NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Security: Campaign Treasurer Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $840,000

    Source: US FBI

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Alexandria woman pled guilty today to embezzling campaign contributions from three federal candidates for political office and committing tax evasion.

    According to court documents, Katherine Margaret Buchanan, 59,  worked as a political campaign compliance consultant for more than 20 years for various political campaigns and political action committees (PACs). Typically, she held the title of “Treasurer” of the campaign or PAC. Beginning in 2020 and continuing to 2024, Buchanan used the access she had as treasurer to embezzle contributed funds from her clients and converted that money to her own personal use. Buchanan used campaign or PAC funds to make payments to her personal credit cards, used official campaign or PAC credit cards to make personal purchases, used campaign or PAC funds to pay third parties for her own personal enrichment, and transferred funds from campaign or PAC bank accounts into her personal bank accounts.

    Buchanan used the embezzled funds for such personal expenses as dining, landscaping, aesthetic services, a Peloton exercise bike, clothing, airline tickets to Italy, concert tickets and suites, landscaping, chartered yacht tours, and legal fees. Altogether, Buchanan misappropriated at least $840,006.98 in contributed funds from the various campaign committees and PACs for whom she served as treasurer.

    Buchanan also under-reported the income she received from 2017 through 2022 to the Internal Revenue Service to avoid paying taxes on it. This resulted in a total loss of unpaid federal taxes of $671,200.

    Buchanan is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 8 and faces up to five years in prison for each charge. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Emily Odom, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division; and Kareem A. Carter, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Washington D.C. Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr. accepted the plea.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Rumbaugh is prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-150.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: President Zelenskyy visits Chatham House to discuss defence and reconstruction of Ukraine

    Source: Chatham House –

    President Zelenskyy visits Chatham House to discuss defence and reconstruction of Ukraine
    News release
    jon.wallace

    The president discussed Ukraine’s military position, his hopes for the NATO summit, and more.

    President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Chatham House on Monday 23 June as part of a trip to the UK that included meetings with King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. President Zelenskyy made the visit to discuss his country’s war effort and how to place additional pressure on Russia to end its war on Ukraine.

    The president’s main purpose in meeting UK government officials was to discuss defence cooperation with the UK. But during his closed-door session at Chatham House, held under the Chatham House Rule, the president took questions from journalists, investors, foreign policy experts and policymakers, on Ukraine’s military and economic outlook, his hopes for the forthcoming NATO summit in the Hague, US relations, and his ambitions for a just peace in Ukraine. 

    In his discussion with Chatham House experts, the president also discussed the think tank’s significant work on planning for Ukrainian rapid recovery and post-war reconstruction.

    Orysia Lutsevych, Head of Chatham House’s Ukraine Forum, said:

    ‘We were honoured to host the president today to better understand the evolution of the war and think together how Europe and Ukraine can join forces in defending against the Russian threat.

    ‘Chatham House’s Ukraine Forum closely follows current efforts to design an effective recovery framework and will take its new research on citizen-driven recovery to Rome’s Ukraine Recovery Conference in July.’

    In his opening remarks, President Zelenskyy said:

    ‘It’s important to be here at Chatham House and first of all in the United Kingdom…British people helped Ukraine at the very beginning of this war and are standing with us today and I am very thankful for this. Today I want to thank Keir Starmer.’
     

     

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Gulf States want no winner in the conflict between Israel and Iran

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mira Al Hussein, Research Fellow at the Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World, University of Edinburgh

    When Israel assassinated a number of senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists on June 13, there was an initial euphoria among some ruling elites in the Gulf. They saw it as a sign of Iran’s diminishing regional threat.

    Relations between Gulf states and Iran have been fraught since 1979 when Iran’s former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, vowed to export the revolution that had brought him to power that same year. This set off decades of ideologically charged proxy conflicts, with Gulf states viewing Iran as the principal destabilising force in the Middle East.

    But the recent euphoria has given way to unease as the push by Israel – and now the US – for regime change in Tehran has become clear. Following US strikes against Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend, US president Donald Trump has floated the idea of overthrowing the government to “make Iran great again”.

    Retaliatory attacks by Iran on American forces at bases in Qatar and Iraq have now brought the conflict closer to home. The strikes have prompted Gulf states to close their airspaces, while Qatar has warned of its right to respond directly “in a manner equivalent with the nature and scale” of Iran’s attack. What effect the attacks will have on the involvement of Gulf countries in the conflict will soon become clear.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    The Gulf states have long worked to keep Iran’s influence in check without attempting to topple its leadership. They have sought rapprochement, with Saudi Arabia and Iran reestablishing diplomatic ties in 2023 and reopening embassies in each other’s countries.

    Gulf leaders view the alternative to warmer relations – be it a chaotic regime change or a globally interconnected or expansionist Iran – as possibly even more destabilising for the Gulf region and its economic ambitions.

    Iran, for all its regional adventurism, is still regarded in the Gulf as an organic part of the Middle East. It is a civilisation with deep, ancient roots and an uninterrupted history of co-existence and cultural co-creation within the Islamic world.

    This stands in contrast to how Israel is perceived. Some Gulf states have established diplomatic relations with Israel since 2020, under the framework of the Abraham Accords. But there remains a wider perception – particularly among citizens of these countries – that Israel is an imposed colonial presence whose threat to regional stability is growing.

    Iran has hardly been a benign actor. Its government has played a destabilising role across the Arab world, from propping up the ruthless regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria to supporting armed groups in Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. And now it has attacked the sovereign territory of two Gulf countries.

    It also continues to occupy three islands that are claimed by the United Arab Emirates: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa. Iran’s interventions have left behind a trail of sectarianism, militarisation and humanitarian crises.

    Yet Gulf leaders separate the actions of the Iranian regime from the people of Iran. Repeated waves of protests within Iran, particularly the women-led uprisings of recent years, have reinforced the sense that ordinary Iranians are themselves victims of a repressive regime.

    There’s empathy within the Gulf for Iranian society, coupled with recognition of the historic and cultural ties that bind the region and its people. Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, described Iran as a “neighbour forever” in 2022, and with this neighbourliness comes a preference for stability over collapse.

    Gulf states would rather not see Iran plunge into chaos. This could unleash humanitarian crises and refugee flows that would be morally troubling and economically disastrous for the region.

    No decisive winner

    While there is no appetite within the Gulf for regime change in Tehran, views expressed in government-controlled media suggest there is interest in seeing a political transformation in Israel. It seems to me that the Gulf states would prefer neither Iran nor Israel to emerge as a decisive winner in this military confrontation. A prolonged war of attrition weakens both, reducing the threats they pose to Arab sovereignty and regional stability.

    Such a conflict could result in political change in Israel that sees the end of oppressive policies against Palestinians and curbs to regional aggression. This would ease the political cost of normalising relations with Israel. Current efforts to integrate Israel into the regional order place Gulf leaders in an awkward position, appearing to side with a state that routinely violates Arab rights.

    A regime change in Iran, particularly one that produces a nationalist, pro-western government, would present new complications for the Gulf. A more internationally connected and economically ambitious Iran could overshadow Gulf economies and revive old territorial disputes.

    A prolonged conflict would, of course, raise the prospect of the Strait of Hormuz emerging as a flashpoint. A closure, which Iran is reportedly discussing as a possibility, would disrupt one-fifth of the world’s oil supply and plunge global markets into turmoil.

    Neither side may actively seek this, but the risk of miscalculation is high. For Gulf economies, whose futures are tied to global energy markets and diversification projects, such an outcome would be catastrophic.

    However, at least for now, Gulf countries seem relatively calm about the prospects of a closure. They issued a series of statements on June 22, expressing concern over the US strikes on Iran and calling for restraint. But the tone of their statements was rather measured.

    The mood in the Middle East appears to be shifting. As one Emirati analyst, Mohammed Baharoon, recently warned: “Israel risks seeing itself as Thor, the mythical deity whose real status as a god is related to his hammer. This is dangerous for Israel’s future in the region and the world.”

    Baharoon added on social media: “Hammer-wielding Israel will have very limited space in a region that seeks economic partnerships over security alliances.” In other words, the region’s priorities are shifting, and Israel’s overreliance on military power is increasingly at odds with the future that the Gulf leaders are trying to shape.

    They wish to make the region an economic magnet for investment, not a cinematic backdrop for perpetual conflict.

    Mira Al Hussein is a non-resident fellow with DAWN MENA and Gulf International Forum.

    – ref. Gulf States want no winner in the conflict between Israel and Iran – https://theconversation.com/gulf-states-want-no-winner-in-the-conflict-between-israel-and-iran-259471

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: OSTP Issues Agency Guidance for Gold Standard Science

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, as called for in President Trump’s recent Executive Order, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios issued guidance to federal agencies on incorporating Gold Standard Science tenets into their research activities.  
    The EO directs federal research agencies to establish and strengthen practices related to reproducibility, transparency, falsifiability, interdisciplinary research, and merit-based peer review, as well as communicating uncertainties, recognizing negative or null results, and disclosing conflicts on interests. Within 60 days, agencies are required to report back publicly on relevant initiatives, including how Gold Standard Science is reflected in the agency’s culture, funding opportunities, award selection and reporting, and other research activities.
    “President Trump’s Gold Standard Science EO will transform the conduct and management of federal science, from research design to public communication, in order to strengthen scientific inquiry, rebuild public trust, and ensure the U.S. continues to be the global leader in rigorous, evidence-based science,” said Director Kratsios. “But federal agencies are only one part of our nation’s research ecosystem. American universities, scientific journals, industry and philanthropic leaders all have a crucial role in improving the overall quality of research, and we encourage this executive action to serve as a model for the entire scientific enterprise.”
    In the memo, Director Kratsios says that “the need for Gold Standard Science stems from the crucial role of scientific integrity in tackling complex challenges to address critical areas, such as energy innovation and national security. In an age of rapid technological progress and heightened public scrutiny, federal science, and its use in federal decision making, must be beyond reproach.”
    President Trump is ushering in the Golden Age of American Innovation and is committed to maintaining our global technological dominance. However, first the relationship between the public and the scientific community must be rebuilt. President Trump’s Restoring Gold Standard Science Executive Order provides a new standard and plan to improve the federal scientific enterprise.
    Read the memo HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: An energy solution made in Saskatchewan

    Source: – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: An energy solution made in Saskatchewan

    Saskatchewan should recommit to its plan to procure 3,000 MW of abundant, affordable wind and solar energy by 2035.

    Regina, June 23, 2025—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is concerned that the Government of Saskatchewan’s plans to extend the lifecycle of their coal-generation plants, as signalled on June 18, will have an impact on future renewable energy plans in the province.

    CanREA encourages the government, in its effort to protect Saskatchewan jobs and utilize Saskatchewan resources, to recommit to its 2022 commitments to procure 3,000 MW of wind and solar by 2035, as part of an energy vision that leverages wind energy, solar energy and energy storage technologies.

    “Saskatchewan has world-class wind and solar resources—among the best in Canada—and it makes sense to tap into these abundant, affordable, renewable sources of energy,” said Kelly Hall, CanREA’s Director for Saskatchewan and Indigenous Engagement.

    The 3,000 MW target will support five key priorities: affordability, Indigenous Reconciliation, economic development, effective project siting and engagement, and long-term energy security. These priorities have been cited to justify extending coal power production, but they’re even stronger reasons to accelerate the shift to renewables.

    Affordability

    Renewables with storage are the most cost-effective and rapidly deployable new energy sources, according to financial services firm Lazard.

    For example, on May 1, 2025, SaskPower announced long-term (25-30 year) PPAs for the 200 MW Rose Valley Wind Project, east of Assiniboia, and the 100 MW Southern Springs Solar Project, south of Coronach. While contract prices remain confidential, SaskPower President Rupen Pandya disclosed average bid prices of $64/MWh for wind and $90/MWh for solar—both well below SaskPower’s current retail rate of $150/MWh.

    These prices align with 2018 results, when Potentia Renewables won a PPA for the Golden South Wind facility at $42/MWh for 29 wind bids. Now operational, that project delivers affordable electricity to the grid, as do all Saskatchewan’s 920 MW of wind and solar projects.

    Renewables help keep costs low for all ratepayers, and Saskatchewan deserves more success stories like these.

    Indigenous Reconciliation

    Wind and solar are well suited to Indigenous equity partnerships, which will advance economic reconciliation in Saskatchewan. Equity partnerships benefit Indigenous communities, ratepayers and the electricity system.

    For example, SaskPower recently selected renewable energy projects jointly owned by Potentia Renewables, Meadow Lake Tribal Council and Mistawasis Nehiyawak. These majority Indigenous-owned ventures continue Saskatchewan’s tradition of Indigenous leadership in renewables.

    With a commitment to Indigenous equity in all future RFPs, the 3,000 MW renewables plan can expand on past success.

    Economic development & job opportunities 

    Renewables bring billions in investment and create jobs. At the May 1 SaskPower announcement, Potentia Renewables said the Rose Valley Wind Project will cost nearly $450 million; the solar project, about $185 million.

    Based on current projects, a typical 200 MW wind project creates 200 to 300 construction jobs, invests more than $400 million locally, and generates more than $1 million annually in property taxes and landowner payments.

    Saskatchewan’s 3,000 MW renewables plan could mean 4,500 to 6,000 jobs, $5 to 6 billion in rural investment, and tens of millions annually for local landowners and municipalities. Investing in renewables is investing in rural Saskatchewan.

    Project siting and community engagement

    Communities across the province expect thoughtful project siting and responsive public engagement. Fortunately, new wind and solar projects require local landowner agreements, are designed to co-exist with agriculture and deliver direct benefits to host municipalities. 

    Responsible development is already a standard practice in the renewables sector and among CanREA members.

    Energy security

    In uncertain times, energy security is a valid concern. Saskatchewan can count on its outstanding wind and solar resources to reduce its reliance on imported fuels and protect itself from cross-border risks.

    New wind and solar projects can give Saskatchewan control over its grid, without worrying that another jurisdiction might turn off the tap.

    It makes sense for the province to invest in its own abundant, affordable resources. Recommitting to the plan of 3,000 MW of renewable energy by 2035 will support energy security, protect local jobs, maintain affordability, and promote Indigenous Reconciliation, all in harmony with landowner and community needs.

    “It’s an energy solution that’s made in Saskatchewan,” said Hall.

    Quote

    “Saskatchewan has world-class wind and solar resources—among the best in Canada—and it makes sense to tap into these abundant, affordable, renewable sources of energy. It’s an energy solution that’s made in Saskatchewan.”
     —Kelly Hall, Director for Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and for Indigenous Engagement, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

    For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact: 

    Communications Canadian Renewable Energy Association communications@renewablesassociation.ca 

    About CanREA

    The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Bluesky and LinkedIn here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca. 
    The post An energy solution made in Saskatchewan appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panels established to review Canadian surtaxes, Chinese duties on farm and fish products

    Source: World Trade Organization

    DS627: Canada — Measures on Certain Products of Chinese Origin

    China submitted its second request for the establishment of a dispute panel with respect to the surtax measures imposed by Canada on certain products of Chinese origin, including electric vehicles and steel and aluminium products. Canada had said it was not ready to accept China’s first request for the panel at a DSB meeting on 23 May.

    China said it considers Canada’s measures inconsistent with provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). It added that it was open to constructive discussions and remains committed to resolving the dispute.

    It is unfortunate that China has included in its panel request claims related to certain solar products, critical minerals, semiconductors, permanent magnets and natural graphite imported from China, Canada said, noting that there are no Canadian surtax measures on these products. China has therefore failed to identify the specific measures at issue as required under the Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU), Canada said.

    Canada said its surtax measures on electric vehicles and steel and aluminium products are justified under the GATT and that it was fully prepared to defend these measures. Canada remains committed to maintaining constructive dialogue with China even as the dispute moves to the panel stage, it added.

    The United States said that China responded to the surtaxes by imposing countermeasures in the form of additional duties on Canadian agricultural and fishery products.

    The DSB agreed to the establishment of the panel. 

    Australia, the European Union, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Norway, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, Ukraine and the United States reserved their third-party rights to participate in the proceedings.

    DS636: China — Additional Import Duties on Certain Agricultural and Fishery Products from Canada

    Canada submitted its second request for the establishment of a dispute panel with respect to the additional import duties imposed by China on certain Canadian agricultural and fisheries products. China had said it was not ready to accept Canada’s first request for the panel at a special DSB meeting on 5 June.

    Canada said the import duties imposed by China represented a unilateral determination and trade countermeasures contrary to WTO rules. Canada moreover said that as the dispute concerns perishable goods, the case should be treated as urgent as provided by the DSU. Canada remains committed to maintaining constructive dialogue with China even as the dispute moves to the panel stage, it added.

    China replied that it regretted Canada’s decision to seek the establishment of a panel and opposed Canada’s claim that DSU provisions on urgency apply to this case. China said it will defend itself in the proceedings and is confident that its measures will be found consistent with WTO rules. It added that it remained open to engagement with Canada.

    The United States reiterated that the measures at issue are countermeasures imposed by China in response to Canadian measures China is challenging in DS627.

    The DSB agreed to the establishment of the panel. 

    Australia, the European Union, India, Japan, Norway, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States and Viet Nam reserved their third-party rights to participate in the proceedings.

    Appellate Body appointments

    Colombia, speaking on behalf of 130 members, introduced for the 88th time the group’s proposal to start the selection processes for filling vacancies on the Appellate Body. The extensive number of members submitting the proposal reflects a common interest in the functioning of the Appellate Body and, more generally, in the functioning of the WTO’s dispute settlement system, Colombia said.

    The United States said it does not support the proposed decision and noted its longstanding concerns with WTO dispute settlement that have persisted across US administrations. The United States emphasized that the dispute settlement process was meant to help members resolve specific disputes without creating new rules that alter rights and obligations under the covered WTO agreements. The US reiterated that fundamental reform of WTO dispute settlement is needed and that it will reflect on the extent to which it is possible to achieve such a reformed WTO dispute settlement system.

    More than 20 members took the floor to comment, one speaking on behalf of a group of members. Several members urged others to consider joining the Multi-party interim appeal arrangement (MPIA), a contingent measure to safeguard the right to appeal in the absence of a functioning Appellate Body. 

    Colombia, on behalf of the 130 members, said it regretted that for the 88th occasion members have not been able to launch the selection processes. Ongoing conversations about reform of the dispute settlement system should not prevent the Appellate Body from continuing to operate fully, and members shall comply with their obligation under the Dispute Settlement Understanding to fill the vacancies as they arise, Colombia said for the group.

    Dispute settlement reform

    The DSB Chair, Ambassador Clare Kelly (New Zealand), said that the General Council (GC) Chair Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) had informed members in a 6 June communication that, regarding dispute settlement reform, his consultations have confirmed readiness to preserve and build on the progress already made, and to advance only when the time is ripe to make meaningful progress on key unresolved issues with the engagement of all delegations.

    The GC Chair also indicated that both the DSB Chair and the GC Chair will be closely monitoring the situation and will revert to members at the appropriate time. The DSB chair added that her door is open to delegations wishing to further discuss the matter.

    Surveillance of implementation

    The United States presented status reports with regard to DS184, “US — Anti-Dumping Measures on Certain Hot-Rolled Steel Products from Japan”,  DS160, “United States — Section 110(5) of US Copyright Act”, DS464, “United States — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Measures on Large Residential Washers from Korea”, and DS471, “United States — Certain Methodologies and their Application to Anti-Dumping Proceedings Involving China.”

    The European Union presented a status report with regard to DS291, “EC — Measures Affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products.”

    Indonesia presented its status reports in DS477 and DS478, “Indonesia — Importation of Horticultural Products, Animals and Animal Products.” 

    Next meeting

    The next regular DSB meeting will take place on 25 July 2025.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Amnesty International UK’s response to Home Secretary’s announcement that Palestine Action will be proscribed a terrorist organisation

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK Chief Executive said: 

    “Amnesty International is seriously concerned by the Home Secretary’s announcement that she intends to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. The UK has an overly broad definition of terrorism and proscribing a direct-action protest group like Palestine Action risks an unlawful interference with the fundamental rights of freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.

    “Terrorism legislation must always be treated with the highest degree of caution and restraint, as it allows the state to curtail due process and interfere with other human rights in ways that would violate international human rights law. Given the enormous consequences of proscription, such an interference with fundamental rights will only be lawful when it is provided by a clear law and is strictly necessary and proportionate in the sense that it is the only step capable of securing a legitimate aim.

    “Clearly that is not the case when it comes to Palestine Action; the ordinary criminal law, accompanied by appropriate human rights protections, is more than capable of responding to direct action protesters of their kind. It should be remembered that proscribing Palestine Action not only makes membership of the organisation a criminal offence, through broadly worded speech offences such as ‘glorification’ it puts at risk the free speech rights of many other activists who are deeply concerned about the plight of Palestinians in the context of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.

    “Government embarrassment at security breaches is no proper basis for excessive and disproportionate interferences with human rights. It is precisely this kind of unlawful government action that critics of the UK’s terrorism laws warned would come one day.”   

    View latest press releases

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: New NATO defence commitments must not come at cost of human rights

    Source: Amnesty International –

    By Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International

    As NATO states meet in the Hague this week, they face tough decisions that will impact the lives of millions, or even billions, around the world. If, as widely expected, they commit to increased defence spending in response to Russia’s ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine, they must ensure this is allied with strong commitments and actual measures to enhance protection of human rights and international humanitarian law.

    Given the gravity of the crises engulfing the world and the need to seize every opportunity to demand that human rights protection be central to all responses, I will be representing Amnesty International at the NATO Public Forum that runs parallel to the summit, in which leaders and officials will engage with security experts, academics, journalists and NGOs.

    Upon launching Amnesty’s annual report a few weeks ago, I declared it the strongest warning the organization has ever issued. There are more conflicts raging today than at any time since World War Two, inequality is rampant – both within and between states – and states are hurtling into an unchecked arms race, in the first place artificial intelligence-powered. Without concerted and comprehensive action from governments, this historic juncture will mutate into historic devastation.

    The summit should result in a set of concrete measures to ensure that international humanitarian law is respected.

    Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International

    When NATO leaders sit down to discuss such challenges, they must carefully consider their responsibility to humanity.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Scott and GOP Colleagues Lead Effort to Strengthen Review of Foreign Land Purchases Near Sensitive U.S. Military Sites

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) in an effort to strengthen national security by ensuring the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) can effectively review foreign land purchases near sensitive military, intelligence and national laboratory sites.

    “We must protect sensitive military and government sites from foreign adversaries pursuing intelligence activities on our own land,” said Senator Crapo.  “Idaho has multiple military installations and the acclaimed Idaho National Laboratory conducting vital research, development and training of critical national security efforts right here in our backyard, and increasing accountability about land sales around these sites is of utmost importance.”

    The Protect Our Bases Act, introduced by Senators Crapo, Scott, Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Jim Banks (R-Indiana), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), would require CFIUS member agencies to annually update records of the military, intelligence and national laboratory facilities that should be designated as sensitive sites for national security purposes.  

    “The Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to infiltrate and surveil all parts of the U.S national security apparatus requires vigilance from our national security agencies.  This legislation will enhance the review of foreign real estate transactions near critical national security installations, helping ensure CFIUS has the information it needs to protect our homeland and keep our nation safe,” said Chairman Scott.

    “We must address the growing threat from the Chinese Communist Party and other hostile regimes trying to get close to our most sensitive military and intelligence sites,” said Senator Tillis.  “The Protect Our Bases Act ensures the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States has the most up-to-date information on key U.S. national security locations so dangerous land purchases can be blocked well before they become security risks.”

    “Ensuring the safety and security of our military and government installations is a national priority,” said Senator Hagerty.  “For too long, foreign adversaries have tried to exploit America’s open real estate market and rule of law in an attempt to gain strategic footholds.  The Protect Our Bases Act gives our nation the tools to identify who is buying land near sensitive sites and stop transactions that could put the security of Americans at risk.”

    “As threats from our foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party, Iran and Russia, continue to escalate, it’s paramount that we secure our intelligence,” said Senator Britt.  “Allowing CFIUS to review foreign land purchases near sensitive military and government sites is just common sense.  Proud to join this legislation that takes a crucial step toward strengthening our national security and safeguarding our strategic advantages.”

    “There’s no reason why America’s adversaries should be able to buy land next to our military bases,” said Senator Ricketts.  “Farmland adjacent to sensitive sites should remain in the hands of American farmers and ranchers, not Communist China.  This commonsense bill will help to protect our troops, prevent espionage and counter our adversaries.”

    BACKGROUND:

    In 2022, Fufeng Group, a Chinese company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, announced it would purchase land near Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota.  CFIUS determined that it could not evaluate the transaction for national security risks because the U.S. Department of Defense had not listed the base as a sensitive site for national security purposes.  Although the City of Grand Forks ultimately blocked the transaction, the incident demonstrated a significant flaw in the review process of foreign land purchases.  CFIUS relies on its member agencies to provide updated information on sensitive military, intelligence and national laboratory sites in order to properly assess the security risk of foreign investment in our country.  If CFIUS member agencies do not appropriately update their site lists, CFIUS cannot ensure an accurate review.

    In addition to requiring agencies represented on CFIUS to provide updated records of the military, intelligence and national laboratory facilities that should be sensitive sites on an annual basis, the Protect Our Bases Act makes these records easier for CFIUS to use for national security reviews and requires CFIUS to submit an annual report to Congress certifying the completion of such reviews and the accuracy of its real estate listings.

    For bill text, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Guatemala: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 23, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mr. Alexander Culiuc visited Guatemala City during June 10-20, 2025 for the 2025 Article IV consultation. At the end of the visit, the mission issued the following statement:

    • Prudent macroeconomic management has supported Guatemala’s resilience, delivering low inflation, robust policy buffers and a sustained current account surplus. With rising external uncertainty and mounting risks, stronger, more inclusive growth and poverty reduction can be achieved by accelerating reform implementation and enhancing policy coordination.
    • Raising private investment from current low levels requires complementary public inputs—infrastructure, educated and healthy labor force, security—which can only be adequately delivered by simultaneously raising public spending and improving its quality.
    • Improving quality and efficiency of spending entails better budget formulation, targeting, execution and control, and swift implementation of the anti-corruption agenda. We welcome the authorities’ efforts in this regard.
    • In the short term, existing fiscal space enables financing higher levels of spending with debt, with greater reliance on domestic borrowing.
    • In the medium term, raising revenues—primarily via comprehensive tax policy reform—would revert deficits to around 2 percent of GDP to preserve debt sustainability while maintaining priority spending at adequate levels.
    • Other structural and governance reforms pursued by the authorities, including in the financial and labor sectors—particularly urgent in the case of the AML/CFT law—will help support private sector growth. Continued commitment to dialogue and consensus-building can sustain progress on key legislative initiatives.

    Recent Economic Developments, Outlook, and Risks

    Guatemala’s economy remains resilient despite rising external risks and domestic challenges. Real GDP grew by 3.7 percent in 2024, supported by strong private consumption. Inflation has eased significantly, with headline inflation falling to 1.7 percent in May 2025, while core inflation remains near 4 percent, and inflation expectations are well anchored. The current account surplus narrowed to 2.9 percent of GDP in 2024 as imports picked up, while remittances stabilized at 19 percent of GDP and international reserves reached US$27.1 billion. Public debt remains low—under 27 percent of GDP—and Guatemala is now only one notch below investment grade. Banguat kept its policy rate unchanged at 4.5 percent since the 25bps cut in November 2024.

    Guatemala endeavors an investment-biased fiscal expansion. The August 2024 supplementary budget prioritized infrastructure and social spending and targeted a deficit of 2.7 percent of GDP; the realized deficit was significantly lower at 1 percent of GDP. The 2025 budget continues this expansionary approach, with a further increase in infrastructure and social allocations. While the original budget targeted a deficit of 3.2 percent of GDP, a supplementary budget, specifying carryovers from 2024 and one-off pension payments, raised the budget deficit to a notably high 3.8 percent of GDP.

    The outlook for 2025 is encouraging; sustaining the growth momentum over the medium term will require steadfast policy implementation. Real GDP growth is projected at 3¾ percent in 2025, with the fiscal impulse expected to help cushion the effects of softening global demand and high uncertainty. Beyond 2025, growth is projected to slightly exceed 3½ percent, although an acceleration in public infrastructure execution and structural reforms could push both actual and potential growth higher in the outer projection years. Headline inflation is expected to gradually converge toward the monetary policy target, while the fiscal deficit is projected to remain elevated by historical standards at just below 3 percent of GDP through the medium term. The current account surplus is expected to narrow and eventually close, while public debt is projected to climb above 30 percent of GDP in the medium term.

    The balance of risks is tilted to the downside. On the domestic front, there is a risk that ongoing political tensions could impede progress on legislative initiatives. Nonetheless, important progress has been made over the past year—including the approval of the 2025 budget and the competition law—demonstrating the capacity for reform even in a complex environment. Externally, intensified and/or protracted global trade disputes would weigh further on investment sentiment, although Guatemala is somewhat better positioned to weather additional trade shocks than some regional peers. Further changes in U.S. migration policy—including the proposed 3.5 percent excise tax on remittances—could disrupt remittance-supported consumption. On the upside, lower net emigration also offers a window to boost domestic employment if accompanied by targeted efforts to expand job opportunities in the formal private sector.

    Fiscal Policy

    The 2025 expansionary fiscal stance is appropriate, as private demand is projected to soften in the remainder of the year. Structural bottlenecks and recently strengthened anti-corruption controls are likely to limit the execution of capital spending, with the deficit projected at around 2½ percent of GDP, well below the revised budget of 3.8 percent. The historically high (1.3 percent of GDP) transfers to Departmental Development Councils (CODEDEs) require close oversight and monitoring amidst concerns of elevated risks of misallocation and inefficient use. The authorities’ ongoing multi-institutional efforts to strengthen the transparency, accountability, monitoring of CODEDEs transfers and capacity of municipalities are welcome and should be sustained.

    A combination of revenue and expenditure reforms is needed in the medium term. Authorities should seek ways of reverting fiscal deficits closer to historical levels (around 2 percent of GDP) without jeopardizing the much-needed surge in public infrastructure and social spending. The tax authority (SAT) has made commendable steps in strengthening compliance through the rollout of mandatory electronic invoicing, enhanced border enforcement to combat smuggling, and more robust audits of high-income individuals and large corporations. Efforts to improve mobilization—in line with the now-public 2024 TADAT report—should continue and be complemented in the medium term by comprehensive tax policy reforms. On the expenditure side, strengthening institutional capacity for systematic expenditure reviews and embedding the National Development Plan into annual and multi-year budgets would align public spending with strategic priorities. A new Public Procurement law—currently under consideration—could alleviate bottlenecks in the execution of capital spending. Improved targeting in social programs would further increase their effectiveness. Strengthening the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework and multiannual budget planning underpinned by realistic, sector-informed projections will bolster confidence—including of market participants—in fiscal sustainability.

    A well-calibrated financing strategy would help the macro-policy mix. While solid creditworthiness enables the government to borrow externally on favorable terms, greater reliance on domestic financing under a sound medium term debt management strategy (MTDS) would (i) reduce real appreciation pressures (which already weigh on Guatemala’s external competitiveness), (ii) help develop the domestic financial market, (iii) reduce currency risks, and (iv) lower costs of monetary policy operation incurred by Banguat to maintain price stability. The mission also encourages the Ministry of Finance to consolidate domestic issuances, introduce shorter-maturity instruments to help develop the yield curve, and regularly publish the MTDS and annual borrowing plans.

    Monetary and Exchange Policies

    The current monetary policy stance is broadly appropriate, but there is scope to further strengthen monetary policy transmission. The ex-ante real policy rate is at 1 percent, within the estimated range for the neutral real rate (1–2 percent). Given prevailing uncertainty regarding the inflationary impact of recent U.S. tariff measures and potential disruptions to global supply chains, there’s scope in maintaining the current policy stance and waiting for greater clarity before making further adjustments. Estimated passthrough of the policy rate to deposit rates has recently increased. More can be done, including by advancing financial market development and competition and reducing reliance on reserve requirements for liquidity management. These efforts should be underpinned by improvements in the legal framework and market infrastructure supporting monetary policy operations.

    Banguat’s response to large remittances inflows is appropriate and requires closer coordination with MinFin to address ensuing sterilization costs. Banguat’s FX participation rule delivers a reasonable balance between enabling higher consumption and maintaining external competitiveness. The resulting external position is stronger than fundamentals and desirable policies, but this positive current account gap should be closed by raising investment. On the flip side, Banguat’s policy necessarily relies on costly liquidity sterilization operations to keep inflation in check. While recent international financial conditions have been supportive of Banguat’s profitability, these costs could be further reduced through higher reliance on domestic debt to finance the budget, and closer coordination with MinFin on liquidity management. In the long term, ensuring Banguat’s financial strength will require consistent enforcement of legal provisions mandating budget to cover central bank losses.

    Financial Sector

    Maintaining financial stability requires continued close monitoring of the system. Guatemala’s banking system remains sound, with solid capital and liquidity buffers and strong profitability. The authorities have made important progress in bolstering the regulatory and supervisory framework through enhanced credit risk regulations, more robust stress testing, broader regulatory coverage, and the inclusion—on a voluntary basis—of savings and credit cooperatives in the Credit Risk Information System. These efforts should be reinforced by expanding risk-based supervision and strengthening oversight of fintech and digital financial services. Adopting revisions to the 2002 Law on Banks and Financial Groups, transitioning to International Financial Reporting Standards, advancing the draft Secondary Market Law, approving the e-money law and continued implementation of other elements of the financial inclusion strategy are needed.

    Governance and Structural Agenda

    Strengthening governance and advancing structural reforms are critical to fostering inclusive growth and restoring public trust. Key legislative priorities include the adoption of a revised AML/CFT Law aligned with international standards, the Beneficial Ownership Law, the Public Procurement Law and the Law for the Protection of Whistleblowers to ensure secure reporting channels and legal safeguards. With GAFILAT mutual evaluation expected in 2027, further delays with the AML/CFT law could complicate Guatemala’s path to investment grade. Institutional progress—such as the creation of the National Commission Against Corruption and the rollout of probity offices across executive institutions—should be consolidated through a medium-term anti-corruption strategy. Accelerating infrastructure investment through amendments to the law on Partnerships for Development of Economic Infrastructure, and a new law on ports is essential to close persistent gaps and crowd in private investment. Continued efforts to formalize the economy and improve the business environment will help prepare the economy for the impact of lower net emigration on the labor market.

    The mission wishes to thank the Guatemalan authorities for their cooperation and openness in the exchanges throughout our visit and wishes them every success in their efforts to move the country towards a new equilibrium characterized by high, inclusive and sustainable growth.

    Guatemala: Selected Economic Indicators

     

     

    Projections

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

       (Annual percent change, unless otherwise indicated)

    Income and prices

    Real GDP

    3.5

    3.7

    3.8

    3.6

    3.6

    3.7

    3.8

    Inflation (average)

    6.2

    2.9

    2.4

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

    (In percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

    External Sector

    		  

    Current Account Balance

    3.1

    2.9

    2.5

    1.7

    1.3

    0.7

    0.2

    Trade Balance (goods and services)

    -15.1

    -15.5

    -15.9

    -15.8

    -15.4

    -15.0

    -14.7

    Remittances

    19.0

    19.0

    18.8

    18.0

    17.1

    16.3

    15.5

    Financial Account (“+” = net lending)

    2.7

    2.5

    2.5

    1.7

    1.3

    0.7

    0.2

    Central Government Finances

    Total Revenues

    12.5

    12.4

    12.4

    12.4

    12.4

    12.4

    12.4

    Tax Revenues

    11.7

    11.8

    11.7

    11.7

    11.7

    11.7

    11.7

    Total Expenditure

    13.7

    13.4

    15.0

    15.1

    15.3

    15.2

    15.2

    Current

    11.2

    11.0

    11.8

    11.7

    11.9

    11.9

    12.0

    Capital

    2.5

    2.4

    3.2

    3.4

    3.4

    3.3

    3.2

    Primary Balance

    0.4

    0.7

    -1.0

    -1.1

    -1.2

    -1.0

    -1.0

    Overall Balance

    -1.3

    -1.0

    -2.6

    -2.8

    -2.9

    -2.8

    -2.8

    Central Government Debt

    Gross Central Government Debt

    27.2

    26.3

    27.1

    28.0

    28.9

    29.6

    30.2

    Source: Bank of Guatemala; Ministry of Finance; and Fund staff estimates and projections. 
    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Meera Louis

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/23/guatemala-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2025-article-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes Bangladesh Combined Third and Fourth Reviews under the Extended Credit Facility, Extended Fund Facility, and Resilience and Sustainability Facility

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 23, 2025

    • The IMF Executive Board concluded the combined third and fourth reviews of Bangladesh’s arrangements under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and approved an extension, augmentation and rephasing of access. This decision provides Bangladesh with immediate access to about US$884 million.
    • The IMF Executive Board also concluded the combined Third and Fourth Reviews of Bangladesh’s arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), making available about US$453 million to support the Bangladesh economy’s resilience to climate change.
    • Bangladesh’s program performance has been broadly satisfactory despite the difficult political and economic context and increased downside risks. Advancing the reform agenda is critical to restoring economic stability, protecting the vulnerable, and supporting inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund completed the combined Third and Fourth Reviews of Bangladesh’s arrangements under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The Executive Board also approved an augmentation of SDR 567.19 million (53.2 percent of quota) for the ECF/EFF arrangements and a six-month extension. Completion of these reviews allows the authorities to immediately withdraw SDR 650.5 million (about US$884 million) under the ECF/EFF, and SDR 333.3 million (about US$453 million) under the RSF.[1]

    Further, the IMF Executive Board approved a modification of performance criteria and granted a waiver for the non-observance of the performance criterion related to the non-imposition and non-intensification of exchange restrictions, based on the temporary nature of the non-observance and the implementation of corrective measures.

    Bangladesh’s arrangements under the ECF/EFF/RSF  were approved on January 30, 2023, in an amount equivalent to SDR 2.5 billion (154.3 percent of quota or about US$3.3 billion) under the ECF/EFF and SDR 1 billion (93.8 percent of quota or about US$1.4 billion) under the RSF (PR no. 23/25)

    The augmentation approved by the Executive Board today brings the total financial assistance under the ECF and EFF arrangements to SDR 3,035.65 million (about US$ 4.1billion), alongside concurrent RSF arrangements of SDR 1 billion (about US$1.4 billion). The enlarged enhanced ECF/EFF is aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, promoting inclusive growth, and protecting the vulnerable. The RSF arrangement has secured fiscal space needed to build resilience against climate risks.

    Bangladesh’s macroeconomic challenges have increased since the popular uprising in the summer of 2024, which led to the ouster of the previous government. The timely formation of an interim government has helped stabilize political and security conditions, fostering a gradual return to economic stability. However, the economic outlook has worsened due to persistent political uncertainty, continuation of tighter policy mix, rising trade barriers, and increasing stress in the banking sector.

    Program performance for the third and fourth reviews remains broadly satisfactory despite the difficult political and economic context. The authorities are fully committed to implementing necessary policies under the program and have recently pressed forward with critical reforms to increase exchange rate flexibility and boost tax revenues.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.[2]

    Executive Board Assessment[3]

    Following the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

    “Bangladesh’s economy continues to navigate multiple macroeconomic challenges. Despite a difficult environment, program performance has remained broadly on track, and the authorities are committed to implementing necessary policy actions and reforms. The IMF-supported programs are helping safeguard macroeconomic stability and protect the most vulnerable, while accelerating reforms to support resilient and inclusive growth.

    “Near-term policies should prioritize rebuilding external resilience and reducing inflation. The authorities’ recent steps to implement a new exchange rate regime and include revenue-enhancing measures in the FY2026 budget are welcome. A balanced policy mix—anchored in maintaining a tight monetary policy stance, greater exchange rate flexibility, and revenue-based fiscal consolidation—will support efforts to restore both external and internal balances.

    “Efforts to raise tax revenues and rationalize expenditures—including through subsidy reduction—are critical for creating the fiscal space needed to strengthen social, development, and climate initiatives. Sustained progress in reducing government subsidies to a fiscally sustainable level, along with enhanced public financial management, is essential to improving spending efficiency and mitigating fiscal risks.

    “Financial sector policy should prioritize safeguarding stability and addressing rising vulnerabilities. Developing a comprehensive, sequenced strategy to guide reforms is an immediate priority, followed by the swift implementation of the new legal frameworks to enable orderly bank restructuring while protecting small depositors.

    “Sustained structural reforms are essential for Bangladesh to achieve its goal of attaining upper middle-income status. Key priorities include diversifying exports, attracting greater foreign direct investment, strengthening governance, and enhancing data quality.

    “Building resilience to natural disasters is essential for achieving high and inclusive growth. The RSF’s focus on strengthening institutions and policy coordination as well as on enhancing the efficiency of climate-related spending remains critical, including in helping mobilize climate finance.”

    Bangladesh: Selected Economic Indicators, FY2022-27 1/

     

    FY22

    FY23

    FY24

    FY25

    FY26

    FY27
                 
           

    Projections
                 
                 

    Real GDP

    7.1

    5.8

    4.2

    3.8

    5.4

    6.2

        Consumption

    		            

         Private

    7.5

    2.0

    6.0

    6.0

    5.4

    5.4

         Public

    6.2

    8.5

    9.8

    4.1

    -4.3

    16.1

    Gross Capital Formation

    11.7

    2.2

    3.3

    -0.1

    5.8

    6.8

         Private

    11.8

    2.9

    4.3

    0.3

    3.3

    5.2

         Public

    11.1

    0.0

    -0.2

    -1.3

    14.9

    11.9

    Trade

    		            

         Exports of goods and services

    29.4

    8.0

    -17.1

    5.2

    19.8

    12.7

         Imports of goods and services

    31.2

    -9.8

    -4.6

    5.8

    11.6

    11.9
                 

     

    Prices

    		            

       GDP deflator

    5.0

    6.9

    6.9

    10.3

    6.2

    6.5

       CPI inflation (annual average)

    6.1

    9.0

    9.7

    9.9

    6.2

    6.3

       CPI inflation (end of period)

    7.6

    9.7

    9.7

    8.3

    6.5

    5.9
                 
                 
                 

     

    Central government operations (in percent of GDP)

    Total revenue and grants

    8.9

    8.2

    8.3

    8.7

    9.5

    10.0

    Of which: Tax revenue

    8.0

    7.3

    7.4

    7.7

    8.6

    9.2

    Total expenditure

    13.0

    12.7

    12.1

    12.8

    13.5

    14.5

    Of which: Annual Development Program (ADP)

    4.7

    4.3

    3.8
                 

    Overall balance (including grants)

    -4.1

    -4.5

    -3.8

    -4.2

    -4.1

    -4.5

    (excluding grants)

    -4.2

    -4.6

    -3.9

    -4.3

    -4.1

    -4.6

    Primary balance (including grants)

    -2.1

    -2.5

    -1.5

    -2.0

    -2.0

    -2.2
                 

        Public sector total debt 2/

    37.9

    39.7

    41.0

    40.7

    41.8

    42.1

    Of which: External debt

    15.4

    17.5

    18.6

    18.6

    19.2

    18.6
                 
                 

     

    Balance of Payments (in percent of GDP)

    		            

         Current account balance

    -4.0

    -2.6

    -1.4

    -1.0

    -0.7

    -0.9

              Trade balance

    -8.0

    -4.7

    -5.9

    -5.9

    -5.1

    -5.3

        Capital account balance

    0.1

    0.1

    0.1

    0.1

    0.1

    0.1

        Financial account balance

    3.6

    1.5

    1.0

    1.1

    1.4

    1.7

                   Foreign direct investment, net

    0.4

    0.4

    0.4

    0.2

    0.5

    0.6

    Gross international reserves (billions of U.S. dollars)

    33.4

    24.8

    21.7

    23.6

    29.0

            in months of next year’s imports

    5.0

    4.1

    3.3

    3.2

    3.5

    3.7
                 

     

    Monetary and Credit (in percent of GDP)

    		            

    Reserve money

    8.7

    8.5

    8.2

    8.2

    8.9

    9.1

    Broad money (M2)

    52.9

    50.7

    48.4

    45.0

    45.5

    46.4

    Credit to private sector

    36.6

    35.3

    34.5

    32.0

    31.7

    32.2

    Credit to private sector (percent change)

    13.7

    9.1

    8.8

    6.2

    10.7

    14.8
                 

     

    Savings and Investment (in percent of GDP)

    		            

        Gross national savings

    29.3

    29.9

    28.3

    28.7

    28.8

    28.8

        Public

    1.2

    0.3

    0.5

    0.3

    1.4

    1.5

        Private

    28.2

    29.7

    27.9

    28.4

    27.4

    27.2
                 

         Gross investment

    32.0

    31.0

    30.7

    29.6

    29.5

    29.7

         Public

    7.5

    6.8

    6.7

    6.4

    7.0

    7.3

         Private

    24.5

    24.2

    24.0

    23.2

    22.5

    22.4
                 

     

    Memorandum item:

    		            

    Nominal GDP (in billions of taka)

    39,717

    44,908

    50,027

    57,246

    64,116

    72,509
                 

    Sources: Bangladesh authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

    1/ Fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.

    2/ Includes central government’s gross debt, including debt owed to the IMF, plus domestic bank borrowing by nonfinancial public sector and public enterprises’ external borrowing supported by government guarantees, including short-term oil-related suppliers’ credits.

    [1] SDR figures for the disbursed are converted at the market rate of U.S. dollar per SDR on the day of the Board approval.

    [2] Under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, publication of documents that pertain to member countries is voluntary and requires the member consent. The staff report will be shortly published on the www.imf.org/bangladesh page.

    [3] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chair of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/23/pr-25213-bangladesh-imf-concludes-combined-3rd-and-4th-reviews-under-the-ecf-eff-and-rsf

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Applauds House Vote to Defund Biden’s Cash Payments to Taliban

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast issued the following statement after the House voted in favor of a bill sponsored by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) to ensure no more U.S. tax dollars fall into the hands of the Taliban after the Biden administration paid the terrorist regime millions of dollars following the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.

    “This bill makes sure not a single penny of American taxpayer money ends up in the hands of the Taliban—not directly, not through back doors, and not via weak-willed foreign governments or shady NGOs,” Chairman Mast said. “If you’re funding the Taliban, you’re no friend of the United States.”

    This issue has been a key focus for House Republicans since last Congress when lawmakers were made aware that weekly cash shipments of nearly $40 million were being sent to Afghanistan’s Taliban-controlled Central Bank.

    Additionally, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction reported in May 2024 that more than $10 million had been paid to the Taliban in the form of taxes since they took over Afghanistan in August 2021. Secretary of State Antony Blinken later admitted that around $10 million had been paid to the Taliban in the form of taxes after testifying before the committee in December 2024. 

    Republicans, led by Rep. Burchett, introduced H.R. 6586 last Congress to oppose financial and material support from falling into the hands of the Taliban. The measure passed unanimously both in committee and on the House floor, but Senate Democrats refused to bring the bill up for final passage.

    This Congress, Republicans introduced H.R. 260 –  No Tax Dollars for Terrorist Act which builds upon H.R. 6586 to ensure no U.S. taxpayer dollars end up in the hands of the Taliban.

    The bill advanced to the House floor during the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s first full committee markup of the 119th Congress.

    “I would like to thank Chairman Mast and the entire House Foreign Affairs Committee for their tireless work on this legislation,” Rep. Burchett said. “We are one step closer to ensuring that US dollars stop flowing to terrorist organizations.”

    The measure now proceeds to the Senate for final passage.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Guangdong and Hong Kong jointly promote Modular Integrated Construction development (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Guangdong and Hong Kong jointly promote Modular Integrated Construction development  
         The Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi), the Construction Industry Council (CIC), the MiC Laboratory of The University of Hong Kong, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Modular Integrated Construction Industry Alliance (Alliance) are co-organisers of the MiC Week.
     
         Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been actively promoting the adoption of MiC to enhance the productivity and cost-effectiveness of the construction industry. As of now, over 100 government and private projects have adopted this advanced construction method. She said that the HKSAR Government is implementing a series of measures to strengthen the supply chain of MiC, including the release of the Guangdong-Hong Kong Modular Integrated Construction Cross-boundary Trading Guidebook, the accreditation of MiC manufacturers, the announcement of the MiC Annual Demand Forecast and the enhancement of relevant training on MiC, as well as the research and development of new technologies. Among which, the DEVB plans to announce a new requirement for public works projects later this year to require MiC manufacturers to be accredited before bidding for tenders of relevant projects, with a view to streamlining the vetting and approval process and ensuring quality. She said that the Guangdong Province is the main manufacturing base for MiC modules in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), while Hong Kong possesses advantages in research and development as well as overseas promotion. The DEVB will continue to work closely with the Guangdong Provincial Government to build the GBA into a MiC technology and construction hub, and promote MiC to become a new quality productive force and a strategic industry that expands to the international arena.
     
         The Director-General of the DHURDGP, Mr Zhang Yong, said in his speech that high-quality and reliable MiC products from Guangdong have been gradually applied in various projects in Hong Kong including office buildings, school dormitories, public housing and private buildings, making positive contributions to the urban development and the security of people’s livelihoods in Hong Kong. From January to May this year, Guangdong exported MiC modules with a total value of about $1.39 billion to Hong Kong, a year-on-year increase of 2.3 times, demonstrating strong technical and supply capabilities. Building on the development of a supply chain that fully supports Hong Kong, Guangdong has also progressively developed application scenarios such as schools, hospitals and talent accommodation, and explored MiC technology innovations for projects including super-high-rise buildings and in-situ redevelopment, advancing pilot modular projects for urban development.
     
         The unveiling ceremony of the Alliance was also held during the launching ceremony. With membership comprising industry associations, higher education institutions, research institutes, enterprises, experts and scholars from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, the Alliance aims to promote the development of MiC in the GBA, aligning with the national strategies of high-quality development and green building.
     
         In addition, the Guangdong-Hong Kong Modular Integrated Construction Cross-boundary Trading Guidebook compiled by the DEVB was also released at the launching ceremony. The guidebook provides manufacturers with guidelines on application for bonded processing trade arrangements for MiC materials and cross-boundary tax declarations for exporting MiC modules to Hong Kong, enabling all parties in the MiC supply chain in the GBA to conduct MiC cross-boundary trade more conveniently and efficiently.
     
         The Chairperson of the BTRi, Mr Hon Chi-keung, also presented accreditation certificates to the first batch of eight manufacturers accredited under the MiC Manufacturer Accreditation Scheme 
         The Chairman of the CIC, Professor Thomas Ho, also announced the first     MiC Annual Demand Forecast 
         The launching ceremony attracted over 1 000 participants who took part both online and offline. Other activities of the MiC Week include International Conference on Modular Integrated Construction, an enterprise forum, a design workshop, a site visit to a MiC project, a guided tour for public and more. Details are available on its     websiteIssued at HKT 22:48

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU–Canada summit 2025: outcome documents

    Source: Council of the European Union

    At the 20th EU–Canada Summit held in Brussels on 23 June 2025, leaders of the EU and Canada reaffirmed their strong political, economic and strategic partnership through the adoption of a joint statement and the signature of a Security and Defence Partnership.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU–Canada summit 2025: outcome documents

    Source: Council of the European Union

    At the 20th EU–Canada Summit held in Brussels on 23 June 2025, leaders of the EU and Canada reaffirmed their strong political, economic and strategic partnership through the adoption of a joint statement and the signature of a Security and Defence Partnership.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) launch second phase of the Africa Phytosanitary Programme

    The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), in collaboration with the Government of South Africa, represented by the Department of Agriculture, launched the second phase of the Africa Phytosanitary Programme (APP) today – representing a major effort to stop the spread of plant pests and diseases in Africa using cutting-edge digital tools.

    The launch event was hosted by the Government of South Africa and brought together over 50 phytosanitary specialists from nine countries: Algeria, Cape Verde, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Liberia, Malawi, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia. They will participate in a weeklong Train-the-Trainer (ToT) workshop in advanced pest surveillance techniques, including the use of customised digital tools and applications for monitoring, detecting and reporting major pests of economic, regulatory and environmental importance in Africa. Participants will receive state-of-the-art tablets for geospatial pest surveillance, use field survey protocols developed by technical experts, and undertake practical sessions using the pest survey tools.

    “Africa stands at a turning point. With immense biodiversity, rising agricultural productivity, and growing opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we are well-positioned to become a global leader in the trade of high-quality plant products. But this vision can only be achieved if we ensure that the movement of plants and plant products is safe, traceable, and fully compliant with international phytosanitary standards” said John Henry Steenhuisen, Honourable Minister of Agriculture, in South Africa, in remarks read on his behalf by Jan Hendrik Venter, South Africa’s Director of Plant Health.

    “Well-trained, well-equipped plant health officials across the continent are our best line of defence in maintaining pest-free or low-prevalence status, an essential condition for accessing these lucrative markets”, he added.

    The first and pilot phase of APP started in 2023, engaging phytosanitary specialists from Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Mali, Morocco, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Phase 2 builds on achievements made in the pilot phase and aims to train plant health officers, who upon their return to their countries will teach their peers in the national plant protection organisations (NPPOs) and other government stakeholders on the use of the APP suite of digital tools.

    “We are building a critical mass of phytosanitary inspectors, technicians and officers across Africa by equipping plant health officers with the tools and skills to prevent and address major plant pest threats, that ultimately jeopardize food security, agricultural trade, economic growth and the environment”, said Beth Bechdol, FAO Deputy Director-General and Officer-in-Charge of the IPPC, in her video message.

    Funded through generous contributions from the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, APP phase two builds on support from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) which funded phase one in 2023. FAO and the IPPC are working to replicate and scale up the benefits from APP to more African countries and other regions. 

    Mitigating the pest problem in Africa

    Worldwide, plant pests destroy about 40 percent of crop yields, resulting in approximately USD 220 billion in economic losses[1]. In Africa, the impacts of climate change are worsening  the problem, with invasive pests – such as, fruit flies, false codling moth, maize lethal necrosis disease, citrus greening and fall armyworm – causing major damages. Fall armyworm alone is estimated to cause the highest yield loss in Africa – USD 9.4 billion annually –, based on data from the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI). 

    The African Union’s Plant Health Strategy for Africa highlights that limited technical capability remains a key barrier to achieving sustainable agriculture on the continent. Through APP, FAO, the IPPC and partners aim to strengthen plant health systems and build national phytosanitary capacity across Africa.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 67th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit: H.E. Julius Maada bio, President of Sierra Leone, is the new chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government for a one-year term


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    The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held its Sixty-Seventh Ordinary Session, today, 22 June 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria.

    During the Session, the Heads of State considered the report of the 94th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers, and reports on the State of the Community, the Security and Political Situations in the Region, among others.

    H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, warmly welcomed ECOWAS leaders while paying tribute to Nigeria’s leadership and hospitality under H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Chairmanship of the Authority.

    Dr. Touray highlighted ECOWAS’s achievements over the past 50 years, reaffirming its standing as Africa’s most advanced Regional Economic Community despite ongoing challenges. He stressed that dialogue with the three member states that have withdrawn is progressing positively, and he called for stronger support for the region’s private sector to drive sustainable growth, job creation, and deeper integration. He paid tribute to ECOWAS’s Founding Fathers for laying the foundation for unity and regional cooperation.

    In his opening statement, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chair of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, reflected on ECOWAS’s remarkable achievements for the past 50 years while urging leaders to confront persistent security threats. He emphasized that no single country could tackle terrorism, violent extremism, and cross-border crimes alone, and called for stronger coordination, political will, and decisive collective action to safeguard peace and stability across West Africa.

    “While celebrating our achievements over the past 50 years, we must also confront the challenges that continue to impede our aspirations; like the security threats, violent extremism and other cross-border crimes that continue to widen and deepen in their intensity. No single Nation 

    can address these challenges alone. We must rethink coordination, amplify political will, and prioritise a collective approach to security. We must act decisively on the fight against terrorism to serve as instrument for peace and stability for our region”, he stressed.

    H.E. Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), in his statement, conveyed the UN Secretary-General’s warm greetings and reiterated the United Nations’ commitment to supporting peace, security, and regional integration in West Africa. He highlighted the UN’s active diplomatic engagement across the region and underscored the urgent need for collective action against terrorism, which remains the most significant threat to stability.

    In his message, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, delivered by H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission, conveyed heartfelt congratulations to ECOWAS leaders and citizens on the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS. He celebrated ECOWAS’s legacy as a symbol of unity, resilience, and regional integration since its founding in 1975.

    Looking ahead, the AU Chairperson urged a united and coordinated response to pressing challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, and unconstitutional changes of government, while deepening efforts to tackle poverty and inequality. He reaffirmed the AU’s unwavering support for ECOWAS and called for a people-centred Community where youth and women lead regional transformation through innovation, technology, and quality education.

    The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government at the end of the Summit elected H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone as the Chairman of the Authority to replace H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose tenure came to an end. A communique will be issued at the end of the Summit.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Current Membership of the European Council June 2025 – 23-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Council consists of the 27 Heads of State or Government of the EU Member States, who are voting members, together with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, who have no vote (Article 15(2) Treaty on European Union). The chart shows the current members, the national office they hold, their most recent European political affiliation, and the year their membership began.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EMA’s role in COVID-19 vaccine approval procedures, inspections and good clinical practice checks – P-001695/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The highest standards in the evaluation of COVID-19 vaccines were applied by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). As for every other product it evaluates, EMA’s human medicines committee[1] (CHMP) considered the need for good clinical practice (GCP) inspections.

    Studies supporting the authorisation of a medicine must comply with GCP. Regulators can request and conduct inspections to verify compliance with the standards.

    Criteria used to select a GCP inspection is published[2]. When a GCP inspection is requested by the CHMP, EMA makes a call for available EU national GCP inspection resources.

    The Member States have the final say on whether to send inspectors for an EMA-coordinated inspection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the restrictions to travel with a view to protect public health, regulators assessed the need for inspections and decided on a case-by-case basis the most appropriate and viable approach to take.

    The European Public Assessment Reports for Vaxzevria[3] and Comirnaty[4] are publicly available.

    The first cases of myocarditis that occurred in Israel in 2021 following vaccination with Comirnaty triggered a formal review by EMA[5].

    The outcome was that the risk for myocarditis and pericarditis was overall ‘very rare’ (up to one in 10 000 vaccinated people may be affected) with the highest risk in younger males[6].

    The product information of Comirnaty and Spikevax was revised adding myocarditis and pericarditis as new side effects with a warning to raise awareness.

    • [1] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/committees/committee-medicinal-products-human-use-chmp.
    • [2] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/points-consider-assessors-inspectors-european-medicines-agency-inspection-coordinators-identification-triggers-selection-applications-routine-cause-inspections-their-investigation-scope-such_en.pdf.
    • [3] Vaxzevria (previously COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca), INN-COVID-19-Vaccine-(ChAdOx1-S-[recombinant]) https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/assessment-report/vaxzevria-previously-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca-epar-public-assessment-report_en.pdf.
    • [4] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/assessment-report/comirnaty-epar-public-assessment-report_en.pdf.
    • [5] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/report/report-pharmacovigilance-tasks-eu-member-states-and-european-medicines-agency-ema-2019-2022_en.pdf.
    • [6] Meeting highlights from the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) 29 November — 2 December 2021 https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/meeting-highlights-pharmacovigilance-risk-assessment-committee-prac-29-november-2-december-2021.
    Last updated: 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Employment of people on the autism spectrum in the EU – E-000626/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Staff Regulations[1] prohibit discrimination based on any ground and promote equal opportunities. In the new mandate, the Commission will continue to improve recruitment and talent management to attract and retain a skilled, diverse, versatile, and motivated workforce[2].

    As part of its Human Resources Strategy[3], the Commission is working on attracting and catering for the needs of diverse staff, including people with disabilities, and aims for a discrimination free and accessible workplace. The Diversity and inclusion in the workplace action plan 2023-2024[4] includes more targeted actions in this area.

    The European Personnel Selection Office and the Commission provide support to candidates with medical conditions and offer reasonable accommodation[5].

    Fostering access to quality and sustainable jobs is one of the priorities of the strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities[6]. The Commission cooperates with stakeholders focusing on specific disabilities, and financially supports organisations such as Autism Europe.

    The Commission also takes into account the European Parliament Resolution of 4 October 2023 on harmonising the rights of autistic persons[7] in its action.

    • [1]  OJ L 56, 4.3.1968, p. 1.
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/58e66b7e-850f-439f-b448-652cc4f6743e_en?filename=mission-letter-serafin.pdf.
    • [3]  C(2022) 2229 final, 5.4.2022.
    • [4] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/196676b9-9b29-4034-84ca-d75d3cd5912c_en?filename=fact-sheet-diversity-inclusion-in-workplace-action-plan-2023-2024_en_0.pdf.
    • [5]  C(2004)1318, 07.04.2004; https://eu-careers.europa.eu/en/selection-procedure/equal-opportunities-diversity-inclusion.
    • [6] COM/2021/101 final, 3.3.2021.
    • [7] P9_TA(2023)0343.
    Last updated: 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EUR 2.5 billion in financial aid earmarked by the EU for Syria – E-001300/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU continues to call for an end of violence across Syria and urges all parties to protect all Syrians from all backgrounds without discrimination.

    The EU, gravely alarmed by the violence in Syria’s coastal region, issued a statement strongly condemning the horrific crimes committed against civilians[1].

    It also called for a swift, transparent and impartial investigation to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice and to prevent any such crimes from happening again and welcomed the commitments made by the transitional authorities, particularly the establishment of an investigative committee.

    The EU remains attentive to the actions of the new authorities in ensuring the protection of all Syrians without any kind of discrimination and consistently supports an inclusive, peaceful, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political transition grounded in the respect for international law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, pluralism and tolerance among all components of society. It continues to be a staunch supporter of accountability mechanisms working on Syria.

    The EU’s current approach, in terms of non-humanitarian assistance, is gradual and conditional to the steps taken by the transition government.

    Such EU assistance provided follows strict implementation parameters and is subjected to extensive monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, including third party monitoring and risk assessments.

    The EU delivers humanitarian assistance through pre-certified partners in all parts of Syria without discrimination, based on people’s needs, humanitarian principles, accountability to affected populations, transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness.

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/11/syria-statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-recent-wave-of-violence/pdf/.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada announces new, strengthened partnership with the European Union

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced an historic step forward for Canada’s relationship with the European Union (EU). Together with President Costa and President von der Leyen, the Prime Minister announced they will forge a new, ambitious, and comprehensive partnership. The New EU-Canada Strategic Partnership of the Future is rooted in shared values and the rules-based international system, and strategically aimed to pursue common interests.

    Canada and the EU will soon launch comprehensive negotiations across multiple areas to strengthen co-operation and connection – including trade and economic security, the digital transition, and the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. This will create more economic opportunities and long-term prosperity for workers, businesses, and citizens in both Canada and the EU.

    As part of this new, strengthened relationship, Canada and the EU today signed the Security and Defence Partnership, which provides a framework for dialogue and co-operation in security and defence priorities. For Canada and the EU Member States who are NATO Allies, this will also help deliver on capability targets more quickly and economically. This new partnership is the intentional first step toward Canada’s participation in Security Action for Europe (SAFE), an instrument of the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030. Canada’s participation in this initiative will create significant defence procurement and industrial opportunities for Canada.

    In an increasingly dangerous and divided world, Canada’s new government is focused on strengthening and diversifying our international partnerships. We will work with the EU and other allies to build a new international, rules-based system for a more secure and prosperous world.

    Quote

    “Canada’s new government has a mandate to diversify and strengthen international partnerships. To that end, we took an historic step forward today to deepen Canada’s relationship with the European Union. Through increased co-operation in defence, trade, and commerce, we’ll create greater prosperity, security, and stability on both sides of the Atlantic.”

    Quick Facts

    • While in Belgium, Prime Minister Carney also met with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart De Wever, to strengthen bilateral ties and advance common priorities. The two leaders visited the Antwerp Schoonselhof Military Cemetery to pay tribute to Canadian Armed Forces members who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars.
    • Unveiled earlier this year, the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 is the European Commission’s plan to boost defence funding in Europe, including through Security Action for Europe (SAFE) loans. This initiative provides up to €150 billion in loans to EU Member States, members of the EU single market, and Ukraine to support defence investments, with a focus on joint procurement projects.

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    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Update on Public Safety Efforts Amidst Ongoing Conflict

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul updated New Yorkers on ongoing public safety efforts amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

    VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Before I take questions about our energy announcement today, I want to address the conflict in the Middle East, and I know it’s a great time of uncertainty and fear in so many communities across the State of New York. And just to reaffirm, as we monitor this by the second, there are no credible threats against New York at this time.

    Just a short time ago, I convened over 100 religious and community leaders on a call to be able to let them know all the steps we’ve taken since I first became aware of the situation and immediately convened my top security team: counterintelligence, State Police, all of our partners and Homeland Security to talk about what we can do.

    Now, we also put all of our State agencies on high alert: talking about the Thruway Authority, the DOT, the subway system downstate New York — the MTA, all of our trains, our airports, water systems, utilities, NYPA. So all these are actually vulnerabilities, but it’s not something that hasn’t been contemplated. We tabletop exercises. We drill. We have highly professional individuals who are stepping up to do what they’ve been trained to do, and that is to protect our homeland and to protect the people of the State of New York.

    Also, I want to make sure we know we’re protecting all the bridges and tunnels, passenger lines and preparing for attacks on cyber infrastructure. These enormous facilities are run on technology. Cyber attacks can be crippling. We’ve had counties, hospitals under the State of New York that were attacked with ransomware threats. There’s no easy way out of those. So that’s why as the Governor, I’ve invested millions of dollars to give money to different counties so they can harden their assets and make sure that they can protect critical data that’s used to deliver services to New Yorkers.

    And also, there’s a lot of people feeling scared. They have family members in the Middle East. Religious groups, whether it’s the Jewish or Muslim communities, we have the largest groups in the State of New York of anywhere in the country, and we’re going to continue letting them know we’ll defend and fight against hate crimes. Our State Police Hate Crimes Task Force is on high alert, ready to assist anyone who needs help. So we’ll be increasing our patrols and already have at houses of worship as well.

    Lastly, I want to say this is an opportunity for New Yorkers to come together, put aside political differences and all the hatred that’s spewing online. Knowing that we have vulnerable assets. We are a vulnerable place. We are a place that has been attacked before. We are the financial capital of the world, the head of the cultural center for our country and indeed the world as well, and a place again that has withstood attacks in the past. So, as we remain on high alert, I want New Yorkers to remain on high alert, and get back to that tried and true phrase, “If you see something, say something.”

    There have been a number of attacks that have been thwarted because of vigilant individuals — our civilians who’ve stepped up and reported what they’ve seen, and we need them activated and engaged right now. But we will get through this time, and let us not forget the brave men and women of our [armed] services who are putting themselves in harm’s way every single day, and pray for them and a speedy de-escalation of this conflict and ultimately peace in the region.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kugler, Welcoming Remarks

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

    Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock (
    Lock
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    ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Learning Refuge: How women-led community efforts help refugees resettle in Cyprus

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Suzan Ilcan, Professor of Sociology & University Research Chair, University of Waterloo

    A grassroots organization in Paphos, Cyprus, is bringing women together to address the needs of refugees in the city. (Shutterstock)

    Since 2015, the Republic of Cyprus (ROC) has seen a steady rise in migrant arrivals and asylum applications, primarily from people from Middle Eastern and African countries like Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon.

    But many asylum-seekers face significant challenges. Refugees formally in the asylum system are often denied residency permits, which means they face persistent insecurity, poverty and isolation

    These conditions are compounded by restrictive and limited services for asylum-seekers. This deepens the precarity and exclusion refugees face within a political and economic system that treats them more like economic burdens than as human beings with rights who need help.

    In response to these institutional failures, citizens, volunteers and refugees themselves have begun to build grassroots networks of care and solidarity in the ROC and beyond to support refugee communities.

    In 2022 and 2023, we conducted interviews with women volunteers and refugees affiliated with The Learning Refuge, a civil society organization in the city of Paphos in southwest Cyprus that cultivates dialogue and collaboration among these two diverse groups.

    Women-led initiatives

    Many displaced people first arrive on the island of Cyprus through the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). However, the absence of a functioning asylum system or international legal protections leaves them in limbo.

    With no viable path to status in the TRNC, most cross the Green Line that bifurcates Cyprus into the ROC, where European Union asylum frameworks exist but remain limited in practice.

    Women-led community-building is often a response to the negative effects of inadequate state support and humanitarian aid for refugees. In Cyprus, this situation leaves many refugees without access to sufficient food, satisfactory health care, accommodation, employment, clothing and language training. In this current environment, refugees are increasingly experiencing insecure and fragile situations, especially women.

    In Cyprus, ss in many other countries, a variety of community-building efforts are important responses to limited or restricted state support and humanitarian aid for refugees.

    Women-led efforts offer opportunities to deliver educational activities and establish networks, and to help improve the welfare and social protection of refugee women, however imperfectly.

    These and other similar efforts highlight how women refugees and volunteers can mobilize to foster dialogue and collaboration.

    The Learning Refuge

    Founded in 2015, The Learning Refuge began as community meetings in a city park. The organization then used space from a nearby music venue to conduct support activities, and later, established itself in a dedicated building.

    Organizations like The Learning Refuge emerged to address the limited state support and humanitarian assistance services available to refugees.

    The Learning Refuge cultivates dialogue and collaboration among a diverse group of community volunteers.
    (Suzan Ilcan)

    As Syrian families began arriving in Paphos in 2015, local mothers started working with Syrian children, assisting them with homework, providing skills-training opportunities and language classes.

    The Learning Refuge cultivates dialogue and collaboration among a diverse group of community volunteers, including schoolteachers, artists, musicians, local residents, refugees and other migrants.

    With the aid of 20 volunteers, the loosely organized groups provide women refugees with material support and resources to enhance collective activities, including art and music projects, while also engaging in educational and friendship activities.

    While modest in scale, the organization has formed partnerships with local and international organizations, including Caritas Cyprus, UNHCR-Cyprus and the Cyprus Refugee Council to extend its outreach to various refugee groups.

    The organization has also launched creative initiatives aimed at cultivating additional inclusive civic spaces. One such effort, “Moms and Babies Day,” was developed in response to the rising number of single mothers from Africa arriving on the island. These women often face poverty and isolation, and struggle with language barriers.

    These efforts highlight how grassroots responses — especially those led by women — can offer partial but vital educational and emotional support to refugees struggling to find their footing in a new country.

    Negotiated belonging

    Through participation in The Learning Refuge, refugee women in Paphos engage in a dynamic process of negotiated belonging, navigating challenges like language barriers, gendered isolation, domestic violence and poverty while contributing to broader community-building efforts.

    For example, Maryam, a Syrian woman and mother of three, told us how The Learning Refuge helped her children establish friendships and learn Greek. She also highlighted that it helped her form close ties with volunteers and other Syrian women living in Cyprus, and find paid work in the city.

    The volunteers and women refugees participating in The Learning Refuge’s activities emphasized not only their capacity to develop new forms of belonging and solidarity; they also help reshape communal knowledge and generate supportive spaces for women from various backgrounds.

    Our research shows that women-led community-building is an effective, though short-term, response to insufficient state support and humanitarian aid systems that leave many refugees in precarious situations.

    In varying degrees, these efforts offer women and their families spaces to learn and cultivate new relationships, and foster collective projects and better visions of resettlement and refuge.

    Suzan Ilcan receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada.

    Seçil Daǧtaș receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. The Learning Refuge: How women-led community efforts help refugees resettle in Cyprus – https://theconversation.com/the-learning-refuge-how-women-led-community-efforts-help-refugees-resettle-in-cyprus-252682

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Alberta youth have the right to school library books that reflect their lives, including sexuality

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jamie Anderson, PhD Candidate, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary

    Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has expressed fondness for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, most recently wagering a a friendly public bet on the NHL hockey playoffs. In 2023, she said she wanted Albertans to enjoy some of the same freedoms available to citizens in certain American states, including Florida.

    Her government’s latest proposal aims to take more than a page from DeSantis’s playbook, setting its sights on how Florida has targeted school library books, effectively purging and banning many.

    Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides recently announced the province will move ahead to develop provincial standards “to ensure the age-appropriateness of materials available to students in school libraries.” This followed a public engagement survey related to what he said were concerns about “sexually explicit” books in Edmonton and Calgary schools.

    The province says the survey results show “strong support” for a school library policy, even while the majority of respondents don’t want the government setting standards for school library books.

    This marks the Alberta government’s latest effort to restrict the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ children and youth.

    New proposed school library standards

    Like Florida’s statute on K-12 instructional materials, Alberta’s proposal centres on age-appropriateness and increasing parental choice in learning materials.

    Despite claiming a need for new standards, Nicolaides has acknowledged there are already mechanisms in place in Alberta’s school jurisdictions for parents to challenge materials. Many school boards already have policies governing school library materials.

    Additionally, librarians are trained professionals who follow established practices around organizing materials that reflect developmental appropriateness.

    Florida school book purges

    Florida’s statute, framed by DeSantis as empowering parents to object to obscene material, has targeted 2,700 books. More than 700 were removed from libraries in 2023-24.



    Read more:
    Ron DeSantis shows how ‘ugly freedoms’ are being used to fuel authoritarianism

    Confusion and a climate of fear caused by the bill has led Florida teachers and librarians to self-censor. Florida’s Department of Education urged districts to “err on the side of caution” to avoid potential felony charges.

    Such fear and surveillance lead to unnecessary restrictions on students’ rights.

    Targeting 2SLGBTQIA+ books

    Nicolaides has emphasized that developing the new standards in Alberta is not a question of “banning certain books,” and has acknowledged he does not have that authority.

    However, as PEN Canada notes, the implications of the proposed policies raise alarm bells, with the government’s actions “paving the way to a new era of government-sponsored book banning.” Singling out books has the same effect as a ban, according to the CEO of the St. Albert Public Library.

    By labelling four books as inappropriate — three of which include 2SLGBTQIA+ authors and themes — Nicolaides suggests these books don’t belong in K-12 schools. One of the books, the graphic novel Flamer, has won several awards, including the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Young Adult Literature in 2021.

    PEN America interview with Mike Curato, author of ‘Flamer.’

    The education minister refuted the idea that singling out the books is anti-queer or anti-trans, and did so in an inflammatory manner, characterizing concern as being about protecting children from seeing porn, child molestation and other sexual content.

    Nicolaides also said the proposed policy is focused on sexual content, so themes and depictions of graphic violence are “probably not” an issue.

    Rolling back trans, queer rights

    Alberta has already rolled back the rights of trans and non-binary children and youth to use different pronouns, access gender-affirming care and participate in sports.

    Queer and trans identities are also absent from all subjects in the K-12 program of studies, including recently updated K-6 curriculum. New sexual health resource guidelines prohibit the use of learning materials that primarily and explicitly address sexual orientation or gender identity unless they have been vetted and approved by Alberta Education (except for use in religion classes).

    Survey amplifies moral panic

    Through specific communication tactics, the minister’s public engagement works to exacerbate moral panics about sexuality as a threat to childhood innocence. This influences broader messages about 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.

    The government-created survey shared illustrations and text excerpts on their own, without context or consideration of their narrative purpose in each book. Although the excerpts flagged by the minister make up between 0.1 to two per cent of the total page count in each book, the books as a whole are labelled “extremely graphic.”

    In a media appearance, Nicolaides stated the books in question were available to “elementary-aged” students. This is misleading because K-9 schools include junior high students.

    In a social media post, the minister’s press secretary said “these problematic books were found in and around books like Goldilocks,” suggesting targeted books are alongside children’s storybooks. But the image he shared showed Flamer near the graphic novel Goldilocks: Wanted Dead or Alive, aimed at middle-grade readers aged nine to 12 years old.

    Survey respondents

    The survey reported 77,395 responses by demographics, including parents, teachers, school administrators, librarians and other interested Albertans.

    Forty-nine per cent of parents of school-aged children were not at all or not very supportive of the creation of government guidelines, compared to 44 per cent of the same demographic who were somewhat or very supportive (eight per cent were unsure). Across each other demographic, most respondents expressed that they didn’t support the creation of new government standards. But the ministry plans to move ahead anyway.

    Socially conservative lobby

    The Investigative Journalism Foundation reports two conservative activist groups have taken credit for giving the Alberta government names of books believed to be inappropriate.

    Parental rights groups and far-right activists have long asserted that 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in schools “indoctrinates” and sexualizes children.

    We’re concerned the Alberta government may be reinforcing this message to manufacture a greater public consensus in support of wider policies against 2SLGBTQIA+ rights.

    Since at least 2023, United Conservative Party (UCP) members have embraced socially conservative “parental rights” rhetoric and supported motions for purging school libraries and mandating parent approval of changes to kids’ names and pronouns.

    Traditionalist ‘parental rights’

    Far-right activist groups like Take Back Alberta have shaped the UCP government’s policies alongside special interest groups like Action4Canada and Parents for Choice in Education.

    A common thread among such groups is parental authority over one’s own children framed in traditionalist or hetero-normative terms. Significant mobilizing has happened against the inclusion of sexual orientations and gender identities in school curricula, trans-inclusive health care, drag shows, conversion therapy bans and more.



    Read more:
    Pride, pages and performance: Why drag story time matters more than ever

    Queer and trans identities are viewed as a social contagion threatening to change anyone exposed to them, and efforts for inclusion are labelled “gender ideology.”

    These misconceptions, combined with political and religious biases, frame queerness and transness as “adult topics” that will confuse or harm children. However, research confirms ignoring these topics is of far greater concern when children may already experience discrimination about their gender expression by the age of five.

    Earlier learning about diverse forms of gender expression and relationships can reduce victimization, and prevent young children from becoming perpetrators of, or bystanders to, anti-2SLGBTQIA+ harassment and violence.



    Read more:
    ‘Parental rights’ lobby puts trans and queer kids at risk

    The United Nations recognizes that governments need to resist political pressure “based on child protection arguments to block access to information on [2SLGBTQIA+] issues, or to provide negatively biased information.”

    Access to self-selected literature is important for all students, and can be a lifeline for 2SLGBTQIA+ students who don’t see themselves in the curriculum.

    If Alberta Education will not prepare students for the world they live in — where we queer and trans people exist, flourish and are loved — then students should be able to seek out stories that reflect that world. It’s a matter of protecting their freedom of expression.

    Jamie Anderson has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the University of Calgary.

    Tonya D. Callaghan receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Killam Trusts.

    Caitlin Campbell and Nicole Richard do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Alberta youth have the right to school library books that reflect their lives, including sexuality – https://theconversation.com/alberta-youth-have-the-right-to-school-library-books-that-reflect-their-lives-including-sexuality-258265

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman Demands Transparency Around Immigration Proceedings for Unaccompanied Minors

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    REP. DAN GOLDMAN DEMANDS TRANSPARENCY AROUND IMMIGRATION PROCEEDINGS FOR UNACCOMPANIED MINORS 

     

    Trump’s March Attempt to Terminate Federally Funded Legal Aid for Unaccompanied Migrant Children Has Thrown System into Disarray 

     

    Juvenile Dockets Safeguard Unaccompanied Children from Trafficking, Exploitation, and Abuse 

     

    Read Letter Here 

    Washington D.C. – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) led 77 of his colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee to direct the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) to submit a report to Congress detailing the status of unaccompanied children’s immigration proceedings. The letter also asks the Committee to include language in its FY2026 report encouraging EOIR to continue using specialized juvenile dockets to improve fairness, efficiency, and child protection in immigration court proceedings. 

    “The immigration courts have a critical role to play in administering justice efficiently while maintaining standards that ensure due process, which can be especially difficult in proceedings where children are the sole or principal respondent.  Utilization of specialized juvenile dockets with robust anti-trafficking safeguards and child-appropriate accommodations can both help protect children from dangers and achieve much needed efficiency benefits for the backlogged immigration courts, all while improving due process in children’s cases,” the Members wrote. 

    Children as young as two are often left to navigate America’s complex and unforgiving immigration system entirely on their own, exposing them to serious risks of abuse, human trafficking, and long-term harm. Earlier this year, Donald Trump terminated the federal contract that provided critical legal assistance to these unaccompanied migrant children, stripping away one of their few remaining protections for over 26,000 unaccompanied migrants. The Members asked for the following language to be included in the FY26 federal budget: 

    “The Committee encourages EOIR to continue using specialized juvenile dockets across the immigration courts to improve the fairness and efficiency of immigration adjudications involving unaccompanied children, better protect those children against trafficking and exploitation, and connect children with legal assistance. The Committee directs EOIR to submit a report to the Committee, within 180 days of enactment of this act, detailing the status of unaccompanied children’s immigration proceedings.”  

    Congressman Dan Goldman has consistently fought to ensure unaccompanied minors receive support and proper legal representation when navigating the U.S. immigration system.  

    Congressman Goldman was instrumental in prompting the Biden Administration’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) to release new guidance for children’s immigration proceedings. This guidance established specialized children’s dockets in every immigration court, overseen by dedicated judges. 
    The Biden Administration’s Executive Order followed the introduction of Congressman Goldman’s Children’s Court Act, which intended to reduce the immigration court backlog and strengthen due process rights for children. 

    In March 2025, President Trump terminated federal funding for legal services that protected and provided legal aid to over 26,000 unaccompanied migrant children. 

    Read the letter here or below:  

    Dear Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Meng:  

    As your committee considers appropriations for Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, we urge you to direct the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) to submit a report to Congress detailing the status of unaccompanied children’s immigration proceedings.  

    The immigration courts have a critical role to play in administering justice efficiently while maintaining standards that ensure due process, which can be especially difficult in proceedings where children are the sole or principal respondent. The immigration courts are also an important element of creating a system that ensures unaccompanied children are protected from dangers like human trafficking, exploitation, and abuse. Utilization of specialized juvenile dockets with robust anti-trafficking safeguards and child-appropriate accommodations can both help protect children from dangers and achieve much needed efficiency benefits for the backlogged immigration courts, all while improving due process in children’s cases.   

    In December 2023, EOIR clarified in the Director’s Memorandum on Children’s Cases in Immigration Court that each immigration court would have a specialized juvenile docket for cases where the sole or principal respondent was under 21 years old. These dockets would be held separately from adult cases and would be overseen by judges who receive specialized training. The Memorandum also outlined certain procedures and practices that immigration judges should follow to create a system where children could better comprehend their proceedings; where indicators of trafficking would be identified; and through which the courts could work towards streamlining benefits.   

    Unfortunately, EOIR rescinded the Director’s Memorandum this year and reinstated 2017 guidance that offers fewer trafficking safeguards, efficiency benefits, and pragmatic processes. This change threatens to create unnecessary delays which further exacerbate the severe immigration court backlog. It also diminishes critical safeguards designed to ensure that children can seek relief for which they may be eligible and that they comply with their immigration responsibilities, including updating their address with government agencies.   

    Given the important role of Congress in overseeing the immigration courts’ handling of juvenile proceedings, we ask the Committee to include the following language in its report:  

    The Committee encourages EOIR to continue using specialized juvenile dockets across the immigration courts to improve the fairness and efficiency of immigration adjudications involving unaccompanied children, better protect those children against trafficking and exploitation, and connect children with legal assistance. The Committee directs EOIR to submit a report to the Committee, within 180 days of enactment of this act, detailing the status of unaccompanied children’s immigration proceedings. This report shall address: the name and number of immigration courts implementing juvenile dockets; training that has been provided to juvenile docket judges; any restrictions imposed on judges’ ability to use docket management tools for children’s proceedings; methods that courts are using to facilitate legal representation for children; and other relevant matters, as appropriate.  

    We appreciate your consideration of this important issue.  

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS/VIDEO: Capito, Noem Celebrate Opening of Monarch Hall at Advanced Training Center

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    [embedded content]
    Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Capito’s remarks.
    HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), former chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, today joined Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott, as well as Congressman Riley Moore (R-W.Va.), at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Monarch Hall, the newest addition to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Advanced Training Center (ATC) in Harpers Ferry.
    During her time as the top Republican on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Capito led efforts in the Senate to secure federal funding for Monarch Hall, which will enhance training capacity for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other Homeland Security personnel as they prepare to meet evolving threats at our nation’s borders and beyond. Senator Capito secured funding for this project in Fiscal Years (FY) 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
    “Facilities like Monarch Hall are critical to ensuring that the men and women who protect our homeland receive the cutting-edge training they need. I was proud to lead the effort to secure funding for this project, and I’m grateful to Secretary Noem and Commissioner Scott for joining us today to celebrate this important milestone and see the important work happening here firsthand. West Virginia plays a vital role in our national security, and this facility is another example of how our state is contributing to the safety and security of the American people,”Senator Capito said.
    “I want you all to know that I believe she [Senator Capito] is going to go down in history as one of the most effective senators that this country has ever seen. She has been so incredibly powerful in her advocacy for things that truly do matter…For years now, she has championed bringing the dollars that are necessary here to get this hall built,” Secretary Noem said.
    “I think it’s important to understand that we would not exist without Senator Capito’s support. Not just financially through appropriations, but the conversations behind the scenes, learning about the organization…I’m in a unique position coming up through the organization where I got to see the senator come out in the field when I was a Sector Chief and she just wanted to learn. I want to thank you for that because getting to know what’s behind the curtain is the important part,” Commissioner Scott said.
    The ribbon cutting ceremony highlighted the federal government’s continued commitment to supporting law enforcement training initiatives. Senator Capito has visited the facility several times, including in 2017 and 2021.
    Photos from today’s event are below:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) participates in the ribbon cutting ceremony for Monarch Hall at the Advanced Training Center in Harpers Ferry, W.Va. on Monday, June 23, 2025.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivers remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Monarch Hall at the Advanced Training Center in Harpers Ferry, W.Va. on Monday, June 23, 2025. 

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) participates in the ribbon cutting ceremony for Monarch Hall at the Advanced Training Center in Harpers Ferry, W.Va. on Monday, June 23, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel further tightens grip on the West Bank amid Iran escalation

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    Jerusalem – As international focus shifts to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Israeli forces have ramped up their activities in the West Bank, Palestine. Increased military operations in Jenin, Nablus, and Tulkarem governorates, along with additional troop deployments, have led to heightened restrictions on Palestinians. Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) warns that these actions exacerbate the already dire situation for Palestinians in the West Bank, who face significant barriers to accessing healthcare and essential services, especially since October 2023. MSF urges an immediate halt to measures that contribute to forced displacement and a system of annexation, including prolonged military presence, movement restrictions, demolitions, excessive use of force, and denial of basic services. 

    “On 13 June the Israeli forces raided my village in Tulkarem,” says Karim,* an MSF staff member in the West Bank. “They took over two residential buildings and turned them into military barracks, displacing the people who were living there. Since then, they have been patrolling the village regularly, conducting investigations, interrogations, arrests, searches, and detentions.” 

    “Over the past week, West Bank communities have seen their lives further controlled by an occupying power while the world looks away,” says Simona Onidi, project coordinator Jenin and Tulkarem. “This cannot continue.” 

    On 13 June, the day the escalations started, the Israeli authorities blocked all major Israeli checkpoints and road gates entrances to Hebron for four days. This forced people seeking medical care to cross between areas on foot, pushing critically ill people to walk long distances, taking the risk of being shot at, or being prevented from crossing at all.  

    “On 14 June, I tried to take my brother from Bethlehem to a medical appointment in Hebron – a trip that should take 25 minutes,” says Oday Al-Shobaki, MSF communications officer in the West Bank. “But due to the new Israeli restrictions, all main entrances and exits were closed. It took us three hours, and in the end, despite being very ill, he had to walk through a closed checkpoint on foot, like many others, which is not safe.” 

    MSF has suspended mobile clinics in Hebron and Nablus that provide mental health, sexual reproductive care, and basic healthcare due to these checkpoint closures and security concerns from the intensified military operations. In Jenin and Tulkarem, mobile clinics had to adapt working hours, running on some days, not others, because of Israeli forces’ presence in nearby villages. This has forced patients to rely on phone consultations.  

    Military operations and violent raids by the Israeli army have been going on for years in the West Bank. 2022 saw a then-record number of Palestinian deaths due to violence by Israeli forces or settlers. Since October 2023, Israeli forces have increased the number of coercive measures and use of extreme physical violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including severe movement restrictions, military raids, and systemic barriers to essential services.  

    In January 2025, the Israeli forces began the ‘Iron Wall’ military operation in northern West Bank, which is still ongoing. Violently emptying well-established camps and preventing anyone from returning, more than 42,000 people have been forcibly displaced and left without stable homes, and with limited access to food, water, and medical care. 

    “This latest wave of restrictions and violence over the last week, seems to be an opportunity for Israeli forces to entrench control, deepen the fragmentation of Palestinian communities, and further the system that the International Court of Justice has described as amounting to racial segregation and apartheid,” says Onidi. “We urge third states to move beyond words of condemnation and put real pressure on Israeli authorities to end excessive force and lift movement restrictions blocking access to essential services and humanitarian aid, and scaling up support for displaced and isolated communities across the West Bank.” 
     

    *name changed to protect our colleague’s identity.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: The EU-Canada Summit, 2025, Brussels

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    On 23 June 2025, during the the EU-Canada Summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will hold a press conference together with António Costa, President of the European Council, and Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada.

    The summit is an opportunity to enhance the EU-Canada strategic partnership and for leaders to reinforce their cooperation at different levels, from trade to economic security, energy, crisis management, and justice and home affairs, in light of the rapidly changing geopolitical and economic context.

    The EU-Canada Security and Defence Partnership is expected to be agreed. Leaders will also issue a joint statement.

    Follow live events and access media content here:
    https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/

    Stay updated — follow us on X: https://x.com/EC_AVService

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    Check our website: http://ec.europa.eu/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0KCSNDwqG8

    MIL OSI Video –