NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa calls for Unity, Sends Well-Wishes to President Biden After Cancer Diagnosis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after President Joe Biden announced he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. “President Joe Biden has dedicated his life to this nation with unwavering grit and grace. As he battles with prostate cancer, my heartfelt prayers are with him and his family. In times like these, we must rise above politics and stand united in compassion,” said Congressma Costa. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: $2.1 Million in Charitable Gaming Grants Delivered to Community Groups Across Saskatchewan

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 21, 2025

    Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) provided $2.1 million in charitable gaming grants in the fourth quarter of 2024-25, benefiting more than 1,100 groups and organizations across the province.

    “Our government is committed to delivering for Saskatchewan communities and one of the ways we do that is through charitable gaming grants,” Minister Responsible for LGS Jeremy Harrison said. “The proceeds from gaming in Saskatchewan support charitable organizations and activities across the province, including the arts, culture, sports and more.”

    Groups in about 230 Saskatchewan communities received a charitable gaming grant in the fourth quarter of 2024-25, with more than $425,000 going to groups in Regina and nearly $561,000 to groups in Saskatoon.

    The Saskatoon Branch of SaskAbilities is one of the more than 2,700 nonprofit and charitable groups and organizations across Saskatchewan that received a charitable gaming grant in 2024-25.

    “As SaskAbilities celebrates 75 years of working together to build inclusive communities for people of all abilities, we continue to reflect on the impact that charitable gaming grants have on our programs and services,” SaskAbilities Saskatoon Branch Regional Director Emily Hurd said. “Camp Easter Seal is grateful to receive grant money which directly supports children, adults and youth experiencing disability with programs and services to enhance their lives. Further, through the Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant Program, we are able to provide important programming to youth and children with physical disabilities year-round.”

    Other regions across the province also received funding, including:

    • Yorkton, Melville and area – more than $93,000.
    • Swift Current and area – more than $27,000.
    • Weyburn, Estevan and area – more than $62,000.
    • Prince Albert and area – more than $122,000.
    • Meadow Lake and area – more than $55,000.
    • Humboldt, Melfort and area – more than $60,000.

    These quarterly grants are paid to groups and organizations in good standing that conduct licensed charitable gaming activities such as bingos, raffles, breakopen ticket sales, Texas hold ’em poker tournaments and Monte Carlo events. The grants are equal to 25 per cent of the net revenue raised by each charitable event, up to a maximum of $100,000 per group or organization annually.

    The amount of each grant paid by LGS to each charity is calculated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) based on financial reports and other information submitted by the group or organization. Groups can apply through SLGA’s charitable gaming licensing process here.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Slovenian President Pirc Musar calls for European courage and solidarity

    Source: European Parliament 3

    Speaking to plenary on Wednesday, Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar highlighted challenges facing the EU, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

    Welcoming President Pirc Musar at a formal sitting, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “Slovenia has helped to shape our Union, proving again and again that we work best when we work together. That is why it is so important that Slovenia and Europe remain united in our approach to the challenges ahead. Why our values matter. And why we will stand up for them.”

    Pirc Musar recalled the positive experience of Slovenia’s reforms and integration into the EU in 2004 and underscored her country’s support for future merit-based EU enlargement, in particular to the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova. She stressed the need to enhance the efficiency, and financial and institutional capacities of the EU as a political community to welcome new members.

    On security and defence, President Pirc Musar called for greater strategic autonomy and increased societal resilience in the face of multiple crises. She stressed the EU’s responsibility to uphold the multilateral world order and the founding principles of the United Nations Charter.

    Regarding the situation in the Middle East, Pirc Musar called for more EU involvement and an end to hostilities in the West Bank and Gaza.

    Pirc Musar also underlined the importance of strengthening Europe’s global competitiveness to sustain the European social model. She advocated for continued investment in social justice, education, culture and high living standards for all EU citizens.

    You can watch her address again here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-East Africa trade forum to kickstart investment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK-East Africa trade forum to kickstart investment

    UK hosts first-ever forum dedicated to trade and investment with East Africa, including announcements on cross-border trade and electric motorbikes.

    The UK has announced two investments in East Africa to de-risk cross-border trade for buyers and sellers, as well as to provide more electric bikes and charging infrastructure in Kenya. 

    The announcements were made at the first-ever East Africa Trade and Investment Forum (EATIF). The forum has brought together businesses and governments from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to engage directly with British businesses, and agree future investments. The forum takes place on 21 to 22 May 2025. It has been organised by DMA Invest and the East Africa Association, in partnership with the UK Government. 

    British International Investment (BII) and Standard Chartered Bank will support trade finance in Kenya and Tanzania with a USD $100 million facility to de-risk cross-border and local trade. This will make finance more accessible for businesses as well as increase the availability of vital goods and services. Investment qualifies for the ‘2X Challenge’ which advances gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in developing countries. The facility will support female-led businesses, as well as employment and leadership opportunities for women, and is expected to finance over USD $450 million in trade volumes over its lifetime. 

    In addition, BII will make a USD $5 million investment in electric motorbike infrastructure in Kenya. The investment will support ARC Ride’s initial rollout of 5,000 electric motorbikes and upgrade battery swapping infrastructure which will increase adoption. This will directly result in over 100,000 metric tons of CO2 per year being saved as electric mobility replaces petrol motorbikes.

    Lord Collins, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, represented the United Kingdom at the summit, which was also attended by government delegations from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. This included: Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Principal Secretary State Department for Investment Promotion, Kenya, and the CEO of the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), John Mwendwa; General Wamala, Minister for Works and Transport in Uganda; and Msafiri Lameck Mbibo, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals in Tanzania. 

    Lord Collins, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, said: 

    The UK is a long-term partner for long-term investment in East Africa. This forum will showcase the best of East African business to British business and lay a pipeline of private sector investment between them. This, combined with much-needed improvements to regulations and resilience, will lead to jobs and mutual growth in the future. We go far when we go together.

    Mwebesa Francis, Ugandan Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives said: 

    We welcome the UK-East Africa Trade and Investment Forum 2025 as a platform to highlight Uganda’s vibrant trade and investment opportunities. By engaging with UK investors and partners, we aim to enhance our trade infrastructure, diversify our export markets, and drive sustainable development. We hope this forum will also explore ways to leverage trade and investment to accelerate progress towards our Ten-fold Growth Strategy, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and development.

    Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Principal Secretary, State Department for Investment Promotion, Kenya, said: 

    Kenya provides Africa’s leading value proposition for private capital, with a great portfolio of opportunities in key sectors. We are proud to be part of the UK EATIF and welcome the regional focus that fosters economic integration.

    Chris Chijiutomi, MD and Head of Africa at British International Investment, said:  

    BII is proud to announce these two investments today at the EATIF, demonstrating our commitment to fostering economic growth in East Africa. By making trade finance more accessible and backing innovative infrastructure projects like electric motorbikes, we are addressing critical needs in the region. We’re not only supporting businesses that are the backbone of these economies, but also driving inclusive and sustainable growth, contributing to a more resilient and prosperous East African region.

    The EATIF aims to deliver mutually beneficial growth and jobs by building partnerships between businesses and policymakers in Kenya, to create a long pipeline of investment between the UK and the region. It will aim to channel private sector funding into high-impact sectors critical for sustainable development like infrastructure, clean energy, agribusiness, healthcare, and manufacturing. 

    EATIF aims to replicate the success of the West and Central Africa Forum (WCAF), which built a pipeline of over GBP 1 billion in deals over three years. EATIF is just the beginning, with a series of follow-up engagements planned to sustain momentum and translate relationships into tangible deals. 

    These interactions, ranging from government-to-government meetings to C-suite business dialogues, will help align priorities and lay the groundwork for future partnerships. The forum will showcase the full suite of UK government support available to businesses, such as UK Export Finance (UKEF) and BII. UKEF has played a transformative role in other regions, growing its exposure in West and Central Africa from £3 million to over £1.2 billion, and similar outcomes are expected in East Africa over time. These tools can help UK and East African businesses de-risk projects and access finance more easily. 

    Further information

    The East Africa Trade and Investment Forum 

    More information can be found here.

    British International Investment announcements 

    1. Trade Finance Facility with Standard Chartered 

    • the USD $100 million Trade Finance Programme with BII and SCB is a 50:50 risk-sharing facility to increase access to trade finance for businesses in Kenya and Tanzania
    • the facility will provide much-needed trade finance support to businesses in sectors such as food, agriculture, healthcare, industrials, and infrastructure to increase access to trade financing and support growth in the region
    • the investment qualifies for the 2x Challenge as at least 30% of the facility will support businesses that provide employment and leadership opportunities for women
    • it is expected to support and facilitate over USD $450 million in trade volumes over its lifetime, creating better economic opportunities for suppliers and businesses in East Africa
    • the long-standing partnership between BII, the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor and SCB, a leading international cross-border bank, demonstrates how UK organisations are collaborating to enhance trade and economic development in the region

    2. ARC Ride 

    • BII’s investment in ARC Ride, Africa’s e-mobility battery-as-a-service (BaaS) provider, will support the company to provide affordable, reliable and clean e-mobility solutions for rapidly developing cities in Kenya
    • the financing will enable ARC Ride’s initial rollout of 5,000 electric two-wheelers (E2W) and accelerate the expansion of E2W BaaS infrastructure
    • with the goal to build Africa’s first and largest automated battery swapping network, it is also establishing the industry standard for battery swapping of E2Ws both from ARC Ride and other manufacturers, which is important for more Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption
    • it will directly result in over 100,000 metric tonnes of CO2 per year being saved as electric mobility replaces petrol motor bikes

    Media Content 

    Photos and videos from the event can be found here.

    Contact 

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Superior Agents by KIP Reveal Surprising AI “Personalities” in Crypto Trading Experiment

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KIP Protocol has launched a public experiment testing autonomous, self-learning AI agents in live crypto trading environments, each powered by a different large language model (LLM). Despite identical setups, the agents exhibited dramatically different behaviors, hinting at something deeper than prompt engineering: LLMs have real, measurable behavioral divergence in autonomous economic environments.

    The agents — all live on-chain — use a Darwinian feedback loop to evolve over time. No prompts or fine-tuning post-deployment. Each decision is judged solely by results: PnL, risk, efficiency. The best strategies survive, the rest are dropped.

    Standout findings:

    • Aristid (Gemini) returned +42.5% in 36 days — a 3,536% annualized return — with just 29 trades.
    • Verity (Deepseek) delivered +32.5% over 62 days with a low-variance, high-consistency approach.
    • Lux (Qwen) traded infrequently but outperformed per trade, showing highly selective strategy logic.
    • Sefer (OpenAI) posted cautious but positive returns.
    • Romulus (Gemini) lagged, highlighting that LLM quality matters, but feedback architecture is key.

