NewzIntel.com

Category: Russian Federation

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from White  House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President  Biden’s Travel to Germany and  Angola

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will travel to Germany and Angola, from October 10 to 15. In Germany, President Biden will meet with German leaders to further strengthen the close bond the United States and Germany share as Allies and friends and coordinate on shared priorities. The President will reinforce the U.S. and German commitment to democracy and countering antisemitism and hatred, strengthen the enduring people-to-people ties between our countries, and advance cooperation on economics, trade, and technology.  He will also express his appreciation to Germany for supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, hosting U.S. service members, and contributing to the security of the United States, Germany, and the entire NATO Alliance. On October 13-15, President Biden will travel to Luanda, Angola, where he will meet with President João Lourenço of Angola to discuss increased collaboration on shared priorities, including bolstering our economic partnerships that keep our companies competitive and protect workers; celebrating a signature project of the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), which advances our joint vision for Africa’s first trans-continental open-access rail network that starts in Lobito and ultimately will connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean; strengthening democracy and civic engagement; intensifying action on climate security and the clean energy transition; and enhancing peace and security. The President’s visit to Luanda celebrates the evolution of the U.S.-Angola relationship, underscores the United States’ continued commitment to African partners, and demonstrates how collaborating to solve shared challenges delivers for the people of the United States and across the African continent.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on Ukraine [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    r. President, Excellencies,

    Two days ago, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to the Charter of the United Nations.

    Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States – within their internationally recognized borders.

    The Charter unequivocally stipulates that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State – and that international disputes must be settled by peaceful means.

    Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol a decade ago – is a clear violation of these principles.

    And civilian populations continue to pay the price.

    The death toll keeps rising.

    Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes.

    Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets… are only adding pain and misery.

    Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.

    I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities – wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately.

    And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.

    Mr. President,

    Despite immense challenges, the United Nations remains fully engaged as the largest international presence in Ukraine.

    This year alone, and together with our partners, we have provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people.

    But we need the support of the international community.

    15 million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance – more than half of them women and girls.

    But – as winter is approaching – less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.

    I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground.

    We are also assisting the government of Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    This includes access to basic services and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy production capacities.

    In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites – particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation.

    I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency, including its critical presence in Ukraine’s nuclear sites, to help ensure nuclear safety and security.

    I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilize an already incendiary situation.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Deux ans et demi après l’invasion à grande échelle de l’Ukraine, plus de 11 000 civils ont été tués.

    Plus cette guerre tragique se prolonge, plus le risque d’escalade et de débordement est grand.

    Cela n’affecterait pas seulement la région, mais aggraverait les tensions et les divisions mondiales – à un moment où notre monde a désespérément besoin de plus de coopération et d’action collective.

    Nous devons mettre fin aux souffrances et briser le cycle de la violence, dans l’intérêt du peuple ukrainien, du peuple russe – et du monde entier.

    L’initiative de la mer Noire et les échanges de prisonniers de guerre nous le rappellent : lorsqu’il y a une volonté politique, la diplomatie peut réussir, même dans les heures les plus sombres.

    Bien que la paix puisse aujourd’hui paraître hors de portée, les nombreux appels au dialogue représentent une lueur d’espoir.  

    Intensifions donc nos efforts pour aboutir à la paix en Ukraine – une paix juste, totale et durable ;

    Une paix conforme à la Charte des Nations unies, au droit international et aux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale.

    L’Organisation des Nations Unies soutiendra tout effort en ce sens.

    Je vous remercie.

    ******

    [all-English]

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    Two days ago, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to the Charter of the United Nations.

    Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States – within their internationally recognized borders.

    The Charter unequivocally stipulates that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State – and that international disputes must be settled by peaceful means.

    Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol a decade ago – is a clear violation of these principles.

    And civilian populations continue to pay the price.

    The death toll keeps rising.

    Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes.

    Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets… are only adding pain and misery.

    Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.

    I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities – wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately.

    And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.

    Mr. President,

    Despite immense challenges, the United Nations remains fully engaged as the largest international presence in Ukraine.

    This year alone, and together with our partners, we have provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people.

    But we need the support of the international community.

    15 million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance – more than half of them women and girls.

    But – as winter is approaching – less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.

    I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground.

    We are also assisting the government of Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    This includes access to basic services and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy production capacities.

    In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites – particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation.

    I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency, including its critical presence in Ukraine’s nuclear sites, to help ensure nuclear safety and security.

    I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilize an already incendiary situation.

    Mr. President,

    Two and half years since the full-blown invasion of Ukraine, more than 11,000 civilians have been killed.

    The longer this tragic war continues, the greater the risk of escalation and spillover.

    This would not only impact the region, but further deepen global tensions and divisions – at a time when our world desperately needs more cooperation and collective action.

    We must stop the suffering and break the cycle of violence – for the sake of the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and the world.

    The Black Sea Initiative and the continued exchanges of prisoners of war serve as reminders that, when there is political will, diplomacy can succeed – even in the darkest hour.

    Today, though the prospects for peace may seem distant, I am inspired by the growing calls for dialogue.

    So let us intensify our efforts to seek peace in Ukraine – a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and resolutions of the General Assembly.

    United Nations stands ready to support all efforts towards achieving this goal.

    Thank you.

    ******

    [all-French]

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Il y a deux jours, à travers le nouveau Pacte pour l’avenir, les dirigeants du monde ont réaffirmé leur attachement au droit international et à la Charte des Nations unies.

    Notre Organisation est fondée sur le principe de la souveraineté de tous les États membres – à l’intérieur de leurs frontières internationalement reconnues.

    La Charte est sans équivoque : tous les États doivent s’abstenir de recourir à la menace ou à l’emploi de la force contre l’intégrité territoriale ou l’indépendance politique de tout autre État, et que les différends internationaux doivent être réglés par des moyens pacifiques.

    L’invasion massive de l’Ukraine par la Russie en février 2022 – après l’annexion illégale de la République autonome de Crimée et de la ville de Sébastopol il y a dix ans – constitue une violation manifeste de ces principes.

    Et les populations civiles continuent d’en payer le prix.

    Le nombre de morts ne cesse d’augmenter.

    Près de 10 millions de personnes ont fui leurs foyers.

    Les attaques systématiques contre les hôpitaux, les écoles, les supermarchés… ne font qu’amplifier la douleur et la détresse.

    Les coupures de courant et les dommages causés aux infrastructures ont plongé des millions de personnes dans l’obscurité.

    Je condamne fermement toutes les attaques contre les civils et les installations civiles, peu importe où elles se produisent et qui est responsable. Elles doivent toutes cesser immédiatement.

    Et je reste profondément préoccupé par la sécurité, les besoins humanitaires et les droits humains des personnes résidant dans les régions occupées.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Malgré d’immenses défis, l’Organisation des Nations Unies reste pleinement engagée, représentant la plus grande présence internationale en Ukraine.

    Rien que cette année, en coopération avec nos partenaires, nous avons apporté une aide vitale à plus de 6,2 millions de personnes.

    Mais nous avons besoin du soutien de la communauté internationale.

    15 millions de personnes en Ukraine ont besoin d’aide humanitaire – et plus de la moitié d’entre elles sont des femmes et des jeunes filles.

    Cependant, à l’approche de l’hiver, moins de la moitié de notre Plan d’intervention humanitaire pour 2024 est financée.

    J’exhorte les donateurs à nous aider à poursuivre notre travail vital sur le terrain.

    Nous assistons également le gouvernement ukrainien dans ses efforts de redressement économique et de reconstruction.

    Cela comprend l’accès aux services de base et la restauration des capacités de production d’énergie de l’Ukraine.

    Ces dernières semaines, nous avons vu une recrudescence de rhétorique incendiaire et d’incidents autour des sites nucléaires – en particulier à la centrale nucléaire de Zaporizhzhia et, de façon inquiétante, à la centrale nucléaire de Koursk, dans la Fédération de Russie.

    Je félicite l’Agence internationale de l’énergie atomique, notamment pour sa présence essentielle sur les sites nucléaires ukrainiens, afin de contribuer à garantir la sûreté et la sécurité nucléaires.

    J’appelle toutes les parties à agir de manière responsable et à éviter toute déclaration ou action susceptible de déstabiliser davantage une situation déjà incendiaire.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Deux ans et demi après l’invasion à grande échelle de l’Ukraine, plus de 11 000 civils ont été tués.

    Plus cette guerre tragique se prolonge, plus le risque d’escalade et de débordement est grand.

    Cela n’affecterait pas seulement la région, mais aggraverait les tensions et les divisions mondiales – à un moment où notre monde a désespérément besoin de plus de coopération et d’action collective.

    Nous devons mettre fin aux souffrances et briser le cycle de la violence, dans l’intérêt du peuple ukrainien, du peuple russe – et du monde entier.

    L’initiative de la mer Noire et les échanges de prisonniers de guerre nous le rappellent : lorsqu’il y a une volonté politique, la diplomatie peut réussir, même dans les heures les plus sombres.

    Bien que la paix puisse aujourd’hui paraître hors de portée, les nombreux appels au dialogue représentent une lueur d’espoir.  

    Intensifions donc nos efforts pour aboutir à la paix en Ukraine – une paix juste, totale et durable ;

    Une paix conforme à la Charte des Nations unies, au droit international et aux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale.

    L’Organisation des Nations Unies soutiendra tout effort en ce sens.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MSF closes programmes in Russia after instruction to deregister

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    • After receiving a letter from the Ministry of Justice of Russia, MSF had to close our operations in the country.
    • This comes after 32 years of working in Russia.
    • MSF would like to work in Russia again should the necessary conditions be provided by authorities.

    Moscow / Amsterdam – Thirty-two years after starting work in Russia, Médecins Sans Frontières/ (MSF) had to close our operations in the country.  In August this year, we received a letter from the Ministry of Justice of Russia, with the decision to withdraw the affiliate office of the non-profit association ‘Médecins Sans Frontières’ (Netherlands) in Russia from the register of affiliate and representative offices of foreign NGOs.

    “It is with a heavy heart that we have to close our activities in Russia,” says Yashovardhan, head of MSF programmes in the country. “Our organisation’s work is guided by the principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality, and medical ethics. We provide assistance based on the needs.”

    MSF had been present in Russia since 1992. For more than 30 years, we successfully implemented dozens of programmes, ranging from assistance to the homeless to emergency response to the collaborative work with the Ministry of Health on innovative tuberculosis treatment. We worked in various regions of the country, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, the Kemerovo region, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan, and – more recently – in the Arkhangelsk and Ivanovo regions, as well as in the south of Russia in Belgorod and Rostov-on-Don.

    A significant part of the history of MSF in Russia and the region was linked to the implementation of advanced approaches to the treatment of tuberculosis. MSF has collaborated with the medical academic community of Russia and other countries in the eastern Europe and central Asia to extend effective, innovative treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis to patients in penitentiary and civil sectors across the region.

    In 2004-2017, we worked in close partnership with the Chechen Ministry of Health, providing technical and advisory support to the local health authorities in the treatment of drug-sensitive and drug-resistant tuberculosis in the Chechen Republic. The programme covered different aspects of tuberculosis diagnostics, treatment, laboratory services and health education, as well as adherence counselling and psychosocial support for patients and their families. In 2014, MSF supported the Ministry of Health in introducing new treatment regimens for patients with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis which yielded impressive results giving hope to patients who previously had no treatment options left.

    In 2021, MSF and local health authorities of the Arkhangelsk region in the north of Russia started successful implementation of a nine-month all-oral course of treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis. We enrolled 173 patients on this treatment regimen. And later, in 2023, we started enrolling patients on an even shorter, six months-long, all-oral treatment course that was recommended by the World Health Organization in the updated treatment guidelines in late 2022.

    In Arkhangelsk, and starting from 2024 in Ivanovo, MSF was providing expertise and technical assistance to health authorities with a special emphasis on implementing new treatment regimens and enhancing patients’ adherence and integrating person-centred care. To date, 41 patients in the Arkhangelsk and Ivanovo regions started treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis within this joint programme. The aim of the collaboration was to contribute to the evidence base for more effective, meaning less toxic and person-centred, treatment with a view to scale up these scientifically proven treatment protocols in Russia.

    In Moscow and St. Petersburg since 2020, MSF partnered with two community-based NGOs to support access to general healthcare, as well as testing and treatment for infectious diseases, for people living with HIV and other vulnerable groups, such as migrants, who otherwise struggle to obtain medical assistance. Over 14,000 medical consultations were supported for patients from these vulnerable groups.

    Since the escalation of the armed conflict in Ukraine in 2022, many people have sought safety in Russia, and MSF, in partnership with local NGOs in the Belgorod and Rostov regions in the south of Russia, started providing assistance to those who crossed into Russia from Ukraine and later – with the development of the situation – internally displaced people. Since the start of our response in 2022, more than 52,000 refugees and displaced people were provided with humanitarian aid and more than 15,400 received free medical, mental health and psychosocial support.

    As part of this partnership, we were also planning to respond to the humanitarian and medical needs of the internally displaced people in the Kursk region. MSF continues to stand in solidarity with people impacted by this conflict and remain steadfast in our commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, irrespective of what side of the front line they are on, should the necessary conditions for our work be provided by relevant authorities.

    “We would like to take the opportunity to thank all our colleagues in Russia for their hard work and commitment to humanitarian values we hold high as an organisation,” says Norman Sitali, MSF operations manager responsible for programmes in Russia. “We are very sad to conclude our programmes in the country as many people in need of medical and humanitarian assistance will now be left without the support we could have provided to them. MSF would like to still work in Russia again, if and when possible”.
     

    You could also be interested in

     

    Sudan

    Food must be delivered to people starved by blockade in Zamzam camp

    Press Release 13 Sep 2024

     

    Sudan

    Cholera is Sudan’s latest peril

    Project Update 11 Sep 2024

     

    Mediterranean migration

    Detention of Geo Barents suspended by Italian court

    Press Release 12 Sep 2024

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MSF-Netherlands closes programmes in Russia after instruction to deregister

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    • After receiving a letter from the Ministry of Justice of Russia, MSF-Netherlands had to close our operations in the country.
    • This comes after 32 years of working in Russia.
    • MSF would like to work in Russia again should the necessary conditions be provided by authorities.

    Moscow / Amsterdam – Thirty-two years after starting work in Russia, Médecins Sans Frontières/ (MSF) had to close our operations in the country.  In August this year, we received a letter from the Ministry of Justice of Russia, with the decision to withdraw the affiliate office of the non-profit association ‘Médecins Sans Frontières’ (Netherlands) in Russia from the register of affiliate and representative offices of foreign NGOs.

    “It is with a heavy heart that we have to close our activities in Russia,” says Yashovardhan, head of MSF programmes in the country. “Our organisation’s work is guided by the principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality, and medical ethics. We provide assistance based on the needs.”

    MSF had been present in Russia since 1992. For more than 30 years, we successfully implemented dozens of programmes, ranging from assistance to the homeless to emergency response to the collaborative work with the Ministry of Health on innovative tuberculosis treatment. We worked in various regions of the country, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, the Kemerovo region, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan, and – more recently – in the Arkhangelsk and Ivanovo regions, as well as in the south of Russia in Belgorod and Rostov-on-Don.

    A significant part of the history of MSF in Russia and the region was linked to the implementation of advanced approaches to the treatment of tuberculosis. MSF has collaborated with the medical academic community of Russia and other countries in the eastern Europe and central Asia to extend effective, innovative treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis to patients in penitentiary and civil sectors across the region.

    In 2004-2017, we worked in close partnership with the Chechen Ministry of Health, providing technical and advisory support to the local health authorities in the treatment of drug-sensitive and drug-resistant tuberculosis in the Chechen Republic. The programme covered different aspects of tuberculosis diagnostics, treatment, laboratory services and health education, as well as adherence counselling and psychosocial support for patients and their families. In 2014, MSF supported the Ministry of Health in introducing new treatment regimens for patients with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis which yielded impressive results giving hope to patients who previously had no treatment options left.

    In 2021, MSF and local health authorities of the Arkhangelsk region in the north of Russia started successful implementation of a nine-month all-oral course of treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis. We enrolled 173 patients on this treatment regimen. And later, in 2023, we started enrolling patients on an even shorter, six months-long, all-oral treatment course that was recommended by the World Health Organization in the updated treatment guidelines in late 2022.

    In Arkhangelsk, and starting from 2024 in Ivanovo, MSF was providing expertise and technical assistance to health authorities with a special emphasis on implementing new treatment regimens and enhancing patients’ adherence and integrating person-centred care. To date, 41 patients in the Arkhangelsk and Ivanovo regions started treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis within this joint programme. The aim of the collaboration was to contribute to the evidence base for more effective, meaning less toxic and person-centred, treatment with a view to scale up these scientifically proven treatment protocols in Russia.

    In Moscow and St. Petersburg since 2020, MSF partnered with two community-based NGOs to support access to general healthcare, as well as testing and treatment for infectious diseases, for people living with HIV and other vulnerable groups, such as migrants, who otherwise struggle to obtain medical assistance. Over 14,000 medical consultations were supported for patients from these vulnerable groups.

    Since the escalation of the armed conflict in Ukraine in 2022, many people have sought safety in Russia, and MSF, in partnership with local NGOs in the Belgorod and Rostov regions in the south of Russia, started providing assistance to those who crossed into Russia from Ukraine and later – with the development of the situation – internally displaced people. Since the start of our response in 2022, more than 52,000 refugees and displaced people were provided with humanitarian aid and more than 15,400 received free medical, mental health and psychosocial support.

    As part of this partnership, we were also planning to respond to the humanitarian and medical needs of the internally displaced people in the Kursk region. MSF continues to stand in solidarity with people impacted by this conflict and remain steadfast in our commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, irrespective of what side of the front line they are on, should the necessary conditions for our work be provided by relevant authorities.

    “We would like to take the opportunity to thank all our colleagues in Russia for their hard work and commitment to humanitarian values we hold high as an organisation,” says Norman Sitali, MSF operations manager responsible for programmes in Russia. “We are very sad to conclude our programmes in the country as many people in need of medical and humanitarian assistance will now be left without the support we could have provided to them. MSF would like to still work in Russia again, if and when possible”.
     

    You could also be interested in

     

    Sudan

    Food must be delivered to people starved by blockade in Zamzam camp

    Press Release 13 Sep 2024

     

    Sudan

    Cholera is Sudan’s latest peril

    Project Update 11 Sep 2024

     

    Mediterranean migration

    Detention of Geo Barents suspended by Italian court

    Press Release 12 Sep 2024

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: One month after floods in Koukou

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    The situation in Koukou Angarana, Sila province, Chad, and the surrounding area, remains critical after devastating floods on 9 August. The floods displaced thousands of people, destroyed homes and left health centres unable to function. The likelihood of another major flood is decreasing, but the needs left from 9 August are not.  

    Urgent needs not being met

    Forced from their homes because of the floodwaters, people have now set up sites where food, water and sanitation services, shelter reinforcement, and access to healthcare, are their urgent needs.

    “The living conditions of displaced people in Koukou are extremely difficult,” says Julie Melichar, project coordinator. “They are exposed to risks of epidemics given the lack of drinking water, people living on top of one another in the camps, and the absence of health facilities.”

    People are living in makeshift shelters. There are very few blankets, including for young children and pregnant women. The tarpaulins used for tents are insufficient and often in poor condition. With repeated rains and storms, the lack of physical protection promotes the development of diseases like acute respiratory infections and malaria.

    Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has set up a health post where we provide basic healthcare. Between 14 August and 9 September, we carried out 1,850 health consultations. Over 340 people had acute respiratory tract infections, 265 tested positive for malaria, and more than 220 were treated for diarrhoea. Our team also provided antenatal consultations to 232 pregnant women.

    340

    34

    people treated for respiratory tract infection

    265

    265

    people tested positive for malaria

    232

    232

    pregnant women provided consultations

    Access to clean drinking water is almost non-existent in Koukou. The quality of the water at the few functional sources needs to be assessed, and the quantity available does not cover the number of people in the displacement sites.

    “Water sources were contaminated during floods by a mixture of sewage and waste, including faeces,” says Melichar. “Water is not always available, pushing people to use water from wadis [rivers]. Although MSF is cleaning water wells, they are at risk of being contaminated again in the event of further rains or flooding. The situation remains precarious and requires an effective water, sanitation and hygiene response to reduce the risk of communicable disease outbreaks.” 

    Food and international response lacking

    Food is another concern. The floods destroyed much of the food supply and made essential activities, like collecting firewood and working in the fields, impossible. Many fields of sorghum, groundnuts and millet have been destroyed or are no longer suitable for cultivation. Food prices have also skyrocketed- so what little is available is unaffordable.

    MSF teams have heard from people that hunger is their immediate concern. The number of people affected means they require huge support. Yet, one month after the floods, many have received nothing as an adequate response from international organisations has not materialised.

    “An immediate food distribution would significantly help many people here,” says Melichar. “This would be a crucial, and much needed, first step, but despite these floods happening a month ago there has been very little in terms of international response. People can’t wait much longer.” 

    Makeshift shelters on one of the sites for displaced people, La Colline, on the bank of the Wadi Bahr Azoum river, Chad, September 2024.
    Julie Melichar/MSF

    Concerns for people outside Koukou

    The government announced, as of 3 September 2024, that a total of nearly 1.5 million people are affected by floods countrywide, with nearly 260,000 hectares of fields destroyed in 115 departments out of the 120 in the country.

    With roads being largely impassable due to flooding, information about affected villages on both sides of the Wadi Bahr Azoum [river] in Sila province is beginning to trickle in. They describe many flooded villages, destroyed fields, and people who have been displaced multiple times. Reaching these people is a logistical challenge and a rapid response from other organisations is essential to meet the most urgent needs of people, in particular to provide medical care.

    You could also be interested in

     

    Chad

    Rapid response needed in Koukou as thousands flee worst floods in living memory

    Project Update 16 Aug 2024

     

    Activity Report

    Year in Review 2023

    Opinion 18 Jun 2024

     

    Russia

    MSF-Netherlands closes programmes in Russia after instruction to deregister

    Press Release 16 Sep 2024

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UN Security Council casts nearly all vetoes last decade on Syria, Palestine and Ukraine, robbing opportunities for peace

    Source: Oxfam –

    Ahead of the UN Summit for the Future, Oxfam calls for reform of the UN Security Council to stop the “Permanent Five” from being their own “judge and jury”

    The UN Security Council (UNSC) is failing people living in conflict, with Russia and the United States particularly responsible for abusing their veto power which is blocking progress toward peace in Ukraine, Syria, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel.

    A new Oxfam report, Vetoing Humanity, studied 23 of the world’s most protracted conflicts over the past decade, including Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Libya, Niger, the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela and Yemen, and found that 27 of the 30 UNSC vetoes cast on these conflicts were on OPT, Syria and Ukraine.

    The report concludes that the five permanent members of the UNSC (the P5) are exploiting their exclusive voting and negotiating powers to suit their own geopolitical interests. In doing so, they have undermined the Council’s ability to maintain international peace and security.

    More than a million people have been killed in these 23 conflicts alone and more than 230 million people are today in urgent need of aid – an increase of over 150 percent since 2015.

    “China, France, Russia, the UK and the US took responsibility for global security at the UNSC in what is now a bygone colonial age. The contradictions of their acting as judge and jury of their own military alliances, interests and adventures are incompatible with a world seeking peace and justice for all,” said Oxfam International Executive Director Amitabh Behar.

    For instance, in 2023 Russia vetoed a nine-month extension of cross-border assistance to Northern Syria which left 4.1 million people with little or no access to food, water and medicine. Russia has also used its veto four times on Ukraine, despite being an aggressor in the conflict and by UN rules should therefore be disqualified from voting.

    “China, France, Russia, the UK and the US took responsibility for global security at the UNSC in what is now a bygone colonial age. The contradictions of their acting as judge and jury of their own military alliances, interests and adventures are incompatible with a world seeking peace and justice for all.” 

    Amitabh Behar, Oxfam International Executive Director

    Oxfam International

    While the UN General Assembly (UNGA) has passed at least 77 resolutions over the last decade supporting Palestinian self-determination and human rights and an end to Israel’s illegal occupation, the US has used its veto power six times to block resolutions perceived as unfavourable to its ally Israel. The US vetoes have created a permissive environment for Israel to expand illegal settlements in the Palestinian territory with impunity.

    “More often than not the Security Council permanent members’ vetoes have contradicted the will of the UN General Assembly, in which all states are represented,” Behar said.

    The report critiques another of the P5’s powers called “pen-holding”, which allows them to lead on negotiations and direct how resolutions are drafted and tabled, or ignored – again, too often according to their own interests.

    While France and the UK have not used their veto last decade, they and the US have held the pen on two-thirds of resolutions relating to the 23 protracted crises studied by Oxfam. The UK holds the pen on Yemen, for example, where it has a colonial legacy and strategic interests to maintain the maritime routes. In 2023, Mali objected to French pen-holding given what it considered “acts of aggression and destabilization” there.

    Many other initiatives are not even written up or tabled because they would inevitability be vetoed, the report says. As a result, the 23 crises studied by Oxfam are being treated in wildly different ways.

    Nearly half of them have been largely neglected with fewer than five resolutions each over the last decade, including just one on Myanmar and none on Ethiopia or Venezuela.

    “The erratic and self-interested behaviour of UNSC members has contributed to an explosion of humanitarian needs that is now outpacing humanitarian organizations’ ability to respond. This demands a fundamental change of our international security architecture at the very top.”

    Amitabh Behar, Oxfam International Executive Director

    Oxfam International

    On the other hand, the UNSC has passed nearly 80 on both South Sudan and Sudan, 53 on Somalia and 48 on Libya. None have led to lasting peace. Despite the Democratic Republic of Congo having had 24 UNSC resolutions in the past 10 years, for instance, the UN mission there (MONUSCO) has been hindered by chronic underfunding and lack of coordination.

    “The erratic and self-interested behaviour of UNSC members has contributed to an explosion of humanitarian needs that is now outpacing humanitarian organizations’ ability to respond. This demands a fundamental change of our international security architecture at the very top,” Behar said.

    Globally, the number of people needing humanitarian assistance has risen nearly four times in the last decade, triggering massive funding needs. Between 2014 and 2023, the UN appeal has nearly tripled from $20 billion to over $56 billion – but less than half of this amount was met last year.

    The report is critical of the fact that humanitarian funding remains entirely dependent upon voluntary contributions. In contrast, UN member state funding for peacekeeping operations is mandatory.

    As the Summit of the Future kicks off this week to envision a revitalized UN, Oxfam calls for a wholesale reform of the UN Security Council, including the abolition of the P5’s veto power.

    “We need a new vision for a UN system that meets its original ambitions and made fit for purpose for today’s reality,” Behar said. “A Council that works for the global majority not a powerful few. This starts with renouncing the veto and pen-holding privilege of the P5 and expanding membership to more countries.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Movie parties with chemists and excursions to a city farm: what activities for schoolchildren are held in the VDNKh Museum City

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Children can study the secrets of the Universe, learn the secrets of Leo Tolstoy’s novels and comprehend the basics of the exact sciences not only in schools, but also in city playgrounds, for example inMuseum city VDNKh. Here you can get acquainted with the achievements in the field of physics and cosmonautics, learn about the history of writing and modern art. And five thematic routes: “Technologies”, “Society”, “Art”, “Ecology”, “National Cultures”.

    We tell you about the venues where the most interesting excursions for teenagers take place, where chemists organize movie parties, and what surprises schoolchildren will find at the Cosmonautics and Aviation Center.

    Who creates vaccines and how does a bioreactor work?

    Exploring the world of the smallest living organisms and uncovering the secrets of genetics can be difficult, but VDNKh turns even the most difficult activities into an exciting game. The country’s main exhibition grounds feature Center for Modern Biotechnology “Museum “Biotech”” (Pavilion No. 30 “Microbiological Industry”). Schoolchildren from six to nine years old will be treated to a quiz excursion “A Journey with the Little Prince through the Biotech Museum”The fairytale hero will tell how he used biotechnology to save the planet from pollution, heal people and grow unusual flowers.

    Children aged 10 and over can take part in the master class. “Isolation of DNA from plant fruits”. They will not only learn about the structure and selection of plants, but also conduct a scientific experiment and isolate DNA on their own. You can come to such an exciting activity with your classmates.

    During the sightseeing tour, middle and high school students will learn what happens in a bioreactor, how a city farm works, who creates vaccines, and the difference between plastic and bioplastic. They can also see the glow of bioluminescent plants.

    Amazing Microworld and Chemists’ Movie Party

    Those who want to feel like a real biologist and study the microworld are also welcome in Pavilion No. 31 “Geology”. Here in 2022, the site of the State Biological Museum named after K.A. Timiryazev opened. Young researchers will appreciate the classes “Let’s say you have a microscope.”, “Living – non-living” And“Microsecrets of rocks”.

    You can study botany and ecology not only alone, but also with classmates. The pavilion has a program for schools “Island of Discoveries”. Museum staff conduct both theoretical classes, where they explain complex topics, and interactive classes, where schoolchildren learn to use a microscope. Details can be found on the museum website and by phone: 7 499 252⁠-36⁠-81.

    Schoolchildren interested in chemistry will also appreciate the educational and exhibition space – the pavilion “House of Polymers” “Sibur” (Pavilion No. 12), which introduces the complex world of petrochemicals. Daily excursions here tell about the polymer composition of everyday household items, clothing, housing, cars and even medical supplies. Every weekend at 13:00 the pavilion hosts chemical shows for the little ones, and at 16:00 – movie nights for high school and middle school students. All events are free.

    Quantum Physics and the Nuclear Industry

    You can conduct spectacular, yet simple experiments in a real laboratory at the Atom Museum (Pavilion No. 19). There are places for chemical and physical experiments, modern microscopes and a high-tech equipment area. Master classes are organized here for middle and high school students.

    For children aged six to nine, the museum offers classes called “Science at Your Fingertips”. At the “X-Rays” master class, children study quantum physics and create applique postcards. Classes are held in groups of up to 15 people.

    Every Saturday, the museum organizes meetings of the Family Day project. At these, children from six to 16 years old, together with their parents, can learn more about the nuclear industry, make a wind generator with their own hands, and learn how to convert chemical energy into thermal energy.

    The pavilion also hosts the “Atom Children’s Academy” project, where 10–12 year olds take classes in physics and chemistry, instilling an interest in the world around them through scientific experiments.

    From “Cosmos” to “Atom”: how the VDNKh Museum City is organizedGet in the mood for studying: VDNKh invites schoolchildren and students to the Museum City on the eve of the academic year

    How Bees Live and Why Butterflies Are Needed

    It is important not only to learn about the world around us, but also to preserve it. Pavilion No. 29 will tell you how you can take care of the environment even at a very young age. “Floriculture and landscaping”. For example, on the excursion “Fluttering Flowers” guests will be able to study butterflies, learn about their role and careful attitude to nature. And participants of the quest “What does a seed dream about?” will figure out how butterflies are connected with other insects and what seeds are for.

    During the “Immersion in Nature” and “Flower Stories” sightseeing tours, young visitors will learn about the pavilion’s exhibition spaces, the theory of plant origins, and the most unusual representatives of flora. Participants in the “Incredible Insects” tour will learn how ants live. You can sign up for these events by calling: 7 495 966-09-27.

    Pavilion No. 28 is dedicated to the hard-working insects without which life on our planet would be impossible. “Beekeeping”. In it you can learn how an apiary is arranged, what types of hives there are and how bees differ from each other. Participants of the excursion “About bees and not only” will be told how people managed to tame these insects and how they live in an apiary. You can visit the pavilion with an entrance ticket, and to sign up for a tour, call: 7 499 252-36-81.

    For future astronauts

    Those who are attracted by the mysterious expanses of the Universe are awaited in the center “Cosmonautics and Aviation” (Pavilion No. 34). Here, guests travel through the solar system, learn about the history of space exploration, and even learn how to operate aircraft.

    Children will be interested in quest excursions “School of Young Cosmonauts” And“Agent Cosmo Investigates. The Mystery of the Little Green Men”, where they will learn how a rocket works and help aliens in trouble.

    The pavilion also features interactive exhibits such as flight simulators, the 5D cinema “Space Sphere”, and many others, optical binoculars and a star room, and guests are greeted by the robot Fedor. In addition, the center collaborates with Moscow schools and conducts group excursions for its exhibitions for students starting from the fifth grade.

    From the first alphabet to the epic novel

    Schoolchildren who are particularly interested in studying history and literature are invited to attend classes to the Museum of Slavic Literature “Word” (Pavilion No. 58). Here you will learn about the development of writing in Rus’, the first alphabets and the most ancient works.

    Children from eight to 14 years old can take part in a quest excursion “Cyril and Methodius: Mission Possible” and take a trip around Russian cities. And on excursions “Missing Letters” The children will learn what language our ancestors spoke, who invented the alphabet, what a printing press was for, and which letters Peter I abolished.

    In addition, the museum holds classes for school groups. For example, on an excursion “Cyrillic in Space and Time: From the Moment of Creation to the Present Day” Participants are told about the first alphabets and ancient works. Interactive exhibits such as a monastery cell, a zemstvo school and a printing workshop will help you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the distant past.

    You can learn interesting facts about writers and immerse yourself in the world of Russian literature of the early 19th century in Pavilion No. 61 “Tsentrosoyuz”. Here the L. N. Tolstoy State Museum opened an exhibition “Leo Tolstoy. “War and Peace”. Living Pages”. It is dedicated to the life of the classic and his work on the novel of the same name. The exhibition features unique exhibits, including cannonballs from the Borodino field, the Masonic ring of the Tolstoy family, and drawings by participants in the military campaign of 1812.

    For young creators and artists

    Children who are interested in creativity will find it interesting to visit workshops “Cascade digital” (Pavilion No. 49). This is a school of contemporary art for teenagers aged 13 to 18. Here, high school students, together with professional artists, develop projects in the fields of journalism, design and architecture, and also come up with ideas for exhibitions and city festivals.

    Last year, nine areas were opened in the “Cascade Digital” workshops. For example, in the “Art is Dead, but We Are Not Yet” section, teenagers learned to notice unusual phenomena around them and analyzed significant works of art, while participants in the “Oscillations Laboratory” explored the nature of sound and the peculiarities of its perception.

    This academic year, which will run from October to May, will feature the “Cascade of Regions” section. Its participants will focus on the work of local artists and their impact on the urban environment. In addition, the “Performance as an Algorithm (Please Don’t Dance)” and “Textiles, Costume, and Fashion” sections will open, dedicated to the professions of performer and designer. Classes will be held both in person and online. Applications are open on the project website will end on October 24.

    VDNKh is a center of education: what can you learn at the country’s main exhibitionLearning is interesting: what educational projects for children and teenagers are there at VDNKh

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144376073/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Manufacturer of ATMs and charging stations became a resident of the Technopolis Moscow SEZ

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Another capital enterprise has received the status of a resident of a special economic zone (SEZ) “Technopolis Moscow”. Now, significant benefits and a special tax regime apply to JSC SAGA Technologies. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.

    “Development of service infrastructure remains our priority. On behalf of the Mayor of Moscow, we are developing the world’s best contactless payment technologies, including through new solutions from Moscow companies. Assigning resident status allows enterprises to implement the most modern developments and implement new high-tech projects. For example, in the first half of 2024, private investments by SEZ residents amounted to about 30 billion rubles, which is almost 10 billion more than in the same period last year. Microelectronics and photonics manufacturers have become leaders,” said Maxim Liksutov.

    The company “SAGA Technologies” produces banking equipment, high-tech self-service machines and equipment for automation of production. One of the company’s products is ATMs with a money recycling function. Self-service machines can now be found all over the city – from large retail chains to parking lots with parking meters.

    In the first half of the year alone, the company delivered more than five thousand units of this product to customers. According to Oksana Kalashnikova, Commercial Director of JSC SAGA Technologies, the launch of additional lines will allow expanding production and satisfying growing demand. With the opening of workshops in the Technopolis Moscow SEZ, the company plans to increase its staff, increase the number of machines and finance the development of new products.

    In addition to ATMs, the company produces charging stations for electric vehicles, which are already operating on the streets of the capital and other regions.

    “Today, more than 200 companies operate in the capital’s SEZ, over 100 of which have resident status. This gives them the opportunity to use city support measures, in particular a number of tax preferences. We are interested in increasing the number of residents of the Technopolis Moscow SEZ. Thanks to this status, companies can invest more in their projects, expand and localize production, increase production and increase the number of jobs,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of Investment and Industrial Policy

    Anatoly Garbuzov.

    SEZ “Technopolis Moscow”— a territory with a special legal status, where a preferential regime of entrepreneurial activity for investors operates. The area of six sites (Pechatniki, Alabushevo, Mikron, MIET, Angstrem, Rudnevo), where high-tech enterprises are located, exceeds 280 hectares. SEZ Technopolis Moscow has been a leader in international and national industry ratings for several years.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144344073/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Pond Bykovo Boloto in Zelenograd was put in order

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Specialists from the city economy complex have completed the rehabilitation of the Bykovo Boloto pond in Zelenograd. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.

    “The pond, located in the recreation area, was in an unsatisfactory condition: large volumes of silt deposits had accumulated on the bottom, which led to a decrease in depth and active overgrowth of algae, and destruction of the coastal strip was observed. In connection with this, a decision was made to carry out a comprehensive rehabilitation of the pond, and the work has now been fully completed,” said Petr Biryukov.

    At the first stage of the work, specialists removed silt deposits with a total volume of over 2.5 thousand cubic meters from the pond, the area of which is 0.9 hectares. This allowed to increase its maximum depth. Then they renewed 425 meters of destroyed sections of the coastal strip and made a new operational path. At the final stage, they arranged two bioplateau zones with a total area of 60 square meters, where they planted about one thousand different aquatic plants.

    Specialists from the city’s municipal services complex regularly inspect the capital’s water bodies, and if problems are identified, a decision is made on rehabilitation. The list of water bodies is compiled annually, taking into account the opinions of the capital’s residents. In 2024, more than 20 ponds are planned to be renovated in Moscow.

    Work has begun on renovating the Bykovo Boloto pond in Zelenograd

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144385073/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Commercial premises with an area of almost 240 square meters will be put up for sale in Ramenki

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The city will put up for sale a large commercial space in Ramenki. Entrepreneurs will be able to buy real estate suitable for almost any business on Mosfilmovskaya Street. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of City Property Maxim Gaman.

    “The West of the capital is among the leading districts in terms of investment in commercial real estate. In the first half of the year alone, the city sold 140 non-residential properties located in 13 districts of the Western Administrative District. In the near future, a non-residential property in Ramenki with an area of almost 240 square meters is planned to be put up for open auction. The premises can be used for various types of business aimed at a wide range of clients,” said Maxim Gaman.

    Thanks to high ceilings (from three to six meters), display windows, separate entrances and parking, the property is suitable, for example, for a store or restaurant.

    All information about the premises put up for auction is presented on the capital’s investment portal. You can learn more about the property being sold, study the documentation for the lots and the rules for holding auctions in the section “Property from the city”.

    Development of electronic services for business corresponds to the objectives of the national project “Digital Economy”. You can find out more about this and other national projects being implemented in Moscow on a special page.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144368073/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 10:04 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the GAZP (GAZPROM ao) security were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09/24/2024

    10:04

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on September 24, 2024, 10:04 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 138.57) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 148,895 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 21.25%) of the GAZP (GAZPROM ao) security were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73352

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 10:06 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor for SWAP transactions and the range of interest rate risk assessment for the TRYRUBTODTOM instrument were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09/24/2024

    10:06

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the foreign exchange market and the precious metals market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by the NCC (JSC) on September 24, 2024, 10:06 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor for swap transactions (up to 0.002117 rubles) and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to 0.002959 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 122.73%) for the TRYRUBTODTOM instrument were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73353

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 10-10 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JUKX4 (DOM.RF30ob) were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09/24/2024

    10:10

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on September 24, 2024, 10-10 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 102.98) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1070.44 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 8.13%) of the RU000A0JUKX4 security (DOM.RF30ob) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73356

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 10-39 the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment for the ABIO (iARTGEN ao) security were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09.24.2024

    10:39

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on September 24, 2024, 10:39 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with the settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -36.01%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to -0.121 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 59.86%) of the ABIO security (iARTGEN ao) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73360

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 10:48 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JVD25 (RusHydro09) were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09/24/2024

    10:48

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on September 24, 2024, 10:48 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 94.53) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 971.63 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A0JVD25 (RusHydro09) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73362

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 10:58 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JXXD3 (Rosnft1P6) were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09.24.2024

    10:58

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on September 24, 2024, 10:58 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 108.1) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1161.37 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 11.25%) of the security RU000A0JXXD3 (Rosnft1P6) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73364

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 10:58 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JXXE1 (Rosnft1P7) were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09/24/2024

    10:58

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on September 24, 2024, 10:58 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 107.34) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1148.32 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 10.0%) of the security RU000A0JXXE1 (Rosnft1P7) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73365

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 12-07 the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment for the ABIO (iARTGEN ao) security were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09.24.2024

    12:07

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on September 24, 2024, 12:07 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -48.61%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to -0.162 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 73.72%) of the ABIO security (iARTGEN ao) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73368

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A project by historians from the St. Petersburg Higher School of Economics on scientific and technical clusters has won a grant from the Russian Science Foundation

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    The Russian Science Foundation has summed up the results of a competition for group research led by young scientists. Grant support was received by a project led by Timofey Rakov from Visual History Labs. The study is devoted to scientific and technological clusters in the late Soviet and post-Soviet periods using the example of Zelenograd, Troitsk, Dolgoprudny and Peterhof. The project is designed for three years with a budget of 6 million for each year of grant implementation.

    The aim of the project is to study scientific and technological clusters in the suburbs of Moscow and St. Petersburg in the period from 1960 to 2010. The scientists will pay special attention to four specific cases: Zelenograd, Dolgoprudny, Troitsk and the campus of St. Petersburg State University in Peterhof. The structure of the scientific and technological cluster includes various organizations, such as universities, research institutes, design bureaus, enterprises and local authorities. All of them are connected by economic relations, social ties, organizational contacts, etc.

    “The geography of the project is built taking into account the specifics of the research field of various scientific spaces in the USSR. As a rule, researchers study either science cities and nuclear cities (Obninsk, Dubna, Ozersk), or Siberian academic towns,” said Timofey Rakov, a research fellow at the Laboratory of Visual History. “The objects we selected differ significantly from academic towns and science cities in their trajectory. Troitsk, for example, was initially called an academic town, and then received the status of a full-fledged city, which did not happen with any of the Siberian academic towns. Dolgoprudny and Peterhof are examples of an educational, rather than scientific cluster, where the key role is played by universities rather than scientific institutes, as in science cities. Zelenograd is also an interesting space. It was originally conceived as a satellite city of Moscow, but at the same time it was focused on science and education. Thus, each of the spaces we have chosen differs from those already studied and has its own characteristics, which, in our opinion, can best be described through the clustering framework.”

    The term “clustering” is borrowed from economics, based on the approaches of American economist Michael Porter. According to his theory, the process of cluster formation is a sign of a developed and complex economy. The project considers the selected objects in the long term – from the design stage to the current state. This approach will determine what makes clusters successful, how they are affected by the proximity of capitals and according to what scenarios they develop.

    “Relying on Michael Porter’s approach is a certain challenge for us. He writes about market economies, while in the Soviet Union it was planned. Moreover, Porter believed that one of the reasons for the failure of clusters was the participation of the state in their creation,” says Timofey Rakov. “At the same time, the Soviet state was often the only actor in the formation of clusters. We hope for a broad discussion with interested colleagues about the very idea of clustering, its application to a planned economy and a post-socialist market economy. In addition, we take a long chronological period, which will allow us to look at the formation of clusters in dynamics. Thanks to this, the results of the study can be useful to those responsible for the management and development of the cases we have selected.”

    Over the course of the year, the researchers will interview former and current cluster employees and study their ego-documents. They will also analyze archival and library materials covering the history and modern times of Dolgoprudny, Zelenograd, Peterhof, and Troitsk. Historians, anthropologists, sociologists, and economists from Moscow universities — MVSES, RANEPA, and MIPT — as well as from the European University in St. Petersburg, will join the project.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.hse.ru/nevs/scene/965970100.html

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 13-27 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the GAZP (GAZPROM ao) security were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09.24.2024

    13:27

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on September 24, 2024, 13-27 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 143.79) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 154.114 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 25.5%) of the GAZP (GAZPROM ao) security were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73370

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes the Sixth Review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement for Guinea-Bissau and Approves US$7.3 Million Disbursement

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    August 28, 2024

    • The IMF Executive Board today completed the sixth review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Guinea-Bissau. This decision allows for an immediate disbursement of SDR5.44 million (about US$7.3 million) to help meet the country’s financing needs.
    • The authorities’ commitment to a range of challenging policy reforms is starting to show some results. They should persevere with their ambitious structural reform agenda to improve domestic revenue mobilization, strengthen expenditure controls, and enhance governance.
    • Economic growth is expected to reach 5 percent in 2024, while inflation should slow to 4.2 percent compared to 7.2 percent in 2023. However, the economic outlook remains subject to significant near-term risks.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed today the sixth review under Guinea-Bissau’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. The three-year arrangement, approved on January 30, 2023, aims to secure debt sustainability, improve governance, and reduce corruption while creating fiscal space for inclusive growth. The Executive Board granted an augmentation of access (140 percent of quota or SDR 39.76 million) on November 29, 2023.

    The completion of the sixth review enables the disbursement of SDR 5.44 million (about US$7.3 million) to help meet the country’s balance-of-payments and fiscal financing needs. This brings total disbursement under the arrangement to SDR 24.88 million (about US$ 33.44 million). In completing the sixth review, the Executive Board granted a waiver of nonobservance of the end-April 2024 quantitative performance criterion on the floor on social and priority spending and the continuous quantitative performance criterion on the ceiling on the accumulation of new external payment arrears. Furthermore, the Executive Board also completed the financing assurances review.

    Economic growth is projected at 5 percent in 2024 and inflation should decline significantly from last year to reach 4.2 percent. The current account deficit is expected to narrow and reach 6.1 percent of GDP. The authorities remain committed to achieving the domestic primary deficit target of 1.2 percent of GDP in 2024 to put public debt on a firm downward trajectory. The authorities’ commitment to a range of challenging policy reforms is starting to show some results, but the economy remains subject to important near-term risks, including a challenging socio-political climate.

    At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Li, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

    “Guinea-Bissau continues to face very challenging external and domestic environments. Terms-of-trade shocks and high inflation continue, while the tightening of regional financial conditions have raised borrowing costs. Despite these challenges, the Guinea-Bissau authorities continued to build consensus on critical reforms and maintained political and macroeconomic stability. It is also commendable that the authorities have restored orderly export processes of cashew nuts, which are essential for growth and fiscal revenue, and maintained strong fiscal consolidation measures. Continued commitment to the implementation of structural reforms and policies under the ECF arrangement will be critical to ensure debt sustainability, macroeconomic stability, and address the country’s vast developmental needs.

    “Program performance in the sixth review has improved. Seven out of nine Quantitative Performance Criteria (QPC) as well as all two Indicative Targets were met for April 2024. The QPC on external payment arrears as well as the continuous structural benchmark (SB) on debt service were missed due to technical arrears in external debt service. To avoid recurrence of external arrears, the authorities should strictly adhere to the revised continuous SB which incorporates a corrective action. The QPC on social priority spending was missed due to delayed external project grants, which are expected to materialize in coming months.

    “Fiscal consolidation remains critical to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure debt sustainability and macroeconomic stability. This should be underpinned by strict rationalization of non-priority expenditure and revenue mobilization. To control spending pressures ahead of the legislative election in November 2024 and ensure achievement of the fiscal consolidation targets, expenditure controls through the Technical Committee of Arbitration of Budgetary Expenditure (COTADO) should be strengthened, and the containment of wage bill spending should continue. Revenue mobilization should focus on reducing tax expenditures and strengthening of revenue administration. The authorities should also continue to engage donors for additional budget support and grants to finance social priority spending. Moreover, it is important to strengthen debt management procedures to avoid the incurrence of technical arrears.

    “The authorities are implementing structural reforms which are pivotal to the program’s success. Urgent actions should be taken to mitigate fiscal risks from the public utility company. The authorities should also continue advancing the disengagement of the undercapitalized bank, including through contingency planning. Moreover, further efforts are needed to improve governance, especially transparency in public procurement and beneficial ownership information, which are the essential steps to improve the anti-corruption and AML/CFT effectiveness.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/08/28/pr25312-guinea-bissau-imf-exec-board-completes-6th-rev-ecf-arr-approves-us7m-disbursement

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes the Third Reviews under the Precautionary and Liquidity Line and the Arrangement Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility with Jamaica

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    August 30, 2024

    • The IMF Executive Board concluded today the third reviews under Jamaica’s Precautionary and Liquidity Line (PLL) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The PLL continues to be treated as precautionary and the completion of the reviews allow for an immediate disbursement of SDR191.45 million (US$258million) under the RSF.
    • Jamaica’s response to recent shocks has strengthened the credibility of policy frameworks, supporting an economic environment characterized by sustained growth, declining debt, low inflation, and a strengthened external position.
    • Jamaica has continued to implement an ambitious reform agenda that strengthened the fiscal and financial policy frameworks and the climate policy agenda to make the economy more resilient to climate change.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the third reviews of the Precautionary and Liquidity Line (PLL) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement on a lapse-of-time basis.[1] The PLL and the RSF were approved in March 2023, with access of SDR 727.51 million and SDR 574.35 million respectively. The completion of third reviews makes available the remaining SDR191.45 million (about US$258 million) under the RSF and SDR 727.51 million (about US$980 million) under the PLL. The authorities continue to treat the PLL as precautionary.

    The response to recent shocks has strengthened the credibility of Jamaica’s fiscal and monetary policy frameworks. In FY 2023/24, Jamaica’s economy is estimated to have grown at about 2 percent with tourism above pre-pandemic levels and a continued recovery in mining. Unemployment has fallen and the economy is in a strong cyclical position. Inflation has returned to the Bank of Jamaica’s target band and the external position has strengthened with a current account surplus, rising FDI, and ample international reserves—which at end-March 2024 reached about US$5.2 billion, the highest level in Jamaica’s history.

    Going forward, GDP growth is expected to converge to potential and inflation to return to the mid-point of the target band. The external position is expected to remain strong. Guided by the authorities’ Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF), public debt is expected to fall below 60 percent of GDP by FY2027/28. Risks to the outlook are arising from potential global economic and financial shocks and natural disasters, which are mitigated by strong policy frameworks, the authorities’ excellent track record managing shocks, and their commitment to reforms. The impact of Hurricane Beryl raises downside risks to growth and upside risks to inflation in the near term.

    The PLL has supported the authorities’ efforts to enhance financial supervision, the crisis resolution and AML/CFT frameworks, and data adequacy. Program performance has remained strong, and Jamaica continues to meet the PLL qualification criteria. All structural benchmarks were met and the BOJ overperformed on the indicative target on net international reserves. The indicative target on the fiscal balance—with a smaller than expected surplus—was marginally missed with a negligible impact on the debt consolidation plan. The authorities have made progress with the action plan to improve data, including on the fiscal and external sectors.

    The RSF has supported Jamaica’s ambitious agenda to make the economy more resilient to climate change, including reforms to accelerate the transition to renewables, increase resilience to climate change, enhance the climate focus in policy frameworks, strengthen the management of climate risks by financial institutions, and create an enabling environment for green financial instruments. All RSF reform measures were met, comprising the analysis of climate-related fiscal risks, incentives for renewable energy, reporting requirements of climate risks for financial institutions, and a framework for green-bond issuance. These efforts have the potential to catalyze climate financing going forward.

    [1] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Brian Walker

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/08/29/pr24314-jamaica-imf-exec-board-completes-3rd-rev-pll-arr-rsf

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2024 Article IV Consultation with Vanuatu

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    September 3, 2024

    Washington, DC: On August 28, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with Vanuatu.

    As Vanuatu was recovering from the natural disasters of 2023 and prolonged disturbance from the pandemic, the voluntary liquidation of Air Vanuatu in May 2024 created a major shock to the economy with substantial implications for growth and confidence. The loss of air connectivity has significant direct effects on economic activity through the decline in tourism and services, and on domestic and international labor mobility and cargo networks. Adverse developments in the Economic Citizenship Program (ECP) are also creating significant impairments to fiscal revenue and financial integrity.

    Assuming a resumption of international air connectivity by 2024Q3 and domestic connections to be restored gradually by end-2024, real GDP growth is expected to slow to 0.9 percent y/y in 2024 and recover to 1½ percent y/y in 2025 (from an estimated 2.2 percent y/y in 2023). Limited fiscal revenue and high costs associated with the airline liquidation are expected to exacerbate the deficit and reduce the government’s fiscal space. Consequently, capital spending will likely decline as expenditures are reprioritized, affecting medium- and long-term growth. Although foreign reserves will remain above the RBV’s benchmark, they are forecast to decline due to lower tourism earnings and remittances.

    While the loss of connectivity may produce price shocks, inflation, which peaked in 2023, will continue to decelerate as internal and external price pressures ease, supported by reduced demand from tourism and investment. Risks to the outlook remain tilted to the downside, including a worse-than-expected resolution of Air Vanuatu’s liquidation, political instability, geopolitical tensions, China’s slowdown, and severe natural disasters.

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They noted the significant economic shock created by the voluntary liquidation of Air Vanuatu just as the economy was recovering from the multiple natural disasters of 2023. With real GDP growth expected to decelerate markedly in 2024, and the balance of risks tilted to the downside, Directors called for urgent measures to address the immediate risks to growth and stability, and then to rebuild buffers and tackle structural issues with accelerated policy reforms.

    Directors agreed that in the near term targeted and strategic support is needed to help stabilize the economy. Starting in 2025, they called for urgent fiscal consolidation to reduce sustainability concerns, including re‑establishing and adhering to the fiscal anchor. Against the backdrop of the voluntary liquidation of Air Vanuatu, as well as declining Economic Citizenship Program (ECP) proceeds, Directors also highlighted the structural revenue weakness in Vanuatu and supported calls to strengthen public finances. They emphasized the importance of stronger revenue mobilization, expenditure rationalization, efficiency enhancements for spending, and a strong adherence to the principles of responsible public financial management.

    Directors agreed that monetary policy remains appropriately accommodative, but fiscal dominance needs to be reduced. While recognizing that the exchange rate has acted as a buffer, they noted that it requires close monitoring, and welcomed the authorities’ efforts to review the currency basket.

    Directors stressed the importance of addressing bank asset quality concerns and enhancing safeguards against financial vulnerabilities, including through upgrading regulatory, supervisory, and monitoring practices. They also agreed that improving governance and reducing vulnerabilities to corruption should remain a priority. In this context, Directors emphasized the crucial importance of enhancing anti‑corruption frameworks and the transparency and supervision of SOEs, including through ensuring an expedited approval of the Commercial Government Business Enterprises Act.

    Directors commended the authorities’ efforts to adapt to climate impacts and build resilience against future disasters and called for these efforts to be accelerated. They agreed that investing in quality education and skills training and improving the ease of doing business are crucial to addressing labor and skills shortages in Vanuatu.

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

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

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/03/pr24315-vanuatu-imf-exec-board-concludes-2024-art-iv-consult

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: MIL Analysis – The five best articles in Russian language for 03.09.2024

    MIL Analysis : Here are the top five Russian language articles published today. The analysis consists of five articles that are currently being prioritised.

    In today’s analysis, trends such as the economic performance of the Moscow Exchange are noticeable. In addition, the Moscow Metro has unveiled a new mock-up of the White Gyrfalcon train for the high-speed railway, which contributes to future trends and railway development. The new trend of ‘Chrono-work’ is gaining more and more popularity, which shows how the workforce can change. The training and culture of society is stable and improving.

    You can read one of the articles below.

    1. Financial news: ‘Portfolio’ of a student: shares take 66% in the portfolios of young investors

    Moscow Exchange has compiled an investment portfolio of ‘student’ on the stock market – the analysis was carried out among private investors aged 18 to 22 years, making transactions on the stock market of the Moscow Exchange.

    The most popular among young investors are shares. According to Moscow Exchange data, 66 per cent of the student’s ‘portfolio’ is held by shares, 22 per cent by bonds, and 12 per cent by units of investment funds. At the same time, the average market share of shares in investors’ portfolios is at the level of 35%.

    2. Maxim Liksutov: the first carriages of the newest Russian train ‘White Gyrfalcon’ will go to St. Petersburg along the high-speed railway by 2028

    Moscow Metro

    Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin presented a model of the newest Russian train ‘White Gyrfalcon’ for the high-speed railway Moscow – St. Petersburg, the project initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the exhibition ‘Manezh Station: Moscow Transport 2030’. The train will reach speeds of up to 400 kilometres per hour.

    3. ‘Rosneft’ opened a master’s programme for foreign students in Ufa

    The Rosneft Scientific Institute in Ufa has opened a Master’s programme for international students on the basis of the Ufa State Petroleum Technical University (USPTU) in Petroleum Engineering. The first students of the programme were 10 applicants from Egypt, Nigeria and Cameroon.

    4. The ‘Street of the Far East’ exhibition opened on the starting day of the WEF

    ‘We are reopening the ‘Street of the Far East’ together again. It was born 9 years ago as a dream that we could show the vast Far East in one place, all the 11 regions that are quite different. Every year we show new projects at the exhibition: roads, hospitals, social and economic initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of Far Easterners – everything about how our Far East is developing. We tell you what we are dreaming of and what we are achieving. I am confident that with our joint efforts we will achieve all our goals,’ said Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District.

    5. Introducing chrono-working: A new trend in flexible working that experts say could completely transform the workforce

    Robert Walters

    Experts talk about a new trend that has the potential to change the way the workforce is used to working.
    Almost half of respondents believe that being able to choose their own working hours would have a positive impact on their mental health
    35% of people feel that their organisation’s flexible working hours policy does not meet their specific needs.

    Find out more about MIL’s content and data services by visiting milnz.co.nz.

    Regards MIL!

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes Post Financing Assessment Discussions with South Africa

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    September 4, 2024

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Post Financing Assessment (PFA)[1], and endorsed the Staff Appraisal on a lapse-of-time basis. South Africa’s capacity to repay the Fund is assessed as adequate.

    The new government of national unity that took office in June faces significant challenges, including declining real per capita growth, high unemployment, poverty, and inequality, and a rising level of public debt. The new administration has committed to address these challenges by continuing ongoing structural reforms aimed at addressing supply constraints and bolstering inclusive growth, while maintaining fiscal discipline.

    Growth slowed to 0.7 percent in 2023, depressed in part by widespread power shortages and disruptions at rails and ports. Unemployment remained elevated, reaching 32 percent at end-2023. Following decisive monetary policy tightening during 2022 and early 2023, inflation fell within the SARB’s 3–6 percent target range last year, moderating further to 5.1 percent in June 2024. The current account deficit widened to 1.6 percent of GDP in 2023 (from
    0.5 percent in 2022), driven by higher imports. The budget deficit remained in line with the revised budget target thanks to robust revenues and expenditure restraint, although public debt continued to rise to just above 74 percent of GDP.

    Looking ahead, growth is expected to reach 1 percent in 2024, on the back of improved investor sentiment and electricity generation, stabilizing at 1.4 percent in the medium term, as structural bottlenecks ease only gradually. Inflation is projected to decline toward the midpoint of the target range 2025Q2. The current account deficit is expected to increase modestly to 2.2 percent of GDP by 2029, as imports accelerate in line with domestic demand. The fiscal deficit is projected to remain elevated over the medium term, given rising debt service, support to state-owned enterprises, and sizeable spending on public wages and transfers. As a result, public debt is not expected to stabilize. Risks to the outlook are broadly balanced, with faster reform implementation under the new government of national unity representing an upside risk to growth, while downside risks largely relate to the uncertain external environment and an inability of the new government to agree on needed fiscal and structural reforms.

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    South Africa’s economy has shown resilience in the face of massive disruptions, but persisting structural challenges risk a further erosion of living standards. Despite unprecedented electricity shortages and bottlenecks at rails and ports last year, growth stayed positive, as economic agents adapted. However, per-capita income growth continued to decline, public debt rose further, and unemployment and poverty rates remained at unacceptably high levels.

    The new government should use the opportunity of a new mandate to implement bold reforms to address long-standing challenges and achieve the economy’s full potential. Such a mandate can turn the economy around from the path of weak growth, high debt, and deteriorating living standards toward high growth, fiscal sustainability, and shared prosperity. This requires determined structural and fiscal reforms, complemented by prudent monetary and financial policies. The new administration should build on the existing reform agenda but increase its ambition and accelerate implementation to put the economy on a permanently higher and more inclusive growth path.

    Structural reforms are paramount to support job creation, growth, and prosperity. Wide-ranging electricity and transportation-sector reforms, including to foster private sector participation, are indispensable to reinvigorating activity, boosting exports, and supporting the green transition. Product-market reforms improving business environment and removing obstacles to trade, complemented by labor-market reforms, are essential to boost investment and employment. Strengthening governance and reducing corruption are essential to reap reform gains, which should be broadly distributed.

    An ambitious fiscal consolidation is essential to restore the sustainability of public finances. Durable expenditure-based consolidation of at least 3 percent of GDP over the next three years is required to place debt on a sustained downward path, while protecting vulnerable groups. Reliance on gains on foreign reserves has helped lower borrowing needs but does not substitute for the needed fiscal consolidation. Any additional spending initiatives to lower inequality and improve health should be financed in a deficit-neutral way. Improving the institutional fiscal framework by adopting a debt rule, bolstering the procurement framework, and improving public-investment management can support the adjustment and mitigate fiscal risks.

    Monetary policy should carefully manage the descent of inflation to the mid-point of the target range and stay data dependent. Given continued uncertainty about the inflation outlook, rate cuts should be considered only once inflation declines sustainably towards the mid-point of the target range. Any change to the monetary policy framework should be carefully timed, well-coordinated and communicated to manage expectations and safeguard credibility.

    Financial policies should continue to support financial stability. Ongoing banking resolution and safety-net reforms, together with the new loss-absorbing capacity requirement, significantly strengthen crisis management tools and enhance depositors’ protection. Continued monitoring of risks remains critical, given the sovereign-financial sector nexus. Implementation of prudential regulations, along with the countercyclical buffer, could play a vital role.

    Staff assess that South Africa’s capacity to repay the Fund is adequate under the baseline and downside scenarios. South Africa is expected to be able to repay the Fund by end-2025 given ample reserves and manageable external debt service. Capacity to repay is also assessed as adequate under a downside scenario, where policies will need to be tightened to contain inflationary pressures and safeguard debt sustainability, while protecting vulnerable groups. The flexible exchange rate is expected to act as a shock-absorber. 

    South Africa: Selected Economic Indicators, 2022–26

    Social Indicators

    GDP               

     

    Poverty (percent of population)

    Nominal GDP
    (2022, billions of US dollars)

    407

    Lower national poverty line (2015)

    40

    GDP per capita
    (2022, in US dollars)

    6,712

    Undernourishment (2019)

    7

    Population characteristics

     

    Inequality
    (income shares unless otherwise specified)

    Total (2022, million)

    62

    Highest 10 percent of population (2015)

    53

    Urban population
    (2020, percent of total)

    67

    Lowest 40 percent of population (2015)

    7

    Life expectancy at birth
    (2020, number of years)

    64

    Gini coefficient (2015)

    65

    Economic Indicators

     

    2022

    2023

     

    2024

    2025

    2026

     

     

    Proj.

    National income and prices
    (annual percentage change unless otherwise indicated)

       Real GDP

    1.9

    0.7

    1.0

    1.3

    1.4

       Domestic demand

    3.9

    0.8

    1.2

    1.5

    1.5

         Private Consumption

    2.5

    0.7

    0.9

    1.2

    1.3

         Government Consumption

    0.6

    1.9

    1.2

    1.2

    1.3

         Gross Fixed Investment

    4.8

    3.9

    3.1

    2.8

    2.7

         Inventory Investment
    (contribution to growth)

    1.5

    -0.6

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

       Net export
    (contribution to growth)

    -2.1

    -0.1

    -0.3

    -0.2

    -0.1

       Real GDP per capita 1/

    1.1

    -0.8

    -0.6

    -0.2

    -0.1

       GDP deflator

    5.0

    4.8

    4.9

    4.5

    4.5

       CPI (annual average)

    6.9

    5.9

    5.2

    4.6

    4.5

       CPI (end of period)

    7.4

    5.5

    4.8

    4.6

    4.5

    Labor market
    (annual percentage change unless otherwise indicated)

       Unemployment rate
    (percent of labor force, annual average)

    33.5

    33.1

    33.8

    34.2

    34.5

       Unit labor costs
    (formal nonagricultural)

    2.1

    -0.8

    -0.6

    -0.2

    -0.1

    Savings and Investment
    (percent of GDP)

    Gross national saving

    14.4

    15.0

    13.9

    13.7

    13.7

    13.7

    Investment (including inventories) 2/

    12.4

    15.4

    15.5

    15.4

    15.7

    15.8

    Fiscal position
    (percent of GDP unless otherwise indicated) 4/

    Revenue, including grants 4/

    25.0

    27.6

    26.8

    27.0

    27.0

    27.1

    Expenditure and net lending 5/

    34.6

    31.9

    32.7

    33.2

    33.4

    32.6

    Overall balance

    -9.6

    -4.3

    -5.9

    -6.3

    -6.4

    -5.5

    Primary balance

    -5.4

    0.3

    -0.9

    -0.9

    -0.8

    0.2

    Gross government debt 6/

    69.0

    70.8

    73.4

    75.0

    77.6

    79.3

    Government bond yield (10-year and over, percent) 7/

    9.7

    11.3

    11.6

    …

    …

    …

    Money and credit
    (annual percentage change unless otherwise indicated)

    Broad money

    9.4

    8.3

    6.5

    7.5

    7.5

    7.5

    Credit to the private sector 8/

    1.0

    8.9

    4.4

    5.9

    5.9

    5.9

    Repo rate (percent, end-period) 7/

    3.5

    7.0

    8.25

    …

    …

    …

    3-month Treasury bill interest rate (percent) 7/

    3.9

    6.5

    7.9

    …

    …

    …

    Balance of payments
    (annual percentage change unless otherwise indicated)

    Current account balance (billions of U.S. dollars)

    6.7

    -1.8

    -6.1

    -6.9

    -7.7

    -8.6

    percent of GDP

    2.0

    -0.5

    -1.6

    -1.8

    -1.9

    -2.0

    Exports growth (volume)

    -11.9

    7.4

    3.5

    3.5

    3.6

    3.7

    Imports growth (volume)

    -17.4

    14.9

    4.1

    4.0

    3.9

    3.8

    Terms of trade

    9.3

    -8.6

    -4.8

    -1.2

    -1.4

    -0.3

    Overall balance (percent of GDP)

    -1.0

    0.0

    0.5

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Gross reserves (billions of U.S. dollars)

    55.5

    60.6

    62.5

    62.5

    62.5

    62.5

    in percent of ARA

    78.1

    88.9

    97.0

    95.3

    …

    …

    Total external debt (percent of GDP)

    50.5

    40.4

    41.5

    42.2

    43.6

    44.9

    Nominal effective exchange rate (period average) 7/

    -11.6

    -4.9

    -7.7

    …

    …

    …

    Real effective exchange rate (period average) 7/

    -10.1

    -1.4

    -9.0

    …

    …

    …

    Exchange rate (Rand/U.S. dollar, end-period) 7/

    14.7

    17.0

    18.4

    …

    …

    …

    Sources: South African Reserve Bank, National Treasury,
    Haver, Bloomberg, World Bank,
    and Fund staff estimates and projections.

    1/ Per-capita GDP figures are computed using
    STATS SA mid-year population estimates.                                                                                                                                                                                   

    2/ Inventories data are volatile and excluded from the
    investment breakdown to help clarify fixed capital formation developments.                                                                                                         

    3/ Consolidated government as defined in the budget unless otherwise indicated.                                                                                                                                                                       

    4/ Revenue excludes “transactions in assets and liabilities” classified
    as part of revenue in budget documents.  This item represents proceeds
    from the sales of assets, realized valuation gains from holding of
    foreign currency deposits, and other conceptually similar items,
    which are not classified as revenue by the IMF’s Government Finance Statistics Manual 2014.                              

    5/ The Eskom debt relief is treated as capital transfer above-the-line item.                                                                                                                                                                                                            

    6/ Central government.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

    7/ Average January 1- April 19, 2023. For nominal and effective
    exchange rate, year on year change of average January 1-April 19.                                                                                                          

    8/ Other depository institutions’ “loans and securities” in all currencies.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

    [1] After completing an IMF lending program, a country may be subject to a Post Financing Assessment (PFA). It aims to identify risks to a country’s medium-term viability and provide early warnings on risks to the IMF’s balance sheets. For more details click here.

    [2] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when it is agreed by the Board that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/04/pr24317-south-africa-imf-exec-board-concludes-post-fin-assess-discuss

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Kingdom of Bahrain Implements the International Monetary Fund’s Enhanced General Data Dissemination System

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    September 5, 2024

    Washington, DC: With the successful launch of the new data portal, the National Summary Data Page (NSDP) today, Bahrain has implemented a key recommendation of the IMF’s Enhanced General Data Dissemination System (e-GDDS) to publish essential macroeconomic and financial data. The e-GDDS is the first tier of the IMF Data Standards Initiatives that promote transparency as a global public good and encourage countries to voluntarily publish timely data that is essential for monitoring and analyzing economic performance.

    The implementation of the e-GDDS recommendations and the launch of the new data portal – ­ are a testament to Bahrain’s commitment to data transparency. The publication of the data through the NSDP will enable national decision-makers, domestic and international stakeholders, investors, and rating agencies to have easy access to information that the IMF’s Executive Board has identified as essential for monitoring a country’s economic and financial developments. More broadly, having data in line with the e-GDDS means it should be accessible in a standardized way to facilitate analysis of economic trends across countries and to provide an early detection of risks to help avert economic crises, thus supporting sustainable economic growth and development.

    Bert Kroese, Chief Statistician and Data Officer, and Director of the IMF’s Statistics Department, welcomed this major milestone in the country’s statistical development. “I am confident that Bahrain will benefit from using the e-GDDS as a framework for further development of its statistical system,” Mr. Kroese stated. The benefits, including better sovereign financing conditions for countries participating in the e-GDDS, have recently been reviewed by the IMF Executive Board in the context of the Tenth Review of the IMF Data Standards Initiatives.

    The NSDP will serve as a one-stop publication for disseminating data covering national accounts and prices, government operations and debt, the monetary and financial sector, and the external sector. Making this information easily accessible in one place and following a predetermined schedule, including in a format that allows machine-to-machine readability and transfer, will enable all users to simultaneously access timely data, ensuring greater transparency.

    A link to Bahrain’s NSDP is available on the IMF’s Dissemination Standards Bulletin Board. The data is provided by the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, the Central Bank of Bahrain, and the Information and eGovernment Authority. Today’s launch of the NSDP shows the country’s commitment to subscribe to the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) in the near future.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Mayada Ghazala

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/05/pr-24318-bahrain-bahrain-implements-imfs-enhanced-general-data-dissemination-system

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Metro Launches Russia’s First Digital Stations

    Source: Moscow Metro

    Moscow has introduced Russia’s first-ever digital stations into its transport system, merging cutting-edge technology with traditional passenger services to enhance comfort and convenience for travellers.

    Moscow Metro, digital station.

    Leading this innovative initiative are two pilot locations: the Maryina Roscha station on the Big Circle Line of the metro, and Terminal No. 1 at the “Nizhegorodskaya” city railway station. These stations showcase various elements designed to shape the future of urban mobility.

    Key Features of the Digital Stations:

    1. Digital wayfinding:

    • Real-time updates with animated icons, text blocks, and pop-up inserts.
    • Touchscreen signboards providing local area maps, metro schemes, station accessibility status, and information on city ground transport.
    • Interactive information stands that allow for frequent updates and additional announcements.

    2. Technological innovations at Maryina Roscha:

    • Live Communication kiosk:

    Featuring a 3D chatbot named Alexandra, this kiosk combines the functionality of a chatbot and a human assistant. Passengers can receive assistance at any time and purchase metro souvenirs.

    • Advanced turnstiles:

    The new turnstile design increases capacity by 30% due to its compact build. Interactive lighting on the turnstiles indicates the payment status, and they accept various payment methods, including biometrics. A built-in lighting system guides passengers on where to stand for facial recognition payments.

    • Upgraded ticket vending machines:

       These machines feature bright and wide digital screens, operate faster, and offer additional functionalities such as route planning and temporarily freezing passes during absences.

    • Smart ceiling lights:

    These lights indicate the crowding levels of train carriages, allowing passengers to choose less crowded options by standing under green indicators.

    • Projector system:

       Eleven mini-projectors embedded in the escalator arch lighting display useful information, including weather forecasts from Yandex.Weather.

    • Integrated train schedules:

    Moreover, the digital stations integrate train schedules from the Moscow Central Circle (MCC) and Moscow Central Diameters (MCD) with Russian Railways’ route maps, enhancing the coherence of passenger information systems.

    Moscow Metro, digital station.

    Future prospects

    If these digital stations prove successful, the city plans to replace up to 30% of all metro wayfinding signs with digital versions by 2030.

    Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin has inaugurated the first digital transport facilities in Russia. We created them as part of the Moscow Transport Development Program until 2030, with a focus on innovations to enhance passenger comfort. Russian designers, planners, and manufacturers were involved in developing the solutions we have presented, — said Deputy Mayor for Transport Maksim Liksutov.

    Passenger engagement and feedback:

    To ensure continuous improvement, the digital systems at Maryina Roscha and Nizhegorodskaya stations are equipped with QR codes. Passengers can use these codes to leave feedback over the next six months. This feedback will be reviewed to determine the project’s scalability.

    With this pioneering project, Moscow is set to redefine urban commuting by making it more efficient, ‘responsive, and user-friendly, harnessing the best of contemporary technological advancements.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2024 Article IV Consultation with the Republic of Latvia

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    September 5, 2024

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with the Republic of Latvia and endorsed the staff appraisal on a lapse-of-time basis without a meeting.

    The Latvian economy contracted with significant disinflation. After the post-pandemic recovery, growth contracted by 0.3 percent in 2023, due to tighter financial conditions and weak external demand. Headline inflation declined to 0.0 percent y/y in May 2024. However, core inflation still stood at 3.1 percent in April 2024. The financial sector has so far been resilient although risks are elevated. Fiscal performance in 2023 was stronger than expected, reflecting revenue buoyancy linked to inflation and expenditure under-execution. The current account deficit narrowed to 4 percent of GDP in 2023 from 4.8 percent in 2022, due to import contraction and lower energy prices. Russia’s war in Ukraine and the related geoeconomic fragmentation are adding to structural challenges amid multiple transitions, notably, climate change and energy, and aging and labor shortages. The economic consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine continue to depress private investment and productivity, thus compromising further Latvia’s lagging income convergence.

    Amid high uncertainty, the outlook is for higher growth and the balance of risks is tilted to the downside. Real GDP growth is projected to increase to 1.7 and 2.4 percent in 2024 and 2025, respectively, underpinned by a recovery in private consumption, higher public investment, and stronger external demand. Growth in the medium-term is projected to continue at an average of around 2.5 percent, supported by public investment and reforms. Inflation is expected to continue to moderate. Headline inflation (annual average) is projected to decline to 2.0 percent in 2024. Meanwhile, core inflation (annual average) is projected to slow to 3.3 percent in 2024, reflecting persistent services inflation. Downside risks dominate, including risk to competitiveness associated with recent high wage growth, rising geopolitical tensions and deeper geoeconomic fragmentation, and weaker external demand.

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    Latvia’s economy has encountered severe headwinds. The Latvian economy contracted with significant disinflation against the backdrop of geopolitical headwinds. Notably, Russia’s war in Ukraine and the related geoeconomic fragmentation are adding to long-standing challenges to productivity, investment, and labor supply, amid multiple transitions around climate change and energy, aging and labor shortages, and rising defense costs.

    Amid high uncertainty, growth is projected to rebound, but risks are tilted to the downside. Real GDP growth is projected to increase in 2024 and 2025, largely driven by a rebound in private consumption, higher public investment, and stronger external demand. The main risks stem from rising geopolitical tensions and deeper geoeconomic fragmentation, credit risks related to variable-rate loans, and weaker-than-expected external demand. Risks to competitiveness can also arise given recent high wage growth. Over the medium-term, delays in public investment and structural reforms could weigh on potential growth.

    Considering the improving outlook, staff recommends a less expansionary, neutral fiscal stance for 2024 and a tighter fiscal stance in 2025. Proactively identifying spending efficiency and better targeting social support, while protecting the most vulnerable, would help. Staff commends the authorities for the targeting of energy support measures. In 2025, the fiscal stance should be tighter to build buffers for future spending needs. Policy options to achieve this include reducing tax exemptions, raising revenue from property taxation, strengthening tax enforcement, and improving investment spending efficiency. Fiscal policy should remain flexible and evolve if risks materialize.

    Although Latvia has some fiscal space, structural fiscal measures are needed to provide buffers for medium to long term spending pressures. Over the medium term, options for fiscal consolidation include (i) broadening the bases of corporate income tax (CIT) and personal income tax (PIT), including by reducing the shadow economy; (ii) broadening the base of property taxes; (iii) reducing tax exemptions and fossil fuel subsidies, and (iv) rationalizing spending on goods and services. Given this scaling-up of public investment amid high uncertainty and cost overrun, enhanced public investment management is warranted to mitigate fiscal risks. The mission welcomes the healthcare reform aimed to generate efficiency gains, while mitigating risks and supporting solidarity. Staff also welcomes the government’s pension reform efforts and recommends linking the retirement age to life expectancy. Latvia should swiftly implement the NRRP. 

    Although the financial sector has so far been resilient, continued monitoring of macrofinancial vulnerabilities and spillovers is warranted. The banking sector remained well capitalized and liquid, with a low NPL ratio. However, given heightened risks, continued monitoring of financial sector vulnerabilities is important. Notably, regular risk-based monitoring of banks’ asset quality and liquidity should continue, supported by tailored stress tests. Any households’ financial distress related to variable-interest-rate mortgage loans should be addressed through the consumer bankruptcy framework, supplemented by the social protection system for the most vulnerable. The new untargeted interest subsidy scheme for variable-interest-rate mortgages should not be renewed at its expiration in 2024. The authorities should refrain from further initiatives to increase taxation on bank profits given their adverse impact on bank capital and financial stability. Staff welcomes the continued efforts to mitigate cybersecurity risk.

    While the current macroprudential policy stance is broadly appropriate, the recent adjustment to the borrower-based measures for energy-efficient housing loans should be reconsidered. The overall policy stance strikes the right balance between maintaining financial stability and the need to extend credit to the economy. However, borrower-based macroprudential measures should be relaxed only when their presence is overly stringent from the financial stability perspective.

    Latvia has made significant progress in strengthening its AML/CFT frameworks and governance reforms. Staff commends the authorities’ effort to pursue AML/CFT reforms and supports the authorities’ priorities to prepare for the 6th round of MONEYVAL evaluation. Staff welcomes the authorities’ reforms to digitalize the procurement system and the continued implementation of Latvia’s anti-corruption plan and national strategy.

    Structural reforms should be accelerated to enhance productivity and resilience. Accelerating corporate reforms could boost investment and productivity by improving capital allocation and access to finance. Given the aging population and skill mismatch, Latvia should continue to address reforms to boost high-skilled labor supply which will enhance investment in productivity. Efforts should focus on promoting training and internal labor mobility toward priority sectors (green and transition, digitalization, health). Further streamlining product and service markets regulations could boost competition, innovation, and productivity. Staff welcomes the ongoing overhaul of the administrative procedures and their digitalization. Implementing measures to promote digital transformation of the economy could help reduce labor shortages and support productivity. Regarding the green and energy transition, more vigorous climate policy is needed. Staff encourages the authorities to expedite the adoption of the climate law and the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). The authorities should aim to achieve a robust balance between fiscal support, carbon pricing or taxation, and norms while addressing distributional concerns. Staff welcomes the ongoing work on climate adaptation. Latvia should continue to enhance energy security, and boost investment in clean energy and connection.

    Table 1. Latvia: Selected Economic Indicators, 2019–25

     

    2019

    2020

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025
               

    Proj.

    National Accounts

        (Percentage change, unless otherwise indicated)

    Real GDP

    0.6

    -3.5

    6.7

    3.0

    -0.3

    1.7

    2.4

    Private consumption

    0.0

    -4.3

    7.3

    7.2

    -1.3

    2.4

    2.3

    Public consumption

    5.6

    2.1

    3.5

    2.8

    7.0

    2.3

    2.2

    Gross capital formation

    0.7

    -10.0

    24.9

    -3.6

    5.1

    2.6

    2.7

    Gross fixed capital formation

    1.5

    -2.2

    7.2

    0.6

    8.2

    3.1

    3.1

    Exports of goods and services

    1.3

    0.4

    9.0

    10.3

    -5.9

    3.0

    2.6

    Imports of goods and services

    2.2

    -1.1

    15.1

    11.1

    -2.8

    3.0

    2.5

    Nominal GDP (billions of euros)

    30.6

    30.1

    33.3

    38.4

    40.3

    42.4

    44.8

    GDP per capita (thousands of euros)

    15.9

    15.8

    17.6

    20.5

    21.4

    22.5

    23.9

    Savings and Investment

    		              

    Gross national saving (percent of GDP)

    22.2

    24.3

    21.1

    20.3

    19.0

    19.1

    18.9

    Gross capital formation (percent of GDP)

    22.8

    21.4

    25.0

    25.0

    23.0

    22.8

    22.5

    Private (percent of GDP)

    18.9

    17.2

    21.2

    21.7

    19.4

    18.7

    18.6

    HICP Inflation

    		              

    Headline, period average

    2.7

    0.1

    3.2

    17.2

    9.1

    2.0

    2.4

    Headline, end-period

    2.1

    -0.5

    7.9

    20.7

    0.9

    3.9

    1.6

    Core, period average

    2.7

    1.1

    2.0

    11.3

    9.8

    3.3

    3.1

    Core, end-period

    1.9

    0.9

    4.7

    15.2

    4.0

    3.7

    2.8

    Labor Market

    		              

    Unemployment rate (LFS; period average, percent)

    6.3

    8.1

    7.6

    6.9

    6.5

    6.5

    6.5

    Nominal wage growth

    7.2

    6.2

    11.7

    7.5

    11.9

    8.5

    7.0

    Consolidated General Government 1/

    (Percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

    Total revenue

    37.3

    37.7

    37.6

    37.2

    38.5

    38.6

    38.7

    Total expenditure

    37.7

    41.4

    43.2

    40.9

    42.0

    42.0

    41.4

    Basic fiscal balance

    -0.4

    -3.7

    -5.5

    -3.7

    -3.5

    -3.4

    -2.7

    ESA fiscal balance

    -0.5

    -4.4

    -7.2

    -4.6

    -2.2

    -2.9

    -2.7

    General government gross debt

    36.7

    42.7

    44.4

    41.8

    43.6

    44.7

    44.8

    Money and Credit

    Credit to private sector (annual percentage change)

    -2.3

    -4.4

    11.9

    7.1

    5.1

    …

    …

    Broad money (annual percentage change)

    8.0

    13.1

    9.2

    5.1

    2.7

    …

    …

    Balance of Payments

    		              

    Current account balance

    -0.6

    2.9

    -3.9

    -4.8

    -4.0

    -3.7

    -3.5

    Trade balance (goods)

    -8.6

    -5.1

    -8.3

    -10.7

    -9.3

    -8.8

    -8.8

    Gross external debt

    117.1

    122.1

    110.5

    102.3

    98.5

    94.9

    86.6

    Net external debt 2/

    18.1

    13.6

    10.3

    8.1

    7.5

    10.7

    13.5

    Exchange Rates

    		              

    U.S. dollar per euro (period average)

    1.12

    1.14

    1.18

    1.05

    1.08

    …

    …

    REER (period average; CPI based, 2005=100)

    123.0

    124.5

    125.0

    129.7

    136.8

    …

    …

    Terms of trade (annual percentage change)

    0.9

    1.8

    -1.6

    -0.6

    3.6

    -0.1

    0.9

    Sources: Latvian authorities; Eurostat; and IMF staff calculations.

    1/ National definition. Includes economy-wide EU grants in revenue and expenditure.

    2/ Gross external debt minus gross external assets.

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

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

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Boris Balabanov

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/05/pr-24319-latvia-imf-executive-board-concludes-2024-article-iv-consultation

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Metro – Second phase of Russia’s first driverless tram launch – now with passengers

    Source: Moscow Metro

    The Moscow Metro announced the start of the second phase of launching the first driverless tram in Russia as the first stage was successfully completed. Now the driverless tram runs with passengers in test mode.

    Context

    In 2023, the Moscow Metro established a Driverless Transport Research and Development Center, bringing together top developers and mathematicians from leading IT companies such as Nvidia, Huawei, Siemens, and Yandex.

    The Center’s innovative driverless tram technology is designed around the Lvyonok-Moskva tram model, which is equipped with the latest driverless driving equipment, including four lidars, six cameras, and three radars.

    The software, based on artificial intelligence technology, was developed in-house by the Moscow Government, making it a unique European innovation that outperforms foreign counterparts in terms of precision and reliability.

    The launch of Russia’s first driverless tram comprises three stages.

    First stage highlights

    The first stage, which took place from May 23 to August 29, 2024, focused on testing the driverless tram without passengers. A driver and a system that duplicated the driver’s actions were onboard, where the system facilitated the tram’s movement, but the driver made the final decisions.

    During this phase, the driverless tram covered more than 800 kilometers on route No. 10, from Schukinskaya metro station to Kulakova Street. Numerous tests were conducted to verify the reliability of the systems in:

    • Maintaining a set speed and navigating curvilinear sections
    • Passing through track switches
    • Detecting various obstacles
    • Stopping at designated points
    • Performing emergency braking

    The first stage concluded successfully, with no traffic violations recorded. All systems were thoroughly checked, confirming that both the tram and its software were fully prepared for passenger travel.

    Second stage plans

    In the second stage, the driverless system will take full control, including opening and closing doors. A driver will be present in the cab to oversee and ensure the tram’s actions. An onboard screen will display key performance indicators of various systems for monitoring and transparency. The trips on the route No. 10 will be performed both with and without passengers.

    Looking forward

    By the final stage, expected to be completed by the end of 2025, the tram is set to operate autonomously with passengers and without a driver at the controls. A specialist may be present in the cab or the passenger area to visually monitor the tram’s operations and perform other necessary functions.

    This groundbreaking project signifies a major step forward in driverless vehicle technology, not just for Russia but for Europe as a whole, setting new standards for reliability and innovation in public transportation.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2024 Article IV Consultation with Togo

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    September 6, 2024

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with Togo.

    Following a series of shocks in recent years, Togo continues to face headwinds, including persistent challenges of food security and terrorist attacks, while broader development needs remain acute. Fiscal expansion implemented in response to the shocks has helped preserve robust economic growth but has also pushed up public debt, reversing the debt reduction achieved during the 2017–20 ECF-arrangement, eroding fiscal space and buffers to absorb shocks, and contributing to regional vulnerabilities in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). In response to these challenges, in March 2024, the International Monetary Fund approved the authorities’ request for a new arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility.

    Against a background of a substantial strengthening of fiscal revenue and a beginning of fiscal consolidation in 2023, the macroeconomic outlook is broadly favorable. Growth is expected to remain robust, while fiscal revenue is expected to rise further. There are no substantial domestic or external disequilibria, with low inflation and a well-contained current account deficit.

    The outlook is however subject to elevated risks, including from a potential intensification of terrorism, potential difficulties in securing affordable regional financing, and banking sector challenges. In the longer run, economic performance is also subject to the risk of weakening debt sustainability should efforts to achieve sufficient fiscal consolidation while maintaining robust growth disappoint.

    The 2024 Article IV consultation focused on how the Togolese authorities can best (i) anchor macroeconomic stability by ensuring fiscal consolidation to enhance debt sustainability, (ii) conduct structural reforms to lay the basis for sustained growth, and (iii) strengthen social inclusion to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and support medium-term growth prospects.  

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They commended the authorities’ policies, which enabled Togo to weather the series of shocks of recent years relatively well, with continued growth and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. However, significant challenges remain, including from the sharp increase in the debt burden in recent years and terrorist attacks at the northern border, while development needs remain acute. Against this background, Directors encouraged the authorities to maintain full commitment to the recently approved ECF arrangement with the Fund and continue their efforts to strengthen debt sustainability and implement reforms to boost inclusive growth and reduce poverty. These efforts should be well communicated to ensure social cohesion and supported by the Fund’s capacity development.

    Directors underscored the importance of continued growth‑friendly fiscal consolidation, guided by the dual fiscal anchor adopted under the ECF, to ensure debt sustainability and create fiscal buffers. They welcomed the recent large increase in fiscal revenue and called for further measures, comprising tax policy and revenue administration elements. Such measures could be considered as a part of an overarching fiscal strategy that considers taxation and spending together to help reach both efficiency and income distribution goals. In that context, creating space for priority spending, particularly on health and education, will be imperative to promote social inclusion while expanding cash transfers could further improve the social safety nets. The authorities should also continue to strengthen public financial management, including the oversight of state‑owned enterprises.

    Directors noted that to boost growth it will be important to strengthen the business environment, accelerate productivity gains, and attract more private investment. Strengthening of the governance and anti‑corruption frameworks will be key. In this regard, they encouraged the authorities to request an IMF governance diagnostic assessment. Directors noted the dynamic economic activity at the special economic zone while encouraging cautious implementation of industrial policies, considering their cost and benefits. The authorities should also continue addressing the existing financial sector vulnerabilities and increasing the capacity of banks to provide credit to the private sector. Improving access to infrastructure and utilities and building climate resilience, potentially with support by an RSF arrangement, remains key. Further enhancing data provision to the Fund is also important.

    It is expected that the next Article IV Consultation with Togo will be held in accordance with the Executive Board decision on consultation cycles for members with Fund arrangements.

    Table 1. Togo: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2020–29

     

    2020

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    Estimates

    Projections

    (Percentage change, unless otherwise indicated)

    Real GDP

    2.0

    6.0

    5.8

    5.6

    5.3

    5.3

    5.5

    5.5

    5.5

    5.5

    Real GDP per capita

    -0.4

    3.5

    3.3

    3.1

    2.8

    2.8

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    GDP deflator

    1.8

    2.5

    3.7

    2.9

    2.2

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    Consumer price index (average)

    1.8

    4.5

    7.6

    5.3

    2.7

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    GDP (CFAF billions)

    4,253

    4,621

    5,069

    5,507

    5,927

    6,366

    6,850

    7,371

    7,932

    8,536

    Exchange rate CFAF/US$ (annual average level)

    575

    554

    622

    606

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Real effective exchange rate (appreciation = –)

    -2.0

    -1.4

    2.3

    -5.4

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Terms of trade (deterioration = –)

    -1.3

    6.5

    -0.1

    4.4

    -2.7

    -2.5

    0.4

    1.1

    1.0

    0.7

    Monetary survey

     (Percentage change of beginning-of-period broad money)

    Net foreign assets

    14.1

    5.6

    -0.6

    6.2

    2.7

    2.4

    3.0

    2.8

    2.2

    2.2

    Net credit to government

    -1.6

    -0.3

    8.0

    0.2

    -2.9

    1.0

    1.2

    2.0

    0.2

    0.2

    Credit to nongovernment sector

    0.2

    6.0

    10.7

    1.5

    9.4

    4.0

    4.4

    4.6

    4.8

    4.8

    Broad money (M2)

    11.4

    12.3

    14.9

    8.5

    8.8

    7.4

    7.6

    7.6

    7.6

    7.6

    Velocity (GDP/end-of-period M2)

    2.1

    2.1

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    Investment and savings

    (Percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

    Gross domestic investment

    21.4

    23.4

    25.9

    28.0

    26.0

    24.4

    25.0

    25.8

    26.7

    27.2

    Government

    9.3

    8.2

    9.7

    11.5

    9.3

    7.3

    7.7

    8.3

    8.9

    9.4

    Nongovernment

    12.1

    15.2

    16.2

    16.5

    16.7

    17.1

    17.3

    17.5

    17.8

    17.8

    Gross national savings

    21.1

    21.2

    22.5

    25.1

    22.7

    21.0

    21.9

    23.3

    24.4

    24.9

    Government

    2.2

    3.6

    1.4

    4.8

    4.4

    4.3

    4.7

    5.3

    5.9

    6.4

    Nongovernment

    18.9

    17.6

    21.0

    20.3

    18.3

    16.8

    17.2

    18.0

    18.5

    18.5

    Government budget

    Total revenue and grants

    16.6

    17.1

    17.6

    19.8

    19.0

    18.8

    19.2

    19.7

    20.1

    20.5

    Revenue

    14.1

    15.3

    15.1

    16.8

    16.9

    17.3

    17.8

    18.3

    18.7

    19.3

    Tax revenue

    12.5

    14.0

    13.9

    14.8

    15.2

    15.7

    16.2

    16.7

    17.2

    17.7

    Expenditure and net lending (excl. banking sector operation)

    23.7

    21.8

    26.0

    26.6

    23.9

    21.8

    22.2

    22.7

    23.1

    23.5

    Overall primary balance (commitment basis, incl. grants)

    -4.7

    -2.5

    -5.9

    -3.9

    -4.0

    -0.5

    -0.6

    -0.8

    -1.0

    -1.1

    Overall balance (commitment basis, incl. grants, excl. banking sector operations)

    -7.0

    -4.7

    -8.3

    -6.7

    -4.9

    -3.0

    -3.0

    -3.0

    -3.0

    -3.0

    Overall balance (commitment basis, incl. grants)

    -7.0

    -4.7

    -8.3

    -6.7

    -6.4

    -3.0

    -3.0

    -3.0

    -3.0

    -3.0

    Overall primary balance (cash basis, incl. grants)

    -4.7

    -3.4

    -5.9

    -3.9

    -4.0

    -0.5

    -0.6

    -0.8

    -1.0

    -1.1

    Overall balance (cash basis, incl. grants, excl. banking sector operations)

    -7.1

    -5.6

    -8.3

    -6.7

    -4.9

    -3.0

    -3.0

    -3.0

    -3.0

    -3.0

    Overall balance (cash basis, incl. grants)

    -7.1

    -5.6

    -8.3

    -6.7

    -6.4

    -3.0

    -3.0

    -3.0

    -3.0

    -3.0

    External sector

    Current account balance

    -0.3

    -2.2

    -3.5

    -2.9

    -3.3

    -3.3

    -3.1

    -2.5

    -2.3

    -2.3

    Exports (goods and services)

    23.3

    23.7

    26.6

    25.5

    25.6

    25.5

    26.1

    26.3

    26.3

    26.2

    Imports (goods and services)

    -32.3

    -34.0

    -38.8

    -36.2

    -35.7

    -34.8

    -34.4

    -34.2

    -34.0

    -34.0

    External public debt1

    27.6

    27.3

    26.2

    25.9

    27.4

    28.7

    29.6

    30.4

    30.6

    30.2

    External public debt service (percent of exports)1

    6.9

    5.2

    8.3

    8.2

    8.4

    9.1

    9.1

    8.2

    7.2

    6.5

    Domestic public debt2

    34.6

    37.6

    41.2

    42.1

    42.4

    39.8

    36.9

    34.6

    32.8

    31.8

    Total public debt3

    62.2

    64.9

    67.4

    68.0

    69.8

    68.6

    66.5

    65.0

    63.4

    62.0

    Total public debt (excluding SOEs)4

    60.1

    63.0

    65.8

    66.6

    68.6

    67.6

    65.7

    64.3

    62.8

    61.5

    Present value of total public debt3

    …

    …

    …

    60.5

    61.0

    58.3

    54.7

    51.8

    49.1

    47.4

    Sources: Togolese authorities and IMF staff estimates and projections.

    1 Includes state-owned enterprise external debt.

    2 Includes domestic arrears and state-owned enterprise domestic debt.

    3 Includes domestic arrears and state-owned enterprise debt.

    4 Includes domestic arrears.

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. (Article IV consultations with countries benefitting from Fund financial arrangements are held every other year.) A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.  

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

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/06/pr24320-togo-imf-exec-board-concludes-2024-aiv-consult

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –