Category: Politics

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Uruguay’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Interior Minister visited UK
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release

Uruguay’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Interior Minister visited UK

English

Español de América Latina

On their first official visit to London, Deputy Chief of Staff Jorge Díaz and Interior Minister Carlos Negro held meetings related to justice and security.
The main objective of the visit was to learn from experiences that will contribute to discussions on the creation of a Ministry of Justice and Human Rights in Uruguay.

Between May 20 and 23, 2025, they met with government officials, academics, private sector companies, and non-governmental organizations, including two roundtables on cybersecurity and the space industry, in which more than 12 local counterparts participated. Additionally, they visited Parliament, the Supreme Court of Justice, the London Magistrates’ Court, and the Prosecutor’s Office.

Ambassador Mal Green stated:

The purpose of this invitation from the British government is to share experiences, ideas, challenges, and lessons learned to support the planning that the Uruguayan government is undertaking for the creation of its Ministry of Justice, as well as to exchange views on a priority for both countries: security.

I trust that the connections established will continue to deepen in the coming months through future virtual and in-person meetings, training, and technical cooperation.

Deputy Secretary Díaz expressed being pleasantly surprised by the level of pragmatism and professionalism with which security-related public policies and the Ministry of Justice operate in the United Kingdom, according to the official Presidency website.

The activity agenda included meetings with Lords who were involved in the formation of this Ministry, created in 2007, and its leadership, as well as with current authorities such as the Undersecretary of Justice, Lord Frederick Ponsonby. Frederick Ponsonby is a relative of John Brabazon Ponsonby, a British diplomat who played a decisive role in the independence of Uruguay in 1828.

This was the first official visit of authorities from Yamandú Orsi’s government to the United Kingdom, further strengthening the historical relationship and collaboration between both countries, which now spans nearly two centuries.

Visit our Flickr for more photos of the visit.

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Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

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Published 28 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Europe steps up wildfire preparedness with new integrated strategy

Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

A model for anticipatory action and integrated risk governance emerges in Brussels

Brussels, 27 May 2025 — As wildfire seasons grow longer and more destructive across Europe, driven by climate change and land-use pressures, a new strategy unveiled in Brussels last week aims to transform the continent’s approach to wildfire risk management.

At the heart of this shift is the Integrated Wildfire Risk Management (IWRM) Strategy for Europe, launched during a high-level event convened on 20–21 May by the Firelogue project and the EU Research Executive Agency (REA). The strategy is the result of a multi-year collaboration between leading scientists, policymakers, and civil society actors, supported by the European Green Deal through projects such as FirEUrisk, FIRE-RES, SILVANUS, and TREEADS.

Framed by the urgency of increasing fire severity and shifting hazard patterns, the event brought together approximately 150 participants—from EU institutions and national governments to fire services, NGOs, and research networks—to explore how Europe can move toward a more proactive and integrated approach to wildfire risk.

Integrated and systemic governance

While wildfires have long been considered an issue for the Mediterranean, their geographic spread and intensity are now testing response systems across the continent. In this context, the IWRM Strategy signals a fundamental pivot: away from isolated emergency response toward systemic risk governance, in line with global resilience agendas such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The strategy offers a common framework for Member States and stakeholders to align efforts around shared goals, risk metrics, and governance structures. It emphasizes the need to build fire-resilient landscapes, improve coordination across sectors, and strengthen the capacity of local authorities to plan and act before disaster strikes.

“We are no longer dealing with exceptional events, but with recurring climate-driven risks that demand long-term, integrated solutions,” said Claudia Berchtold, one of the lead authors of the strategy paper.

Bridging Science, Policy, and Practice

Throughout the two-day event, attendees engaged in knowledge exchange and hands-on demonstrations that showcased how innovation can enhance preparedness. Tools presented included drone-based fire monitoring, mobile applications for rapid response, and immersive training environments using virtual reality.

Importantly, these technological advances are not stand-alone solutions. They are embedded within the strategy’s broader emphasis on data-informed decision-making, community engagement, and institutional learning. These align closely with UNDRR’s call for whole-of-society approaches and multi-stakeholder coordination in disaster risk reduction.

One keynote focused on the importance of stakeholder inclusion, particularly the empowerment of local and regional authorities who often bear the brunt of wildfire impacts. Another panel addressed the challenge of integrating early-warning systems with planning processes, land management, and social protection policies—key to reducing vulnerability and exposure.

Collaborative Risk Governance in Action

The event’s high-level roundtable included participation from the European Commission’s DG Environment, DG ECHO, and the Joint Research Centre, as well as international partners such as the World Bank. Discussions underscored the importance of interoperability between national systems and the role of cross-border partnerships in managing transboundary risk.
To foster long-term collaboration, the strategy proposes integrated risk assessments, the creation of better collaboration at multiple scales e.g by the means of regional Fire Forums—multi-stakeholder platforms designed to facilitate joint planning, capacity-building, and peer learning across Europe. These would support the goals of both the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and global DRR frameworks by connecting practitioners, scientists, and policymakers in a continuous cycle of preparedness and adaptation.

Toward Fire-Smart Landscapes and Societies

In its closing session, the event turned toward the future. Project representatives reflected on four years of EU-funded research and laid out priorities for the coming decade: from scaling risk-reduction solutions to embedding wildfire preparedness into broader climate adaptation strategies.

“We need to act on the knowledge we’ve built—to invest in fire-smart landscapes, strengthen local capacities, and accelerate knowledge transfer,” said Krishna Chandramouli, another key contributor to the strategy.

For UNDRR and its partners, the IWRM Strategy offers not only a blueprint for Europe, but also a replicable model of how countries and regions can integrate disaster risk reduction into climate action, land management, and sustainable development planning. “It connects closely with the Making Cities Resilient 2030 Initiative and its recent report Flames of change: Innovating heat and wildfire governance for inclusive communities” say Andrew Mackey Bower, UNDRR Programme Management Officer who joined the event.

A Regional Strategy with Global Relevance

The Brussels event marked more than the launch of a new policy—it was a demonstration of what anticipatory action and collaborative risk governance can look like in practice. As wildfires grow more complex and interconnected, Europe’s strategy stands as a timely and relevant contribution to global DRR efforts.

To access the full strategy proposal working document, visit: An Integrated Wildfire Risk Management Strategy for the EU: developing resilient landscapes and safer communities

MIL OSI United Nations News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Extreme heat risk reduction: Towards a common global framework
Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

This report summarizes the proceedings of the 17-19 December 2024 Expert Consultation ‘Extreme Heat Risk Reduction Towards a common global framework’, convened by the Global Heat Health Information Network, World Meteorological Organization, and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

The consultation on heat risk governance successfully resulted in three key outputs:
- Consensus from participants on the need for a common governance framework that can enhance local coordination among sectors, institutions and levels of government, align actors and policies, and guide investment in heat risk reduction.
- Definition of essential components of heat risk governance including for example cross-sectoral data integration, coordinated decision-making, and investment, financial and technical capacity building, and multi-level policy alignment.
- Agreement on a roadmap for next steps, including the drafting of a common framework for extreme heat risk governance, consultation, and its planned launch at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025) in June 2025.
MIL OSI United Nations News –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Noem Releases Statement After ICE Arrests Illegal Alien who Threatened to Assassinate President Donald J. Trump

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Secretary Noem Releases Statement After ICE Arrests Illegal Alien who Threatened to Assassinate President Donald J

Trump

ASHINGTON – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem released the following statement after U

S

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested an illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump

“Thanks to our ICE officers, this illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump is behind bars,” said Secretary Kristi Noem

“This threat comes not even a year after President Trump was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania and less than two weeks after former FBI Director Comey called for the President’s assassination

All politicians and members of the media should take notice of these repeated attempts on President Trump’s life and tone down their rhetoric

I will continue to take all measures necessary to ensure the protection of President Trump

”
On May 21, an ICE field intelligence officer received a handwritten letter in the mail from Ramon Morales Reyes, in which he promised to self-deport after he used his gun to shoot President Trump in the head at one of his rallies

On May 22, ICE arrested Ramon Morales-Reyes, a 54-year-old illegal alien from Mexico

Morales entered the U

S

illegally at least nine times between 1998-2005

His criminal record includes arrests for felony hit and run, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct with a domestic abuse modifier

He will remain in ICE custody at Dodge County Jail in Juneau, Wisconsin, pending his removal proceedings

###

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Noem Honors Nicholas Quets, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Murdered by the Sinaloa Cartel

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

President Trump and Secretary Noem are dismantling drug cartels that profit from trafficking, violence, and lawlessness

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security released a video featuring the parents of Nicholas Quets, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who was viciously murdered by members of the Sinaloa cartel.

On October 18^th, 2024, Nicholas Quets traveled to Rocky Point, Mexico, where upon entry, he encountered a Sinaloa cartel checkpoint. These cartel members attempted to steal his pickup truck before shooting him in the back through his heart, ultimately taking his life at just 31 years old.

Watch the video.

President Trump and Secretary Noem have taken decisive action to dismantle drug cartels. On President Trump’s first day in office, he signed an executive order to designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation expands law enforcement and the government’s ability to crack down on cartels’ drug and sex trafficking operations in the U.S.

On what would have been Nicholas Quets’ 32^nd birthday, the Treasury Department announced sanctions against six individuals and seven entities allegedly involved in a money-laundering network supporting the Sinaloa cartel.

Earlier this month, HSI along with the help of the Mexican government arrested Jacobo Regalado “J3” a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico. He is responsible for hundreds of homicides and smuggling illicit drugs into the U.S.

Additionally, earlier this month, Pedro Inzunza Noriega and Pedro Inzunza Coronel, key leaders of the Beltran Leyva Organization (BLO), a powerful and violent faction of the Sinaloa cartel that is believed to be the world’s largest known fentanyl production network, were charged with narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and money laundering.

“Nicholas Quets was a patriot who served our country honorably and was killed by these cartel cowards who shot him in the back. President Trump and Secretary Noem are honoring his memory by dismantling the Sinaloa cartel and other drug cartels that profit from trafficking, violence, and lawlessness,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “President Trump’s strong leadership and these arrests and prosecutions of scum-of-the-earth cartel leaders are delivering results. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over.”

###

MIL Security OSI –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Noem Releases Statement After ICE Arrests Illegal Alien who Threatened to Assassinate President Donald J. Trump

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested an illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump.

“Thanks to our ICE officers, this illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump is behind bars,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “This threat comes not even a year after President Trump was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania and less than two weeks after former FBI Director Comey called for the President’s assassination. All politicians and members of the media should take notice of these repeated attempts on President Trump’s life and tone down their rhetoric. I will continue to take all measures necessary to ensure the protection of President Trump.”

On May 21, an ICE field intelligence officer received a handwritten letter in the mail from Ramon Morales Reyes, in which he promised to self-deport after he used his gun to shoot President Trump in the head at one of his rallies.

On May 22, ICE arrested Ramon Morales-Reyes, a 54-year-old illegal alien from Mexico.

Morales entered the U.S. illegally at least nine times between 1998-2005. His criminal record includes arrests for felony hit and run, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct with a domestic abuse modifier.

He will remain in ICE custody at Dodge County Jail in Juneau, Wisconsin, pending his removal proceedings.

###

MIL Security OSI –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – The EU’s climate action strategy – 28-05-2025

Source: European Parliament

Under the European Climate Law, the EU must reduce its net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55 % by 2030 compared with 1990, and reach climate neutrality by 2050 (see trajectory in Figure 1). Over the 2005-2023 period, net emissions in the EU decreased by 30.5 % (37 % compared with 1990). The land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector is a significant carbon sink, although its capacity to increase carbon sequestration is under pressure, while the EU emissions trading system (ETS) is one of the most effective mitigation tools, having reduced emissions by the sectors it covers by 48.1 % since 2005. Sectors for which Member States are obliged to reduce GHG emissions under the ‘effort-sharing’ legislation decreased their emissions by 17.1 % in 2023 compared with 2005. Investments tracked as climate-related spending account for 42.6 % of the total grants and loans approved under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the REPowerEU initiative. By 30 June 2024, Member States had to update their national energy and climate plans (NECPs), aligned with the EU’s increased 2030 targets. As of May 2025, three final plans are still pending. A May 2025 assessment of submitted final NECPs show a significant gap reduction from earlier analysis, with net GHG emissions estimated to decrease by 54 % by 2030, compared with 1990 levels. In a 2023 survey, 46 % of EU citizens identified climate change as one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most Europeans (56 %) said it was the responsibility of the EU or the national government to tackle climate change, followed by business/industry (53 %); 35 % found it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The dissemination by Pro-Russian organisations in Italy of propaganda produced by entities on EU sanctions lists – E-002032/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002032/2025
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Pina Picierno (S&D)

Given the current geopolitical context and the restrictive measures adopted by the European Union against the Russian Federation, I would like to bring to your attention that a number of pro-Russian organisations are currently active in Italy, where they are registered as associations, bilateral friendship groups, economic/commercial entities and Italo-Russian culture and language institutions.

These entities have worked assiduously to organise conferences and public events and to disseminate propaganda that is clearly sanctioned by Vladimir Putin’s regime and which is predominantly produced by outlets that are on EU sanctions lists, an example being Russia Today.

In my capacity as Vice-Chair of the Bureau’s Working Group on Communication, Awareness and Research, I have initiated monitoring activities against these organisations.

Given the clear evidence pointing to the existence of coordinated disinformation and interference campaigns, which by their very nature violate both the EU’s sanctions and the principles of democracy:

1.Is the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy aware of these ubiquitous propaganda and disinformation networks?

2.What steps will she take to prevent and tackle the dissemination of Russian propaganda in Italy and to ensure the effective implementation of sanctions against those entities in the Putin regime’s influence network that are masquerading as associations and cultural organisations?

Submitted: 21.5.2025
Last updated: 28 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protecting cultural monuments from indirect commercialisation – E-002043/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002043/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nikos Pappas (The Left)

The recent drone show organised by a sports goods company, using the Acropolis as a backdrop without prior authorisation from the Greek authorities, highlighted serious legislative and institutional gaps in relation with the indirect commercial use of cultural heritage sites. The Acropolis, a symbol of European identity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was indirectly used for promotional purposes, provoking political backlash and legal action in response. There have been similar cases in other Member States (involving the statue of David and the Vitruvian Man in Italy, and the image of the Eiffel Tower in France), highlighting the need for European regulation.

Regulation (EU) 2021/818 establishing the Creative Europe programme safeguards cultural heritage by preventing its uncontrolled commercialisation. However, it does not establish a unified legal framework for the commercial use of cultural images or symbols.

Can the Commission therefore answer the following:

1.How does it view these incidents in the light of the need to maintain the protection of the EU’s cultural monuments, especially when commercial operators are involved?

2.Will it propose or support the adoption of a common European legal framework to regulate the depiction, reproduction or commercial use of images of cultural monuments, particularly in cases of indirect exploitation?

3.How can it help to ensure that European cultural principles and values as set out in European law are not compromised in such cases?

Submitted: 21.5.2025
Last updated: 28 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Import of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin – E-002041/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002041/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sebastian Everding (The Left), Anja Hazekamp (The Left)

Since 2015, animal welfare non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have exposed the cruelty of extracting blood from pregnant mares in order to obtain the pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) hormone, which is used to increase and synchronise the fertility of farmed animals, despite alternatives being available.

PMSG production is in breach of EU legislation[1], but European pharmaceuticals companies continue importing PMSG from non-EU countries, inter alia from Iceland[2].

A new NGO investigation from September 2024 again shows the semi-wild horses being subjected to mistreatment, massive stress and pain during the blood collections[3].

1.In 2021, Parliament adopted a resolution on a farm to fork strategy[4] which calls on the Commission to halt the import and domestic production of PMSG[5]. Why has the Commission not heeded Parliament’s call?

2.Will the Commission include high animal welfare standards in the revised Good Manufacturing Practice in order to ensure that no more cruelly produced PMSG will enter the EU market?

3.Is the Commission considering restricting PMSG imports under World Trade Organization rules for reasons of animal protection and to safeguard public morals?

Submitted: 21.5.2025

[1] Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, OJ L 276, 20.10.2010, p. 33, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2010/63/oj.

[2] www.eftasurv.int/newsroom/updates/iceland-breach-eea-rules-protection-animals-used-scientific-purposes-regards-blood.

[3] www.animal-welfare-foundation.org/en/blog/einsatz-in-island-blutentnahmen-zur-pmsg-gewinnung.

[4] Resolution of 20 October 2021 on a farm to fork strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system, OJ C 184, 5.5.2022, p. 2.

[5] www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2021-0425_EN.html (point 130).
Last updated: 28 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – ‘EU aquaculture. We work for you with passion’ campaign – E-002022/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002022/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN)

On 25 March 2025, the Commission introduced an EU-wide aquaculture campaign called ‘EU aquaculture. We work for you with passion’. The campaign is an initiative of the Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. However, there is no information anywhere online regarding its funding. The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) supports the EU common fisheries policy, the EU maritime policy and the EU agenda for international ocean governance.

The Regulation establishing the EMFAF[1] provides for funding for communication campaigns:

‘The Commission should implement information and communication actions relating to the EMFAF, and its actions and results. Financial resources allocated to the EMFAF should also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union, insofar as they are related to the priorities of the EMFAF.’

Given this, can the Commission clarify the following:

1.Out of what budget was this campaign paid for?

2.How much did the campaign cost?

3.How was the budget for this campaign broken down, i.e., how much was dedicated to creative concepts, how much to research, how much to social media, etc.?

Submitted: 21.5.2025

[1] Regulation (EU) 2021/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and amending Regulation (EU) 2017/1004 (OJ L 247, 13.7.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1139/oj).
Last updated: 28 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 29, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER REVEALS: AS SUMMER SEASON KICKS OFF, TRUMP’S TARIFF WAR SLAMS UPSTATE NY – CANADIAN BORDER CROSSINGS PLUNGE NEARLY 290,000 & PLUMMET A WHOPPING 22% ACROSS ALL NY PORTS OF ENTRY LAST MONTH -…

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

New Data Shows Border Crossings Across Upstate NY Are Nose-Diving As Trump’s Tariffs And Ludicrous Comments On Annexing Canada Drive Away Tourists, Putting Billions For NY’s Main Streets At Risk, Jeopardizing Jobs, & Restricting The Summer Tourism Economy

Schumer Says NY House Republicans Must Stand Up For Upstate NY And The Main Street Hotels, Restaurants & Shops Across NY That Rely On Canadian Tourists And Are Seeing Major Hits To Their Bottom Lines – The House Needs To Act On The Senate-Passed Bill To End Tariff War With Canada

Schumer: Trump Tariff War & Destructive Comments Are Burning Bridges With Canada, And Blowing A Massive Hole In Upstate NY’s Tourism Economy

With summer tourism season kicking off and Canadians canceling trips to the United States at record rates because of Trump’s mistreatment of our closest ally and trading partner, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today revealed new data on how Trump’s reckless tariff war is causing border crossings to plummet across all major land ports of entry in Upstate New York. According to Customs & Border Patrol (CBP), almost 290,000 fewer travelers crossed the Upstate New York-Canadian border last month than over the same period in 2024, a whopping 22% decrease.

“Burning bridges and ruining relationships with our closest ally and key trading partner, Canada, right when summer tourism season is arriving, is about as destructive as it gets. Upstate NY is on the frontlines of Trump’s destructive tariff war, and this shocking new data shows our tourism economy is paying the price from Buffalo to Ogdensburg,” said Leader Schumer. “Instead of lowering costs, Trump’s tariffs are raising prices for families and driving away tourists who spend billions in our shops, hotels, restaurants, and support thousands of NY jobs. If this trend of depressed tourism continues, this could be a summer in Upstate NY that no small business wants to remember.”

According to new data from CBP, Upstate NY & Canada saw approximately 1,017,500 border crossings in April, compared to 1,307,381 during the same month in 2024, a nearly 22% decrease across road and bridge crossings frequented by tourists. A breakdown bridge-by-bridge from the Bridge and Tunnel Operators Association shows just how steeply tourism is declining across all the major land ports of entry between Upstate NY and Canada:

NY-Canada Bridge	Region	April 2024 Auto Crossings	April 2025 Auto Crossings	Percentage Decline
Peace Bridge	Western NY	366,159	309,317	15.52%
Rainbow Bridge	Western NY	174,395	119,265	31.61%
Lewiston-Queenstown Bridge	Western NY	239,645	204,222	14.78%
Whirlpool Rapids Bridge	Western NY	32,211	25,377	21.22%
Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge	North Country	43,945	31,857	27.51%
Thousand Islands Bridge	North Country	147,814	117,953	20.20%
Seaway Bridge	North Country	209,524	205,518	1.91%

Schumer said this steep drop is alarming and called on NY House Republicans to stand up for their constituents and Main Street small businesses – like hotels, restaurants and shops – and take up the resolution which has already passed the Senate to end this reckless, ill-conceived and harmful trade war with Canada.

Schumer added, “This should be a bright red alarm for NY House Republicans who have stayed silent as Trump’s reckless trade war has wreaked havoc in their districts. To add insult to injury, he makes absurd declarations on annexing our neighbors to the north, which only depresses travel to the U.S. and the purchase of American products. NY House Republicans need to stand up for Upstate NY and should take up the bill which has already passed the Senate to end this reckless trade war with Canada and restore our cherished, friendly and economically dynamic relationship with our next-door neighbor.”

Across Upstate NY, businesses are already seeing the impacts of fewer Canadian tourists and are worried that it will get worse, and Upstate New York would feel the impact of this decline first and harder than nearly anywhere else in the country. In Western New York, Canadian tourism is nearly 40% of the overall tourism economy in Buffalo. In Central New York, Visit Syracuse says web traffic from Canadians is down by half this year creating major worry for the summer season, approximately 15% of tourism dollars spent in the Syracuse area come from Canadian visitors.

According to a recent North Country Chamber of Commerce survey, 66% of businesses are already experiencing a dip in Canadian bookings. Canada is the top source of international visitors to the U.S., with 20.4 million visits in 2024, generating $20.5 billion in spending and supporting 140,000 American jobs. Schumer said if there were even a 10% reduction in Canadian travel, it could mean as much as $2 billion in lost spending and 14,000 job losses across America.

“The Peace Bridge, as a self-funded agency, is reliant on tolls generated by cross border traffic to provide service to the travelling public. We were just beginning to approach normal traffic volumes following the border restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 Pandemic,” said Ron Rienas, Chief Executive Officer of the Peace Bridge Authority. “The decline of car and truck traffic directly impacts our bottom line and that of every international crossing and hampers the ability to make investments to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of people and commerce.”

“As Town Supervisor of Plattsburgh, and through ongoing discussions with leaders from other border communities on both sides, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact tariffs are having on our region. The sharp decline in Canadian visitors is hurting families, small businesses, hotels, marinas, golf courses, restaurants, and workers who depend on cross-border tourism to make a living. Beyond the economic toll, these tariffs are eroding the cultural ties that have connected our communities for generations,” said Michael S. Cashman, Plattsburgh Town Supervisor. “This isn’t about politics it’s about real people and the survival of our border region. The harmful rhetoric labeling Canada as a ‘51st state’ only deepens divisions. Canada is our oldest ally and closest friend, and our economies and cultures have long been intertwined for the benefit of us all.”

Since taking office in January, Trump has damaged the United States’ relationship with Canada by threatening to annex Canada and levying 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Schumer said this new data on major reductions in bridge crossings shows Trump’s threats to annex Canada and tariff Canadian goods are directly impacting commerce between the two countries, including Canadian tourism across New York State.

Schumer said he is fighting to end this unnecessary, damaging trade war with Canada and protect tourism, small businesses, and local jobs. Earlier this year, the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution to end tariffs on Canada, and Schumer said this new shocking data shows the urgency for House Republicans to take up and pass it as well. Senate Democrats are also pushing for tariff exemptions for small businesses and putting an end to Trump’s across-the-board tariffs. Schumer said ending this costly trade war is key to protecting American families from price increases and job losses as a result of tariffs on Canada.

“I am all for addressing trade imbalances, especially with adversaries like China, but these sweeping, ill-conceived tariffs are creating chaos and undermining those goals. Rather than uniting the world against China, Trump has united our allies like Canada against us. The Senate passed a resolution to end this disastrous trade war with Canada, and now it’s time for the House to follow. We need everyone, especially NY House Republicans, to stand up against Trump’s senseless, job-killing trade war that is hurting our tourism industry, New York’s Main Streets, and New Yorkers’ jobs,” concluded Schumer.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Arrest of the Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu – E-001163/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The arrests of Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and many protestors give rise to questions regarding Türkiye’s adherence to its long-established democratic tradition.

As a Council of Europe member and EU candidate, Türkiye must uphold the highest standards in the protection of fundamental rights, respect of democratic principles and the rule of law. The rights of elected officials, as well as the right for peaceful demonstrations need to be respected.

On 19 March 2025, the High Representative/Vice-President and the Commissioner for Enlargement issued a Joint Statement[1] noting that respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law are essential for the EU accession process and will continue to be an integral part of EU-Türkiye relations.

The President of the Commission also answered a media question with a similar message. In view of the current developments, the Commissioner for Enlargement has cancelled a visit to the Antalya Diplomatic Forum that was planned from 11 to 13 April 2025.

Türkiye is a key partner for the EU and a candidate country. However, accession negotiations with Türkiye have remained at a standstill since 2018, in line with the Council Conclusions.

The EU’s serious concerns about the continued deterioration of democratic standards, the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and respect for fundamental rights have not been yet addressed as confirmed most recently by the December 2024 Council Conclusions on enlargement[2].

The issue will continue to be raised on all levels with the Turkish authorities.

[1] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/joint-statement-high-representativevice-president-kallas-and-commissioner-kos-recent-events-2025-03-19_en.

[2] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-16983-2024-INIT/en/pdf.
Last updated: 28 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: EIB welcomes new UN Protocol to mobilise investment for a sustainable ocean economy
Source: European Investment Bank

EIB

The European Investment Bank (EIB) welcomes the launch of the United Nations Ocean Investment Protocol, a comprehensive new framework to align financial flows and business practices with the transition to a sustainable ocean economy. As a knowledge partner in its development, the EIB recognises the Protocol as a vital guide to scaling finance for a healthy and resilient ocean.

The United Nations Global Compact and the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) today unveiled the Protocol, which builds on the UN Global Compact Sustainable Ocean Principles and UNEP FI’s Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles. The Ocean Investment Protocol offers financial institutions, insurers, ocean industries, governments, and development finance institutions a clear pathway to collectively foster the growth of the Sustainable Ocean Economy and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG14 (“Life Below Water”).

As the largest supporter of the blue economy among development finance institutions, the EIB Group has committed €10.6 billion to blue economy projects between 2020 and 2024, mobilising €43 billion in total investments. The EIB was also a co-founder of the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles in 2017, helping to set a global standard for responsible investment.

The release of the Ocean Investment Protocol comes at a pivotal moment, as global momentum builds around a nature-positive agenda, the urgent need to curb carbon emissions, and accelerating action to tackle plastic and chemical pollution. The Protocol is intended to galvanize multi-stakeholder collaboration in the run-up to major ocean, climate, and biodiversity milestones.

Key elements include:
- Holistic Guidance for financial actors to manage environmental risks and pursue growth in sectors such as offshore renewables, sustainable seafood, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Data and Disclosure recommendations, promoting greater transparency on nature-related risks and impacts and aligning with global reporting frameworks, including the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, and science-based targets.
- Sector-Specific Roadmaps outlining responsible financing and operational practices in shipping, tourism, fisheries, renewable energy and other key ocean industries.
- Policy and Regulation Support to foster investment-ready environments, highlight the importance of marine spatial planning and encourage incentives for sustainable practices.
- Catalytic Role of Development Finance in advancing pipeline development for the Sustainable Ocean Economy, especially in emerging markets and coastal communities most vulnerable to climate change.
“The UN Ocean Investment Protocol is a strong complement to the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles, which the EIB co-founded,” said EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. “It provides governments, financial institutions, insurers, and companies with the clarity and guidance needed to align private investments with the Sustainable Development Goals. By setting clear recommendations for responsible investment, the Protocol will help ensure that growth in ocean industries goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship and social inclusion. At the EIB, we look forward to helping turn these recommendations into concrete action for the benefit of people and planet.”

Background information

A thriving ocean is essential for biodiversity, food security, climate resilience, and global livelihoods. The Sustainable Ocean Economy links ocean health with prosperity—making targeted finance more urgent than ever. It is central to achieving the targets of the SDGs, the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. With ocean health inseparable from global prosperity, mounting pressures—rising ocean temperatures, overfishing, pollution, biodiversity loss, weak governance, and inequitable access to marine resources—highlight the urgency of dedicated investments and policies that safeguard marine ecosystems and drive equitable economic opportunities.

The ocean economy is already equivalent in size to the world’s fifth largest economy, and global markets are reliant on the ocean and its industries to support 90 percent of global trade volume. Developing a regenerative and sustainable ocean economy is becoming increasingly central to global transitions in trade, infrastructure, energy, climate resilience, food security and regenerative tourism. The Ocean Investment Protocol responds to the critical need for swift, holistic efforts to preserve ocean ecosystems and foster growth in sustainable ocean-based sectors. It outlines actionable steps to align investments with nature- and climate-positive outcomes, fostering innovation across key ocean sectors. By 2050, the market value of a refocused, sustainable and fairly shared ocean economy is projected to reach USD$5.5 trillion.

EIB

The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.

The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high -impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.

Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impact on citizens of the Green Deal, the Clean Industrial Deal and a possible carbon levy – E-000911/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
Industry in Europe is under pressure, due to several factors, including high energy prices, international competition amidst rising geopolitical tensions, and overcapacities in third countries[1]. Decarbonising our economies is a global challenge that can be an economic opportunity, as flagged in the Draghi Report[2]. The European Green Deal[3] and the recent Clean Industrial Deal[4] provide the toolbox to strengthen the business case for decarbonisation in Europe .

The Clean Industrial Deal puts forward concrete actions to turn decarbonisation into a driver of growth for European industries. Specific measures include the Affordable Energy Action Plan[5], aimed at lowering energy bills while promoting the necessary transition to a low-carbon economy, and the upcoming Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act, which will increase demand for EU-made clean products. The Clean Industrial Deal identifies seven indicators to measure progress, such as the annual installation of renewable electricity capacity and investment volumes under InvestEU[6] supporting industrial transition.

The Commission is not considering the introduction of a direct carbon levy for citizens on top of the EU Emissions Trading System[7].

[1] 2025 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/publications/2025-annual-single-market-and-competitiveness-report_en .

[2] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/draghi-report_en.

[3] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en.

[4] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/clean-industrial-deal_en.

[5] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/strategy/affordable-energy_en.

[6] https://investeu.europa.eu/index_en.

[7] https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/eu-emissions-trading-system-eu-ets_en.
Last updated: 28 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government welcomes passage of Air Passenger Departure Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Government welcomes passage of Air Passenger Departure Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025Issued at HKT 19:54

The Government welcomed the passage of the Air Passenger Departure Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025 by the Legislative Council today (May 28) to implement the proposal in the 2025-26 Budget to increase the air passenger departure tax (APDT) from $120 to $200 per passenger. It is anticipated that government revenue will increase by about $1.6 billion per year. The new tax rate will be applicable to air tickets purchased on or after October 1, 2025.

A Government spokesperson said, “The Government has struck a balance between increasing revenue and minimising the impact on passengers when considering increasing the APDT. The impact of the increase on the overall cost of travelling for air passengers (including tourists) is minimal.”

The Bill also streamlines the Government’s financial arrangement for paying administrative fees to the airlines and helicopter company. It empowers the Financial Secretary to approve their retention of part of the APDT collected for offsetting the administration fees payable by the Government to them, and provides that the retained fees do not form part of the general revenue under the Public Finance Ordinance (Cap. 2).

The Bill passed will be gazetted on June 6.

Ends/Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:54

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi appointed World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa

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

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), May 28, 2025/APO Group/ —

The World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board today appointed Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi as Regional Director of WHO African Region following his nomination during a Special Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held on 18 May 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.

“I offer my warm congratulations to Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, and to the government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania, on your appointment by the Executive Board as Regional Director for Africa,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “We are grateful for your leadership and experience as we work together to navigate the challenges we face, and position our Organization to be stronger, more sustainable and more effective, using the current crisis as an opportunity.”

Professor Janabi expressed gratitude and pledged to intensify efforts to improve the health of the people of the African Region.

“It is with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I accept the honour of serving as the new Regional Director for Africa. I’m deeply honoured and sincerely grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me,” said Professor Janabi. “Strengthening the foundation of WHO’s work in the region remains a core priority for me. By aligning every action we take with country priorities we can deliver measurable, lasting impact that transforms lives.”

A prominent cardiologist, health strategist and global health diplomat, Professor Janabi has dedicated his career to strengthening health systems, advancing equitable care, and championing innovation and collaboration to improve health outcomes in Africa.

Professor Janabi will lead WHO’s work in supporting the 47 Member States of the African Region in their efforts to improve the health and well-being of the population. Along with partners, WHO in Africa works across a range of areas — from health system strengthening, to disease prevention and emergency response — to promote, protect and provide health for all.

His term begins on 30 June 2025 for the next five years and is eligible for reappointment once. He succeeds Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who led WHO in the African Region since 2015.

MIL OSI Africa –

May 29, 2025
Cabinet decision to increase MSP of kharif crops will raise farmers’ income: PM Modi

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the Cabinet’s decision to increase the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops will help boost crop production and raise farmers’ incomes.

“We are fully committed to the welfare of our farmer brothers and sisters across the country. In this direction, an increase in the MSP of 14 crops—including paddy, oilseeds, and pulses—has been approved for the Kharif season of 2025–26. This will enhance the production of these crops and increase the income of farmers,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the hike in MSP for 14 Kharif crops for the 2025–26 marketing season. The government said the increase aims to ensure remunerative prices for farmers’ produce.

India follows three cropping seasons: Summer, Kharif, and Rabi. Kharif crops are sown in June–July and depend on monsoon rains, with harvest in October–November. Rabi crops are sown in October–November and harvested from January onwards, while Summer crops are grown between the Rabi and Kharif seasons.

ANI

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Launch of New I Love NY Summer Tourism Camapign

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of I LOVE NY’s new integrated summer tourism and travel campaign, highlighted by two new ads running through August across New York State, and in traditional drive markets including Canada. This includes advertising across broadcast, streaming and social platforms, and showcases some of the attractions and activities available. The summer campaign also includes I LOVE NY’s largest mobile marketing tour ever, and additional complementary travel industry efforts to promote visitation to the State’s 11 diverse vacation regions.

“Tourism is synonymous with New York State, thanks to all of our amazing attractions, from beaches to high peaks, from the Erie Canal to iconic museums and performing arts venues,” Governor Hochul said. “This vital industry is facing challenging new political and economic headwinds. That’s why supporting our tourism industry is more important than ever, and why we are getting out the message that no matter where you’re from, you’re always welcome in New York State.”

I LOVE NY’s multifaceted summer tourism campaign begins with two new ads featuring a new tagline – “New York State: Everything You Love.” – reflecting the depth and breadth of the world-class attractions and memory-making activities available in communities throughout the state. The new ads can be viewed here and www.iloveny.com/summer.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Tourism is crucial to New York State, supporting jobs and local economies, and we have so many incredible attractions ready to welcome visitors, from Niagara Falls to Montauk Point. This summer, New York wants to extend a special invitation to travelers from across America and all around the world: this is the perfect opportunity to plan a trip to celebrate history, explore our incredible landscapes, and enjoy all that our incredible state has to offer.”

Empire State Development Division of Tourism Executive Director and Vice President Ross D. Levi said, “In addition to iconic attractions across our state’s eleven beautiful vacation regions, the next few months in New York hold special delights for travelers from near and far. Guests can look forward to special events commemorating the bicentennial of the Erie Canal, a summer of thoroughbred racing at Saratoga Race Course headlined by the Belmont Stakes and Travers races, the Ryder Cup tournament at Bethpage golf course on Long Island, and food and fun at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse. The endless variety of activities shows that there truly is everything to love in New York State.”

As part of this new campaign, I LOVE NY is extending a special invitation to international visitors – especially Canada, which represents New York’s largest inbound international market. International visitation is vital to New York State’s tourism economy. Historically, overseas visitors plan longer trips and produce more direct spending during their stays. New for this year’s campaign is a direct-to-consumer international marketing element in the United Kingdom and Australia, which includes digital billboards, plus streaming and digital advertising. I LOVE NY also continues to work with members of the travel trade industry, like tour operators and travel agents in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia through trade shows, sales missions and familiarization tours.

The summer campaign also includes I LOVE NY’s largest-ever mobile marketing tour with more than 40 stops throughout the Northeast. The mobile tour will make stops at popular events such as music festivals, street fairs and sporting events where guests can interact with fun experiences to learn more about the state’s attractions, win special I LOVE NY prizes, and take pictures with a large I LOVE NY logo sculpture.

Under Governor Hochul, tourism is New York State’s second largest industry, supporting one in 10 jobs. Recently, more than 306.3 million travelers visited New York State, generating $88 billion in direct spending and a record-high economic impact of $137 billion. Each year, tourism spending saves the average New York State household $1,400 in taxes.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Freight Forwarding Company Executive Arrested on Federal Indictment Alleging Massive Scheme to Avoid Customs Duties Payments

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

LOS ANGELES – The chief financial officer (CFO) at a Downtown Los Angeles-based shipping company has been arrested on a 22-count federal grand jury indictment charging him and the company’s CEO with using fraudulent documents, shell companies, bribes to public officials, and kickbacks to Mexican drug cartels to smuggle billions of dollars’ worth of goods from the United States into Mexico, repeatedly lying to U.S. customs officials and defrauding Mexico out of hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of duties owed, the Justice Department announced today.

Ralph Olarte, 55, of Glendale, the CFO of Sport LA Inc., was arrested late last night at Los Angeles International Airport. He is expected to make his initial appearance and be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

Also charged in the indictment is Humberto Lopez Belmonte, 53, of Mexico City, who was arrested and arraigned on Tuesday in Los Angeles federal court. Lopez pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and a July 21 trial date was scheduled. A federal magistrate judge ordered Lopez released on $100,000 bond.

Olarte and Lopez are charged with one count of conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States. Both defendants and their company, Sport LA Inc., also are charged with one count of smuggling goods from the United States, three counts of knowingly submitting false and misleading export information, five counts of wire fraud for false information submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud against Mexico, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and seven counts of international promotional and concealment money laundering.

Sport LA is charged with three counts of making false statements to a government agency. The other defendant companies – H&R Logistics Inc. and Olarte Transport Service Inc. – are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

According to the indictment returned on April 30 and unsealed Tuesday, Olarte and Lopez, from at least 2013 to the present, operated a lucrative international shipping enterprise. Through shipping companies they controlled, Olarte and Lopez smuggled billions of dollars’ worth of goods from and through the United States into Mexico. Many times, they concealed the nature of the shipped goods, some of which contained contraband.

The companies allegedly submitted millions of false and misleading statements to U.S. customs officials, used shell companies in Mexico to shield their true customers, and created and presented false documents – including sham certificates for paid Mexican import taxes. They also bribed Mexican customs officials, paid kickbacks to drug cartels – including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) – to operate the scheme and smuggled bulk cash into the U.S. to avoid reporting requirements.

Olarte and Lopez then laundered the proceeds of their scheme back from the true Mexican customers, through the shell companies, and ultimately into the companies’ U.S. bank accounts.

As a result of the conspiracy, Olarte and Lopez personally received millions of dollars in illicit proceeds.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

If convicted, Olarte and Lopez would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud- and money laundering-related count, up to five years in federal prison for each smuggling- and false statements-related count, and up to two years in federal prison for each count of knowingly submitting false and misleading export information.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), CBP, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating this matter.

The cases announced today were investigated by HSI’s El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, a multi-agency task force that includes federal and state investigators who are focused on financial crimes in Southern California.

The Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.

MIL Security OSI –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Paycheck Protection Program Loan Fraud

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

FRESNO, Calif. — Gurjeet Bath, 37, of Fresno, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of theft of government property, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

According to court documents, Bath and other family members operated two trucking businesses: G.S. Bath Inc. and Complete Transportation Solutions (CTS), operating in Fresno County. In 2020 and 2021, Bath applied for and received three PPP loans totaling over $1 million. To obtain the loans, Bath knowingly falsified records to inflate his businesses’ employees and their wages. Bath then used approximately $600,000 of those funds to purchase two parcels of agricultural land in Fresno County.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Spivak is prosecuting the case.

Bath is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Oct. 6, 2025. Bath faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

MIL Security OSI –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Amtrak Employees Admit Participating in $11 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEWARK, N.J. – Five Amtrak employees recently admitted participating in a health care fraud scheme to defraud Amtrak, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

Kevin Frink, 53, of Willingboro, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to an Indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Michael Toal, 35, of Hazlet, New Jersey, David McBrien, 37, of Levittown, Pennsylvania, Damany Walker, 41, of Irvington, New Jersey, and David Lonergan, 65, of Rockaway Park, New York, in recent weeks also pleaded guilty before Judge Arleo in Newark federal court to the Indictment charging conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

The Indictment also charges four other co-conspirators in connection with the scheme: Quinton Johnson, 53, of Irvington, New Jersey; Gregory Richardson, 35, of Roosevelt, New York; Timothy Bogen, 59, of Hamden, Connecticut; and Dion Jacob, 50, of Brooklyn, New York. Defendant Rodolfo Rivera, 41, of Clayton, Delaware, previously pleaded guilty to the Indictment, and co-conspirator Anthony Saloka, 44, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty to an Information.

“The defendants admitted to colluding with corrupt health care providers in a scheme to defraud Amtrak’s health care plan for personal financial gain. My office is committed to holding accountable those who profit from health care scams, like this one, that harm the public and the health care system.”

– U.S. Attorney Alina Habba

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From January 2019 through June 2022, Frink, Toal, McBrien, Walker, Lonergan, and their co-conspirators—who were also Amtrak employees—engaged in a scheme to obtain cash kickbacks from health care providers in return for their agreement to allow their health insurance plan to be billed for services that were never provided and were not medically necessary. In total, as a result of the conspiracy, the Amtrak health care plan paid over $11 million in fraudulent claims associated with providers connected to the scheme.

Each defendant received thousands of dollars in cash kickbacks from health care providers in return for their participation in the scheme, including from Punson Figueroa, an acupuncturist. Defendants Frink, McBrien, Walker, and Lonergan also received cash kickbacks from Michael DeNicola, a podiatrist. Figueroa previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and was sentenced on September 24, 2024 to 34 months in prison. DeNicola previously pleaded guilty on June 29, 2022 to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, among other offenses. His sentencing remains pending.

The health care fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Walker’s and McBrien’s sentencings are scheduled for July 24, 2025. Lonergan’s sentencing is scheduled for August 20, 2025. Toal’s sentencing is scheduled for October 23, 2025. Frink’s sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2025.

U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Amtrak Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Waters, the Amtrak Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Sam Dotson, and special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III in New York, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica R. Ecker and Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud and Opioid Abuse Prevention Unit, and Senior Trial Counsel Barbara Ward of the Bank Integrity, Recovery, and Money Laundering Unit, in Newark.

The charge and allegations contained in the Indictment against Johnson, Richardson, Bogen, and Jacob are merely accusations, and they are each presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

                                                                       ###

Defense counsel: Sarah Sulkowski, Esq. (for Kevin Frink)

  Michael Chazen, Esq. (for Michael Toal)

                       Michael V. Calabro, Esq. (for David McBrien)

                       Michael Rosas, Esq. (for Damany Walker)

                       Bruce S. Rosen, Esq. and Sarah Fehm Stewart, Esq. (for David Lonergan)

MIL Security OSI –

May 29, 2025
India-Italy relations on upward trajectory; Jaishankar expresses gratitude for support after Pahalgam attack

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Lauding the strengthening ties between India and Italy, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said that the relations between the two nations are on an upward trajectory, marked by renewed momentum in political dialogue, official visits, and growing mutual interest. He reiterated India’s commitment to consolidating the India-Italy Strategic Partnership.

Speaking at Italy’s National Day celebrations in Delhi on Wednesday, Jaishankar highlighted the shared maritime interests and commitment to freedom of navigation between the two peninsular nations.

“Whether in the Indo-Pacific or the Indo-Mediterranean, India and Italy share maritime interests and a common commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and shipping. Italy’s increased presence in the Indo-Pacific, as well as its participation under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) pillar of science and technology, will certainly enhance our cooperation further,” he said.

“India-Italy relations are undoubtedly progressing positively. There is new momentum in political dialogue, exchanges, and interest in each other’s potential, which I am confident will be fully tapped by stakeholders. Let me reaffirm our government’s commitment to strengthening the India-Italy Strategic Partnership,” he added.

Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Italy for its support following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. He noted India’s “firm, resolute, and measured response” in targeting terror centers and launch pads.

“Let me begin by conveying our best wishes to the government and people of Italy on your National Day. We are thankful, Ambassador, for Italy’s solidarity and support following the barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the attack, Jaishankar said, “India responded firmly and decisively by destroying relevant terror centers and launch pads. The global community has recognized India’s right to defend its people against acts of terror. We believe the world must uphold a zero-tolerance stance against terrorism and cross-border terrorism.”

The foreign minister noted that the strategic partnership between India and Italy is rooted in shared values and converging interests and recalled the recent meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, on the sidelines of the G20 and G7 summits.

“Our strategic partnership is founded on shared values and converging interests, as reflected in multilateral platforms such as the G20. As the Ambassador mentioned, our Prime Ministers met at both the G20 and G7 summits, and our collaboration continues through initiatives like the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor), the Global Biofuels Alliance, the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, the International Solar Alliance, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.”

He added, “Our bilateral relations have gained momentum following the adoption of the Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025–29 by our Prime Ministers last November. We are optimistic that the roadmap outlined in the GASAP will yield concrete and practical outcomes for both our economies and societies.”

Jaishankar identified trade and economic cooperation as a vital pillar of the partnership and recalled attending the India-Italy Business, Science, and Technology Forum alongside Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani and Minister of University and Research Anna Maria Bernini.

“Trade and economic cooperation are vital elements of our partnership. Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the India-Italy Business, Science and Tech Forum with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tajani and Minister Bernini. The event brought together business leaders and representatives from universities and research centers in both countries to explore collaboration across multiple sectors. This forum also presents an opportunity to boost our bilateral trade, which currently stands at USD 15 billion annually.”

“As the world’s fastest-growing major economy, India offers numerous opportunities for investment. Italy’s technologies and best practices in clean energy, agri-tech, logistics, and shipbuilding, among other sectors, can significantly contribute to India’s progress toward becoming a developed nation — Viksit Bharat — by 2047,” he said.

The foreign minister also acknowledged the strong Indian diaspora in Italy and expressed confidence in the future growth of mobility for professionals and academics between the two countries.

“The Indian diaspora in Italy is among the largest in the European Union. They are well-received and recognized for their contributions across sectors including agriculture, dairy, industry, and healthcare. We are confident that in the future, increased mobility of professionals, academics, and researchers will facilitate a greater exchange of knowledge and talent between our two countries,” Jaishankar said.

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Applications open for 2025 French-language funding

La Province accepte les demandes de subvention pour des projets visant à améliorer les services en français et à promouvoir la vitalité de la langue.

Le gouvernement provincial investit 250 000 $ pour subventionner les initiatives d’organismes à but non lucratif qui reflètent les besoins et les priorités des communautés francophones en Colombie-Britannique.

Administré par les Affaires francophones, ce financement a été annoncé dans le budget 2018. Depuis lors, la Province a octroyé 1,25 million $ pour subventionner 23 projets dans des domaines aussi variés que la santé, les services à la petite enfance, la prévention de la violence, la sauvegarde du patrimoine historique, l’accès aux ressources en français, le soutien des jeunes familles et le renforcement de la fondation et du patrimoine culturels africains.

« J’encourage les organisations francophones à réfléchir sur la manière d’aider leurs communautés à croître et à prospérer, notamment dans les régions moins peuplées et plus éloignées, conseille le ministre responsable des Affaires francophones, Adrian Dix. Alors que la subvention des projets réalisés dans les grands centres urbains profite aux francophones de toute la province, en 2025, nous avons réservé jusqu’à 50 000 $ pour les projets proposés par les communautés moins grandes. »

Les organismes à but non lucratif ont jusqu’au 20 juin 2025 pour présenter une demande de subvention.

Plus d’informations

Détails du programme, critères d’admissibilité et formulaire de demande : https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/office-of-the-premier/intergovernmental-relations-secretariat/en-francais/affaires-francophones/possibilites-de-financement-provincial/financement-provincial-pour-les-services-en-francais

Applications are being accepted for French-language funding to support projects that enhance services and promote linguistic vitality.

The Province is investing $250,000 to support non-profit organizations in delivering initiatives that reflect the needs and priorities of B.C.’s francophone communities.

Administered by Francophone Affairs, the funding was announced in Budget 2018. Since then, $1.25 million has supported 23 projects in areas such as health, early learning and child care, violence prevention, historical preservation, access to French-language resources, support for young families, and strengthening African cultural foundation and heritage.

“I encourage francophone organizations to consider how they can help their communities grow and thrive, including in smaller and more remote areas,” said Adrian Dix, Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. “While funding for projects in large urban centres benefits francophones provincewide, for 2025, we are setting aside up to $50,000 specifically for proposals from smaller hubs to ensure these communities receive dedicated support.”

Non-profit organizations have until June 20, 2025, to submit their application.

Learn More:

To learn more about the program details, including eligibility criteria and the application form, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/office-of-the-premier/intergovernmental-relations-secretariat/francophone/provincial-funding-opportunities/provincial-funding-for-french-language-services

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Arkansas Private Nonprofits Affected by April Storms

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Arkansas affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding occurring April 2-22.

The disaster declaration covers the Arkansas counties of Clark, Clay, Craighead, Cross, Dallas, Desha, Fulton, Greene, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Izard, Jackson, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lee, Little River, Lonoke, Marion, Miller, Monroe, Montgomery, Nevada, Newton, Pike, Poinsett, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Scott, Searcy, Sevier, Sharp, St. Francis, Stone and Woodruff.

Under this declaration, PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature impacted by physical damages or financial losses directly related to the disaster are eligible to apply for both business physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools, and colleges.

PNPs may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes.

EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

Interest rates are as low as 3.62% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA will set loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return physical damage applications is July 21, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 23, 2026.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Missouri Private Nonprofits Affected by March Storms

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Missouri affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and wildfires occurring March 14-15.

The disaster declaration covers the Missouri counties of Bollinger, Butler, Callaway, Carter, Dunklin, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Wayne.

Under this declaration, PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature impacted by physical damages or financial losses directly related to the disaster are eligible to apply for both business physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools, and colleges.

PNPs may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes.

EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

Interest rates are as low as 3.62% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA will set loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return physical damage applications is July 21, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 23, 2026.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee, May 6–7, 2025

Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China-Central Asia Forum “Governance and Sustainable Development” Opens in Almaty

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

ALMATY, May 28 (Xinhua) — The China-Central Asia Forum on Governance and Sustainable Development opened in the Kazakh city of Almaty on Wednesday, with about 100 representatives from government departments, universities and enterprises from China and Kazakhstan attending the event.

The forum was organized by Lanzhou University and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University /KazNU/.

Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Almaty Jiang Wei stated in her keynote speech that on the path of great national revival, China and the Central Asian countries have the same ideas, similar goals and interrelated interests. They should deepen the exchange of experience in public administration and sustainable development, work together, complement each other’s strengths and achieve common development. According to Jiang Wei, China fully respects the independent aspirations of the Central Asian countries for modernization and is ready to share development experience with them as sincerely as possible.

Vice-president of Lanzhou University Sha Yongzhong pointed out that interconnectedness and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, is a historical choice for achieving prosperity and development in the region, and knowledge cooperation opens up new space for expanding cooperation between China and Central Asian countries in the spirit of “connected hearts.” Sha Yongzhong called such cooperation an important content and engine for promoting scientific and technological innovation and building a community with a shared future for China and Central Asia.

KazNU Vice-Rector for Financial and Economic Affairs and Infrastructure Development Abdrakhman Tasybayev noted that the forum is an important platform for expanding exchanges and cooperation between Kazakhstan and China. As he emphasized, various topics discussed at the forum largely correspond to the topics of national strategic development.

At the forum, experts and scholars from China and Kazakhstan will hold friendly, substantive discussions on four main topics: environmental governance, digital development, poverty alleviation, and regional cooperation. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Remarks to press following bilateral with Nepal MFA Deuba

Source: New Zealand Government

[Remarks during press engagement in Kathmandu with the Foreign Minister of Nepal, Dr Rana Deuba, Kathmandu, Nepal]

Thank you Foreign Minister Deuba for the warm welcome to Nepal.

We are very pleased to be here on this historic occasion; the first visit by a New Zealand Foreign Minister to Nepal and, tomorrow, the 72nd anniversary of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary’s summit of Mount Everest Sagarmāthā.

Norgay and Hillary’s achievement in 1953 was a watershed moment in the histories of both of our countries, and a formative event in the bilateral relations between our countries.

The legacy of that shared history continues today, and is reflected in our long-standing, warm relationship.

With Minister Deuba, we discussed New Zealand’s support for over 70 years to the Himalayan Trust established by Hillary to support development and education in the Everest region.

We also discussed our long-standing development and education ties. Beginning with assistance under the Colombo Plan and supported under a number of different scholarship initiatives since, Nepalese students have been studying in New Zealand for more than 70 years. Education cooperation is a strong strand of our bilateral relationship, and one which we will continue to nurture.

We were pleased to confirm that New Zealand will continue this support by contributing NZ$2.5 million to development projects and scholarships in Nepal over the next three years.

We acknowledged Nepal’s positive contribution to climate action and noted that Nepal is able to draw on New Zealand’s NZ$15 million contribution to the Global Green Growth Institute.

Earlier today we were pleased to also meet President Paudel and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli.

In these meetings we reiterated our shared interests in regional and global security and acknowledged Nepal’s significant troop contribution to UN peacekeeping.

We discussed New Zealand’s strong commitment to multilateralism and the importance of working together to uphold the rules-based international system.

We also discussed the multiple pressures on the global trade and economic system, and ways we can strengthen bilateral cooperation.

We spoke of our ambition to have an Air Services Agreement between New Zealand and Nepal in place in the near future to support the growth of tourism and trade.

The New Zealand Government is committed to bringing more energy to our relationships in South and Southeast Asia, and we are pleased to count Nepal amongst our most long-standing relationships in the region.

Thank you once again to Foreign Minister Deuba, the government, and the people of Nepal for your generous hosting of our delegation, and for continuing our friendly and constructive relationship.

Thank you.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 2390, Maritime Supply Chain Security Act

Source: US Congressional Budget Office

H.R. 2390 would clarify that projects to upgrade or replace cranes that were installed or maintained by the Chinese government at U.S. ports are eligible for grants under the Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). Those projects are typically eligible for PIDP grants under current law. Accordingly, CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 2390 would not affect the federal budget.

The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Aaron Krupkin. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

Phillip L. Swagel

Director, Congressional Budget Office

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025