    “We didn’t tell these agents how to trade. We just defined the environment and let them learn,” said Jennifer Dodgson, co-founder of KIP Protocol. “What emerged is both technically impressive and strangely human – you start to see each model’s tendencies come through.”

    Agents cycle through decisions thousands of times: scan market conditions, select a pair, decide to act, score outcomes, and update strategy – all autonomously.

    Over time, patterns emerged:

    • Gemini agents showed volatility at both extremes.
    • Deepseek led in stable, compounding growth.
    • Qwen proved surprisingly precise with minimal trades.
    • OpenAI was slower to adapt but remained profitable.

    These findings reveal how AI models behave in self-directed, real-world environments. It’s a glimpse into the future of AI that goes beyond chatbots: agents that generate, retain, and optimize economic value on their own.

    Check us out:
    Live Leaderboard: https://superioragents.com/live-agents
    Technical Framework: https://kipprotocol.gitbook.io/superior-agents

    About KIP Protocol:

    KIP Protocol builds Web3 infrastructure for AI app developers, model makers and data owners, empowering easy deployment and monetisation of AI assets while maintaining full ownership rights. With a focus on building infrastructure that caters to every aspect of AI, from governments exploring AI sovereignty to consumer-facing applications, KIP Protocol is setting its sights on achieving over 100,000 daily active users (DAUs) and unlocking the largest total addressable market in decentralized AI. Addressing challenges of connectivity, monetization, and ownership, the platform enables creators to transform their innovations into tangible and sustainable value. At the heart of this ecosystem is the $KIP token, serving as its economic engine. The token powers transparent revenue sharing, allowing creators to retain digital property rights of their AI assets while accessing sustainable income streams. Through its ERC-3525 tokenization, KIP democratizes access to AI innovations and empowers creators to thrive in a decentralized economy.

    For media inquiries, contact press@kip.pro or presshub@kip.pro

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by KIP Protocol. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal, Sanders, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Make Public Colleges and Universities Tuition Free

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, DC – As President Trump and congressional Republicans are working overtime to make college unaffordable and unattainable for millions of working-class families in order to provide tax breaks to billionaires, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today introduced legislation to make public colleges and universities tuition free for 95% of students. The College for All Act would be the most transformative investment in higher education in 60 years and would substantially improve the lives of millions of students throughout the United States.

    “Congress can and must ensure that working families never have to take out crushing loans to purse an education,” said Jayapal. “The College for All Act will free students from a lifetime of debt, invest in working people, and transform higher education across America by making a degree more accessible to poor and working families across this country. This is more important now than ever as Trump continues to attack education in this country through attempts to strip funding from universities and to dismantle the Department of Education.”

    “In a highly competitive global economy where technology is changing the very nature of work and the jobs we perform, we need the best educated workforce in the world,” said Sanders. “Our nation used to lead the world in the percentage of adults with a college degree. Today, we are in 11th place behind countries like Japan, South Korea, Canada, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. That is not a prescription for a strong American economy of the future. It is a prescription for failure. Instead of increasing the cost of college in order to give more tax breaks to billionaires, we have a better idea. We are going to make public colleges and universities tuition free so that working class students can succeed and are not burdened with a lifetime of debt.”

    Making public colleges and universities tuition free is not a radical idea. In 1944, as World War II was coming to an end, the U.S. government made free higher education available to all those who served in the armed forces. That act not only improved the financial well-being of the Greatest Generation, but it also laid the groundwork for the greatest expansion of the American middle class in U.S history. Moreover, over 50 years ago, many of our most prestigious public colleges and universities were also tuition free or virtually tuition free.

    Since this legislation was first introduced ten years ago, several colleges and universities in America have provided free tuition for working class and middle class students including every state college in New Mexico, the State University of New York, the University of Texas, the University of Wisconsin, and Arkansas State University.

    Other wealthy countries like France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland have made their public colleges and universities tuition free or virtually tuition free because they understand the value of investing in their young people.

    The College for All Act would guarantee tuition-free community college for all students and allow students from single households earning up to $150,000 a year, and married households earning up to $300,000 a year, to attend college without fear of being saddled with student loan debt.

    The College for All Act would also:

    • Double the maximum Pell Grant award for students enrolled at public and private non-profit colleges;
    • Establish a $10 billion grant program to improve student outcomes and address equity gaps at underfunded public colleges and universities;
    • Triple federal TRIO program funding;
    • Double GEAR UP funding; and
    • Double mandatory funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).

    Read the bill text here.

    Read a summary of the bill here.

    Issues: Arts & Education

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Colleagues Demand Explanation for DOGE Cuts at VA Impacting Healthcare for Maine Veterans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), senior members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), led their House and Senate colleagues in a letter to Doug Collins, the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requesting detailed information on the hundreds of cancelled contracts across the agency impacting earned health care and benefits for veterans in Maine. In the letter, the senators slam the Secretary’s untruthful narrative about these various contract cancellations across the country and demand answers on the true updated list of canceled contracts.
    The letter comes on the heels of mass firings and contract cancellations executed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at the request of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
    The members began, “Since February, our Committees have made more than a dozen requests, many of them bipartisan, for you to provide Congress with the complete lists of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracts you have cancelled or proposed be cancelled. Today, we write to once again demand these lists. In addition, we are requesting a briefing from VA officials on the process by which contracts were and continue to be identified and cancelled, any meaningful advance consultation with career VA officials whose programs are impacted by these cancellations, and all activities of the VA-designated Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) personnel or liaisons and other DOGE personnel involved in VA programs, operations, and management. Our requests for information on DOGE operations at VA began on February 12, 2025, and to date have received no substantive response.”
    “…Now, more than two months later, Congress is still waiting for accurate and complete information on the contracts you have cancelled, the contracts you have restored after being cancelled, the process the Department is using, and documentation for the savings generated and reinvested. When asked about receiving this information and a briefing on DOGE’s operations at the Department, your leadership stated simply that VA “will not be providing a briefing on the issue.” Additionally, even though many of these contracts were officially cancelled more than two months ago, your staff has indicated “VA cannot release any contract lists as this is all ‘pre-decisional’ until the Contracting Officer officially notifies and signs the termination letter and negotiates potential settlement costs.” This statement is another attempt to hide the truth from Congress and runs counter to logic given that many companies and public databases list hundreds of VA contracts as already cancelled,” the members continued.
    The members concluded, “So that we may conduct our independent and constitutionally authorized oversight of the Department, we ask again for a copy of the list of more than 870 contracts cancelled or proposed for cancellation you discussed in your social media posting and video on February 24 and 25, 2025, which you indicated had a value of $2 billion; a copy of the list of 585 cancelled contracts VA announced publicly on March 3, 2025, with an estimated value of $1.8 billion; and a list of all contracts cancelled by VA from January 20, 2025, to present. Further, we request a briefing to the Committees to explain the timeline and process by which these contracts were selected and ordered cancelled; how the material provided to Congress on May 16, 2025, was assembled; and on DOGE operations inside VA related to contracts and more generally.”
    Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation to help reduce suicides among veterans by providing free secure firearm storage to veterans. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families. This year, he cosponsored the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act that would provide more combat-injured veterans with their full earned benefits. Most recently, he joined Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, in introducing bipartisan legislation to permanently authorize a program that would expand access to veteran disability claims exams.
    Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. In February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” Senator King recently joined SVAC Ranking Member Senator Blumenthal in writing a letter to Secretary Collins raising concerns over proposed $1 spending limits on VA purchase cards which are used to pay for gas to transport disabled veterans to apportionments, buy medical supplies and more. Senator King also joined his colleagues in raising concerns over proposed plans to terminate 83,000 VA employees and demanded information from the VA in a previous letter to Secretary Collins.
    The full text of the letter can be found here and below.
    +++
    Dear Secretary Collins,
    Since February, our Committees have made more than a dozen requests, many of them bipartisan, for you to provide Congress with the complete lists of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracts you have cancelled or proposed be cancelled. Today, we write to once again demand these lists. In addition, we are requesting a briefing from VA officials on the process by which contracts were and continue to be identified and cancelled, any meaningful advance consultation with career VA officials whose programs are impacted by these cancellations, and all activities of the VA-designated Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) personnel or liaisons and other DOGE personnel involved in VA programs, operations, and management. Our requests for information on DOGE operations at VA began on February 12, 2025, and to date have received no substantive response.
    On February 24 and 25, 2025, you publicly celebrated on social media your plan, carried out with Elon Musk and DOGE, to cancel hundreds of VA contracts you claimed were for “PowerPoint slides and meeting minutes” and you indicated were valued at $2 billion. After you had given the orders for career officials in the Department to start the cancellations, a list of more than 870 contracts was leaked to Congress and the media. In reality, these contracts were predominantly for direct services for veterans or supporting VA operations including: suicide prevention and mental health treatment; radiology services; outreach regarding burial benefits and health care services; cancer care; the PACT Act; disability claims processing and audits; and ensuring safe and clean facilities. Amazingly, while claiming the purpose of cancelling these contracts was to improve efficiency and reduce waste, you also directed the cancellation of more than a dozen contracts whose purpose was to assist VA in conducting oversight activities to identify and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse and follow the recommendations of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the VA Office of Inspector General.
    When the true purpose and impact of your mass contract cancellations were exposed, you and your leadership team directed career officials to pause some cancellations, stating in an internal email “VA Leadership is reconsidering previous guidance,” and “further contract reviews will be conducted to arrive at a new final decision.” Records show some contracts previously cancelled at your direction were then reversed while others remain cancelled. On March 3, 2025, you announced that instead of more than 870 contracts, you would cancel 585 contracts with an alleged value of $1.8 billion. This announcement provided no detail or information to support that claim while also stating VA would redirect about $900 million toward health care, benefits, and services for VA beneficiaries – again without evidence.
    Also, on March 3, 2025, the Department indicated the 585 contracts would be cancelled “over the next few days” and that “the termination of these contracts will not negatively affect Veteran care, benefits or services, and will help VA better focus on its core mission: providing the best possible care and services to Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.” In your response to Senator King’s letter requesting information on these contracts, you refused to take accountability for your chaotic contract cancellation process and subsequent damage control. Your letter describes “a deliberative, multi-level review that involved the career subject-matter expert” but then admits the feedback from these experts was disregarded until after the fact when “VA rapidly reversed and restored contracted services in response to feedback from resident expert specialties, to include radiation safety, Veteran suicide prevention, and all other critical VA mission areas to avoid any clinically significant effect on patient care.” If this was in fact a consultative and deliberate process, why did the Department have to reverse your orders of just a few days prior to blindly terminate hundreds of contracts?
    Now, more than two months later, Congress is still waiting for accurate and complete information on the contracts you have cancelled, the contracts you have restored after being cancelled, the process the Department is using, and documentation for the savings generated and reinvested. When asked about receiving this information and a briefing on DOGE’s operations at the Department, your leadership stated simply that VA “will not be providing a briefing on the issue.” Additionally, even though many of these contracts were officially cancelled more than two months ago, your staff has indicated “VA cannot release any contract lists as this is all ‘pre-decisional’ until the Contracting Officer officially notifies and signs the termination letter and negotiates potential settlement costs.” This statement is another attempt to hide the truth from Congress and runs counter to logic given that many companies and public databases list hundreds of VA contracts as already cancelled.
    Further, on May 16, 2025, your staff provided Congress with a list of more than 445 contracts which it indicated were “terminated and closed contracts” and then went on to say “there are additional contracts in negotiation to be closed, and this list does not include contracts modified to change scope. The frequently mentioned list of over 800 contracts was not released by VA as finale (sic) and complete; it was an initial review followed by several additional reviews.” Our initial review of these statements and the information provided indicates a number of contradictions and inaccuracies, and raises numerous additional concerns and questions.
    First, the statements from VA staff attempt to once-again mischaracterize the sequence of events associated with your multi-month effort to withhold information about your disorganized contract cancellation effort. The public record is clear: you directed the cancellation of hundreds of contracts impacting services for veterans and only reversed yourself when the nature of those contracts were publicly disclosed. Second, the list of 447 contracts includes at least 80 that were terminated during the Biden Administration. Third, according to the documentation you provided, the list of canceled contracts totals $120.8 billion dollars in contracting value and claimed savings. Given VA’s entire budget for Fiscal Year 2025 is approximately $426.3 billion, the value of these contracts would represent 28 percent of the Department’s budget. This questionable number is compounded by numerous contracts with wildly inaccurate value/savings figures. For example, one contract labeled “VA Program Management Support Services Contract” is shown with an astronomical value of $44.8 billion. However, federal data shows the value of this contract at approximately $85 million – meaning the Department has misstated the value by $44 billion. Finally, a number of the contracts provided do not appear on the list of cancelled contracts in the official Federal government system of record – the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). All of these points call into question the accuracy of the data in the document you provided to Congress.
    We firmly support VA efforts to regularly review services procured by the Department. And that process should be built into any functioning acquisition and program management operation at VA. However, cancelling hundreds of contracts in a several-day period and then scrambling to restore dozens just a few days later is not an indication of good program management. It’s an indication of waste and incompetence.
    So that we may conduct our independent and constitutionally authorized oversight of the Department, we ask again for a copy of the list of more than 870 contracts cancelled or proposed for cancellation you discussed in your social media posting and video on February 24 and 25, 2025, which you indicated had a value of $2 billion; a copy of the list of 585 cancelled contracts VA announced publicly on March 3, 2025, with an estimated value of $1.8 billion; and a list of all contracts cancelled by VA from January 20, 2025, to present. Further, we request a briefing to the Committees to explain the timeline and process by which these contracts were selected and ordered cancelled; how the material provided to Congress on May 16, 2025, was assembled; and on DOGE operations inside VA related to contracts and more generally. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council AGM highlights a year of progress

    Source: City of Derby

    City Councillors met today for the Annual General Meeting, which sees the Council make appointments to its various committees and regulatory boards, and to outside organisations and charities.

    Reflecting on the past twelve months, Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, celebrated a year of strong progress and delivery for Derby. A year in which the administration has worked to make improvements for the people of Derby and create a modern, ambitious and welcoming city.

    Cllr Peatfield also thanked the various Council departments that have supported the administration over the past twelve months, and marked this and previous administrations’ efforts on the Derby Market Hall, which will open on Saturday 24 May.

    The annual Mayor Making Ceremony also took place during the day, with Councillor Ajit Atwal elected Mayor of Derby for 2025/26.

    Cllr Atwal, a Liberal Democrat Councillor, has served the Littleover ward since 2010 and held the position of Deputy Mayor to Cllr Ged Potter in 2024/25.

    Councillor Philip Ingall was elected as the city’s Deputy Mayor for the next year. Cllr Ingall is one of the Independent Councillors for Chellaston and Shelton Lock.

    Emily Feenan, Director of Corporate Governance, as well as Derby City Council’s Monitoring Officer, said:

    I’d like to express my congratulations to Councillors Atwal and Ingall on these new appointments. While these mayoral roles are ceremonial, they hold significant historical value and play a big role in our city. The Mayor and Deputy actively represent Derby at various events, support with fundraising, and boost Derby’s profile. I wish both councillors all the best.

    I also want to express my thanks to Councillor Ged Potter for all of his hard work during his term of office.”

    Rounding off the appointments, India Johal was sworn in as the city’s new Youth Mayor and Maryam Riaz as Deputy. Both were elected in a record-breaking election that saw over 12,000 young people cast their vote in February this year.

    The Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor help to raise awareness of the positive contribution young people make to our city and ensure their voices are heard.

    Information on the role of the Youth Mayor is available on our website.

    Recordings of both meetings are now available to watch on the Council’s YouTube Channel. 

    Details of Councillor appointments to Committees and Boards will be updated on the democracy portal once confirmed.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Foreign Trade Maintains Steady Growth Despite Tariff Barriers – Chinese Foreign Ministry

    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, May 21 (Xinhua) — China’s foreign trade has maintained steady growth despite high tariff barriers, demonstrating China’s full readiness, ability and confidence to face various risks and challenges, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Wednesday.

    The diplomat made the statement at a regular briefing, commenting on the impact of external factors such as tariffs on the Chinese economy following a recent UN report that global economic growth could slow to 2.4 percent in 2025 due to escalating trade tensions and political uncertainty.

    As Mao Ning noted, international media called China’s economic performance in the first four months of this year “exceeding expectations” and “resilient.”

    According to her, in the first four months, the total volume of imports and exports of goods increased by 2.4 percent year-on-year, while exports grew by 7.5 percent, which indicates China’s high international competitiveness.

    China continues to expand its opening up, giving foreign businesses more development opportunities and more stable expectations, Mao Ning added.

    “All this demonstrates China’s full readiness, ability and confidence in confronting various risks and challenges,” the official representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyer Statement On The Passing Of Gerry Connolly

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement on the passing of his longtime friend and colleague, Congressman Gerry Connolly:

    “Gerry Connolly was one of a kind, and I am heartbroken that he has passed.

    “Gerry will leave a towering legacy of accomplishment in Fairfax County, he was a forceful advocate for our region and the people in it. Everyone who runs for office says they want ‘to get stuff done,’ but comparatively few actually succeed. Gerry got stuff done for years in Fairfax, where he advocated successfully for projects including the Silver Line and the Cross County Trail, which now bears his name. Then he brought the same attitude and outlook to Congress, where he wrote and passed a major postal reform, led efforts to create the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, and was one of the most tireless and active advocates for the federal workforce ever to serve in Congress. Gerry was especially proud to have been named the House’s ‘most effective legislator,’ and to have earned the trust of his colleagues to lead our Caucus on oversight and government reform, topics he knew more about than almost anyone.

    “Everyone who worked with him knew Gerry as a pugnacious fighter for his constituents, for good government, and for a range of causes around the world. He was also warm, witty, and loyal, and he loved acting in community theater as a company member of the Providence Players of Fairfax. Above all, Gerry was beloved by his family, friends, and staff. Megan and I send our condolences to all of them, and especially my best wishes to Smitty, Caitlin, and their family.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: REP LIEU STATEMENT ON PASSING OF RANKING MEMBER GERRY CONNOLLY

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA).

    “Congress and Virginia’s 11th District lost a legislative titan today with the passing of Gerry Connolly. I join his family, friends, colleagues, and constituents in mourning this monumental loss. Gerry was a skillful lawmaker with a passion for making sure our government worked efficiently, ethically, and always for the people. In addition to his work as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Gerry was a passionate voice on foreign relations. I was grateful to get to work with him over the years on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Gerry was a lifelong public servant who cared deeply about making a difference and serving his community in Northern Virginia. We will miss him.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign, health ministers call on WHO to facilitate Taiwan’s participation

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    May 16, 2025  No. 157  

    During a joint press conference on May 16, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan called on the World Health Organization (WHO) to facilitate Taiwan’s participation. They said that Taiwan would demonstrate self-confidence and work with the world while showcasing the professionalism of Taiwan’s medical diplomacy team.
     
    The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) is set to open in Geneva on May 19. Minister Lin and Minister Chiu held a joint press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on the morning of May 16, at which they underscored Taiwan’s willingness to contribute to better global health. The two ministers said that the WHO should not brook political interference but rather should promptly invite Taiwan to participate as an observer in the WHA as well as WHO technical meetings and thus realize WHO’s goal of “One World for Health.” 
     
    Making a special appearance at the press conference was the Puzangalan Children’s Choir of Pingtung County, which performed “Ualjaiyui,” a traditional song of blessing of the Paiwan indigenous community. The song speaks of good fortune and of passing on traditions. Taiwan shares such sentiments for its WHA Action Team headed to Geneva as well as to the world at large. Minister Lin pointed out that the choir would also be traveling to Geneva to show that Taiwan was not just a land of technology but also home to cultural soft power. 
     
    Minister Lin shared that this year’s WHA slogan is “One World for Health” and that the government was calling on WHO to “Chip in with Taiwan” so that no nation or people would be left behind, allowing Taiwan to work with other nations toward a healthier world. Adding that health and disease knew no borders, he said that in addressing COVID-19 Taiwan showed great resilience and was able to assist other nations. Excluding Taiwan from the WHA and WHO therefore represented a loss for the international community.
     
    Minister Lin further commented that Taiwan’s national health insurance program has enrolled 99 percent of residents and that no matter where people lived, they had access to Taiwan’s quality medical services and social security net, an accomplishment praised worldwide. Acknowledging WHO’s Global Action Plan for Health of Indigenous Peoples, the minister said that Taiwan was ready to share its experience providing quality medical care to indigenous people. 
     
    In the AI era, Minister Lin stated, utilizing digital technology could improve access to medical care. Reflecting this, MOFA would for the first time hold a forum on smart medicine in Geneva, at which both Acer Medical and Quanta Computer would share their experience in order to promote a Taiwan model of smart medicine. Taiwan, he said, would continue to show how it could help and underscore its role as a global leader in semiconductors and related technology. 
     
    Minister Lin said that to realize President Lai Ching-te’s vision of a healthy Taiwan, MOFA had implemented the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project and eight flagship projects, which included the smart medicine and healthcare industries. He said thats MOFA had worked with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) to establish a Taiwan medical diplomacy team as well as a medical consultation team that included professionals from medical firms and organizations. Through the “One Country, One Center” project, medical cooperation would be strengthened with New Southbound Policy partner countries. Such efforts would also bring Taiwan’s healthcare industry—comprising its biotech, pharmaceutical, and information technology sectors—to the world. 
     
    Minister Lin thanked the nation’s diplomatic allies for making proposals in favor of Taiwan’s participation, as well as like-minded countries for taking such concrete steps as sending letters and conducting joint demarches in support of Taiwan. Such actions underscored the strength of international support for Taiwan. However, China’s distortion of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and its pressure on the WHO Secretariat meant that Taiwan had yet to be invited to attend the WHA.
     
    Minister Lin stressed that Taiwan had established a government firmly rooted in popular support by conducting many democratic elections. As such, only the popularly elected government of Taiwan could represent the people of Taiwan at the United Nations, WHO, and other multilateral organizations. Many nations’ executive and legislative branches had publicly stated that UNGA Resolution 2758 did not preclude Taiwan’s participation in international organizations such as WHO. He then expressed hope that more nations would work together in support of Taiwan’s participation in WHO and oppose China’s international efforts at lawfare and cognitive warfare. 
     
    In addition, Minister Lin said that this year’s WHA slogan was “One World for Health” and that a Pandemic Agreement would be signed during the meeting. Taiwan had, he said, already shown the humanitarian spirit of “Taiwan can help” during COVID-19 and proved itself a valuable resource to WHO. However, Taiwan’s absence left a gap in the global public health and disease prevention network, said Minister Lin, who called on the WHO Secretariat to not brook political interference, to maintain professionalism and neutrality, and to facilitate Taiwan’s membership in the global public health and disease prevention network so as to create greater welfare for the world.
     
    In closing, Minister Lin said that Taiwan’s WHA Action Team would conduct publicity efforts in Geneva starting from May 16 and that MOFA and the MOHW would work together with self-confidence and engage the world. Moreover, the ministries would be proactive in making Taiwan’s voice heard and ensure that Taiwan responded to “One World for Health” and appealed to others to “Chip in with Taiwan” by making greater contributions to global public health. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Former Vice President Chen attends inauguration of Pope Leo XIV

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    May 18, 2025  
    No. 161  

    Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen, serving as special envoy of President Lai Ching-te, together with his wife and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu, attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV on the morning of May 18. In an audience with the pontiff following the ceremony, Mr. Chen conveyed greetings from President Lai and the sincere congratulations of the government, people, and Catholic community of Taiwan.
     
    Upon arriving for the ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, Mr. Chen was received by a ceremonial officer for the Holy See. The inauguration, a grand and solemn occasion, took around two hours. According to statistics released by the Holy See, more than 150 delegations attended. Before the ceremony commenced, Mr. Chen exchanged greetings with Paraguayan Chamber of Deputies Speaker Raúl Latorre; Guatemalan Special Envoy and Ambassador to the Holy See Alfredo Vásquez Rivera; other officials from diplomatic allies; and delegates from the United States, Japan, Europe, and numerous other friendly countries. He also extended felicitations to and shared cordial interactions with several high-ranking members of the Vatican clergy, including Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Secretary of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue Monsignor Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku Kankanamalage. 
     
    After the inauguration, Pope Leo received the heads of national delegations. Mr. Chen presented the pontiff with a congratulatory letter from President Lai, a commemorative set of postage stamps depicting four of Taiwan’s Catholic churches—St. Joseph’s Church in Jinlun Village, Taitung County; the Holy Family Catholic Church in Taipei City; the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Wanjin Village, Pingtung County; and the Holy Rosary Cathedral Basilica in Kaohsiung City—and a collection of postcards on Holy See artifacts jointly produced by Taiwan and the Apostolic Nunciature in Taiwan, highlighting the close connection between the Catholic Church in Taiwan and the Holy See. Mr. Chen also presented Pope Leo with a photo taken in 2020, when the pontiff was serving as bishop of the Chiclayo Diocese in Peru. The picture showed him accepting antipandemic supplies donated by Taiwan. The materials, delivered in cartons labeled “Taiwan Box,” were donated to Cáritas Chiclayo and other Peruvian healthcare and charitable organizations by the Pingtung County Government and Dr. Lai Hsien-yung of Hualien County’s Mennonite Christian Hospital. The government and people of Taiwan provided proactive assistance to the international community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, fulfilling their international responsibilities and demonstrating that Taiwan could help and that Taiwan was helping.
     
    When Mr. Chen arrived at the airport in Rome on May 17, he met with Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, who had also made the trip to attend the papal inauguration. Mr. Chen also attended a mass and prayer service for peace led by Bishop John Lee Keh-mien, President of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference of Taiwan, at St. Benedict’s Monastery. On May 18, Mr. Chen had dinner with 16 prominent members of the Catholic clergy and several key officials and ambassadors of diplomatic allies, including Special Delegate of the Holy See to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta Cardinal Silvano Tomasi and Haitian Special Envoy and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Alrich Nicolas. 
     
    Since establishing diplomatic ties 83 years ago, Taiwan and the Holy See have enjoyed a profound diplomatic alliance and shared the core values of religious freedom, human rights, peace, and benevolence. The two sides will build on their existing friendship and solid foundation of cooperation in humanitarian assistance and other domains to further deepen bilateral relations and together make even greater contributions to the world. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA sincerely appreciates international support for Taiwan’s bid to participate in WHO and WHA

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    May 19, 2025  
    No. 163  

    The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) is opening in Geneva on May 19. Following proactive efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and related overseas missions, Taiwan’s bid to participate in the WHA has received staunch and concrete support from the Group of Seven (G7), the executive and legislative branches of government of more than 50 countries, the European Union, the European Parliament, and representative offices of like-minded nations in Taiwan. MOFA expresses sincere appreciation for this support.
     
    Eleven of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, as members of the World Health Organization (WHO), submitted a proposal to the WHO Secretariat to invite Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer, requesting that the proposal be included as a supplementary item on this year’s WHA agenda. Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre personally wrote a letter urging WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to invite Taiwan to attend the WHA. The parliaments of Guatemala, Palau, and Saint Christopher and Nevis adopted resolutions backing Taiwan.
     
    The magnitude of support for Taiwan from like-minded countries has continued to grow. The current US administration has publicly endorsed Taiwan’s international participation more than 10 times. This includes a joint statement issued at the US-Japan leaders’ summit by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in February, which for the first time contained text advocating Taiwan’s meaningful involvement in international organizations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed firm US support for Taiwan’s international participation during his congressional confirmation hearing as well as in interviews and joint statements issued at two meetings with the foreign ministers of Japan and the Republic of Korea. The United States twice spoke up for Taiwan at the WHO Executive Board session held in February. In April, it publicly refuted China’s misuse of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 at the UN Security Council for the first time, reiterating that the resolution did not preclude Taiwan’s participation in the UN system or other multilateral fora. In terms of US congressional support, the House of Representatives passed the Taiwan International Solidarity Act without opposition on May 5. The act urged the US government to resist China’s efforts to suppress Taiwan through mischaracterization of UNGA Resolution 2758. In addition, nine US state legislatures approved resolutions backing Taiwan’s involvement in international organizations.
     
    Furthermore, in a joint statement issued following a meeting in March, the G7 foreign ministers reaffirmed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. On May 15, the European Union expressed a similar stance and recognized the extraordinary contributions Taiwan can make through its digital healthcare capabilities. In February, the European Parliament overwhelmingly adopted a resolution on the implementation of the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, which backed Taiwan’s meaningful participation in relevant world bodies. 
    High-ranking European officials who publicly spoke up for Taiwan included Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, and Swedish Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health Jakob Forssmed. A total of 534 members of the European Parliament and 29 national parliaments across Europe cosigned a letter of the Formosa Club reaffirming support for Taiwan. The World Medical Association and other professional groups endorsed Taiwan’s participation in WHO and the WHA as they had done in the past.
     
    MOFA thanks the representative offices in Taiwan of the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Japan, and Lithuania for issuing a joint statement for the fifth year prior to the WHA affirming the immense benefits that Taiwan could bring to WHA discussions. The statement also emphasized that there was no legitimate reason for Taiwan’s exclusion from the WHA and that Taiwan’s absence would undermine the spirit of inclusive global public health cooperation and safety that WHO’s founding documents called for.
     
    MOFA points out that these positive developments fully demonstrate that China’s unreasonable obstruction of Taiwan’s participation in WHO has gained little traction or support among nations worldwide. MOFA reiterates that UNGA Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1 make no mention of Taiwan, have nothing to do with Taiwan, and therefore cannot be cited as a legal basis for precluding Taiwan from participating in WHO or other international organizations or multilateral mechanisms or fora. MOFA asks that the WHO Secretariat listen closely to member countries, stop further condoning political manipulation by China, and instead work to realize WHO’s goals of “Leaving No One Behind” and “One World for Health” so as to fulfill its responsibility to maintain and improve the health and well-being of all people. MOFA also asks that Taiwan be allowed full and unobstructed participation in all WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities, including the WHA. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon to mark state visit by Palauan President Whipps

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    May 20, 2025  
    No. 167  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on May 20 to mark a state visit by President Surangel Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau. During the luncheon, Minister Lin conveyed a warm welcome on behalf of the government of Taiwan and thanked Palau for its staunch support for Taiwan’s international participation. He said he expected Taiwan and Palau to continue their close cooperation and together promote sustainable development across a range of areas in both nations.
     
    In his remarks, Minister Lin explained that since taking office, he had launched a strategy of integrated diplomacy to serve as Taiwan’s primary focus for foreign affairs, adding that its three pillars of values-based diplomacy, alliance diplomacy, and economic and trade diplomacy were advancing the promotion of the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in Palau. He also noted that, in addition to personally leading an industrial delegation to Palau in January, several business delegations had visited Palau on information-gathering missions, and that in March President Whipps had appointed Taiwanese business leader Stan Shih to serve as a senior economic advisor to Palau. Minister Lin said that these activities had laid a successful foundation for using public-private partnerships as a cooperative model through which to promote the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project.
     
    In his remarks, President Whipps thanked the government of Taiwan and Minister Lin for their gracious reception. Observing that he had already made several trips to Taiwan, President Whipps said that visiting once again felt just like experiencing the warmth of home. Likening the 26-year ties between Taiwan and Palau to a marriage, he said that the nations’ sincere friendship was based on such shared values as freedom and democracy, a common Austronesian culture, and mutual support and prosperity.
     
