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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Religious persecution and sectarian violence in Syria – E-001081/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Since 2011, the EU and its Member States have mobilised nearly EUR 7 billion in humanitarian aid in response to the Syrian crisis. EU humanitarian aid in Syria seeks to respond to life-saving emergencies such as health, protection, shelter, and strictly adheres to the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence , as outlined in the EU Treaties and the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid[1]. The EU provides humanitarian aid to all people in need in Syria, without discrimination.

    Gravely alarmed by the violence in Syria’s coastal region, on 11 March 2025, the High Representative/Vice-President issued a statement[2] on behalf of the EU, strongly condemning the horrific crimes committed against civilians, many of which were allegedly perpetrated by armed groups supporting the security forces of the transitional authorities. The EU called for a swift, transparent and impartial investigation to be conducted to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. It welcomed the transitional authorities’ commitments, in particular the establishment of an investigative committee. It further called on them to allow the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic to investigate all violations. Everything must be done to prevent any such crimes from happening again.

    The EU remains attentive to the actions of the new authorities in ensuring the protection of all Syrians without any kind of discrimination and continues to call for an inclusive, peaceful, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political transition grounded on international law and upholding the universality and indivisibility of human rights and the principles of equality and non-discrimination.

    • [1] See Joint Statement by the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission, OJ C 25, 30.1.2008, p. 1-12, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A42008X0130%2801%29.
    • [2] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/11/syria-statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-recent-wave-of-violence/.
    Last updated: 20 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Press briefing on the 21 – 22 May plenary session

    Source: European Parliament

    European Parliament’s spokespersons will hold a last-minute briefing on the 21 – 22 May plenary session on Wednesday at 14.30.

    When: Wednesday 21 May at 14.30

    Where: Anna Politkovskaya press room in Brussels and via Interactio

    Key topics next week include:

    • Debate on the EU’s response to the Israeli government’s plan to seize the Gaza Strip, and how to provide effective humanitarian support and secure the hostages’ release
    • Debate and vote on simplifying the EU’s carbon leakage instrument
    • Debate on the phasing-out of Russian gas, nuclear energy and oil imports
    • Vote on imposing new tariffs on fertilisers and additional ones on other agricultural products imported from Russia and Belarus
    • Debate on the new single market strategy
    • Debate on ways to make Europe more attractive to scientists
    • Formal sitting: Address by Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia

    Interpretation of the press briefing will be available in English and French.

    Journalists wishing to participate actively and ask questions, please connect via Interactio using this link: https://ep.interactio.eu/link/pressconfp1611820

    You can follow it live from 14.30 on Friday in Parliament’s Anna Politkovskaya press room or via Parliament’s webstreaming and EbS+.

    Information for the media – Use of Interactio to ask questions

    Interactio is only supported on iPads (with the Safari browser) and Mac/Windows (with the Google Chrome browser).

    When connecting, enter your name and the media you are representing in the first name / last name fields. For better sound quality, use headphones and a microphone. Interpretation is only possible for questions asked on video.

    Journalists who have never used Interactio before are asked to connect 30 minutes before the start of the press conference to perform a connection test. IT assistance can be provided if necessary. When connected, open the chat window (upper right corner) to be able to see the service messages.

    For more details, check the connection guidelines and recommendations for remote speakers.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EUR 4.7 billion investment package for South Africa – E-001331/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU closely monitors developments in South Africa, including legislative proposals and acts adopted. This includes the Expropriation Act (Act number 13 of 2024), which was passed by the previous South African parliament and assented to by the President of the Republic of South Africa on 20 December 2024. It will enter into force on a date to be determined by the President of South Africa. The Act is currently the subject of court proceedings in South Africa.

    The EU follows the discussions that take place in relation to this Act. The EU will continue to monitor developments and, if deemed relevant, raise the issue with South Africa within relevant bilateral fora, such as those concerning political and human rights dialogue, which exist between the EU and South Africa as part of the strategic partnership.

    Under Article 8 of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument — Global Europe Regulation[1], the EU is required to comply with and promote the principles of respect for the rule of law in all its interventions. Through Global Gateway, the EU aims to embed democratic principles, good governance, and transparency in all investments. In each country, the EU assesses whether the necessary preconditions for investment are in place, including those related to the rule of law.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32021R0947.
    Last updated: 20 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Enlargement and the rule of law – E-001347/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission’s annual Enlargement package reports[1] cover the state of preparedness and progress made, including on all rule of law aspects, which are fundamental to the accession process. The reports cover all candidate countries and the potential candidate. They provide guidance to the enlargement countries on reform priorities for the year ahead.

    The inclusion of some enlargement countries in the annual Rule of law report exercise alongside Member States strengthens the EU support for rule of law reforms, supports their accession process and helps maintain a sustainable pattern of high standards after accession. The two exercises are therefore complementary.

    The Commission maintains a broader dialogue with the enlargement countries on all elements related to the fundamentals of the accession process. Preparation of the Rule of law reports for the enlargement countries is done in a coordinated manner with the services of the Commissioner for Enlargement who are also responsible for preparing the annual Enlargement package. Close coordination between the different services, together with cross-referencing assessments made in the Enlargement package reports, ensures consistency in messaging to partners.

    The upcoming Rule of law report exercise for 2025 will cover the same set of countries as in 2024. The selection is based on their state of preparations as well as progress in the formal accession process . The methodology whereby recommendations for enlargement countries are included only in the Enlargement package will be maintained.

    • [1] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/enlargement-policy/strategy-and-reports_en.
    Last updated: 20 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 20 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 20 May 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy this evening.

    The Prime Minister spoke to President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this evening.

    The leaders began by reflecting on their meeting in Tirana, Albania, on Friday before discussing the UK’s latest package of sanctions on Russian military, energy and financial sectors announced today.

    It was vital to keep the pressure on Russia while they continued their illegal invasion of Ukraine, the leaders agreed.

    Looking ahead to further peace talks, the Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s support for Ukraine and said he was steadfast in his commitment to helping Ukraine secure a just and lasting peace.

    The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

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    Published 20 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Executives Plead Guilty to Employment Tax Crimes

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Two California men pleaded guilty yesterday to not paying over employment taxes to the IRS.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Lalo Valdez and Matthew Olson, both of Northern California, operated a San Jose-based health informatics and product development company that provided clinical care and technology services to clients in healthcare and academia. Valdez was the CEO and Olson the CFO. As such, both were responsible for the company’s operations, managed its internal books and records, signed checks on behalf of the company, and hired and fired employees. Both men also were responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the government each quarter. The timely payment of quarterly employment taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government, because, for example, they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year.

    For every calendar quarter from the first quarter of 2017 through the second quarter of 2021, Valdez and Olson withheld these taxes from employees’ wages but did not pay them over to the IRS or report them on quarterly tax forms. Instead of paying over the taxes, Valdez and Olson used the company’s money to pay for country club memberships and season tickets to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League.

    During this same period, Olson also was one of the owners and operators of a day spa located in Saratoga, California. There, Olson was responsible for collecting and paying Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes to the IRS. From the second quarter of 2017 through the fourth quarter of 2020, however, Olson collected but did not pay them over to the IRS or report them on quarterly tax forms.

    In total, Olson caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $2.1 million.

    Valdez caused a total tax loss to the IRS of nearly $1.5 million.

    Valdez and Olson are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 20. Both men face a maximum penalty of five years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins for the Northern District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Mahana Weidler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Green for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta and Newsom Administration Support Newport Beach’s Efforts to Comply with State Housing Law

    Source: US State of California

    Tuesday, May 20, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    Attorney General Bonta and Newsom Administration file amicus briefs siding with Newport Beach in lawsuits attacking City’s general plan

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta and California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Director Gustavo Velasquez today announced that the Orange County Superior Court has granted their application to file amicus briefs in support of the City of Newport Beach’s efforts to comply with state housing law. Last year, two local organizations sued the City for taking steps to update and implement its housing element, or housing plan, as required under the state’s Housing Element Law. Specifically, the City amended its land use element to allow residential development in more of the City, adopted new overlay zoning districts to create more residential development capacity in six focus areas, adopted a set of objective development standards, and amended the City’s Local Coastal Program to be consistent with the City’s housing element. The local organizations suing the City contend that these changes must be approved by voters before they are effective because of a provision in the City’s charter. In their amicus briefs, Attorney General Bonta and the Newsom Administration agree with the City’s position that the City’s charter provision cannot be used to obstruct the state’s Housing Element Law.

    “Too often, my office finds itself needing to hold local governments accountable for failing to follow our state’s housing laws. Right now, Newport Beach is attempting to do the right – and legal – thing, and I want to commend them for it,” said Attorney General Bonta. “In partnership with the Newsom Administration, we sought, and have received, court permission to file amicus briefs supporting the City’s efforts to build its fair share of housing. California is continuing to deal with a housing crisis of epic proportions. Now is the time for leaders at every level of government to say yes to cooperation and yes to more homes.”

    “Newport Beach has done the work needed to adopt a compliant housing element, which is foundational to ensuring we meet state housing need for all income levels,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “HCD is proud to stand with the City against efforts to stall implementation of its housing plan, and to help ensure the City remains compliant with Housing Element Law.”

    The state’s Housing Element Law creates a comprehensive framework for statewide and regional coordination to ensure that each local government accommodates its fair share of new housing. Local governments must adopt general plans, and those general plans must include housing elements that substantially comply with the state’s Housing Element Law. Those housing elements must accommodate the housing “needs of all economic segments of the community.” At issue is Section 423, a provision in the City’s charter that subjects any major amendment to its general plan for voter approval before it can take effect. Critically, Section 423 also states that it “shall not apply if state or federal law precludes a vote of the voters on the amendment.”  

    In their amicus briefs, Attorney General Bonta and the Newsom Administration underscore that: 

    • In California, state law may preempt local law by implication if the local law contradicts or is inimical to the state law. Here, the City was legally required to complete rezoning to implement its housing element by February 12, 2025. Conditioning implementation of its housing element on the outcome of a Section 423 vote would render compliance with the Housing Element Law infeasible. 
    • Vacating the City’s general plan amendment and zoning update with no legally sufficient alternative in place would violate the City’s housing element, which would in turn violate the state’s Housing Element Law. The City could face substantial legal consequences, including losing its permitting, subdivision, and rezoning authority. 
    • If the City vacates the changes, it will no longer substantially comply with the state’s Housing Element Law, and the Builder’s Remedy will take effect. The Builder’s Remedy prevents local governments without compliant housing elements from using their local land use laws to deny certain types of new affordable housing developments. 
    • The Builder’s Remedy is constitutional. One of the lawsuits argues that the Builder’s Remedy would not apply if the City was ordered to vacate the changes because the Builder’s Remedy violates the City’s home rule authority under the California Constitution. But the Builder’s Remedy is narrowly tailored to address the housing crisis, which is an issue of statewide concern.

    A copy of the amicus briefs can be found here and here. A merits hearing is scheduled for June 17, 2025. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Grills Secretary Of State Marco Rubio On Trump Meme Coin Dinner, USAID, Corrupt Deals With Foreign Governments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    [embedded content]

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Tuesday questioned U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a hearing on President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of State. Murphy challenged Rubio on the administration’s misleading foreign aid claims and raised serious concerns about Trump’s ongoing business ties with foreign governments, warning they undermine U.S. national security.

    Murphy called out Rubio for downplaying the harm caused by shutting down USAID and misrepresenting key facts in his opening statement: “It would certainly shock Americans to hear that only 12% of our foreign aid reaches needy recipients on the ground – the people who need the help. That is not actually an accurate number. That is the amount of our aid that goes directly to local groups on the ground, but as you know, most of our aid runs through bigger international organizations, like Save the Children. Those entities are [giving] somewhere around 80%, 85% of the aid we give them directly to recipients on the ground. So I think that what you have done to shutter USAID is illegal, but I also think it is bad policy, and I do think it is important for us to all be operating with the same set of facts. The fact is not that only 12% of taxpayer dollars are ending up in the hands of the people who really need it on the ground.”

    Murphy condemned Trump for abandoning his pledge to keep family business separate from foreign deals, warning the reversal creates dangerous conflicts between national security and personal profit: “During his first term, [Trump] made the decision to not enter into any new business deals during his presidency – that Trump-affiliated businesses would not enter into any foreign business arrangements. And that made sense, because obviously it can be confusing for foreign governments to know how to try to win favor with the U.S. government if they have one route – making concessions that are good for U.S. national security – and they also have another route – which is perhaps helping the President’s business interests. The President obviously changed that policy, and in this administration, his business interests are announcing new agreements and new investments into those business interests by foreign governments. And I think it stands to reason that that creates a real problem for foreign policy. It creates a problem for foreign governments in which they don’t exactly know what the best way is to try to get on good terms with the U.S. government and with the White House. Is it to do what’s right for American national security, or might it also be to do a business deal with the President of the United States and the entities he controls?”

    After Rubio denied knowing about Trump’s upcoming meme coin dinner, a closed-door gala promising exclusive access to the President in exchange for anonymous multi-million dollar investments in Trump’s meme coin, Murphy concluded: “I think that represents a real problem for this Committee, because there is clearly a way around the State Department for foreign individuals of significant influence and wealth, to be able to directly lobby the President of the United States. And so, if your answer is that you don’t know this is happening, that in and of itself is a problem. These are individuals who just bought their way into a meeting with the President. I think you should endeavor to get your hands on the list to make sure that there aren’t individuals there who are perhaps contravening national security interests that the Department of State is prioritizing.”

    A full transcript of Murphy’s exchange with Rubio can be found below:

    MURPHY: “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for being here. 

    “Before I ask my questions, I just ask that after this hearing you go back and reconsider a claim that you made in your opening statement. It would certainly shock Americans to hear that only 12% of our foreign aid reaches needy recipients on the ground– the people who need the help. That is not actually an accurate number. That is the amount of our aid that goes directly to local groups on the ground, but as you know, most of our aid runs through bigger international organizations, like Save the Children. Those entities are getting somewhere around 80%, 85% of the aid we give them directly to recipients on the ground. So I think that what you have done to shutter USAID is illegal, but I also think it is bad policy, and I do think it is important for us to all be operating with the same set of facts. The fact is not that only 12% of taxpayer dollars are ending up in the hands of the people who really need it on the ground.

    “Mr. Secretary, I wanted to talk to you about the President’s personal business interests. During his first term he made the decision to not enter into any new business deals during his presidency– that Trump-affiliated businesses would not enter into any foreign business arrangements. And that made sense, because obviously it can be confusing for foreign governments to know how to try to win favor with the U.S. government if they have one route – making concessions that are good for U.S. national security – and they also have another route – which is perhaps helping the President’s business interests. The President obviously changed that policy, and in this administration, his business interests are announcing new agreements and new investments into those business interests by foreign governments. And I think it stands to reason that that creates a real problem for foreign policy. It creates a problem for foreign governments in which they don’t exactly know what the best way is to try to get on good terms with the U.S. government and with the White House. Is it to do what’s right for American national security, or might it also be to do a business deal with the President of the United States and the entities he controls? Just to clarify, when the President’s businesses are engaged in negotiations, for instance with the UAE on their stable-coin business – there was this big investment announced recently – you are not part of those negotiations. Those are being done by the President’s family or those representing the President’s businesses?”

    RUBIO: “I am not aware the President is involved in managing any business, other than the presidency of the United States. His family is allowed to make business deals. They continue to operate the enterprises that his family ran. I also don’t accept the notion that these deals – for example in Saudi Arabia, or the UAE or Qatar – had anything to do with the President. For example, Qatar bought $200 billion worth of airplanes from Boeing. The President’s not – as far as I know– a shareholder of Boeing. He certainly does not own Boeing. The overwhelming – if you look at the deals that were structured, they were involved with investments in the United States, that’s the deals he signed, and/or investments in, for example, the UAE or Saudi Arabia, involving artificial intelligence.”

    MURPHY: “UAE did announce a massive investment in World Liberty Financial, and World Liberty Financial is controlled by the President. And the President does actively engage in these businesses. He uses his social media to market the businesses that are being run by his family. I mean, just go on to his social media feed and you will see him marketing his meme coin. That is the President of the United States, that is not his sons doing it.”

    RUBIO: “But just to be clear, that was not an announcement as part of this trade visit that was conducted into the Middle East.”

    MURPHY: “Well, whether or not it was made during the time the President was there, there are obviously business deals being done between Trump entities and these countries.

    “Let me ask you about the one that is probably most confusing to this Committee, which is the planned gift of a plane to either the United States government or the President. Is it your understanding that this luxury plane that Qatar has offered the President – and the President has announced he is willing to accept – is a gift to the United States government? Or is it a gift, ultimately, to the President himself that he can use in his library?”

    RUBIO: “Well you would have to talk to the Department of Defense because this is a replacement, or at least a temporary bridge plane, for Air Force One – the new Air Force One – which is way off of its delivery schedule. And so that would have to be with the Air Force. They operate Air Force One. My understanding of it basically has been from the very beginning that this is a plane that was identified after talking to Boeing about what other planes around the world would fit the bill – that are out there, that could be used now – they identified the ones the Qataris had as an opportunity for one, and the ones the UAE had as an opportunity for one, and that’s how that–“

    MURPHY: “And it’s not your understanding that the plane ultimately will belong to the President, or to the President’s library, after?”

    RUBIO: “I’m not involved at that level of it. I’ve never heard that before. What I’ve heard is that that plane will replace Air Force One which is an Air Force plane.”

    MURPHY: “Let me ask you about the dinner that’s happening this Thursday night. The President has offered access to him to the 200 top purchasers of his meme coin. Reports are that maybe about half or more of those individuals, who will be meeting with him, many in a VIP reception, are foreigners. Do you have a list of those foreign individuals who will be meeting with the President?”

    RUBIO: “I don’t. I don’t know anything about it. I didn’t even know there was a dinner on Thursday night, so I’m not sure what you’re referring to.”

    MURPHY: “So you don’t know whether any of the foreign individuals who are going to be meeting with the President this Thursday night, for instance, are on our list of sanctioned individuals, or whether any of those individuals have connections to, let’s say, terrorist organizations abroad?”

    RUBIO: “Well I think if they had terrorist links the Department of Homeland Security probably would not have allowed them into the country. But, again, I don’t even know there is a dinner on Thursday. You’re asking me about something I don’t know about.”

    MURPHY: “Listen, this is a dinner that the President is having. It is likely going to involve some very significant foreign interests. You have to be pretty wealthy in order to be able to get inside this dinner. Isn’t that a relevant question for the Secretary of State–”

    RUBIO: “I’m not the Social Secretary.”

    MURPHY: “–which foreign interests are going to be speaking to the President?”

    RUBIO: “No.”

    MURPHY: “I mean, it’s kind of naive to believe they aren’t going to be in that room talking about national security matters.”

    RUBIO: “I don’t think that that’s the case at all, because I would be aware if it was the case. The truth of the matter is I interact with government officials and others in governments of other countries. You’re asking about a dinner I don’t know anything about. I can’t answer you because I don’t know anything about this dinner. It’s the first I heard of it. Like I said, I don’t keep the President’s social schedule. It’s not on my phone. It’s not in my pocket. I can’t comment on a dinner I know nothing about.”

    MURPHY: “I think that represents a real problem for this Committee, because there is clearly a way around the State Department for foreign individuals of significant influence and wealth, to be able to directly lobby the President of the United States. And so if your answer is that you don’t know this is happening, that in and of itself is a problem.”

    RUBIO: “I don’t think that’s fair. I don’t know that there’s a dinner, and I don’t know what the guest list is, but I can tell you I’ve run into the President of FIFA from the World Cup. He’s here all the time. I see him. He’s a private individual, it’s not a government entity, and he’s met with the President and is friendly with the President. He doesn’t have to go through me to meet with the President. The President has relationships and friends and people he’s known for a long time. Some of them are foreigners. That’s not unusual. But you’re asking me about a specific dinner and implying nefarious impact. I can’t comment on a dinner.”

    MURPHY: “Yeah, but those are people that he’s known for a long time. These are individuals who just bought their way into a meeting with the President. I think you should probably endeavor to get your hands on the list to make sure that there aren’t individuals there who are perhaps contravening national security interests that the Department of State is prioritizing.”

    RUBIO: “I don’t have any concern about that. I don’t have any concern that the President having dinner with someone is going to contravene the national security of the United States.”

    MURPHY: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government makes full preparations for Convention on the Establishment of The International Organization for Mediation signing ceremony

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKSAR Government makes full preparations for Convention on the Establishment of The International Organization for Mediation signing ceremony 
    In 2022, China and nearly 20 like-minded countries had jointly initiated the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). Under concerted efforts, the negotiations on the Convention on the Establishment of The International Organization for Mediation had been successfully concluded, and a unanimous consensus has been reached to establish the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong. The IOMed will be the world’s first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, and will be an important mechanism for upholding the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
     
    Nearly 60 countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe, and about 20 international organisations including the United Nations will send senior representatives to attend the signing ceremony for the Convention. A global forum on international mediation will be held in the afternoon to discuss topics such as mediation of disputes among countries and mediation of international investment and commercial disputes.
     
    The establishment of the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong demonstrates the city’s unique advantages and opportunities in international mediation, and is also an important initiative for the HKSAR in establishing the city as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region under the National 14th Five-Year Plan with the staunch support of the Central People’s Government. Upon its establishment, the IOMed will provide friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services, thereby building Hong Kong as a capital for international mediation.
    Issued at HKT 20:45

    NNNN

    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: ESET Research APT Report: Russian cyberattacks in Ukraine intensify; Sandworm unleashes new destructive wiper

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • ESET has released its latest advanced persistent threat (APT) report.
    • Russian APT groups intensified attacks against Ukraine and the EU, exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities and deploying wipers.
    • China-aligned groups like Mustang Panda and DigitalRecyclers continued their espionage campaigns targeting the EU government and maritime sectors.
    • North Korea-aligned groups expanded their financially motivated campaigns using fake job listings and social engineering.

    BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESET Research has released its latest APT Activity Report, which highlights activities of select APT groups that were documented by ESET researchers from October 2024 through March 2025. During the monitored period, Russia-aligned threat actors, notably Sednit and Gamaredon, maintained aggressive campaigns primarily targeting Ukraine and EU countries. Ukraine was subjected to the greatest intensity of cyberattacks against the country’s critical infrastructure and governmental institutions. The Russia-aligned Sandworm group intensified destructive operations against Ukrainian energy companies, deploying a new wiper named ZEROLOT. China-aligned threat actors continued engaging in persistent espionage campaigns with a focus on European organizations.

    Gamaredon remained the most prolific actor targeting Ukraine, enhancing malware obfuscation and introducing PteroBox, a file stealer leveraging Dropbox. “The infamous Sandworm group concentrated heavily on compromising Ukrainian energy infrastructure. In recent cases, it deployed the ZEROLOT wiper in Ukraine. For this, the attackers abused Active Directory Group Policy in the affected organizations,” says ESET Director of Threat Research Jean-Ian Boutin.

    Sednit refined its exploitation of cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in webmail services, expanding Operation RoundPress from Roundcube to include Horde, MDaemon, and Zimbra. ESET discovered that the group successfully leveraged a zero-day vulnerability in MDaemon Email Server (CVE-2024-11182) against Ukrainian companies. Several Sednit attacks against defense companies located in Bulgaria and Ukraine used spearphishing email campaigns as a lure. Another Russia-aligned group, RomCom, demonstrated advanced capabilities by deploying zero-day exploits against Mozilla Firefox (CVE 2024 9680) and Microsoft Windows (CVE 2024 49039).

    In Asia, China-aligned APT groups continued their campaigns against governmental and academic institutions. At the same time, North Korea-aligned threat actors significantly increased their operations directed at South Korea, placing particular emphasis on individuals, private companies, embassies, and diplomatic personnel. Mustang Panda remained the most active, targeting governmental institutions and maritime transportation companies via Korplug loaders and malicious USB drives. DigitalRecyclers continued targeting EU governmental entities, employing the KMA VPN anonymization network and deploying the RClient, HydroRShell, and GiftBox backdoors. PerplexedGoblin used its new espionage backdoor, which ESET named NanoSlate, against a Central European government entity, while Webworm targeted a Serbian government organization using SoftEther VPN, emphasizing the continued popularity of this tool among China-aligned groups.

    Elsewhere in Asia, North Korea-aligned threat actors were particularly active in financially motivated campaigns. DeceptiveDevelopment significantly broadened its targeting, using fake job listings primarily within the cryptocurrency, blockchain, and finance sectors. The group employed innovative social engineering techniques to distribute the multiplatform WeaselStore malware. The Bybit cryptocurrency theft, attributed by the FBI to TraderTraitor APT group, involved a supply-chain compromise of Safe{Wallet} that caused losses of approximately USD 1.5 billion. Meanwhile, other North Korea-aligned groups saw fluctuations in their operational tempo: In early 2025, Kimsuky and Konni returned to their usual activity levels after a noticeable decline at the end of 2024, shifting their targeting away from English-speaking think tanks, NGOs, and North Korea experts to focus primarily on South Korean entities and diplomatic personnel; and Andariel resurfaced, after a year of inactivity, with a sophisticated attack against a South Korean industrial software company.

    Iran-aligned APT groups maintained their primary focus on the Middle East region, predominantly targeting governmental organizations and entities within the manufacturing and engineering sectors in Israel. Additionally, ESET observed a significant global uptick in cyberattacks against technology companies, largely attributed to increased activity by North Korea-aligned DeceptiveDevelopment.

    “The highlighted operations are representative of the broader threat landscape that we investigated during this period. They illustrate the key trends and developments, and contain only a small fraction of the cybersecurity intelligence data provided to customers of ESET APT reports,” adds Boutin.

    Intelligence shared in the private reports is primarily based on proprietary ESET telemetry data and has been verified by ESET researchers, who prepare in-depth technical reports and frequent activity updates detailing activities of specific APT groups. These threat intelligence analyses, known as ESET APT Reports PREMIUM, assist organizations tasked with protecting citizens, critical national infrastructure, and high-value assets from criminal and nation-state-directed cyberattacks. More information about ESET APT Reports PREMIUM and its delivery of high-quality, actionable tactical and strategic cybersecurity threat intelligence is available at the ESET Threat Intelligence page.

    Make sure to follow ESET Research on Twitter (today known as X), BlueSky, and Mastodon for the latest news from ESET Research.

    About ESET

    ESET® provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of emerging global cyberthreats, both known and unknown — securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud, or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. The ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow our social media, podcasts and blogs.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/916569c8-b3c1-41ce-bc7a-dfd407156187

    The MIL Network –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: ESET Research uncovers Operation RoundPress: Russia-aligned Sednit targets entities linked to the Ukraine war to steal confidential data

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • ESET researchers uncovered the Operation RoundPress espionage campaign, with Russia-aligned Sednit group most likely behind it.
    • In Operation RoundPress, the compromise vector is a spearphishing email leveraging an XSS vulnerability to inject malicious JavaScript code into the victim’s webmail page. It targets Roundcube, Horde, MDaemon, and Zimbra webmail software.
    • Most victims are governmental entities and defense companies in Eastern Europe, although ESET has observed governments in Africa, Europe, and South America being targeted as well.
    • The payloads are able to steal webmail credentials, and exfiltrate contacts and email messages from the victim’s mailbox.
    • Additionally, SpyPress.MDAEMON is able to set up a bypass for two-factor authentication.

    MONTREAL and BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESET researchers have uncovered a Russia-aligned espionage operation, which ESET named RoundPress, targeting webmail servers via XSS vulnerabilities. Behind it is most likely the Russia-aligned Sednit (also known as Fancy Bear or APT28) cyberespionage group, holding the ultimate goal of stealing confidential data from specific email accounts. Most of the targets are related to the current war in Ukraine; they are either Ukrainian governmental entities or defense companies in Bulgaria and Romania. Notably, some of these defense companies are producing Soviet-era weapons to be sent to Ukraine. Other targets include African, EU, and South American governments.

    “Last year, we observed different XSS vulnerabilities being used to target additional webmail software: Horde, MDaemon, and Zimbra. Sednit also started to use a more recent vulnerability in Roundcube, CVE-2023-43770. The MDaemon vulnerability — CVE-2024-11182, now patched — was a zero day, most likely discovered by Sednit, while the ones for Horde, Roundcube, and Zimbra were already known and patched,” says ESET researcher Matthieu Faou, who discovered and investigated Operation RoundPress. Sednit sends these XSS exploits by email; the exploits lead to the execution of malicious JavaScript code in the context of the webmail client web page running in a browser window. Therefore, only data accessible from the target’s account can be read and exfiltrated.

    In order for the exploit to work, the target must be convinced to open the email message in the vulnerable webmail portal. This means that the email needs to bypass any spam filtering, and the subject line needs to be convincing enough to entice the target into reading the email message — abusing well-known news media such as Ukrainian news outlet Kyiv Post or Bulgarian news portal News.bg. Among the headlines used as spearphishing were: “SBU arrested a banker who worked for enemy military intelligence in Kharkiv” and “Putin seeks Trump’s acceptance of Russian conditions in bilateral relations”.

    The attackers unleash JavaScript payloads SpyPress.HORDE, SpyPress.MDAEMON, SpyPress.ROUNDCUBE, and SpyPress.ZIMBRA upon the targets. Those are capable of credential stealing; exfiltration of the address book, contacts, and log-in history; and exfiltration of email messages. SpyPress.MDAEMON is able to set up a bypass for two-factor authentication protection; it exfiltrates the two-factor authentication secret and creates an app password, which enables the attackers to access the mailbox from a mail application.

    “Over the past two years, webmail servers such as Roundcube and Zimbra have been a major target for several espionage groups, including Sednit, GreenCube, and Winter Vivern. Because many organizations don’t keep their webmail servers up to date, and because the vulnerabilities can be triggered remotely by sending an email message, it is very convenient for attackers to target such servers for email theft,” explains Faou.

    The Sednit group — also known as APT28, Fancy Bear, Forest Blizzard, or Sofacy — has been operating since at least 2004. The U.S. Department of Justice named the group as one of those responsible for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) hack just before the 2016 U.S. elections and linked the group to the GRU. The group is also presumed to be behind the hacking of global television network TV5Monde, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) email leak, and many other incidents.

    For a more detailed analysis and technical breakdown of Sednit’s tools used in Operation RoundPress, check out the latest ESET Research blogpost “Operation RoundPress” on WeLiveSecurity.com. Make sure to follow ESET Research on Twitter (today known as X), BlueSky, and Mastodon for the latest news from ESET Research.

    Map of operation RoundPress targets, according to ESET telemetry

    About ESET

    ESET® provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of emerging global cyberthreats, both known and unknown — securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud, or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. The ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow our social media, podcasts and blogs.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eee3ee68-80dc-4136-a11d-6f498092f7d1

    The MIL Network –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 May 2025 Departmental update African health leaders and global partners unite to confront rising threat of antimalarial drug resistance

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Health leaders from malaria-endemic African countries and global partners called today for intensified action to counter antimalarial drug resistance – a growing challenge that threatens to undermine hard-won progress against one of Africa’s deadliest diseases.

    Meeting on the margins of the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly, the high-level gathering turned a spotlight on the urgent need for coordinated action to contain the spread of resistance to frontline malaria medicines.

     “Antimalarial drug resistance is a threat to every community on this continent, noted Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, Minister of Health of Rwanda. “It demands a shared response, rooted in science, solidarity and speed.”

    Led by the Government of Rwanda, the side event brought together a powerful coalition of co-hosts, including Eritrea, Ethiopia, Namibia, South Sudan, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia. Supporting partners included World Health Organization (WHO), Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), the RBM Partnership to End Malaria and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

    A race against time to preserve life-saving malaria treatments

    Containing antimalarial drug resistance is a critical public health priority – particularly in the African Region, which shoulders 95% of the global malaria burden. According to WHO’s latest World malaria report, 4 East African countries – Eritrea, Rwanda, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania – have confirmed the presence of partial resistance to artemisinin, the core compound of the most effective treatments for P. falciparum malaria. Resistance is also suspected in other countries, including Ethiopia, Namibia, Sudan and Zambia.

    Drug resistance has been driven by several factors, such as the use of substandard or counterfeit medicines and treatment regimens that are not followed to completion. Protecting the efficacy of artemisinin-based antimalarial drugs is now a race against time. With heavy dependence on artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in Africa, full-blown treatment failure could have very serious consequences.

    In 2022, WHO released a dedicated strategy to confront antimalarial drug resistance in Africa. It reinforces the critical need for close collaboration with National Malaria Programmes, research institutions, and other partners to map the presence of antimalarial drug resistance, monitor drug efficacy and ensure patient access to effective treatments.

    “Drug resistance is a growing threat that demands urgent, collective action,” said Dr Daniel Ngamije, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme. “We must act decisively and in solidarity to preserve the tools we have and to ensure access to effective – treatments for all in need.”

    Urgent need to diversify malaria treatment options

    In most malaria-endemic countries in Africa, artemether-lumefantrine (AL) accounts for more than 80% of the malaria treatment market in the public sector. To protect efficacy of AL and other artemisinin-based therapies, WHO has called for diversification of currently used ACTs (see box below). One approach is the use of multiple first-line therapies, which could reduce drug pressure and delay resistance. Next-generation therapies may include triple ACT combinations or non-artemisinin-based drugs.

    However, some alternative ACTs with favorable safety and efficacy profiles are more expensive than AL, placing them out of reach for many endemic countries. Innovation must not only deliver next-generation treatments but also ensure they are accessible and affordable.

    “Innovation is critical in the fight against drug resistance,” said Dr Martin Fitchet, CEO of MMV. “With our partners, we’re developing next-generation antimalarials that could reach patients by 2027 – while acting now to preserve the power of today’s treatments. Both are vital to outpace resistance and keep saving lives.”

    Together with countries and other partners, global funders are working to expand access to alternative treatments and bolster efforts to detect and mitigate resistance. In a joint donor statement issued in September 2024, the Gates Foundation, the Global Fund, UNITAID and the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative noted that time is of the essence:

    “It’s all too easy with a sweeping problem like resistance to only wake up to the scale of it too late,” notes Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund and a panelist in today’s discussion.

    WHO-recommended artemisinin-based combination therapies

    ACTs combine an artemisinin derivative (artesunate, artemether or dihydroartemisinin) with a partner drug. The role of the artemisinin compound is to reduce the number of parasites during the first 3 days of treatment, while the role of the partner drug is to eliminate the remaining parasites and cure the infection. WHO currently recommends 6 ACTs as first and second-line treatment for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria:

       ●   artemether-lumefantrine (AL)
       ●   artesunate-amodiaquine (AS-AQ)
       ●   artesunate-mefloquine (AS-MQ)
       ●   artesunate-pyronaridine (AS-PY)
       ●   artesunate+sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (AS+SP)
       ●   dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ)   

    Momentum builds for national action on antimalarial drug resistance

    Panelists in today’s discussion echoed the commitments of the 2024 Yaoundé Declaration for strong leadership in malaria-endemic countries, greater regional collaboration and sustained support from global partners. These actions will not only help to accelerate reductions in malaria mortality, but also contribute towards curbing drug resistance.

    Many speakers recognized the urgent need for robust surveillance systems and timely sharing of data on drug-resistant malaria. As Professor Dyann Wirth, Chair of the WHO Malaria Advisory Policy Group, noted:

    “Data needs to be shared in a timely way so that researchers share it with policymakers – and then policymakers are able to use that data to make decisions.”

    Health leaders also called for more predictable, sustainable financing to close critical gaps in health services and surveillance – including through increased domestic resource mobilization and continued support from international partners.

    Stepping up collective action, aligned with country priorities

    To bolster country-driven efforts, coordinated support from global partners is vital. The “Big Push” initiative is bringing together governments, communities and other partners in a shared effort to revitalize malaria control.

    “The Big Push represents a new era of partnership – one that is country-driven and community-led,” said Dr Michael Charles, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria.

    The Big Push calls for a clear accountability mechanism and increased investment in malaria responses. It further highlights the critical role of data-driven decision-making, resilient primary health care systems and meaningful community engagement.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 May 2025 Note for Media Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 20 May 2025

    Source: World Health Organisation

    World Health Assembly adopts historic Pandemic Agreement to make the world more equitable and safer from future pandemics

    • Agreement’s adoption follows three years of intensive negotiation launched due to gaps and inequities identified in national and global COVID-19 response.
    • Agreement boosts global collaboration to ensure stronger, more equitable response to future pandemics.
    • Next steps include negotiations on Pathogen Access and Benefits Sharing system.

    Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) today formally adopted by consensus the world’s first Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision by the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and driven by the goal of making the world safer from – and more equitable in response to – future pandemics.

    Related documents

    A78/10 Add.1, Outcome of informal consultations of Member States, Draft resolution on the WHO Pandemic Agreement

    World Health Assembly commits to historic 20% increase in Assessed Contributions (membership fees), approves WHO’s Base Programme Budget for 2026–2027 of US $4.2 billion

    Delegates at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78) approved the base programme budget of US$ 4.2 billion for 2026–2027, the first to be fully developed based on the Fourteenth General Programme of Work, 2025–2028 (GPW 14), the global health strategy for the next four years. GPW 14 prioritizes advancing health equity and strengthening health systems resilience. 

    The budget presented to WHA78 committee A was decreased from the initial US$ 5.3 billion presented to the executive board in February given the challenging financial context. While decreasing some regional budgets and headquarters budgets, Member States agreed to try to preserve country level budgets to the extent possible. The budget will allocate resources to enhance technical cooperation, foster partnerships and support the achievement of national and global health targets. The proposed programme budget 2026–2027 also reaffirms the indispensable role of multilateralism in addressing today’s complex and interconnected health challenges. 

    Member States also approved the gradual second 20% increase of the assessed contributions (AC), or membership fees which had been previously adopted by the Member State Working Group on sustainable financing. This ensures that WHO funding is not only predictable, but also resilient and flexible, which is critical given the rapidly changing financial landscape. 

    Member States also had the opportunity to review the implementation of governance reform. In a time of geopolitical tension and rising inequalities, WHO remains a vital platform for cooperation, solidarity and coordination in global health

    World leaders pledged significant contributions to the WHO Investment Round at a high-level pledging event Tuesday evening, another key step in WHO’s journey to sustainable financing. 

    Related documents

    A78/6, Proposed programme budget 2026–2027 (Corrigendum 1) (Add.1)

    A78/37, Report of the Programme, Budget and Administration Committee of the
    Executive Board to the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly

    A78/INF./8, General Programme of Work, 2025–2028: baselines and
    targets for outcome and output indicators

    A78/4, Consolidated report by the Director-General

    A78/5, Governance reform (Add.1)

    A78/39, Governance reform, Process of handling and investigating potential allegations against WHO Directors-General

    High Level Segment and Director-General Awards

    During the high-level segment, delegates heard from H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union; H.E. Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia; and H.E. Liu Guozhong, Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China. Video statements were made by a number of world leaders across the globe.

    Egyptian opera singer Farrah El-Dibany and Soprano singers Elaine Vidal and Eunice Miller of the Philippines performed at the Health Assembly on Tuesday morning.

    The Director-General also presented Global Health Leader’s awards to Professor Sir Brian Greenwood and Professor Awa Marie Coll Seck for their pivotal work in malaria control and beyond. 

    The Assembly started on Monday 19 May 2025 under the theme “One World for Health”.

    The election of officials took place on Monday morning. Dr Teodoro Herbosa of the Philippines became the President of the Health Assembly. The elected Vice-Presidents are Dr Jalila bint Al Sayyed Jawad Hassan of Bahrain, Dr Sayedur Rahman of Bangladesh, Mr Jaime Hernán Urrego Rodríguez of Colombia, Dr Judit Bidlo of Hungary and Dr Louise Mapleh Kpoto Liberia.

    H.E. Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Federal Councilor of the Swiss Confederation, addressed the Health Assembly on behalf of the host country.

    Dr Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, WHO Director-General, delivered his report to the Assembly.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: CWA Blasts Treasury Report on SHBP, Slams Gross Mismanagement by the State and Efforts To Take Away Healthcare from Working People

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    TRENTON, N.J. ‒ The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union strongly rejects the New Jersey Department of Treasury’s attempt to wash its hands of the deepening crisis in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), threatening healthcare for hundreds of thousands of public sector workers.

    In a newly released report, the Treasury Department declares that the SHBP has reached a breaking point, becoming unsalvageable due to shrinking enrollment, governance concerns, and increasing costs. While CWA agrees the SHBP needs massive overhaul, the report is nothing more than a deflection of blame by the very entity that has mismanaged the system for over a decade and a refusal to address the real drivers of increasing costs and long-term instability: profit-driven healthcare.

    “Let’s be clear: the SHBP is in serious trouble, and immediate, bold reforms are necessary,” said Dennis G. Trainor, Vice President of CWA District 1. “Treasury’s answer to this crisis is to scapegoat public sector workers—the very people who keep our communities running—instead of taking on the powerful corporate interests that are bleeding the system dry and overcharging taxpayers by millions of dollars every year.”

    CWA has repeatedly pushed back against the administration’s attempt to shift costs onto workers and reduce the quality of care. Just last year, CWA and other public worker unions gave the Administration nine proposals that could have saved well over $200 million. The State rejected all of them and continued to prioritize the price hikes set by insurance companies.

    CWA has fought for common-sense cost control and solutions like claims auditing, enforcing existing contracts with insurance carriers, and fair pricing that would rein in the costs of care overall, generating enormous savings for the State, local governments, and workers. Instead, Treasury has sidelined labor voices, shut down opportunities for meaningful reform, and allowed hospital CEOs to pad their margins at the expense of public workers and local governments.

    CWA is calling on State leadership to reject false narratives and embrace real solutions that rebuild a health benefits system that delivers on its original promise: high-quality, affordable care where the State uses its size and bargaining power to set prices and control costs.

    Public sector unions, including CWA, AFSCME NJ, the NJ AFL-CIO, AAUP-AFT, AFT New Jersey, The Council of New Jersey State Colleges, URA-AFT, HPAE, IFPTE Local 195, IFPTE Local 194, IFPTE Local 196, and IFPTE Local 196-12 are calling on the State legislature to pass a comprehensive healthcare reform bill that will address affordability and rapidly rising costs, and increase governance and transparency in the State health plan.

    “Our members didn’t create this mess—but we’re the ones being asked to pay for it,” Trainor added. “Based on the poor track record of mismanagement by the State, it’s not surprising that this report sides with the insurance carriers and hospitals charging unsustainable prices rather than the workers and local governments paying the bills. We need bold leadership and serious partnership to fix the SHBP. That starts with honesty, accountability, and a seat at the table for the workers who have the most at stake.”

    Since 2022, healthcare premiums for State workers have increased by 40%, while local government workers have seen a 59% compounded increase. The unions representing State and Local government employees say that these drastic increases are untenable for the workers and are a core driver of the affordability crisis facing New Jersey’s public sector working families.

    “CWA and other unions continue to offer real solutions, including measures other states have used to negotiate better prices with insurance carriers, control year-over-year increases, and provide high-quality healthcare to thousands of working families,” said Rebecca Miller, Legislative Director, CWA District 1. There is enormous potential to reduce costs through partnership instead of playing the blame game.”

    Controlling costs and making healthcare more affordable for tens of thousands of workers will reduce costs for taxpayers, save State and Local government money, and ensure that New Jerseyans who have dedicated their careers to supporting the State have access to the affordable, high-quality healthcare that they deserve.

    ###

    About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.

    cwa-union.org @cwaunion

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Joint operation nabs 255 in human trafficking sting; ICE lodges 30 detainers

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement joined the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for a nine-day multiagency undercover human trafficking operation starting May 2, where 255 arrests were made for illegal acts related to soliciting prostitutes, prostitution, involved in aiding or abetting prostitution, and child exploitation.

    Throughout this operation, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Miami – Tampa sub-office interviewed over 50 foreign-born individuals, leading to over 30 ICE detainers placed with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These individuals — originally from Venezuela, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, Haiti, Colombia, Guatemala, and Brazil — will be taken into ICE custody once their criminal cases are resolved. Their criminal charges range from solicitation of prostitution to soliciting a minor for sex.

    “ICE is in a unique position to enforce immigration law in the interior of the U.S. with its broad investigatory authorities and law enforcement capabilities,” said ICE ERO Assistant Field Office Director David Gritte. “Our congressionally mandated mission is to preserve public safety and national security by keeping dangerous criminal aliens out of our communities. We prioritize public safety over politics. Brave officers are on the streets every day, risking their lives to locate, arrest and remove the most egregious criminal aliens in line with the president’s policy of ‘worst first.’”

    “We are committed to our partnerships in these efforts to identity and combat predators engaged in human trafficking and child exploitation,” he said.

    An ICE Homeland Security Investigations Tampa task force officer joined the ranks of the operation providing investigative support to both the human trafficking and child sexual predator missions of the operation. The TFO and a forensic interview specialist participated in undercover chatting with the suspects arrested for attempting to engage in sexual encounters with minors, also known as travelers. Upon arrests, the interview specialist conducted interviews to identify potential victims trafficked for commercial sex. The HSI TFO was responsible for six of the 10 traveler arrests during the operation.

    “It is extremely disturbing when we encounter nasty child predators like these who are very eager to have sex with children,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “This is why we conduct these types of undercover operations. Keeping children safe is our number one priority, and we appreciate our partnering agencies, without whom we would not be as successful in apprehending these dangerous offenders.”

    Upon the conclusion of their criminal charges, ICE will take custody of the criminal illegal aliens and process them for removal. The charges range from solicitation of prostitution to soliciting a minor for sex.

    ICE officials have continually emphasized the agency’s continued focus to identifying public safety and national security threats. Individuals unlawfully present in the United States who are encountered during enforcement operations may be taken into custody and processed for removal in accordance with federal law.

    Members of the public with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online via the ICE Tip Form.

    For more information about ICE HSI Tampa and ICE ERO Miami and their efforts to enhance public safety in Florida, follow them on X at @HSITampa and ERO Miami.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Launches Onshoring Portal to Advance America’s Economic Comeback

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON — Today, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced the launch of the Make Onshoring Great Again Portal, a free tool designed to help small businesses identify U.S. manufacturers and producers. With a database of more than 1 million American suppliers, the searchable portal will empower job creators to source domestic suppliers to support their operations – which will in turn support American jobs, reconnect our supply chain with U.S-based production, and end our nation’s concentrated dependence on foreign suppliers and adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party.

    “The SBA is proud to support President Donald J. Trump’s mission to restore America’s economic resurgence by empowering small businesses with the resources to supercharge the return of Made in America,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “The Make Onshoring Great Again Portal will give job creators a direct line to more than one million domestic suppliers – replacing foreign dependence with access to American-made solutions. It’s a decisive step toward rebuilding our nation’s strength through stronger supply chains, better products, and a renewed commitment to American industry, small business, and workers.”

    The SBA is working with several private-sector cosponsors to provide public access to three free databases representing more than 1 million U.S. based manufacturers, producers, and suppliers. Not only will the portal enable small businesses to support American industry and workers – it will also benefit job creators by helping them source domestic supply chains that will deliver shortened lead times, improved quality control, and reduced exposure to overseas disruptions.

    The Made in America Onshoring Portal builds on the SBA’s ongoing commitment to revitalizing American industry. Earlier this year, the agency launched the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, which is aimed at expanding access to capital for U.S. manufacturers, promoting a skilled workforce, and cutting $100 billion in red tape. The agency has also endorsed recent bipartisan, bicameral legislation to double the SBA loan cap for small manufacturers in the effort to supercharge the return of American manufacturing dominance.

    For more information, please visit the Make Onshoring Great Again Portal at: www.sba.gov/priorities/american-manufacturers/make-onshoring-great-again-portal

    # # #

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Revitalizing Long Island Downtowns

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced awards for a total of 23 transformational projects on Long Island as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward. Eight projects were announced for Smithtown-Kings Park, the Round 7 winner of a $10 million DRI award; eight projects were announced for Brookhaven-North Bellport, a Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award; and seven projects were announced for Mineola, also a Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award.

    “Long Island’s towns and villages represent the best of our state, and I’m investing in 23 transformation projects so they can continue to be the hubs of industry and culture we cherish,” Governor Hochul said. “These projects will make our communities stronger for generations of residents and businesses while honoring the historic character that makes New York special.”

    New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “When we invest in our downtowns, we’re investing in the heart of our communities. Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward program, we’re not just funding projects – we’re fostering vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that spur economic growth, enhance quality of life for residents and preserve the unique character of each municipality and region. These signature programs exemplify our commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker, in every corner of our State, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.” 

    Town of Smithtown – Kings Park

    The Town of Smithtown has already taken significant steps toward revitalizing Kings Park with aggressive housing and economic development goals to catalyze future transformation through the DRI. The DRI projects will help to support the Town’s vision to create a walkable, mixed-use business district centered around the Long Island Rail Road station with access to restaurants, commercial development, community space and new diverse housing opportunities.

    The 8 Smithtown DRI projects, totaling $9.7 million, include:

    • Implement Main Street and Pedestrian Improvements ($4,500,000): Implement streetscape and pedestrian improvements to increase walkability and safety for both pedestrians and drivers along Main Street. Improvements may include utility line relocation on Main Street, bulb-outs, reduced curb cuts, widened sidewalks, accessible pedestrian ramps and high-visibility crosswalks. The streetscape improvements would also provide a reconfigured parking lot near 75 Main Street.
    • Install Town Green and Library Outdoor Learning Area with Connections to Local Trails ($1,435,000): Convert an underutilized municipal parking lot and parts of the library’s open space into a new park. The new, expanded park will feature a gazebo/stage, a multi-functional outdoor learning area, a new playground community garden and seating. The park will have expanded pathway connections to the Hike and Bike Trailhead.
    • Transform 26-34 Main Street into Mixed-Use Development ($900,000): Construct a three-story mixed-use development at the heart of Main Street with new retail and community facility spaces and approximately 16 apartments. Building will be further set back from Main Street to widen sidewalks and improve pedestrian experience by Russ Savatt Park.
    • Rehabilitate the Historic Mixed-Use Building at 4 Main Street ($850,000): Renovate the restaurant, apartments and outdoor seating areas of a historic building on Main Street’s most prominent corner. Exterior renovations include lighting, signage, landscaping, windows and insulation. Interior renovations include upgrades to HVAC, flooring, ceilings and equipment.
    • Restore the VFW Building for Community Events at 40 Church Street ($728,000): Complete restorations to enable community facility usage and events including roof, sidings, foundation sealing, windows, sewer connection, new signage and an awning. Interior work includes electrical, HVAC, flooring, painting, plumbing, generator and fire safety.
    • Establish a Small Project Grant Program to Support Capital Improvements ($600,000): Create a small grant fund that will help small businesses and property owners improve exteriors and interiors including signage and awnings, windows, entrances, patios, doors and sidings.
    • Implement Branding, Marketing and Signage Strategy for Kings Park ($400,000): Utilize marketing services to attract businesses and create a cohesive visual identity. This includes the re-design and installation of wayfinding signage, a new web and media presence and new programing strategies.
    • Create a Pedestrian Pathway from LIRR Main Street and Russ Savatt Park ($287,000): Create a pedestrian walkway from the LIRR Station to Main Street via Russ Savatt Park to guide pedestrians and visitors. The walkway will be improved with landscaping, crosswalks and lighting.

    Town of Brookhaven-North Bellport

    The Town of Brookhaven will use public/private partnerships to overcome inequities and strengthen the community. Through the development of NY Forward projects the Town will foster new affordable housing close and accessible to the LIRR station; a mixed-use business district; upgrade public amenities; building façade improvements; and streetscape enhancements to improve pedestrian safety.

    The 8 North Bellport NY Forward Projects, totaling $4.5 Million, include:

    • Implement Sidewalks and Lighting Improvements ($1,300,000): Implement new sidewalks on Atlantic Ave from Provost to Station Rd and Post Ave from Patchogue to Montauk Hwy. Install lighting on Atlantic Ave from Station Rd to North Dunton Ave, Post Ave and Montauk Hwy.
    • Develop Affordable Homeownership on Ecke Avenue ($1,250,000): Construct 32 homes with 32 Accessory Apartments (ADU) (64 total units) on vacant land.
    • Create Storefronts and Office Space at 1700-1742 Montauk Highway ($786,855): Commercial development with first floor retail and second floor office and community space.
    • Renovate a School Annex at 1415 Montauk Highway ($446,000): Renovate a school annex for Pre-K to second grade classes. Space will host events and programs open to the public.
    • Upgrade Robert Rowley Park ($345,152): Park improvements including upgraded playground equipment and surfacing, landscaping, new benches, upgraded and increased lighting, pickleball courts, basketball court improvements and upgraded fencing and paving.
    • Enhance Bellport Station ($200,000): Improvements to Bellport Station including cleaned up vegetation and new landscaping.
    • Improve Outdoor Space at the Boys and Girls Club ($96,993): Improvements include backyard and playground upgrades, basketball court construction, parking lot lighting and a meditation garden.
    • Upgrade the Facade at 1414 Montauk Highway ($75,000): Reface the exterior of the building and add new lighting, store signage and a sidewalk complex sign.

    Village of Mineola

    The Village of Mineola has engaged in thoughtful planning and supportive zoning changes to attract new businesses and people to the downtown, which has helped create over 1,400 housing units during the last decade. The NY Forward projects will build on these important prior efforts by creating more public spaces in the downtown; developing vacant parcels into mixed-use buildings; and completing placemaking and pedestrian improvements.

    The 7 Mineola NY Forward Projects, totaling $4.5 Million, include:

    • Redevelop Second and Main Street to Strengthen the Downtown Core ($1,300,000): Expand sidewalks on the north side of Second Street and east side of Main Street, install automatic bollards for temporary road closures, remove utility poles and bury power lines, and enhance streetscapes with landscaping and amenities.
    • Redevelop 199 Jericho Turnpike into a Mixed-Use Building that Preserves the Historic Façade ($1,000,000): Redevelop 199 Jericho Turnpike with a 40,000-square-foot mixed-use building featuring 30 residential apartments, including 15 affordable units and a 2,685-square-foot retail space, while preserving the historic bank façade and adding sidewalk pavers, street trees and parking.
    • Strengthen Pedestrian Streetscapes With a Focus on Lighting the Downtown Core and Installing Area-Wide Wayfinding ($850,000): Install wayfinding and gateway signage to promote Village identity and guide visitors to key destinations, while enhancing streetscapes with trees, planters, seating and the removal of cluttered poles.
    • Install a Public Mural on the Pavilion Garage and Activate Surrounding Public Space ($505,000): Install a large-scale mural on the north-facing wall of The Pavilion Parking Garage and transform the ground area into a flexible space with landscaping, lighting, seating and public amenities to create an inviting environment for events, commuters and residents.
    • Activate and Improve Connection from Station Plaza to Second Street Passageway ($417,000): Enhance pedestrian connectivity between the train station and Downtown Mineola by upgrading the Mineola Boulevard Bridge underpasses and Morgan Parc alleyway with improved lighting, public art and aesthetic enhancements.
    • Establish a Small Project Fund to Support Local Businesses and Improve the Public Realm ($300,000): Establish a fund to support property improvements within the NYF Area, offering grants for façade enhancements, signage, building renovations, accessibility upgrades, sustainability projects and public art, with tailored guidelines for private and non-profit applicants.
    • Renovate Facade of the St. James to Promote a More Vibrant Second Street ($128,000): Renovate the St. James façade to modernize its appearance with French sliding doors, updated lighting, new signage, an upgraded entryway and enhanced surface treatments to enhance customer experience and align with Second Street’s revitalization.

    In the FY25 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul made the “Pro-Housing Community” designation a requirement for cities, towns and villages to access up to $650 million in State discretionary programs, including the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and New York Forward. To date, more than 300 municipalities across the State have become certified. To further support localities that are doing their part to address the housing crisis, Governor Hochul secured $100 million in the FY26 Enacted Budget to create a Pro-Housing Supply fund to assist certified Pro-Housing Communities with critical infrastructure projects necessary to create new housing, such as sewer and water infrastructure upgrades.

    Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs are transforming communities across New York State by turning local visions into bold investments to generate place-based economic development. These projects will create new opportunities for businesses, support vibrant public spaces, and attract residents and visitors alike – laying the foundation for sustainable growth and stronger regional economies.” 

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “All across this State, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs are strategically prioritizing communities, growing economies with targeted awards, creating more housing opportunities that improve affordability for New Yorkers where it is most needed, and building on the diverse character of our neighborhoods. By working with local and municipal partners, these awards continue Governor Hochul’s commitment to developing the full potential of our downtowns as economic drivers and attractive places to live.”

     Empire State Development Board Chair Kevin Law said, “As a Long Islander, I’m especially proud to see these transformative investments in Kings Park, North Bellport, and Mineola. These awards demonstrate how targeted funding can reinvigorate commercial centers while preserving their distinct identities. These projects address critical needs—enhancing accessibility around transit hubs, diversifying residential options, and modernizing infrastructure—that will position these localities for long-term prosperity and fuel regional economic growth that will benefit Long Islanders for generations.”

    LIREDC Co-Chairs Linda Armyn and Dr. Kimberly R. Cline said, “From creating a walkable, transit-connected downtown in Kings Park to advancing affordable housing and public amenities in North Bellport, and mixed-use revitalization in Mineola, these projects are reshaping Long Island’s economic landscape. Through DRI and NY Forward, we’re delivering smart, community-driven investments that support small businesses, strengthen infrastructure, and foster vibrant, inclusive downtowns where residents and visitors alike can thrive.”

    State Senator Siela A. Bynoe said, “The seven NY Forward Projects planned in the Village of Mineola are a welcome investment in the future of the village and its residents. These grants stand as a testament to the forward-thinking work the Village of Mineola has engaged in to attract business and increase housing. It is an exciting opportunity for the village to now expand on that work with beautified streetscapes, improved lighting, support for local businesses, and increased walkability. I extend my gratitude to Governor Hochul for recognizing the transformational effect of investing in our downtowns.”

    Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim said, “I’m incredibly proud and grateful to see Kings Park’s vision come to life through the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative. From Main Street beautification, which includes the prospect for the highly sought-after utility line relocation, to the new Town Green, Library Outdoor Learning Area, trail access and pedestrian connections to the LIRR and Russ Savatt Park, these projects will give our downtown the vibrant facelift it truly deserves—right where our community gathers every day. This milestone reflects the hard work of a talented team of planners, environmental experts, consultants, and our partners in government. I want to sincerely thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Empire State Development, the Regional Economic Development Council, and especially the Kings Park community for their continued input and commitment throughout this incredible process.”

    Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Daniel J. Panico said, “The people and community of North Bellport have been and continue to be a priority of mine since being elected Supervisor of Brookhaven Town. This investment continues the positive momentum forward toward brighter days. I have long believed that people believe more of what they see with their eyes compared to what they hear with their ears. Accordingly, this investment will deliver tangible improvements and will enable us to continue our work in the North Bellport community. I thank the Governor, her staff, and all those who see the value in partnering with and investing in Brookhaven Town.”

    Village of Mineola Mayor Paul Pereira said, “The Village of Mineola is excited to get these transformational projects started. The NY Forward Program will help the village achieve its goals of revitalizing the downtown into the premier destination on Long Island that it deserves to be. The local planning committee worked tirelessly with the community and the state planners to present the most transformative projects possible. As these projects get under way, along with the projects that have already been approved locally, our residents can see the positive change that is happening. Thank you to the governor and her team for their continued support of our great community. We are excited to get to work.”

    DRI and NY Forward communities developed Strategic Implementation Plans (SIPs), which create a vision for the future of their downtown and identify and recommend a slate of complementary, transformative and implementable projects that support that vision. The SIPs are guided by a Local Planning Committee (LPC) comprised of local and regional leaders, stakeholders and community representatives, with the assistance of an assigned consultant and DOS staff, all of whom conduct extensive community outreach and engagement when determining projects. The projects selected for funding from the SIP were identified as having the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.

     About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative

    The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative “plan-then-act” strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State strengthen its economy, as well as to achieving the State’s bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Through nine rounds, the DRI has awarded a total of $900 million to 91 communities across every region of the State.

    About the NY Forward Program

    First announced as part of the 2022 Budget, Governor Hochul created the NY Forward program to build on the momentum created by the DRI. The program works in concert with the DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of smaller and rural downtowns throughout the State so that all communities can benefit from the State’s revitalization efforts, regardless of size, character, needs and challenges.

    NY Forward communities are supported by a professional planning consultant and team of State agency experts led by DOS to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that includes a slate of transformative, complementary and readily implementable projects. NY Forward projects are appropriately scaled to the size of each community; projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that enhance specific cultural and historical qualities that define and distinguish the small-town charm that defines these municipalities. Through three rounds, the NY Forward program has awarded a total of $300 million to 60 communities across every region of the State.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: With the Law in Front of Him, Trump IRS Nominee Refuses to Say It’s Illegal for the President to Weaponize the IRS Against His Political Enemies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    May 20, 2025

    Warren questioned Long on Trump’s threats to revoke Harvard’s non-profit status

    Warren: “It’s clear the statute makes it illegal…And the fact that you want to sit there and dance around about this tells me that you shouldn’t be within 1000 miles…of the IRS.” 

    Video of Exchange (YouTube)

    Washington, D.C. — At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) questioned IRS Commissioner nominee Billy Long about the legality of President Trump’s threats to revoke Harvard’s non-profit status—and any other efforts by the President to use the IRS to target individual taxpayers. 

    In early May, President Trump threatened to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status after the university refused to cave to his demands. 

    Despite Senator Warren walking him through the law and giving him over a dozen opportunities to answer, Mr. Long refused to say whether it is illegal for the President of the United States to instruct the IRS to remove a taxpayer’s non-profit status. 

    Federal law states that “[i]t shall be unlawful for [the President] to request, directly or indirectly, any officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service to conduct or terminate an audit or other investigation of any particular taxpayer.” In a meeting three weeks ago, Senator Warren asked Mr. Long whether it would be unlawful for the President to direct the IRS to revoke the nonprofit status of a taxpayer and sent Mr. Long a copy of the relevant statute after the meeting to review with counsel. Despite this, Mr. Long was still unable to answer the question. 

    “[Y]ou’d have a lot more credibility if you would just say yes. It’s clear the statute makes it illegal for the President to direct the IRS vis-à-vis any particular taxpayer. And the fact that you want to sit there and dance around about this tells me that you shouldn’t be within 1000 miles of the directorship of the IRS,” concluded Senator Warren. 

    Transcript: Hearing to Consider the Nomination of William Long, of Missouri, to be Commissioner of Internal Revenue for the remainder of the term expiring November 12, 2027
    Senate Finance Committee
    May 20, 2025 

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So the IRS collects nearly all federal revenue and that means that behind every road we build, every Social Security check that we pay is the IRS, making sure everyone pays what the law says they owe. No politics. But Donald Trump has a different idea. He wants to use the IRS to punish his enemies.

    On May 2, Trump said, “We are going to be taking away Harvard’s Tax Exempt Status.” Harvard wouldn’t cave in to other demands Trump made, so Trump said he would hurt them using the IRS. Now, this is about more than Harvard. It is a threat to anyone who might displease the President, including the people or organizations that can’t afford to have an expensive legal battle if Trump sets the IRS on them.

    So, Mr. Long, when you and I met, I asked you whether it was illegal for the President to tell the IRS to revoke a taxpayer’s non-profit status. And you said in our meeting that you weren’t sure, but you would take a look and consult with lawyers. I sent you the statute, you’ve had three weeks to talk to the lawyers about it, so let’s jump in.

    Mr. Long, is it illegal for the President to direct the IRS to revoke a taxpayer’s non-profit status?

    Mr. Billy Long, nominee for Commissioner of the IRS: In the first place, he wouldn’t do that —

    Senator Warren: That’s not my question Mr. Long. Please don’t start down this. 

    Mr. Long: Are we on Section 7212 or 7217? 

    Senator Warren: I’m at 26 U.S.C. 7217. Do I need to read it to you? 

    Mr. Long: “Prohibits any member of the executive branch to request the IRS to conduct or terminate an audit on a taxpayer.” 

    Senator Warren: Alrighty. So is it illegal—

    Mr. Long: I’m going to follow the law. And if that’s the law, yes. 

    Senator Warren: Okay, but I want you—that is the law. So I just want to be clear: is it illegal for the President of the United States to instruct the IRS to remove a taxpayer’s non-profit status? 

    Mr. Long: “Prohibits any member of the executive branch to request the IRS to conduct or terminate an audit of a taxpayer.” 

    Senator Warren: Is that a yes? 

    Mr. Long: I’d have to go to the lawyers at the IRS to tell me. 

    Senator Warren: No. Come on. You just read it. 

    Mr. Long: I know, but I don’t see the instance that you’re speaking about in there. Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t see—

    Senator Warren: Look, it says “it shall be unlawful for any applicable person,” which in this case includes the President, “to request, directly or indirectly, any officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service to conduct or terminate an audit or other investigation of any particular taxpayer.” 

    Is it illegal for the President to instruct the IRS to remove non-profit status from a taxpayer? 

    Mr. Long: I’m not going to have the answer you need, and I apologize but like I said—

    Senator Warren: Why are you not having the answer? You’ve had three weeks to consult with lawyers, the statute is about as clear as plain English makes possible—

    Mr. Long: Well, if I say I’m going to follow the law, why would you need to ask me the question? 

    Senator Warren: Well, because I want to make sure that you understand what the law says. If you think ‘follow the law’ means you just get to make it up on the spot, then bud, you don’t get to be the IRS Commissioner. The point here is to follow the law as it is written and I’m asking what I think is a pretty simple question: can the President of the United States legally tell the IRS to change someone’s nonprofit status?

    Mr. Long: I’m not able to answer—

    Senator Warren: You can’t read these words and tell what those words say?

    Mr. Long: I can read the statute and I did but—

    Senator Warren: Alright, then tell me what they mean. What does it mean to say that ‘a person, an applicable person’ here—that’s the President, right?

    Mr. Long: Yes. 

    Senator Warren: Alright, ‘cannot directly or indirectly,’ right? 

    Mr. Long: (silence)

    Senator Warren: ‘Tell any officer or employee,’ that would be you, ‘of the Internal Revenue Service to conduct or terminate an audit or other investigation of any particular taxpayer.’ What part do you not understand here? 

    Mr. Long: It seems to be a non-profit—I don’t see exactly what it refers to—

    Senator Warren: Any taxpayer. To start an investigation of any taxpayer. 

    Mr. Long: If it’s illegal, I’m not going to allow it to happen at my IRS. 

    Senator Warren: Is it illegal? That’s the question. 

    Mr. Long: Me and you will be friends then. I want to be your friend anyway but we will be on the same page. I’m going to follow the law, and if that’s point blank the law—

    Senator Warren: What do you understand the law to be saying about the President telling the IRS in his dealings with any particular taxpayer? What do you understand this law to be saying? 

    Mr. Long: I think it sounds like it’s saying what you are saying, but I don’t—I’ve got a little bit of a section here, and I looked at it, I talked to an attorney that used to be at the IRS and now is going to maybe be back at the IRS and I’m sorry if I don’t have the answer.

    Senator Warren: What? You mean the lawyers told you that they couldn’t understand this?

    Mr. Long: The what? 

    Senator Warren: The lawyers told you they couldn’t understand this? 

    Mr. Long: I didn’t say that. 

    Senator Warren: Well, then tell me, what part do you not understand? It says ‘no person,’ and you’ve said that includes the President, ‘cannot instruct any officer,’ that would be you, ‘of the IRS to conduct or terminate an audit or other investigation for any particular taxpayer.’

    Mr. Long: I don’t intend to let anyone direct me to start an audit for a political reason or any type of reason. 

    Senator Warren: Does that include the President of the United States? 

    Mr. Long: Anyone. 

    Senator Warren: Can you say yes? That the President of the United States cannot tell the IRS what to do.  

    Mr. Long: I can tell them they’re not going to tell me what to do. I can’t speak for if there’s other agents at the IRS that you’re talking about, but I’m telling you what I don’t want to have happen at my IRS. 

    Senator Warren: You know, Mr. Long, you’d have a lot more credibility if you would just say yes. It’s clear the statute makes it illegal for the President to direct the IRS vis-à-vis any particular taxpayer. And the fact that you want to sit there and dance around about this tells me that you shouldn’t be within 1000 miles of the directorship of the IRS. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Britain suspends trade talks with Israel over Gaza blockade

    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

    LONDON, May 20 (Xinhua) — Britain has suspended talks with Israel on a free trade agreement over Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Tuesday, adding that Israel’s ambassador to Britain has been summoned to the ministry.

    Speaking in the House of Commons, the lower house of the British parliament, David Lammy stressed that Israel’s blockade of Gaza is “morally wrong, unjustifiable and must end.”

    The diplomat noted that, in his opinion, all parliamentarians “must strongly condemn the Israeli government for depriving hungry children of food.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyer, Fitzpatrick Introduce Barriers to Suicide Act

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

    U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), bipartisan leaders on mental health and suicide prevention, today introduced the Barriers to Suicide Act. This legislation would create grants to help state and local governments fund nets and barriers that have been shown to reduce suicide on bridges and other high-risk infrastructure.

    “Research has shown that means restriction is one of the most effective strategies for reducing suicides, the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States. Our Barriers to Suicide Act is commonsense, bipartisan legislation that would strengthen America’s response to the epidemic of suicide and save lives,” said Rep. Beyer. “Congress can help state and local governments by stepping up to provide critical funding to build life-saving infrastructure in communities across the country. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and will continue to pursue legislative solutions to prevent suicide, including through my work as co-Chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus and its Suicide Prevention Task Force.”

    “More than 1,000 lives are lost to suicide on our railways each year. In our community, that crisis recently took three of our own—one to suicide, and two more in a brave attempt to save him. It was a devastating loss that shook us to our core,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “We can’t accept tragedy as the cost of inaction—not when solutions exist. That’s why Representative Beyer and I are introducing the Barriers to Suicide Act. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health Task Force, I’m working to equip communities with funding for proven, life-saving barriers at rail stations and other high-risk sites. We can’t bring back those we lost—but we can act in their memory, and we can save lives with the tools we know work.”

    “The Barriers to Suicide Act meets a critical need to prevent suicide by investing in proven strategies to make public spaces safer for people in crisis,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “By funding evidence-based design and infrastructure improvements in high-risk settings, this legislation takes a proactive approach to suicide prevention. NAMI thanks Reps. Beyer and Fitzpatrick for their leadership and supports this important legislation.”

    “In 2023, more than 49,300 lives were lost to suicide in the United States, including 1,297 deaths by falling. Research shows that these deaths are preventable by reducing access to lethal means,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (ASFP). “Bridge barriers deter suicide and give individuals time to seek care and support. We commend Representative Beyer and Representative Fitzpatrick for championing this lifesaving legislation.”

    “Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S., and too many occur at predictable, preventable locations. Research shows that physical barriers on bridges and high structures can reduce suicide deaths at those sites by up to 90%,” said Erich Mische, CEO at the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE). “Congressmen Don Beyer and Brian Fitzpatrick are showing the bipartisan leadership this crisis demands through the Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025. There should be no trade-off between saving money and saving lives. It’s time we apply the same safety standards to suicide prevention that we already expect in our public infrastructure—to protect the people we love.”

    The Barriers to Suicide Act would establish a competitive grant program for states and localities to apply for federal funding to install nets and barriers on bridges, buildings, parking garages, and at rail stations. Project funding would be made eligible under the National Highway Performance Program. This bill would also authorize a study to identify additional strategies to reduce jumping deaths.

    Over 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Falling deaths are a common cause of suicide, and restricting access to lethal means allows time for a feeling of crisis to pass, allowing people experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek help. Studies show that installing physical barriers and nets on bridges commonly used for suicide, for instance San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, can save lives. Suicide prevention advocates have worked to raise awareness of suicide prevention barriers in the National Capital Region in recent years.

    The Barriers to Suicide Act is cosponsored by Reps. Andre Carson, Sharice Davids, Marcy Kaptur Betty McCollum, Gwen Moore, Seth Moulton, Jamie Raskin, Shri Thanedar, Lori Trahan, and Bonnie Watson Coleman.

    It is endorsed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (ASFP), the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP), the Kennedy Forum, and the National Association of Social Workers.

    Text of the Barriers to Suicide Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Warner, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Combat DOGE’s Unsafe Retention of Personal Information

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Legislation Would Increase Penalties for Improper Maintenance or Release of Personally Identifiable Information (“PII”) by the Government
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and five Senate colleagues in introducing the Defending Our Government’s Electronic data: Bolstering Responsible Oversight & Safeguards (DOGE BROS) Act, legislation to hold Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) accountable for their continued efforts to improperly access, and retain, individuals’ personally identifiable information (PII) including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, Social Security numbers, and other financial information.
    “From day one, Elon Musk’s DOGE has taken a wrecking ball to the federal government and critical services for the American people, all while carelessly pursuing their sensitive personal data,” said Senator Luján. “Congress must do more to protect that information and keep it out of the wrong hands. That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation to strengthen our privacy laws and put Americans’ privacy first.”
    “As unvetted and unqualified DOGE employees continue to recklessly access the sensitive personal information of millions of Americans, it’s important that we take steps to better protect this data,” said Senator Warner. “For too long, our privacy laws have sat outdated, barely serving as a deterrent for improper handling or potential release of information. This legislation would enforce that privacy must be a priority when handling the data of the American public.”
    “Elon Musk and his ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ are wreaking havoc across the government and gaining access to Americans’ sensitive information without proper authorization, which poses significant privacy and national security concerns,” said Senator Kaine. “That’s why I’m introducing this bill to increase the penalties for violating privacy laws and help safeguard Americans’ personal information.”
    “Elon Musk and his DOGE cronies have been illegally ransacking federal agencies to gain access to troves of Americans’ sensitive personal data – from Social Security numbers to medical records to bank account information. Strengthening penalties for the theft of this data will help further deter these illegal abuses and keep Americans’ private information safe,” said Senator Van Hollen.
    “The American people do not want Elon Musk knowing their Social Security numbers and sifting through their financial information. Musk and his team of wildly unqualified DOGE employees have gone too far – and we are sick of it. The Senate needs to prove we care more about those we serve than Elon Musk. Let’s immediately pass this legislation to protect the data and privacy of the American people,” said Senator Alsobrooks.
    “Elon Musk’s so-called ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ and his DOGE agents are wreaking havoc on the federal government and the programs millions of Americans rely on. There’s no reason DOGE should gain access to Vermonters’ personal information, and I’m working with my colleagues to hold DOGE accountable and protect peoples’ privacy and data,” said Senator Welch. 
    Joining Senators Luján and Warner in introducing the DOGE BROS Act are U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
    The United States has existing laws that are designed to protect personal information held by the government. However, the penalties established in these various laws have not been properly adjusted or increased to account for inflation, making them far less impactful today. The DOGE BROS Act would increase five penalties for violation of federal privacy laws to better protect the sensitive information that DOGE is accessing in their reckless purge of the federal government. Specifically, the DOGE BROS Act would increase the following existing penalties for the unauthorized release of the following information:
    Individually Identifiable Information Contained Within Any Agency Record  
    Code Section: 5 U.S.C. §552a(i)(i, ii, iii)
    Current Penalty: up to $5,000
    Proposed Penalty: up to $30,000
    Information from Any Department or Agency of the United States Obtained Using a Computer Without Authorization
    Code Section: 18 U.S.C. 1030(a)(2)(B)
    Current Penalty: up to $250,000
    Proposed Penalty: up to $750,000
    Social Security and Medicare Data
    Code Sections: 42 U.S.C. §1306
    Current Penalty: up to $10,000
    Proposed Penalty: up to $25,000
    Tax Return Information
    Code Section: 26 U.S.C. §7213
    Current Penalty: up to $5,000
    Proposed Penalty: up to $25,000
    Census Data
    Code Section: 13 U.S.C. §214
    Current Penalty: up to $5,000
    Proposed Penalty: up to $25,000
    Full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union Calls for Immediate Release of Wrongfully Detained Member in Washington State

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    The IAM Union has confirmed that an IAM Union Local 695 (District 160) member and lawful U.S. permanent resident, Maximo Londonio, is being held in custody by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

    Londonio has been detained since May 15 after returning home from a trip with his wife and young daughter to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary and see family in the Philippines. Londonio is a lead fork lift driver at Crown Cork & Seal, an IAM-represented manufacturing facility in Lacey, Wash., where he has worked since 2017. Coworkers describe him as a well-liked and dedicated to his job.

    The IAM Union is currently working with the employer to maintain Londonio’s job, as well as allied organizations to secure his release.

    “Like so many across our country, our IAM Union Brother Maximo is simply trying to be the best husband and father he can be and provide for his family,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “To our knowledge, there has been no evidence to support the U.S. government’s continued detention of Maximo. We call for his immediate release.”

    “Our union is a family – and we will speak up any time we see the human rights of our members are violated,” said IAM Union Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “We will continue to call for his release until Maximo is free and united with his family.” 

    The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

    goIAM.org | @IAM_Union

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch Leads Legislation to Counter Adversary Nuclear Energy Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Coons (D-Del.), senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Mike Lee (R-Utah), chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced the International Nuclear Energy Act. This legislation aims to support the U.S. domestic nuclear energy industry’s leadership and offset China and Russia’s growing influence on international nuclear energy development.

    “If the U.S. doesn’t lead on nuclear energy development, Russia and China will,” said Risch. “This bill will give us the tools we need to compete with these authoritarian aggressors and build long-lasting nuclear energy deals that benefit our economy and ensure America remains the leader on nuclear energy for generations to come.”

    “With the International Nuclear Energy Act, we’re not asking for a seat at the table—we’re setting the agenda on global nuclear development,” said Lee. “Achieving American energy dominance will require us to streamline our nuclear exports, foster our relationships abroad, and bring the full weight of American industry to bear in out-competing our geopolitical adversaries. I’m grateful to partner with Senator Risch to ensure that America remains at the forefront of nuclear power for decades to come.”

    The International Nuclear Energy Act would:

    • Support the establishment of an office to coordinate civil nuclear exports strategy; establish financing relationships; promote regulatory harmonization; enhance safeguards and security; promote standardization of licensing framework; and create a nuclear exports working group.

    • Create programs to facilitate international nuclear energy cooperation to develop financing relationships, training, education, market analysis, safety, security, safeguards and nuclear governance required for a civil nuclear program.

    • Require a cabinet-level biennial summit focused on nuclear safety, security, and safeguards, and to enhance cooperative relationships between private industry and government.

    • Establish a Strategic Infrastructure Fund Working Group to determine how to best structure a Fund to finance projects critical to national security.

    The International Nuclear Energy Act is supported by the Idaho National Lab, Nuclear Energy Institute, and Clearpath Action.

    “I commend Senator Risch for his continued leadership and attention to advancing U.S. nuclear energy policy on the global stage. Securing American leadership in global nuclear deployment is essential to national security, meeting international energy demand, and ensuring that safe, reliable technologies define the global standard,” said John Wagner, Director of Idaho National Laboratory.

    “From Europe and the Asia-Pacific, from the Americas to the Middle East and Africa, countries are turning to nuclear energy to meet growing energy demands with reliable, secure, abundant, affordable, and clean sources. Now more than ever, U.S. nuclear energy leadership is needed. The International Nuclear Energy Act includes important provisions that will facilitate the deployment of U.S. nuclear energy technologies to partner nations, generating American jobs and extending U.S. influence in nuclear safety, nonproliferation, and security. We commend Senators Risch, Coons, Lee, and Heinrich for advancing legislation that will help maintain U.S. global leadership in commercial nuclear technology,” said Maria Korsnick, President and CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute.

    “Investing in our domestic nuclear energy supply chain and fostering export opportunities abroad will increase the energy security of our allies and create jobs here in America. While the United States remains the foremost nuclear power in the world, from our power plants to our nuclear navy, developing countries have more recently looked to Russia and China for their new nuclear needs. INEA wisely puts new tools in America’s energy tool belt to support domestic technologies racing to the global marketplace to compete,” said Jeremy Harrell, CEO of ClearPath Action.

    Idaho is home to the Idaho National Lab (INL), which is the flagship laboratory for civil nuclear research energy and the first place in the world to generate electricity with a nuclear reactor. INL is driving significant progress in new nuclear research by collaborating with industry to demonstrate advanced technologies like small modular reactors, microreactors, and safer, more efficient nuclear fuels. These efforts, made possible through public-private partnerships at INL, will contribute to the nation’s energy independence and strengthen U.S. leadership in civil nuclear energy around the world. 

    Senator Risch has long advocated for domestic nuclear energy production and the commercialization of advanced nuclear technologies. In a recent Washington Times editorial, Senator Risch underscored the critical role of nuclear energy in powering America’s current and future energy needs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 May 2025 News release In historic move, WHO Member States approve 20% funding increase and 2026–27 budget

    Source: World Health Organisation

    In a show of support for a sustainably financed World Health Organization, WHO Member States today approved a 20% increase in assessed contributions (membership dues) as they endorsed the Organization’s 2026–27 budget of US$ 4.2 billion.

    This is the second such 20% increase in assessed contributions to WHO, the previous being agreed as part of the 2024–25 budget. It comes as governments are facing financial constraints and economic headwinds and demonstrates Member States’ fundamental support for global health solidarity and the critical role of WHO.

    Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, and other senior leaders thanked Member States for their support and partnership, noting their profound vote of confidence in WHO’s mission and their commitment to health security and resilience worldwide.

    Insufficient levels of predictable funding of WHO has hindered its ability to carry out long term projects and support its global operations to promote health for all. This, in addition to over reliance on funding from a small set of traditional donors, was identified as a major organizational challenge in WHO’s Transformation initiative that launched in 2017.

    In 2022, WHO Member States agreed an historic increase in their assessed contributions by gradually increasing their membership dues to represent 50% of WHO’s core budget by the 2030–2031 cycle, at the latest. In the 2020–2021 biennium, assessed contributions represented only 16% of the approved programme budget.

    While this work began years ago, due to recent changes in the global financial landscape, sustainable financing is more important than ever before. WHO’s originally approved 2026–27 programme budget was downsized 22% (from US$ 5.3 billion to US$ 4.2 billion) due to financial constraints.

    Today’s approval of WHO’s base programme budget of US$ 4.2 billion for 2026–2027 is the first to be fully developed based on the Organization’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work, 2025–2028 (GPW 14), its global health strategy for the next four years.

    Note to editor

    At its meeting in January 2021, WHO’s Executive Board established the Sustainable Financing Working Group to begin work on a path towards resolving the widening gap between the world’s expectations of WHO and the financial resources available to us to meet them.

    In addition to increasing Member State assessed contributions to WHO, several other resource mobilization initiatives are being undertaken to support WHO’s activities. These include the establishment of the WHO Foundation, diversification of WHO’s donor base, and staging of its first Investment Round, including today’s high-level pledging event.

    Ensuring WHO has sustainable levels of financing is critical for it to continue responding to health emergencies, increasing health-care access, and ensuring people are living healthy lives.

    The Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly marks a key moment in the transformation of WHO to become a more efficient and effective organization, made possible by contributions from partners across the globe.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Kaanch Network Surpasses $1.12M in Presale as RWA Tokenization Heats Up Ahead of Exchange Listing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As real-world asset (RWA) tokenization gains momentum across global markets, Kaanch Network is capturing investor attention with a presale that has already raised over $1.12 million. Now in Stage 5, Kaanch is offering tokens at $0.16 — marking one of the final opportunities for early participants before its upcoming centralized exchange (CEX) listing.

    With institutions, governments, and enterprises racing to digitize real-world assets such as real estate, bonds, certificates, and credentials, blockchain infrastructure is under pressure to evolve. Purpose-built for this shift, Kaanch Network stands out as a next-generation Layer 1 blockchain designed to meet the legal, technical, and compliance requirements of large-scale RWA adoption.

    Why RWA Tokenization Needs Purpose-Built Infrastructure

    Tokenizing real-world assets isn’t just about issuing tokens — it requires:

    • Compliance-ready smart contracts
    • Final, traceable, real-time settlement
    • Low transaction fees for scalable use
    • Built-in decentralized identity layers
    • Cross-chain interoperability
    • DAO-based governance mechanisms

    Kaanch Network delivers on all fronts — setting the stage for seamless tokenization of both physical and financial assets.

    Kaanch Network: Ready for Real-World Scale

    Key infrastructure highlights include:

    • 1.4 Million TPS – High throughput for real-time issuance, trading, and workflows
    • 0.8-Second Finality – Instant settlement for asset transfers and financial operations
    • 3600 Validators – Deep decentralization ensures resilience and trust
    • .knch Domains – Native decentralized identity for agents, wallets, and registries
    • RWA Framework – Built-in standards for tokenizing real estate, bonds, certifications, and more
    • Interoperability Bridges – Seamless asset flows with Ethereum, Solana, and BNB
    • DAO Governance – Token holders vote on upgrades, funding, and proposals
    • Live Staking – Up to 119% APY for early supporters and stakers

    Final Presale Rounds Before Listing

    The Kaanch token ($KNCH) has entered Stage 5 of its presale at $0.16, with limited availability before the project officially hits exchanges. The presale offers an early entry point into one of the few Layer 1 platforms specifically engineered for the RWA era.

    “With over $1.12M raised and infrastructure built for institutional-grade asset tokenization, we believe Kaanch is one of the most strategically positioned blockchains heading into the next wave of adoption,” said a spokesperson for Kaanch Network.

    Presale access is currently open via the official portal: https://presale.kaanch.com

    As global financial systems begin integrating blockchain into core asset management, the demand for compliant, high-performance infrastructure is set to soar. With a real-world-ready framework and growing momentum, Kaanch Network aims to be at the center of this transformation.

    Contact:
    Ved Singh
    info@kaanch.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Kaanch Network. 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. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. 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. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. 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. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    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 assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. 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.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/db1988a7-96b7-4809-a2d2-b6a1616f4588

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/31a1f81c-9270-4e00-816c-3e900689c5a0

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/627d82e5-53b7-4265-9747-eee8518826da

    The MIL Network –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Recent spy scandals reveal how western allies are increasingly unreliable friends

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Robert Dover, Professor of Intelligence and National Security & Dean of Faculty, University of Hull

    Denmark’s foreign affairs minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen sounded surprised and emotional as he addressed a press conference on May 7. He announced he would call in the acting head of the US embassy in Copenhagen, Jennifer Hall Godfrey, over highly charged allegations that Washington has instructed its intelligence agencies to step up espionage on Greenland and Copenhagen.

    According to the Wall Street Journal, US intelligence operatives have been asked to collect information on Greenland’s politicians, independence activists and mining interests that could be leveraged in a potential purchase or coerced transfer of Greenland to the US.

    Greenland is a semi-autonomous Danish territory that Donald Trump has stated he would like to become part of the US. The US State Department has refused to comment on the allegations and the director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, said she was opening an investigation into leaks of classified information.

    This looks like a large powerful nation doing all it can to undermine an ally and fellow member of Nato, which is why the Danes are so affronted.

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

    The real surprise of the story is that it became so public. But this drama comes at a time of increasingly frosty relations between Denmark and the US, made worse by a visit by US vice-president, J.D. Vance, that didn’t go through diplomatic channels. Even before this, Danish supermarkets were marking US products so consumers could boycott them.

    In another case with some parallels to the Greenland spy saga with one ally spying on another, there has been reports of a newly uncovered Hungarian spy ring in Ukraine, collecting military data for Russia. Hungary said the reports were propaganda.

    Hungary is, in theory, aligned with Ukraine as a member of the EU and Nato. However, Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán has expressed sympathy for Russian agendas and has the closest relationship with Moscow of any current EU leader. Orbán has even repeatedly attempted to block EU aid to Ukraine.

    The alleged discovery of a Hungarian spy network may ramp up the creeping distrust of Hungary by other EU members and the sense of it becoming even more closely aligned with Russia.

    There has even been a recently reported example of spying going on among countries that are loosely considered allies. North Korean spies were recently caught spying on China, for example.

    The Greenland and Hungary episodes, particularly, shed light on how the world order is being remade. We are in the middle of this shift, with technology-enabled intelligence playing a significant part. These episodes demonstrate that governments who thought they were allies are quickly discovering they could be adversaries.



    Read more:
    How Donald Trump’s proposal to buy Greenland really went down in Denmark

    Regulation by revelation

    The US’s reported efforts at spying on Greenland and Denmark is a window into intelligence business.

    Intelligence efforts against allies are generally only curtailed when they become subject to a public scandal. Intelligence historian Richard Aldrich described this as “regulation by revelation”. The inquiries into these operations normally result in a light censure from politicians or judges, pledges not to repeat the offences and subsequent changes to processes.

    Denmark claims the US has been spying on Greenland.

    What will happen in the Greenland case is as yet unclear, particularly when the Trump administration has shown itself to be particularly immune from public, media and political challenge. The most effective challenge to hostile activity against Greenland could be any ramifications for international stock market sentiment, but even that is not guaranteed.

    The reliance of the US constitution and international law on participants behaving appropriately now looks strained under the Trump administration. The lack of restraint on US power may cause nations to rely more heavily on their own intelligence capabilities.

    Intelligence could, as a policy area, begin to mirror that of tariffs and trade as a way that the US can create further uncertainty among other nations about its foreign policy objectives.



    Read more:
    US and Russia squabble over Arctic security as melting ice opens up shipping routes

    Technology makes it easy

    But another factor in contemporary intelligence is that nations can now spy on each other much more easily. Technical capabilities are getting cheaper and easier to use.

    For instance, communications intercepts, satellite imagery and open source data-analysis spying methods are cheaper than ever before. These approaches offer more insight, because of the development of machine analytics and the ready availability of computing power and data storage.

    So, allies will continue to spy on allies because they are able to. That ability drives a demand, even in peace time, to know what other national leaders, and their public, are thinking and doing.

    Nations will also aggressively spy at the moment because the world is particularly unstable, and on the edge of conflict in many regions. Understanding where conflicts might erupt, why and with what force and consequence is essential to any nation’s defence posture.

    Nations only know what equipment to buy, what resources to stockpile and how many people to employ in their militaries with this insight. Intelligence is as much about avoiding surprise as it is creating the circumstances to surprise others. In this sense, intelligence is just another tool of statecraft.

    Most nations have spied on their allies for as long as they have been able. During the cold war the US purchased the Swiss encrypted communications company Crypto AG and sold hundreds of secure communications devices with weakened security, which allowed it to listen in on the countries that were using it and gain intelligence

    This type of operation was the forerunner of the widespread intelligence practices of the US National Security Agency, which is in charge of collecting information for counter intelligence purposes, in recent years.

    For Denmark, the challenges of working with its allies through Nato, while defending Greenland, are increasingly complex. Meanwhile, the EU will also be concerned about what Hungary is sharing with its other “friends”. International allies and alliances are increasingly untrustworthy as part of 2025 tectonic shifts in global geopolitics. The recent revelations are just part of that moving picture.

    Robert Dover has previously received funding from the AHRC around the subject of lessons learned from intelligence operations.

    – ref. Recent spy scandals reveal how western allies are increasingly unreliable friends – https://theconversation.com/recent-spy-scandals-reveal-how-western-allies-are-increasingly-unreliable-friends-256353

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: UK film and TV boom hides a crisis that threatens the whole industry – new report

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew Philip, Lecturer in Filmmaking and Knowledge Exchange Fellow, University of Reading

    Judging by the recent success of UK productions like Adolescence and Baby Reindeer, you might assume that the UK film and television industry is flourishing. And indeed, spending on production has risen dramatically in the last year, a boom which is expected to continue through to 2026.

    Unfortunately, our new report highlights a workforce crisis that raises serious questions about the future of the UK screen industry. And Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose tariffs on non-US films adds to the grim situation, throwing the industry’s vulnerability into stark relief.

    We carried out extensive interviews with 29 participants from across the sector who painted a bleak picture of overwork, financial instability, discrimination and barriers to career progression.

    Charities supporting the sector have already noted that the industry has a longstanding retention problem – the so-called “leaky pipeline”. But our report highlights that economic volatility in the UK and elsewhere is worsening financial and working conditions so much that the film and television industry risks a debilitating loss of its most valuable resource: freelancers.

    This article is part of our State of the Arts series. These articles tackle the challenges of the arts and heritage industry – and celebrate the wins, too.

    Long gaps between jobs are widening, and even experienced freelancers with long careers are struggling to make ends meet. Currently there is no publicly available data on numbers entering and leaving the industry, but companies have reported worsening skills shortages, not due to poor recruitment, but because people are leaving in response to worsening conditions.

    As many as two thirds of screen freelancers are considering leaving the industry within the next five years. Since just under 50% of the film production workforce is freelance, such a large-scale exodus would seriously damage our domestic screen industry.

    That industry contributes £13.48 billion to the UK economy, and its talent on-screen and behind the cameras is world-renowned, so why is this crisis happening at all?

    Boom and bust

    The key change has been a reduction in domestic investment by UK-based public service broadcasters in tandem with increased investment from US-based studios and streamers.

    While a recent boom in international investment led to a rapid expansion in UK film and TV infrastructure and a corresponding acute shortage of workers, it also inflated the costs of production, which has proved unaffordable to traditional domestic commissioners. Without consistent local productions, the UK market is exposed to international disruptions like never before.

    Since the deregulation of the TV sector in the 1990s, the UK’s screen industry has relied on a high proportion of freelance workers. This model provided flexibility in a thriving domestic industry boasting some of the world’s most skilled talent and specialist infrastructure to match.

    A shift in the 2000s towards international workflows in production and post-production fuelled by competitive tax incentives transformed the UK film and TV industry into a global operation. Coupled with healthy domestic competition, the UK’s film and TV industry soared.

    But more recently, this globalised business model has been tested by an extended period of economic volatility that has left experienced talent out of work.

    First came the COVID lockdowns. Then a post-pandemic boom as companies moved to refill their schedules, took UK film and TV production to a record high in 2021.

    But then industrial action by US writers and actors in 2023 brought many UK productions to a halt. Once the strike was over, falling subscriptions numbers led to market volatility for streaming giants, who immediately tightened their budgets and slowed investment in UK-based productions.

    High inflation – partly caused by the influx of international money – led many domestic companies to slash their commissioning budgets. By the middle of 2024, plans to build new studios in the UK were being put on hold and more than half the workforce were still unemployed.

    As one worker told us: “I’ve got friends who’ve been out of work for a year … they’re having to sell their houses and these are experienced, serious producers.” Another contributor told us how: “So many people I know at the moment are looking elsewhere for work completely outside of the industry.”

    And another interviewee said: “There have been some unfortunate casualties along the way, some people simply haven’t had the income or the interest to sustain a living and and they’ve got to do what comes first, which is earn a wage that lets them survive.”

    Until recently, a healthy domestic broadcasting industry helped provide consistent work opportunities for freelancers. But at the same time as production costs have risen, broadcasters’ revenue from advertising – and for the BBC, from the licence fee – has fallen.

    The effect has been a precipitous 22% drop in domestic high-end television commissions in 2024, alongside a 50% decrease in international co-productions. UK broadcasters no longer have the financial capacity to plug the gap in the periods when international investors cut back.

    In effect, the domestic industry has become dominated by, and heavily reliant on, a handful of international players led by unpredictable economic interests and global market fluctuations. It’s no coincidence that the two most notable recent British success stories, Adolescence and Baby Reindeer, are produced by Netflix, which has the financial resources British broadcasters lack.

    And despite the presence of the streamers, inflated costs are making it harder for producers to make programmes with British subject matter. Patrick Spence, the executive producer of the hugely successful Mr Bates vs. the Post Office, has said he wouldn’t even try to make the show today.

    To make matters worse, productions funded by international finance (that might have been funded by UK broadcasters in the past) bring little subscription or licensing profits back to the domestic industry.

    As our research shows, this constellation of issues means freelancers face extreme financial insecurity like never before, alongside increasingly poor working practices as production companies try to cut costs and, in some cases, promote too early where experienced staff are missing. It is little wonder that so many are considering leaving the sector.

    If significant numbers do leave the sector, there will no longer be a supply of skilled workers to meet the demands of an uptick in productions – and the US firms will go elsewhere, leaving only a depleted domestic industry in financial crisis.

    Netflix has already made a thinly veiled threat to seek out more competitive territories in the event of a levy on streamers. We could expect a similar decision if they find that the skilled talent they count on in the UK is no longer available.

    The next bust may already be in sight thanks to President Trump’s proposed tariffs on “foreign-made” films. Though such a levy would be difficult to implement and would cause as much harm to the US industry as it would its global partners, it’s not hard to imagine it having a chilling effect on commissioning in the UK.



    Read more:
    Why Trump’s plans for tariffs on foreign films probably won’t have a happy ending

    Structural change needed

    So what can be done? The introduction of a new programme of tax breaks for productions made in the UK, initiated by the Conservatives and ratified by the Labour government, has been rightly celebrated. However, industry experts predict these will not solve the financial sustainability of a homegrown industry.

    MPs have called on the government to go further in its support for the UK independent film and high-end television sectors, to provide a counterbalance to the fluctuations in investment in big budget fare, and to appoint a freelance commissioner to protect workers rights.

    We wait to hear whether the government will take up its recommendations, and bring us closer to other countries, such as France, that have protected their domestic workforce by negotiating specific investment agreements with the major US streamers.

    In our report, we argue that a minister for self-employed and precarious workers working across government departments is the only way to ensure that the appropriate measures can be achieved to address the challenges freelancers now face.

    Better data on freelancer movements will help policy makers and industry to understand the effects of changes to the domestic industry, to help better secure that workforce for future growth as part of the government’s Invest 2035 growth plans.

    We also recommend better data for freelancers themselves: a central source of information on taxation, employment rights, training, funding and the other resources they need to thrive in this challenging landscape.

    These are only the first steps to lessen the immediate risk of losing a substantial section of the skilled workforce that is the engine of the UK industry, preparing the ground for the much larger structural shifts that are needed. Participants in our research at different stages of their career repeatedly insisted that the industry needs root and branch care to overcome the extreme cycles of feast and famine.

    Protecting the cultural value of the UK’s screen industry goes far beyond making economic sense. The sector forms a major part of the country’s diverse national identity and projects a global image that is literally priceless.

    Andrew Philip receives funding for his screen industries research from the Arts & Humanities Research Council through the University of Reading’s Impact Acceleration Account programme.

    Lisa Purse receives funding for her screen industries research from the Arts & Humanities Research Council through the University of Reading’s Impact Acceleration Account programme.

    – ref. UK film and TV boom hides a crisis that threatens the whole industry – new report – https://theconversation.com/uk-film-and-tv-boom-hides-a-crisis-that-threatens-the-whole-industry-new-report-255986

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Falling back into the shadows? How to keep internal displacement on the humanitarian agenda

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Megan Bradley, Full Professor, Political Science and International Development Studies, McGill University

    The international humanitarian system is in freefall. Following the dramatic funding cuts initiated by Donald Trump’s administration in the United States, deliveries of essential food, medicines and clean water to those in need have halted and stockpiles are dwindling. Aid agencies are scrambling to figure out how to do less with less, even as global needs are mounting.



    Read more:
    The growing threat to U.S. democracy will literally cost lives

    Those displaced inside their own countries, as a result of conflict or natural disaster, have been particularly hard hit by this upheaval.

    Internally displaced persons already fall through the cracks of the humanitarian system, despite dramatically outnumbering those who cross borders as refugees.

    Worldwide, there are an estimated 43.7 million refugees, compared to 83.4 million internally displaced people. Yet media coverage still focuses on those fleeing their country as refugees, while internally displaced people remain less visible and beholden to national governments that have the primary responsibility to assist them.

    Some governments, such as Ukraine’s, work hard to meet this challenge but need outside support. In countries like Myanmar and Afghanistan, governments are complicit in displacing their own citizens, necessitating stronger international leadership.

    The UN’s central role

    The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established to protect and assist refugees. But from as early as the 1970s — as a result of calls from the UN General Assembly to address displacement crises — it has also become a leading entity in the international response to internally displaced persons.

    Advocacy from the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (established in the early 1990s), and more recently from the UN Secretary-General’s High Level Panel on Internally Displaced Persons and the work of the Office of the UN Special Advisor on Solutions to Internal Displacement, has also promoted increased attention to the issue and advocated workable solutions.

    This progress is now at risk in the face of U.S. humanitarian aid cuts.

    The danger today is not that the UNHCR and other humanitarian leaders will treat internally displaced people as unimportant or undeserving of help. Instead, ground could be lost through a return to the UNHCR’s traditional, narrow refugee mandate. Responsibility for internally displaced persons could be shirked as many UN agencies are also under stress.

    This will further increase the marginalization of internally displaced people and expose them to heightened levels of insecurity, poverty and disease.

    The UNHCR is far from the only international organization involved with internally displaced persons. The International Organization for Migration is another important player, particularly in natural disasters, and other agencies, including the UN Development Programme, support longer-term development solutions.

    Yet the UNHCR is the core protection agency for those who are forcibly displaced and its leadership is critical to ensuring a comprehensive response to both refugees and those displaced within their own country’s borders.

    Difficult choices

    In the face of a 30 per cent reduction in operating expenses in its headquarters and regional bureaus, the UNHCR faces some agonizing choices. But these cuts must not produce a competition between internally displaced persons and refugees in humanitarian assistance.

    Experience has shown that effective responses must consider displacement dynamics not only across but also within borders — especially since many refugees are internally displaced before they seek safety abroad and many face internal displacement if they return to their countries of origin.

    The good news is that the UNHCR remains committed to supporting inter-agency co-operation on solutions for internally displaced people, following up on the work of the Office of the UN Special Advisor.

    However, the head of the UNHCR has not yet publicly and clearly reaffirmed his agency’s commitment to standing up for internally displaced people alongside refugees in this moment of flux in the humanitarian sector.

    The need for strong leadership

    As the UNHCR reduces its commitments and shrinks its operations, there could be a void of senior leadership on internal displacement at headquarters and in the field. This means the agency’s response may be determined by regional and country directors with different levels of comfort with and commitment to internally displaced persons.

    The irony is that the UNHCR routinely calls for governments dealing with internal displacement crises to clearly allocate responsibility for effective responses. Today’s budget crisis is no excuse for the UNHCR not to walk its own talk.

    In the face of declining resources but mounting humanitarian needs, the UNHCR and its donors should prioritize preserving their investment in strengthened, reliable and rights-based responses to internally displaced persons — not only for the sake of these citizens, but also as an integral element of a comprehensive response to refugee situations.



    Read more:
    Ethiopia’s war may have ended, but the Tigray crisis hasn’t

    The UNHCR should recognize and insist that refugee response requires an effective response to those displaced internally and vice versa. As a core part of this approach, the agency should also enhance its support for local efforts led by internally displaced people themselves, recognizing they can be, and have been, at the forefront of more effective solutions to their displacement.

    The UNHCR’s funding cuts are putting the agency in a pared-down holding pattern until the next high commissioner of the organization is chosen later this year. A key criterion for selecting the next leader should be their vision for sustaining engagement with internally displaced persons alongside refugees in this moment of global turmoil.

    Megan Bradley receives funding from SSHRC.

    Jennifer Welsh receives funding from the Social Science and Research Council of Canada and the European Research Council.

    – ref. Falling back into the shadows? How to keep internal displacement on the humanitarian agenda – https://theconversation.com/falling-back-into-the-shadows-how-to-keep-internal-displacement-on-the-humanitarian-agenda-255856

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 21, 2025

  • Amit Shah chairs high-level meeting on sustainability and circularity in cooperative dairy sector

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah chaired a significant meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday to review and strategize the future of sustainability and circularity in the cooperative dairy sector on Tuesday. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Union Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar, Murlidhar Mohol, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation Ashish Bhutani, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Alka Upadhyaya, NDDB Chairman Dr. Meenesh Shah, and NABARD Chairman Shaji KV.

    Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation), the meeting led to the decision to establish three new multi-state cooperative societies aimed at bolstering the dairy sector. These include:

    1. A society focused on animal feed production, disease control, and artificial insemination.
    2. A society promoting cow dung management models.
    3. A society encourages the circular use of dead cattle remains.

    Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah emphasized the need to move towards White Revolution 2.0, highlighting the importance of building a sustainable, circular economy-based dairy ecosystem. He underlined that increasing farmers’ incomes hinges on creating a network of integrated, mutually cooperative societies that offer end-to-end support to dairy farmers.

    Shah also stressed the importance of ensuring carbon credit benefits reach farmers through scientifically designed models and called for greater emphasis on strengthening milk unions, food processing in dairy plants, and enhancing cooperative efficiency.

    “Cooperation is the backbone of rural development,” Shah said, adding that dairy cooperatives have proven to be a reliable source of livelihood for millions of rural families, particularly by providing access to stable markets, credit, veterinary services, and breeding support. He also highlighted the crucial role these cooperatives play in empowering women through active participation in dairy activities.

    The Minister said that the transformation from “Sustainability to Circularity” must be multi-dimensional, with farmers’ own cooperatives stepping up to provide services like technical assistance, feed supply, veterinary care, dung management, and milk processing, traditionally dominated by the private sector.

    Referring to successful models such as Amul, Shah stated that the “Cooperation among Cooperatives” initiative is playing a pivotal role in realizing the government’s vision. He noted that village-level cooperatives are being strengthened and integrated with allied sectors through collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Cooperation and other ministries.

    Shah praised national institutions like the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and NABARD for their ongoing contributions to the cooperative movement. He highlighted NDDB’s biogas and dung management programs as exemplary models of sustainable innovation that should be scaled up nationwide.

    May 21, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI:NPR’s Morning Edition: Sen. Peter Welch calls on Trump administration to get Israel to end Gaza aid blockade

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    40+ Senators co-sponsor Welch’s resolution calling for an immediate end to the blockade of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined Leila Fadel on National Public Radio’s (NPR) Morning Edition to discuss the starvation crisis in Gaza and his new Senate Resolution demanding the Trump Administration uses all diplomatic tools at its disposal to bring an end to the blockade of food and lifesaving humanitarian aid.

    “It is absolutely appalling what is happening to innocent Palestinians in Gaza. There are 14,000 babies, according to the U.N., that could die in the next 48 hours if aid is not getting in. Children are now literally dying of starvation while being held by their mother or their father. And the 72 days of blockade by the Netanyahu government—of no food, no water, no medicine—is catastrophic. And the famine that people are experiencing is also catastrophic, and it’s a very brutal process and a terrifying way to die. And Israel, as having control over Gaza, has an obligation internationally, to get food and medicine in to the people that need it.”

    ■■■

    “This is not about practical and political reason—this is about people who are starving, needing food and needing water. And the notion that the Netanyahu government can use starvation—withholding food and water, withholding medicine—as a tool of the military campaign, violates international law. It’s completely wrong. We should condemn it, just as I condemn Hamas for what it’s done.  Starvation is not a legitimate tool of warfare.”

    ■■■

    “I want aid to flow. It’s really very, very simple…The United States has a role to play here, and Congress has a role to play. The idea that we’re accepting this, we’re turning our head the other way as if this is not happening, is wrong.”

    Listen here:

    Last week, Senator Welch led his Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution calling on the Trump Administration to use all diplomatic tools at its disposal to bring an end to the blockade of food and lifesaving humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in Gaza. In their resolution, the Senators express grave concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the imminent starvation of tens of thousands of children. The resolution now has the support of more than 40 Senators.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 21, 2025
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