 4 counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years old, arrested in Marlborough.
    • A Brazilian alien charged with manslaughter, homicide by a motor vehicle, homicide while under the influence of liquor, breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a crime, and larceny, arrested in Worcester.
    • A Honduran alien who illegally re-entered the U.S. after removal convicted of rape of a child, assault and battery of a person over 14 and failure to register as a sex offender, arrested in Salem.
    • A Brazilian alien wanted for murder and convicted for firearms trafficking in his native country, arrested in Milford.
    • A Brazilian alien wanted for homicide in in his home country, arrested in Lowell.
    • A Russian alien charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and wanted in his native country for armed robbery and membership in a criminal organization, arrested in Medford.
    • A Dominican alien wanted for homicide in his native country, arrested in Dorchester.
    • A Brazilian alien wanted in his native county for failure to serve a sentence after his convictions for homicide and illegal possession of a firearm arrested in Marlborough.
    • A Salvadoran alien previously deported from the U.S. and documented 18th Street gang member convicted of assault and battery and sentenced to two and a half years committed arrested in Wakefield.
    • A Guatemalan alien charged with rape and convicted of enticing a minor under the age of 16, released by the New Bedford District Court without the ICE detainer being honored, arrested in New Bedford.
    • A Jamaican alien previously deported from the U.S. convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, armed robbery, possession of a firearm, and assault arrested in Pittsfield.
    • A Brazilian alien wanted for in his native country for drug trafficking, money laundering, membership in a criminal organization arrested in West Yarmouth.

    Partner law enforcement participating in the operation were the Boston offices of the FBI, DEA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service and DSS, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROBoston and @HSINewEngland.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Dakota Delegation Reintroduces Legislation To Empower Greater Development Of State-Owned Energy Resources

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer and Representative Julie Fedorchak today announced they have reintroduced the North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act, bicameral legislation to enable greater development of state-owned lands and minerals. Specifically, the bill would authorize the State of North Dakota to relinquish state-owned lands and minerals contained within the Tribal Reservations to the U.S. Department of the Interior and, in exchange, receive federal land and minerals of equal value within North Dakota. The delegation secured Senate passage of the legislation last Congress, a critical step that will help streamline the bill’s advancement in the 119th Congress.
    “Energy development on state and federally-held lands not only plays a critical role in supporting economic growth and our nation’s energy security, but it produces significant revenue to help fund education, infrastructure and a wide range of priorities,” said Senator Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Through equal-value exchanges, our legislation would help the State of North Dakota and Native American Tribes reduce the fragmentation of their minerals and surface acres, easing the development of these important resources and unlocking their potential for the benefit of North Dakotans and tribal members.”
    “Our Trust Lands Completion Act is a win-win-win solution for North Dakota, tribes, and the federal government,” said Senator Cramer. “It’s proof not every transaction in Washington requires a loser. This will restore tribal land ownership and go a long way toward simplifying energy and resource development to generate more revenue for education in the state. It’s time to pass this bill.”
    “This legislation is a commonsense solution to a longstanding problem,” said Representative Fedorchak. “By allowing North Dakota to exchange fragmented state-owned lands within Tribal Reservations for federal lands of equal value, we’re unlocking new opportunities for responsible energy development while ensuring tribes have greater control over their own lands. It’s a win-win for North Dakota—empowering our state to better utilize its resources and cut through bureaucratic barriers that have held back development for too long.”
    “This legislation will promote more productive trust lands to enhance North Dakota K-12 education funding, while also providing North Dakota Tribes with the opportunity to further consolidate lands within their reservations. I look forward to working with our delegation to build on the success we achieved last Congress where it unanimously passed the United States Senate,” said Joseph Heringer, North Dakota Trust Lands Commissioner.
    “We were glad to help shape how the draft bill would restore some Reservation land previously taken from us,” said Mark Fox, Chairman of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. “We support its introduction and look forward to working closely with our congressional delegation and the Congress to ensure the preservation of our treaty rights to land and minerals on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.”
    Currently, North Dakota holds more than 130,000 acres of minerals and over 31,000 surface acres within Tribal Reservations alone, which are largely unavailable for development. At the same time, existing federal laws do not adequately allow for the state and federal government to exchange land and minerals. This leaves surface and mineral rights within the Tribal Reservations fragmented, while limiting the state’s ability to generate revenue from the land and minerals it owns. The North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act would resolve this issue by allowing equal value transactions between North Dakota and the Interior Department to exchange land and mineral rights, thereby:
    Enabling North Dakota to access the lands and minerals that were promised upon statehood to fund education and other public purposes.
    Providing Tribes greater ownership over the lands within their reservation boundaries.
    Valuations conducted under this legislation would be determined by the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions and the Uniform Standards for Professional Appraisal Practice. Valid existing rights will be respected in these transactions and there will be no impact on any Indian treaty rights or to the National Grasslands. The full text and a summary of the legislation can be found here and here, respectively.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Road maintenance in England

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Written statement to Parliament

    Road maintenance in England

    Local highway authorities will receive £500 million to fix potholes and £4.8 billion investment for National Highways to keep the strategic road network working.

    Today (24 March 2025) I am announcing 2 key measures to boost funding for transport as part of the government’s commitment to renew national infrastructure, improve England’s road network and drive growth as part of the Plan for Change.

    First, I am setting out the details of what local highway authorities across England will need to do to unlock their full share of the £500 million funding uplift that the government has announced for the 2025 to 2026 financial year. This will help ensure that every penny of taxpayer funding for road repairs is delivering results and will help tackle the pothole plague that is the result of a decade of underinvestment by the previous government.

    For the first time ever, local highway authorities will have to publish a succinct report in plain English by the end of June detailing what they are doing to improve the state of their local roads. This will shine a spotlight on what councils are doing with taxpayers’ money and allow local people to hold their councils to account. It will help ensure that the additional funding provided by my department will be spent delivering the improvements that local people have every right to expect.

    The department has provided a template for these reports, which sets out the information that is required. Each authority will need to explain how much it is spending on highway maintenance and how this has changed over time. Authorities will also need to give an overall picture of the condition of their roads, and a summary of how many potholes they have filled in each of the last 5 years, as well as what they are doing to shift their focus to long-term preventative maintenance. They will need to explain what they are doing to minimise the disruption caused by utility companies’ streetworks and to make their highway networks more resilient to the changing climate.

    Local highway authorities will also be required to send some further, more technical information to the department by the end of October. This will summarise what each authority is doing to follow best practice and deliver innovation and efficiency. Authorities will have to provide information on matters such as whether or not they carry out customer satisfaction surveys to allow the public to have a say on local priorities; and whether they benchmark their performance with other authorities.

    Authorities that comply in full with the requirements will receive their full share of the £500 million funding uplift, which for most authorities will mean an increase of almost 40% on average in highway maintenance funding compared to the current financial year. Authorities that do not meet these requirements will forfeit the final 25% of the funding uplift, with this money then redistributed to other councils to allow them to do even more to fix their local roads. Second, I am providing details of a £4.8 billion interim settlement for National Highways in 2025 to 2026 to keep the strategic road network working for the people and businesses that rely on it every day.

    Delivery of this investment focuses heavily on operating, maintaining, and enhancing the strategic network. Crucially, there is also a record investment in renewals, essential to keeping this vital network in good repair to avoid unplanned disruption, drive productivity and better connect people and business to support growth across the country.

    The current Road Investment Strategy (RIS) expires at the end of March 2025, and we intend to set a new multi-year strategy. But this requires time to plan and the choices we make in that strategy will be informed by this year’s Spending Review.

    In the absence of a RIS, I am laying in Parliament statutory directions and guidance to National Highways to cover the exercise of its functions beyond the expiry of the second Road Investment Strategy, from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 inclusive.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Chief Medical Officer of Public Health of Indigenous Services Canada on World Tuberculosis Day 2025

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Statement

    March 24, 2025 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

    Today, March 24, marks World Tuberculosis (TB) Day. We recognize this day to raise awareness about the health, social and economic consequences of TB and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. Despite being preventable and curable, TB disease remains a significant public health concern worldwide. This year, the theme is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”

    Canada has one of the lowest rates of TB disease in the world. In 2023, there were 2,217 people diagnosed with TB, marking a slight increase for the third consecutive year. Inuit, First Nations, Métis and people born outside of Canada continue to be disproportionally affected by the disease. Social and systemic factors, such as colonialism, racism, stigma, discrimination, structural inequities and inequitable access to health care, contribute to the ongoing occurrence of TB.

    In our roles, we have witnessed first hand the devastating effects of TB on communities and encourage everyone to listen to the stories of TB survivors and their communities. Their stories help portray the physical, social and emotional toll of TB, historically and today.

    As part of our renewed focus and commitment to ending TB, we have recently released the Government of Canada’s Tuberculosis Response (2025): Working Towards TB Elimination. The response lays the foundation for our ongoing collaborative work towards the goals of eliminating TB in Inuit Nunangat by 2030, and across the country by 2035. It also paves a path forward for the work of the Indigenous, federal, provincial and territorial TB Task Group in creating a TB elimination strategy for Canada.

    While many challenges remain, the great progress being made in TB-affected communities through Indigenous-led initiatives offers us hope. These include Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami’s leadership in developing an Inuit TB Elimination Framework, and the development and implementation of local action plans in all four Inuit Nunangat regions.

    In addition, thanks to an integrated approach incorporating local enhanced public health interventions and investing in housing and nutrition support, TB outbreaks in four Saskatchewan First Nations communities were declared over in December 2024.

    Though we still have more work to do, from improving equitable access to TB medicines to ending stigma and discrimination associated with TB, elimination IS within our reach if we work together. By committing to collective action and supporting community-led initiatives, we can end TB.

    Dr. Theresa Tam
    Chief Public Health Officer
    Public Health Agency of Canada

    Dr. Tom Wong
    Chief Medical Officer of Public Health
    Indigenous Services Canada

    Contacts

    Media Relations
    Public Health Agency of Canada
    613-957-2983
    media@hc-sc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Indigenous Services Canada
    819-953-1160
    media@sac-isc.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Giorgia Meloni’s government is still supporting Ukraine and backing NATO. Italy’s aerospace and defence sectors help explain why

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Jean-Pierre Darnis, Full professor at the University of Côte d’Azur, director of the master’s programme in “France-Italy Relations”. Associate fellow at the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS, Paris) and adjunct professor at LUISS University (Rome), Université Côte d’Azur

    US President Donald Trump’s pivot toward Russia amid its war in Ukraine has collided with the stance of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, which has always shown unwavering support for Kyiv as well as loyalty to Washington. When Trump came to power, Meloni wanted to appear connected to his administration, hoping to play the role of a bridge with Europe while France and Germany were in unfavourable political cycles. Trump’s pivot led to a revival of France’s role in Europe, while Germany emerged from its electoral period with its likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, calling for European defence’s “independence from the USA”.

    Meloni’s position is not only weakening within the European context, where France, Germany and the UK play leading roles, but also in Italian politics, as US policy has created rifts within the three-part governing coalition. Meloni’s party, Fratelli d’Italia, supports Ukraine and Europe, as does Forza Italia. But the leader of Lega, Matteo Salvini, has come to embody Trumpism in Italy, taking an openly pro-Russian position and opposing European rearmament. If a break with Lega were to occur, it could call into question the viability of the government, as it would no longer hold an absolute majority in parliament.

    Anti-French rhetoric

    For her part, Meloni always tends to push back against any “European-only” defence solution proposed by France. This position is a way for Italy to avoid facing the fact that NATO has weakened. It also reactivates an anti-French rhetoric that is a classic refrain among Italian nationalists. Salvini has recently accused French President Emmanuel Macron of being “crazy” and calling for Europe to prepare for nuclear war.

    However, Macron has not made any significant missteps toward Italy. Since the first informal emergency meeting in Paris after Trump’s policy shift toward Ukraine (a gathering that included the UK, Germany, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain and Poland), the Italian government has always been involved. Moreover, Macron’s policy convergence with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dulled criticisms, because Rome is traditionally close to London.

    Both Meloni’s government and the opposition have put forward complicated if not unrealistic proposals for the war in Ukraine, such as a UN peacekeeping mission after a ceasefire, and repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to NATO. In terms of public opinion, a poll published in mid-February – two weeks before Trump scolded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a White House visit – found that 69 percent of Italians “are favourable toward a common European army”.

    There is also a growing debate in Italy on nuclear deterrence. This issue had been taboo until now, with Italy benefitting from an arrangement in which US nuclear bombs are stored in bases on Italian soil. While Germany and Poland have expressed interest in an expansion of the French nuclear umbrella, Italian media and policymakers are also beginning to discuss it. The discussion may reflect doubts about US reliability within NATO, including Washington’s commitment to the alliance treaty’s Article 5, which holds that “an armed attack” on one member “shall be considered an attack against them all”.



    À lire aussi :
    French nuclear deterrence for Europe: how effective could it be against Russia?

    Defence ties to Europe

    There are also significant signals coming from Italian industry. While, in recent months, the Italian government appeared to want to use the telecommunications services of Starlink, the satellite network created by Elon Musk, for its defence needs, a contract no longer seems to be on the agenda. Musk’s fluctuating stance about the Starlink service provided to Kyiv, as well as the US decision that temporarily cut aid to Ukraine, introduced questions about reliability. This explains how, in just a few weeks, the French company Eutelsat, which owns the OneWeb constellation, has seen a resurgence of interest, as many countries assess its services as alternatives to Starlink. Following this turmoil, the Italian company Leonardo recently announced that it is planning to launch a constellation of 18 telecommunications satellites for defence purposes.

    These developments also tie into Italy’s industrial position in aerospace and defence, because Leonardo and Fincantieri, another large, publicly owned company, do not limit their markets to the Italian armed forces. As part of a European strategy, Leonardo concluded an agreement with the German company Rheinmetall in 2024 to jointly produce battle tanks, and recently announced an agreement with the Turkish company Baykar to produce drones. Leonardo is part-owner, along with French defence company Thales, of Telespazio and of Thales Alenia Space, and is also in discussions with Airbus to form a European satellite production group. In the missile sector, Leonardo’s participation in European joint venture MBDA allowed Italy and France to produce the SAMP/T anti-missile system, which could lead to further developments for the European missile-defence network. In shipbuilding, Fincantieri has expressed interest in merging its activities with the German group Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems. And in aircraft, Italy is participating in the Global Air Combat Programme, which includes the UK and Japan in the production of fighter jets. These examples show that Italian aerospace and defence development is intrinsically linked to European collaborations and export markets.

    Both in terms of industrial interests and politics, Italy is firmly anchored in the European camp. The positive stance that the Meloni government took toward Washington does not mean Rome is considering an alternative to EU affiliation. Italy is also facing continuous cyberattacks from Russian groups, which feeds a clear threat perception. The prime minister has stressed her differences with France and the UK during the recent European security summits, but while Italy may be reluctant to deploy peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, it cannot distance itself too much from the future defence architecture of Europe.

    Jean-Pierre Darnis ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    – ref. Giorgia Meloni’s government is still supporting Ukraine and backing NATO. Italy’s aerospace and defence sectors help explain why – https://theconversation.com/giorgia-melonis-government-is-still-supporting-ukraine-and-backing-nato-italys-aerospace-and-defence-sectors-help-explain-why-252683

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Visits Parr Instruments to Discuss Economic Impacts of Trump’s Tariffs on Illinois Manufacturing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    March 22, 2025

    [MOLINE, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST)—visited Parr Instrument Company yesterday to tour the facility and discuss with company leaders and members of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) how Trump’s tariffs threaten Illinois’s manufacturing industry. For over 125 years, Parr Instrument Company has designed and built high precision laboratory equipment. However, because of President Trump’s reckless, blanket tariffs on critical materials such as steel and aluminum, Parr could face increased costs and supply chain disruptions, threatening jobs and the stability of their workforce. Photos of yesterday’s visit are available on the Senator’s website.

    “Trump’s chaotic, sweeping tariffs will negatively impact Illinois’s workforce and manufacturers, while harming our nation’s allies around the world,” Duckworth said. “The consequences of Trump’s needless trade wars will hurt key Illinois manufacturers like Parr Instrument Company, which employs many hardworking, middle-class workers across the Quad Cities. I’m proud to work alongside Illinois manufacturing leaders as we continue to push back against Trump and his one-sided political interests.”

    “It was a pleasure and honor to host Senator Duckworth at our facilities at Parr Instrument Company,” said Jim Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Parr. “I appreciated the Senator’s sincere interest in the challenges small and mid-size manufactures are facing in today’s world. She takes a pragmatic approach to the issues and works in a bipartisan manner in her your representation of her constituents.”

    Duckworth is a proven leader in securing international investments that drive commerce and job growth in Illinois—all while strengthening economic ties with Indo-Pacific nations and improving security in the region. As a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Duckworth led a bipartisan delegation of her Senate colleagues to Taiwan last year to further enhance our bilateral economic ties, including deepening our trade ties on chip manufacturing and agricultural investments.

    Parr Instrument Company, based in Moline, Illinois, designs, manufactures, and sells laboratory instruments for testing fuels and conducting chemical reactions under heat and pressure. Its equipment is used in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and biotech research labs. The company employs about 100 skilled professionals and machinists at its Moline plant and operates a sales and service branch in Frankfurt, Germany.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor says lack of government funding forces reliance on overseas investment for London’s Growth Plan, in response to Zoë Garbett’s questions

    Source: Mayor of London

    20th March 2025 

    Mayor says lack of government funding forces reliance on overseas investment for London’s Growth Plan, in response to Zoë Garbett’s questions 

    During today’s Mayor’s Question Time (MQT), Zoë Garbett, Green Party London Assembly Member, raised concerns about the Mayor’s London Growth Plan – published last month – specifically highlighting his heavy reliance on overseas investment to address the city’s housing crisis. Zoë told the Mayor that this would only continue to exacerbate the issue of housing inequality in the city.  

    In response, the Mayor defended his position, saying, “we do want foreign investment for the simple reason that there has not been enough investment from the Government.” 

    Reflecting on the Mayor’s response, Zoë Garbett AM says:  

    “London’s housing market is broken. It’s designed for the wealthy to profit while Londoners suffer. Overseas investment is not a solution to the housing crisis – in fact, it’s made the situation worse. 

    “It’s telling that the Mayor has admitted he’s forced to rely on overseas investment while the Labour government refuses to provide essential public funds for housing. What kind of message does that send about priorities? Londoners deserve better than to be left at the mercy of speculative overseas money. 

    “With Londoners’ spending 40% of their wages on rent, 60,000 families stuck in temporary accommodation, social housing waiting lists at a ten year high and 300,000 homes approved but not built, it’s clear the current system is not working. 

    “Sky-high rents and the cost of living crisis are leaving schools struggling to stay open and driving families out of the city they call home.  

    “Without a meaningful shift in government policy and funding, London’s housing market will continue to serve the interests of a wealthy few.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – Advancing Adaptability in UN Peace Operations: responding to new realities [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French versions]

    Source: United Nations – English

    r. President, Excellencies,
     
    I thank the government of Denmark for convening this high-level discussion.

    United Nations peace operations safeguard people and communities in some of the most desperate places on earth. 

    These operations comprise both peacekeeping operations and special political missions.

    Their work ranges from early warning to preventive diplomacy…

    From peacemaking to verifying peace agreements to protecting civilians…

    From negotiating ceasefires to helping parties implement them on the ground…

    To electoral support and observer missions.

    Collectively, these operations represent a critical tool at this Council’s disposal to maintain international peace and security in a variety of contexts.

    Since the first special political mission and peacekeeping operation were deployed in 1948, our peace operations have grown, adapted and evolved.

    Time and again, they allow us to mount tailored responses that have saved lives, reduced violence, prevented the expansion and spillover of deadly conflicts, and stopped atrocities.

    Peace operations are designed not only to be an effective example of multilateralism in action — but a cost-effective one.

    At their best, they show how when the UN comes together to address challenges, the burden is diminished on individual countries alone.  

    But as we all know, peace operations face serious barriers that demand new approaches.

    Wars are becoming more complex and more deadly. 

    They last longer, and are more enmeshed in global and regional dynamics. 

    Negotiated settlements have been harder to achieve.

    Meanwhile, our peace operations are confronted with a complex interplay of threats — many of which do not respect national borders.

    Terror and extremist groups, organized crime, the weaponization of new technologies, and the effects of climate change are all testing our capacities to respond.

    And, I regret to say, geopolitical divisions are undermining peace.

    The bilateral and multilateral arrangements that — for decades — have managed tensions and maintained stability are eroding.  

    Violations of international law, human rights and the UN Charter are rampant — seemingly without consequence.

    Trust is in short supply among — and within — countries and regions.

    All of these challenges and more throw fuel on the fires of conflict.

    Meanwhile, our peace responses are struggling.  

    We see a persistent mismatch between mandates and available resources.

    And we see increasing differences of views — including in this Council itself — around how peace operations should work, under what circumstances, with what mandates they should be deployed, and for how long.

    Excellencies,

    This is a grim diagnosis, but we must face facts.

    The good news is that, through the Pact for the Future, Member States committed to working to adapt peace operations for the future.

    This is an important opportunity to gain a shared understanding of what makes peace operations successful …

    What is hindering their effectiveness …

    And what new models we can use to make them more adaptable, flexible and resilient — while recognizing the limitations in situations where there is little or no peace to keep. 

    My recent proposals to you in the context of Haiti are a good example.

    We must keep working for a political process — owned and led by the Haitian people — that restores democratic institutions through elections.

    And the UN has a clear role to play in supporting stability and security, while addressing the root causes of the appalling crisis.

    The UN stands ready to assume the responsibility of the logistical and operational expenditures — including transportation, medical capabilities and support for the national police — that can support an enhanced international force by Member States that is able to confront the gangs in Haiti and create conditions for peace.   

    And the salaries of the force are paid through the trust fund that already exists.

    This is a good example of how we can design a tailored and collective approach to peace operations in an extremely complex and dangerous environment. 

    Other examples of adapting our peace operations include UNIFIL, which recently developed an adaptation plan to support the parties to uphold their obligations under resolution 1701…

    And our operations in Abyei, Sudan, where we reconfigured our peace operations into a multinational force.

    We also increasingly see the enormous benefits of strengthening cooperation with regional and subregional organizations.

    Security Council resolution 2719 is an important example.

    This breakthrough has lifted our partnership with the African Union to a new level as we work to establish peace enforcement missions under the responsibility of the African Union, supported by the United Nations.

    We are now working actively across our two Secretariats to meet the vision of the resolution, and I urge Council Members to fully support this work.

    Excellencies,

    It’s time to build on these examples and continue adapting our peace operations for current and future challenges. 

    Work is now underway to review all forms of peace operations, as requested by Member States in the Pact for the Future.

    The review will aim to critically examine these tools and propose concrete recommendations to make them fit for today.

    This will include extensive consultations with Member States and others to inform — and inspire — recommendations.

    The review will build on the analysis presented in the New Agenda for Peace.

    It will be informed by the first comprehensive study of the history of special political missions in the 80 years of the United Nations, which will be released soon.

    And it will reflect the Pact’s call to ensure that peace operations engage at the earliest possible stage in planning transitions with host countries, UN Country Teams and local and regional groups.

    The review also aligns with the Pact’s call to this Council to ensure that peace operations are guided by clear and sequenced mandates that are realistic and achievable — with viable exit strategies and transition plans.

    And it will draw on the discussions taking place in preparation for the Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin in May focusing on the future of peacekeeping.

    Excellences,

    Tout au long de l’étude, nous mènerons des consultations approfondies afin de recueillir un éventail de vues aussi large que possible et de bénéficier d’une expertise mondiale.

    Celle des États Membres, des pays hôtes, des pays fournisseurs de contingents ou de personnel de police et des contributeurs financiers…

    Celle des organisations régionales, de la société civile et des milieux universitaires, ainsi que de nos propres hauts responsables et experts des opérations de paix des Nations Unies et du Secrétariat.

    Bien entendu, l’étude contribuera à éclairer les efforts que nous déployons dans le cadre de l’initiative ONU80, afin de dégager des gains d’efficacité et des améliorations dans tous nos axes de travail – compte tenu des défis persistants de financement auxquels notre Organisation est confrontée.

    Excellences,

    Le débat public d’aujourd’hui est une occasion précieuse pour le Conseil de partager toute idée et point de vue qui pourrait contribuer à l’étude.

    J’invite tous les États Membres à apporter leur pierre à l’édifice.

    Et j’appelle ce Conseil à continuer à œuvrer pour surmonter les divisions et les désaccords entourant les opérations de paix, et bâtir le soutien politique unifié et cohérent dont nos opérations de paix – et les femmes et les hommes qui les mènent – ont tant besoin.

    Je vous remercie.

    ***
    All-English

    Mr. President, Excellencies,
     
    I thank the government of Denmark for convening this high-level discussion.

    United Nations peace operations safeguard people and communities in some of the most desperate places on earth. 

    These operations comprise both peacekeeping operations and special political missions.

    Their work ranges from early warning to preventive diplomacy…

    From peacemaking to verifying peace agreements to protecting civilians…

    From negotiating ceasefires to helping parties implement them on the ground…

    To electoral support and observer missions.

    Collectively, these operations represent a critical tool at this Council’s disposal to maintain international peace and security in a variety of contexts.

    Since the first special political mission and peacekeeping operation were deployed in 1948, our peace operations have grown, adapted and evolved.

    Time and again, they allow us to mount tailored responses that have saved lives, reduced violence, prevented the expansion and spillover of deadly conflicts, and stopped atrocities.

    Peace operations are designed not only to be an effective example of multilateralism in action — but a cost-effective one.

    At their best, they show how when the UN comes together to address challenges, the burden is diminished on individual countries alone.  

    But as we all know, peace operations face serious barriers that demand new approaches.

    Wars are becoming more complex and more deadly. 

    They last longer, and are more enmeshed in global and regional dynamics. 

    Negotiated settlements have been harder to achieve.

    Meanwhile, our peace operations are confronted with a complex interplay of threats — many of which do not respect national borders.

    Terror and extremist groups, organized crime, the weaponization of new technologies, and the effects of climate change are all testing our capacities to respond.

    And, I regret to say, geopolitical divisions are undermining peace.

    The bilateral and multilateral arrangements that — for decades — have managed tensions and maintained stability are eroding.  

    Violations of international law, human rights and the UN Charter are rampant — seemingly without consequence.

    Trust is in short supply among — and within — countries and regions.

    All of these challenges and more throw fuel on the fires of conflict.

    Meanwhile, our peace responses are struggling.  

    We see a persistent mismatch between mandates and available resources.

    And we see increasing differences of views — including in this Council itself — around how peace operations should work, under what circumstances, with what mandates they should be deployed, and for how long.

    Excellencies,

    This is a grim diagnosis, but we must face facts.

    The good news is that, through the Pact for the Future, Member States committed to working to adapt peace operations for the future.

    This is an important opportunity to gain a shared understanding of what makes peace operations successful …

    What is hindering their effectiveness …

    And what new models we can use to make them more adaptable, flexible and resilient — while recognizing the limitations in situations where there is little or no peace to keep. 

    My recent proposals to you in the context of Haiti are a good example.

    We must keep working for a political process — owned and led by the Haitian people — that restores democratic institutions through elections.

    And the UN has a clear role to play in supporting stability and security, while addressing the root causes of the appalling crisis.

    The UN stands ready to assume the responsibility of the logistical and operational expenditures — including transportation, medical capabilities and support for the national police — that can support an international force established by Member States that is able to confront the gangs in Haiti and create conditions for peace.   

    And the salaries of the force are paid through the trust fund that already exists.

    This is a good example of how we can design a tailored and collective approach to peace operations in an extremely complex and dangerous environment. 

    Other examples of adapting our peace operations include UNIFIL, which recently developed an adaptation plan to support the parties to uphold their obligations under resolution 1701…

    And our operations in Abyei, Sudan, where we reconfigured our peace operations into a multinational force.

    We also increasingly see the enormous benefits of strengthening cooperation with regional and subregional organizations.

    Security Council resolution 2719 is an important example.

    This breakthrough has lifted our partnership with the African Union to a new level as we work to establish peace enforcement missions under the responsibility of the African Union, supported by the United Nations.

    We are now working actively across our two Secretariats to meet the vision of the resolution, and I urge Council Members to fully support this work.

    Excellencies,

    It’s time to build on these examples and continue adapting our peace operations for current and future challenges. 

    Work is now underway to review all forms of peace operations, as requested by Member States in the Pact for the Future.

    The review will aim to critically examine these tools and propose concrete recommendations to make them fit for today.

    This will include extensive consultations with Member States and others to inform — and inspire — recommendations.

    The review will build on the analysis presented in the New Agenda for Peace.

    It will be informed by the first comprehensive study of the history of special political missions in the 80 years of the United Nations, which will be released soon.

    And it will reflect the Pact’s call to ensure that peace operations engage at the earliest possible stage in planning transitions with host countries, UN Country Teams and local and regional groups.

    The review also aligns with the Pact’s call to this Council to ensure that peace operations are guided by clear and sequenced mandates that are realistic and achievable — with viable exit strategies and transition plans.

    And it will draw on the discussions taking place in preparation for the Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin in May focusing on the future of peacekeeping.

    Excellencies,

    Throughout, we will hold extensive consultations to capture as wide a spectrum of views as possible and to benefit from worldwide expertise.

    From Member States, host States, troop- and police-contributing countries and financial contributors…

    To regional organizations, civil society and academia, and our own leaders and experts within UN peace operations and the Secretariat.

    And the review will, of course, help inform our efforts through our UN@80 initiative, to find efficiencies and improvements across our work in light of the continued funding challenges we face as an organization.  

    Excellencies,

    Today’s open debate provides a vital opportunity for the Council to share perspectives and ideas to inform the review process.

    I urge all Members to support it.

    And I call on this Council to continue working to overcome divisions and disagreements around peace operations, and build the unified and consistent political support our peace operations — and the women and men who conduct them — need and deserve.

    Thank you.

    ***
    All-French

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Je remercie le Gouvernement danois d’avoir organisé ce débat de haut niveau.

    Les opérations de paix des Nations unies protègent les personnes et les communautés dans certains des endroits les plus éprouvés de la planète. 

    Ces opérations comprennent à la fois les opérations de maintien de la paix et les missions politiques spéciales.

    Leur travail va de l’alerte rapide à diplomatie préventive…

    Du rétablissement de la paix à la vérification de l’application des accords de paix et de la protection des civils…

    De la négociation de cessez-le-feu au soutien de leur mise en œuvre par les parties sur le terrain…

    Ou encore aux missions d’observation et d’appui électoral.

    Prises ensemble, ces opérations dotent le Conseil d’un outil essentiel pour maintenir la paix et la sécurité internationales dans divers contextes.

    Depuis le déploiement de la première mission politique spéciale et de la première opération de maintien de la paix en 1948, nos opérations de paix se sont développées, adaptées et transformées.

    Elles nous permettent régulièrement d’intervenir de façon ciblée pour sauver des vies, réduire la violence, enrayer l’élargissement et le débordement de conflits meurtriers, et mettre fin à des atrocités.

    Les opérations de paix sont conçues pour démontrer non seulement l’efficacité du multilatéralisme en action mais aussi son intérêt en termes de coûts.

    Dans le meilleur des cas, elles montrent qu’il est possible d’alléger le fardeau qui pèse sur chaque pays individuellement lorsque les Nations Unies se rallient pour agir.

    Toutefois, comme nous le savons tous, les opérations de paix se heurtent à des obstacles de taille, et de nouvelles approches s’imposent.

    Les guerres deviennent plus complexes et plus meurtrières.

    Elles durent plus longtemps et sont davantage imbriquées dans des dynamiques mondiales et régionales.

    Il est plus difficile de parvenir à des règlements négociés.

    Parallèlement, un entrelacs complexe de menaces, dont beaucoup transcendent les frontières nationales, se dresse face aux opérations de paix.

    Les groupes terroristes et extrémistes, la criminalité organisée, la militarisation des nouvelles technologies et les effets des changements climatiques sont autant de phénomènes qui mettent à l’épreuve nos capacités d’intervention.

    Et – je suis navré de le constater – les divisions géopolitiques sapent la paix.

    Les accords bilatéraux et multilatéraux qui, pendant des décennies, avaient permis de maîtriser les tensions et de préserver la stabilité s’érodent.

    Les violations du droit international, des droits humains et de la Charte des Nations Unies sont légion – sans que cela ne porte à conséquence, semble-t-il.

    La confiance se fait rare entre les pays, entre les régions, et à l’intérieur de ceux-ci.

    Tous ces dangers, et bien d’autres encore, attisent la flamme des conflits.

    De notre côté, nos interventions en faveur de la paix sont à la peine.

    Nous constatons une asymétrie persistante entre les mandats confiés et les ressources disponibles.

    Et nous constatons des divergences de vues de plus en plus marquées – y compris au sein même de ce Conseil – sur les modalités de fonctionnement des opérations de paix, les circonstances justifiant leur déploiement, la teneur de leur mandat et leur durée.

    Excellences,

    Le diagnostic peut paraître sombre, mais il correspond à la réalité.

    La bonne nouvelle est que les États Membres se sont engagés dans le Pacte pour l’avenir à adapter les opérations de paix pour l’avenir.

    Voilà une occasion privilégiée de dégager une réponse commune aux questions suivantes : quelles sont les conditions de réussite des opérations de paix ?

    Quels obstacles se dressent sur le chemin ?

    Et quels nouveaux modèles nous pouvons appliquer afin de les rendre plus adaptables, plus souples et plus résilientes – tout en reconnaissant les cas limites où l’on sait qu’il y a peu ou pas de paix à maintenir.

    Les propositions que je vous ai faites récemment dans le contexte d’Haïti en sont une bonne illustration.

    Nous devons continuer d’œuvrer en faveur d’un processus politique – maîtrisé et conduit par le peuple haïtien – qui rétablisse les institutions démocratiques par la voie électorale.

    L’ONU a un rôle clair à jouer pour appuyer la stabilité et la sécurité, tout en s’attaquant aux causes profondes de cette crise effroyable.

    L’ONU est prête à assumer la responsabilité des dépenses logistiques et opérationnelles – y compris le transport, les capacités médicales et le soutien envers la police nationale – qui peuvent appuyer une force internationale renforcée par les États membres, qui soit capable de faire face aux gangs en Haïti et de créer les conditions de la paix.

    Les salaires de la force quant à eux sont couverts par le fonds d’affectation spéciale qui existe déjà.

    Nous avons là un bon exemple de la manière dont nous pouvons concevoir une approche adaptée et collective des opérations de paix dans un environnement extrêmement complexe et dangereux.

    Parmi les autres exemples d’adaptation de nos opérations de paix, citons la FINUL, qui a récemment élaboré un plan d’adaptation pour aider les parties à respecter les obligations que leur fait la résolution 1701.

    On peut également évoquer nos opérations à Abyei, au Soudan, où nous avons reconfiguré nos opérations de paix en une force multinationale.

    Nous prenons également de plus en plus la mesure des avantages considérables que présente le renforcement de la collaboration avec les organisations régionales et sous-régionales.

    La résolution 2719 du Conseil de sécurité revêt une importance certaine à cet égard.

    Cette avancée a porté notre partenariat avec l’Union africaine à un niveau supérieur, alors que nous œuvrons à la mise en place de missions d’imposition de la paix sous la responsabilité de l’Union africaine, avec le soutien des Nations unies.

    Nos deux Secrétariats travaillent désormais activement à concrétiser la vision énoncée dans la résolution, et j’invite les membres du Conseil à y apporter leur plein concours.

    Excellences,

    Il est temps de s’inspirer de ces exemples et de continuer à adapter nos opérations de paix aux défis actuels et futurs. 

    Des travaux sont en cours pour réexaminer toutes les formes d’opérations de paix, comme l’ont demandé les États Membres dans le Pacte pour l’avenir.

    L’objectif est de procéder à un examen critique de ces outils et de proposer des recommandations concrètes afin de les adapter au monde d’aujourd’hui.

    Il s’agira notamment de mener des consultations approfondies avec les États Membres et d’autres parties prenantes afin de nourrir – et d’inspirer – ces recommandations.

    L’étude fera fond sur l’analyse présentée dans le Nouvel Agenda pour la paix.

    Elle prendra pour appui l’étude d’ensemble de l’histoire des missions politiques spéciales, la première effectuée en 80 ans d’existence de l’ONU, qui sera publiée prochainement.

    Elle se fera aussi l’écho de l’appel lancé dans le Pacte pour veiller à ce que les opérations de paix s’engagent le plus tôt possible dans la planification des transitions avec les pays hôtes, l’équipe de pays des Nations Unies et les groupes locaux et régionaux.

    L’étude s’inscrit également dans le sillage de la demande qui est adressée au Conseil dans le Pacte pour que les opérations de paix soient guidées par des mandats clairs et séquencés, réalistes et réalisables, ainsi que des stratégies de sortie et des plans de transition viables.

    Elle s’appuiera enfin sur les discussions qui se tiennent en préparation de la Conférence ministérielle sur le maintien de la paix qui aura lieu à Berlin en mai et qui sera consacrée à l’avenir du maintien de la paix.

    Excellences,

    Tout au long de l’étude, nous mènerons des consultations approfondies afin de recueillir un éventail de vues aussi large que possible et de bénéficier d’une expertise mondiale.

    Celle des États Membres, des pays hôtes, des pays fournisseurs de contingents ou de personnel de police et des contributeurs financiers…

    Celle des organisations régionales, de la société civile et des milieux universitaires, ainsi que de nos propres hauts responsables et experts des opérations de paix des Nations Unies et du Secrétariat.

    Bien entendu, l’étude contribuera à éclairer les efforts que nous déployons dans le cadre de l’initiative ONU80, afin de dégager des gains d’efficacité et des améliorations dans tous nos axes de travail – compte tenu des défis persistants de financement auxquels notre Organisation est confrontée.

    Excellences,

    Le débat public d’aujourd’hui est une occasion précieuse pour le Conseil de partager toute idée et point de vue qui pourrait contribuer à l’étude.

    J’invite tous les États Membres à apporter leur pierre à l’édifice.

    Et j’appelle ce Conseil à continuer à œuvrer pour surmonter les divisions et les désaccords entourant les opérations de paix, et bâtir le soutien politique unifié et cohérent dont nos opérations de paix – et les femmes et les hommes qui les mènent – ont tant besoin.

    Je vous remercie.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ecological perspective in spatial planning focus of OSCE-supported workshop in Podgorica

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Ecological perspective in spatial planning focus of OSCE-supported workshop in Podgorica

    On 20 and 21 March, the parliamentary Committee on Tourism, Agriculture, Ecology and Spatial Planning, together with the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, organized a workshop on the ecological perspective in spatial planning and eco-urbanism.
    The workshop gathered staff from parliamentary committees on tourism, agriculture, ecology and spatial planning; economy, finance and budget; gender equality; anti-corruption, as well as from the parliamentary Research Centre and Commission for Monitoring and Control of the Privatisation Procedure. They discussed legislation regulating eco-urbanism, as well as environmental impacts of planned infrastructure and energy facilities. They considered challenges posed by climate change and examined sustainable urban solutions. Environmental protection, especially in light of the requirements under Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change and obligations of Parliament to fulfil these requirements were central to the discussion.
    Opening the workshop, Dejan Đurović, Chairperson of the Committee on Tourism, Agriculture, Ecology and Spatial Planning, emphasized that “the main objective of the workshop is to establish a dialogue to enable us as parliamentarians, to address all deficiencies, obstacles and challenges related to environment protection, while improving and adopting new knowledge in eco-urbanism.”
    The Mission’s Democratization Programme Manager, Bernd Burwitz, noted that while Montenegro is defined as an ecological state, many challenges remain. “In today’s world, climate change and environmental concerns are significant political and security challenges, which should be addressed through the development of the Spatial Plan, that covers the entire territory of Montenegro,” said Burwitz.
    The Mission remains committed to strong collaboration with parliamentary committees and support them in understanding documentation related to spatial planning and its ecological perspectives.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon Department of Emergency Management Warns of Fraud Risks Following Oregon

    Source: US State of Oregon

    strong>Salem, OR—As Oregon communities grapple with the aftermath of devastating flooding and landslides, that Governor Kotek declared a state of emergency, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is urging residents to remain cautious and informed to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes, particularly those involving online fundraising platforms like GoFundMe.

    As communities come together to support those affected, scammers may exploit the generosity of Oregonians by creating fake fundraising campaigns or misrepresenting their intentions. Scam attempts can come via phone calls, mail, email, text, or in-person visits. To help protect yourself and your donations, OEM shares these tips:

    Double Check Your Charitable Donations

    • Verify the campaign’s authenticity: Only donate to fundraisers created by individuals or organizations you know and trust. Look for detailed and transparent information about how the funds will be used. Verify fundraisers’ legitimacy on the Oregon Department of Justice Charitable Activities page of registered organizations.
    • Check for secure websites: Ensure the fundraising platform uses a secure connection (look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the browser). Avoid clicking on suspicious links shared via email or social media.
    • Be cautious about personal information: Do not share sensitive details like Social Security numbers or financial information with unverified individuals or groups.
    • Monitor for identity theft: Regularly check your credit report for any accounts or changes you do not recognize. If you suspect identity theft, file a complaint at IdentityTheft.gov. If you think your identity has been compromised, freeze your credit accounts.
    • Report suspicious activity or fraud: If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-877-877-9392 or visit www.oregonconsumer.gov
    • Protect your donations from charity scams: Avoid cash donations; use checks or credit cards for security. Look for transparent fund usage plans. Sign up for scam alerts from the Oregon Department of Justice Scam Alert Network.

    Avoid Contractor Scams for Cleanup and Repairs

    As residents begin recovery efforts, fraudulent contractors may target those needing home repairs or cleanup services. Keep these tips in mind:

    • Research contractors thoroughly: Verify that the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured. Check for reviews, references, and ratings through trusted sources such as the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
    • Get written estimates: Obtain multiple estimates for the work and ensure they’re detailed and in writing. Be cautious of contractors who demand large upfront payments or offer unusually low prices.
    • Avoid high-pressure sales tactics: Don’t rush into signing contracts or agreeing to services. Take your time to make informed decisions.
    • Never pay in cash: Use checks or credit cards, as these payment methods provide a paper trail and added security.
    • Beware of door-to-door solicitors: Scammers often approach residents with unsolicited offers. Always verify their legitimacy and credentials before proceeding.

    Key Fraud Prevention Reminders

    • Public aid is free: There are no costs to apply for assistance or participate in inspections.
    • Verify government workers: Government workers always carry identification badges and never ask for or accept money.
    • If something feels off, trust your instincts: Contact law enforcement to confirm the validity of claims.
    • Follow trusted Information sources: Stay tuned to local media and official social media for reliable updates on the disaster and fraud prevention tips.

    OEM is committed to supporting disaster survivors and preventing fraudulent activities that hinder recovery efforts. Let’s work together to protect our communities, ensure donations reach those in need, and safeguard survivors from fraud and identity theft.

    For more information on disaster recovery in your area contact your local Office of Emergency Management. If you have questions or concerns about any donation requests you have received, contact your local law enforcement.

    ###

    It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.

    You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov or dial 711

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Cameroon: African Development Bank Group approves €330 million loan to upgrade Ngaoundéré-Garoua road to improve connectivity and strengthen regional integration

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

    YAOUNDE, Cameroon, March 24, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has given the green light to a loan of €330.48 million to Cameroon to redevelop and widen a key section of the Douala-Ndjamena economic corridor, a vital part of plans promoting strengthened regional integration.

    The financing agreement for the 246-km-long Ngaoundéré-Garoua section of the Douala-Ndjamena economic corridor, one of the most strategic corridors in Central Africa, comes under  part of Phase 4 of the Transport Sector Support Programme (PAST4).

    It was signed on 19 March 2025 in Yaoundé by Solomane Koné, the African Development Bank Group’s Acting Director General for Central Africa, and Alamine Ousmane Mey, Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development and Governor of the Bank for Cameroon.

    “The redevelopment of the Ngaoundéré-Garoua road section is crucial to the competitiveness of our economy, due to improved connectivity and easier movement,” said Mey. “[…] It will also enable us to make better use of the agro-pastoral and commercial potential of the areas it crosses, to the great benefit of local communities.”

    Koné added: “Phase 4 of the Transport Sector Support Programme, approved by the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank on 13 December 2024, was designed to amplify the impact of the Bank Group’s previous actions and to support its leadership and its dynamic cooperation with Cameroon within the transport sector.”

    The ceremony was attended by Hilarion Etong, Senior Deputy Speaker of Cameroon’s National Assembly, and several members of the government, including Jean Ernest Ngallé Bibéhè, Minister of Transport, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, Minister of Public Works, and Ibrahim Talba Malla, Minister Delegate to the Presidency in charge of Public Contracts, as well as local elected representatives and governors of regions such as Adamaoua and the North.

    The Bank Group will provide 97 per cent of the total cost of Phase 4 of the Transport Sector Support Programme, which amounts to €340.7 million. The Government of Cameroon will contribute €9.14 million.

    The aim of the programme is to modernise a strategic section of Cameroon’s road network, which is essential for transporting people and goods between the north and south of the country. To enhance traffic flow, three interchanges are also planned. The programme includes measures to improve transport and support local residents, specifically through the construction of socio-economic infrastructure such as markets, schools and health centres. Bringing this stretch of road up to international standards will have a highly positive impact on the competitiveness of the economy and the dynamics of integration in the sub-region.

    “Cameroon’s geostrategic position places our country at the core of the integration challenges facing the CEMAC (https://apo-opa.co/41UocZF) (Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa) region,” explained Mey. “An improved Ngaoundéré-Garoua section will undoubtedly boost cross-border trade by significantly increasing traffic on the Garoua-Maroua-Kousseri-Ndjamena road (in Chad) and the Garoua-Magada-Yagoua-Bongor-Ndjamena road.”

    Phase 4 of the Transport Sector Support Programme is in keeping with Cameroon’s National Development Strategy for 2020-2030 (SND30) and the Bank Group’s priorities in Cameroon’s Country Strategy Paper for 2023-2028, which is aligned with the objective of diversifying Cameroon’s economy, in particular by facilitating access to markets for agricultural and industrial producers in the north of the country.

    The African Development Bank Group and Cameroon are strategic partners, particularly in the infrastructure sector, with investments of $1.88 billion in transport infrastructure. The Bank Group’s commitment is reflected in major investments in the construction and upgrading of roads, bridges and strategic corridors, thereby facilitating the movement of people and the transport of goods on a national and regional scale. By adopting an integrated and inclusive approach in line with its Ten-Year Strategy 2024-2033, the Bank Group is stimulating the structural transformation of the economy and regional integration, with a view to sustainable growth and job creation for the benefit of inhabitants.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNAIDS chief warns of ‘real surge’ in deaths unless US restores funding

    Source: United Nations 2

    Health

    Amid continuing uncertainty about the impact of deep US funding cuts to humanitarian work worldwide, the head of the UN agency coordinating the fight against HIV-AIDS warned that an addition 6.3 million people will die in the next four years, unless support is reinstated.

    “We will see a …real surge in this disease – [we] will see it come back and we see people dying the way we saw them in the 90s and in 2000s,” said Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS Executive Director, pointing to a “tenfold increase” from the 600,000 AIDS-related deaths recorded globally in 2023.

    “We also expect an additional 8.7 million new infections. At the last count, there were 1.3 million new infections globally (in) 2023”.

    Speaking in Geneva, Ms. Byanyima noted that the funding freeze announced by the White House on 20 January was due to end next month, after a 90-day review.

    “We have not heard of other governments pledging to fill the gap,” she told journalists.

    Already, drop-in centres where HIV patients can pick up the anti-retroviral medicines they need are not reopening, “for fear that this might not be consistent with the new guidelines”, she maintained.

    “This sudden withdrawal of US funding has led (to) shutting down of many clinics, laying off of thousands of health workers, these are nurses, doctors, lab technicians, pharmacy workers…it’s a lot.”

    Focus on Africa

    Focusing on Africa – where the east and south of the continent share 53 per cent of the global HIV burden – Ms. Byanyima warned that closing down “all of a sudden drop-in centres for girls and young women will be disastrous, because more than 60 per cent of new infections – amongst young – new infections on the continent are amongst girls and young women”.

    Speaking to UN News earlier this month, the head of the UNAIDS office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Susan Kasedde, said there were still major questions over the extent and scope of cuts due to be made to US PEPFAR initiative programmes, which began in 2003 to prevent and contain HIV infections – the presidency’s emergency plan which has saved an estimated 26 million lives.

    There are currently around 520,000 people living with HIV in the DRC, including 300,000 women and 50,000 children. The epidemic continues to grow, as the number of new infections is almost double the number of deaths linked to the disease.

    PEPFAR’s expected contribution for the 2025 fiscal year was due to be $105 million, and it aims to provide treatment half of the population living with HIV in the DRC – some 209,000 people.

    “This means that we currently have 440,000 people living with HIV who are on treatment. Thanks to this treatment, they are alive”, said Ms. Kasedde.

    “And then treatment cannot work without operational capacity, treatment cannot be provided if there is not a proper-functioning supply chain”, she stressed, pointing out that the response to HIV in the DRC involve largely interdependent programmes which reinforce each other.

    Global impact of cuts

    Several other UN agencies that are heavily reliant on US funding have also warned that the cut in support – in addition to chronic under-investment in humanitarian work globally – is already having a serious impact on the communities they serve.

    On Friday, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said that thousands have been left without lifesaving aid in the war-torn eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    The UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) also announced that funding cuts have severe repercussions for vulnerable migrant communities, exacerbating humanitarian crises and undermining essential support systems for displaced populations.

    Together with IOM, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned last Friday that that the liquidity crunch has jeopardized lifesaving work, including progress in reducing child mortality, which has fallen by 60 per cent since 1990.

    “It is reasonable for the United States to want to reduce its funding – over time. But the sudden withdrawal of lifesaving support is having a devastating impact across countries, particularly Africa, but even in Asia and Latin America,” said UNAIDS’ Ms. Byanyima.

    “We urge for a reconsideration and an urgent restoration of services – of life-saving services.”

    Presidential appeal

    And in a direct appeal to President Donald Trump, the UNAIDS chief noted that just as President George W Bush had introduced the groundbreaking PEPFAR initiative, the new White House incumbent could also be part of the “prevention revolution”, involving injectable HIV injections that are required just twice a year to provide protection.

    “The deal is that an American company is enabled to produce and to license generics across the regions to produce millions and roll out this injectable to those who really need it,” she insisted.

    According to UNAIDS, approximately 40 million people globally live with HIV, based on 2023 data. Of this number, some 1.3 million became newly infected with HIV in the same year and 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Security National Financial Corporation Mourns the Passing of Esteemed Board Member, Mia Love

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SALT LAKE CITY, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Security National is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mia Love, a valued and respected member of our Board of Directors. Ms. Love passed away following a courageous battle with cancer.

    Mia Love, a former U.S. Congresswoman and distinguished public servant, brought invaluable leadership, insight, and dedication to Security National during her tenure on the board. Her expertise in public policy, governance, and strategic development played a crucial role in advancing our mission and strengthening our commitment to excellence.

    Scott Quist, CEO of Security National, stated: “We are heartbroken by the loss of Mia Love. She was not only a dedicated board member but also a leader of great integrity, wisdom, and compassion. Her impact on our company and the broader community will be felt for years to come.”

    Beyond her remarkable contributions to Security National, Mia Love was a trailblazer in politics and advocacy, championing issues that improved the lives of many. She will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to service, her pioneering spirit, and the legacy she leaves behind.

    Our deepest condolences go out to Ms. Love’s family, friends, and all those who were fortunate to know her.

    If there are any questions, please contact
    Mr. Jeffrey Stephens or Mr. Scott Quist at

    Security National Financial Corporation
    P.O. Box 57250
    Salt Lake City, UT 84157
    Phone (801) 264-1060
    Fax (801) 264-8430

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK sanctions for human rights violations and abuses during the Sri Lankan civil war

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK sanctions for human rights violations and abuses during the Sri Lankan civil war

    The UK has today sanctioned figures responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses during the civil war in Sri Lanka.

    • The UK sanctions former Sri Lankan commanders and an ex–Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) commander responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses during the civil war. 

    • Sanctions aim to seek accountability for serious human rights violations and abuses, committed during the civil war, and to prevent a culture of impunity.  

    • UK is committed to working with new Sri Lankan government on human rights, welcoming their commitments to national unity.

    The UK government has imposed sanctions on four individuals responsible for serious human rights abuses and violations during the Sri Lanka civil war; including extrajudicial killings, torture and/or perpetration of sexual violence. 

    The individuals sanctioned by the UK today include former senior Sri Lankan military commanders, and a former LTTE military commander who later led the paramilitary Karuna Group, operating on behalf of the Sri Lankan military against the LTTE. 

    The measures, which include UK travel bans and asset freezes, target individuals responsible for a range of violations and abuses, such as extrajudicial killings, during the civil war.

    Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy, said: 

    The UK government is committed to human rights in Sri Lanka, including seeking accountability for human rights violations and abuses which took place during the civil war, and which continue to have an impact on communities today.

    I made a commitment during the election campaign to ensure those responsible are not allowed impunity. This decision ensures that those responsible for past human rights violations and abuses are held accountable.

    The UK government looks forward to working with the new Sri Lankan government to improve human rights in Sri Lanka, and welcomes their commitments on national unity.

    During her January visit to Sri Lanka, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West MP, held constructive discussions on human rights with the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, civil society organisations, as well as political leaders in the north of Sri Lanka.   

    For communities to move forward together, there must be acknowledgement, and accountability for past wrongdoing, which the sanctions listings introduced today will support. We want all Sri Lanka communities to be able to grow and prosper. 

    The UK remains committed to working constructively with the Sri Lankan Government on human rights improvements as well as their broader reform agenda including economic growth and stability. As part of our Plan for Change, the UK recognises that promoting stability overseas is good for our national security. 

    The UK has long led international efforts to promote accountability in Sri Lanka alongside partners in the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council, which includes Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.  

    Notes to editors:

    Those sanctioned are:  

    • former Head of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, Shavendra Silva;  

    • former Navy Commander, Wasantha Karannagoda;  

    • former Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, Jagath Jayasuriya;  

    • former military commander of the terrorist group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan. Also known as Karuna Amman, he subsequently created and led the paramilitary Karuna Group, which worked on behalf of the Sri Lankan Army. 

    The UK has supported Sri Lanka’s economic reform through the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, supporting debt restructuring as a member of Sri Lanka’s Official Creditor Committee and providing technical assistance to Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department. 

    The UK and Sri Lanka share strong cultural, economic and people to people ties, including through our educational systems. The UK has widened educational access in Sri Lanka through the British Council on English language training and work on transnational education to offer internationally accredited qualifications.

    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 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Defendants Charged with Attempting to Steal Approximately $80 Million in Government Check Fraud Scheme

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    The Defendants Deposited Approximately $50 Million Using Stolen and Fake Identities During Their Years-Long Check Fraud Scheme

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Leslie R. Backschies, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); and Harry T. Chavez, Jr., the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (“IRS-CI”), announced the unsealing of a four-count criminal Indictment charging SHAN ANAND, NOSAKHARE NOBORE, NICHOLAS PAPPAS, LEONARD UJKIC, SOLOMON ALUKO, a/k/a “D1 ReallyRich,” and JORGE GONZALEZ with a scheme to fraudulently obtain checks and launder the proceeds. Many of the checks were funds provided by the government for COVID-19 relief that the defendants stole before depositing into bank accounts opened using sham businesses or stolen or fake identities. In total, the defendants attempted to steal approximately $80 million and succeeded in depositing approximately $50 million.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “We allege that the defendants stole tens of millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief and other checks, and even used a ‘Fraud Bible’ containing instructions for committing fraud. This Office will not tolerate the exploitation of programs designed to support the public in times of crisis, and we and our law enforcement partners will hold those responsible to full account.” 

    FBI Acting Assistant Director Leslie R. Backschies said: “These six defendants allegedly used sham businesses, stolen, and fake identities to operate a multi-year check fraud scheme, resulting in $50 million in illicit funds being deposited into their accounts. The defendants brazenly attempted to exploit multiple United States government programs in their attempts to illegally enrich themselves. The FBI will continue to ensure fraudsters attempting to lie, cheat, and steal from the Government answer for their crimes in the criminal justice system.”

    IRS Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. said: “This group of suspects openly communicated about their fraud, taking pride in the multiple schemes that stole nearly $50 million from the American public. They lied and cheated a benefits system meant to help struggling businesses that need it, all while stealing checks from agencies who assist the elderly and veterans. This gang of ‘bag hunters’ will now face justice for multiple charges.  This time, the U.S. government were the hunters, and the arrests in this massive fraud case are ‘in the bag.’”

    As alleged in the Indictment:[1]

    From 2021 to 2025, the six defendants worked together to steal money from the U.S. government, banks, and individuals. The defendants opened bank accounts using fake or stolen identity information for individuals or businesses, and were assisted in doing so by one of the defendants who was a teller at a major bank. From the inside, he worked to open or alter bank accounts to advance the defendants’ fraud.

    The defendants then deposited fraudulently obtained or counterfeit checks into the  accounts. Many of the checks were issued by the U.S. Treasury (the “Treasury”) based on false and fraudulent filings with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in connection with the Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”) and Qualified Sick Leave Wages (“QSLW”) credit. The ERC is a refundable tax credit for businesses and tax-exempt organizations that had employees during and were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers must have paid qualified wages to claim the credit. The QSLW credit is a related credit that was also established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendants did not operate businesses that would have qualified for these credits. The businesses they used to open bank accounts and apply for the credits were fake or sham businesses.

    Other Treasury checks passed as part of the defendants’ scheme were payments for different tax refunds, including personal and corporate income tax refunds. Still other Treasury checks were associated with programs at other government agencies such as the Department of Veterans of Affairs and the Social Security Administration. Some of the checks involved in the scheme—both Treasury checks and other business or individual checks—were stolen from the mail or elsewhere. Other checks were partially or completely forged.

    Once the checks were deposited, the defendants withdrew the fraudulently obtained funds in cash or transferred them to other banks accounts under their control. Over the course of their scheme, the defendants attempted to obtain approximately $80 million in total. They succeeded in depositing approximately $50 million.

    The defendants communicated openly about their fraud. One defendant sent another a video of a screen recording of a document or documents titled “✅ 2021 Fraud Bible ✅”, shown in the following image:

    This “Fraud Bible” contained instructions on how to engage in various forms of fraud, including credit card fraud, ATM fraud, and mobile cash transfer fraud.

    Since at least 2021, some members of the conspiracy have worn clothing items bearing a logo depicting a sack of money running along with the phrase “Bag Hunter.”

    Certain members of the conspiracy wore this logo while engaging in criminal conduct. For example, the following image shows NOBORE withdrawing fraudulently obtained funds while prominently displaying the Bag Hunters logo:

    *               *                *

    ANAND, 34, of Queens, New York; NOBORE, 29, of Edgewater, New Jersey; PAPPAS, 28, of Miami, Florida; UJKIC, 44, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; ALUKO, 29, of Hackensack, New Jersey; and GONZALEZ, 28, of North Bergen, New Jersey, are each charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; conspiracy to commit money laundering and engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from specific unlawful activity, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to defraud the government, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison. 

    The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding work of the FBI and IRS-CI. Mr. Podolsky also thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the New York City Police Department for their assistance.

    The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime and Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Units. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maggie Lynaugh, Steven J. Kochevar, and Qais Ghafary are in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitutes only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –