NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • India urges Iran and Israel to avoid escalation, emphasises dialogue and diplomacy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India on Friday expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel and called for restraint from both sides. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement urging diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.

    “We are deeply concerned at the recent developments between Iran and Israel,” the MEA said.

    The ministry added, “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites.”

    India urged both nations to avoid further escalation and instead engage through established diplomatic channels.
    “India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues. India enjoys close and friendly relations with both countries and stands ready to extend all possible support,” the statement read.

    The MEA also confirmed that Indian missions in both Iran and Israel are in touch with the Indian communities there.
    “All Indian nationals in the region are advised to exercise caution, stay safe, and follow local security advisories,” the statement added.

    The Indian government’s statement comes amid reports that Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran on Friday. According to The Times of Israel, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared a state of emergency following the military action.

    “Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” Gallant was quoted as saying.

    He added that he had signed a special order declaring a state of emergency across the country.
    “You must obey the instructions of the Home Front Command and the authorities and remain in the protected areas,” he said.

    Air raid sirens were sounded across Israel as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his security cabinet. According to Tzvika Tessler of the IDF Home Front Command, the sirens were intended to alert the public to an unprecedented threat level, although no attack had occurred at the time.

    “In the coming few hours, Israel could experience a significant attack from the east,” Tessler said, warning that the assault could involve “heavy missiles” capable of reaching targets across the country. “We will issue far-reaching warnings,” he added.

    The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed it had launched an aerial campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. According to the Times of Israel, dozens of military and nuclear-related targets across Iran are being struck as part of the operation, codenamed “Nation of Lions.”

    The IDF claimed that Iran possesses enough enriched uranium to build multiple nuclear bombs within days, which it described as an “imminent threat” requiring immediate action.

    -ANI

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Moscow Seasons in Beijing festival has opened in the capital of China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) — The Moscow Seasons in Beijing festival opened on Thursday at the Wangfujing pedestrian street in the center of the Chinese capital in the context of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of sister city relations between Beijing and Moscow.

    “On the instructions of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, we are opening this wonderful project “Moscow Seasons in Beijing”. Moscow has already celebrated the Chinese New Year twice, and this wonderful, bright event brings joy to every resident and guest of the Russian capital. I hope that we will be able to please and surprise every visitor to this beautiful central street of Beijing,” said First Deputy Head of the Moscow Mayor and Government Office, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee Evgeny Kozlov.

    “The project that is starting today, which is a striking example of dialogue between cultures and civilizations, continues the good tradition of cultural exchanges between the main cities of our countries that has developed in recent years,” noted the Minister-Counselor of the Russian Embassy in China, Sergei Kramintsev.

    According to him, during the festival, which took place in Moscow in connection with the celebration of the Chinese New Year according to the lunar calendar, master classes in calligraphy and the creation of paper dragons, as well as drum shows and tea ceremonies, attracted great interest from more than one and a half million visitors.

    The Moscow Seasons in Beijing festival will undoubtedly become one of the most memorable events of the program of the cross years of culture of Russia and China. In thematic pavilions, one can get acquainted with the tourist potential of our country, take part in creative master classes, visit a fair of Moscow souvenirs and try dishes of traditional Russian cuisine. Meanwhile, a rich concert program is planned, from classical music to jazz, said S. Kramintsev.

    Guo Huigang, director of the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, said that Beijing and Moscow have recently jointly organized a series of events to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their sister city relationship, stressing that with the continuous development of sister city relations, Moscow has become one of Beijing’s closest sister cities on an international scale.

    He also noted that culture and tourism are important areas of cooperation between both countries and both cities. As it became known, China ranks first among foreign countries in the number of tourists coming to the Russian capital. In 2024 alone, Moscow was visited by more than 420 thousand guests from China.

    According to the Beijing City Administration of Culture and Tourism, Beijing received 293,000 tourists from Russia last year, and over 175,000 Russian tourists visited the Chinese capital in the first five months of this year. Among foreign travelers who visited Beijing during the same period, Russians ranked first.

    The festival, organized by the Moscow government with the support of the Beijing People’s Government, is one of the largest in a series of events within the framework of the China-Russia Cross Years of Culture 2024-2025. It will last until Sunday. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why did Israel defy Trump – and risk a major war – by striking Iran now? And what happens next?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellor’s Strategic Fellow, Victoria University

    Alarmed by an intelligence assessment that Iran will be able to produce nuclear weapons within months if not weeks, Israel has launched a massive air campaign aiming to destroy the country’s nuclear program.

    Israel’s air strikes hit Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz, as well as its air defences and long-range missile facilities.

    Among the dead are Hossein Salami, the chief of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards Corps; Mohammad Bagheri, the commander-in-chief of the military; and two prominent nuclear scientists.

    Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has promised “severe punishment” in response. Iran could potentially target Israel’s own nuclear sites and US bases across the Persian Gulf. Israel claimed Iran launched 100 drones towards it just hours after the attack.

    The Middle East is yet again on the precipice of a potentially devastating war with serious regional and global implications.

    Stalled nuclear talks

    The Israeli operations come against the backdrop of a series of inconclusive nuclear talks between the United States and Iran. These negotiations began in mid-April at President Donald Trump’s request and aimed to reach a deal within months.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed the talks, pressing for military action instead as the best option to halt Iran’s nuclear program.

    The diplomatic efforts had stalled in recent weeks over Trump’s demand that Iran agree to a zero-uranium enrichment posture and destroy its stockpile of some 400 kilograms of enriched uranium at a 60% purity level. This could be rapidly enriched further to weapons-grade level.

    Tehran refused to oblige, calling it a “non-negotiable”.

    Netanyahu has long pledged to eliminate what he has called the Iranian “octopus” – the regime’s vast network of regional affiliates, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the regime of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, and the Houthi militants in Yemen.

    Following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 2023, Israel’s military has considerably degraded these Iranian affiliates, one by one. Now, Netanyahu has now gone for beheading the octopus.

    Trump keeping his distance

    Netanyahu has in the past urged Washington to join him in a military operation against Iran. However, successive US leaders have not found it desirable to ignite or be involved in another Middle East war, especially after the debacle in Iraq and its failed Afghanistan intervention.

    Despite his strong commitment to Israel’s security and regional supremacy, Trump has been keen to follow this US posture, for two important reasons.

    He has not forgotten Netanyahu’s warm congratulations to Joe Biden when he defeated Trump in the 2020 US presidential election.

    Nor has Trump been keen to be too closely aligned with Netanyahu at the expense of his lucrative relations with oil-rich Arab states. He recently visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on a trip to the Middle East, while bypassing Israel.

    Indeed, this week, Trump had warned Netanyahu not to do anything that could undermine the US nuclear talks with Iran. He has been keen to secure a deal to boost his self-declared reputation as a peace broker, despite not having done very well so far on this front.

    But as the nuclear talks seemed to be reaching a dead end, Netanyahu decided now was the moment to act.

    The Trump administration has distanced itself from the attack, saying it had no involvement. It remains to be seen whether the US will now get involved to defend Israel if and when Iran retaliates.

    What a wider war could mean

    Israel has shown it has the capacity to unleash overwhelming firepower, causing serious damage to Iran’s nuclear and military facilities and infrastructure. But the Iranian Islamic regime also has the capability to retaliate, with all the means at its disposal.

    Despite the fact the Iranian leadership faces serious domestic issues on political, social and economic fronts, it still has the ability to target Israeli and US assets in the region with advanced missiles and drones.

    It also has the capability to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20–25% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments flow. Importantly, Iran has strategic partnerships with both Russia and China, as well.

    Depending on the nature and scope of the Iranian response, the current conflict could easily develop into an uncontrollable regional war, with none of the parties emerging as victor. A major conflict could not only further destabilise what is already a volatile Middle East, but also upend the fragile global geopolitical and economic landscape.

    The Middle East cannot afford another war. Trump had good reasons to restrain Netanyahu’s government while the nuclear negotiations were taking place to see if he could hammer out a deal.

    Whether this deal can be salvaged amid the chaos is unclear. The next round of negotiations was due to be held on Sunday in Oman, but Iran said it would not attend and all talks were off until further notice.

    Iran and the US, under Barack Obama, had agreed a nuclear deal before – the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Although Netanyahu branded it “the worst deal of the century”, it appeared to be holding until Trump, urged by Netanyahu, unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018.

    Now, Netanyahu has taken the military approach to thwart Iran’s nuclear program. And the region – and rest of the world – will have to wait and see if another war can be averted before it’s too late.

    Amin Saikal does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Why did Israel defy Trump – and risk a major war – by striking Iran now? And what happens next? – https://theconversation.com/why-did-israel-defy-trump-and-risk-a-major-war-by-striking-iran-now-and-what-happens-next-258917

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Food Safety Day Celebrated at National Level


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    World Food Safety Day is a global event observed annually on June 7. This year’s national celebration was held at Adi-Hawesha Resort in the Central Region under the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action.” The event aimed to explore the latest advancements in food safety and promote responsible food handling practices. It was attended by more than 85 participants, including the Minister of Health, senior officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO), experts from various relevant Government and non-governmental organizations, academia, food processors, and representatives of farmers.

    Mr. Tekleab Mesghena, in his keynote speech, emphasized the importance of science in ensuring the safety and quality of food products. He highlighted the critical role of research and development in advancing food safety. Mr. Tekleab stated that the Ministry of Agriculture is working diligently to modernize its food-related regulatory services by establishing quarantine stations at various entry points, reinforcing inspection services, and promoting public awareness, particularly among food processors, through good manufacturing and agricultural practices. In his concluding remarks, Mr. Tekleab stressed on the need for a national food control system and policy to integrate the efforts of various ministries and institutions.

    Mr. Sium Teame, representing the FAO, underscored that food is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. He noted that every year, 600 million people fall ill due to contaminated food, and emphasized the role of science not merely as an academic pursuit but as a practical, powerful tool. Scientific research and innovation, he said, are essential for identifying and controlling foodborne hazards, improving hygiene and safety practices throughout the food chain, establishing international standards based on risk assessments, and responding swiftly to emerging threats.

    Dr. Nonso Ejiofor, representing the WHO, added that this year’s theme highlights the essential role of scientific knowledge in guiding effective food safety practices. He stressed the importance of research, innovation, data, and appropriate technologies in identifying risks, reducing illness, saving lives, and cutting costs along the entire food chain.

    A panel discussion was also held under the theme of the day, featuring experts and representatives from food processing industries. The panelists discussed recent advancements in food safety research, including the use of precision agriculture to improve health outcomes and reduce food waste.

    During the event,six papers regarding Food Handling and Hygiene Practices; Food Expiration: Administrative, Regulatory, and Safety Implications;Effect of Processing on Heavy Metal Content in Selected Leaf Vegetables Cultivated in Asmara; Environmental Safety of Food Safety; The Role of Science in Food Safety were presented by representatives from Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Land, water and Environment, Hamelmalo College of Agricultural and Mai-Nefhi College of Science.

    Participants engaged in extensive discussions on the papers and adopted various recommendations. These included the need for collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, the integration of scientific methods in food safety, improved identification of food sources, and enhanced public awareness on food preparation and safety.

    Short videos highlighting national and international efforts related to food safety were also screened during the event.

    World Food Safety Day is being marked for the 7th time globally and the 3rd time at the national level.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Famine stalks two counties in South Sudan as fragile peace is threatened


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    The warning comes amidst increased violence and a worsening food security condition which has 11 out of 13 counties in the state facing emergency levels of hunger and 32,000 of these inhabitants facing catastrophic level hunger conditions, almost three times previous estimates.

    “We are seeing the devastating impact conflict has on food security in South Sudan,” said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, Country Director for the World Food Programme (WFP) in South Sudan.

    “Conflict doesn’t just destroy homes and livelihoods, it tears communities apart, cuts off access to markets, and sends food prices spiralling upward,” Ms. McGroarty said.

    Country-wide hunger

    In total, 7.7 million people across South Sudan will face acute food insecurity, accounting for over half of the entire population. Additionally, 2.3 million children in South Sudan face malnutrition, a rise from 2.1 million at the beginning of the year. 

    FAO expects these numbers to increase as the country prepares to enter the lean and wet season which will further diminish food supplies and potentially worsen displacement.

    The agency did note that counties in which violence has been largely absent have seen improvements in food insecurity as a result of increased crop production and humanitarian efforts. However, hunger continues.

    Despite such ongoing challenges, Meshack Malo, the country representative of FAO in South Sudan, said that these results are proof of the “dividends of peace.”

    Descent into conflict

    South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, gained independence in 2011 and immediately fell into a brutal and devastating civil war which ultimately ended in 2018 thanks to a peace agreement between political rivals which has largely held.

    However, recent political tensions and increased violent attacks, especially in the Upper Nile State, threaten to unravel the peace agreement and plunge the nation back into conflict.

    “South Sudan cannot afford to sink into conflict at this point in time. It will plunge already vulnerable communities into severe food insecurity, leading to widespread hunger,” said Meshack Malo, Country Representative of FAO in South Sudan.

    Humanitarian difficulties

    FAO said that humanitarian access must be improved in order to address the worsening hunger situation.

    The FAO report also emphasized that peace and capacity building is the only sustainable solution for food insecurity in South Sudan.

    “Long-term peace is essential, but right now, it is critical our teams are able to access and safely distribute food to families caught in conflict in Upper Nile, to bring them back from the brink and prevent famine,” said Ms. McGroarty.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Revision of the Implementation Plan for the International Peace Cooperation Assignments in South Sudan


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    At cabinet meeting on June 13, 2025, the Government of Japan decided to revise the Implementation Plan for the International Peace Cooperation Assignments in South Sudan to extend its period, in light of the significance of continuing contribution toward the international peace and security.

    1. Japan has dispatched JGSDF personnel as staff officers to the headquarters of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) since November 2011 and 4 staff officers are currently in charge of planning and coordination in areas of logistics, information, engineering, and air operations at UNMISS HQs in Juba.
      Regarding Deputy Chief of Staff (jurisdiction over Personnel, Training, Evaluation) and his Personal Assistant who had been additionally dispatched since May 2024, they recently returned home after completion of their one-year mission tour, based on the United Nations Secretariat’s policy to rotate the dispatching country every year through selection.
      Also, regarding Information Officer who is originally tasked to data collection and database maintenance, we have decided to add information analysis as his duty responsibility based on the request from UNMISS.

      On May 8, 2025, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 2779 (2025), which extended the mandate of UNMISS until April 30, 2026, following the adoption of resolution 2778(2025) on April 30 this year which had extended its mandate till May 9.

      UNMISS is the only UN peacekeeping operation to which Japan currently deploys its personnel. And the dispatch of staff officers to UNMISS is intended to support the progress of the peace process in South Sudan together with the international community. From the perspective of maintaining and strengthening close engagement with the United Nations, cooperation with African countries in the vicinity of South Sudan and ensuring opportunities for human resource development, the dispatch is meaningful.

    2. The main point of revision is as follows.
      1. Period of the Implementation Plan
        ・Current: till 30 June 2025
        ・After Revision: till 30 June 2026
      2. Change in number of dispatching officers and modifications to their duties

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Adopts Budget Vote Reports


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    The Portfolio Committee on Planning Monitoring and Evaluation adopted its budget vote for the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), and Brand South Africa for the 2025/26 financial year.

    The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Teliswa Mgweba, said the committee focussed on the alignment of the budgets with the government’s strategic priorities as outlined in the State of the Nation Address and the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024-2029.

    The DPME has been allocated R509.1 million for the 2025/26 financial year. The budget supports five key outcomes, including improved governance, better utilisation of evidence in decision-making and increased stakeholder engagement.

    Ms Mgweba said the committee is concerned about the absence of a legislative framework clearly defining the DPME’s mandate. The committee urged the department to develop this framework to clarify its functions and improve intergovernmental relations. Furthermore, the committee highlighted the need for a robust oversight model to ensure compliance among national departments. The DPME must establish clear criteria for assessing the viability of action plans submitted by other departments.

    In the case of STATS SA, the department has been allocated a budget of R2.77 billion for the 2025/26 financial year. The department aims to protect the quality of statistical information, implement a continuous population survey and modernise its business operating model. The committee recognises the importance of leveraging technology and alternative data sources to enhance statistical outputs.

    The committee expressed its discomfort with the high vacancy rate within Stats SA which is a challenge. The committee calls for a strategic plan to address staffing needs to ensure inclusivity and representation of individuals with disabilities and women. Furthermore, the committee is concerned about the adequacy of data collection methods and emphasised the need for improved accuracy and granularity in the data produced, particularly concerning marginalised groups.

    Brand South Africa has been allocated a budget of R235.2 million for the 2025/26 financial year. This budget is vital for managing South Africa’s national brand and improving the country’s global reputation. The committee has emphasised the need for collaboration with public and private sectors to ensure a unified message about South Africa’s identity and values.

    The implementation of a digital transformation strategy is crucial for enhancing data-driven decision-making and operational efficiencies. The committee encourages Brand South Africa to leverage research and analytics to inform communication strategies.

    The committee will continue to monitor the implementation of these budgets closely and engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with national priorities. The three reports were adopted with recommendations and amendments.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Committee Chairperson Calls on Eastern Cape (EC) Education Department to Attend to Infrastructure Damage


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    The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has called on the provincial Department of Education in the Eastern Cape to proactively determine infrastructure damage and the number of learners affected by the weekend floods.

    The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Makhi Feni, said the floods happened just when mid-year exams were in full swing and children should be allowed access once schools have been thoroughly cleaned.

    The committee sends its heartfelt condolences to families and friends of the deceased. “It hurts to realise that no circuit or district decision was made with regards to closure of schools on Monday when warning of two cold fronts across the country had been issued by SA Weather Service. This calls for proper and proactive leadership from circuit level right up to the province.”

    The provincial government revised the number of the deceased due to floods to be around 49. A number of young learners were affected when their school transport was swept away by the floods.

    Mr Feni said the Department of Education must attend to school infrastructure and the cleaning of affected schools. “Parents should be bold and refuse with their children when these kinds of warnings are issued. We want empowered parents who are aware of their surroundings and the debates around such matters as the climate change and its impact. But young children cannot make these decisions.”

    Mr Feni said if children writing exams were from the impacted schools they should be provided with all the support they need, including catching up of the lost day. “But before children are allowed back in schools those should be allowed only once the schools had been thoroughly cleaned and are conducive to learning.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Uganda: Govt Unveils Shs72.3 Trillion Budget to Drive Full Monetisation of Economy


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    The Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development has unveiled a Shs72.136 trillion national budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, setting its sights on transforming every corner of the country into a hub of commercial activity.

    Presented by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Thursday, 12 June, 2025, the budget signals a strong shift towards full monetisation of Uganda’s economy, underpinned by commercial agriculture, industrialisation, digital transformation, and expanded access to markets.

    Speaking against the backdrop of a rapidly growing economy, Kasaija painted a picture of a Uganda ready to transition from resilience to acceleration.

    “The budget for next financial year, and over the medium term, is focused on people and wealth creation,” he said.

    Consequently, the theme of the financial year 2025/26 is: “Full Monetisation of Uganda’s Economy through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialisation, Expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation and Market Access.’”

    The Shs72.3 trillion resource envelope represents one of the largest in Uganda’s history, with domestic revenue expected to contribute Shs37.2 trillion, roughly 60 percent of the total. The rest will be financed through borrowing and grants. The budget deficit is estimated at 7.6 percent of GDP.

    But Kasaija reassured Ugandans, stating that the government had a clear strategy to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation, widen the tax base, and strengthen tax administration.

    “Government plans to collect Shs37.2 trillion in domestic revenue next financial year,” he said, adding that focus would be placed on tackling smuggling, corruption at Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and leveraging digital tools like the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System to plug leakages.

    Priority sectors such as health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism received large shares of the allocation.

    Healthcare emerged as a major beneficiary, with Shs5.87 trillion earmarked for next year. Kasaija detailed plans to functionalise Health Centre IVs, scale up e-health systems, and expand emergency medical services. He said the government had already delivered 20 digital X-ray machines and installed CT scanners in 14 out of 16 regional referral hospitals.

    “We are strengthening the National Ambulance and Emergency Care System,” he added.

    In education, the Minister allocated Shs5.04 trillion to support Universal Primary and Secondary Education, student loans, the construction of new seed schools, and improvements in teacher recruitment and digital inspections.

    Kasaija also confirmed the upcoming operationalisation of Bunyoro and Busoga universities, as well as continued investment in sports infrastructure ahead of African Champions Cup (CHAN) and African Cup of Nation (AFCON 2027).

    “In order to improve compliance with quality standards, Government digitised school inspections in all public schools and TVET institutions,” he said.

    Wealth creation programmes, a lifeline for millions of Ugandans received renewed commitment, with Shs2.43 trillion directed towards the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), and other grassroots economic empowerment initiatives.

    Kasaija said the PDM alone would receive Shs .059 trillion in FY2025/2026, ensuring every parish continues to receive Shs100 million annually.

    “These investments are changing the lives of Ugandans by boosting household incomes, enhancing food security and creating employment opportunities,” he noted.

    He revealed that over 2.6 million Ugandans have already benefited from PDM funds, with investments spanning food crops, livestock, poultry, and microenterprises. To enhance efficiency and eliminate corruption, PDM operations have been fully digitised, using systems such as the WENDI and ZAIDI apps.

    On the industrial and agricultural front, the government committed Shs1.86 trillion to agro-industrialisation. This includes funding for agricultural research, irrigation schemes, fertilisers, extension services, and value addition. Kasaija highlighted the completion of 145 solar-powered irrigation schemes and the ongoing construction of 157 more.

    He singled out the Agricultural Credit Facility, now worth over Shs1 trillion in disbursements, as a key driver of agricultural transformation.

    “I have provided additional capital of Shs50 billion to the Agricultural Credit Facility next financial year, in addition to insurance that benefits all farmers including PDM beneficiaries.”

    Uganda’s industrial and energy ambitions were also prominently featured, with Kasaija announcing an allocation of Shs875.8 billion for mineral-based industrial development and oil and gas. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is now 58 percent complete, and an agreement has been signed for the construction of a 60,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery. Once oil production starts in 2026, government expects annual revenues of US$1 to 2.5 billion.

    “Uganda currently saves up to US$72.8 million annually on fuel imports,” Kasaija said, citing the impact of the Uganda National Oil Company’s direct importation of petroleum products, which eliminated middlemen and reduced speculative pricing.

    Tourism, another pillar of the economy, was allocated Shs430 billion, with an additional Shs2.2 trillion indirectly supporting tourism infrastructure such as roads, ICT, and security.

    The government aims to position Uganda as a competitive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination in Africa, following recent successes. “Uganda now ranks 7th in Africa in MICE tourism,” Kasaija stated.

    Even as he celebrated Uganda’s achievements, such as coffee exports surging past US$1.83 billion and tourism earnings reaching US$1.52 billion, Kasaija called on Ugandans to embrace value addition and export diversification.

    “While it took the country more than a century to reach US$1 billion in annual coffee export earnings, it has taken just one year to double these earnings,” he said. “I therefore implore Ugandans to grow more coffee and, most importantly, add value to our coffee before we export it.”

    AUDIO: Minister Kasaija

    Kasaija expressed confidence in the direction the country is taking. With projected economic growth of 7 percent in FY2025/2026 and a GDP per capita increase to US$1,324, Uganda is moving steadily towards middle-income status.

    “The necessary foundation has already been established, the speed of economic transformation is destined to be faster in the medium term.” Kasaija concluded.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Families across India mourn loss of loved ones in Ahmedabad plane crash

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As the nation comes to terms with the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI-171, grief has swept across households, with families mourning the loss of loved ones in what is being counted among India’s worst aviation disasters.

    The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, ramming into a nearby hostel. Only one passenger survived, while casualties on the ground are also feared.

    Among the victims was Anju Sharma, originally from Kurukshetra and living in Vadodara with her family. She was on her way to London to visit her elder daughter when the crash occurred.

    Her uncle, Balkishan Sharma, said he was deeply shaken. “I rarely watch TV. She was my brother’s eldest daughter. I found out about the tragedy from the news.”

    In Uttarsanda village in Gujarat’s Kheda district, the family of Rupal Patel is mourning her death. A resident of London for 15 years and mother of three, Rupal had returned to India for medical treatment.

    “My sister came for a week for treatment. After her operation, she was feeling well. She was happy to return to her husband and three children in London. I dropped her at the airport, and by the time I got home, I heard the devastating news,” said her brother, Pawan Patel.

    Rupal was seated in 19J on the flight. After being informed of the crash, her husband left London immediately with their children — a 13-year-old and twin 7-year-olds — to travel to Gujarat. “The kids were waiting for their mother to return. They had no idea she would never come back,” her husband said.

    In Ahmedabad, families waited overnight outside BJ Medical College as forensic teams carried out DNA sampling to identify the deceased, many of whom were burned beyond recognition.

    “Smoke suddenly rose high in the sky. There was fire. The flight had crashed, there were many people on board,” said Jairam, an eyewitness who lives around two kilometres from the site.

    The list of passengers on flight AI-171 showed that at least 33 of them were from Gujarat’s Anand district, 19 from Vadodara, and 17 from Kheda.

    The government has promised full support to the victims’ families and a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

    IANS

  • Air India crash: PM Modi visits Ahmedabad crash site, calls it a scene of “devastation”

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited the site of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, where the London-bound flight carrying 242 people went down a day earlier.

    The aircraft crashed minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 241 people. Only one passenger – a British national of Indian origin – survived.

    “The scene of devastation is saddening,” PM Modi said in a post on X after reviewing the wreckage. “Met officials and teams working tirelessly in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy.”

    He was accompanied by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Gujarat State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and other senior officials during the site inspection.

    Flight AI-171, headed to London Gatwick, crashed into the hostel complex of BJ Medical College at 1:38 p.m. IST on Thursday, triggering a massive blaze and a large-scale emergency response.

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the crash site on Thursday and later chaired a high-level meeting with Civil Aviation Minister Naidu, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and senior officials to review relief and rescue measures.

    Shah said DNA testing was underway to confirm the identities of the victims and assured that results would be delivered at the earliest by Gujarat’s Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). DNA samples of family members arriving from abroad would be collected on arrival, he added.

    A formal investigation into the crash has been launched by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in accordance with international protocols under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), said Civil Aviation Minister Naidu. A high-level expert committee is also being formed to examine the incident and suggest safety improvements to prevent future tragedies.

    The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced it would send a team of investigators to India to assist the AAIB.

    “The NTSB will be leading a team of US investigators travelling to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with its investigation into the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, India, Thursday,” the agency said, noting that all official updates would come from the Indian government under ICAO’s Annex 13 protocols.

    Rescue and Relief Operations Continue

    Rescue operations continued through the night as teams sifted through debris for missing aircraft parts.

    Parts of the plane’s fuselage were scattered around the smouldering building into which it crashed. The tail of the plane was stuck on top of the building.

    Air India CEO Campbell Wilson reached Ahmedabad early Friday. The airline said it had set up Friends & Relatives Assistance Centres at Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gatwick airports to support the families of those on board.

    “These centres are facilitating the travel of family members to Ahmedabad,” Air India posted on X. Emergency contact numbers were also issued for those seeking information: 1800 5691 444 for calls from within India, and +91 8062779200 for international callers.

    The Tata Group, which took over Air India in 2022, announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the family of each deceased passenger.

    “Tata Group will provide Rs 1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy. We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support. Additionally, we will provide support in the building up of the B J Medical’s hostel,” Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said on X.

    Earlier, Air India released a breakdown of the nationalities of those on board: 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

    (With inputs from agencies)

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “IF THEY CAN ATTACK A SITTING SENATOR, JUST IMAGINE WHAT THEY HAVE IN STORE FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Tonight, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell to discuss the Trump administration’s unprecedented assault of Senator Alex Padilla:

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Leading off our breaking news coverage tonight is House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Mr. Jeffries, thank you very much for joining us tonight. There is so much for you to consider for us. First of all, let’s begin with Governor Newsom and his big victory in court tonight. This decision that I’ve read by the judge just finds in the governor’s favor all the way through ordering the California National Guard back under the command of Gavin Newsom.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: It’s a big victory for the people of California, for the governor, for the rule of law and for democracy itself. Donald Trump had engaged in aggressive overreach. That was never a need for this deployment. Things were being managed by the LAPD, the California Highway Patrol, as well as local Los Angeles County sheriffs. We all object and reject any efforts to assault police officers, to be disruptive, to engage in unlawful and unruly behavior. That was not the issue here. The issue is, how do we make sure that we can continue to protect the peaceful assembly that is guaranteed by the United States Constitution as part of the right of every American to petition their government to try to get grievances redressed.

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Judge Breyer, Charles Breyer, very carefully reviewed every single event that has happened there that could be called in any way close to violent, every single thing, every mango that was thrown, every bottle that was thrown, every fire in a dumpster that happened. The fires of those driverless cars that happened over the weekend. And he concluded that none of that was beyond the control of LAPD, and in fact, described exactly how local officials, local law enforcement, brought all of those situations under control relatively quickly, thereby proving just in terms of what actually has been happening in Los Angeles, that it was completely under control and no federal support was needed. So he has that finding, in addition to Donald Trump illegally ordered those troops to move into Los Angeles.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: It was an extremely meticulous decision, and this was all about political theater for Donald Trump. He doesn’t want the American people to lock in on the fact that he’s collapsing the economy. He’s failed to lower costs. The GOP Tax Scam is going to rip away healthcare for more than 16 million people, snatch food out of the mouths of children and seniors and veterans, all in service of giving their billionaire donors massive tax breaks. These are all deeply unpopular things. And so, Donald Trump wanted to create a massive distraction in this particular instance. If Donald Trump really believed that we were on the verge of insurrection, then he wouldn’t have attended a Broadway play last evening at the Kennedy Center. It would have been in the Situation Room. Instead, he was out on a night on the town. So this was a fraudulent thing that Donald Trump and his minions at the Department of Homeland Security had engaged in, and it’s now all been exposed in a meticulous decision by Judge Breyer.

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: I mean, you know, I said at the outset, when Donald Trump first sent the troops to Los Angeles, that this was specifically, specifically to try to get us to turn our cameras to Los Angeles and away from those senators walking down the halls in Washington who have not been able to come to an agreement on how to do the Trump budget bill in the Senate and to take the focus away from that bill. What are we going to find? What are voters going to find when they put their focus back on this bill and what this bill is trying to do to voters?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: You know, Brendan Boyle, the top Democrat in the House on the Budget Committee, has done a tremendous job of pointing out, one, this is the largest cut to Medicaid in American history, on top of the largest cut to nutritional assistance in American history, all in service of trying to bring about the largest set of tax breaks for billionaires in American history. It’s extraordinary. And they are going to increase the debt and the deficit by trillions of dollars, force our children and grandchildren to pay for it. And as a result of this one big ugly bill, hospitals will close, nursing homes will shut down, community based health clinics are not going to be able to operate. People are going to die because of the lack of being able to receive the medical service that they need. And so Trump is certainly trying to hide the ball from the American people. But this is a disgusting abomination. And the more the American people learn about the GOP Tax Scam, the worse it gets for them.

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Senator Alex Padilla obviously became the news of the day in Washington when that video spread of him being attacked like that in a federal building, a completely secure federal building, that you have to go through metal detectors and have an appointment to get into. Here’s the United States Senator in a federal building being attacked by federal agents, with a Cabinet Secretary looking on, lying about California while that was happening. Where were you when you first saw that video and what was your reaction, maybe holding your phone in your hand looking at that video?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: It was disgusting when the news broke. I was on the Hill, we were preparing for a series of votes on the Floor of the House. And when you looked at the video, first of all, to know Senator Padilla, he is just a kind and decent person, a salt-of-the-earth type of individual. He has an extraordinary story, humble beginnings, eventually became an engineer at MIT, educated, and then walked away from what could have been a very lucrative career in order to serve his community and ultimately his state. And to see him assaulted in this fashion, manhandled, and then for the Secretary to lie about it, and the Department of Homeland Security, these people have zero credibility. And so the California Delegation, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, every single part of the House Democratic Caucus stands in solidarity with Senator Padilla. If they can attack a sitting Senator in his home state in this fashion, just imagine what they have in store for the American people. That’s why all of us should be concerned. All of us need to push back, and all of us need to stand up for the principle that in the United States of America, there are no kings.

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Senator Padilla has insisted that this story is not about him, it’s what it means to the rest of us. It’s what it means about the people who the ICE agents and the federal agents are going after every day. Let’s listen to what Senator Padilla said when he came out of that federal building after being the– becoming the first United States Senator in history to be manhandled, pushed by federal agents, thrown to the ground and handcuffed for speaking. That has never happened before in American history. Let’s listen to what Senator Padilla said when he emerged from the federal building today.

    SENATOR PADILLA (VIDEO): I came to the press conference to hear what she had to say, to see if I could learn any new additional information. And at one point, I had a question. And let me emphasize, the right for people to peacefully protest and to stand up for their First Amendment rights, for our fundamental rights. I was there peacefully. At one point I had a question and so I began to ask a question. I was almost immediately forcibly removed from the room. I was forced to the ground and I was handcuffed. I was not arrested. I was not detained. I will say this, if this is how this administration responds to a Senator with a question, if this is how the Department of Homeland Security responds to a Senator with a question, you can only imagine what they’re doing to farmworkers, to cooks, to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community and throughout California and throughout the country. Pero una gran pregunta es esta: si esta es la reacción a un senador con una pregunta, imagínense lo que están haciendo con cocineros, jornaleros, campesinos y otros inmigrantes no violentos en la comunidad de Los Ángeles, en otras áreas de el estado de California y en el país.

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Leader Jeffries that statement about imagine, just imagine what they’re doing to other people if this is what they do to the United States senators does seem to be the lesson of the day.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: It’s incredibly powerful words from Senator Padilla. I think it’s one of the reasons why there was such a visceral reaction on the Hill both because we know him to be such a good man and this is just an example of how out of control the Trump administration is at this point. We’ve seen an unprecedented assault on the economy, on healthcare, on Social Security and of course, on the rule of law, on the American way of life, on democracy itself. But that’s why it’s going to be important for all of us to continue to show up and speak up and stand up, push back aggressively against the Trump administration, their extremism against Donald Trump and his minions in Congress who are nothing more than a Reckless Rubber Stamp for his extreme agenda. And we’ll continue to do that in the Congress, in the courts, and in communities all across the country.

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: In any other presidency, I would expect you to be getting briefed very soon, if not already, about what has happened on Israel’s strike against Iran tonight. Have you been briefed in any way by the intelligence services about what is happening tonight?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: I have not received an extensive briefing. There was minimal outreach from the administration, but I do expect sooner rather than later that we will receive a more comprehensive briefing about the state of affairs and the situation that exists. I mean, one of the things that Donald Trump, of course, promised on day one of his presidency, in addition to lowering the cost of living that, of course, has not happened. He talked about ending the war in Ukraine. That hasn’t happened. Talked about restoring peace to the Middle East. That has not happened. And so the whole Trump presidency has been a complete failure characterized by chaos, cruelty and corruption. And, you know, I’m hopeful that cooler heads will prevail in the Middle East and the situation is de-escalated. We certainly believe that Iran should never be allowed to become nuclear capable. They are an enemy not just to Israel, but to the United States and to the free world. But we also want to see a reduction in hostilities.

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you very much for joining us in our breaking news coverage tonight on this important night.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you, Lawrence.

    LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Thank you.

    The full interview can be watched here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Cruz Introduce Senate Resolution Honoring Former First Lady Barbara Bush

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) today introduced a Senate resolution honoring the life, achievements, and public service of former First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush on the week of her 100th birthday. Text is below, and you can view the full resolution here.

    “Whereas, on June 8, 1925, Barbara Pierce Bush (referred to in this preamble as ‘Barbara Bush’) was born in New York City, New York;

    Whereas Barbara Bush attended Ashley Hall and Smith College;

    Whereas Barbara Bush worked a factory job to support the United States war effort during World War II in 1943;

    Whereas, on January 6, 1945, Barbara Bush married George Herbert Walker Bush after he returned from serving in World War II;

    Whereas, in 1948, Barbara Bush and George Herbert Walker Bush moved to Odessa, Texas, and had 6 children, George W., Robin, Jeb, Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy;

    Whereas Barbara Bush supported the early business ventures of her husband in oil, which would later evolve into the Pennzoil Corporation;

    Whereas Barbara Bush supported the first forays of her husband in politics during his 1963 Harris County Republican Party chairmanship and 1966 election to the House of Representatives in the 7th Congressional District of Texas;

    Whereas Barbara Bush kept the constituents in Houston informed of happenings in Washington, DC, by writing frequent newspaper columns during the time George Herbert Walker Bush served in the House of Representatives;

    Whereas, during the career of George Herbert Walker Bush before becoming President of the United States, Barbara Bush orchestrated cross-country moves for her family 29 times in 44 years;

    Whereas Barbara Bush supported the political ascension of George Herbert Walker Bush during his appointments as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations in 1970, the Chair of the Republican National Committee in 1972, and the Director of Central Intelligence in 1976;

    Whereas Barbara Bush became Second Lady of the United States when George Herbert Walker Bush was sworn in as the 43rd Vice President of the United States in 1981, and again in 1985 after the 1984 re-election of the Reagan-Bush Administration;

    Whereas, as Second Lady of the United States, Barbara Bush revitalized the vice presidential residence at 1 Observatory Circle with extensive renovations and the hosting of more than 1,000 social events;

    Whereas, as Second Lady of the United States, Barbara Bush used her platform in the Reagan-Bush administration to champion public literacy to combat the cycle of poverty in the United States;

    Whereas, as Second Lady of the United States, Barbara Bush played a significant role in the successful presidential campaign of George Herbert Walker Bush, which saw him win the 1988 Presidential election with 426 electoral votes, a feat which has not been matched since;

    Whereas, as First Lady of the United States, Barbara Bush continued to champion public literacy by establishing the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 1989, and played a significant role in the passage of the National Literacy Act of 1991 (Public Law 102–73; 105 Stat. 333);

    Whereas, as First Lady of the United States, Barbara Bush showed immense compassion to AIDS patients at a time when public opinion was still hostile towards their plight;

    Whereas, after leaving the White House, Barbara Bush published her bestselling book, ‘Barbara Bush: A Memoir’;

    Whereas, after the victory of her son George W. Bush in the 2000 Presidential election, Barbara Bush became the second woman in the history of the United States to have been both married to a President of the United States and the mother of a President of the United States;

    Whereas Barbara Bush showed unwavering support for the presidential campaigns of her sons, George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004, and Jeb Bush in 2016; and

    Whereas, on her passing at her Houston home on April 17, 2018, Barbara Bush was survived by her husband of 73 years, George Herbert Walker Bush, 5 children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That Congress—

    (1) honors the life, achievements, and distinguished public service of Barbara Pierce Bush (referred to in this resolution as ‘Barbara Bush’);
    (2) recognizes Barbara Bush on the occasion of her 100th birthday and expresses thanks and commendations to her and her family;
    (3) acknowledges the positive impact that Barbara Bush contributed to the United States through her tireless dedication to promoting literacy and uplifting her fellow citizens; and
    (4) celebrates the legacy of Barbara Bush as a model citizen and public servant of the United States.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Maritime advisory body formed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government announced today that the Chief Executive has appointed a chairman and members to the Hong Kong Maritime & Port Development Board (HKMPDB) for a term of three years, effective from July 1.

    Moses Cheng has been named chairman, while the board’s other members are Angad Banga, Sabrina Chao, Bjorn Hojgaard, Wellington Koo, Timothy Lee, Edward Liu, Billy Mak, Alan Tung and Frankie Yick.

    The board also includes a number of ex-officio members, namely the Secretary for Transport & Logistics or an assigned representative, the Commissioner for Maritime & Port Development, the Director of Marine, the Director-General of Investment Promotion, and the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

    The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that the existing Hong Kong Maritime & Port Board would be reconstituted as the HKMPDB. Chaired by a non-official member and with other members largely coming from the maritime sector, this high-level advisory body is expected to assist the Government in formulating policies and long-term development strategies.

    The HKMPDB will be supported by dedicated staff and provided with additional funding to enhance its research capabilities, strengthen its Mainland and overseas promotional work, and step up manpower training, with a view to supporting the Government in policy implementation and promoting the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s maritime industry.

    Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan stressed that consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international maritime centre is a top priority for the Government, a strategic objective of the country, and particular importance for the city’s economic development.

    “The establishment of the HKMPDB is a key step in this institutional reform. It is hoped that the new board will adopt an innovative and change-embracing spirit in supporting the Government to lead the maritime and port industry to further leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages and enhance the industry’s global competitiveness in the midst of geopolitical challenges.

    “Under the leadership of Mr Cheng, I am confident that board members will make valuable contributions to the work of the HKMPDB with their respective expertise and experience, and continue to advance side by side with the industry.”

    The Government added that four committees, namely the Port Development Committee, the Maritime Services Development Committee, the Promotion & External Relations Committee and the Manpower Development Committee will be formed under the HKMPDB to focus on specific areas of work. Appointments to these committees will be announced later this month.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China has fully implemented a system of voluntary blood donation.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) — China has fully implemented the voluntary blood donation system and taken a series of measures to safely provide blood in clinical settings, Gao Guangming, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said Thursday.

    China has expanded blood screening programs and improved testing technology, effectively preventing the transmission of highly infectious diseases through blood transfusions, he said at a press conference.

    According to Gao Guangming, China currently ranks first in the world in terms of overall blood safety.

    The country is strengthening its national blood emergency response system to enable targeted cross-regional distribution of blood resources to ensure adequate supplies in key areas and during peak periods, the official said.

    Gao Guangming further noted that in order to raise public awareness of blood donation, the NCRR, in partnership with China State Railway Corporation (CSRC), has posted motivational videos and posters on 260,000 screens at more than 3,000 railway stations and more than 4,200 high-speed trains across the country.

    At the same time, party and government bodies, universities, enterprises and state institutions are encouraged to participate in corporate voluntary blood donation and create an exemplary example for the formation of healthy social behavior, he added.

    Gao Guangming said at a press conference that there are about 11.4 blood donors for every 1,000 people in China. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China welcomes UNGA resolution on ceasefire in Gaza

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    UNITED NATIONS, June 13 (Xinhua) — China’s permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong welcomed the UN General Assembly resolution adopted on Thursday calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and access to large-scale humanitarian aid.

    According to Fu Tsung, this document reflects the call of the international community, is a powerful political signal and embodies solidarity and consensus among the vast majority of UN member states.

    The Chinese envoy expressed regret that the UN Security Council failed to adopt a similar resolution last week due to a US veto. He also called on Israel to stop its military operation in the Gaza Strip.

    “Israel continues to escalate its military offensive on Gaza, and every day a large number of innocent people are killed,” he said.

    An immediate and permanent ceasefire is the surest way to save lives and bring the hostages home. China calls on Israel to immediately stop all military operations in the enclave. The Chinese diplomat said the country, which wields considerable influence, should take an impartial and responsible stance and take effective and decisive action.

    He said China opposes the use of humanitarian aid as a weapon.

    The UN and humanitarian organizations have warned that Gazans are facing imminent large-scale famine. Meanwhile, huge amounts of food have accumulated in warehouses on Gaza’s borders and cannot be delivered to starving civilians, Fu Cong emphasized.

    “Such forced deprivation of people’s right to food is a violation of international law. It is cruel and unacceptable,” said China’s permanent representative to the UN.

    “China firmly opposes the use of humanitarian aid as a weapon and urges Israel to fulfill its obligations as an occupying power by immediately lifting the blockade on Gaza, fully restoring access to humanitarian supplies, and supporting the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations in carrying out their work.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: PSNA Statement: ‘Expel the Israeli ambassador now!’

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

     

    PSNA is calling on the government to immediately expel the Israeli ambassador from New Zealand.

     

    PSNA Co-Chair, John Minto says Israel’s strikes on Iran are “unprovoked, unilateral and a massive threat to humanity everywhere.”  

     

    “This is such a dangerous action, that diplomatic weasel words about Israel are not acceptable.  Israel is an out-of-control rogue state playing with the future of humanity.  We must send it the strongest possible message.”

     

    “Israel’s using its often repeated lies and misinformation to attempt to justify it’s unconscionable violence and aggression.”

    Minto points to Iran’s right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes.

     

    “Even US intelligence officials have made it clear very recently that Iran is NOT on the way to produce a nuclear weapon.”

     

    “And neither is Iran committed to the “annihilation” of Israel. Iran does not support Israel as a racist, apartheid state and wants to see liberation for Palestine. In this, Iran has, along with the overwhelming majority of countries in the world, called for an end to Israel’s military occupation of Palestine, the end of its apartheid policies directed against Palestinians and the return of Palestinian refugees.”

     

    New Zealand has the same policies.

     

    Minto says our government must shoulder some of the blame for Israel feeling it can safely launch attacks on Iran.

     

    “Appeasement of this apartheid state, as our government and other western countries have done over 20 months, has led Israel to believe it can get away within mass murder forced expulsions and managed starvation in Gaza, so that whatever it does it will be never be held to account”

     

    “Only sanctions count – and just the first one must be the expulsion of the Israel ambassador with only giving him enough time to pack his bags.

     

    John Minto

    Co-Chair

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • Indian stock market opens in red as Israel-Iran tensions rise

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian benchmark indices opened sharply lower on Friday as escalating tensions between Israel and Iran rattled investor sentiment. Heavy selling pressure was witnessed in auto, IT, financial services, and PSU bank stocks during early trade.

    At around 9:33 a.m., the Sensex was trading 896.50 points, or 1.10 per cent, lower at 80,795.44, while the Nifty fell 278.50 points, or 1.12 per cent, to 24,609.70.

    The Nifty Bank index dropped 633.80 points, or 1.13 per cent, to 55,448.75. The Nifty Midcap 100 declined by 603.90 points, or 1.03 per cent, to trade at 57,836.95, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 was down 192.75 points, or 1.04 per cent, at 18,272.30.

    Analysts warned that the economic fallout from Israel’s military action could be severe if hostilities with Iran persist. Israel has already declared that its operation could last several days.

    “The market impact will depend on the duration of the conflict. In the near term, investors are likely to adopt a risk-off approach. Sectors dependent on oil derivatives—such as aviation, paints, adhesives, and tyres—may face pressure. In contrast, oil producers like ONGC and Oil India could prove more resilient,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    The Nifty had already closed over one per cent lower in the previous session amid signs of rising geopolitical tension in the Middle East. As of this morning, Israel has launched pre-emptive strikes on Iran, prompting a broad-based risk-off sentiment across global markets.

    “Technically, Wednesday’s ‘buyer rejection’ candle, which followed the bearish ‘upside gap two crows’ pattern earlier in the week, was a clear warning of caution building in the market,” noted Akshay Chinchalkar, Head of Research at Axis Securities.

    Among the top laggards in the Sensex pack were Tata Motors, L&T, PowerGrid, Kotak Mahindra Bank, SBI, Titan, and Infosys.

    Across Asian markets, indices in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Jakarta, Japan, Seoul, and China were all trading in the red.

    In the previous U.S. trading session, the Dow Jones closed at 42,967.62, up 101.85 points or 0.24 per cent. The S&P 500 gained 23.02 points or 0.38 per cent to end at 6,045.26, while the Nasdaq rose by 46.61 points or 0.24 per cent to close at 19,662.49.

    On the institutional front, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) extended their selling for the second consecutive day, offloading equities worth ₹3,831.42 crore on June 12. Meanwhile, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought equities worth ₹9,393.85 crore on the same day.

    — IANS

  • Israel hits Iran nuclear facilities, missile factories; Tehran vows revenge

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel launched widescale strikes against Iran on Friday, saying it targeted nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders and that this was start of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.

    Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions including at the country’s main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, while Israel declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory missile and drone strikes.

    Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards corps said its top commander, Hossein Salami, was killed and state media reported the unit’s headquarters in Tehran had been hit. Several children had been killed in a strike on a residential area in the capital, it said.

    “We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message.

    “Moments ago Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Israel had “unleashed its wicked and bloody” hand in a crime against Iran and that it would receive “a bitter fate for itself”.

    An Israeli military official said Israel was striking “dozens” of nuclear and military targets including the facility at Natanz in central Iran. The official said Iran had enough material to make 15 nuclear bombs within days.

    The United States said it had no part in the operation, which raises the risk of a fresh escalation in tensions in the Middle East, a major oil producing region.

    Alongside extensive air strikes, Israel’s Mossad spy agency led a series of covert sabotage operations inside Iran, Axios reported, citing a senior Israeli official. These operations were aimed at damaging Iran’s strategic missile sites and its air defence capabilities.

    Iranian state media reported that at least two nuclear scientists, Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi were killed in Israeli strikes in Tehran.

    Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed until further notice, and Israel’s air defence units stood at high alert for possible retaliatory strikes from Iran.

    “Following the pre-emptive strike by the State of Israel against Iran, a missile and UAV (drone) attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate time frame,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.

    Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and “prepared across all borders”.

    “We are amidst a historic campaign unlike any other. This is a critical operation to prevent an existential threat, by an enemy who is intent on destroying us,” he said.

    Israeli Minister Gideon Saar was holding “marathon of calls” with counterparts around the world regarding Israel’s attack on Iran, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

    U.S. “NOT INVOLVED”

    U.S. President Donald Trump said that Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and that the United States was hoping to get back to the negotiating table, in an interview with Fox News after the start of the Israeli air strikes on Iran.

    “We will see,” Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin quoted Trump as saying in a post on X.

    Trump would convene a meeting of the National Security Council on Friday morning, the White House said. He had said on Thursday an Israeli strike on Iran “could very well happen” but reiterated his hopes for a peaceful resolution.

    The U.S. military is planning for the full range of contingencies in the Middle East, including the possibility that it might have to help evacuate American civilians, a U.S. official told Reuters.

    Iran’s armed forces spokesperson said Israel and its chief ally the United States would pay a “heavy price” for the attack, accusing Washington of providing support for the operation.

    While the U.S. tried to distance itself from Israel’s military operation, an Israeli official told public broadcaster Kan that Israel had coordinated with Washington on Iran.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was not involved in the strikes and Tel Aviv had acted unilaterally for self-defence.

    “We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” Rubio said in a statement.

    “Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel,” he added.

    The State Department issued an advisory saying that all U.S. government employees in Israel and their family members should “shelter in place until further notice”.

    The attacks triggered sharp falls in stock prices in Asian trade on Friday, led by a selloff in U.S. futures, while oil prices jumped as investors scurried to safe havens such as gold and the Swiss franc.

    U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned any military escalation in the Middle East, said deputy U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq.

    “The Secretary-General asks both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford,” Haq said.

    NUCLEAR TALKS

    U.S. and Iranian officials were scheduled to hold a sixth round of talks on Tehran’s escalating uranium enrichment programme in Oman on Sunday, according to officials from both countries and their Omani mediators.

    A U.S. official said those talks were still scheduled to proceed despite the Israeli attack.

    The Israeli military said on Friday that it was forced to act based on new intelligence information showing that Iran was “approaching the point of no return” in the development of a nuclear weapon.

    “In recent months, this program has accelerated significantly, bringing the regime significantly closer to obtaining a nuclear weapon,” it said in a statement, without disclosing the purported evidence.

    A source familiar with U.S. intelligence reports said there had been no recent change in the U.S. intelligence assessment that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon and that Khamenei had not authorised the restarting of the nuclear weapons programme that was shuttered in 2003.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Australia: State School Teachers’ Union of WA

    Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

    G’day everyone.

    I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which the Conference is taking place today, and I pay my respects to elders, past and present.

    I’m really sorry I can’t be there today in person but thank you so much for the opportunity to talk to you today.

    More importantly, thank you for what you do every day. 

    And the tens of thousands of teachers just like you that you represent.

    You’re here because you believe in the power of education.

    And so do I.

    To change lives and to change countries.

    And you’re here because you believe in the power of public education.

    And so do I.

    I’m a product of it, and proud of it.

    There’s really only one job in politics that I’ve ever wanted, and this is it.

    And there’s one reason more than anything else that I wanted to do it, to do what we’re doing right now.

    Fixing the funding of our schools.

    Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because of what it will do.

    Western Australia was the first state I signed an agreement with last year to get this done.

    And that money is flowing right now.

    Since then, every state and territory has signed up.

    It means $16.5 billion in extra Commonwealth funding to public schools right across the country over the next decade and more after that.

    It’s the biggest new investment in public education by an Australian Government ever.

    More than 50 years ago, Whitlam talked about funding schools based on need.

    More than a decade ago, David Gonski produced a formula to make it happen.

    This is the money that makes it real.

    It won’t just change lives, its impact will ricochet through generations.

    You know that because you see what education does every day.

    You know that if a child finishes school, their kids are more likely to finish school too, and then go on to TAFE or to university.

    That’s what education does.

    I said a minute ago that this money is already rolling out here in WA, and we’re already starting to see the impact of it.

    Last week, I was in Yale Primary School in Thornlie.

    There, they are using some of this funding to boost school attendance rates.

    It’s part of the Complex Behaviour Support Coordinators Initiative that we’re funding.

    A full-time coordinator at the school, building a whole school approach to attendance.

    And the early evidence is that attendance is already up at Yale by about 10 per cent.

    That’s just one example of what we’re using this funding for.

    It’s also funding the Small Group Tuition Initiative.

    Catch up tutoring.

    More individualised support for students who start behind or fall behind, to catch up and keep up.

    One of the things that you asked us to tie this funding to.

    That’s now rolling out this year to 350 WA public schools.

    It’s just another example of what this funding does and can do.

    And what your advocacy does.

    A big part of why this is happening is because of you, because when others gave up, you didn’t.

    There’s more to do to make our education system better and fairer. 

    To train more teachers and to make sure they have the skills they need to succeed.

    To cut down the admin and give you more time to teach.

    Why you became a teacher in the first place.

    There’s more to do to build respect – in the classroom and across the country – for the most important job in the world.

    The most important profession in the world.

    Teaching.

    But today, I just wanted to say thanks.

    Thank you for everything that you do.

    I’m really looking forward to working with Sabine Winton, the new Minister for Education here in WA.

    And I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with you.

    To build that better and fairer education system that we all want and that our country needs.

    Have a great conference.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Indonesia Press Remarks – Remarks to media alongside Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Good Morning. It is a pleasure to be in Jakarta again today.
    Indonesia is an absolute priority for the New Zealand government, which is why we have now visited here four times since re-taking office as New Zealand Foreign Minister in late 2023.
    Indonesia is one of New Zealand’s oldest friends in Southeast Asia and our relationship is warm, deep, and broad-based. There is much that we admire about your country. We are ambitious for us to do much more together. 
    Thank you to Minister Sugiono and his officials for hosting us today. We are always honoured by the extremely warm welcome here in Jakarta, and were proud to be here for President Prabowo’s inauguration last year. 
    New Zealand is a partner to Indonesia for the long-term and we have strong ambitions to strengthen our relationship as we head towards 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2028.
    We are pleased, Minister Sugiono, that during this visit we have been able to make tangible, concrete progress on issues of importance to our peoples. 
    On the economic front, we welcome the conclusion of a Cooperation Arrangement on Halal Products. This will facilitate the convenience, security and safety of halal food traded between our countries. 
    New Zealand leads the world in agriculture and dairy productivity, and our high quality, safe and halal food products are a key export to Indonesia. 
    We were pleased to discuss how New Zealand dairy exports can support President Prabowo’s flagship healthy nutrition programme – and to reiterate New Zealand’s commitment to working closely with Indonesia on agricultural cooperation, as Indonesia’s own dairy sector grows. 
    On education, our governments are signing today an amended Cooperation Arrangement to enhance student and research exchange between New Zealand and Indonesia.
    New Zealand is also delighted to announce today a significant increase ­– from 45 to 70 – in the annual number of scholarships offered to Indonesians to do tertiary study in New Zealand. 
    We look forward to welcoming an even greater number of Indonesian students to New Zealand to experience our world class education system and learn more about our respective cultures and countries. 
    On energy, we are proud of our long-standing partnership in Indonesia’s renewable energy sector. Over the next 5 years, New Zealand will invest a further $15 million to support the development of renewable energy in Indonesia. 
    We were pleased to reaffirm with Minister Sugiono our goal to increase two-way trade to NZ$6 billion by 2029 – noting that two-way trade with Indonesia increased by more than 43% in the past 5 years. 
    Our trade is mutually beneficial. To achieve our ambitious trade target, we need to keep working together to unlock new trade opportunities. 
    Indonesia is also a key partner for New Zealand in navigating increasing geostrategic complexities in the region. We discussed our collaboration on defence and regional security issues, including tackling transnational organised crime, the flow of drugs, and human trafficking.  New Zealand also announced a new contribution to the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation, which reflects New Zealand’s long-standing partnership with this world class facility. 
    We are also pleased to announce the visit by HMNZS Te Kaha this month to Jakarta.
    New Zealand will also participate in Exercise Super Garuda Shield, a major United States-Indonesia exercise aimed at reinforcing security ties across the Indo-Pacific.
    So, this has been a very productive visit. New Zealand and Indonesia are making concrete progress together, in a wide range of areas. This is befitting the high ambition that our two countries have for the relationship. 
    Minister Sugiono, your hospitality has been a reflection of the warmth and respect that underpin our bilateral relationship. We eagerly await the opportunity to host you in New Zealand at your earliest convenience.
    Thank you very much. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • Oil soars more than 9% after Israel strikes Iran, rattling investors

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Oil prices surged more than 9% on Friday, hitting their highest in almost five months after Israel struck Iran, dramatically escalating tensions in the Middle East and raising worries about disrupted oil supplies.

    Brent crude futures LCOc1 jumped $6.29, or 9.07%, to $75.65 a barrel by 0315 GMT after hitting an intraday high of $78.50, the highest since January 27. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 was up $6.43, or 9.45%, at $74.47 a barrel after hitting a high of $77.62, the loftiest since January 21.

    Friday’s gains were the largest intraday moves for both contracts since 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine, causing energy prices to spike.

    Israel said it targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders on Friday at the start of what it warned would be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.

    “This has elevated geopolitical uncertainty significantly and requires the oil market to price in a larger risk premium for any potential supply disruptions,” ING analysts led by Warren Patterson said in a note.

    Several oil traders in Singapore said it was still too early to say if the strike will affect Middle East oil shipments as it will depend on how Iran retaliates and if the U.S. will intervene.

    “It’s too early to tell but I think the market is worried about shutting off of the Strait of Hormuz,” one of the traders said.

    MST Marquee senior energy analyst Saul Kavonic said the conflict would need to escalate to the point of Iranian retaliation on oil infrastructure in the region before oil supply is materially impacted.

    He added that Iran could hinder up to 20 million barrels per day of oil supply via attacks on infrastructure or limiting passage through the Strait of Hormuz, in an extreme scenario.

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel will receive “harsh punishment” following Friday’s attack that he said killed several military commanders.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday called Israel’s strikes against Iran a “unilateral action” and said Washington was not involved while also urging Tehran not to target U.S. interests or personnel in the region.

    “Iran has announced an emergency and is preparing to retaliate, which raises the risk of not just disruptions but of contagion in other neighbouring oil producing nations too,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.

    “Although Trump has shown reluctance to participate, U.S. involvement could further raise concerns.”

    In other markets, stocks dived in early Asian trade, led by a selloff in U.S. futures, while investors scurried to safe havens such as gold and the Swiss franc.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Joint Statement: By the Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Indonesia and New Zealand at the 12th Joint Ministerial Commission

    Source: New Zealand Government

    His Excellency Sugiono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and Rt Hon Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, convened the 12th meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) on 13th June 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. 
    The Ministers welcomed meeting in person, underscoring the importance of regular consultations between themselves, Leaders and other Cabinet colleagues to strengthen the relationship in ways that deliver real benefits and advance shared values.
    The Ministers celebrated the cooperation between Indonesia and New Zealand under the Comprehensive Partnership agreed by Leaders in 2018, and the achievements under the 2025-2029 Plan of Action. 
    The Ministers committed to intensify cooperation across the seven pillars of the Comprehensive Partnership to strengthen bilateral ties and achieve the ambitious goals set out in the 2025-2029 Plan of Action.
     
    Reviewing the implementation of the first year of the Plan of Action 2025-2029, and way forward 

    “Friends for Good” Ties

    The Ministers acknowledged intensive recent engagement between the two countries, including Minister Peters’ attendance at President Prabowo’s inauguration in October 2024, and meetings between our Prime Minister and President, and Foreign Ministers at APEC in November 2024, as well as increased engagements by senior officials. 
    Both Ministers agreed to further increase two-way dialogue and acknowledged the importance of face-to-face engagement, and regular hosting of key relationship architecture meetings, in maintaining our “Friends for Good” ties.
    The Ministers agreed to encourage relevant stakeholders to bolster bilateral relations and cooperation, including through bilateral defence talks and the annual Senior Officials Meeting on Trade and Investment Framework.
    Both Ministers also noted the significant potential for promoting Parliamentary and civil society exchanges to further strengthen bilateral and people-to-people ties.
    Enhancing Trade and Economic Partnerships to Advance Growth of Both Economies
    The Ministers highlighted the importance of enhancing mutual prosperity and strengthening trade and economic connections. Ministers recalled the goal in the Plan of Action to grow two-way trade to NZ$6 billion by the end of 2029.  They highlighted the need for New Zealand and Indonesia to increase mutual cooperation in the face of global economic uncertainty.
    Both Ministers highlighted the importance of resolving non-tariff trade barriers to ensure trade continuity and growth. Ministers welcomed agreement of the Cooperation Arrangement on Halal Standards.  The Arrangement will facilitate the convenience, security, safety and certainty of halal food traded between our countries. Ministers noted the intent for New Zealand and Indonesia to work together to further support the Indonesian national program of food resilience and the Nutritious Meal programme.

    The Ministers noted the positive trend of New Zealand’s investment in Indonesia, and agreed to continue efforts to encourage investment flows.
    Ministers welcomed the year-round direct flights between Auckland and Bali and committed to continue to work towards unlocking the full potential of enhanced air connectivity to facilitate increased people-to-people, business and trade flows.
    Both Ministers reconfirmed the importance of a rules-based, free and open trade environment, with the World Trade Organisation at its core, as critical for the regional and global economy. The Ministers welcomed the implementation of the upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), which entered into force in April 2025, and ongoing cooperation under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
    The Ministers acknowledged the process of Indonesia’s accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as an important step to foster economic integration, accelerate economic reform, and support mutual prosperity. 
    Both Ministers reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to preventing illegal money laundering and other illegal financing activities to enhance financial integrity and transparency and to further promote economic growth and development.
     
    Renewable Energy and Environment Cooperation 
    The Ministers highlighted the importance of renewable energy, including geothermal cooperation, which has been a significant part of the relationship since the 1970s and welcomed the renewed Partnership Arrangement in renewable energy and energy conservation signed in September 2024. 
    Ministers announced a further NZ$15 million investment in Phase 2 of the New Zealand-Maluku Access to Renewable Energy Support (NZMATES 2.0) programme to continue to improve access to reliable, renewable electricity for remote and small islands while building local industry service capacity.
    The Ministers acknowledged strong collaboration between the Indonesia and New Zealand geothermal industries, including under the Pūngao Ngawha (Panas Bumi) Indonesia-New Zealand Partnership Programme (PINZ), that provides access to New Zealand’s world-renowned technical and training capabilities, with the aim of assisting Indonesia to further accelerate the development of its geothermal energy sector and broader energy transition.
    The Ministers emphasised their shared commitment to adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change under the Paris Agreement and expressed willingness to expand climate related and environmental cooperation through comprehensive climate change dialogue that includes both mitigation and adaptation strategies.
     

    Education, Tourism, Science, Technology and Innovation, and People-to-People Cooperation

    Ministers welcomed the significant increase in the annual allocation of tertiary scholarships under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme (MNZSP), from 45 to 70, for Indonesia for this year and the next two years, reflecting their mutual dedication to deepening people-to-people connections, strengthening capacity in renewable energy and public governance, and developing disadvantaged regions. 
    The Ministers welcomed the Arrangement on Education Cooperation to refresh areas of cooperation, including increased education and higher education policy dialogues to enhance education system development and resilience.
    The Ministers underscored the importance of enhancing people-to-people connections, particularly in education and tourism, as a bedrock of strong bilateral ties. Both Ministers welcomed the exchange of cultural missions and promotions to serve this purpose.
    Ministers welcomed further exchanges of officials’ level visits to New Zealand focused on good governance, public sector performance and integrity and other sectors to advance bilateral relations.
    The Ministers encouraged closer cooperation between Indonesia and New Zealand in supporting research collaboration as highlighted in the Arrangement on Education Cooperation.
     
    Development Cooperation 
    Both Ministers welcomed the past year’s implementation progress under the Statement of Partnership (SoP) 2025-2029 signed in July 2024 and reviewed in May 2025. The SoP has strengthened and elevated both the development relationship and mutual commitment to focus on development cooperation and other strategic issues and is strongly aligned with Indonesia’s national priorities in two areas: climate and economic resilience; and inclusive human development.
     
    Defence, Security, Cyber and Maritime Cooperation

    Ministers acknowledged New Zealand and Indonesia’s long-standing defence relationship and committed to continuing to strengthen these ties, including through regular Defence Ministers’ meetings. They welcomed the upcoming visit to Jakarta by New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Te Kaha and the recent visit by the Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy.
    The Ministers announced new funding towards ongoing cooperation on security issues through continued support for the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC). The funding provided by New Zealand will enable the continued delivery of high-quality capacity building initiatives and collaboration between law enforcement agencies to combat transnational organised crime in the region. 
    The Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to the Bali Process and welcomed progress against the Adelaide Strategy for Cooperation, which sets out the priority areas of cooperation for the Bali Process Working Groups. This includes an upcoming Joint Tabletop Exercise co-hosted by New Zealand, Indonesia, Australia and Viet Nam, through the Working Group on Disruption of Criminal Networks Involved in People Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons from 23 to 26 June 2025. 
    The Ministers agreed to continue to implement the refreshed cooperation arrangement on counter-terrorism, and identify opportunities for dialogue on preventing violent extremism. 
    Ministers highlighted the importance of active participation by our militaries in training activities, annual defence talks and joint exercises, including Exercise Super Garuda Shield.
     

    Regional and Multilateral Agenda

    The Ministers emphasised ASEAN’s central role in the dynamic regional architecture and their shared commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperation through ASEAN-led mechanisms and processes, particularly the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).
    The Ministers welcomed the ASEAN-New Zealand Joint Statement on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific in 2023 to maintain regional stability and to serve as a framework to strengthen bilateral relations to advance economic relations and maritime governance under international law.
    The Ministers welcomed the implementation of the ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action (POA) (2021-2025) and its substantial progress achieved across the four themes outlined in the POA – Peace, Prosperity, People, and Planet. They further welcomed activity throughout 2025 to commemorate 50 years of dialogue relations between New Zealand and ASEAN, including preparations under way for a Commemorative Summit in Malaysia in October. Minister Sugiono confirmed Indonesia’s support for New Zealand’s proposal to elevate the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and noted the development of a new ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action (2026-2030) to guide future cooperation. 
    Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining and promoting security and stability in the South China Sea. Ministers underscored their strong support for freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded trade, and their unwavering support for the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Ministers emphasised the need for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS. In this regard, Ministers recalled the 2016 ruling of the South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under UNCLOS. They underscored the importance of further progress towards an effective and substantive Code of Conduct that is consistent with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
    Ministers expressed concern about the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.  Ministers called on stakeholders and parties in Myanmar, in particular the armed forces and security forces concerned, to immediately cease violence, including the targeting of civilians, and to engage in inclusive dialogue. Ministers emphasised the importance of a peaceful, stable and unified Myanmar, affirmed their strong support for ASEAN-led efforts in line with the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and encouraged the international community to work together in a pragmatic and constructive way to support peace and stability in Myanmar.
    The Ministers expressed concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated their calls for all parties to cease all hostilities; release all remaining hostages; facilitate the rapid, safe, unimpeded, and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid; adhere to international humanitarian law; and protect aid workers to enable their lifesaving work. Ministers reaffirmed their support for the implementation of a two-state solution consistent with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
    Ministers exchanged views on the war against Ukraine and reiterated support for efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.  In that context, Ministers continued to reaffirm their respect for sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity, and reiterated their call for compliance with the United Nations Charter and international law.
    The Ministers acknowledged the challenges to the multilateral system from shifting geopolitical dynamics, a tightly constrained financial environment and increasingly complex global risks. They reaffirmed their strong support for multilateralism and the international rules-based system, and acknowledged its important role in underpinning global stability, resilience and prosperity. The Ministers committed to collaborating on efforts to strengthen the multilateral system, increase inclusivity and transparency, and to safeguard and advance human rights, in order to support a system that is more responsive to today’s challenges. 

    Conclusion

    Ministers reviewed the implementation of the Plan of Action for 2025-2029 and discussed their common interest in advancing bilateral cooperation and delivering tangible outcomes.
    Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to utilise and advance the implementation of existing cooperation frameworks to deliver our shared interests. 
    Both Ministers were ready to explore more cooperation in the future to support both nations’ interests, as confirmation of their strong stance as Friends for Good.
    Minister Peters expressed his sincere gratitude to Minister Sugiono and the Indonesian Government for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him during the visit, and looked forward to hosting Minister Sugiono at the 13th JMC in New Zealand in 2026.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • Israel strikes Iran nuclear facilities, missile factories

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel said it targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders on Friday at the start of what it warned would be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.

    Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions including at the country’s main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, while Israel declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory missile and drone strikes.

    Iranian state television reported that Hossein Salami, the chief of the elite Revolutionary Guards corps, had been killed and the unit’s headquarters in Tehran had been hit. Several children had been killed in a strike on a residential area in the capital, it said.

    “We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message.

    “Moments ago Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Israel had “unleashed its wicked and bloody” hand in a crime against Iran and that it would receive “a bitter fate for itself”.

    An Israeli military official said Israel was striking “dozens” of nuclear and military targets including the facility at Natanz in central Iran. The official said Iran had enough material to make 15 nuclear bombs within days.

    The United States said it had no part in the operation, which raises the risk of a fresh escalation in tensions in the Middle East, a major oil producing region.

    Alongside extensive air strikes, Israel’s Mossad spy agency led a series of covert sabotage operations inside Iran, Axios reported, citing a senior Israeli official. These operations were aimed at damaging Iran’s strategic missile sites and its air defence capabilities.

    Iranian state media reported that at least two nuclear scientists, Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi were killed in Israeli strikes in Tehran.

    Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed until further notice, and Israel’s air defence units stood at high alert for possible retaliatory strikes from Iran.

    “Following the pre-emptive strike by the State of Israel against Iran, a missile and UAV (drone) attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate time frame,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.

    Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and “prepared across all borders”.

    “We are amidst a historic campaign unlike any other. This is a critical operation to prevent an existential threat, by an enemy who is intent on destroying us,” he said.

    Israeli Minister Gideon Saar was holding “marathon of calls” with counterparts around the world regarding Israel’s attack on Iran, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

    U.S. “NOT INVOLVED”

    U.S. President Donald Trump would convene a meeting of the National Security Council on Friday morning, the White House said.

    Iran’s armed forces spokesperson said Israel and its chief ally the United States would pay a “heavy price” for the attack, accusing Washington of providing support for the operation.

    An Israeli official told Israel public broadcaster Kan that Israel had coordinated with Washington on the strikes.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio however said the United States was not involved and Tel Aviv had acted unilaterally for self-defence.

    “We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” Rubio said in a statement.

    “Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel,” he added.

    The State Department issued an advisory saying that all U.S. government employees in Israel and their family members should “shelter in place until further notice”.

    The attacks triggered sharp falls in stock prices in early Asian trade on Friday, led by a selloff in U.S. futures, while oil prices jumped as investors scurried to safe havens such as gold and the Swiss franc.

    NUCLEAR TALKS DEADLOCKED

    U.S. and Iranian officials were scheduled to hold a sixth round of talks on Tehran’s escalating uranium enrichment program in Oman on Sunday, according to officials from both countries and their Omani mediators. But the talks have appeared to be deadlocked.

    Trump said on Thursday an Israeli strike on Iran “could very well happen” but reiterated his hopes for a peaceful resolution.

    A source familiar with U.S. intelligence reports said there has been no recent change in the U.S. intelligence assessment that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and that Khamenei has not authorised the restarting of the nuclear weapons program that was shuttered in 2003.

    Even so, U.S. intelligence had indicated that Israel was preparing a strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

    The U.S. military was planning for the full range of contingencies in the Middle East, including the possibility that it might have to help evacuate American civilians, a U.S. official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI USA: LaMalfa Statement on House Passage of Rescissions Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

    Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025. Passage of this bill codifies President Trump’s rescissions package, cutting $9.4 billion in wasteful federal spending. 

    “This is exactly the kind of action voters sent us here to take. We’re cutting nearly $10 billion in junk spending, foreign aid giveaways, woke public broadcasting, and other bloated programs that do nothing for the average American,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “The federal government has a spending problem, and this bill is a strong step toward restoring fiscal sanity, holding agencies accountable, and stopping the inflationary madness that’s been driving prices through the roof.”

    Background: 

    The Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 was enacted after President Nixon refused to spend congressionally approved funds. The law allows a president to propose rescinding funds already appropriated by Congress. Once submitted, the funds can be withheld for up to 45 legislative days. If Congress passes a rescissions bill, the funds are permanently canceled; if not, the money must be spent. The law also sets expedited procedures for Senate consideration, including a simple majority vote threshold and limited debate—meaning rescissions bills cannot be filibustered.

    President Trump submitted a $9.4 billion rescissions package targeting programs deemed wasteful, politically biased, or unnecessary to taxpayers. The proposal includes cuts to foreign aid, global health spending, and public broadcasting. H.R. 4 will now make its way to the Senate for consideration.

    Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Proposed road works for expansion of Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Government gazetted today (June 13) the proposed road works for the expansion of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter to provide two open spaces at the existing breakwater connecting Shum Wan Road and at a proposed breakwater in Tai Shue Wan respectively, and a pedestrian walkway to link Ocean Drive and the open space at the proposed breakwater in Tai Shue Wan.

    Details of the proposal are set out in the Annex. The plans and scheme of the works are available for public inspection at the following government offices during office hours:

    Central and Western Home Affairs Enquiry Centre,
    G/F, Harbour Building,
    38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong

    Southern Home Affairs Enquiry Centre,
    G/F, Ocean Court,
    3 Aberdeen Praya Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong

    District Lands Office, Hong Kong West and South,
    20/F, Southorn Centre,
    130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

    The gazette notice, scheme, plan and location plan are available at www.tlb.gov.hk/eng/publications/transport/gazette/gazette.html.

    Any person who wishes to object to the works or the use, or both, is required to address to the Secretary for Transport and Logistics an objection in writing, which can be submitted via the following means:
     

    • By post or by hand to the Transport and Logistics Bureau’s Drop-in Box No. 6 located at the entrance on 2/F, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong. The box is available for use between 8am and 7pm from Monday to Friday (except public holidays);
    • By fax to 2868 4643; or
    • By email to gazettetlb@tlb.gov.hk.
       

    A notice of objection should describe the objector’s interest and the manner in which he or she alleges that he or she will be affected by the works or the use. Objectors are requested to provide contact details to facilitate communication. A notice of objection should be delivered to the Secretary for Transport and Logistics not later than August 12, 2025.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Editor calls for NZ to immediately expel Israeli envoy for unprovoked attack on Iran

    EDITORIAL: By Martyn Bradbury, editor of The Daily Blog

    The madness has begun.

    We should have suspected something when the cloud strike shut down occurred.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs to continue war so that he is never held to account.

    This madness is the last straw.

    NZ must immediately expel the Israeli Ambassador for this unprovoked attack on Iran.

    As moral and ethical people, we must turn away from Israel’s new war crime, they have started a war, we must as righteous people condemn Israel and their enabler America.

    This is the beginning of madness.

    We cannot be party to it.

    Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, Jordan, said the Israeli army radio was reporting that in addition to the air strikes, Israel’s external intelligence service Mossad had carried out some sabotage activities and attacks inside Iran.

    “There are also several reports and leaks in the Israeli media talking not only about the assassination of the top chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard but rather a very large number of senior military commanders in addition to prominent academics and nuclear scientists,” she said.

    “This is a very large-scale attack, not just on military installations, but also on the people who could potentially be making decisions about what Iran can do next, how Iran can respond to this attack that continues as we speak.”

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump may push Albanese on defence spending, but Australia has leverage it can use, too

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thomas Corben, Research Fellow, Foreign Policy and Defence, University of Sydney

    Ahead of a prospective meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit Canada, two key developments have bumped defence issues to the top of the alliance agenda.

    First, in a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles late last month, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth urged Australia to boost defence spending to 3.5% of gross domestic product (GDP).

    This elicited a stern response from Albanese that “Australia should decide what we spend on Australia’s defence.”

    Then, this week, news emerged the Pentagon is conducting a review of the AUKUS deal to ensure it aligns with Trump’s “America First” agenda.

    Speculation is rife as to the reasons for the review. Some contend it’s a classic Trump “shakedown” to force Australia to pay more for its submarines, while others say it’s a normal move for any new US administration.



    Read more:
    Trump may try to strike a deal with AUKUS review, but here’s why he won’t sink it

    The reality is somewhere in between. Trump may well see an opportunity to “own” the AUKUS deal negotiated by his predecessor, Joe Biden, by seeking to extract a “better deal” from Australia.

    But while support for AUKUS across the US system is strong, the review also reflects long-standing and bipartisan concerns in the US over the deal. These include, among other things, Australia’s functional and fiscal capacity to take charge of its own nuclear-powered submarines once they are built.

    So, why have these issues come up now, just before Albanese’s first face-to-face meeting with Trump?

    To understand this, it’s important to place both issues in a wider context. We need to consider the Trump administration’s overall approach to alliances, as well as whether Australia’s defence budget matches our strategy.

    Trump, alliances and burden-sharing

    Senior Pentagon figures noted months ago that defence spending was their “main concern” with Australia in an otherwise “excellent” relationship.

    But such concerns are not exclusive to Australia. Rather, they speak to Trump’s broader approach to alliances worldwide – he wants US allies in Europe and Asia to share more of the burden, as well.

    Trump’s team sees defence spending (calculated as a percentage of GDP) as a basic indicator of an ally’s seriousness about both their own national defence and collective security with Washington.

    As Hegseth noted in testimony before Congress this week, “we can’t want [our allies’] security more than they do.”

    Initially, the Trump administration’s burden-sharing grievances with NATO received the most attention. The government demanded European allies boost spending to 5% of GDP in the interests of what prominent MAGA figures have called “burden-owning”.

    Several analysts interpreted these demands as indicative of what will be asked of Asian partners, including Australia.

    In reality, what Washington wants from European and Indo-Pacific allies differs in small but important ways.

    In Europe, the Trump administration wants allies to assume near-total responsibility for their own defence to enable the US to focus on bigger strategic priorities. These include border security at home and, importantly, Chinese military power in the Indo-Pacific.

    By contrast, Trump’s early moves on defence policy in Asia have emphasised a degree of cooperation and mutual benefit.

    The administration has explicitly linked its burden-sharing demands with a willingness to work with its allies – Japan, South Korea, Australia and others – in pursuit of a strategy of collective defence to deter Chinese aggression.

    This reflects a long-standing recognition in Washington that America needs its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific perhaps more than anywhere else in the world. The reason: to support US forces across the vast Pacific and Indian oceans and to counter China’s growing ability to disrupt US military operations across the region.

    In other words, the US must balance its demands of Indo-Pacific allies with the knowledge that it also needs their help to succeed in Asia.

    This means the Albanese government can and should engage the Trump administration with confidence on defence matters – including AUKUS.

    It has a lot to offer America, not just a lot to lose.

    Australian defence spending

    But a discussion over Australia’s defence spending is not simply a matter of alliance management. It also speaks to the genuine challenges Australia faces in matching its strategy with its resources.

    Albanese is right to say Australia will set its own defence policy based on its needs rather than an arbitrary percentage of GDP determined by Washington.

    But it’s also true Australia’s defence budget must match the aspirations and requirements set out in its 2024 National Defence Strategy. This is necessary for our defence posture to be credible.

    This document paints a sobering picture of the increasingly fraught strategic environment Australia finds itself in. And it outlines an ambitious capability development agenda to allow Australia to do its part to maintain the balance of power in the region, alongside the United States and other partners.

    But there is growing concern in the Australian policy community that our defence budget is insufficient to meet these goals.

    For instance, one of the lead authors of Australia’s 2023 Defence Strategic Review, Sir Angus Houston, mused last year that in order for AUKUS submarines to be a “net addition” to the nation’s military capability, Australia would need to increase its defence spending to more than 3% of GDP through the 2030s.

    Otherwise, he warned, AUKUS would “cannibalise” investments in Australia’s surface fleet, long-range strike capabilities, air and missile defence, and other capabilities.

    There’s evidence the Australian government understands this, too. Marles and the minister for defence industry, Pat Conroy, have both said the government is willing to “have a conversation” about increasing spending, if required to meet Australia’s strategic needs.

    This is all to say that an additional push from Trump on defence spending and burden-sharing – however unpleasantly delivered – would not be out of the ordinary. And it may, in fact, be beneficial for Australia’s own deliberations on its defence spending needs.

    Thomas Corben receives funding from the Australian Department of Defence.

    – ref. Trump may push Albanese on defence spending, but Australia has leverage it can use, too – https://theconversation.com/trump-may-push-albanese-on-defence-spending-but-australia-has-leverage-it-can-use-too-258811

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Van Hollen, Padilla Introduce Legislation to Sanction Salvadoran Officials for Human Rights Abuses, Collusion with Trump Administration in Violation of Constitutional Rights

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) are introducing new legislation in a continuation of their efforts to hold El Salvador accountable for its human rights abuses and its collusion with the Trump Administration to imprison people from the United States without due process. The senators’ legislation would apply sanctions on Salvadoran officials and others who have engaged in international human rights violations or worked to deprive individuals residing in the United States of their rights under the U.S. Constitution. The legislation would additionally explicitly sanction President Bukele and Vice President Ulloa, as well as El Salvador’s Ministers of Foreign Relations, Defense, and Justice and Public Security, among others. In addition to its actions alongside the Trump Administration to imprison people from the United States, Bukele and his government have continued to jail and persecute innocent Salvadoran citizens, including journalists and human rights advocates such as Ruth López.

    The text of the legislation is available here.

    “Under President Bukele, tens of thousands of Salvadorans and even U.S. residents remain jammed in megaprisons without due process. President Bukele may think he has a friend in President Trump, but he should know that Americans will not tolerate his efforts to undermine the rule of law and democratic institutions—whether in El Salvador or here in the United States,” said Kaine. “That’s why I’m introducing this legislation with my colleagues to sanction foreign nationals complicit in Bukele’s behavior and the Trump Administration’s illegal actions to deny due process to people living in the United States.”

    “President Bukele and the Government of El Salvador are colluding with the Trump Administration, taking American taxpayer dollars to imprison people as part of a scheme to violate their constitutional rights. We must hold Bukele and his cronies accountable for these wrongful actions as well as for the gross violations of human rights they are committing in El Salvador. This legislation would do just that by placing sanctions on Bukele and those in his government who are responsible for these abuses. We must send a clear signal that these injustices are unacceptable and must end,” said Van Hollen.

    “President Bukele and his regime are continuing to commit abhorrent human rights atrocities and eradicate due process,” said Padilla. “We must hold Bukele and all responsible parties accountable for the suspension of constitutional rights and continued collusion with the Trump Administration to imprison people from the United States without due process. Imposing economic sanctions and visa restrictions on Bukele and his corrupt government is a necessary step to push El Salvador to finally uphold international human rights law and respect fundamental civil liberties.”

    The senators’ legislation is supported by the Latin America Working Group, the Washington Office on Latin America, Human Rights Watch, and Immigration Hub.

     “Senators Van Hollen, Kaine, and Padilla’s bill to impose sanctions on the regime of President Nayib Bukele is timely and importantly puts a spotlight on the gross violation of human rights that have occurred under President Bukele’s state of exception. Since March 2022, 85,000 people have been detained, constitutional guarantees have been suspended, and over 350 people have died while under state custody. Systemic torture and persecution are state policies. Significantly, the bill also addresses the pervasive corruption that has occurred since President Bukele took office and prevents the IMF and other international financial institutions not to lend support. Not one penny of our tax dollars should support this regime until there is an end to the human rights violations, and the rule of law, judicial independence, and government transparency are restored.  All Members of Congress should get behind this bill,” said Vicki Gass, Executive Director, Latin America Working Group.  

    “Targeted individual sanctions for gross human rights violations are a critical diplomatic tool the U.S. can use to push for change and hold authoritarian actors accountable; as El Salvador’s political and human rights crisis deepens, strong international action like this becomes essential,” said Ana María Méndez-Dardón, Director for Central America at the Washington Office on Latin America.

    “We are heartened to see Senators confronting the human rights abuses of government officials in El Salvador. This bill an important reminder that uncritical US government support to President Bukele will not last forever and a recognition that nobody should be deported to Salvadoran prisons,” said Juan Pappier, Deputy Director of the Americas division, Human Rights Watch.

    Additional Background:

    • Sanctions: Imposes property-blocking and visa sanctions on President Bukele, key members of his cabinet, and other foreign persons working on behalf of the Salvadoran government that have:
      • engaged in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, including in connection with the ongoing “state of exception” in El Salvador;
      • engaged in the scheme, including by accepting U.S. taxpayer dollars, to deprive individuals residing in the United States of their Constitutional rights; or
      • provided material support to any person that has engaged in the above activities.
    • Termination/Snapback of Sanctions: Sanctions cannot be terminated until at least four years after the bill is enacted and unless the President certifies to Congress that the Government of El Salvador is no longer engaged in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights and no longer engaged in the scheme, including by accepting U.S. taxpayer dollars, to deprive individuals residing in the United States of their Constitutional rights. If the President determines that either of those conditions resume, then sanctions shall be reimposed.
    • Reporting Requirements: Requires reports to Congress that provide transparency on Salvadoran officials subject to a variety of sanctions authorities, U.S. government assistance to El Salvador, bilateral written agreements between the United States and El Salvador, and compliance with U.S. laws including the Leahy Laws and the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. Also requires a report on the actions of Salvadoran officials, including President Bukele, to use cryptocurrency as a mechanism for gross corruption, graft, and sanctions evasion.
    • Blocking International Financial Assistance: Instructs the United States to use its voice and vote in international financial institutions to oppose financial assistance to the Government of El Salvador until the appropriate Presidential certification is transmitted to Congress.
    • Prohibiting U.S. Funds for El Salvador: Prohibits any U.S. funding for the Government of El Salvador until the appropriate Presidential certification is transmitted to Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Joins Lawmakers, DACA Recipients, Advocates to Call for Permanent Protections Ahead of DACA’s 13th Anniversary Amid Growing Hostility Against Immigrant Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla Joins Lawmakers, DACA Recipients, Advocates to Call for Permanent Protections Ahead of DACA’s 13th Anniversary Amid Growing Hostility Against Immigrant Communities

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and mass deportation assaults intensify in Los Angeles and across the country, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, marked the upcoming 13th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy by urging Congress to take immediate action to deliver permanent protections for millions of families, parents, and individuals who are increasingly at risk amid President Trump’s mass deportation agenda. Padilla joined U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Representatives Sylvia R. Garcia (D-Texas-29) and Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.-03), along with DACA recipients, Dreamers, advocates, and dozens of immigrant youth and leaders from the Home is Here campaign, to call attention to the blaring threats to the future of DACA and push for the passage of the Dream Act.
    From abductions without warrants, deportations without due process, and the end to other temporary programs, the 13th anniversary of DACA is an important reminder that any effort to limit or end DACA will have painful, far-reaching consequences for the national economy and communities in every corner of the United States. California has over 160,000 DACA recipients who have been contributing to the country for years, and if the policy ended, it could cost the nation nearly $650 billion while potentially cutting over 400,000 workers.
    “Time and time again, we’ve seen the same playbook from Donald Trump. When things go wrong, he scapegoats immigrants. To distract the country from his failed agenda, Trump’s rolling out illegal deportations, ignoring due process, and launching ICE raids in my hometown of Los Angeles,” said Senator Padilla. “This week, as we should be celebrating the 13th Anniversary of DACA, I understand the fear of hundreds of thousands of Dreamers because they feel even more at risk. In addition to being our neighbors and loved ones, Dreamers are our teachers and caregivers, nurses and doctors, small business owners and construction workers paying taxes just like the rest of us. We must pass the Dream Act to provide permanent protections for Dreamers who contribute so much to our country and economy, finally giving them the peace of mind they deserve.”
    “In 2010, I sent a letter, joined by the late Senator Richard Lugar, a Republican from Indiana, asking then-President Obama to stop the deportation of Dreamers. And thirteen years ago this week, President Obama responded—he announced the DACA program. More than 835,000 Dreamers have since come forward and received DACA, which has allowed them to contribute more fully to their country as teachers, nurses, doctors, engineers, and small business owners. Now in their 13th year of waiting, we, the lawmakers, must honor Dreamers’ patience, act on our promises, and finally provide them a pathway to citizenship. I will continue to fight for them—and I urge my Republican colleagues to join me,” said Senator Durbin.
    “I am someone who takes immense pride in being raised in the United States and have always felt American in every way but on paper. And while I have every reason to feel filled with hate after being discriminated against because of my identity, or seeing the ways hard working people like my parents have had to work twice as hard than the average person just to make ends meet, I still love this country deeply. As we approach the 13th anniversary of DACA, this moment is a reminder that immigrants are integral to this country. This is our home, and we urge Congress to do what we know is possible and popular among the vast majority of Americans: deliver a pathway to citizenship now,” said Adrien, a DACA recipient and College student studying computer engineering.
    “For 13 years, I’ve held up my end of the bargain – to work, go to school, pay my taxes, and stay out of trouble. But for those same 13 years, politicians have dangled my future for political points, all while failing to pass a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers like me. Because of this inaction, we’ve been attacked by the President, the courts, elected officials, and states like Texas, who are trying to take away our work permits, in-state tuition, and more. At this very moment, we’re waiting for a judge to modify his decision that would affect thousands of Dreamers like me.  And that isn’t just a moral failure – it’s an economic disaster waiting to happen. The courts can’t decide our future forever. Congress must finally deliver what they’ve promised for years – a pathway to citizenship, stability, and dignity,” said Mariana, a DACA recipient.
    “For 13 years, DACA has been an extraordinary success for the entire country, clearly demonstrating why the process for undocumented immigrants to obtain legal status must remain our long-term, central goal. Nearly 1 million people can live, work, and contribute openly to the only country they’ve ever called home because of DACA. It’s well past time for Congress to pass a permanent legislative solution that provides certainty to DACA recipients, Dreamers, their families, and the country that relies on them,” said Todd Schulte, President of FWD.us.
    “On DACA’s 13th anniversary, it is important to celebrate the wonderful things that DACA has done for our communities across the country and throughout the years. But, we always knew that it was not enough. We need Congress to pass a pathway to citizenship for all DACA recipients, immigrant youth, and our entire communities. With our communities under attack in unprecedented ways, we are beyond the point of urgency. We need words to become action,” said Diana Pliego, Senior Campaigns Strategist at NILC.
    “As we mark the 13th anniversary of DACA, Make the Road Nevada stands with thousands of DACA recipients—and with the undocumented youth still left out—who call this country home. DACA has proven the power and promise of offering protections to immigrant communities. But it’s not enough. Year after year, we’ve seen how vulnerable the program remains, and why we need permanent protections now more than ever. Congress must act to finally deliver stability and security to our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and loved ones—because no one’s future should depend on a temporary policy,” said Leo Murrieta, Executive Director with Make the Road Nevada.
    “As someone who was a DACA recipient, I know firsthand how critical this program has been in opening paths to economic mobility not just for recipients but also for our families and local communities. With DACA, recipients have been able to advance their careers as teachers, lawyers, nurses, mental health practitioners, business owners, and other valued employees. As we reflect on the thirteenth anniversary of DACA, while witnessing the militarized chaos sown in Los Angeles, we are also present to the fact that we need a more permanent solution and a pathway to citizenship for the many who call this country home and contribute to its spirit, economy, and culture. Our community has waited far too long for a working immigration system that keeps families together and treats every person regardless of their status with dignity and respect. Congress must act diligently and swiftly to work toward a solution like the Dream and Promise Act that protects the state and the people they represent,” said Iliana Perez, Executive Director of Immigrants Rising.
    “DACA was never meant to be the finish line—it was a promise, a lifeline, and a call to action. As families across the country live in renewed fear of enforcement raids, we recommit to the fight for permanent protections. Dreamers are not only essential to our communities—they represent the very best of America’s promise. It’s time for Congress to meet this moment with courage and pass lasting solutions that honor their contributions and humanity,” said María Teresa Kumar, President and Co-Founder of Voto Latino.
    Senator Padilla is a leading voice in Congress for immigration reform. He delivered remarks on the Senate floor earlier this week ahead of DACA’s 13th anniversary, pushing for permanent protections for Dreamers rather than the indiscriminate ICE raids stoking fear in Los Angeles communities. To commemorate the 12th anniversary of DACA, Padilla joined immigration advocates, DACA recipients, and other lawmakers to urge Congress to pass a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and call on former President Biden to protect Dreamers and long-term undocumented communities through executive action. He previously joined his Senate colleagues and directly impacted immigrant youth leaders for a press conference calling on Republicans in Congress to work with Democrats to pass permanent protections for DACA recipients after the 5th Circuit’s 2022 ruling left these recipients in limbo.

    MIL OSI USA News –