    President Whipps also reiterated his heartfelt gratitude for Taiwan’s assistance toward national development in Palau, adding that Taiwan’s status as one of the world’s leading producers of semiconductors and other technologies was a reflection of its successful education system and outstanding industrial development. Remarking that President Lai Ching-te’s visit to Palau in December 2024 had established a robust foundation for a new era of Taiwan-Palau collaboration, he said he hoped the two nations would continue to use public-private partnerships to engage in close cooperation on sustainable tourism, green energy, smart medicine and healthcare, education and training, and food security, together creating a vision of economic prosperity for both countries.
     
    Among others attendees at today’s luncheon were Cheng Shih-chung, Director-General of the Ministry of Education’s Sports Administration; Professor Wang Ying-chou, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fu Jen Catholic University; Liao Song-yie, Chairman of COTA Commercial Bank; and Liu Qing-ling, Chairperson of Chuan Cheng Hat Co., Ltd. Amid a warm and cordial environment, guests and the members of the Palauan delegation engaged in in-depth exchanges regarding various aspects of Taiwan-Palau cooperation. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 21, 2025 DART Paratransit Workers Vote to Authorize Strike as NLRB Issues Complaint Against Transdev

    Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union

    Dallas, TX – After months of delay tactics, refusals to bargain, and disrespect from DART Paratransit contractor Transdev, DART paratransit workers overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike, empowering Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1338-Dallas, TX, to call for a strike if necessary. 

    The workers voted 106-2 in favor of union representation on March 5. Rather than respect the workers’ clear decision, Transdev responded with baseless objections to the election—providing no evidence to support its claims, a fact acknowledged by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). In response, the federal government has issued a formal complaint against Transdev, citing violations of workers’ rights. 

    “Since the 106–2 vote, these workers have faced retaliation, harsher penalties, and broken promises—including a wage increase that was promised and then pulled back. Transdev continues to show total disregard for the people who make their service run,” said Kenneth Day, ATU International Vice President. “Workers now believe that taking action is the only path forward and are urging DART leadership to intervene.”

    The DART paratransit workers provide a critical service for people with disabilities and seniors across the Dallas area, who rely on them each day to get to the doctor, grocery store, and other important destinations.

    “This vote sends a loud and clear message to DART that it’s time to step in and save Transdev from themselves,” said ATU International President John Costa. “Our members are devoted to this work and to their riders, who depend on them and will make every effort to avoid a strike. However, Transdev must act reasonably and recognize that the workers have spoken—and so has the federal government.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders, Jayapal, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Make Public Colleges and Universities Tuition Free

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, May 21 – As President Trump and congressional Republicans are working overtime to make college unaffordable and unattainable for millions of working-class families in order to provide tax breaks to billionaires, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), and nine Senate colleagues, today introduced legislation to make public colleges and universities tuition free for 95% of students. The College for All Act would be the most transformative investment in higher education in 60 years and would substantially improve the lives of millions of students throughout the United States.
    Joining Sanders as cosponsors are Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).
    “In a highly competitive global economy where technology is changing the very nature of work and the jobs we perform, we need the best educated workforce in the world,” said Sanders. “Our nation used to lead the world in the percentage of adults with a college degree. Today, we are in 11th place behind countries like Japan, South Korea, Canada, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. That is not a prescription for a strong American economy of the future. It is a prescription for failure. Instead of increasing the cost of college in order to give more tax breaks to billionaires, we have a better idea. We are going to make public colleges and universities tuition free so that working class students can succeed and are not burdened with a lifetime of debt.”
    “Congress can and must ensure that working families never have to take out crushing loans to purse an education,” said Jayapal. “The College for All Act will free students from a lifetime of debt, invest in working people, and transform higher education across America by making a degree more accessible to poor and working families across this country. This is more important now than ever as Trump continues to attack education in this country through attempts to strip funding from universities and to dismantle the Department of Education.”
    Making public colleges and universities tuition free is not a radical idea. In 1944, as World War II was coming to an end, the U.S. government made free higher education available to all those who served in the armed forces. That act not only improved the financial well-being of the Greatest Generation, but it also laid the groundwork for the greatest expansion of the American middle class in U.S history. Moreover, over 50 years ago, many of our most prestigious public colleges and universities were also tuition free or virtually tuition free.
    Since this legislation was first introduced ten years ago, several colleges and universities in America have provided free tuition for working class and middle class students including every state college in New Mexico, the State University of New York, the University of Texas, the University of Wisconsin, and Arkansas State University.
    Other wealthy countries like France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland have made their public colleges and universities tuition free or virtually tuition free because they understand the value of investing in their young people.
    The College for All Act would guarantee tuition-free community college for all students and allow students from single households earning up to $150,000 a year, and married households earning up to $300,000 a year, to attend college without fear of being saddled with student loan debt.
    The College for All Act would also:
    Double the maximum Pell Grant award for students enrolled at public and private non-profit colleges;
    Establish a $10 billion grant program to improve student outcomes and address equity gaps at underfunded public colleges and universities;
    Triple federal TRIO program funding;
    Double GEAR UP funding; and
    Double mandatory funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).
    Read the bill text here.
    Read a summary of the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Glenn Ivey Honors the Legacy of Congressman Gerry Connolly

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Ivey – Maryland (4th District)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-MD) today issued the following statement in remembrance of his esteemed colleague, Congressman Gerry Connolly, who passed away on May 21, 2025, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer:

    “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague, Congressman Gerry Connolly. For more than three decades, Gerry was a tireless advocate for the federal workforce and a steadfast defender of our democracy. His leadership on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, as the Ranking Member, was pivotal in promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability across the executive branch.

    “Congressman Connolly’s commitment to federal employees was unwavering. As a senior member of the Oversight Committee and the Subcommittee on Government Operations, he was a passionate and effective voice for active and retired federal workers. At a time when federal employees faced growing threats to their pay, benefits, and job security, Gerry stood firm. He championed landmark legislation like the Telework Enhancement Act and the Postal Service Reform Act, recognizing that a strong, modern government begins with supporting the people who serve it.

    “His impact extended beyond domestic policy. Congressman Connolly brought deep foreign policy expertise to Congress and served twice as President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, where he worked to strengthen global alliances and advance international stability.

    “Even while facing his own health challenges, Gerry never stopped fighting for others. He remained a leading voice on immigration reform, pushing for pragmatic, compassionate policies that balanced border security with the protection of immigrant and refugee rights.

    “His legacy is one of integrity, intellect, and public service. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, staff, and all who are grieving this tremendous loss. Congressman Connolly’s life and leadership will continue to inspire all of us who are privileged to serve.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Young Kim, Dave Min Lead Bipartisan Wildfire Prevention Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Dave Min (CA-47) introduced the Building Resiliency and Understanding of Shrublands to Halt (BRUSH) Fires Act. Elex Michaelson with Fox 11 News first reported on the bipartisan effort. Watch here. 

    This bipartisan bill aims to evaluate and boost wildfire mitigation efforts in shrubland ecosystems and ensure land managers and first responders have the tools necessary to combat extreme brush fires. 

    “My community faced the wrath of the Airport Fire that burned nearly 24,000 acres less than a year ago. The more we fact find from past wildfires, the better we can ensure our first responders are prepared for future wildfires,” said Congresswoman Kim, who represents the canyon communities under U.S. Forest Service – Cleveland National Forest. “We must do all we can to support our first responders running into harm’s way to keep us safe, which is why I’m proud to join fellow Orange County Rep. Dave Min to lead the BRUSH Fires Act.” 

    “The recent LA wildfires illustrated the massive and unique wildfire risks that Southern California communities face,” said Rep. Min. “As climate change has accelerated, the annual Santa Ana winds are blowing more fiercely and the foliage is drier than it’s ever been, creating the conditions every year for ever more intense wildfires. I’m pleased to be leading this bipartisan effort to make Orange County safer.” 

    “We appreciate the leadership of Representatives Min and Kim in the introduction of the BRUSH Fires Act,” said Scott Morrson, California State Director of the Nature Conservancy. “Shrubland ecosystems are different than forests. Therefore, they require different strategies to mitigate the risk that wildfires pose. These strategies should be based in science. In California, shrubland ecosystems are biodiversity hotspots and home to millions of people, and to plants and animals that exist nowhere else on earth. Human-caused ignitions are now the leading cause of fires, with wind-driven embers starting fires far ahead of the fire front, damaging ecosystems while putting millions of lives at risk. To be effective, any approach to mitigating the risk of fire to people and structures must be based on sound science and will require collaboration between agencies at different levels of government.”   

    Specifically, the BRUSH Fires Act would direct the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to: 

    • Evaluate the effectiveness of its wildfire mitigation methods in shrubland ecosystems; and, 
    • Submit and make publicly available a report to Congress that summarizes findings, identifies steps that USFS is taking to update its operational practices and protocols, and evaluates opportunities to improve coordination with non-federal entities in highest-risk areas. 

    The bill is endorsed by the Nature Conservancy, the California Fire Chiefs Association, Endangered Habitats League, California Chaparral Institute, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy.  

    Bill text and additional background can be found here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK will keep supporting the Syrian people to rebuild their country and economy: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    The UK will keep supporting the Syrian people to rebuild their country and economy: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

    We are encouraged to hear about the UN’s progress in strengthening engagement with the new Syrian Government.

    I will make three points today.

    First, we welcome President Trump’s announcement of lifting of US sanctions. 

    This positive step will create significant opportunity for economic recovery and development across Syria.  

    This follows the UK’s decision in April to lift our own sectoral sanctions on areas including trade, energy production and finance.

    We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the Syrian people in rebuilding their country and economy.

    Second, whilst economic recovery is vital, it must go hand in hand with an inclusive and peaceful transition that reconciles Syria’s diverse groups.

    The UK was appalled by the attacks this month against the Druze community in Syria. 

    There can be no lasting peace or better future for Syrians unless all of Syria’s communities are protected and fully included in Syria’s political transition.

    We call on all parties to reject violence, engage in dialogue and ensure the protection of civilians.

    We note progress in reconciling Syrian groups into centralised structures. 

    Existing agreements, including those signed with the Syrian Democratic Forces and with the Druze leadership, should now be implemented in full.

    We also call on Israel to refrain from actions that risk destabilising Syria and to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    Third, as the new Syrian Government enters its third month, we look forward to seeing a clear timeline for next steps in the political transition. 

    We welcome and stand ready to support the newly announced National Commissions for Transitional Justice and for Missing Persons. Both will help Syria heal and move forward after years of suffering. 

    This political transition should be inclusive and allow Syrians to have a say in what comes next.

    President, in conclusion, the UK stands ready to support the Syrian Government in their next steps on the path towards a more prosperous, peaceful and stable future that the Syrian people deserve.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK reaffirms support for Ukraine, tightens sanctions on Russia, and urges ceasefire: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UK reaffirms support for Ukraine, tightens sanctions on Russia, and urges ceasefire: UK statement to the OSCE

    UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says that despite claiming commitment to peace, Russia has escalated its military aggression by refusing to engage in peace talks, launching record-breaking drone attacks on Ukrainian civilians, and continuing to violate international law.

    Thank you, Madame Chair. When Russia initiated its war of aggression on Ukraine on 24 February 2022, there was no doubt about the illegality of this undertaking. The full-scale invasion contravened all the underpinning documents of this organisation to which we are all signatories and violates international law. The responsibility for this illegal military invasion absolutely sits with Russia. However, Russia continues to blame others for prolonging the conflict that they started and continues to accuse others of seeking to ‘gain military superiority’ in a conflict that they initiated.

    The UK’s continued and unwavering support to Ukraine is not about achieving military superiority but about defending a sovereign nation under attack. The UK, along with our allies, has consistently emphasised that military aid is in support of Ukraine’s self-defence and aimed at helping Ukraine uphold its territorial integrity in accordance with international law. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently reiterated that the UK’s goal is peace, not escalation.

    In contrast, the Russian Federation insist that they remain committed to a negotiated solution, but their actions say otherwise. While President Zelenskyy travelled to Istanbul on 15th May to attend peace talks, supported by the USA and hosted by Türkiye, in good faith, President Putin refused to the same. On the same day President Putin dodged the possibility for constructive negotiations, his Armed Forces launched 112 drones at Ukrainian cities, killing and injuring civilians. On 17th May, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission confirmed that a Russian drone hit a bus evacuating civilians in Ukraine’s Sumy region, killing nine non-combatants. On 18th May, Russia launched 273 one-way attack (OWA) drones against multiple targets in Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk oblasts. This is reportedly the largest wave of uncrewed aerial systems Russia has launched into Ukraine – surpassing the 267 drones launched on 23rd February 2025.

    This is not evidence of a genuine commitment to peaceful resolution. This is fundamentally military escalation and an increase in the indiscriminate targeting of civilians. As a result, the UK is further increasing sanctions on Russia as President Putin further intensifies these strikes on Ukrainian civilians. Yesterday we announced the sanctioning of 100 targets across Russian energy, and financial services sectors, the Russian military industrial complex and its third country suppliers, and malign actors involved in democratic interference and Russia’s information war on Ukraine.

    At the opening session of the FSC on 14th May, The Russian delegation spoke of the ‘need to increase the effectiveness of the FSC’. We couldn’t agree more. The UK supports the opportunity to pursue the politico-military advantages of the FSC, to encourage enhanced implementation of arms control, and of confidence- and security-building measures. But this is impossible whilst Russia continues to violate the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, and broader international law. The UK also agrees with another comment from Russia’s opening address last week that ‘the FSC is not a place for hate speech and incitement to confrontation’. And we would encourage Russia to refrain from disrespectful language in the forum, particularly towards Ukraine, and of spreading disinformation about the intentions of the UK and our allies. We look forward to a constructive trimester.

    The UK will continue to play a leading role in accelerating work on Ukraine’s future security, and we strongly urge Russia to commit to an immediate, complete and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to buy the space and conditions for further negotiations. Europe is ready if President Putin chooses the path of peace. Thank you, Madame Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 May 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kicking on with Dundee’s Living Wage City Ambitions

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    The ‘Making Dundee a Living Wage City’ campaign has entered its 6th year and a senior councillor has visited a local employer to meet with staff who have benefitted from accreditation.

    Kanzen for Life is an award-winning social enterprise charity who support over 1,200 people weekly through physical exercise, education and wellbeing. They are well known in the city for excelling in Karate but also offer a wide range of classes and programmes for all ages and backgrounds, delivering an impressive range of community activities each week.

    They have been accredited as a Living Wage employer since 2022 and have recently joined the Dundee Living Wage Action Group as a partner member following on from being a vocal, passionate supporter of the Living Wage movement.

    Oliver Bruce, a team member at Kanzen for Life, met with Cllr Steven Rome to discuss how the uplift in pay and working for an accredited employer has benefitted him. 

    Oliver said: “Paying the Living Wage at Kanzen for Life shows that we genuinely value our team. For me, it’s not just about fair pay – it’s about respect, dignity, and creating a positive environment where people can thrive, both in work and life.”

    Oliver has also written a blog about why being living wage accredited is important to him as an employee and to Kanzen for Life as his employer.

    Roy O’Kane, Charity Chief Officer at Kanzen for Life, said: “Paying the Living Wage is about fairness, respecting the dignity of hard work, and showing our team they’re valued. When we treat people right, they stay, they grow, and they bring their best to everything we do.”

    Councillor Steven Rome, Convener of Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure said: “I was pleased to take up the opportunity to visit Kanzen for Life and speak with Oliver and Roy about their role in the local community and thank them for the positive impact they have had in Dundee.

    “They have enhanced the reputation of the city by supporting major events as well as working to improve the health and wellbeing of citizens of all ages. It was also clear to me that they are really proud of being Living Wage accredited and that it goes hand in hand with their ethos as an organisation.”

    This year the action group will be finalising the new Living Wage Action Plan, leading the implementation of the new Living Wage branding, attending key events, meeting with accredited employers and running the Living Wage Week 2025 programme.

    Cllr Rome added: “We look forward to seeing their future plans come to fruition and are pleased that they have joined the group and know they will make many valuable contributions.

    “I highly recommend anyone interested in becoming accredited to read Oliver’s eloquently written blog as it clearly highlights the benefits of paying the Living Wage. The action group is ready and waiting to hear from you.”

    More information about the ‘Making A Living Wage Living City’ campaign as well as contact details for the action group can be found on the council’s website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Oklahoma Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Spring Wildfires

    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 Oklahoma small businesses, private nonprofits and residents to offset physical and economic losses from wildfires beginning March 14. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Kevin Stitt on April 16.

    The declaration covers the Oklahoma counties of Canadian, Creek, Garfield, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, Noble, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Osage, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie, and Tulsa.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and nonprofits impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

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

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits and 2.75% for homeowners and renters 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 sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available.”

    Beginning Wednesday, May 21, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their applications. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

    DLOCs hours of operations are listed below.

    LINCOLN COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Fire Department
    335174 E. 750 Rd.
    Perkins, OK  74059

    Opens at 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 21
    Wednesday, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
    Thursday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

    Closes permanently at COB Friday, May 23

    LOGAN COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Logan County Courthouse Annex
    (Across the street north of 
    Courthouse in the 
    old Girl Scout Room)
    312 E. Harrison Ave.
    Guthrie, OK  73044

    Opens at 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 21
    Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

    Closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day

    PAYNE COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    City of Stillwater Community Center, Room 102
    315 W. Eighth Ave.
    Stillwater, OK  74074

    Opens at 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 21
    Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

    Closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day
    Closes permanently at COB Wednesday, June 11

    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. 20, 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 –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: European Union – Foreign Affairs Council meeting of May 20 (21 May 2025)

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    France took part in the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on May 20. This meeting focused on the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East.

    With regard to Ukraine, France welcomed the adoption of an ambitious sanctions package against Russia – the 17th – which must now be further strengthened, as that country is still refusing to negotiate a peace agreement. France is determined to continue current efforts to give Ukraine solid security guarantees.

    France reiterated its strong condemnation of the expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza and its blockade against humanitarian aid, which violates the principles of international law. France stressed its strong concern over Israel’s settlement policy and underscored the need for an agreement by Member States on sanctions against violent settlers and entities that promote settlement activity. It also called on the EU to take concrete measures, including the reexamination of the association agreement between the EU and Israel, and commended the High Representative’s announcement in this regard at the end of the meeting. France reaffirmed its commitment to the two-State solution and noted its efforts to ensure its implementation at the conference it will co-chair with Saudi Arabia this June in New York.

    As for Syria, France supported the decision to lift economic sanctions against the country. This historic decision is the concrete expression of the commitments France made to the transition authorities with a view to supporting Syria’s economic recovery and transition process. France also emphasized that the easing of sanctions should go hand in hand with solid guarantees on transparency, the proper use of international funds and respect for our political conditions. The EU will have to continue ensuring that priority challenges are taken into account, especially the fight against terrorism. At France’s initiative, the EU member States also pledged to adopt sanctions against the perpetrators of human rights violations committed in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Awards – nominations open

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Awards – nominations open

    The Somerset Prepared partnership is now taking nominations for its annual awards which celebrate people who help their communities deal with emergencies.

    Lucie Reader of Pitcombe and last years’s award winner

    The Somerset Prepared partnership, including the Environment Agency, is searching for nominees for its next Community Resilience Awards.

    The nomination window opened on Sunday 11 May in celebration of this month’s Somerset Day.

    These awards recognise people and groups who have gone above and beyond to help their community be better able to deal with emergencies. 

    Awards will be presented in two categories: 

    • Group award – for community organisations demonstrating exceptional emergency planning or preparedness 

    • Individual award – for people who have made significant personal contributions to community resilience 

    Award winners will receive public recognition and vouchers for community activities. The awards will be presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mr Mohammed Saddiq at the annual Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Day, which will be held at Taunton Racecourse on Thursday, 15 October. At the free event, partners welcome local people to celebrate Somerset’s community emergency volunteers, with workshops, presentations, and equipment demonstrations. 

    The annual Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Day brings together key organisations including the Environment Agency, Somerset Rivers Authority and Somerset Council to help local communities strengthen their resilience against emergencies. Members of the public (or media) can reserve a place at the event by visiting Eventbrite.

    Dr Bel Deering, community engagement officer for Somerset Rivers Authority, said: 

    The incredible work of volunteers who help their communities before and during emergencies deserves our gratitude.

    They are our local heroes, and their courage and compassion deserve to be celebrated and shared as stories of hope for all of Somerset.

    Last year’s individual winner was Lucie Reader of Pitcombe, whose exceptional leadership led to all homes in her community being flood protected for future emergencies. The group winner was Nunney Parish Council, whose councillors supported their community by proactively working with residents to improve their resilience to flooding.    

    Emma Giffard, flood resilience engagement advisor for the Environment Agency, said:  

    On behalf of all the Somerset Prepared partners, we extend our sincere thanks and warmly encourage both groups and individuals to submit their nominations for the awards.

    Nominations for the award close on 15 September 2025.  

    Visit https://www.somersetprepared.org.uk/somerset-community-resilience-awards to submit a nomination.

    If you have any questions please contact somersetprepared@somerset.gov.uk or floodwessex@environment-agency.gov.uk.

    Background

    Somerset Prepared is a multi-agency partnership working closely with communities to deliver advice, support and training to help enhance local resilience to emergencies. The partnership is made up of many organisations able to provide advice, guidance and support to help you develop local initiatives that enhance resilience to emergencies. 

    Full membership includes: 

    • Avon & Somerset Police 

    • British Red Cross 

    • Community Council for Somerset 

    • Community Representatives 

    • Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service 

    • Environment Agency  

    • Rotary International 

    • Safe South West (Treasurer) 

    • Somerset Council (Chair & Secretariat) 

    • Somerset Rivers Authority 

    • South Western Ambulance Service 

    • Spark Somerset

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “We attach great importance to the development of sales in the Chinese market” — Director of the Baltika-Khabarovsk branch R. Degtyarev

    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

    Khabarovsk, May 21 /Xinhua/ — “We attach great importance to developing sales in the Chinese market; since 2011, the bulk of Baltika deliveries to China have been carried out from the plant in Khabarovsk. During this time, exports from Khabarovsk Krai to China have increased 15-fold,” said Roman Degtyarev, director of the Baltika-Khabarovsk branch (a branch of the Russian brewing company Baltika in Khabarovsk), in his speech at the session “Agroexport: How to Sell in China,” held on May 19 as part of the Russian-Chinese Forum.

    R. Degtyarev told the forum participants about the company’s successful experience in entering the Chinese market. “We have been long-standing partners with China: regular export of Baltika has been carried out here since 2001, and during this time, deliveries have increased dozens of times.”

    According to him, in order to expand Baltika’s presence in the Chinese market and certify the quality of its products, the company underwent voluntary certification “Made in Russia”. A network of representative offices was deployed in the country and abroad, including in the Chinese cities of Beijing and Harbin. Taking into account the preferences of Chinese consumers, in 2024 the company released the Baltika Bolshoy Medved brand specifically for the Chinese market.

    The Baltika-Khabarovsk enterprise, launched in April 2003, is the largest producer of beer and soft drinks in the Khabarovsk Territory. The annual capacity of the plant currently amounts to 230 million liters. The bulk of deliveries to the countries of the Asia-Pacific region comes from China.

    On May 19, a two-day Russian-Chinese forum dedicated to cooperation between the two countries opened in Khabarovsk. More than 3,000 applications were received from representatives of business, government bodies, and creative industries of Russia and China to participate in the forum. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 21 May 2025 Departmental update Technical paper on economic and commercial determinants of health in Small Island Developing States

    Source: World Health Organisation

    This groundbreaking technical paper is informed by and supports the effort by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to tackle the economic and commercial determinants of health—as set out in the 2023 Bridegtown Declaration. In particular, the paper addresses the challenges and opportunities for SIDS in addressing the economic and commercial determinants of noncommunicable diseases, mental health conditions, injuries and violence.

    Titled “Economic and commercial determinants of health in Small Island Developing States: noncommunicable diseases, mental health conditions, injuries and violence,” the paper was unveiled during an official side event at the 78th World Health Assembly focusing on the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health.

    The technical paper is the first comprehensive analysis examining how commercial determinants specifically impact health outcomes in SIDS, identifying both challenges and opportunities for intervention.

    Key findings

    The paper reveals several critical common and shared vulnerabilities of SIDS which underpin their economic and commercial determinants of health.:

    • Power imbalances: Due to small populations and limited human and financial resources, SIDS face disproportionate pressure from multinational commercial actors
    • Less diversified economies: Many SIDS rely heavily on sectors centered on potentially health-harming products.
    • Dependence on external supply: Import dependency leaves SIDS susceptible to market fluctuations and disadvantageous trade agreements
    • Interconnected challenges: Climate change, food insecurity and harmful commercial practices compound leading to health harms.

    Recommendations

    The paper outlines five key opportunity areas for addressing economic and commercial determinants of health in SIDS:

    • Creating policy environments that enable health through measures such as taxation of health-harming products as well as regulation of commercial practices such as harmful marketing
    • Safeguarding against conflicts of interest through transparent and coordinated governance mechanisms
    • Empowering community participation in governance for health
    • Strengthening governance for commercial determinants in development approaches
    • Investing in SIDS-SIDS and triangular cooperation

    As Dr Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Social Determinants of Health Department, notes in the paper’s foreword: “Tackling the commercial determinants of health in SIDS includes action to support shifting businesses from health-harming to health-promoting practices, addressing power imbalances between public sectors and commercial actors, regulating harmful commercial practices, and improving underlying systems.”

    Building on momentum

    The paper builds on the 2023 Bridgetown Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health, providing a technical foundation for implementing the roadmap established at the SIDS Ministerial Conference in Barbados.

    This paper comes as the Bridgetown Declaration’s importance moves beyond SIDS: it provides the momentum and path forward as the world approaches the Fourth High-Level Meeting. In the same way that the 2007 Declaration of Port-of-Spain on Uniting to Stop the Epidemic of Chronic NCDs is credited with building momentum for the first UN high-level meeting on NCDs in 2011 and its transformation of the NCD response, the 2023 Bridgetown Declaration promises to be a catalyst for the rebirth of the response to NCDs and mental health.

    “The time for action is now,” the technical paper concludes, calling for collaborative efforts between SIDS governments, communities, and international partners to develop integrated approaches that prioritize well-being, embrace Indigenous knowledge, and support health-aligned local businesses.

    WHO will continue supporting SIDS and all countries through technical assistance, capacity-building and fostering a global community of practice on commercial determinants of health to protect health, promote wellbeing and save lives.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: ICYMI: ‘Angel families’ urge Republicans to pass ‘big beautiful bill’ and secure border to prevent tragedies: ‘There must be change’

    Source: The White House

    Angel Families — whose lives have been shattered by illegal immigrant criminals with no right to be in the country — are calling on Congress to pass President Donald J. Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill, the New York Post reports.

    “’Angel families’ whose loved ones have been killed by illegal immigrants and gang members are urging congressional Republicans to pass President Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ to seal the border and fast-track deportations, The Post can exclusively reveal.

    ‘We write to you not as politicians or pundits, but as parents — mothers and fathers who have buried our children because the United States government failed to secure its border,’ they said in an open letter to Congress. ‘There can be no justice for our children, but there can be accountability. There can be action. And there must be change,’ they added.

    ‘We urge every member of Congress to support the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and vote to secure the border, protect our communities, and prevent the next American family from living our nightmare.’

    More than 60 angel relatives co-signed the letter, including the mother of Jocelyn Nungaray, whose 12-year-old daughter was allegedly murdered by two illegal migrants, and the family of Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student who was killed by a Tren de Aragua gang member from Venezuela. […]

    In their letter, the ‘angel families’ said that for too long they ‘have been ignored, dismissed, or labeled as political props.’

    ‘Every single one of us is living with a permanent hole in our lives because an illegal immigrant, who never should have been in this country, was allowed to stay and take an innocent life,’ they said.

    ‘These were preventable tragedies. And yet, year after year, Washington offers excuses instead of solutions. That must end now.’”

    Click here to read the full story.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Protecting the Finger Lakes Watersheds

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that $42 million will be disbursed to the Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition to begin implementation of priority projects that will help mitigate Harmful Algal Blooms in the Finger Lakes Watershed area. The Coalition will implement on- and off-farm projects that align with federal and State-approved clean water plans and other pollution prevention plans in an effort to further drive down nutrient and sediment runoff in the Eastern Finger Lakes watersheds. The investment is a part of the Governor’s 2024 State of the State commitment to develop on-the-ground actions necessary to address the controllable causes of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and significantly reduce their prevalence while supporting projects that help prevent nutrient and sediment runoff into lakes and improve climate resiliency.

    “Protecting New York’s water supply is a top priority for New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “We are moving this funding quickly to accelerate watershed protection and restoration measures that will reduce nutrient inputs to the Finger Lakes, improve water quality, and help reduce the frequency of HABs, while building resilience to support New York’s agricultural industry. Clean water is critical to sustaining the health of our communities, protecting our environment, and supporting local economies in the Finger Lakes.”

    In August 2024, New York State announced that $42 million, supported by the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 and other capital resources, was being directed to the Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition to further water quality protections and investments to improve water quality and reduce HABs in the Finger Lakes watershed area. HABs are caused by many factors and impact public health, recreation, and the local economy. The Coalition covers 11 Soil and Water Conservation Districts and seven of New York’s Finger Lakes – Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles, and Otisco, and their watersheds.

    This dedicated funding, scheduled to the Coalition imminently, is supporting innovative agricultural and resilience projects both on and off farms. This critical investment will not only safeguard the health of the Finger Lakes but also support local farmers by providing additional resources to implement best management practices, such as erosion and sediment controls, nutrient management, and stormwater management that will contribute to cleaner water and soil health throughout the region.

    This direct support of the Coalition is a part of the Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) and Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) partnership, alongside the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, and the 11 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) in the Eastern Finger Lakes, to accelerate watershed protection and restoration measures to improve water quality and mitigate HABs.

    Projects will focus on:

    • Implementing the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program projects  to help farmers reduce water pollution from agricultural activities;
    • Enhancing flood resiliency by stabilizing and protecting vulnerable streams, reducing sediment erosion, and upgrading culverts and implementing water control practices in steep road ditches to minimize sedimentation and runoff; and
    • Supporting nutrient reduction strategies outlined in watershed-based plans.

    Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Governor Hochul’s sustained investments to reduce the frequency of HABs is evident in the ongoing support for the Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition, as well as record infrastructure funding and sustainable farming assistance that helps continue improving the quality of waterbodies statewide. DEC looks forward to collaborating with the Coalition and our many partners on the State and local level to ensure the long-term protection of the lakes and rivers that provide countless environmental, health, and economic contributions to the region’s vibrant communities.”  

    State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “We are proud of the work we are doing to drive down instances of HABs; however, we know that more must be done to address this issue in our watersheds, including in the Finger Lakes. As such, we are developing comprehensive action plans that will not only build on our current work to prevent water pollution, improve nutrient management, and reduce erosion, but will also guide our future goals for a sustainable environment and cleaner waterbodies. This funding will allow our Soil and Water Conservation Districts to work with both our farms and with local government to complete management projects that will have a critical impact on the reduction of sediments and nutrients entering the waterways and protect the water quality for the region now and for the future.”

    State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “This latest funding demonstrates Governor Hochul’s commitment to addressing water quality improvements and Harmful Algal Blooms in the Finger Lakes Watershed area. The State Health Department will continue our work with local water suppliers and our state partners on infrastructure upgrades and technical assistance to help protect drinking water for years to come.”

    Cayuga SWCD Executive Director Doug Kierst said, “Through the continued support of NYS, Soil and Water Conservation Districts of the Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition will continue to get common sense conservation practices on the ground, where they are desperately needed. This dedicated funding will allow local SWCDs to focus on the implementation of an abundance of Best Management Practices that we have identified across the Finger Lakes Region. These important projects, when completed, will facilitate the protection of water quality through the reduction of nutrients and sediments to local waterbodies, support NYS clean water goals and maintain agricultural sustainability.”

    New York State SWCC Chair Matthew Brower said, “The NYS Soil and Water Conservation Committee is proud to be a part of the partnership working to improve the water quality of the Finger Lakes. The farming community, the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and local governments have been working on these issues for many years and it is great that they will be able to continue this work with the funding provided by New York State. The Agricultural Environmental Program (AEM) has been an excellent program to help farmers identify needs on the farm and get the best management practices implemented to address water quality issues.”

    HABs Mitigation Efforts

    This investment builds on $1.2 million announced by the Governor in July 2024 for the Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition to build professional capacity to address HABs. It also included increased technical support for farmers to implement more cover crops, improve culverts to reduce runoff, enhance soil health, and reduce water quality impairments in the region.

    In just over the last five years, AGM has dedicated nearly $125 million— through its Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control, Climate Resilient Farming, and Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) programs— to on-farm projects that protect soil and water quality, conserve natural resources, fight climate change, and reduce the conditions that cause HABs, such as nutrient runoff and soil erosion, and greenhouse gas emissions.

    Through various funding streams allocated in the Budget, the Department supports the SWCDs, who work on behalf of New York’s farms to implement better nutrient and sediment control practices. The Department also supports SWCDs in their work with the State’s municipalities to increase stormwater absorption and improve water retention. These are accomplished through best management practices, such as nutrient management through manure storage, vegetative buffers along streams, conservation cover crops, water management, and more.

    Since 2020, specific to the Finger Lakes Watershed area, $66 million has been awarded over the last five years to implement best management practices on 370 farms within this region of the state. The projects awarded in the Finger Lakes alone have reduced 32,800 pounds of total phosphorus, 746,000 pounds of total nitrogen, and 43 million pounds of sediment per year. This work has also reduced New York State’s agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 43,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent every year and have also made a measurable impact towards keeping HABs out of the State’s waterways.

    Since 2017, DEC worked with stakeholders in the Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Owasco, and Skaneateles lake watersheds to develop clean water plans to protect and improve water quality. In addition, DEC has completed Total Maximum Daily Load analysis in Conesus, Honeoye, and Cayuga lakes. In 2018, DEC convened four regional summits to examine the causes of HABs and develop sustainable solutions to reduce impacts. DEC worked with State and local partners to develop and implement  HABs Action Plans for 13 high- priority waterbodies, including several in the Eastern Finger Lakes.

    To date, New York State awarded more than $530 million in grants for projects statewide designed to reduce the frequency of algal blooms by targeting phosphorus and nitrogen pollution, factors that trigger HAB occurrences. DEC also created the New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) webpage, which features an interactive map that provides active HAB locations. Members of the public should report suspected HABs so DEC experts can review and identify for accuracy. Because it is hard to tell a HAB from a non-harmful algal bloom, it is best to avoid swimming, boating, otherwise recreating in, or drinking water with a suspected bloom. DEC encourages people to “Know it, Avoid it, Report it!” all year round, especially during the summer. The summer months are the peak time for HABs – warmer weather, calmer conditions, and more sunlight will often contribute to the blooms.

    Also, since 2014, DEC awarded more than $55.7 million to 96 projects for water quality improvement planning and implementation within the Eastern Finger Lakes watershed through the Water Quality Improvement Project program and the Non-agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 Mapping Grant. Projects funded prepare planning reports or directly improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source. Awards within the Eastern Finger Lakes watershed included land acquisition for source water protection, streambank and road ditch stabilization, wastewater disinfection, sanitary sewer overflow improvements, sediment and erosion control, wetland restoration, riparian buffers, salt storage, and aquatic habitat restoration.

    At least $75 million in grants is currently available through DEC’s Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program to support new projects that can help reduce HABs and other actions that directly improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source.

    Other recent funding to help protect water quality includes more than $90 million in grants and low-interest financing to the City of Auburn announced by Governor Hochul and the State Environmental Facilities Corporation. This will support planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment improvements. To help promote buffers that prevent runoff and other water quality impairments, DEC established the 287-acre Cayuga Shores Wildlife Management Area along Cayuga Lake and awarded $1.2 million to the Finger Lakes Land Trust for land acquisitions to protect Owasco Lake water quality.

    New York’s Commitment to Water Quality

    New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure. With an additional $500 million for clean water infrastructure in the 2025-2026 enacted State Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York will have invested a total of $6 billion in water infrastructure since 2017. In addition, the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act is helping State agencies, local governments, and partners access funding to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, improve resiliency, and create green jobs. Bond Act funding will support new and expanded projects across the state to safeguard drinking water sources, reduce pollution, and protect communities and natural resources from climate change.

    The Governor also expanded EFC’s Community Assistance Teams to help all communities access assistance, particularly small, rural, and disadvantaged communities so they may leverage this funding and address their clean water infrastructure needs. Any community that needs help with funding its water infrastructure is encouraged to contact EFC.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why was St-Pierre-Miquelon targeted by both Donald Trump and a French politician?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Paco Milhiet, Visiting fellow au sein de la Rajaratnam School of International Studies ( NTU-Singapour), chercheur associé à l’Institut catholique de Paris, Institut catholique de Paris (ICP)

    St-Pierre-Miquelon is a small French archipelago off the coast of Newfoundland in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean.

    A map of St-Pierre-Miquelon and its exclusive economic zone.
    (Eric Gaba)

    The territory is just 244 square kilometres with a population of only 5,800. Nonetheless, it’s recently been in the global spotlight due to its inclusion in a wave of tariffs imposed by the United States — and because of a controversial remark from a French presidential hopeful suggesting undocumented migrants should be deported there.

    These recent events provide an opportunity to examine the complex historical and geopolitical entanglements surrounding St-Pierre-Miquelon and involving France, Canada and the United States.

    Last French territory in the region

    Visited by Indigenous Peoples for nearly 5,000 years, St-Pierre-Miquelon became known to European sailors in the late 15th century and was officially claimed for France by Jacques Cartier in 1536.

    The archipelago soon emerged as a strategic base for French fishermen engaged in cod fishing and whaling. Over the ensuing centuries, the islands were fiercely contested by France and Great Britain, changing hands multiple times before being definitively restored to French control in 1816.

    In the 20th century, the archipelago was at the heart of recurring fishing disputes between Canada and France.

    These peaked in 1988 with events that included the seizure of fishing vessels, the recall of ambassadors and violations of existing agreements. Despite historic treaty-based rights, France’s access to fishing grounds declined after Canada’s 1992 cod moratorium and an arbitration ruling that gave St-Pierre-Miquelon an exclusive economic zone of just 38 kilometres around the archipelago, except for a 16-kilometre swath extending 320 kilometres south.

    Both these events had major economic repercussions for St-Pierre-Miquelon.

    Hefty tariff

    Today, the territory’s economy is small — less than 0.001 per cent of France’s GDP — and it depends heavily on public funds and external provisions, particularly from neighbouring Canada.

    Nevertheless, the territory was initially included among the targets of the so-called Liberation Day tariffs announced U.S. President Donald Trump in April. It was singled out with a hefty 50 per cent import duty, temporarily making it one of the most heavily taxed territories in the world, matched only by the landlocked African country of Lesotho.

    Although Trump reversed course and reduced the tariff to 10 per cent a few days later, the original decision was perplexing given the archipelago’s minimal economic weight and its peripheral geopolitical position. Why was this St-Pierre-Michelon targeted so brutally by the Trump administration?

    Halibut geopolitics

    St-Pierre-Miquelon and the U.S. had a balanced trade relationship from 2010 to 2025, until a sharp discrepancy appeared in July 2024. The U.S. imported US$3.4 million worth of goods from the islands, exporting only $100,000 over the entire year.

    This resulted in a reported trade imbalance of 3,300 per cent for the year 2024, which the U.S. government appears to have interpreted as evidence of a 99 per cent tariff imposed by the territory, applying the same flawed algorithm on other countries.

    Why was there such a discrepancy in July 2024?

    According to several reports, this statistical anomaly is actually the result of a long-standing dispute between France and Canada over fishing quotas in the waters surrounding St-Pierre-Miquelon.

    Traditionally, the territory mainly exports seafood products to France and Canada, and almost none to the U.S.

    But in June 2024, a French vessel offloaded several tons of halibut — an expensive fish in high culinary demand — in Saint-Pierre.

    While the catch was made in international waters and was technically legal, it occurred amid ongoing tensions between France and Canada over halibut stocks and the sustainability of the species in the area.

    Because of these tensions, the catch was redirected to the U.S. market and sold for the aforementioned US$3.4 million, an outcome that ultimately triggered the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

    France and Canada reached an agreement on halibut later in 2024. But their “halibut war” was just the latest example of recurring disputes between the two countries over fishing quotas in the waters off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, one of the world’s richest fishing grounds.

    The heavy tariffs imposed by the U.S. on St-Pierre-Miquelon, even though they were swiftly reversed, wer therefore an indirect consequence of the long-standing tensions between France and Canada.

    A new Alcatraz?

    Within days of St-Pierre-Miquelon recovering from the tariff shock, it was once again thrust into the spotlight.

    This time, Laurent Wauquiez, a moderate right-wing presidential contender in France, suggested migrants under deportation orders known as obligations de quitter le territoire français — or OQTF — should be given two options: either be detained in St-Pierre-Miquelon or return to their countries of origin.

    It’s not the first time politicians have proposed deporting prisoners to French overseas territories.

    The suggestion is aligned with France’s historical use of these territories as sites for penal colonies, most notably in Cayenne in French Guyana and New Caledonia in the South Pacific.

    Wauquiez’s remarks were widely condemned as contemptuous and colonial in tone, including by members of the government.

    In response, local authorities in St-Pierre-Miquelon tried to capitalize on the controversy by launching a humorous media campaign that reappropriated the OQTF acronym.

    Social media ads from St-Pierre-Miquelon officials on the deportation proposal by Laurent Wauquiez.
    (Compiled by Paco Milhiet)

    Their goal was to shift the narrative and highlight the archipelago’s appeal: low unemployment, strong public safety, outstanding natural landscapes and a peaceful, family-friendly quality of life — and, hopefully, free from hefty American tariffs.

    Paco Milhiet 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 was St-Pierre-Miquelon targeted by both Donald Trump and a French politician? – https://theconversation.com/why-was-st-pierre-miquelon-targeted-by-both-donald-trump-and-a-french-politician-256662

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –