NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI USA: Head of Commercial Real Estate Investment Firm Sentenced to 87 Months for $62.8M Investment Fraud Scheme

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A New York man was sentenced yesterday in the Northern District of Georgia to 87 months in prison and ordered to pay over $45 million in restitution for his role in a scheme to defraud investors in connection with commercial real estate investments in Atlanta, Georgia and Miami, Florida.

    According to court documents, beginning in May 2022, Elchonon “Elie” Schwartz, 46, of New York City, engaged in a scheme to defraud commercial real estate investors that invested through the crowdfunding investment website, CrowdStreet Marketplace. Schwartz raised over $62.8 million from hundreds of investors through CrowdStreet, including approximately $54 million for a large commercial real estate complex in Atlanta, Georgia, and approximately $8.8 million for a mixed-use building in Miami Beach, Florida. When soliciting investments, Schwartz represented to CrowdStreet investors that he would safeguard their funds in segregated bank accounts, not commingle the investors’ money, and only use it to fund the investment in each property.

    Over the course of the scheme, however, Schwartz directed substantially all the CrowdStreet investor money into his personal bank account, personal brokerage account, and accounts for unrelated commercial real estate investments he controlled. He used the CrowdStreet investor funds to purchase luxury watches, invest in stocks and options in his brokerage account, and cover payroll expenses for his unrelated commercial real estate businesses. Ultimately, in mid-July 2023, the two corporate entities that Schwartz had formed to receive funds from CrowdStreet investors both filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

    “Yesterday a federal judge sentenced Elchonon Schwartz to 87 months for defrauding investors out of more than 60 million dollars through lies and deceit as part of a real estate scheme,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Criminal Division. “The defendant made fraudulent representations to investors and misappropriated their money to buy luxury watches and to deposit into his brokerage and bank accounts instead of investing it as promised. The Criminal Division remains dedicated to prosecuting fraudsters who steal investors’ hard-earned savings to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “Schwartz’s greed was boundless,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia. “He callously abused the trust of hundreds of investors to line his own bank accounts, purchase expensive watches, and buy additional luxury items. Schwartz’s sentence reflects our office’s commitment to hold fraudsters accountable for exploiting investors who innocently rely on their false representations.”

    “This sentencing underscores that those who exploit the trust of investors for personal gain will be held accountable,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office. “Mr. Schwartz’s actions caused significant financial harm to hundreds of individuals, and hopefully today’s outcome delivers a measure of justice for the victims.”

    In February 2025, Schwartz pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

    The FBI Atlanta Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department appreciates the valuable assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement.

    Trial Attorney Matthew F. Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Connors for the Northern District of Georgia prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Florida Ophthalmology Practice Agrees to Pay $615,000 to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulent Claims to Medicare and Medicaid for Cranial Ultrasounds

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Pinellas Eye Care, P.A. doing business as Gulfcoast Eye Care (“Gulfcoast Eye”), an ophthalmology practice with offices in Pinellas Park, Palm Harbor, and St. Petersburg, Florida, has agreed to pay $615,000 to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act and an analogous Florida statute arising from its billing for trans-cranial doppler ultrasounds (“TCDs”) provided through a kickback arrangement with a third party. Gulfcoast Eye has agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s ongoing investigations of other participants in the alleged scheme.

    The settlement resolves allegations that Gulfcoast Eye knowingly submitted, and caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary TCDs. Gulfcoast Eye and a third-party provider of TCD services performed TCDs on thousands of patients and billed Medicare and Medicaid hundreds of dollars per test. Before the patients received the results of the test, Gulfcoast Eye and the third-party provider identified the patients as having received a serious diagnosis — most commonly of occlusion and stenosis of their cerebral arteries — that could qualify the patient for reimbursement of a TCD by Medicare or Medicaid. However, nearly all patients who received TCDs never had occlusion and stenosis of cerebral arteries, and that diagnosis was accordingly not reflected in the patient’s medical history or in the TCD results. Gulfcoast Eye paid the third-party TCD provider based on the volume or value of tests ordered and referred the patients to the TCD provider’s preferred radiology group for the TCD’s professional component. 

    The United States alleged that, as a result of this scheme, Gulfcoast Eye submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for TCDs that were medically unnecessary, that were premised on false diagnoses, and that resulted from violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law. Of the $615,000 total settlement amount, $602,046 is to be paid to the United States, and $12,953 is to be paid to the State of Florida for its share of Medicaid, which is a jointly funded federal and state program.

    “Patients trust their healthcare providers to administer reliable and competent care consistent with their medical needs and ethical standards,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “When this relationship is exploited for personal gain or greed, the integrity of our healthcare system is compromised. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to protect patients from potential harm and maintain the integrity of our federal programs.”

    “Kickback schemes will always be an investigative priority for the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “Our mission is to protect the American people which includes safeguarding them from deceitful actions threatening our nation’s federal healthcare system.”

    “Kickback arrangements can corrupt legitimate medical decision-making and undermine the integrity of federal healthcare programs,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan P. Lynch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG, working with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate improper billing and kickback schemes to protect both Medicare and Medicaid as well as those served by these programs.”

    The civil settlement resolved a lawsuit filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the Government’s recovery. The qui tam was filed by a whistleblower who will receive $116,850 in connection with the settlement.

    The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG and the FBI. The United States previously resolved allegations that another ophthalmology practice in Florida engaged in a similar scheme with the same third-party TCD provider.

    The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    Trial Attorney Nelson Wagner in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Mamie Wise for the Middle District of Florida handled the matter.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Meets With Associate Attorney General Nominee Ahead Of Confirmation Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    May 19, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement after meeting with Stanley Woodward, President Trump’s nominee to be the Associate Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice:
    “The Department of Justice is reeling from turmoil, as extremist loyalists dismantle longstanding programs and protections to appease the President. DOJ is causing a mass exodus of key staff, canceling hundreds of millions of dollars in grants, and reassigning what little staff is left to bolster the President’s illegal mass deportation scheme—and none of it makes our country safer.
    “The Associate Attorney General oversees many crucial offices and programs under threat. I shared as much with Mr. Woodward, and I look forward to hearing more from him under oath.”
    The Associate Attorney General oversees the Civil Division, Civil Rights Division, Antitrust Division, Tax Division, Environment and Natural Resources Division, Office of Justice Programs, Office on Violence Against Women, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, Office for Access to Justice, Office of Information Policy, Community Relations Service, United States Trustees Program, and Foreign Claims Settlement Commission.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Letter to Speaker and Rules Chair on GOP Tax Scam

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

    Know Your Immigration Rights

    If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

    Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

    Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

    Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

    The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

    Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Reintroduces Bill to Protect Older Workers from Age Discrimination

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

    Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) joins Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) and a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers to reintroduce the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act (POWADA), which will restore critical protections for older workers facing age discrimination.

    POWADA reinstates the pre-2009 legal standard for age discrimination claims, aligning the burden of proof with the same standards used for claims involving discrimination based on race and national origin.

    “Age discrimination is one of the most prevalent issues affecting an entire generation of older Americans,” said Grothman. “Too often, workers aged 50 and up are laid off while still juggling mortgages, family, and financial obligations. As they try to reenter the workforce, they face major obstacles in finding new employment. Employers also tend to let go of older employees to avoid higher insurance costs, leaving these individuals with limited options.

    “The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act is a crucial initiative that aims to restore legal safeguards for older Americans by ensuring that age discrimination claims receive just as much credibility as any other form of workplace discrimination. Age discrimination is often overlooked, but it is one of the most egregious forms of discrimination hurting Americans. Older workers deserve to work without facing unnecessary burdens.”

    “Everyone—regardless of their age—should be able to go to work every day knowing that they are protected from discrimination. Unfortunately, age discrimination in the workplace is depriving older workers of opportunities and exposing them to long-term unemployment and severe financial hardship. More than a decade ago, the Supreme Court undermined protections for older workers by setting an unreasonable burden of proof for age discrimination claims. The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act is a bipartisan bill that would finally restore the legal rights of older workers by ensuring that the burdens of proof in age discrimination claims are treated in the same manner as other discrimination claims,” said Ranking Member Scott.

    “In a truly free and fair America, equal opportunity must be a fundamental right for all citizens, regardless of age,” said Congressman Van Drew. “Unfortunately, age discrimination continues to deny older workers the opportunities they deserve, despite their years of dedication and contributions to our society. This is unacceptable. That is why I am proud to support the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act of 2025 to restore legal protections, uphold the dignity of older Americans, and ensure fairness for all.”

    “Older workers have a wealth of experience to offer and should not have to overcome age discrimination, or any other form of discrimination, to find a job or fulfill their role in a workplace,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “We must hold employers accountable for age discrimination and restore protections for older workers. I’m grateful to lead this legislation with a group of bipartisan colleagues.”

    “Discrimination has no place in the American workforce, and no one should lose opportunity, dignity, or legal protection simply because of their age. Our bipartisan, bicameral bill restores a core standard of fairness, ensuring our older workers are valued for their contributions and protected from unjust treatment—just like every hardworking American,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

    “Every Wisconsin worker deserves to feel respected and protected in the workplace. We need to ensure this is true for older workers, so they have equal footing and are treated with the dignity they deserve,” said Senator Baldwin.

    “Older Americans have spent their careers bettering our country which is why I’m proud to reintroduce POWADA to strengthen anti-discrimination protections for our senior workers,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Far too often, older workers face age discrimination in the workplace, with two-thirds of workers over 50 seeing or experiencing age discrimination at work. POWADA will ensure that older workers are treated fairly in the job market, improve age discrimination protections, and make sure they can continue to work with the dignity they’re owed. There is no place for mistreatment in the workforce.”

    “Americans of all ages can offer valuable contributions to our society and economy, including older Americans. They deserve to be protected from workplace discrimination like other Americans. The Supreme Court’s decision involving Iowan Jack Gross impacted employment discrimination litigation across the nation, sending a wrong message to employers that age discrimination is okay. It’s long past time for us to clarify the intent of Congress so Americans don’t face job discrimination due to age,” said Senator Grassley.

    “Older workers are vital to a thriving economy, yet according to AARP research, 64 percent of workers ages 50-plus report seeing or experiencing age discrimination on the job,” said Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at AARP. “More than half of older workers are forced out of a job before they intend to retire. Even if they find work again, many of these workers never match their prior earnings. In addition, 22 percent of older workers report that they have been passed up for a promotion or other career-enhancing opportunities because of their age. These actions not only hurt the workers in question but also limit the economy’s ability to have a thriving job market by unnecessarily reducing the labor force. Older workers deserve a fair shot and our economy needs them.”

    Background Information

    In 2009, the Supreme Court’s decision in Gross v. FBL Financial Services, Inc. raised the burden of proof for age discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), weakening protections for older workers. Gross overturned past precedent that only required plaintiffs seeking to prove age discrimination in employment to demonstrate that age was a motivating factor for the employer’s adverse action.

    POWADA returns the legal standard for age discrimination claims to the pre-2009 evidentiary threshold, aligning the burden of proof with the same standards for proving discrimination based on race and national origin.

    POWADA amends the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Rehabilitation Act.

    A similar version of the bill was passed in the House with bipartisan support during the 117th Congress.

    Read the fact sheet for the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act here.

    Read the section-by-section summary of the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act here.

    Grothman is joined by Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA), Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Representative Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), and Representative Alma Adams (D-NC).

    In the Senate, POWADA is led by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).

    The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act is supported by the following organizations: American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Aging Life Care Association, Alliance for Retired Americans, Elder Justice Coalition, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), National Employment Law Project (NELP), National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center, The National Council on Aging, and USAging.

    -30- 

    U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) is serving his fifth term representing Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harbour Grace — Harbour Grace RCMP arrests two vehicle occupants after responding to call for service in Carbonear

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Two occupants of a vehicle were arrested by Harbour Grace RCMP after police responded to a call for service in Carbonear on May 16, 2025.

    Shortly before 9:00 a.m. on Friday, Harbour Grace RCMP received a request to assist paramedics who were responding to reports of an unresponsive man and woman, both found in a vehicle on Lemarchant Street in Carbonear. Police attended the scene and observed the unresponsive occupants inside the vehicle. A man was in the driver seat with the engine running and the vehicle still in gear. An officer put the vehicle in park and turned off the engine.

    The driver, a 36-year-old Carbonear man, became responsive and displayed signs of drug impairment. He was arrested and was transported to Carbonear General Hospital where blood samples were obtained as part of a drug impaired driving investigation. Officers await the results of the testing to determine if charges of drug impaired driving are appropriate.

    The passenger, a 33-year-old Bell Island woman, was found in breach of conditions of a release order and she was arrested.

    Various illicit and prescription drugs, drug paraphernalia and other items consistent with drug trafficking were seized from the vehicle, along with a number of weapons. The vehicle was seized and impounded.

    Both individuals were held in police custody and later released.

    The investigation is continuing. A number of charges under the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act are expected.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin, Grassley Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Older Workers from Discrimination in the Workplace

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the bipartisan Protecting Older Workers from Age Discrimination Act (POWADA) to level the playing field for older workers and protect Americans from age discrimination in the workplace.
    “Every Wisconsin worker deserves to feel respected and protected in the workplace. We need to ensure this is true for older workers, so they have equal footing and are treated with the dignity they deserve,” said Senator Baldwin.
    “Americans of all ages can offer valuable contributions to our society and economy, including older Americans. They deserve to be protected from workplace discrimination like other Americans. The Supreme Court’s decision involving Iowan Jack Gross impacted employment discrimination litigation across the nation, sending a wrong message to employers that age discrimination is okay. It’s long past time for us to clarify the intent of Congress so Americans don’t face job discrimination due to age,” said Senator Grassley.
    In 2009, the Supreme Court ruled in Gross v. FBL Financial Services that workers who face age discrimination must meet a higher burden of proof than workers who face discrimination based on other characteristics like race, sex, national origin or religion.
    The court ruled that, whereas for decades a worker needed to prove only that discrimination was a factor in an adverse employment decision to make an age discrimination claim, now a worker needs to prove it was the deciding factor in that decision. This significantly weakened the protections of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and sent a clear signal to employers: some age discrimination is perfectly fine.
    A survey conducted by AARP in 2018 found that more than three in five workers ages 45 and above reported seeing or experiencing age discrimination in the workplace. The survey also found that three quarters of these workers cited age discrimination as a reason for their lack of confidence in being able to find a new job.
    POWADA would amend the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the retaliation provision in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to level the playing field for older workers. The bill would restore the pre-Gross standard, recognizing once again the legitimacy of so-called “mixed-motive” claims in which discrimination is a, if not the deciding, factor. It would also reaffirm that workers may use any type of admissible evidence to prove their claims.
    The legislation is also co-sponsored by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and was introduced in the U.S. House today by Representatives Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), Glenn Grothman (R-WI-06), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Alma Adams (D-NC-12), and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02). This legislation is supported by National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), Elder Justice Coalition, AARP, Alliance for Retired Americans, The National Council on Aging, National Partnership for Women & Families, USAging, National Employment Law Project, and National Women’s Law Center.
    “AARP, which advocates for the more than 100 million Americans age 50 and older, is pleased to endorse the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act,” said Bill Sweeney, AARP Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. “Older workers deserve a fair shot and our economy needs them. This bill helps level the playing field for older workers and restores their ability to fight back against age discrimination in the workplace.”
    “No one should face discrimination in the workplace, including older workers. In particular, older women are already at an economic disadvantage due to decades of facing gender-based discrimination and harassment, the gender wage gap, and a lack of family supportive policies – and age discrimination can be the final blow to their economic security as they look toward retirement. The National Partnership commends the bipartisan POWADA bill sponsors for taking this critical step to ensure that older workers have the same legal rights against discrimination as everyone else,” said Sharita Gruberg, Vice President for Economic Justice at National Partnership for Women & Families.
    A one-pager on this bill is available here. Full text of this legislation is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mrvan Reintroduces Veterans’ Security and Pay Transparency Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN)

    Washington, DC – Rep. Frank J. Mrvan (D-IN-01) and Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) recently reintroduced H.R.3359, the Veterans’ Security and Pay Transparency Act.

    The purpose of this legislation is to improve recruitment and retention of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Police Officers.  Specifically, the Veterans’ Security and Pay Transparency Act would require the VA Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress on salaries, recruitment bonuses, and other compensation of all VA Police Officers.  This information will be utilized to conduct Congressional oversight and determine how VA can improve recruitment and retention of police officers to protect veterans and VA personnel.

    Congressman Mrvan stated, “I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation with Chairwoman Kiggans to support law enforcement personnel at the VA.  I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to hold the VA accountable and improve recruitment and retention of VA Police Officers as it works to keep our nation’s veterans and VA facilities across the country safe and secure.”

    Congresswoman Kiggans stated, “VA Police Officers play a vital role in protecting the veterans who rely on VA facilities for care and the staff who serve them.  This bipartisan bill provides much-needed transparency into VA recruitment and compensation for these officers to ensure they have the support needed to do their jobs safely and effectively.  Strengthening recruitment and retention of qualified VA Police is essential to keeping our veterans safe.”

    American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) National Veterans Affairs Council President Alma Lee stated, “AFGE applauds Representative Mrvan and Chairwoman Kiggans for introducing the Veterans’ Security and Pay Transparency Act.  AFGE is proud to represent VA Police Officers, 90 percent of whom are veterans themselves, in VA facilities throughout the nation.  The passage of this legislation will provide valuable oversight of the compensation of the VA police force, and help the VA and Congress improve the recruitment and retention of dedicated VA Police Officers who protect our nation’s veterans and VA employees every day.”

    The full bill text of the Veterans’ Security and Pay Transparency Act is available here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary General calls for stronger NATO-EU cooperation to strengthen deterrence and defence

    Source: NATO

    On Tuesday (20 May 2025), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attended the Foreign Affairs Council with EU Defence Ministers. He highlighted the importance of closer NATO-EU relations, in light of the threats from Russia, China’s military build-up, and terrorism.

    Mr Rutte underlined the need to ramp up defence spending and production, and “to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to bring this war to a lasting and durable end.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: FBI Seattle Police Week Message 2025

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington delivers a message in honor of Police Week 2025.
    —————————————————
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    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Maxwell Frost Slams Trump Regime for Baseless DOJ Charges Against Rep. McIver

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Maxwell Frost Florida (10th District)

    May 19, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released a statement in response to the Trump Department of Justice (DOJ) bringing charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) following her oversight visit to Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, New Jersey where ICE agents put their hands on duly elected officials.

    In a statement, Rep. Frost says:

    “Donald Trump and his allies love to cry ‘weaponization’ when it suits them — but the moment they get the chance, they turn around and have the DOJ file baseless charges against a duly elected Member of Congress for simply carrying out her constitutional duties.”

    “The only thing Congresswoman LaMonica McIver is guilty of is standing up to Trump’s illegal actions and fighting back against the Administration’s cruel abuses of immigrants. Looks like it’s easier to charge and arrest a Black woman doing her job than the literal criminals working for Donald Trump.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Practice AI Urges Attorneys to Embrace AI or Risk Being Left Behind in the Legal Revolution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize industries across the board, Practice AI today calls on legal professionals to proactively integrate AI into their case workflows and processes. With new challenges and opportunities emerging in the legal sector, failing to adopt these technologies is not just a missed opportunity; it poses significant risks to the future efficiency, competitiveness, and effectiveness of legal practices.

    Recent advancements in AI have reshaped how legal research, document management, and case analysis are conducted. AI-powered solutions now enable law firms to automate routine tasks, sift through vast databases of legal precedents, and deliver insights that enhance decision-making. However, many attorneys remain cautious about the technology, unaware that resistance to change could have serious long-term consequences.

    Preparing for the AI-Driven Future

    Practice AI, in its ongoing mission to modernize legal practice, emphasizes that the integration of AI into legal workflows is essential for law firms looking to stay competitive in an increasingly digital landscape. Attorneys must evolve their practices to harness the efficiency and accuracy offered by AI, rather than cling to traditional methods that may soon prove outdated.

    Key Areas of AI Impact in Legal Practice Include:

    • Enhanced Legal Research and Document Review: AI algorithms can rapidly scan and analyze vast quantities of legal documents, reducing the time and cost associated with manual review and enabling attorneys to focus on complex analysis and strategy.
    • Streamlined Case Management: AI tools can automate administrative tasks, manage case files more efficiently, and provide predictive analytics that inform litigation strategies. This shift not only enhances productivity but also improves client outcomes by ensuring timely and precise legal service.
    • Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging AI for data analytics allows law firms to uncover patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed. These insights help attorneys develop robust strategies based on empirical evidence rather than solely on intuition.

    A Call to Embrace Change

    “Attorneys who fail to embrace AI risk being left behind in an era where technology defines the practice of law,” said Hamid Kohan, CEO of Practice AI. “The dangers of not adopting AI can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities that may jeopardize client outcomes and erode the competitive edge of even the most established firms.” Kohan’s remarks underscore a critical message for legal professionals: modernization is no longer optional but imperative.

    Kohan further warned, “In a rapidly evolving legal landscape, ignoring the potential of AI isn’t just a missed opportunity; it’s a threat to the very foundation of legal practice. The cost of complacency could be far greater than the investment required to integrate these transformative tools.” These strong statements serve as a clarion call for attorneys to re-evaluate their current practices and consider how AI can be integrated responsibly and effectively.

    Strategic Steps Toward AI Integration

    Practice AI recommends that law firms adopt a multi-pronged approach to effectively incorporate AI into their workflows while mitigating potential risks:

    1. Invest in Training and Continuous Learning:
      Staying current with the latest AI developments is essential. Law firms should invest in regular training sessions, workshops, and online courses to equip their teams with the knowledge and skills needed to work alongside AI technologies. A culture of continuous learning will ensure that attorneys remain at the forefront of innovation.
    2. Upgrade Technological Infrastructure:
      Modern legal practices require robust, scalable technology infrastructure capable of supporting AI applications. Firms should prioritize upgrading hardware, securing reliable cloud services, and ensuring that data storage solutions meet the highest standards of security and compliance. This foundational work is critical for the successful adoption of advanced AI tools.
    3. Adopt Ethical and Transparent AI Practices:
      As AI systems become integral to legal workflows, maintaining ethical standards and protecting client confidentiality must remain top priorities. Law firms are encouraged to work with reputable AI vendors who emphasize transparency in their algorithms and data-handling practices. Regular audits and strict adherence to legal and ethical guidelines will help build trust among clients and regulatory bodies.
    4. Pilot AI Projects for Gradual Integration:
      Rather than implementing AI across the entire practice overnight, law firms should consider launching pilot programs in selected areas. By starting small, attorneys can test the effectiveness of AI tools on specific tasks, such as document review or legal research, allowing for a controlled environment in which to identify challenges and make iterative improvements before scaling up.
    5. Foster Collaboration with Tech Experts:
      Bridging the gap between legal expertise and technological innovation is crucial. Practice AI advises law firms to partner with IT professionals, AI specialists, and legal tech firms. This collaborative approach not only ensures that AI solutions are tailored to the unique needs of legal practice but also fosters an environment where innovative ideas can flourish.
    6. Establish Specialized Roles:
      As AI becomes more integrated into legal workflows, there may be a need for specialized roles such as Chief Innovation Officer or dedicated AI specialists. These professionals can serve as liaisons between the legal team and the technology sector, overseeing the evaluation, integration, and continuous improvement of AI systems within the firm.

    Mitigating Risks and Addressing Misconceptions

    Despite its many benefits, some legal professionals remain skeptical about the adoption of AI due to concerns over job displacement and reliability. Practice AI stresses that AI is intended to augment and not replace the expertise of human attorneys. By automating routine tasks, AI enables legal professionals to dedicate more time to complex problem-solving and strategic client engagement.

    Moreover, building trust in AI systems requires transparency and continuous oversight. Regular performance reviews, clear communication about how AI tools function, and maintaining human oversight in critical decision-making processes are essential steps in ensuring that AI enhances, rather than undermines, the quality of legal services.

    Looking Ahead

    The integration of AI in legal practice is not a temporary trend but a fundamental shift that promises to reshape the industry. As technology continues to evolve, those who proactively embrace AI will be better positioned to deliver high-quality, efficient, and innovative legal services. Practice AI is committed to supporting this transformation through strategic guidance, cutting-edge technology, and a steadfast commitment to ethical practices.

    Attorneys must view the rise of AI as an opportunity; a catalyst for enhanced productivity, improved client outcomes, and a more resilient legal practice. The future of law depends on the willingness of legal professionals to adapt and innovate in response to technological change.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Is Donald Trump doing the world a favour by isolating the United States?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Shaun Narine, Professor of International Relations and Political Science, St. Thomas University (Canada)

    United States President Donald Trump’s tariffs against most of the world tanked stock markets, disrupted the U.S. bond market and destabilized the global economy.

    Trump has economically and politically threatened American allies, shattering the unity of the western world. But Trump’s chaos may have inadvertently produced an opportunity to create a better world.

    Some western commentators argue that the U.S. has been a benevolent superpower.

    That may have been true for a small group of mostly western states that have benefitted from American domination. But much of the Global South was victimized by American military, economic and political interventions.

    Losing dominance?

    The West could be in the midst of losing its dominant position in the global order. This is probably inevitable, but it may not be the tragedy some western commentators assume it to be.

    In most of the world, there is a desire for a more equitable world order that doesn’t feature the moral, racial and cultural double standards of the western-dominated system. A world where American and western power is limited and contained could not only end up being more peaceful but, over time, more prosperous.

    Without the co-operation of the allies alienated by Trump, it may be harder for the U.S. to initiate conflict around the world as it often has since the end of the Cold War.

    In a recent Foreign Affairs article, American political scientist Stacie Goddard argues the emerging multipolar, post-American world will be one in which great powers — primarily the U.S., Russia and China — will divide the globe into “spheres of influence.”

    The U.S. is seeking to maintain disproportionate power in Asia. Closer to home, neighbours of the U.S. have reason to fear American expansionism.

    By contrast, even if it has imperialist ambitions, Russia doesn’t have the military might to dominate Europe. It’s a country of 144 million people with one-sixth the GDP of the European Union. Russia can cause trouble within countries with sizable Russian minorities, but its ability to project power is limited, as demonstrated by its grinding war in Ukraine.



    Read more:
    After another call with Putin, it looks like Trump has abandoned efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine

    China’s stance

    The Chinese have scored a win against Trump’s tariffs with a 90-day tariff pause that’s being hailed as vindication of China’s defiant negotiating strategy. China called Trump’s bluff and won as global stocks soared.



    Read more:
    China-US trade war: the next 90 days are a big deal for Beijing as it seeks long-term solutions

    This has bolstered China’s goal to have a sphere of influence. However, Chinese foreign policy is largely non-interventionist and, compared to the U.S., remarkably restrained.

    China may intimidate its rivals in the South China Sea, Senkaku Islands, and Taiwan, but it does not easily resort to military force. China has not resorted to military force since its war with Vietnam in 1979.

    China is committed to most of the guiding structures of the current international system and values a stable and mutually beneficial global economic order that enables it to focus on and improve its domestic development.

    Its export-oriented economic sectors need customers abroad. Unlike the West, China has a vested interest in helping the Global South develop and prosper in order to create those customers.

    Asian trade alliance?

    The Chinese are using their resources to promote economic and technological development in the Global South.

    As China spreads its renewable energy technologies globally, some of the poorest countries may leapfrog carbon-based fuels and go directly to renewable energy to make development affordable and attainable, and to mitigate climate change.



    Read more:
    What Canada can learn from China on effectively engaging with Africa

    In response to Trump’s tariffs, China, South Korea and Japan have discussed a renewed free-trade arrangement. President Xi Jinping has toured Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia to encourage a common front against American actions.

    Asian states are wary of China, but they remain committed to global trade. The U.S. may be retreating from globalization, but the rest of the world is not, though China’s manufacturing dominance concerns many states.

    Emerging international order

    New institutions may help to manage the evolving world order. The BRICS countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates — have created the New Development Bank (NDB). China has created the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

    The United Nations remains the favoured instrument of global diplomacy, even if western states have been accused of undermining its authority and efficacy.

    The European Union will continue as a major global power in the emerging international order, but on a more even footing with the rest of the world.

    Europe is reconsidering its trade war with China. In the words of Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission: “The West as we knew it no longer exists.”

    Western states will undoubtedly continue to try to exercise disproportionate global influence. Canada has suggested that “like-minded states” form an alliance to promote international trade and institutions that remain dominated by western interests. This idea seems designed to continue marginalizing the Global South in the international decision-making process.

    Most Global South states are not high-functioning liberal democracies. Many struggle with the legacies of colonialism while managing an international system dominated by the West that keeps them subservient. Others have created governments that fit their particular circumstances, cultures and levels of development.

    But many weaker countries generally share a commitment to international law that is seemingly stronger than the West. They need a stable, predictable, fairly applied set of global rules more than stronger nations. Ironically, the decline of the U.S. may facilitate a much more genuine and legitimate rules-based international order.

    America’s loosening grip

    Readjusting the world economy away from the U.S. to a more diverse, evenly distributed economic model will be difficult and disruptive.

    Nonetheless, loosening the American grip on global power is an essential first step towards achieving a more just and balanced international order.

    For putting this process in motion, the world may owe Trump a measure of thanks.

    Shaun Narine is affiliated with Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East and Jewish Voice for Peace.

    – ref. Is Donald Trump doing the world a favour by isolating the United States? – https://theconversation.com/is-donald-trump-doing-the-world-a-favour-by-isolating-the-united-states-252671

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Global action is needed to tackle the growing threats that face our seas, people and shared prosperity: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Global action is needed to tackle the growing threats that face our seas, people and shared prosperity: UK statement at the UN Security Council

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

    The United Kingdom, like Greece, has a long maritime history and is deeply committed to global maritime security.

    And global action is needed to tackle the growing threats we now face to our seas, our peoples and our shared prosperity.

    That is why the United Kingdom is strongly committed to our partnership within NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force, and with wider friends and partners, as a means to contribute to our collective security.

    That includes working together with States across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean to address threats wherever they occur.

    Our Carrier Strike Group’s deployment to the Indo-Pacific is a sign of our commitment to work with our partners in a region of fundamental importance to global peace and prosperity.

    In the Black Sea, we are supporting the protection of Ukraine’s maritime Black Sea corridor along with our partners.  

    We are also leading the Maritime Capability Coalition alongside Norway, supporting Ukraine’s defence of its sovereign waters.

    That’s alongside efforts to confront the so-called shadow fleet operation.

    In the Middle East, we have acted to prevent Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, including through Operation Prosperity Guardian with the United States and others.

    Our European colleagues have joined these efforts through Operation ASPIDES.  

    We thank Greece for its leading role, including the hosting of the command from Larissa.

    We also call for collective efforts to ensure that the arms embargo as set out in resolution 2216 is upheld, and to support Yemen’s Coast Guard.

    We equally need to ensure the implementation of the arms embargo off the coast of Libya, and we call for the renewal of the mandate this month for Operation Irini.

    More broadly, our partnership with Greece is an example of how cooperation can protect our countries from maritime threats, including illegal migration and drug smuggling.

    Alongside this, we are delivering legal changes at home to tackle people-smuggling rings and starve them of income.

    And the UK also remains strongly committed to upholding freedom of navigation and the primacy of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

    President, in the face of such diverse threats, we must redouble our shared efforts, including by broadening collaboration on strategic challenges within the International Maritime Organisation, which the UK is proud to host.

    And as we look to the future, we must strengthen our work together, both in this Council and through our bilateral partnerships, to secure our seas for future generations.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council leader announces fresh cabinet re-shuffle

    Source: City of Norwich

    Published on Tuesday, 20th May 2025

    Leader of Norwich City Council, Councillor Mike Stonard announced a fresh re-shuffle of the authority’s cabinet at this afternoon’s full council meeting.

    Cabinet functions as the executive body of the council and is where the majority of the authority’s key decisions are made. Its members are appointed by the leader and then given areas of responsibility called portfolios where they collectively oversee the delivery of public services to local residents.

    Cabinet has seven positions in total, with Councillor Gurpreet Padda joining the cabinet for the first time, taking on the Equalities and Social Justice portfolio.

    “Whilst it’s critical that the council’s leadership remains stable, the time is now right for us to bring in people with fresh ideas. That’s why I’m pleased to welcome Councillor Padda to the cabinet and I look forward to working with her on our ambitious plans for the future of Norwich.

    “I’m particularly proud that this new cabinet reflects the diversity of our city – with strong representation of women and the appointment of our first cabinet member from an ethnic minority background, who will lead on equalities and social justice. The average age of the cabinet has also fallen to around 44, bringing a new and energetic perspective to our leadership team.

    “Additionally, our new cabinet will ensure we are better equipped to deal with both the challenges and the opportunities of local government reorganisation and our vision of a three-unitary model for Norfolk.”

    Norwich City Council’s cabinet:

    • Leader – Mike Stonard
    • Deputy Leader and Climate and Environment – Emma Hampton
    • Finance and Major Projects – Carli Harper
    • Housing – Beth Jones
    • Culture and Wellbeing – Claire Kidman
    • Planning and Regulatory – Adam Giles
    • Equalities and Social Justice – Gurpreet Padda

    For more details from this afternoon’s full council meeting, please visit https://bit.ly/NorwichCouncilMeeting

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on Maritime Security [bilingual, as delivered. Scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    I thank the presidency of Greece for convening today’s open debate on the importance of strengthening maritime security through international cooperation.

    This debate underscores first of all that the basic condition to preserve maritime security is the respect by all countries of the UN Charter and international law as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

    Mr. President,
     
    From time immemorial, maritime routes have bound the world together.

    They have long been the primary means for the trade and transport of not only people, goods and commodities, but also cultures and ideas.
     
    All of humanity depends on the world’s oceans and seas — from the oxygen we breathe, to the biodiversity that sustains all life, to the economies, trade and jobs supported by maritime industries.

    Today’s debate shines a light on a fundamental fact:

    Without maritime security, there can be no global security.

    But maritime spaces are increasingly under strain from both traditional threats and emerging dangers.

    From challenges around contested boundaries…

    To the depletion of natural resources at sea…
    To escalating geopolitical tensions fanning the flames of competition, conflict and crime.

    Over the years, this Council has sought to address a range of threats that undermine maritime security and global peace.  

    From piracy, armed robbery, trafficking and organized crime…

    To destructive acts against shipping, offshore installations and critical infrastructure…

    To terrorism in the maritime domain, which poses a significant threat to international security, global trade and economic stability.

    No region is spared.  

    And the problem is getting worse.

    After a modest global decrease in reported piracy and armed robbery incidents in 2024, the first quarter of 2025 saw a sharp upward reversal.

    According to the International Maritime Organization, reported incidents rose by nearly half — 47.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

    Incidents in Asia nearly doubled — especially in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

    In the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, attacks by the Houthis on commercial vessels have disrupted global trade and increased tensions in an already volatile region. 

    The Gulf of Aden and the Mediterranean Sea remain treacherously active routes for migrant smuggling and the trafficking of weapons and human beings.

    The Gulf of Guinea continues to grapple with piracy, kidnappings, armed robbery at sea, oil theft, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and the illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people.

    Heroin from Afghanistan continues to reach East Africa through the Indian Ocean.

    Cocaine moves through the coasts of the Western Hemisphere and across the Atlantic Ocean to West Africa and European ports.

    And cyber-attacks are a fast-emerging security threat for ports and shipping companies.

    Facing these and other threats, the world’s maritime routes and the people depending on them are sending a clear SOS.

    Mr. President,

    Across the UN system, our agencies are supporting many regional initiatives that are gathering partners around maritime security across the globe.  

    This includes initiatives to address insecurity from the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, to the Gulf of Guinea and the Persian Gulf.

    It includes efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea.

    It includes our work to help countries build strong maritime forces and legal systems.

    It includes efforts to tackle armed robbery against ships in Asia, and fight piracy off the coast of Somalia. 

    It includes our support of the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security — an interregional, multi-level coordination mechanism to counter piracy in West and Central Africa — which has seen a decline in piracy from 81 incidents in 2020 to just 18 last year.

    And the International Maritime Organization continues to play a fundamental role in de-escalating tensions at sea and bringing together Member States and the shipping industry to find solutions.

    Looking ahead, action is needed in three key areas.

    First — respect for international law.   
     
    Respect for international law is the anchor of maritime security.

    The international legal regime for maritime security — with the UN Charter and the Convention on the Law of the Sea at its core — strikes a careful balance between States’ sovereign rights, jurisdictions and freedoms, and their duties and obligations.  

    And it provides a strong cooperative framework for addressing crimes at sea and ensuring accountability.

    However, this framework is only as strong as States’ commitment to full and effective implementation. 
     
    All States must live up to their obligations.

    And they must resolve any differences in relation to maritime security in accordance with the UN Charter.  

    Second — we need to intensify efforts to address the root causes of maritime insecurity.  
     
    Threats to maritime security cannot be addressed without also addressing issues like poverty, a lack of alternative livelihoods, insecurity, and weak governance structures. 

    Across the United Nations family, we’re working with impoverished coastal communities to develop new opportunities for decent and sustainable work.

    Collectively, we must do more to reduce the likelihood that desperate people will turn to crime and other activities that threaten maritime security and degrade our ocean environment.

    We must help developing countries build their capacity to deal with these threats through technology, training, capacity-building, judicial reforms, and modernized naval forces, marine police units, maritime surveillance and port security. 
    And we need to ensure that our oceans and seas can continue thriving, and support humanity’s economic, social, cultural and environmental development for generations to come.

    The upcoming Oceans Conference in Nice will provide an important moment for the countries of the world to take action.

    Et troisièmement, nous avons besoin de partenariats à tous les niveaux.

    Nous devons associer toutes les parties concernées par les espaces maritimes à l’action menée dans ce domaine.

    Des populations côtières, aux gouvernements, en passant par les groupes régionaux, les compagnies maritimes, les registres d’immatriculation du pavillon, les industries de la pêche et de l’extraction, les compagnies d’assurance et les exploitants portuaires.

    Sans oublier ce Conseil, qui a appelé l’attention sur la sûreté maritime et la nécessité d’agir de manière collective, d’assurer la désescalade et de promouvoir la coopération.

    Ainsi que les groupes de la société civile qui œuvrent en faveur des femmes et des filles, touchées de manière disproportionnée par des fléaux tels que la piraterie et la traite des personnes.

    Alors que les menaces qui pèsent sur la sûreté maritime deviennent de plus en plus complexes et interconnectées, il est essentiel d’améliorer la coordination et de renforcer la gouvernance maritime.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Le système des Nations Unies est prêt à continuer d’aider ce Conseil et tous les États Membres à garantir des espaces maritimes pacifiques, sûrs et prospères pour les générations à venir.
     
    Agissons pour préserver et sécuriser les espaces maritimes, ainsi que les communautés et les personnes qui en dépendent.

    Je vous remercie.

    ******

    [All-English]

    I thank the presidency of Greece for convening today’s open debate on the importance of strengthening maritime security through international cooperation.

    This debate underscores first of all that the basic condition to preserve maritime security is the respect by all countries of the UN Charter and international law as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

    Mr. President,
     
    From time immemorial, maritime routes have bound the world together.

    They have long been the primary means for the trade and transport of not only people, goods and commodities, but also cultures and ideas.
     
    All of humanity depends on the world’s oceans and seas — from the oxygen we breathe, to the biodiversity that sustains all life, to the economies, trade and jobs supported by maritime industries.

    Today’s debate shines a light on a fundamental fact:

    Without maritime security, there can be no global security.

    But maritime spaces are increasingly under strain from both traditional threats and emerging dangers.

    From challenges around contested boundaries…

    To the depletion of natural resources at sea…
    To escalating geopolitical tensions fanning the flames of competition, conflict and crime.

    Over the years, this Council has sought to address a range of threats that undermine maritime security and global peace.  

    From piracy, armed robbery, trafficking and organized crime…

    To destructive acts against shipping, offshore installations and critical infrastructure…

    To terrorism in the maritime domain, which poses a significant threat to international security, global trade and economic stability.

    No region is spared.  

    And the problem is getting worse.

    After a modest global decrease in reported piracy and armed robbery incidents in 2024, the first quarter of 2025 saw a sharp upward reversal.

    According to the International Maritime Organization, reported incidents rose by nearly half — 47.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

    Incidents in Asia nearly doubled — especially in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

    In the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, attacks by the Houthis on commercial vessels have disrupted global trade and increased tensions in an already volatile region. 

    The Gulf of Aden and the Mediterranean Sea remain treacherously active routes for migrant smuggling and the trafficking of weapons and human beings.

    The Gulf of Guinea continues to grapple with piracy, kidnappings, armed robbery at sea, oil theft, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and the illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people.

    Heroin from Afghanistan continues to reach East Africa through the Indian Ocean.

    Cocaine moves through the coasts of the Western Hemisphere and across the Atlantic Ocean to West Africa and European ports.

    And cyber-attacks are a fast-emerging security threat for ports and shipping companies.

    Facing these and other threats, the world’s maritime routes and the people depending on them are sending a clear SOS.

    Mr. President,

    Across the UN system, our agencies are supporting many regional initiatives that are gathering partners around maritime security across the globe.  

    This includes initiatives to address insecurity from the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, to the Gulf of Guinea and the Persian Gulf.

    It includes efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea.

    It includes our work to help countries build strong maritime forces and legal systems.

    It includes efforts to tackle armed robbery against ships in Asia, and fight piracy off the coast of Somalia. 

    It includes our support of the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security — an interregional, multi-level coordination mechanism to counter piracy in West and Central Africa — which has seen a decline in piracy from 81 incidents in 2020 to just 18 last year.

    And the International Maritime Organization continues to play a fundamental role in de-escalating tensions at sea and bringing together Member States and the shipping industry to find solutions.

    Looking ahead, action is needed in three key areas.

    First — respect for international law.   
     
    Respect for international law is the anchor of maritime security.

    The international legal regime for maritime security — with the UN Charter and the Convention on the Law of the Sea at its core — strikes a careful balance between States’ sovereign rights, jurisdictions and freedoms, and their duties and obligations.  

    And it provides a strong cooperative framework for addressing crimes at sea and ensuring accountability.

    However, this framework is only as strong as States’ commitment to full and effective implementation. 
     
    All States must live up to their obligations.

    And they must resolve any differences in relation to maritime security in accordance with the UN Charter.  

    Second — we need to intensify efforts to address the root causes of maritime insecurity.  
     
    Threats to maritime security cannot be addressed without also addressing issues like poverty, a lack of alternative livelihoods, insecurity, and weak governance structures. 

    Across the United Nations family, we’re working with impoverished coastal communities to develop new opportunities for decent and sustainable work.

    Collectively, we must do more to reduce the likelihood that desperate people will turn to crime and other activities that threaten maritime security and degrade our ocean environment.

    We must help developing countries build their capacity to deal with these threats through technology, training, capacity-building, judicial reforms, and modernized naval forces, marine police units, maritime surveillance and port security. 
    And we need to ensure that our oceans and seas can continue thriving, and support humanity’s economic, social, cultural and environmental development for generations to come.

    The upcoming Oceans Conference in Nice will provide an important moment for the countries of the world to take action.

    And third — throughout, we need partnerships.

    We must involve everyone with a stake in maritime spaces. 

    From coastal communities to governments and regional groups.

    To shipping companies, flag registries, the fishing and extraction industries, insurers and port operators.

    To this very Council, which has drawn attention to maritime security and the need for collective action, de-escalation, and cooperation. 

    And to civil society groups focused on women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by challenges like piracy and human trafficking.

    As threats to maritime security are becoming more complex and interconnected, enhanced coordination and stronger maritime governance are essential.

    Mr. President, 
     
    The UN system stands ready to continue to support this Council and all Member States in ensuring peaceful, secure and prosperous maritime spaces for generations to come. 
     
    Let’s take action to support and secure maritime spaces, and the communities and people counting on them.

    Thank you.

    *****
    [All-French]

    Je remercie la présidence grecque d’avoir organisé le débat public d’aujourd’hui sur l’importance du renforcement de la sûreté maritime par la coopération internationale aux fins de la stabilité mondiale.

    Ce débat souligne tout d’abord que la condition fondamentale pour préserver la sécurité maritime est le respect par tous les pays de la Charte des Nations unies et du droit international tel qu’il est reflété dans la Convention des Nations Unies sur le droit de la mer. 

    Monsieur le Président,

    Depuis des temps immémoriaux, les routes maritimes unissent le monde.

    Elles sont depuis toujours le principal vecteur d’échanges commerciaux et de transport des personnes, des biens et des marchandises, mais aussi de diffusion des cultures et des idées.

    L’humanité tout entière dépend des océans et des mers de la planète, non seulement pour l’oxygène que nous respirons et la biodiversité qui permet à la vie d’exister, mais aussi parce qu’ils sont vitaux pour les économies, le commerce et les emplois liés aux industries maritimes.

    Le débat d’aujourd’hui met en lumière un fait fondamental :

    Sans sûreté maritime, il ne saurait y avoir de sécurité mondiale.

    Mais les espaces maritimes sont de plus en plus menacés par des périls anciens et nouveaux.

    Des difficultés liées à des frontières contestées…

    À l’épuisement des ressources naturelles de l’océan…

    En passant par l’escalade des tensions géopolitiques qui attisent les flammes de la concurrence, des conflits et de la criminalité.

    Au fil des ans, ce Conseil s’est efforcé de répondre à une série de menaces qui compromettent la sûreté maritime et la paix mondiale.

    La piraterie, le vol à main armée, le trafic et le crime organisé…

    Les actes de destruction visant le transport maritime, les installations situées au large des côtes et les infrastructures critiques…

    Mais aussi le terrorisme maritime, qui fait peser une terrible menace sur la sécurité internationale, le commerce mondial et la stabilité économique.

    Aucune région n’est épargnée.

    Et le problème ne cesse de s’aggraver.

    Après une modeste diminution des actes de piraterie et des vols à main armée signalés à l’échelle mondiale en 2024, un fort regain a été enregistré au premier trimestre de 2025.

    Selon l’Organisation maritime internationale, le nombre d’attaques a augmenté de près de moitié (47,5 %) par rapport à la même période en 2024.

    En Asie, il a presque doublé, en particulier dans les détroits de Malacca et de Singapour.

    En mer Rouge et dans le golfe d’Aden, les attaques menées par les houthistes contre des navires commerciaux ont perturbé les échanges mondiaux et accru les tensions dans une région déjà instable.

    Le golfe d’Aden et la mer Méditerranée restent des itinéraires périlleux utilisés pour le trafic de migrants et d’armes et pour la traite des personnes.

    Le golfe de Guinée demeure aux prises avec la piraterie, les enlèvements, les vols à main armée en mer, le vol de pétrole, la pêche illicite, non déclarée et non réglementée, et le trafic de drogues, d’armes et d’êtres humains.

    L’héroïne en provenance d’Afghanistan continue d’arriver en Afrique de l’Est par l’océan Indien.

    La cocaïne passe par les côtes des Amériques et traverse l’océan Atlantique pour atteindre l’Afrique de l’Ouest et les ports européens.

    Les cyberattaques, qui sont en pleine expansion, constituent une menace pour la sécurité des ports et des compagnies maritimes.

    Alors que se multiplient les périls, des routes maritimes du monde et des populations qui en dépendent nous parvient un message de détresse.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Les organismes des Nations Unies soutiennent de nombreuses initiatives régionales qui rassemblent des partenaires du monde entier autour de la sûreté maritime.

    Il s’agit notamment de projets de lutte contre l’insécurité maritime, du golfe d’Aden à la mer Rouge, et du golfe de Guinée au golfe Persique…

    Des efforts visant à garantir la sécurité de la navigation en mer Noire…

    De l’action que nous menons pour aider les pays à bâtir leurs forces maritimes et à se doter de systèmes juridiques solides…

    Des efforts déployés pour lutter contre les vols à main armée dont sont victimes des navires en Asie et contre la piraterie qui sévit au large des côtes somaliennes…

    Et du soutien que nous apportons à l’Architecture de Yaoundé pour la sécurité maritime, mécanisme de coordination interrégional à plusieurs niveaux destiné à combattre la piraterie en Afrique de l’Ouest et en Afrique centrale, qui a permis de porter le nombre d’actes de piraterie de 81 en 2020 à seulement 18 l’année dernière.

    L’Organisation maritime internationale continue en outre de jouer un rôle fondamental pour ce qui est de désamorcer les tensions en mer et d’aider les États Membres et le secteur du transport maritime à trouver des solutions concertées.

    Pour l’avenir, des mesures devront être prises dans trois domaines clés.

    Premièrement, le respect du droit international.

    Le respect du droit international est la condition première de la sûreté maritime.

    Le régime juridique international en la matière, fondé sur la Charte des Nations Unies et la Convention sur le droit de la mer, établit un équilibre délicat entre les droits souverains, la juridiction et les libertés des États, d’une part, et leurs devoirs et obligations, d’autre part.

    Il constitue également un cadre de coopération solide permettant de lutter contre les crimes commis en mer et de veiller à ce que les responsabilités soient établies.

    Toutefois, son efficacité dépend de la volonté des États d’en assurer la mise en œuvre pleine et effective.

    Tous les États doivent respecter leurs obligations.

    Et ils doivent résoudre tout différend relatif à la sûreté maritime conformément à la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Deuxièmement, nous devons redoubler d’efforts pour nous attaquer aux causes profondes de l’insécurité maritime.

    On ne saurait conjurer les menaces qui pèsent sur la sûreté maritime sans affronter également des problèmes tels que la pauvreté, l’absence de moyens de subsistance, l’insécurité et la faiblesse des structures de gouvernance.

    L’ensemble du système des Nations Unies s’emploie, aux côtés des communautés côtières pauvres, à créer de nouvelles possibilités de travail décent et durable.

    Collectivement, nous devons faire davantage pour réduire la probabilité que des personnes désespérées se tournent vers la criminalité et d’autres activités qui menacent la sûreté maritime et dégradent notre environnement océanique.

    Nous devons aider les pays en développement à renforcer leur capacité de faire face à ces menaces par la technologie, la formation, le renforcement des institutions et la mise en œuvre de réformes judiciaires, ainsi que par la modernisation des forces navales, des unités de police maritime, de la surveillance maritime et de la sécurité portuaire.

    Et nous devons veiller à ce que nos océans et nos mers puissent continuer de prospérer et de soutenir le développement économique, social, culturel et environnemental de l’humanité pour les générations à venir.

    La prochaine Conférence sur l’océan, qui se tiendra à Nice, sera pour les pays du monde entier une occasion décisive de passer à l’action.

    Et troisièmement, nous avons besoin de partenariats à tous les niveaux.

    Nous devons associer toutes les parties concernées par les espaces maritimes à l’action menée dans ce domaine.

    Des populations côtières, aux gouvernements, en passant par les groupes régionaux, les compagnies maritimes, les registres d’immatriculation du pavillon, les industries de la pêche et de l’extraction, les compagnies d’assurance et les exploitants portuaires.

    Sans oublier ce Conseil, qui a appelé l’attention sur la sûreté maritime et la nécessité d’agir de manière collective, d’assurer la désescalade et de promouvoir la coopération.

    Ainsi que les groupes de la société civile qui œuvrent en faveur des femmes et des filles, touchées de manière disproportionnée par des fléaux tels que la piraterie et la traite des personnes.

    Alors que les menaces qui pèsent sur la sûreté maritime deviennent de plus en plus complexes et interconnectées, il est essentiel d’améliorer la coordination et de renforcer la gouvernance maritime.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Le système des Nations Unies est prêt à continuer d’aider ce Conseil et tous les États Membres à garantir des espaces maritimes pacifiques, sûrs et prospères pour les générations à venir.
     
    Agissons pour préserver et sécuriser les espaces maritimes, ainsi que les communautés et les personnes qui en dépendent.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Smith stands with Congresswoman McIver Against Baseless Claim

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) issued the following statement regarding the criminal charge of Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) related to the incident at the Newark, NJ ICE detention facility:
     
    The charges filed against Congresswoman McIver are completely without justification and a gross abuse of prosecutorial power. She upheld her oath of office by conducting congressional oversight and lawfully visiting a Trump immigration detention facility in Newark. This charge against Congresswoman McIver is a weaponization of our justice system and it must not stand.

    It is a disturbing overreach for the Executive Branch to criminalize a Member of Congress conducting congressional oversight. If Trump administration officials are interested in examples of real assaults on officers of the law, they should refer back to the January 6th insurrection and the attacks on Capitol Police officers. I join my colleagues in standing behind Congresswoman McIver against this baseless charge.

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: United Nations – English

    thank the presidency of Greece for convening today’s open debate on the importance of strengthening maritime security through international cooperation.

    This debate underscores first of all that the basic condition to preserve maritime security is the respect by all countries of the UN Charter and international law as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

    Mr. President,
     
    From time immemorial, maritime routes have bound the world together.

    They have long been the primary means for the trade and transport of not only people, goods and commodities, but also cultures and ideas.
     
    All of humanity depends on the world’s oceans and seas — from the oxygen we breathe, to the biodiversity that sustains all life, to the economies, trade and jobs supported by maritime industries.

    Today’s debate shines a light on a fundamental fact:

    Without maritime security, there can be no global security.

    But maritime spaces are increasingly under strain from both traditional threats and emerging dangers.

    From challenges around contested boundaries…

    To the depletion of natural resources at sea…
    To escalating geopolitical tensions fanning the flames of competition, conflict and crime.

    Over the years, this Council has sought to address a range of threats that undermine maritime security and global peace.  

    From piracy, armed robbery, trafficking and organized crime…

    To destructive acts against shipping, offshore installations and critical infrastructure…

    To terrorism in the maritime domain, which poses a significant threat to international security, global trade and economic stability.

    No region is spared.  

    And the problem is getting worse.

    After a modest global decrease in reported piracy and armed robbery incidents in 2024, the first quarter of 2025 saw a sharp upward reversal.

    According to the International Maritime Organization, reported incidents rose by nearly half — 47.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

    Incidents in Asia nearly doubled — especially in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

    In the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, attacks by the Houthis on commercial vessels have disrupted global trade and increased tensions in an already volatile region. 

    The Gulf of Aden and the Mediterranean Sea remain treacherously active routes for migrant smuggling and the trafficking of weapons and human beings.

    The Gulf of Guinea continues to grapple with piracy, kidnappings, armed robbery at sea, oil theft, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and the illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people.

    Heroin from Afghanistan continues to reach East Africa through the Indian Ocean.

    Cocaine moves through the coasts of the Western Hemisphere and across the Atlantic Ocean to West Africa and European ports.

    And cyber-attacks are a fast-emerging security threat for ports and shipping companies.

    Facing these and other threats, the world’s maritime routes and the people depending on them are sending a clear SOS.

    Mr. President,

    Across the UN system, our agencies are supporting many regional initiatives that are gathering partners around maritime security across the globe.  

    This includes initiatives to address insecurity from the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, to the Gulf of Guinea and the Persian Gulf.

    It includes efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea.

    It includes our work to help countries build strong maritime forces and legal systems.

    It includes efforts to tackle armed robbery against ships in Asia, and fight piracy off the coast of Somalia. 

    It includes our support of the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security — an interregional, multi-level coordination mechanism to counter piracy in West and Central Africa — which has seen a decline in piracy from 81 incidents in 2020 to just 18 last year.

    And the International Maritime Organization continues to play a fundamental role in de-escalating tensions at sea and bringing together Member States and the shipping industry to find solutions.

    Looking ahead, action is needed in three key areas.

    First — respect for international law.   
     
    Respect for international law is the anchor of maritime security.

    The international legal regime for maritime security — with the UN Charter and the Convention on the Law of the Sea at its core — strikes a careful balance between States’ sovereign rights, jurisdictions and freedoms, and their duties and obligations.  

    And it provides a strong cooperative framework for addressing crimes at sea and ensuring accountability.

    However, this framework is only as strong as States’ commitment to full and effective implementation. 
     
    All States must live up to their obligations.

    And they must resolve any differences in relation to maritime security in accordance with the UN Charter.  

    Second — we need to intensify efforts to address the root causes of maritime insecurity.  
     
    Threats to maritime security cannot be addressed without also addressing issues like poverty, a lack of alternative livelihoods, insecurity, and weak governance structures. 

    Across the United Nations family, we’re working with impoverished coastal communities to develop new opportunities for decent and sustainable work.

    Collectively, we must do more to reduce the likelihood that desperate people will turn to crime and other activities that threaten maritime security and degrade our ocean environment.

    We must help developing countries build their capacity to deal with these threats through technology, training, capacity-building, judicial reforms, and modernized naval forces, marine police units, maritime surveillance and port security. 
    And we need to ensure that our oceans and seas can continue thriving, and support humanity’s economic, social, cultural and environmental development for generations to come.

    The upcoming Oceans Conference in Nice will provide an important moment for the countries of the world to take action.

    Et troisièmement, nous avons besoin de partenariats à tous les niveaux.

    Nous devons associer toutes les parties concernées par les espaces maritimes à l’action menée dans ce domaine.

    Des populations côtières, aux gouvernements, en passant par les groupes régionaux, les compagnies maritimes, les registres d’immatriculation du pavillon, les industries de la pêche et de l’extraction, les compagnies d’assurance et les exploitants portuaires.

    Sans oublier ce Conseil, qui a appelé l’attention sur la sûreté maritime et la nécessité d’agir de manière collective, d’assurer la désescalade et de promouvoir la coopération.

    Ainsi que les groupes de la société civile qui œuvrent en faveur des femmes et des filles, touchées de manière disproportionnée par des fléaux tels que la piraterie et la traite des personnes.

    Alors que les menaces qui pèsent sur la sûreté maritime deviennent de plus en plus complexes et interconnectées, il est essentiel d’améliorer la coordination et de renforcer la gouvernance maritime.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Le système des Nations Unies est prêt à continuer d’aider ce Conseil et tous les États Membres à garantir des espaces maritimes pacifiques, sûrs et prospères pour les générations à venir.
     
    Agissons pour préserver et sécuriser les espaces maritimes, ainsi que les communautés et les personnes qui en dépendent.

    Je vous remercie.

    ******

    [All-English]

    I thank the presidency of Greece for convening today’s open debate on the importance of strengthening maritime security through international cooperation.

    This debate underscores first of all that the basic condition to preserve maritime security is the respect by all countries of the UN Charter and international law as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

    Mr. President,
     
    From time immemorial, maritime routes have bound the world together.

    They have long been the primary means for the trade and transport of not only people, goods and commodities, but also cultures and ideas.
     
    All of humanity depends on the world’s oceans and seas — from the oxygen we breathe, to the biodiversity that sustains all life, to the economies, trade and jobs supported by maritime industries.

    Today’s debate shines a light on a fundamental fact:

    Without maritime security, there can be no global security.

    But maritime spaces are increasingly under strain from both traditional threats and emerging dangers.

    From challenges around contested boundaries…

    To the depletion of natural resources at sea…
    To escalating geopolitical tensions fanning the flames of competition, conflict and crime.

    Over the years, this Council has sought to address a range of threats that undermine maritime security and global peace.  

    From piracy, armed robbery, trafficking and organized crime…

    To destructive acts against shipping, offshore installations and critical infrastructure…

    To terrorism in the maritime domain, which poses a significant threat to international security, global trade and economic stability.

    No region is spared.  

    And the problem is getting worse.

    After a modest global decrease in reported piracy and armed robbery incidents in 2024, the first quarter of 2025 saw a sharp upward reversal.

    According to the International Maritime Organization, reported incidents rose by nearly half — 47.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

    Incidents in Asia nearly doubled — especially in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

    In the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, attacks by the Houthis on commercial vessels have disrupted global trade and increased tensions in an already volatile region. 

    The Gulf of Aden and the Mediterranean Sea remain treacherously active routes for migrant smuggling and the trafficking of weapons and human beings.

    The Gulf of Guinea continues to grapple with piracy, kidnappings, armed robbery at sea, oil theft, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and the illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people.

    Heroin from Afghanistan continues to reach East Africa through the Indian Ocean.

    Cocaine moves through the coasts of the Western Hemisphere and across the Atlantic Ocean to West Africa and European ports.

    And cyber-attacks are a fast-emerging security threat for ports and shipping companies.

    Facing these and other threats, the world’s maritime routes and the people depending on them are sending a clear SOS.

    Mr. President,

    Across the UN system, our agencies are supporting many regional initiatives that are gathering partners around maritime security across the globe.  

    This includes initiatives to address insecurity from the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, to the Gulf of Guinea and the Persian Gulf.

    It includes efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea.

    It includes our work to help countries build strong maritime forces and legal systems.

    It includes efforts to tackle armed robbery against ships in Asia, and fight piracy off the coast of Somalia. 

    It includes our support of the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security — an interregional, multi-level coordination mechanism to counter piracy in West and Central Africa — which has seen a decline in piracy from 81 incidents in 2020 to just 18 last year.

    And the International Maritime Organization continues to play a fundamental role in de-escalating tensions at sea and bringing together Member States and the shipping industry to find solutions.

    Looking ahead, action is needed in three key areas.

    First — respect for international law.   
     
    Respect for international law is the anchor of maritime security.

    The international legal regime for maritime security — with the UN Charter and the Convention on the Law of the Sea at its core — strikes a careful balance between States’ sovereign rights, jurisdictions and freedoms, and their duties and obligations.  

    And it provides a strong cooperative framework for addressing crimes at sea and ensuring accountability.

    However, this framework is only as strong as States’ commitment to full and effective implementation. 
     
    All States must live up to their obligations.

    And they must resolve any differences in relation to maritime security in accordance with the UN Charter.  

    Second — we need to intensify efforts to address the root causes of maritime insecurity.  
     
    Threats to maritime security cannot be addressed without also addressing issues like poverty, a lack of alternative livelihoods, insecurity, and weak governance structures. 

    Across the United Nations family, we’re working with impoverished coastal communities to develop new opportunities for decent and sustainable work.

    Collectively, we must do more to reduce the likelihood that desperate people will turn to crime and other activities that threaten maritime security and degrade our ocean environment.

    We must help developing countries build their capacity to deal with these threats through technology, training, capacity-building, judicial reforms, and modernized naval forces, marine police units, maritime surveillance and port security. 
    And we need to ensure that our oceans and seas can continue thriving, and support humanity’s economic, social, cultural and environmental development for generations to come.

    The upcoming Oceans Conference in Nice will provide an important moment for the countries of the world to take action.

    And third — throughout, we need partnerships.

    We must involve everyone with a stake in maritime spaces. 

    From coastal communities to governments and regional groups.

    To shipping companies, flag registries, the fishing and extraction industries, insurers and port operators.

    To this very Council, which has drawn attention to maritime security and the need for collective action, de-escalation, and cooperation. 

    And to civil society groups focused on women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by challenges like piracy and human trafficking.

    As threats to maritime security are becoming more complex and interconnected, enhanced coordination and stronger maritime governance are essential.

    Mr. President, 
     
    The UN system stands ready to continue to support this Council and all Member States in ensuring peaceful, secure and prosperous maritime spaces for generations to come. 
     
    Let’s take action to support and secure maritime spaces, and the communities and people counting on them.

    Thank you.

    *****
    [All-French]

    Je remercie la présidence grecque d’avoir organisé le débat public d’aujourd’hui sur l’importance du renforcement de la sûreté maritime par la coopération internationale aux fins de la stabilité mondiale.

    Ce débat souligne tout d’abord que la condition fondamentale pour préserver la sécurité maritime est le respect par tous les pays de la Charte des Nations unies et du droit international tel qu’il est reflété dans la Convention des Nations Unies sur le droit de la mer. 

    Monsieur le Président,

    Depuis des temps immémoriaux, les routes maritimes unissent le monde.

    Elles sont depuis toujours le principal vecteur d’échanges commerciaux et de transport des personnes, des biens et des marchandises, mais aussi de diffusion des cultures et des idées.

    L’humanité tout entière dépend des océans et des mers de la planète, non seulement pour l’oxygène que nous respirons et la biodiversité qui permet à la vie d’exister, mais aussi parce qu’ils sont vitaux pour les économies, le commerce et les emplois liés aux industries maritimes.

    Le débat d’aujourd’hui met en lumière un fait fondamental :

    Sans sûreté maritime, il ne saurait y avoir de sécurité mondiale.

    Mais les espaces maritimes sont de plus en plus menacés par des périls anciens et nouveaux.

    Des difficultés liées à des frontières contestées…

    À l’épuisement des ressources naturelles de l’océan…

    En passant par l’escalade des tensions géopolitiques qui attisent les flammes de la concurrence, des conflits et de la criminalité.

    Au fil des ans, ce Conseil s’est efforcé de répondre à une série de menaces qui compromettent la sûreté maritime et la paix mondiale.

    La piraterie, le vol à main armée, le trafic et le crime organisé…

    Les actes de destruction visant le transport maritime, les installations situées au large des côtes et les infrastructures critiques…

    Mais aussi le terrorisme maritime, qui fait peser une terrible menace sur la sécurité internationale, le commerce mondial et la stabilité économique.

    Aucune région n’est épargnée.

    Et le problème ne cesse de s’aggraver.

    Après une modeste diminution des actes de piraterie et des vols à main armée signalés à l’échelle mondiale en 2024, un fort regain a été enregistré au premier trimestre de 2025.

    Selon l’Organisation maritime internationale, le nombre d’attaques a augmenté de près de moitié (47,5 %) par rapport à la même période en 2024.

    En Asie, il a presque doublé, en particulier dans les détroits de Malacca et de Singapour.

    En mer Rouge et dans le golfe d’Aden, les attaques menées par les houthistes contre des navires commerciaux ont perturbé les échanges mondiaux et accru les tensions dans une région déjà instable.

    Le golfe d’Aden et la mer Méditerranée restent des itinéraires périlleux utilisés pour le trafic de migrants et d’armes et pour la traite des personnes.

    Le golfe de Guinée demeure aux prises avec la piraterie, les enlèvements, les vols à main armée en mer, le vol de pétrole, la pêche illicite, non déclarée et non réglementée, et le trafic de drogues, d’armes et d’êtres humains.

    L’héroïne en provenance d’Afghanistan continue d’arriver en Afrique de l’Est par l’océan Indien.

    La cocaïne passe par les côtes des Amériques et traverse l’océan Atlantique pour atteindre l’Afrique de l’Ouest et les ports européens.

    Les cyberattaques, qui sont en pleine expansion, constituent une menace pour la sécurité des ports et des compagnies maritimes.

    Alors que se multiplient les périls, des routes maritimes du monde et des populations qui en dépendent nous parvient un message de détresse.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Les organismes des Nations Unies soutiennent de nombreuses initiatives régionales qui rassemblent des partenaires du monde entier autour de la sûreté maritime.

    Il s’agit notamment de projets de lutte contre l’insécurité maritime, du golfe d’Aden à la mer Rouge, et du golfe de Guinée au golfe Persique…

    Des efforts visant à garantir la sécurité de la navigation en mer Noire…

    De l’action que nous menons pour aider les pays à bâtir leurs forces maritimes et à se doter de systèmes juridiques solides…

    Des efforts déployés pour lutter contre les vols à main armée dont sont victimes des navires en Asie et contre la piraterie qui sévit au large des côtes somaliennes…

    Et du soutien que nous apportons à l’Architecture de Yaoundé pour la sécurité maritime, mécanisme de coordination interrégional à plusieurs niveaux destiné à combattre la piraterie en Afrique de l’Ouest et en Afrique centrale, qui a permis de porter le nombre d’actes de piraterie de 81 en 2020 à seulement 18 l’année dernière.

    L’Organisation maritime internationale continue en outre de jouer un rôle fondamental pour ce qui est de désamorcer les tensions en mer et d’aider les États Membres et le secteur du transport maritime à trouver des solutions concertées.

    Pour l’avenir, des mesures devront être prises dans trois domaines clés.

    Premièrement, le respect du droit international.

    Le respect du droit international est la condition première de la sûreté maritime.

    Le régime juridique international en la matière, fondé sur la Charte des Nations Unies et la Convention sur le droit de la mer, établit un équilibre délicat entre les droits souverains, la juridiction et les libertés des États, d’une part, et leurs devoirs et obligations, d’autre part.

    Il constitue également un cadre de coopération solide permettant de lutter contre les crimes commis en mer et de veiller à ce que les responsabilités soient établies.

    Toutefois, son efficacité dépend de la volonté des États d’en assurer la mise en œuvre pleine et effective.

    Tous les États doivent respecter leurs obligations.

    Et ils doivent résoudre tout différend relatif à la sûreté maritime conformément à la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Deuxièmement, nous devons redoubler d’efforts pour nous attaquer aux causes profondes de l’insécurité maritime.

    On ne saurait conjurer les menaces qui pèsent sur la sûreté maritime sans affronter également des problèmes tels que la pauvreté, l’absence de moyens de subsistance, l’insécurité et la faiblesse des structures de gouvernance.

    L’ensemble du système des Nations Unies s’emploie, aux côtés des communautés côtières pauvres, à créer de nouvelles possibilités de travail décent et durable.

    Collectivement, nous devons faire davantage pour réduire la probabilité que des personnes désespérées se tournent vers la criminalité et d’autres activités qui menacent la sûreté maritime et dégradent notre environnement océanique.

    Nous devons aider les pays en développement à renforcer leur capacité de faire face à ces menaces par la technologie, la formation, le renforcement des institutions et la mise en œuvre de réformes judiciaires, ainsi que par la modernisation des forces navales, des unités de police maritime, de la surveillance maritime et de la sécurité portuaire.

    Et nous devons veiller à ce que nos océans et nos mers puissent continuer de prospérer et de soutenir le développement économique, social, culturel et environnemental de l’humanité pour les générations à venir.

    La prochaine Conférence sur l’océan, qui se tiendra à Nice, sera pour les pays du monde entier une occasion décisive de passer à l’action.

    Et troisièmement, nous avons besoin de partenariats à tous les niveaux.

    Nous devons associer toutes les parties concernées par les espaces maritimes à l’action menée dans ce domaine.

    Des populations côtières, aux gouvernements, en passant par les groupes régionaux, les compagnies maritimes, les registres d’immatriculation du pavillon, les industries de la pêche et de l’extraction, les compagnies d’assurance et les exploitants portuaires.

    Sans oublier ce Conseil, qui a appelé l’attention sur la sûreté maritime et la nécessité d’agir de manière collective, d’assurer la désescalade et de promouvoir la coopération.

    Ainsi que les groupes de la société civile qui œuvrent en faveur des femmes et des filles, touchées de manière disproportionnée par des fléaux tels que la piraterie et la traite des personnes.

    Alors que les menaces qui pèsent sur la sûreté maritime deviennent de plus en plus complexes et interconnectées, il est essentiel d’améliorer la coordination et de renforcer la gouvernance maritime.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Le système des Nations Unies est prêt à continuer d’aider ce Conseil et tous les États Membres à garantir des espaces maritimes pacifiques, sûrs et prospères pour les générations à venir.
     
    Agissons pour préserver et sécuriser les espaces maritimes, ainsi que les communautés et les personnes qui en dépendent.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Head of Commercial Real Estate Investment Firm Sentenced to 87 Months for $62.8M Investment Fraud Scheme

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    A New York man was sentenced yesterday in the Northern District of Georgia to 87 months in prison and ordered to pay over $45 million in restitution for his role in a scheme to defraud investors in connection with commercial real estate investments in Atlanta, Georgia and Miami, Florida.

    According to court documents, beginning in May 2022, Elchonon “Elie” Schwartz, 46, of New York City, engaged in a scheme to defraud commercial real estate investors that invested through the crowdfunding investment website, CrowdStreet Marketplace. Schwartz raised over $62.8 million from hundreds of investors through CrowdStreet, including approximately $54 million for a large commercial real estate complex in Atlanta, Georgia, and approximately $8.8 million for a mixed-use building in Miami Beach, Florida. When soliciting investments, Schwartz represented to CrowdStreet investors that he would safeguard their funds in segregated bank accounts, not commingle the investors’ money, and only use it to fund the investment in each property.

    Over the course of the scheme, however, Schwartz directed substantially all the CrowdStreet investor money into his personal bank account, personal brokerage account, and accounts for unrelated commercial real estate investments he controlled. He used the CrowdStreet investor funds to purchase luxury watches, invest in stocks and options in his brokerage account, and cover payroll expenses for his unrelated commercial real estate businesses. Ultimately, in mid-July 2023, the two corporate entities that Schwartz had formed to receive funds from CrowdStreet investors both filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

    “Yesterday a federal judge sentenced Elchonon Schwartz to 87 months for defrauding investors out of more than 60 million dollars through lies and deceit as part of a real estate scheme,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Criminal Division. “The defendant made fraudulent representations to investors and misappropriated their money to buy luxury watches and to deposit into his brokerage and bank accounts instead of investing it as promised. The Criminal Division remains dedicated to prosecuting fraudsters who steal investors’ hard-earned savings to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “Schwartz’s greed was boundless,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia. “He callously abused the trust of hundreds of investors to line his own bank accounts, purchase expensive watches, and buy additional luxury items. Schwartz’s sentence reflects our office’s commitment to hold fraudsters accountable for exploiting investors who innocently rely on their false representations.”

    “This sentencing underscores that those who exploit the trust of investors for personal gain will be held accountable,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office. “Mr. Schwartz’s actions caused significant financial harm to hundreds of individuals, and hopefully today’s outcome delivers a measure of justice for the victims.”

    In February 2025, Schwartz pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

    The FBI Atlanta Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department appreciates the valuable assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement.

    Trial Attorney Matthew F. Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Connors for the Northern District of Georgia prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Ophthalmology Practice Agrees to Pay $615,000 to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulent Claims to Medicare and Medicaid for Cranial Ultrasounds

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    Pinellas Eye Care, P.A. doing business as Gulfcoast Eye Care (“Gulfcoast Eye”), an ophthalmology practice with offices in Pinellas Park, Palm Harbor, and St. Petersburg, Florida, has agreed to pay $615,000 to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act and an analogous Florida statute arising from its billing for trans-cranial doppler ultrasounds (“TCDs”) provided through a kickback arrangement with a third party. Gulfcoast Eye has agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s ongoing investigations of other participants in the alleged scheme.

    The settlement resolves allegations that Gulfcoast Eye knowingly submitted, and caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary TCDs. Gulfcoast Eye and a third-party provider of TCD services performed TCDs on thousands of patients and billed Medicare and Medicaid hundreds of dollars per test. Before the patients received the results of the test, Gulfcoast Eye and the third-party provider identified the patients as having received a serious diagnosis — most commonly of occlusion and stenosis of their cerebral arteries — that could qualify the patient for reimbursement of a TCD by Medicare or Medicaid. However, nearly all patients who received TCDs never had occlusion and stenosis of cerebral arteries, and that diagnosis was accordingly not reflected in the patient’s medical history or in the TCD results. Gulfcoast Eye paid the third-party TCD provider based on the volume or value of tests ordered and referred the patients to the TCD provider’s preferred radiology group for the TCD’s professional component. 

    The United States alleged that, as a result of this scheme, Gulfcoast Eye submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for TCDs that were medically unnecessary, that were premised on false diagnoses, and that resulted from violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law. Of the $615,000 total settlement amount, $602,046 is to be paid to the United States, and $12,953 is to be paid to the State of Florida for its share of Medicaid, which is a jointly funded federal and state program.

    “Patients trust their healthcare providers to administer reliable and competent care consistent with their medical needs and ethical standards,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “When this relationship is exploited for personal gain or greed, the integrity of our healthcare system is compromised. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to protect patients from potential harm and maintain the integrity of our federal programs.”

    “Kickback schemes will always be an investigative priority for the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “Our mission is to protect the American people which includes safeguarding them from deceitful actions threatening our nation’s federal healthcare system.”

    “Kickback arrangements can corrupt legitimate medical decision-making and undermine the integrity of federal healthcare programs,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan P. Lynch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG, working with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate improper billing and kickback schemes to protect both Medicare and Medicaid as well as those served by these programs.”

    The civil settlement resolved a lawsuit filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the Government’s recovery. The qui tam was filed by a whistleblower who will receive $116,850 in connection with the settlement.

    The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG and the FBI. The United States previously resolved allegations that another ophthalmology practice in Florida engaged in a similar scheme with the same third-party TCD provider.

    The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    Trial Attorney Nelson Wagner in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Mamie Wise for the Middle District of Florida handled the matter.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Itinerary unveiled for the 2025 Royal Visit of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    OTTAWA, May 20, 2025

    Today, the Government of Canada announced the official itinerary for the upcoming Royal Visit of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Ottawa on May 26 and 27, 2025.

    While the primary focus of the visit is His Majesty King Charles III delivering the Speech from the Throne, Their Majesties will also engage with a variety of individuals and groups that reflect the geographic and cultural richness of the country.

    His Majesty King Charles III has a deep, longstanding connection to Canada and shares many values that resonate with Canadians, including environmental stewardship, youth empowerment, and the celebration of Canada’s vibrant and diverse heritage.

    This first visit as King of Canada marks a momentous and historic occasion, highlighting Canada’s identity and sovereignty as a constitutional monarchy.

    The Royal Visit also strengthens the bond between Canada and the monarchy, offering an opportunity to better understand the unique role of the Crown in our democracy.

    Itinerary

    May 26

    Their Majesties will arrive in Ottawa on the afternoon of May 26 and will be welcomed at the Canada Reception Centre by the Governor General, the Prime Minister, Indigenous leaders and the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. An arrival guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, a senior armoured regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces, will also be present.

    Following their arrival, The King and Queen will travel to Lansdowne Park to meet with members of community organizations and the public.

    Later, Their Majesties will make their way to Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada and the official residence of The King and The Queen while in Canada.

    They will participate in a ceremonial tree planting surrounded by the Viceregal representatives and community members.

    His Majesty will then hold audiences with the Governor General of Canada and with the Prime Minister of Canada.

    May 27

    On the morning of May 27, Their Majesties will travel on Wellington Street from the Bank of Canada to the Senate of Canada using Canada’s State Landau, drawn by horses of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride.

    Upon arriving at the Senate of Canada, The King will receive full military honours which will include a Royal Salute, a 100-person guard of honour from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, an inspection of the guard and the band, and a 21-gun salute.

    His Majesty King Charles III will then deliver the Speech from the Throne to open the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada. Having the speech delivered by the Sovereign is a rare moment where we witness Canadian democracy in all its depth: a balance between heritage and responsibility, tradition and action. Before concluding their visit, Their Majesties will pay their respects and lay a wreath and flowers at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial.

    The complete itinerary is available on the 2025 Royal Visit web page. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: North District Hospital announces incident of nurse suspected to have been indecently assaulted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    North District Hospital announces incident of nurse suspected to have been indecently assaulted 
    A nurse was suspected to have been indecently assaulted in a medical ward at 4.10pm today. Upon receiving the report from the nurse, the hospital reported the incident to the Police immediately. A 59-year-old male patient was subsequently arrested by the Police in the ward.
     
    NDH is highly concerned about the incident. The hospital strongly condemns the suspected indecent acts against its staff, resolutely adopts a zero-tolerance attitude towards this incident, and will follow up seriously while fully co-operating with the Police’s investigation. The hospital has expressed sympathy and provided support to the nurse concerned.
     
    The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System.
    Issued at HKT 22:59

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Law Celebrates the Class of 2025

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Nearly 200 UConn Law graduates, surrounded by a jubilant crowd of family and friends, celebrated the conferral of their degrees during the 102nd commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 19.

    Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam delivered the keynote address, reflecting on how both triumphs and setbacks can guide us to where we’re meant to be. He noted that although he was once rejected by UConn Law, he now stood before the graduates as the city’s mayor and featured speaker.

    See photos from commencement

    Arulampalam spoke about how important it is to be able to see ourselves in each other and connect with each other on a personal level. He shared a story of meeting President Joe Biden at the White Houseand being struck by an octogenarian Irish Catholic finding similarities with a Sri Lankan-by-way-of-Zimbabwe immigrant half his age.  He urged the audience to overcome the instinct to mistrust those who are different and instead strive to build the kind of society they wish to live in.

    “UConn Class of 2025, you get to choose your destinies and our destinies, and you could be the very best of humanity,” Arulampalam said. “You could be the most powerful type of person, one who sows love in the midst of pain and brokenness and division, one who brings life into the midst of darkness, one who builds community in the midst of chaos. and collectively that is our point.”

    Dean Eboni S. Nelson spoke about the many ways the Class of 2025 served its community, both inside and outside the law school, calling acts of service the class’s “collective love language.”

    “You have exemplified the values of compassion, empathy, civility, and understanding as you’ve supported your peers and colleagues during challenging and fraught times,” she said. “The rich diversity of your cultures, experiences, and viewpoints has contributed to our excellence, and your leadership and advocacy have helped to bring and hold our community together. You have made one another better, and you have made this law school better. And for that, I thank you.”

    The Class of 2025 features 143 graduates with juris doctor (JD) degrees, 54 with master of laws (LLM) degrees, and one with a doctor of the science of laws (SJD) degree. Five graduates earned dual degrees – a JD and a graduate degree from another UConn school or college.

    Lois Nnenna Owunna, representing the LLM class, spoke of a feeling of belonging at UConn Law. She highlighted the diverse countries of origin, different languages, and unique traditions among the LLM graduates, noting that perseverance was their common thread. Nnenna Owunna added that they have a lot to give; they bring resilience, compassion, and a drive for justice, in addition to their legal knowledge.

    “What we have experienced has bonded us for life,” she said. “We didn’t let borders or accents divide us. We built bridges.”

    Meet some of the graduates

    Speaking on behalf of the Evening Division, Yanhire Sierra-Lavalle reflected on the support of her family. She has held onto her father saying “Of course she is, she’s Yani” about her plans to attend law school five years ago.

    “Look for mentors, colleagues, or friends, look for people who will continue to uplift you,” she told her classmates. “Look for the person who says ‘Of course you did it. You’re you.’ Don’t forget to give yourself grace. Be kind to yourself. Take care of yourself and give yourself the credit you have earned. When you find yourself in the room with some of the smartest people you have ever met, remember you’re in that room too.”

    Alex Davenport, speaking for the Day Division, shared a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. about moments of conscience, expressing confidence that she and her classmates are prepared to meet those moments with courage.

    “Today is an expression of hope,” she said. “As we turn to the next chapter of our lives, I hope that we daily model commitments to empathy, service, community, and justice. I hope our lives are filled with love and joy. I hope we each know a career that embodies integrity and breathes courage.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Profile: A Passion For Measurement

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Zakithi Msimang working at the IAEA’s Dosimetry Laboratory in Seibersdorf (Photo: IAEA)

    The IAEA profiles employees to provide insight into the variety of career paths that support the Agency’s mission of Atoms for Peace and Development and to inspire and encourage readers, particularly women, to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) or STEM-adjacent fields. Read more profiles of women at the IAEA.  

    “Don’t let the pressures of life distract from following your heart, wherever it takes you. Understand your purpose and strive to fulfil it,” Zakithi Msimang encourages the young scientists she supports in the IAEA’s Division of Human Health.

    From South Africa to Austria, she has always let her interests and curiosity lead the way. Today, she is a medical physicist and metrologist, and a mentor in the IAEA’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme for women in STEM.

    “Every country doesn’t need its own lab for metrology, but they all have to resolve the challenge of measurement and accuracy in some way. Whether you are a patient receiving radiation as a cancer treatment or a baker buying flour, everyone needs assurance that the amount they receive is correct and consistent,” she explains.

    As the IAEA’s only Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL) Officer, Msimang has a unique role in ensuring consistency. She supports the 89 laboratories in 76 different countries that comprise the IAEA/World Health Organization Network of SSDLs. She oversees the data that laboratories around the world use daily to validate the calibration procedures they undertake at their own institutions. She also assists countries in establishing their own dosimetry calibration facilities, drafts IAEA guidance documents and organizes trainings on IAEA codes of practice.

    This commitment to ‘measurement for all’ — this year’s theme for World Metrology Day — has also been the beacon of Msimang’s career path.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Deer Lake — Join us in welcoming one of RCMP NL’s newest police officers, Constable Aidan Payne!

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Join us in welcoming one of RCMP NL’s newest police officers, Constable Aidan Payne!

    Aidan is originally from Fogo Island, NL, and is currently working at the Deer Lake detachment.

    “I grew up around the police and I saw everything they did for my small community. It made me want to help others like they did,” he says. “I’m excited to start a great career with the RCMP and look forward to what it can bring.”

    His goal for his RCMP career is to become part of the Police Dog Service.

    Welcome to the RCMP, Aidan!

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Honoring the Legacy and Mission of U.S. TENTH Fleet

    Source: United States Navy

    Today, we proudly celebrate the establishment of U.S. TENTH Fleet, founded on May 20, 1943, to lead anti-submarine warfare (ASW) efforts in the Atlantic during World War II. Since then, the Fleet has evolved to meet the dynamic demands of maritime operations and continues to play a critical role in ensuring the Navy’s ability to operate freely across the globe and defending our nation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Government condemns Diepkloof protest action

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Tuesday, May 20, 2025

    Government has condemned the acts of violence that claimed two lives in protest action in Gauteng’s Diepkloof.

    “We strongly condemn the violence and looting that took place in Diepkloof and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the two individuals who lost their lives. Every life lost under such circumstances is one too many, and we deeply mourn this tragedy,” Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa said.

    In a statement on Tuesday, government said it deeply regrets the tragic loss of lives during the violent housing protest in Soweto on Monday.

    Two people lost their lives when angry Diepkloof residents blocked roads, looted trucks, and clashed with police, citing the City of Johannesburg’s failure to develop vacant land.

    Government further added that it acknowledges and upholds the constitutional right of all South Africans to protest and express their grievances.

    However, such actions must be conducted peacefully and within the confines of the law. The right to protest does not extend to acts of criminality, violence, or the infringement of the rights and safety of others.

    “We are confident that law enforcement authorities will conduct a thorough investigation into the events of Monday to ensure those responsible are held accountable and to help prevent similar incidents in the future. Government has full confidence in the ability of the South African Police Service to act decisively and lawfully,” said Mnukwa.

    Government called on all citizens to exercise their rights responsibly, and to uphold the values of democracy, dialogue, and mutual respect.

    “Violent acts and destruction of property not only weaken the legitimacy of genuine causes but also threaten the safety and livelihoods of innocent members of the community,” it said. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman’s Statement on Trump Prosecuting Rep. LaMonica McIver

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    “Patriotic Americans must not be fooled: by charging a sitting member of Congress on completely bogus charges, the Trump Administration is weaponizing the Department of Justice in an unprecedented way to silence and intimidate his political opposition.  

    “This is how banana republics and authoritarian dictatorships work, not the oldest democracy in the world.  

    “My Republican colleagues may be drunk on their own power and convinced of their own baseless accusations of the last administration’s weaponization of the federal government, but their cowardice as President Trump lawlessly attacks their own institution will be a permanent stain on each and every one of them. I recommend that they stand up to this tyranny before it is too late or one of them becomes a defendant in a criminal prosecution. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories: Foreign Secretary statement, 20 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Oral statement to Parliament

    Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories: Foreign Secretary statement, 20 May 2025

    Statement by Foreign Secretary David Lammy to the House of Commons on the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

    With permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    This weekend, the Israeli Defence Force started a new, extensive ground operation throughout Gaza, Operation Gideon’s Chariot. Five Israeli divisions are now operating there.

    Prime Minister Netanyahu says that they are going to take control of the Strip letting only minimal amounts of food reach Gazans. Madam Deputy Speaker I quote Prime Minister Netanyahu – “just enough to prevent hunger.”

    Fewer than ten trucks entered Gaza yesterday. The UN and WHO have issued stark warnings of the threat of starvation hanging over hundreds of thousands of civilians. Madam Deputy Speaker, this is abominable.

    Civilians in Gaza facing starvation, homelessness, trauma, desperate for this war to end, now confront renewed bombardment, new displacement and new suffering. And the remaining hostages kept apart from their loved ones by Hamas for almost six hundred days are now at heightened risk from the war around them.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, two months ago the ceasefire collapsed. Since then, the humanitarian catastrophe has rapidly intensified.

    For eleven weeks, Israeli forces have blockaded Gaza, leaving the World Food Programme without any any remaining stocks. Israel has repeatedly struck hospitals, with three more hospitals in northern Gaza ceasing operations this weekend.

    Yet more aid workers and medical workers have been killed. After last year proved the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel.

    The diplomatic deadlock between Israel and Hamas has sadly also hardened. Despite the efforts of the United States, Qatar and Egypt – which we of course support – no ceasefire has emerged.

    We repeat our demand that Hamas release all the hostages immediately and unconditionally and reiterate that they cannot continue to run Gaza.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, we are now entering a dark new phase in this conflict. Netanyahu’s government is planning to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the Strip to the south and permit them a fraction of the aid that they need.

    Yesterday, Minister Smotrich even spoke of Israeli forces “cleansing” Gaza, “destroying what’s left”, of resident Palestinians “being relocated to third countries”.

    We must call this what it is. It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous. And I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7th and the Government has always backed Israel’s right to defend itself. We have condemned Hamas and its abhorrent treatment of the hostages. And we have stood with families and demanded their loved ones be released.

    But the planned displacement of so many Gazans is morally unjustifiable, wholly disproportionate and utterly counter-productive. Whatever Israeli ministers claim, this is not the way to bring the hostages safely home.

    Nearly all the hostages have been freed through negotiations, not military force. And that is why hostage families themselves – and many other Israelis – oppose this plan so strongly.

    Nor will this plan eliminate Hamas or make Israel secure. This war has left a generation orphaned and traumatised, ready for Hamas to recruit. As we learned in Northern Ireland to defeat terrorists and their warped ideology you cannot just rely on military might. You have to offer a viable political alternative. Opposing the expansion of a war that’s killed thousands of children is not rewarding Hamas.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, since entering office, we have taken concerted action on Gaza.

    We restored funding to UNRWA. We supported the independence of international courts. We suspended arms export licences. We provided food and medical care to hundreds of thousands of Gazans. We’ve worked with Arab partners on a plan to ensure a reconstructed Gaza no longer run by Hamas.

    And since Israel restarted strikes on Gaza, this Government has demanded Israel change course. Privately, in my conversations with Foreign Minister Sa’ar and Strategic Affairs Minister Dermer, and publicly, in repeated joint statements with my French and German counterparts, we have made clear that Israel’s actions are intolerable.

    We have raised our concerns in the UN Security Council and before the International Court of Justice. Yesterday, my Right Honourable Friend the Prime Minister joined leaders from France and Canada strongly opposing the expansion of Israel’s military operations. And the UK led a further statement with twenty-seven partners criticising Israel’s proposed new aid delivery mechanism and defending the essential humanitarian principles of the international system that the UK did so much to establish in the first place.

    Our message is clear. There is a UN plan ready to deliver aid at scale, needed with mitigations against aid diversion. There are brave humanitarians ready to do their jobs. There are 9,000 trucks at the border. Prime Minister Netanyahu: end this blockade now and let the aid in.

    Regrettably, Madam Deputy Speaker, despite our efforts, this Israeli government’s egregious actions and rhetoric have continued. They are isolating Israel from its friends and partners around the world. Undermining the interests of the Israeli people. And damaging the image of the state of Israel in the eyes of the world.

    I find this deeply painful, as a lifelong friend of Israel and a believer in the values expressed in its declaration of independence.

    As the Prime Minister and fellow leaders said yesterday, we cannot stand by in the face of this new deterioration. It is incompatible with the principles that underpin our bilateral relationship. Rejected by Members across this House and frankly it’s an affront to the values of the British people.

    Therefore today, I am announcing that we have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement. We will be reviewing cooperation with them under the 2030 Bilateral Roadmap.

    The Netanyahu government’s actions have made this necessary. Madam Deputy Speaker, today, my Honourable Friend the Minister for the Middle East is summoning the Israeli Ambassador to the Foreign Office to convey this message.

    I say now to the people of Israel: we want, I want a strong friendship with you based on our shared values with flourishing ties between our people and societies. We are unwavering in our commitment to your security and to your future, to countering the very real threat from Iran, the scourge of terrorism and the evils of antisemitism.

    But the conduct of the war in Gaza is damaging our relationship with your government. And, as the Prime Minister has said, if Israel pursues this military offensive as it has threatened, failing to ensure the unhindered provision of aid, we will take further actions in response.

    The UK, Madam Deputy Speaker, will not give up on a two-state solution. Israelis living in secure borders, recognised and at peace with their neighbours, free from the threat of terrorism. Palestinians living in their own state, in dignity and security, free of occupation.

    The two-state solution remains the ideal framework, indeed, the only framework, for a just and lasting peace. But as the House knows, its very viability is in peril.

    Endangered not only by the war in Gaza, but by the spread of illegal Israeli settlements and outposts across the Occupied West Bank, with the explicit support of this Israeli government.

    There are now weekly meetings to approve new settlement construction. Settlement approval has accelerated while settler violence has soared. Here too, we have acted, repeatedly pressing for a change in this course and direction, sanctioning seven entities last October, and signing a landmark agreement to bolster support for the Palestinian Authority, when Prime Minister Mustafa visited London just last month.

    But here too, we must do more. Today, we are therefore imposing sanctions on a further three individuals and four entities involved in the settler movement.

    I have seen for myself the consequences of settler violence. The fear of its victims. The impunity of its perpetrators. Today, we are demonstrating again that we will continue to act against those who are carrying out heinous abuses of human rights.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, despite the glimmer of hope from January’s ceasefire, the suffering from this conflict has worsened. But January showed another path was possible.

    We urge Netanyahu’s government to choose this path. The world is judging. History will judge them. Blocking aid, expanding the war, dismissing the concerns of your friends and partners. This is indefensible and it must stop.

    I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor welcomes EY new office at Ebrington

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Mayor welcomes EY new office at Ebrington

    20 May 2025

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr has warmly welcomed the official opening of EY’s new office in the Ebrington Plaza. Mayor Barr said it was a significant business investment and highlighted the growing appeal of Derry and the wider North West region as a vibrant business hub.

    She acknowledged that this investment also marks a crucial step in EY’s ambitious expansion plans across Northern Ireland.

    EY, a leading global professional services organisation, supports businesses across a diverse range of industries and sectors, offering expertise in areas such as Audit, Corporate Finance, Tax and Law, Consulting, AI, and Data Analytics. The establishment of this new location will accommodate up to 120 professionals, a blend of newly recruited talent and existing EY Northern Ireland staff.

    Mayor Barr said:  “This is a truly significant day for our city. The arrival of a globally recognised firm like EY to Ebrington Plaza is a powerful vote of confidence in the talent and potential that Derry Strabane and the wider North West region has to offer. This investment will not only create valuable, high-quality jobs but will also enrich our local business ecosystem by bringing in a wealth of expertise and opportunities.”

    “The new office in Derry will play a vital role in EY’s broader strategy to strengthen its regional presence within Northern Ireland. Furthermore, it reinforces EY Northern Ireland’s commitment made at the Northern Ireland Investment Summit in September 2023 to generate 1,000 new jobs across the region over the next five years.

    “Derry City and Strabane District Council is delighted that EY has chosen Derry as a key location for their expansion. Their commitment to creating new jobs and delivering market-leading services from this base aligns perfectly with our city’s ambitions for economic growth and prosperity set out in our Strategic Growth Plan. We look forward to a strong and collaborative partnership with EY as they embed themselves in our community.”

    The Mayor added: “This significant investment by EY in our city is fantastic news for the people of the North West. It will deliver a wide range of exciting job opportunities right here in Derry, whether you’re just starting your career or looking to take the next step. This commitment truly highlights the immense talent we have coming through our local schools, the North West Regional College, and Ulster University, ensuring a bright future for our community.”

    The Mayor concluded by wishing EY every success in their new venture at Ebrington Plaza and reiterated the city’s commitment to supporting their growth and integration into the local business landscape.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –