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  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia – B10-0141/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Rasa Juknevičienė, François‑Xavier Bellamy, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, David McAllister, Sebastião Bugalho, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Daniel Caspary, Loucas Fourlas, Sandra Kalniete, Łukasz Kohut, Andrey Kovatchev, Andrius Kubilius, Miriam Lexmann, Vangelis Meimarakis, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    B10‑0141/2024

    European Parliament resolution on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia

    (2024/2890(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous reports and resolutions on Azerbaijan and Armenia,

    – having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights of 1950, ratified by Azerbaijan in 2002,

    – having regard to the relevant documents and international agreements, including but not limited to the United Nations Charter, the Helsinki Final Act of 1 August 1975 and the Alma-Ata Declaration of 21 December 1991,

    – having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Azerbaijan, of the other part, signed on 22 April 1996[1],

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas 300 people remain in detention in Azerbaijan on politically motivated charges; whereas prominent human rights defender and climate advocate, Anar Mammadli, has been in pre-trial detention since 30 April 2024 on bogus charges of conspiracy to bring illegal foreign currency into the country and his health has deteriorated significantly while in custody; whereas economist and political activist Gubad Ibadoghlu was moved to house arrest on 22 April 2024 after 274 days in detention;

    B. whereas Azerbaijan has also intensified its repression against the remaining independent media, such as Abzas Media and Toplum TV, through detentions and judicial harassment;

    C. whereas the Azerbaijani laws regulating the registration, operation and funding of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are highly restrictive and arbitrarily implemented, thus effectively criminalising unregistered NGO activity;

    D. whereas Freedom House’s 2024 index ranks Azerbaijan among the least free countries in the world, below Russia and Belarus;

    E. whereas on 19 September 2023, after a nine-month illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor and disregarding both the commitments it made in the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020 and an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, Azerbaijan launched an offensive on the remaining parts of Nagorno-Karabakh not already under its control;

    F. whereas more than 100 000 Armenians had to flee the territory, including 30 000 children, resulting in Nagorno-Karabakh being almost entirely emptied of its Armenian population, who had been living there for centuries; whereas this amounts to ethnic cleansing;

    G. whereas the Russian peacekeeping force did not act in accordance with its mandate, as laid down in the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020, taking no action against Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin corridor, the establishment of the Azerbaijani checkpoint at the entrance to the corridor or the offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023;

    H. whereas the Azerbaijani leadership continues to make irredentist statements with reference to the sovereign territory of Armenia; whereas the Azerbaijani army continues to occupy no less than 170 km2 of the sovereign territory of Armenia;

    1. Stresses its profound concern regarding the human rights situation in Azerbaijan;

    2. Urges the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all human rights defenders, journalists, environmental, political and other activists prosecuted under fabricated and or politically motivated charges; recalls in this context the names of Tofig Yagublu, Akif Gurbanov, Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, as well as human rights defenders and journalists including Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgizi, Nargiz Absalamova, Hafiz Babali and Elnara Gasimova, Aziz Orujov, Rufat Muradli, Avaz Zeynalli, Elnur Shukurov, Alasgar Mammadli and Farid Ismayilov; underlines that since April 2024, Azerbaijan has carried out further arrests of civil society activists on bogus charges, including Farid Mehralidze, Igbal Abilov, Bahurz Samadov, Emin Ibrahimov and Famil Khalilov;

    3. Recalls the need to lift the travel ban in force against Gubad Ibadoghlu and drop all charges against him, and calls on Azerbaijan urgently to ensure an independent medical examination by a doctor of his own choosing, and allow him to receive treatment abroad;

    4. Reminds the Azerbaijani authorities of their obligations to respect human dignity and fundamental freedoms in accordance with their international commitments and calls on them to repeal repressive legislation that drives independent NGOs and media to the margins of the law;

    5. Calls for the EU to impose sanctions under its global human rights sanctions regime on Azerbaijani officials who have committed serious human rights violations; reiterates its position that the EU should be ready to impose sanctions on any individuals and entities that threaten the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Armenia;

    6. Recalls that the 1996 EU-Azerbaijan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which is the legal basis for bilateral relations, is based on respect for democracy and the principles of international law and human rights and that these have been systematically violated in Azerbaijan;

    7. Reiterates the EU’s unequivocal support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the borders of Armenia; strongly supports the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the basis of the principles of the mutual recognition of territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration;

    8. Recalls its previous condemnation of the pre-planned and unjustified military attack by Azerbaijan of 19-20 September 2023 against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, which led to the expulsion of the entirety of the ethnic Armenian community which had been living there for centuries, amounting to ethnic cleansing; recalls that this attack resulted in the complete dissolution of the structures of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh and the establishment of full Azerbaijani control over the region; demands the release of all remaining Armenian political prisoners and prisoners of war;

    9. Reiterates its demand for the withdrawal of Azerbaijan’s troops from the entirety of the sovereign territory of Armenia; rejects and expresses its grave concern regarding the irredentist and inflammatory statements made by the Azerbaijani President and other Azerbaijani officials threatening the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Armenia; warns Azerbaijan against any potential military adventurism against Armenia proper; highlights that Azerbaijan’s connectivity issues with its exclave of Nakhchivan should be resolved with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia;

    10. Calls on Azerbaijan to genuinely engage in a comprehensive and transparent dialogue with the Karabakh Armenians to ensure respect for their rights and guarantee their security, including their right to return to and live in their homes in dignity and safety, overseen by an international presence, to access their land and property rights, to maintain their distinct identity and to fully enjoy their civic, cultural, social and religious rights;

    11. Calls for the establishment of an ad hoc committee within the European institutions to identify or develop international mechanisms to guarantee the collective, safe, dignified and sustainable return of the inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh to their ancestral land; calls for the creation of a mechanism to monitor the implementation of the reports and resolutions adopted by Parliament on Nagorno-Karabakh;

    12. Urges Azerbaijan to refrain from further destroying, neglecting or altering the origins of cultural, religious or historical heritage in the region, bearing in mind the destruction of cultural, religious and historical heritage that has occurred since the beginning of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and calls on it to instead strive to preserve, protect and promote this rich diversity; demands the protection of the Armenian cultural, historical and religious heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh in line with UNESCO standards and Azerbaijan’s international commitments;

    13. Recognises the urgent need to strengthen the cooperation between the EU and Armenia in the field of security and defence; welcomes the fact that Armenia has frozen its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization; notes the added value of regular EU-Armenian Political and Security Dialogues, as an umbrella platform for all security related matters; welcomes the actions undertaken by several Member States to provide defensive military support to Armenia and urges other Member States to consider similar initiatives;

    14. Expresses its support for the decision of Armenia to discontinue the presence of Russian Federal Security Service border guards at the international airport in Yerevan, and its understanding for the suspension of relations with Belarus;

    15. Calls for the EU to end its dependency on gas exports from Azerbaijan; is seriously concerned about Azerbaijan’s import of Russian gas and the substantial Russian share in the production and transportation of Azerbaijani gas for the EU, which contradicts the EU’s objective of undermining Russia’s capacity to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine by cutting its revenues from oil and gas exports to the EU; urges the Commission to investigate suspicions that Azerbaijan actually exports Russian gas to the EU;

    16. Calls for the suspension of all imports of oil and gas from Azerbaijan to the EU; recalls its demand, in the light of Azerbaijan’s 2023 invasion of Nagorno-Karabakh, for the suspension of the Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy between the European Union and Azerbaijan;

    17. Supports all initiatives and activities that could lead to the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the signing of a long-awaited peace agreement; believes that if a peace agreement is to be lasting, it requires genuine engagement from the parties, not the escalation of rhetoric and demands; welcomes the recent achievement in the Commission on Delimitation and Border Security of a preliminary agreement on the delimitation of several sectors of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border;

    18. Welcomes the new momentum in bilateral relations between the EU and Armenia, which is strongly supported by the authorities in Yerevan; takes good note of Armenia’s European aspirations, as expressed by the Armenian foreign minister, among others; recalls its previous position that, pursuant to Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, any European state may apply to become a member of the European Union provided that it adheres to the Copenhagen criteria and the principles of democracy, respects fundamental freedoms and human and minority rights, and upholds the rule of law; considers that, should Armenia be interested in applying for candidate status and continuing on its current path of sustained reforms consolidating its democracy, this could set the stage for a transformative phase in EU-Armenia relations; calls on the Commission and the Council to actively support Armenia’s desire for increased cooperation with the EU, not only in the area of economic partnership but also in political dialogue, people-to-people contacts, sectoral integration and security cooperation; believes that the experience stemming from the Association Agreements / Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas with Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova should serve as a good basis for closer EU-Armenia cooperation, in particular in relation to a gradual sectoral integration with the single market;

    19. Welcomes the decision of 22 July 2024 to launch the visa liberalisation dialogue with Armenia, which is the first step towards achieving a visa free regime for short stays in the EU; welcomes further the decision to adopt the first assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, worth EUR 10 million; calls for the EU to cease all technical and financial assistance to Azerbaijan that might contribute to strengthening its military or security capabilities; calls on the Member States to freeze exports of all military and security equipment to Azerbaijan;

    20. Condemns the Baku Initiative Group’s repeated attempts to denigrate and destabilise EU Member States; condemns in particular its support for irredentist groups and disinformation operations targeting France, especially in the French departments and territories of New Caledonia, Martinique and Corsica; recalls that these methods were used against Germany in 2013; denounces the smear campaigns targeting Denmark; strongly opposes the allegations made by Ilham Aliyev himself at the Baku Initiative Group meeting in Baku in November 2023;

    21. Condemns the arbitrary arrests of EU citizens based on spurious accusations of espionage and their disproportionate sentencing;

    22. Regrets the smear campaign aimed at damaging France’s reputation by calling into question its capacity to host the 2024 Olympic Games, launched by actors suspected of being close to the Azerbaijani regime;

    23. Strongly condemns the intimidation, death threats and assassination attempts against opponents of the Azerbaijani Government, including in EU countries, and against Azerbaijani citizens who have been granted political asylum by Member States, such as Mahammad Mirzali in France; calls on the Member States to cooperate, if necessary, in the investigation into the murder, in September 2024, of Vivadi Isgandarl, an Azerbaijani political opponent residing in France; stresses that for the Member States, preventing any act of retaliation on their territory is a matter of democracy, human rights, security and sovereignty; insists that Europol should closely monitor this matter;

    24. Strongly condemns the public insults and direct threats made by Azerbaijani diplomatic or government representatives, or members of the Azerbaijani Parliament, targeting elected officials of EU Member States; demands, in this regard, that access for all Azerbaijani officials to EU institutional buildings be denied until further notice;

    25. Welcomes the fact that the Republic of Armenia formally deposited the instrument of ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in 2023 and that the statute entered into force for Armenia on 1 February 2024;

    26. Deplores steps taken by Azerbaijan towards the secessionist entity in occupied Cyprus, which are against international law and the provisions of UN Security Council Resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984); calls on Azerbaijan to respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and to not invite the secessionist entity in occupied Cyprus to any meetings of the Organization of Turkic States;

    27. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Member States and the President, Government and Parliament of Azerbaijan.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Improving use of rail infrastructure capacity – 22-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    In July 2023, the European Commission tabled a package of proposals aimed at greening freight transport. One of these proposals focuses on improving the use of rail infrastructure capacity. The proposed text suggests changes to the rules governing the planning and allocation of railway infrastructure capacity, which are currently outlined in Directive 2012/34/EU and Regulation (EU) No 913/2010. The goal of the changes is to enhance the management of rail infrastructure capacity and traffic so as to improve service quality, optimise railway network usage, increase traffic capacity and enhance the transport sector’s contribution to decarbonisation. In the European Parliament, the file was referred to the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), which appointed Tilly Metz (Greens/EFA, Luxembourg) as rapporteur. The TRAN committee adopted its report on 4 March 2024. Parliament adopted its first-reading position during its March 2024 plenary session. Following the European elections, the TRAN committee voted on 7 October 2024 to start interinstitutional negotiations. Fourth edition. The ‘EU Legislation in Progress’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Shortage of bus drivers in Europe – P-002139/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    17.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002139/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Rosa Serrano Sierra (S&D), Idoia Mendia (S&D), Alicia Homs Ginel (S&D)

    The Draghi report acknowledges that the European transport sector faces a common challenge: a shortage of professional drivers. In 2023, 105 000 bus driver positions were unfilled in Europe, a figure which could double by 2028, according to the International Road Transport Union (IRU). The shortage could reduce the frequency of or disrupt public transport services, affecting both access to essential services and sectors such as tourism and undermining one of the EU’s fundamental principles: territorial cohesion.

    The Commission has already acknowledged the problem. In 2023, it included bus drivers in the EU talent pool initiative, which makes it easier to recruit third-country workers in professions with shortages. The lack of drivers is also recognised as a challenge to be addressed in the mission letter of the future Commissioner for Transport.

    Against that backdrop:

    • 1.Does the Commission share concerns about the shortage of bus drivers in the EU?
    • 2.What steps, such as improving working conditions or promoting the inclusion of women, could be taken to make the profession more attractive?
    • 3.Is this state of affairs affecting territorial connectivity in the EU?

    Submitted: 17.10.2024

    Last updated: 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The role of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in EU border and migration policy – E-002064/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    14.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002064/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle (Renew), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE)

    On 5 October 2024, it was reported how the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), once a research and dialogue centre, is playing an increasingly prominent role in implementing EU border and migration policy. It provides input, delivers border and surveillance material, and manages training centres. In 2023, the Commission gave EUR 93 million to the ICMPD. Part of this contribution was for a project in Lebanon aimed at preventing Syrian refugees from moving onward to Europe. The ICMPD has been criticised by experts for lacking transparency, democratic oversight and legal accountability, and for its potential for fundamental rights violations[1].

    • 1.How are the accountability structures of the ICMPD arranged, considering that it carries out EU border- and migration-related tasks, including enforcement tasks, supported by considerable EU funding, and how does the Commission ensure that such ICMPD projects comply with fundamental rights?
    • 2.Can the Commission explain why the evaluation reports of projects managed by the ICMPD are ‘not public’, considering that these projects implement EU border and migration policy and are financed by EU funding?
    • 3.Will the Commission provide more transparency regarding the activities of the ICMPD for the EU, which are financed by public funding, so that democratic control can be reinforced?

    Submitted: 14.10.2024

    Last updated: 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia – B10-0133/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Sergey Lagodinsky, Ville Niinistö, Maria Ohisalo, Catarina Vieira, Hannah Neumann, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Markéta Gregorová, Michael Bloss, Alice Kuhnke, Isabella Lövin, Pär Holmgren, Marie Toussaint
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    B10‑0133/2024

    European Parliament resolution on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia

    (2024/2890(RSP))

     

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Azerbaijan and Armenia, and in particular its resolution of 25 April 2024 on Azerbaijan, notably the repression of civil society and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and Ilhamiz Guliyev[1],

    – having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

    – having regard to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,

    – having regard to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,

    – having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights,

    – having regard to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners,

    – having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Azerbaijan, of the other part[2],

    – having regard to the statement of 29 May 2024 by the Spokesperson of the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the human rights situation in Azerbaijan,

    – having regard to Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) resolution 2527 (2024) of 24 January 2024 entitled ‘Challenge, on substantive grounds, of the still unratified credentials of the parliamentary delegation of Azerbaijan’,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas Azerbaijan’s track record on human rights has reached a historic low point owing to the fact that, since late 2022, the government has intensified its systematic repression of critics and dissident voices, with a new and ongoing wave of arrests of human rights defenders, political and civic activists, journalists and independent researchers on the basis of politically motivated baseless charges;

    B. whereas the detained journalists and activists listed in its urgency resolution of 25 April 2024 remain in custody;

    C. whereas these developments are taking place in the lead-up to the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, as part of a concerted effort by the Azerbaijani authorities to effectively silence the few remaining dissenting voices and stifle Azerbaijani civil society; whereas Azerbaijan was granted the status of COP29 host city by the UN Regional Group of Eastern European States, which includes 11 EU Member States;

    D. whereas people are being detained for actions such as participating in public protests, giving media interviews, criticising the government on social media, exposing police brutality and alleging government corruption, which is in violation of the Azerbaijani Government’s obligations under international human rights law; whereas in addition to politically motivated persecution, the Azerbaijani authorities also use tools of intimidation and harassment to incite fear and effectively censor independent voices;

    E. whereas there are credible reports of severe acts of ill treatment and even of torture inflicted upon detained persons by police officers in Azerbaijan; whereas Azerbaijan refuses to cooperate with the Council of Europe’s European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment;

    F. whereas Anar Mammadli, who leads the Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Center and is a founding member of the Climate Justice Initiative, which seeks to advocate for civic freedoms and environmental justice in conjunction with COP29, was arrested by Azerbaijani authorities on 29 April 2024 on bogus smuggling charges; whereas Mr Mammadli’s health has deteriorated significantly while in custody;

    G. whereas researcher and activist Bahruz Samadov was arrested on 21 August 2024 and charged with ‘high treason’ for his articles criticising Azerbaijan’s Nagorno-Karabakh policy;

    H. whereas women human rights defenders continue to face threats, coercion, violations of their right to privacy and smear campaigns that are gender-specific and target them as women;

    I. whereas Azerbaijani laws regulating the registration, operation and funding of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are highly restrictive, and Azerbaijani authorities arbitrarily implement these laws; whereas this results in the effective criminalisation of unregistered NGO activity;

    J. whereas civil society activists have been fleeing the country in growing numbers since November 2023; whereas the ongoing crackdown on freedom of expression in Azerbaijan is also reflected in reports of transnational repression and reprisals against family members of detainees;

    K. whereas the media sector is under the official control of the authorities, and any remaining independent media outlets, primarily AbzasMedia and Toplum TV, have been targeted through judicial harassment and the detention of its journalists;

    L. whereas many international and domestic human rights activists and organisations have called on the international community to recognise and respond to the urgency and gravity of the human rights situation in Azerbaijan;

    M. whereas PACE officially suspended the Azerbaijan delegation on 24 January 2024 owing to Azerbaijan’s failure to conduct free and fair elections and ensure the separation of powers, the weakness of its legislature vis-à-vis the executive, and the lack of independence of the judiciary and respect for human rights;

    N. whereas a number of European Court of Human Rights decisions have found that Azerbaijan has violated human rights; whereas more than 320 court judgments against Azerbaijan have not yet been executed or have been only partially implemented, which is the highest number among all state parties to the European Convention on Human Rights;

    O. whereas the EU has intensified its energy trade relations with Azerbaijan over the past two years with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy and more recently an MoU on wind energy cooperation; whereas Commissioner Kadri Simson earlier this year praised the dynamism of the EU’s energy cooperation with Azerbaijan;

    P. whereas Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) stipulates that the Union’s action must be guided by democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity, and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law;

    Q. whereas, separately, peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia are ongoing, with both sides stating that negotiations are edging towards a peace agreement; whereas several significant deadlocks seemingly remain, owing to issues including Azerbaijani demands in relation to Armenia’s constitution and a corridor to connect mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave via southern Armenia, disregarding Armenia’s sovereignty; whereas earlier this year a deal was signed on a joint border commission to demarcate and delimit their shared border;

    1. Reiterates its profound concern regarding the human rights situation in Azerbaijan, in particular the government’s severe restrictions on freedoms of expression, assembly and association that have worsened over the past two years;

    2. Is deeply concerned about the systematic repression of freedom of expression by the Azerbaijani authorities, targeting civil society, civic and political activists, journalists and human rights defenders, including acts of harassment, intimidation, arbitrary detention and severe ill treatment and torture by police officers, and politically motivated legal persecution; expresses deep concern about the environment of fear that this has created inside the country, leaving civil society effectively silenced;

    3. Urges the Government of Azerbaijan to immediately and unconditionally release Anar Mammadli, Bahruz Samadov, Igbal Abilov, Farid Mehralizade, Emin Ibrahimov and Famil Khalilov, as well as political prisoners named in previous urgency resolutions, including Ilhamiz Guliyev, Tofig Yagublu, Akif Gurbanov and Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, and human rights defenders and journalists Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgizi, Nargiz Absalamova, Hafiz Babali, Elnara Gasimova, Aziz Orujov, Rufat Muradli, Avaz Zeynalli, Elnur Shukurov, Alasgar Mammadli and Farid Ismayilov; calls, further, for the vacation of any convictions against those released and the removal of restrictions on their freedom of movement;

    4. Reminds Azerbaijan that the provision of healthcare for prisoners is the responsibility of the state; calls for adequate healthcare and medical treatment to be provided to all those detained in Azerbaijan on politically motivated charges;

    5. Urges the Azerbaijani authorities to drop all charges against renowned scholar, anti-corruption activist and shortlisted finalist of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, release him from house arrest, and allow him to travel abroad for urgent medical care without delay and attend the Sakharov Prize ceremony in Strasbourg in December;

    6. Is deeply concerned about Azerbaijan’s violations of the freedom of association through undue restrictions and misuse of NGO legislation, resulting in the persecution of civil society and curtailing of its work; calls on the Azerbaijani Government to repeal the restrictive NGO and media legislation and ensure that civil society can operate without undue hindrance or fear of reprisals and persecution;

    7. Encourages the Commission to review its approach to supporting human rights in Azerbaijan and recommends a reassessment of its funding mechanisms for Azerbaijani independent civil society and media, aligning them more closely with the strategies used to support these sectors in Belarus;

    8. Condemns the continued repression of the right to freedom of assembly, for instance in the case of anti-pollution protests in the village of Soyudlu in 2023, which were quashed by security forces using violence and arrests;

    9. Calls on the Azerbaijani Government to swiftly comply with long-standing recommendations of the Council of Europe’s European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on the subject of the widespread recourse to physical ill treatment (including, on occasion, torture) by the police in Azerbaijan;

    10. Calls on the Azerbaijani Government to implement all decisions by the European Court of Human Rights, reminds it of its obligations to respect human dignity and fundamental freedoms and calls on it to repeal repressive legislation on the registration and funding of NGOs, to bring it in line with Venice Commission recommendations;

    11. Deeply regrets statements by various Commission representatives, including President Ursula von der Leyen, calling Azerbaijan a ‘reliable partner’ in the field of energy; insists that, in the interest of its geopolitical security, integrity and pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals, the EU end its reliance on fossil-fuel-rich authoritarian countries once and for all;

    12. Reiterates its denunciation of Azerbaijan’s systematic bribery of European politicians, including in the context of PACE;

    13. Considers that the ongoing human rights violations in Azerbaijan are incompatible with the country’s role as COP29 host; urges the EU and the Member States to use COP29 as an occasion for the international community to remind Azerbaijan of its international obligations and to condemn and address in a meaningful way Azerbaijan’s human rights violations in interactions with the Azerbaijani authorities in Baku during COP29; calls on delegates attending COP29 on behalf of the EU and the Member States, in particular President Ursula von der Leyen, to make public and private calls for the immediate and unconditional release of arbitrarily detained journalists, activists and human rights defenders and to request meetings with political prisoners while in the country;

    14. Stresses the fact that Azerbaijan will host COP29 on behalf of the UN Regional Group of Eastern European States, which includes EU Member States, and that they cannot allow the Azerbaijani Government to use the occasion to whitewash its image and human rights track record; demands that the organisers and the Member States make clear to the Azerbaijani authorities how important a thriving and independent civil society is to the conference’s success, and ensure that human rights, fundamental freedoms and the effective participation of civil society are guaranteed during the event;

    15. Calls for the EU and the Member States to prioritise, in line with Article 21 TEU, addressing Azerbaijan’s appalling human rights situation in their relations with the country and introducing stronger human rights conditions in the EU’s relations with Azerbaijan; calls for the EU’s economic and political ties with and support for Azerbaijan, including any cooperation on energy, to be made conditional on the release of all political prisoners, reform of laws and regulations governing NGOs and their funding, and the improvement of the overall human rights situation in the country; insists, in this regard, that the EU and the Member States suspend all energy trade relations with Azerbaijan, including the MoU on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy, and make any reinstatement conditional on meeting the above requirements;

    16. Calls on the Commission to investigate options for imposing targeted sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime on those individuals responsible for the grave and consistent human rights violations in Azerbaijan;

    17. Welcomes, separately, the ongoing negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan on all pending issues with the aim of concluding a peace treaty, and calls on both parties to remain fully committed to a lasting and peaceful settlement of the long-standing dispute, through dialogue and negotiations; believes that an agreement between these two countries needs to be negotiated in good faith and be based on the recognition of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-use of force; recalls that, meanwhile, all rights of the Armenian minority in Azerbaijan must be safeguarded and calls for all prisoners of war to be released in line with the 1949 Third Geneva Convention;

    18. Urges the Commission and the Council to ensure the EU’s ability to credibly and effectively continue supporting the negotiations directed at a lasting peace for the benefit of all people in the region;

    19. Calls on Türkiye to take more diplomatic responsibility in the region by actively contributing to the promotion of peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and by playing a constructive role in facilitating a lasting and peaceful resolution of the conflict;

    20. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the European External Action Service, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the President and Parliament of Azerbaijan and the President, Prime Minister and Parliament of Armenia.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Common charger for e-bikes – P-002152/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    17.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002152/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Katarina Barley (S&D), Delara Burkhardt (S&D)

    Consumers throughout the EU are bothered by the need to have several different chargers for the same category of products. This not only applies to mobile phones, for which the EU has now established the requirement to use a common charger, but also to e-bikes.

    The Batteries Regulation obliges the Commission to ‘assess how best to introduce harmonised standards for a common charger for rechargeable batteries designed for light means of transport’, such as e-bikes, by 1 January 2025 (Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, Article 94(6)).

    • 1.Will the Commission carry out this assessment on time?
    • 2.Does the Commission already have preliminary findings?
    • 3.Does the Commission plan to propose legislation on a common charger for e-bikes if the assessment deems common chargers advantageous for consumers in the EU?

    Submitted: 17.10.2024

    Last updated: 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Poland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan: Latest state of play – 22-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    In nominal terms, Poland is the third biggest beneficiary of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), after Italy and Spain. EU support for implementing Poland’s amended national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) – Krajowy Plan Odbudowy – amounts to €59.8 billion, and includes €25.3 billion in grants and €34.5 billion in loans. The amount is €24.5 billion (+69 %) higher than the one initially approved, and takes into account a 2022 update of the maximum financial contribution, additional loans requested by Poland, and the non-repayable allocation for REPowerEU made available in 2023. RRF support per capita for Poland totals €1 584 (up from €935 initially). Poland’s NRRP has twice been amended, on 8 December 2023 to add the REPowerEU chapter, and on 16 July 2024 to adjust the timeline and scope of selected measures. The NRRP includes 54 reforms and 57 investments, and is strongly focused on the green transition and changes in energy production and consumption. The biggest components are dedicated to REPowerEU (41 % of the total allocation) and green energy and energy intensity reduction (26 %). Other priority areas include economic competitiveness, healthcare, well-functioning public institutions and the judiciary. On 28 December 2023, Poland received €5 billion in pre-financing for the REPowerEU chapter. After the satisfactory fulfilment of 37 milestones and one target, including the commitments concerning the reforms of the judicial system (‘super milestones’), and improvements of the audit and control systems, Poland received the first achievements-based payment on 15 April 2024 (€6.3 billion). On 13 September, Poland submitted payment requests for the second and third instalments, amounting to €9.4 billion and linked to achieving 38 milestones and three targets. The European Parliament participates in interinstitutional forums for cooperation and discussion on RRF implementation, and scrutinises the European Commission’s work. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Third edition. The ‘NGEU delivery’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Announces Plans for Third Special Tax Refund for Hardworking Georgians

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp, joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Speaker of the House Jon Burns, and members of the Georgia General Assembly, today announced plans to return over $1 billion to the taxpayers of Georgia via a third special tax rebate. The proposed one-time, special refund would mirror previous rebates, returning $250 to single tax filers, $375 to head-of-household filers, and $500 to married couples filing jointly. Between this latest measure and the previous tax rebates, multiple state gas tax suspensions, homeowner tax relief grant, and acceleration of the largest income tax cut in state history enacted by the Governor and General Assembly, these policies have saved Georgia taxpayers over $6.6 billion.  

    “Inflation may have fallen, but high prices are still here and weighing down hardworking Georgians every time they go to the grocery store, the gas pump, and so many other places in our daily lives,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “While bad policies coming out of Washington, D.C. are still hurting America’s families, here in Georgia we’re working to give our people relief. I want to thank the General Assembly for their support of the measure we announced today, and the many actions we’ve taken before now to put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Georgians.”

    This special tax refund would serve as the third rebate package delivered by Governor Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly over the last three years, and it follows the historic tax cut package enacted earlier this year which accelerated the largest state income tax cut in Georgia history. 

    “Under our state’s strong conservative leadership, we’ve balanced the budget every year while lowering our income tax rate and returning billions of dollars to taxpayers,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “I want to thank Governor Brian Kemp for his leadership and for prioritizing the budgets of Georgia’s families. Priorities like the one announced today will help Georgians keep more of their hard-earned money and will separate us from the failed policies in Washington. I made a promise to the people of Georgia that as your Lt. Governor, I would work every year to lower your taxes and keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pockets, and I look forward to working with the Governor and the Speaker to do that again when we reconvene in January.”

    “Georgia’s strong conservative leadership and strategic fiscal policies have created a historic $16 billion budget surplus, and we’re proud that we’ve been able to continue investing in everything from healthcare and education to infrastructure and workforce development – all while cutting taxes and saving Georgia families and businesses millions of dollars,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “The House is looking forward to working alongside Governor Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Jones, and members of the General Assembly in 2025 to continue returning taxpayer dollars to hardworking Georgians.”

    As with the prior special tax refunds, the tax rebates announced today will not be taxable income under Georgia law. No additional action is necessary from taxpayers beyond filing their individual income tax returns from the two previous taxable years (2023 and 2024 tax returns).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: DPRK says it discovered remains of a South Korean drone

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) said it had discovered remains of a drone identical to a military unmanned aerial vehicle that South Korea showed during the Armed Forces Day parade, calling it decisive material evidence to prove South Korea committed a hostile provocation in violation of the country’s sovereignty, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Saturday.

    A spokesman for the DPRK Ministry of National Defense said on Friday that the Pyongyang Municipal Security Bureau of the DPRK Ministry of Public Security on October 13 discovered the remains of a crashed drone during a search operation in Pyongyang, the KCNA said.

    The DPRK assessed through technical examination and analysis the drone it discovered as a light-weight drone for long-range reconnaissance owned by the South Korean military and one of “the same type as the vehicle-carried one opened to public at an event marking the ROK Armed Forces Day”, according to the KCNA report. ROK is the acronym of the official name of South Korea, the Republic of Korea.

    Based on the drone shape, its presumptive flight period and the leaflet-scattering box fixed to the underpart of the drone’s fuselage, among other factors, “it is quite likely that the drone is the one which scattered leaflets over the center of Pyongyang,” the KCNA said, adding though “the conclusion has not yet been drawn.”

    Subsequently, the DPRK asked its military units in the capital city and the southern border area to reinforce anti-air observation posts, and “decided to keep the combined artillery units and the units with important fire duties near the border in full combat readiness,” according to the KCNA.

    The DPRK warned that “if a violation of the DPRK’s territorial ground, air and waters by ROK’s military means is discovered and confirmed again, it will be regarded as a grave military provocation against the DPRK sovereignty and a declaration of war and an immediate retaliatory attack will be launched,” the KCNA said.

    The DPRK Foreign Ministry on October 11th accused South Korea of sending drones over Pyongyang. South Korea’s military denied the accusation on the same day, saying “it did not send drones into North Korea.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM holds talks with British foreign secretary

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom David Lammy in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 18, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom David Lammy in Beijing on Friday.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that China and the UK, both permanent members of the UN Security Council and major economies in the world, should be upholders of the UN-centered international order, collaborators in addressing global challenges, and partners in achieving national development.

    China is willing to work with the UK to follow the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, adhere to mutual understanding and respect, and make open cooperation the main theme, deepen strategic communication, promote practical cooperation, and push China-UK relations to a new stage of stable development, Wang said.

    China-UK relations have come a long way in history and now stand at a new starting point, Wang said, adding that the British Labour government has put forward the proposal to develop a long-term, stable and strategically significant relationship with China. The Chinese side has positively evaluated this proposal, as it conforms to the historical logic and practical needs of the bilateral relationship, serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and aligns with the historical trend and the international situation.

    Noting that Taiwan and Hong Kong affairs are China’s internal affairs, and non-interference in internal affairs is a fundamental principle of international relations, Wang said both sides should respect each other’s concerns, strengthen dialogue on the basis of equality, enhance understanding, and create an atmosphere for communication and cooperation.

    China agrees to fully restore dialogue and cooperation mechanisms in various fields between the two countries, and actively carry out mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, finance, green development, science and technology, health, education, culture and other areas, Wang said.

    China is willing to work with all countries, including the UK, to strengthen dialogue and cooperation, share international responsibilities, uphold true multilateralism, and effectively promote international fairness, justice and open development, he added.

    Lammy said the British government is committed to strengthening dialogue and cooperation with China and effectively managing differences in a coherent, mutually respectful manner that serves the long-term interests of both sides.

    The UK remains steadfast in honoring its commitment on the Taiwan question since the establishment of diplomatic relations and will stick to it in the long term, Lammy said.

    The UK looks forward to strengthening high-level and various levels of dialogue with China, expanding cooperation in areas such as climate change, energy, environmental protection, technology, economy and trade, investment and international development, and embarking on a new journey of strong development of the UK-China partnership, he added.

    As permanent members of the UN Security Council, both the UK and China should jointly uphold free trade and commit to addressing geopolitical crises and complex challenges through diplomatic means, Lammy added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Current situation in Lebanon ‘most challenging’ for UNIFIL since 2006

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 shows a UNIFIL patrol vehicle in Marjeyoun, southern Lebanon. Three people were killed and four others injured on Sunday in Israeli airstrikes on dozens of villages and towns in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

    The current situation in Lebanon has been the most challenging for peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) ever since 2006, said UNIFIL Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti on Friday.

    Daily exchanges of fire across the Blue Line since early October last year have made the situation in UNIFIL’s area of operation in south Lebanon extremely challenging, Tenenti told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

    “Dramatic escalation starting last month, including the Israeli ground incursions into Lebanon, has further complicated the situation. This is the most challenging situation (UNIFIL) peacekeepers have seen since the war in 2006,” Tenenti said.

    While patrols have been largely suspended for the time being, peacekeepers continue to implement the mandate, remaining in all positions, and the UN flag continues to fly, he said.

    Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has been launching intensive airstrikes on Lebanon in a dangerous escalation with Hezbollah. It has also conducted what it said was a “limited” ground operation across the border, allegedly to cripple Hezbollah capabilities.

    Over the past few days, Israeli forces have attacked UNIFIL positions in Lebanon several times, causing injuries among UN peacekeepers and sparking criticism from the international community. On Wednesday, a Merkava tank of the Israeli army fired at a UNIFIL watchtower near the southeastern Lebanese village of Kafr Kila, destroying two cameras and damaging a tower.

    In response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s earlier remarks urging the UN to “get UNIFIL forces out of harm’s way,” Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN under-secretary-general for peace operations, said Monday that UN peacekeepers will stay in all their positions in Lebanon.

    Tenenti told Xinhua that UNIFIL is in regular contact with Lebanese and Israeli authorities, as well as the troop-contributing countries. “The situation is difficult, but the countries that send peacekeepers to UNIFIL understand that the mission’s work is more important than ever,” he said.

    “We are regularly adjusting our posture and activities, and we have contingency plans ready for all scenarios — from best to worst — and to be activated if necessary,” he noted.

    Tenenti assured that UNIFIL continues to contact the relevant parties, urging de-escalation and reminding them of their obligation to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers while refraining from any actions that would harm them.

    “They are further reminded that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times,” he stressed.  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Delivers Remarks at Inauguration of Husson University President

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Published: October 18, 2024

    Click HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos
    Bangor, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks at the inauguration of Husson University’s 7th president, Lynne Coy-Ogan, at the University’s Gracie Theater. Former Husson University Presidents Bob Clark and Bill Beardsley were also in attendance to congratulate President Coy-Ogan.
    “From serving as principal at Bangor’s Fruit Street School to a nearly 20-year career here at Husson as dean, provost, and vice president, Lynne has dedicated her life to education,” Senator Collins said during her remarks. “As a Maine native, she is devoted to our State and its people.  As the first woman to hold this position, she is a role model and an inspiration. I commend the Board of Trustees for this excellent, enthusiastic, and unanimous choice.”
    Dr. Coy-Ogan was born in Bangor, Maine and earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston University, a master’s in school counseling from Johns Hopkins, and an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Liberty University, where she focused her research on first-generation college students. She later served as a principal in the Bangor School Department and Regional School Unit 68. She joined Husson University in 2005 as dean of the School of Education, eventually becoming provost and Vice President before being named the University’s 7th President.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: CSAF, CMSAF visit Korea to engage allies and Airmen

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    OSAN AIR BASE, GYEONGGIDO [KYONGGI-DO], South Korea  –  

    U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin met with Republic of Korea Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee, Youngsu at the ROKAF Headquarters in Gyeryongdae, Oct. 17, as part of a weeklong visit to the region.

    The Air Chiefs discussed the current strategic environment and ways their two services can integrate even more effectively to deter aggression.

    “Challengers to a free and open Indo-Pacific are real, from the Korean peninsula to the South China Sea,” Allvin said. “That is why our ironclad alliance with the ROK has never been more important. Together, we continue to strengthen our interoperability and sharpen the combined readiness of our forces.”

    One of the initiatives being tested within Seventh Air Force is the Super Squadron at Osan, which has temporarily shifted F-16 Falcons on the Korean peninsula to optimize combat capability and increase readiness.

    “The ongoing F-16 Super Squadron test is centered on two things — readiness and combat effectiveness,” Allvin said. “This initiative demonstrates our nonstop commitment to the defense of the ROK against any threat or adversary. Our Airmen stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our ROK counterparts and are trained and ready to respond to any provocation or crisis.”

    The meeting with Lee was part of Allvin’s trip to Korea where he, along with his wife, Gina Allvin, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi visited Osan Air Base to speak with Airmen and discuss Air Force operations in the Korean theater.
    During the visit Allvin and Flosi held office calls with Air Force leaders from Osan and Kunsan, spoke with Airmen during an all call, and toured facilities on base.

    At the all call, Allvin discussed the evolution of the Air Force in response to changing geopolitical dynamics, emphasizing the importance of readiness. He highlighted the need for reoptimization to adapt to Great Power Competition, focusing on improving current force readiness and developing future capabilities. He also stressed the importance of large-scale exercises, agile combat employment, and human-machine teaming.

    Flosi joined Allvin for the question-and-answer portion of the all call, addressing issues from eliminating barriers to service, to enhancing mission readiness through better training and risk management. The discussion also addressed policy discrepancies and efforts to improve medical care standards and prevention.

    The leadership team closed the all call by discussing the importance of enforcing standards.

    “Take a hard look at the culture of standards in your organization,” said Flosi. “Our ability to execute our mission, do our nation’s bidding, hinges on an organization of Airmen who believe in and enforce standards.”
    Following the all-call, Flosi met with senior NCOs for lunch and had a more in-depth discussion about policies and issues that affect Airmen.

    He also toured the hospital, 51st Security Forces Squadron, and 36th Fighter Generation Squadron to learn about different aspects of the mission at Osan.

    Meanwhile, Mrs. Allvin met with Key Support Liaisons and received briefs about noncombatant evacuation operations and the command sponsorship program. She also toured the Military and Family Readiness Center, base schools, the child development center, and the hospital.

    Allvin concluded the visit by expressing his appreciation for Team Osan.

    “I am leaving here feeling refreshed and energized,” he said. “The Airmen here are leaning forward and doing their very best for our nation in one of the toughest and most consequential parts of the world.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Concludes Visit to Honduras and Reaches Staff-Level Agreement

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 18, 2024

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff and the Honduran authorities have reached staff level agreement on a set of comprehensive policies and reforms needed to complete the first and second reviews of Honduras’ program supported by the IMF.
    • The authorities have made important progress under their program. Fiscal policy remains prudent, public investment continues to expand, and the authorities have recently begun normalizing monetary and exchange rate policies.
    • Strengthened budget execution, energy sector reforms, including to reduce the public power company’s arrears, and further adjustments to monetary and exchange rate policies remain key to safeguard macroeconomic stability and promote inclusive and sustained growth.

    Tegucigalpa, Honduras: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Ricardo Llaudes visited Tegucigalpa during October 7-18, 2024. The mission was a continuation of presential and virtual discussions in recent months. At the conclusion of the visit, Mr. Llaudes issued the following statement:

    “The Honduran authorities and the IMF team have reached staff level agreement on the economic policies necessary to complete the first and second reviews of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangements. The IMF’s Executive Board is expected to consider the case in the coming weeks.

    “The team and the authorities concurred that the Honduran economy remains broadly resilient despite a still-challenging global environment and the impact of the El Niño climate shock. Robust growth has continued this year—projected close to 4 percent—and inflation has stabilized between 4½ and 5 percent, within the tolerance range around the BCH’s inflation objective. On the external front, international reserves levels remain adequate but have continued to decline this year owing to a variety of factors, including the severe drought in the first half of the year—hindering agricultural exports and increasing energy imports—and lower-than-expected multilateral and bilateral financing support.

    “The authorities have reiterated their strong commitment to implement a prudent macroeconomic policy mix to strengthen economic stability and to take prompt actions on all critical aspects of their economic reform program supported by the IMF to ensure program objectives are met. Policy discussions and program reforms revolved around five key pillars.

    “First, continued budgetary discipline to preserve debt sustainability. As in 2023, fiscal performance this year is expected to overperform program objectives, supported by solid tax revenues and strengthened public financial management. The authorities are planning additional measures to further bolster the fiscal position, including enhancing transparency in budget execution, further strengthening the Treasury Single Account, and modernizing the public procurement framework. Timely adoption of the 2025 budget in line with program objectives is essential to support the authorities’ fiscal efforts and public investment program.

    “Second, strengthened social spending to protect the most vulnerable. The authorities have faced capacity constraints in disbursing social support. These constraints are now being lifted, and the authorities agreed on the need to roll out more decisively monetary transfers under the flagship program Red Solidaria, accelerate completion of the census of urban households in extreme poverty, and finalize the Single Social Sector Information System to facilitate the design, monitoring, and transparency of Honduras’ social programs.

    “Third, decisive implementation of monetary and exchange rate policies to keep inflation low and safeguard international reserves. Following the global shocks of 2020-2023—including the COVID-19 pandemic, global commodity shocks, and climate events—the authorities have recently begun normalizing monetary and exchange policies. Key recent measures include an increase in reserve requirements, adjustments to the monetary policy rate (TPM), and a higher rate of crawl of the Lempira, in line with the crawling band regime. There was agreement on the need for additional tightening of the TPM to support demand for Lempira assets and continued decisive implementation of the crawling band regime to achieve a healthy and sustainable external position. The authorities agreed to stand ready to further adjust these policies as needed to ensure achievement of program objectives. Strong communication with the public and markets on these measures will be key to strengthen their effectiveness.

    “Fourth, improved health of the energy sector. The team was encouraged by the recent downward trend in electricity losses by the public power company ENEE. That said, it was agreed that continued reforms will be vital to underpin ENEE’s financial health. In the short run, the authorities agreed that reducing ENEE’s payment arrears through domestic bond issuances and enhancing coordination across relevant official stakeholders to tackle ENEE’s challenges are a priority. These measures are also essential to attract needed investment to expand generation capacity and guarantee adequate provision of energy. In parallel, the authorities committed to continue other structural reforms, including integration of ENEE’s three distribution units and upgrading of its financial accounting to international standards.

    “Fifth, steadfast commitment to fight corruption. The recent establishment of an asset declaration system for public level officials and a National Observatory of Transparency and Anticorruption are welcome. Continuing efforts to strengthen the AML/CFT framework ahead of the evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2026 are essential, including approval of the Beneficial Ownership Law and creation of a corresponding firm registry including beneficial ownership information. The authorities also committed to ensure the adoption of the Honduran National Transparency and Anti-Corruption Strategy (ENTAH) and continue to strengthen the public dialogue and participation of civil society.

    “The IMF team would like to thank the authorities, the private sector, and civil society for their kind hospitality and candid discussions.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Rosa A Hernandez

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/19/pr24384-imf-concludes-visit-to-honduras-and-reaches-staff-level-agreement

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS George Washington transits to Japan

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    SAN DIEGO  –  

     The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) departed the San Diego area for routine operations Oct. 8, beginning its transit to Yokosuka, Japan.

    George Washington assumed the role of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed carrier, replacing USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), which operated out of Yokosuka for nearly nine years before departing Japan in May.

    “USS George Washington departed San Diego to begin the final phase of its redeployment to Japan, where it will once again serve as the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier,” said Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, commander of Carrier Strike Group 5. “It will take up station alongside the always-ready forces postured in the area of responsibility. George Washington, with all its capabilities, represents America’s commitment to stability in the region where it will sail and fly with our partner navies as we strive to move from interoperability to true interchangeability.”

    George Washington completed its midlife refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding in May 2023, conducted pre-deployment certifications and inspections over the course of 10 months, and departed Norfolk, Virginia, in April for its Southern Seas deployment around South America, arriving in San Diego in July.

    The forward-deployed Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, which recently completed training at Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada, will embark George Washington to transit the Pacific Ocean and return to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan.

    “I am incredibly proud of this team and everything they have accomplished this year,” said Capt. Timothy Waits, commanding officer of George Washington. “This crew, alongside Carrier Air Wing 5, is trained, tested, and ready to return to 7th Fleet as the Navy’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier.”

    This marks the second time that George Washington has served as the Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Japan aircraft carrier. In 2008, it became the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to be forward-deployed to Japan before being relieved by Ronald Reagan in 2015.

    After operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet and 7th Fleet areas of operations, George Washington will arrive in Yokosuka in late fall.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Legacy of partnership: 25th FS hosts Buddy Squadron 25-1

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  –  

    The 25th Fighter Squadron hosted two units from the Republic of Korea Air Force 8th Fighter Wing for Buddy Squadron 25-1 at Osan Air Base, ROK, Oct. 15-17, 2024.

    Unique to the ROK, Buddy Squadron is a tradition between the ROKAF and U.S. Air Force that started in the late 1990s and has grown over time. It is an opportunity to allow ROKAF and U.S. Air Force fighter pilots to share and practice flying concepts and tactics while also building and developing relationships between the Airmen.

    Today, all four U.S. Air Force fighter squadrons on the Korean peninsula participate in this training event on a semi-annual basis with their designated Buddy Squadron.

    “Being a fighter pilot in Korea can be very demanding both physically and emotionally,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Chase McCathern, 51st Operational Support Squadron current operations flight commander and project officer for Buddy Squadron 25-1. “These Buddy Squadron events help make those long days worth it.”

    Since its development in the ‘90s, the program continued to grow and thrive with eager participation from both the ROKAF and U.S. Air Force members. While the COVID-19 pandemic brought the training event to a halt for a few years; since its rebirth in 2022, the program has once again started to flourish.

    “This program has returned stronger than ever,” expressed McCathern. “I think that’s a testament to the relationships amongst the squadrons and to how much of a priority this is for us all.”

    As the most forward-deployed, permanently based fighter wing, Osan AB trains their Airmen to be ready to “Fight Tonight” and defend the peninsula at a moment’s notice. In order to accomplish this goal, integration and collaboration with our ROK military partners is paramount.

    “This level of interdependence while flying requires a deep level of trust, teamwork, communication, and skill,” explained McCathern. “ These things aren’t developed overnight and Buddy Squadron is an intentional method to build the relationships which are the foundation for all of them.”

    On top of the great training opportunity and tactical value Buddy Squadron provides, pilots assigned to the 25th FS also look forward to reconnecting with their counterparts, meeting new aviators, and taking the opportunity to repay the kindness of their ROKAF partners.

    “Our Buddy Squadron partners are notorious for the exceptional hospitality they always show us, and it’s a blessing for us to get the opportunity to have them here at Osan and to try and return the favor,” said McCathern.

    This iteration of Buddy Squadron included academics, knowledge exchange, social events and combined flying missions including the A-10 Thunderbolt II, FA-50 Golden Eagle and the KA-1 Woongbi. Many of the 25th FS “Draggins” look forward to Buddy Squadron for months as a refreshing, tangible reminder to why they fly in the first place – to defend the peninsula and the people who call it home.

    “Buddy Squadron is one of the things we are most excited about every year here,” said McCathern. “We always have a blast when we get together for these events, and the time I spend with our buddies always reminds me of my favorite Frank Sinatra quote: ‘If you don’t know the guy on the other side of the world, love him anyway because he’s just like you. He has the same dreams, same hopes and fears. It’s one world, pal. We’re all neighbors.’”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Announces $290,000 in New Funding to Fight Fentanyl Trafficking

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    10.18.24
    Cantwell Announces $290,000 in New Funding to Fight Fentanyl Trafficking
    Funding goes to Northwest HIDTA, which successfully seized nearly 5 million illicit fentanyl pills last year in WA
    EDMONDS, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that the Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program will receive $290,000 in new funding.
    “With overdose deaths continuing to rise in our state, the federal government is stepping up to help,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Northwest HIDTA seized nearly 5 million illicit fentanyl pills last year, and this funding will aid their successful work with more than 75 federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies across 15 counties to disrupt drug traffickers. We must continue to support proven ways to address this crisis and keep this dangerous illicit drug out of our communities.”
    The funding comes from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and is in addition to $5,031,349 in base funding allocated to Northwest HIDTA earlier this year.
    The HIDTA Program coordinates and assists federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to address regional drug threats and reduce illicit drug production and trafficking.
    Sen. Cantwell has traveled across the State of Washington hearing from people in 10 communities on the front lines of the fentanyl crisis, including first responders, law enforcement, health care providers, and people with firsthand experience of fentanyl addiction. She’s using what she heard in those roundtables to craft and champion specific legislative solutions, including:
    The Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act, which would create first-ever inspection strategies to stop drug smuggling by commercial aircraft, railroads, vehicles, and ships. The legislation would boost state, local, and tribal local law enforcement resources,; deploy next generation non-intrusive detection technologies,  and increase inspections at ports of entry.
    The Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act, which would which would direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) to award grants to states, units of local government, law enforcement task forces, and tribes to adopt and implement an overdose data collection program.
    The Fatal Overdose Reduction Act, which would expand an evidence-based, low-barrier fentanyl treatment pilot program across the United States; and
    The Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act, which would require that all pill presses be engraved with a serial number and impose penalties for the removal or alteration of the number.
    Sen. Cantwell’s other legislative actions to fight fentanyl include cosponsoring the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, a new law enacted earlier this year that will help U.S. government agencies disrupt opioid supply chains by imposing sanctions on traffickers and fighting money laundering.
    In addition, in March 2024, Sen. Cantwell voted for a series of federal funding bills allocating $1.69 billion to combat fentanyl and other illicit drugs coming into the United States, including an additional $385.2 million to increase security at U.S. ports of entry, with the goal of catching more illegal drugs like fentanyl before they make it across the border. Critical funding will go toward Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology at land and sea ports of entries. NII technologies—like large-scale X-ray and Gamma ray imaging systems, as well as a variety of portable and handheld technologies—allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection to help detect and prevent contraband from being smuggled into the country without disrupting flow at the border. The funding breakdown includes:
    $201 million for construction and infrastructure activities for drive-through NII deployment;
    $75.5 million for the Fentanyl Initiative for NII at ports of entry and for labs at eight ports of entry;
    $65.3 million to procure and deploy new NII detection devices;
    $14.4 million to procure advanced Computed Tomography scanners for deployment to mail and courier facilities;
    $12.6 million for artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities; and
    $12.1 million for system integration that brings together the use of the scanning, machine learning and other customs data.
    Sen. Cantwell also cosponsored and helped advance the TRANQ Research Act of 2023, which President Joe Biden signed into law last year. That measure will spur more research into xylazine and other novel synthetic drugs, by directing the National Institute of Standards and Technology to tackle these issues.
    A full timeline of Sen. Cantwell’s actions to combat the fentanyl crisis is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bus parade and exhibition amid 75th National Day celebrations review important role of bus services in public transport system

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Bus parade and exhibition amid 75th National Day celebrations review important role of bus services in public transport system
    Bus parade and exhibition amid 75th National Day celebrations review important role of bus services in public transport system
    ******************************************************************************************

         Organised by the Transport Department (TD), the Bus Parade cum Exhibition for Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, featuring buses from the past and present, was launched today (October 19) in Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. It is one of the highlight events held by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government amid National Day celebrations this year.     Speaking at the kick-off ceremony this morning, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, said, “Bus services have long been an indispensable and important part of Hong Kong’s economy and people’s livelihoods. Buses have not only met the travel needs of Hong Kong people every day, but have also witnessed the city’s developments.” The event marked the evolution of franchised buses in Hong Kong from the past to the present, engaging with the public to experience the crucial role of bus services in the public transport system, he added.     Mr Lam said, “The rapid development of new energy technologies of our country in recent years has enriched Hong Kong’s choices of new energy public transport. Numerous electric double-decker buses and hydrogen fuel cell buses introduced into Hong Kong in the past few years were China-made models. Our country has been forging ahead steadfastly in the last 75 years and continuous innovations in such areas as energy and transport technology not only reflect our country’s leading role in this field, but also bring the convenience of technology into the lives of the general public.”     Also officiating at the ceremony were Legislative Council (LegCo) Member (Transport) Mr Frankie Yick; the Chairman of the LegCo Panel on Transport, Dr Chan Han-pan; the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san; the Director of Broadcasting, Mr Eddie Cheung; the Commissioner for Transport, Ms Angela Lee; the Chairman of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC), Professor Stephen Cheung, and the management of franchised bus operators co-organising the event. Some 750 participants from the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the TD, LegCo Members, the TAC, major public transport operators, Members of District Councils and district personalities attended the ceremony.     The officiating guests then boarded an open-top bus themed on the 75th National Day to lead a parade of eight retired and in-service buses from Victoria Park to Man Kwong Street, via Gordon Road, King’s Road, Causeway Road, Hennessy Road, Fleming Road and Lung Wo Road, which was about 6 kilometres long. Members of the public enjoyed the parade along the route across districts and took photos to share the joy. The convoy engaged with the public and tourists at locations such as Hennessy Road near Jardine’s Bazaar in Causeway Bay, Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai and the destination at Central Pier.     In addition, the four-day bus exhibition at the soccer pitches of Victoria Park is open to registered members of the public free of charge from this afternoon. The exhibition features a total of 10 retired and in-service buses, including the first-generation double-decker bus introduced 75 years ago and the newly introduced China-made new energy double-decker buses. Bus model exhibits, photo-taking spots simulating a bus driver and passengers, a neon light installation as well as bus service-related memorabilia including bus captain uniforms of different generations and vintage bus tickets are also on display.     The TD reminded members of the public registered to queue up and enter the exhibition via its entrance at Soccer Pitch No. 4 of Victoria Park (near the jogging track) with a QR code at the selected time slot. Each visitor can obtain one commemorative ticket on-site. Following an overwhelming response to the exhibition, all quotas including those for additional sessions are full. The TD thanked the public for their support.     The event is fully supported by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK). The public may refer to the RTHK and the RTHK Radio 5 Facebook page for the live ceremony webcast.

     
    Ends/Saturday, October 19, 2024Issued at HKT 12:26

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Seven jailed following Peckham shootings thanks to work of Met detectives

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Seven men who “retaliated to violence with more violence” have been jailed for a total over 102 years following multiple shootings in Peckham in May 2023.

    Tyreke Smikle, 26, Kai Davis Francis, 25, Duan Correa, 21, Shaquille Marsh, 26, Tyreece Quartey, 25, Malachi David Francis, 21 and Timothy Newton, 18 appeared at the Central Criminal Court on Friday, 18 October.

    The investigation comes as part of the Met’s strategy to tackle firearms and make the capital safer.

    Met detectives launched an investigation into the group in May 2023 after an escalation of violence in the Peckham area.

    Officers pieced together the movements of the group, speaking to multiple witnesses and analysing hours’ worth of phone data and CCTV.

    Enquiries revealed how in the early hours of Sunday, 7 May an acquaintance of Smikle and Newton was stabbed in Peckham. The pair had visited the victim in hospital before going to collect a bag containing weapons. The two men then met with the rest of the group to form a ‘revenge plan’ for those who had assaulted their friend earlier that day.

    CCTV showed the group wearing balaclavas and all splitting up between three vehicles, including a stolen moped. Smikle was carrying a loaded shotgun and ammunition, while the others had machetes and knives.

    The groups’ two vehicles pursued a vehicle before Tyreke Smikle fired a shotgun through the driver’s window. The group then pull alongside another vehicle on a nearby street and fired a second time at a second victim. They continued to chase the car, which crashed and flipped over as it tried to drive away. As the third victim ran off, Tyreke Smikle chased him into a nearby garden and shot him in the leg at almost point blank range.

    Witnesses also later saw the group in the possession of a large machete.

    Thankfully, no one involved received life-threatening injuries.

    Detective Constable Luke Martinez, who led the investigation, said:

    “This group retaliated to violence with more violence, bringing a firearm and other weapons to the streets of London which could have seriously injured or killed someone.

    “These shootings took place during daylight hours, with one occurring just metres away from a mother and her child.

    “Today’s sentencing has taken dangerous individuals off the streets – I hope it serves as a stark warning to those seeking to threaten the safety of Londoners by brandishing such dangerous weapons.”

    When arresting Tyreke Smikle, officers the shotgun and a quantity of Class A drugs, as well as a stab-proof vest, a knife and burner phones.

    Tyreke Smikle was convicted of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm, two counts of wounding with intent, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a firearms and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

    The remaining defendants were convicted of conspiracy to commit Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).

    In addition to the conspiracy to commit Grievous Bodily Harm conviction, Kai Davis-Francis and Timothy Newton were convicted of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

    The group were sentenced to the following:

    Tyreke Smikle, 26 (20.03.1998) of Rupack Street, was sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum term of 17 years and seven months.

    Kai Davis-Francis, 25 (18.09.1999) of Arngask Road, was sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison.

    Timothy Newton, 18 (30.10.2005) of Brackley Avenue, was sentenced to nine years and six months in prison.

    Duan Correa, 21 (20.07.2003) of Nunhead Lane, was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

    Shaquille Marsh, 26 (19.01.1998) of Rainham South Road, was sentenced to 14 years and six months in prison.

    Tyreece Quartey, 25 (11.08.1999) of Woodmill Street, was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

    Malachi David Francis, 21 (31.05.2003) of Ivydale Road, was sentenced to 14 years and six months in prison.

    Smikle was also granted an indefinite Criminal Behaviour Order whilst the others were also given Criminal Behaviour Orders with fixed terms.

    Specialist detectives in the Met continue to pursue criminals who use guns and endanger the lives of others. Earlier this year, Met police announced a record low in firearms offences in the last fifteen years across London. Last year alone, 386 illegal firearms were seized across the capital – more than one a day. Since March 2023 there has been a reduction from 196 firearms offences to 145.

    Anyone with information relating to firearms or shootings is asked to call 101, while information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

    Breakdown of convictions

    Tyreke Smikle, 26 (20.03.1998) of Rupack Street, previously found guilty of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent and two counts of wounding with intent, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a firearm and possession with intent to supply class A drugs at a hearing at The Central Criminal Court on the 18 July 2024.

    Kai Davis-Francis, 25 (18.09.1999) of Arngask Road, previously was found guilty of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent at a hearing at The Central Criminal Court on the 18 July 2024.

    Timothy Newton, 18 (30.10.2005) of Brackley Avenue, previously was found guilty of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent at a hearing at The Central Criminal Court on the 18 July 2024.

    Duan Correa, 21 (20.07.2003) of Nunhead Lane, previously previously was found guilty of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent at a hearing at The Central Criminal Court on the 18 July 2024.

    Shaquille Marsh, 26 (19.01.1998) of Rainham South Road, previously was found guilty of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent at a hearing at The Central Criminal Court on the 18 July 2024.

    Tyreece Quartey, 25 (11.08.1999) of Woodmill Street, previously was found guilty of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent at a hearing at The Central Criminal Court on the 18 July 2024.

    Malachi David Francis, 21 (31.05.2003) of Ivydale Road, previously was found guilty of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent at a hearing at The Central Criminal Court on the 18 July 2024.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government will allocate more than 3.2 billion rubles to develop infrastructure in the regions of the Far East

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    An additional 3.2 billion rubles will be allocated to implement social development plans for economic growth centers in regions that are part of the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD). The orders to this effect were signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    Subsidies allocated on a co-financing basis are intended, among other things, for Primorsky Krai, Khabarovsk Krai and Magadan Oblast.

    Thus, Primorsky Krai will receive 462.7 million rubles for the modernization of the Mine Town Park in Vladivostok. More than 1.4 billion rubles are intended for Khabarovsk Krai, where it is planned to implement more than 20 different events for the repair, equipment and improvement of social facilities.

    In Magadan Oblast, it is planned to reconstruct the building of the regional center for advanced professional training using federal funds. In addition, funding will be used to improve courtyard areas. A total of 303.8 million rubles will be allocated for these purposes.

    Commenting on the decision takenGovernment meeting on October 17, Mikhail Mishustin recalled that issues of repairing hospitals, schools, cultural facilities, and improving walking, children’s, and sports grounds were discussed during his working visit to the Far Eastern Federal District in July 2024.

    The Government has been supporting the implementation of social development plans for the economic growth centers of the Far East regions on a regular basis since 2018. The program of such support was launched at the initiative of the President. Its main goal is to make the cities and towns of the macroregion modern and attractive. Thanks to federal funding, hundreds of social, engineering, urban, and transport infrastructure facilities have been built and repaired in the Far Eastern regions over the past six years, including kindergartens, schools, hospitals, clinics, sports facilities, roads, and boiler houses.

    The documents will be published.

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

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

    http://government.ru/nevs/53050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious Crash, Coronation Road, Morrinsville

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are responding to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Coronation Road and Bank Street, Morrinsville.

    The crash was reported around 6:50pm.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

    The road is closed and diversions are in place at the intersections of Bank Street, Williams Avenue and North Road.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New air defence laser engages multiple missiles at once  

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    RAF pilots are one step closer to being equipped with a cutting-edge air-protection laser self-protection system, following 100% successful live-fire trials.

    • Air protection laser defeats 100% of targets in live firing trial.

    • Equipment being fitted to UK military aircraft to defeat missile threats. 

    • Collaboration between Dstl scientists and UK industry partners help support 1950 jobs across Scotland. 

    RAF pilots are one step closer to being equipped with a cutting-edge laser self-protection system, following 100% successful live-fire trials.  

    The laser is being designed to be fitted to a range of RAF aircraft including the intelligence gathering Shadow R2 and A400M transporter, ready to rapidly detect and defeat threats such as missiles.  

    During the trial at the Vidsel Test Range in Sweden, the operational system defeated a range of infrared heat-seeking missiles being fired simultaneously. 

    100% of threats were quickly defeated using a laser with pinpoint accuracy, which has been designed and developed by the Team Pellonia partnership between Leonardo UK, Thales UK, and the MOD’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey said:  

    Identifying, tracking and defeating threats from the air in seconds is crucial to having the edge over those who try to do us harm.  

    We’re equipping our Armed Forces with the very latest technology to keep them safe and give them the advantage on operations. 

    This high-tech laser is another excellent example of joint working between our Dstl experts and the UK’s defence industry.

    The system works by Thales’s Elix-IR threat warning system quickly detecting and identifying the launch of missiles, using a series of algorithms to filter out background clutter so that only valid threats are tracked, classified and declared.  

    Once the threat(s) has been classified, an alert is sent to the Leonardo’s Miysis directed infrared countermeasure which moves to track the incoming missile and directs a jamming laser onto the missile with ultimate precision. 

    Threats are defeated faster than the time it takes to read this sentence. This UK engineered capability gives the MOD the latest generation best-in-class protection, whilst enjoying full operational independence, and offering the same freedoms to export customers. 

    The live tests were witnessed by senior military officers from a number of NATO nations.  

    Dstl’s Chief for Air Survivability, Mark Elson, said: 

    The UK defensive aids system is the culmination of MOD’s detailed understanding of changing threats alongside years of sustained defence investment in science and technology nurtured within Dstl. This has been aligned with the development capabilities of our commercial partners through Team Pellonia.  

    The design of the system has the agility to protect platforms now and into the future, providing long-term operational advantage to the UK and our allies. This is enabled through Spiral Development which provides capabilities such as the Dstl developed jamming waveform that defeats the guidance of the missile threat.

    Dstl’s research programme and partnerships like Team Pellonia help boost UK economic growth, sustaining 700 jobs at Thales in Glasgow and 1,250 specialist roles at Leonardo in Edinburgh, supporting both the local as well as national economies. 

    Leonardo’s Senior Vice-President of Radar and Advanced Targeting, Mark Stead, said: 

    The results of these latest trials speak for themselves, and are a testament to the skills and experience within Leonardo as a global leader in directed infrared countermeasures. Miysis DIRCM has again proven itself as a reliable, effective protection system and is flying operationally on many platforms today.  

    My thanks go to the Miysis team who demonstrated superb leadership and technical prowess during the trials at Vidsel, working alongside our partners in Defence and Industry to prove our capabilities which help to protect our Armed Forces.

    Thales’s Managing Director of Optronics & Missile Electronics UK, Stephen McCann, said: 

    Once again, as previously witnessed during SALT 3 in 2018, Elix-IR has proved its world leading capabilities as the latest generation multi-function infrared threat warning system during what was a comprehensive and complicated multi-faceted trial.  

    I am extremely proud of our entire team that supported both the UK, under Team Pellonia, and other NATO member teams in the preparation and execution of this event. UK MOD has adopted Elix-IR as its core reference capability threat warner of choice, based on its maturity and proven capability.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Transport Secretary announces urgent action to get a grip on spiralling HS2 costs 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Today’s announcement marks the latest step in the Transport Secretary’s mission to overhaul the railways, ensuring infrastructure works for the whole country.

    • Transport Secretary announces tough measures to bring the cost and delivery of HS2 back under control 
    • follows the launch of an independent review into the oversight of HS2
    • forms part of the government’s mission to rebuild Britain and deliver infrastructure that works for the whole country    

    Action to control the cost of HS2 and bring the project back on track has been announced by the Transport Secretary today (20 October 2024) after years of failed delivery.

    Just months into the role, Louise Haigh has warned the extent of the challenge inherited on HS2 has become clear, with costs being allowed to spiral out of control and failure to deliver to budget.

    Over the years, the cost of Phase One has soared, due to poor project management, inflation and poor performance from the supply chain, without sufficient explanation of what is to be done to deliver to budget.

    In response, the Secretary of State has launched an independent review to ensure lessons are learned to support action and to ensure that the costs for HS2 are brought under control.

    The government has been clear it is not resurrecting Phase 2 of HS2, which was cancelled under the previous administration. The government recognises concerns about connectivity between Birmingham and Manchester, but its primary focus now is the safe delivery of HS2 between Birmingham and London at the lowest reasonable cost, and the Secretary of State has made this objective clear to HS2 Ltd.

    To achieve this, the government is also reinstating ministerial oversight of the project to ensure greater accountability. This will see regular meetings starting immediately, where both the Transport Secretary and Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, alongside the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, will challenge delivery and remove obstacles to securing the full benefits of the railway more cost effectively.   

    Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said:

    One of my first jobs as Transport Secretary has been to urgently review the position I have inherited on HS2.   

    It has long been clear that the costs of HS2 have been allowed to spiral out of control, but since becoming Transport Secretary I have seen up close the scale of failure in project delivery – and it’s dire.

    Taxpayers have a right to expect HS2 is delivered efficiently and I won’t stand for anything less.   

    I have promised to work fast and fix things and that’s exactly why I have announced urgent measures to get a grip on HS2’s costs and ensure taxpayers’ money is put to good use.  It’s high time we make sure lessons are learnt and the mistakes of HS2 are never repeated again.

    The Major Transport Projects Governance and Assurance Review will be led by senior infrastructure delivery adviser, James Stewart, and will present recommendations back to the government this winter.  

    It will investigate the oversight of major transport infrastructure projects, including the effectiveness of forecasting and reporting of cost, schedule and benefits, as well as actions to deliver cost efficiencies. The review will primarily draw on experiences of HS2 to date to ensure recommendations and learnings are applied to its delivery as well as to future projects. 

    Separately, the incentives of the main HS2 contractors are also being reviewed, which could lead to some contracts being renegotiated or amended.

    Today’s announcement comes as the Transport Secretary writes to the Chair of HS2 Ltd, recognising the collective responsibility in reaching the current position, stressing the need to focus immediately on action to turn things around and bring costs back under control.

    As part of this effort to get a grip on costs, the management of HS2 Ltd will shortly be taken over by a new Chief Executive, Mark Wild, who has an extensive background in delivering transport projects and will be responsible for resetting the project.

    On his arrival, the Transport Secretary will task him with assessing the current position on cost, schedule and culture, and providing an action plan to deliver the remaining work as cost effectively as possible, including at a realistic budget and schedule.

    The government will also continue to publish 6-monthly reports on the progress of HS2, ensuring complete accountability and transparency on the project’s progress.   

    Today’s announcement marks the latest step in the Transport Secretary’s mission to overhaul the railways, ensuring infrastructure works for the whole country.

    Rail media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Walk or run in the rain? A physics-based approached to staying dry (or at least drier)

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Jacques Treiner, Physicien théoricien, Université Paris Cité

    We’ve all been there – caught outside without an umbrella as the sky opens up. Whether it’s a light drizzle or a heavy downpour, instinct tells us that running will minimise how wet we get. But is that really true? Let’s take a scientific look at this common dilemma.

    You’re out and about, and it starts to rain – and naturally you’ve forgotten your umbrella. Instinctively, you lean forward and quicken your pace. We all tend to believe that moving faster means we’ll spend less time getting wet, even if it means getting hit with more rain as we move forward.

    But is this instinct actually correct? Can we build a simple model to find out if speeding up really reduces how wet we’ll get? More specifically, does the amount of water that hits you depend on your speed? And is there an ideal speed that minimises the total water you encounter on your way from point A to point B?

    Let’s break it down while keeping the scenario simple. Imagine rain falling evenly and vertically. We can divide your body into two surfaces: those that are vertical (your front and back) and those that are horizontal (your head and shoulders).

    When moving forward in the rain, vertical surfaces such as a person’s body will be hit by more raindrops as speed increases. From the walker’s perspective, the drops appear to fall at an angle, with a horizontal velocity equal to their own walking speed.

    While walking faster means encountering more drops per second, it also reduces the time spent in the rain. As a result, the two effects balance each other out: more drops per unit of time, but less time in the rain overall.

    When the walker is stationary, rain only falls on horizontal surfaces – the top of the head and shoulders. As the walker begins to move, she or he receives raindrops that would have fallen in front, while missing the drops that now fall behind. This creates a balance, and ultimately, the amount of rain received on horizontal surfaces remains unchanged, regardless of the walking speed.

    However, since walking faster reduces the total time spent in the rain, the overall amount of water collected on horizontal surfaces will be less.

    All in all, it’s a good idea to pick up the pace when walking in the rain

    For those who enjoy a mathematical approach, here’s a breakdown:

    Let ρ represent the number of drops per unit volume, and let a denote their vertical velocity. We’ll denote Sh as the horizontal surface area of the individual (e.g., the head and shoulders) and Sv as the vertical surface area (e.g., the body).

    When you’re standing still, the rain only falls on the horizontal surface, Sh. This is the amount of water you’ll receive on these areas.

    Even if the rain falls vertically, from the perspective of a walker moving at speed v, it appears to fall obliquely, with the angle of the drops’ trajectory depending on your speed.

    During a time period T, a raindrop travels a distance of aT. Therefore, all raindrops within a shorter distance will reach the surface: these are the drops inside a cylinder with a base of Sh and a height of aT, which gives:

    ρ.Sh.a.T.

    As we have seen, as we move forward, the drops appear to be animated by an oblique velocity that results from the composition of velocity a and velocity v. The number of drops reaching Sh remains unchanged, since velocity v is horizontal and therefore parallel to Sh. However, the number of drops reaching surface Sv – which was previously zero when the walker was stationary – has now increased. This is equal to the number of drops contained within a horizontal cylinder with a base area of Sv and a length of v.T. This length represents the horizontal distance the drops travel during this time interval.

    In total, the walker receives a number of drops given by the expression:

    ρ.(Sh.a + Sv.v). T

    Now we need to take into account the time interval during which the walker is exposed to the rain. If you’re covering a distance d at constant speed v, the time you spend walking is d/v. Plugging this into the equation, the total amount of water you encounter is:

    ρ.(Sh.a + Sv.v). d/v = ρ.(Sh.a/v + Sv). d

    This equation gives us two key insights:

    • The faster you move, the less water hits our head and shoulders.

    • The water hitting the vertical part of your body stays the same regardless of speed, because the shorter time spent in the rain is offset by encountering more raindrops per second.

    To sum it all up: it’s a good idea to lean forward and move quickly when you’re caught in the rain. But careful: leaning forward increases Sh. To really stay drier, you’ll need to increase your speed enough to compensate for this.

    Jacques Treiner ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    – ref. Walk or run in the rain? A physics-based approached to staying dry (or at least drier) – https://theconversation.com/walk-or-run-in-the-rain-a-physics-based-approached-to-staying-dry-or-at-least-drier-240849

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for gunpoint robbery and attempted robbery of two women

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man who robbed a woman, and attempted to rob another woman, at gunpoint has been jailed after ­­­Met detectives worked with the victims to build a strong case against the defendant.

    Ismail Tajzai, 26, (29.01.98) of Moberly Road, SW4 appeared at Wood Green Crown Court on Friday, 18 October after he pleaded guilty to robbery, attempted robbery and two counts of having an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence, namely robbery.

    He also pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill, strangulation and perverting the course of justice.

    He was sentenced to 14 years in jail. and a restraining order was put in place banning him from contact with the two victims.

    The court heard Tajzai committed the offences on February 21 and 22 after arranging an appointment with two sex workers.

    In the first incident Tajzai produced a handgun, tied the woman up and then stole approximately £2,000 from her.

    The next day, Tajzai attempted to rob a second woman after producing the handgun, which he hit her with. He also attempted to strangle her after she fought back, before he fled.

    Detectives in Westminster launched an investigation and identified Tajzai’s DNA and fingerprints at the scene in Kensington.

    An extensive CCTV trawl was conducted, which provided facial imagery of Tajzai. The gun and cable ties were recovered at the time of his arrest in a backpack thrown from the balcony at his home address.

    Detective Constable Stephanie Clarke, of the Westminster Public Protection team, said: “This case demonstrates the support police will offer to all victims of crime in order to prosecute violent, dangerous men.

    “The defendant sought to exploit vulnerable sex workers, and deliberately aimed to commit crimes against a group of people whom he assumed were scared to report crimes to police.

    “I had first-hand experience during the investigation of how scared the victims were to report to police, out of fear of repercussions that could be caused to them. I would urge anyone else who has been the victim of similar crime to contact police and an investigation will be launched with specialist support for the victims.”

    Detective Inspective Luke Bacon, of the Westminster Public Protection team, said: “I would like to commend my officers for their dedication in identifying this particularly dangerous individual and the swift action they took to ensure his arrest and prosecution. This was a time-sensitive investigation, and I firmly believe that if it were not for the actions they took, more attacks would have occurred.

    “I would also like to reserve particular praise for the victims involved in this terrifying case. They showed immense bravery in coming forward to report to the police in the first instance, and in doing so they have ensured that this dangerous individual was caught, prosecuted and convicted.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Convicts Klamath Falls Man Who Kidnapped and Sexually Assaulted Two Women and Held One in Cell

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MEDFORD, Ore.— A federal jury found a Klamath Falls, Oregon man guilty after he kidnapped and sexually assaulted two women, and held one in a cell he constructed in his garage.

    Negasi Zuberi, 30, also known as Justin Joshua Hyche, was found guilty of kidnapping, transporting a victim for criminal sexual activity, and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

    According to court documents, on July 15, 2023, while in Seattle, Zuberi posed as a police officer and used a taser and handcuffs to detain his victim in the backseat of his vehicle. Zuberi then transported the victim approximately 450 miles to his home in Klamath Falls, stopping along the way to sexually assault her.

    When Zuberi arrived at his residence, he moved the victim from his vehicle into a cell he had constructed in his garage. The woman repeatedly banged on the cell door until it broke open and she escaped. The victim retrieved a handgun from Zuberi’s vehicle, fled his garage, and flagged down a passing motorist who called 911.

    The next day, on July 16, 2023, Reno Police Department officers and Nevada State Patrol officers located Zuberi in a parking lot in Reno, Nevada. After a short standoff, Zuberi surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody.

    While investigating Zuberi’s crimes, federal agents discovered that approximately six weeks prior to the kidnapping in Seattle, on May 6, 2023, Zuberi kidnapped and sexually assaulted another victim. While being held by Zuberi, his first victim observed stacked cinder blocks in his garage that he later used to construct the cell where he detained his second victim.

    On August 2, 2023, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Zuberi with kidnapping and transporting a victim with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Later, on February 15, 2024, a second kidnapping charge and charges for illegally possessing firearms, ammunition, and attempted escape were added by superseding indictment.

    Kidnapping is punishable by up to life in federal prison and transporting a victim across state lines with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity by up to 10 years. Illegally possessing firearms and ammunition, and attempted escape are punishable by up to 15 years.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office, Klamath Falls Police Department, and Oregon State Police with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada; Klamath County District Attorney’s Office; Reno, Nevada Police Department; Washoe County, Nevada District Attorney’s Office; and Nevada State Police. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Marco A. Boccato, and Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, with assistance from Appellate Chief Suzanne Miles, also of the District of Oregon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Yukon — The Yukon RCMP wishes to inform the public of the arrest of the alleged perpetrator of the offences committed in Mayo (Yukon)

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Yukon RCMP would like to advise the public that the perpetrator believed to have committed the offences in Mayo, Yukon related to the home invasion and sexualized assault, including the stolen vehicle, has been arrested. The stolen vehicle was located. More details will be released at a later date. Mayo RCMP would like to thank the public for all their assistance with this investigation.

    Our thoughts are with the victim at this time. Please consider the following supports available in the Yukon if you or someone you know may be in need.

    SART: The Yukon’s Sexualized Assault Response Team (SART) provides a safe and confidential network of services focused on the needs and choices of individuals. SART is available to people of all genders, ages, and sexual orientations who have experienced sexualized assault.

    Website: https://yukon.ca/en/sartyukon/home

    Phone: 1-844-967-7275 (available 24/7)

    Victim Services: Victim Services provides services and help for victims of sexualized violence and all other crimes, regardless of whether or not the victim has reported the crime, a charge has been laid, or there has been a conviction.

    Website: https://yukon.ca/en/legal-and-social-supports/supports-victims-crime/find-out-about-victim-services

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs detects large-scale sea smuggling case and seizes suspected illicit cigarettes worth about $240 million (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs detects large-scale sea smuggling case and seizes suspected illicit cigarettes worth about $240 million (with photos)
    Hong Kong Customs detects large-scale sea smuggling case and seizes suspected illicit cigarettes worth about $240 million (with photos)
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         ​Hong Kong Customs stepped up enforcement to combat illicit cigarette smuggling activities by sea over the past week and detected two related cases involving seaborne containers. A total of about 53 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $240 million and a duty potential of about $170 million were seized. About 20 million suspected illicit cigarettes seized were duty-not-paid cigarettes known as “cheap whites”, accounting for about 40 per cent of the total seizure.     In the first case, through risk assessment and intelligence analysis, Customs selected for inspection a 40-foot container, declared as carrying recycled aluminum and arriving from Taiwan en route to Foshan, Guangdong, via Hong Kong, on the morning of October 18 at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized about 11 million suspected illicit cigarettes inside the container. An investigation is ongoing.     In the second case, Customs yesterday (October 19) morning intercepted a suspicious cargo vessel in the waters off Tsing Yi. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized a total of about 42 million suspected illicit cigarettes inside four 40-foot containers on board the vessel. Seven non-local men, aged between 28 and 51, suspected to be connected with the case were arrested and they comprise a captain and six crew members. The arrested captain, aged 47, will be charged with one count of importing unmanifested cargoes. He will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (October 21).     Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities.     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.     Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.     Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 80 80 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

     
    Ends/Sunday, October 20, 2024Issued at HKT 17:05

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by DCS at Racial Diversity and Inclusion Recruitment Fair (English only)(with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at the Racial Diversity and Inclusion Recruitment Fair organised by the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Federation of Hong Kong Ethnic Communities in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 15th Anniversary of the Implementation of the Race Discrimination Ordinace at the Khalsa Diwan Hong Kong (Sikh Temple) in Wan Chai today (October 20):
     
    Ms Linda Lam (Chairperson, Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC)), Mr Akil Khan (President, Federation of Hong Kong Ethnic Communities), Mr Bhagt Singh (President, Sikh Temple), Dr Rizwan Ullah (EOC member), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         Good afternoon. I am pleased to be joining you today for the opening of the Racial Diversity and Inclusion Recruitment Fair co-organised by the EOC and the Federation of Hong Kong Ethnic Communities (Federation).
     
         Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city with rich tapestry of people connections, vibrant economic activities and a flourishing multi-cultural scene, thanks in no small part to the some 300 000 ethnic minority residents who settled here for generations. It is evident from the latest Census figures (of 2021) that this treasured community continues to play an integral part in strengthening Hong Kong’s workforce and driving our productivity: their labour force participation rate is at 65.5 per cent, which is higher than the 57.7 per cent of the whole population. 

         Today’s recruitment fair is among the EOC’s celebration events for the 15th anniversary of the implementation of the Race Discrimination Ordinance, a crucial piece of legislation driving Hong Kong’s promotion of racial equality. Following the Racial Diversity and Inclusion Sports Day in April this year, I am excited to be here today to witness another milestone. This fair is also held in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. I trust that you have been enjoying the wide arrays of celebrating events and special offers over the past few weeks. With the new card-type Mainland travel permits for non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents, it has never been easier for many of you to visit the Mainland for business or pleasure, to see for yourself the spectacular transformation in the Mainland today.

         Since its inauguration in 2018, the Federation of Hong Kong Ethnic Communities has been uniting and leveraging the support from various ethnic minority communities for greater and wider contributions to the betterment of Hong Kong. We thank the Federation’s support all along in realising our common vision for a harmonious and inclusive society. 

         The current-term Government places importance on enhancing support and services for ethnic minorities. As just announced in the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address, the Government will engage one more “Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities” to provide interpretation and translation services for ethnic minorities next year, so as to reduce language barrier concerns. In terms of education, more resources will also be invested in boosting support for learning Chinese and parental assistance for our non-Chinese speaking students. 

         Of course, the Government’s support for ethnic minorities does not stop there. As the largest employer in Hong Kong, over 50 civil service grades in the Government have adjusted their Chinese-language proficiency requirements to increase government job opportunities for ethnic minorities. Departments, including the disciplinary forces, are also encouraged to design their own job-oriented language tests suitable for individual grades to provide ethnic minority applicants with an additional avenue for meeting the thresholds. Since 2019, we have been organising an internship programme for non-ethnic Chinese university students and 180 students have since taken part. 

         In addition, the Racial Diversity Employment Programme launched by the Labour Department has been regularised in 2023 to step up employment support for ethnic minorities. To date, the Programme has provided employment support services to over 400 ethnic minority job-seekers. 

         Today’s recruitment fair features prominent private enterprises in addition to a number of government departments, offering over 500 employment opportunities, including a wide range of skilled and professional positions, as well as on-the-spot career and employment counselling services. These job opportunities span across eleven signatories of the EOC’s Racial Diversity and Inclusion Charter for Employers from different industries, including aviation, hospitality, education, transportation, and five government departments including our disciplinary forces.

         In closing, my great thanks go to the EOC and the Federation for organising this meaningful recruitment fair, the Sikh Temple for the support rendered, and the representatives from different sectors who are here with us today, for your wholehearted efforts in creating opportunities for our ethnic minority community. I wish this recruitment fair great success and all of you an enjoyable weekend. Thank you very much.      

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Harden Murrumburrah Rural Women’s Gathering passes flame to Lismore for 2025

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 19 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for Women

    Lismore has been named host of the 2025 Rural Women’s Gathering at a candle lighting ceremony as part of the 2024 event in Harden Murrumburrah.

    Tina Irish and Karen Hirst from Lismore City Council joined Minister for Women Jodie Harrison and the Harden Murrumburrah 2024 organising committee for the ceremony, accepting carriage of the 2025 event.

    The NSW Government provides $30,000 for the Gathering as part of its commitment to empowering women and girls across regional, rural and remote NSW, including helping them build new connections and learn new skills to ensure they can reach their full potential and thrive.

    The NSW Rural Women’s Gathering is an annual event held in a different location each year. 2024’s event in Harden Murrumburrah was themed “Sowing the Seeds of Success – Creating Your Own Work Life Balance”. The program – prepared by a organising committee made up of local volunteers – featured a range of enriching workshops, networking opportunities and cultural experiences.

    Attendees heard from inspiring female leaders, including former Australian Olympian and two-time Athletics World Champion Jana Pittman; Founder of Womn-Kind and AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award 2024 NSW/ACT Finalist Ruby Reithmuller; and AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award 2022 VIC Winner Kimberley Furness, who is also a magazine publisher and podcaster.

    Details for the 2025 Rural Women’s Gathering will be shared via the fortnightly Rural Women’s Network e-newsletter. To subscribe, visit nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/rural-womens-network

    Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

    “The NSW Government is committed to empowering women and girls across regional, rural and remote NSW to have full access to opportunities.

    “We recognise that women in regional parts of NSW experience unique challenges living in remote locations. We also know women in these communities are doing extraordinary things.

    “The Rural Women’s Gathering provides a great opportunity to share their experiences and, in turn, help other women to better support their communities.

    “Thank you to our incredible 2024 hosts in Harden Murrumburrah for helping facilitate connection through friendship, mentorship, professional resources and services. I look forward to seeing the tradition continue next year in Lismore.”

    Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

    “Thank you to the fabulous volunteers who coordinated and delivered a hugely successful 2024 Rural Women’s Gathering in Harden Murrumburrah – your local insights are absolutely invaluable, your dedication and commitment make this important annual event possible.

    “The Rural Women’s Gathering links women to information and services, create opportunities to build personal and business resilience, allow us to promote action on rural women’s issues, and ultimately strengthen communities across NSW.

    “After 31 years, the Gathering continues to be a key event on the NSW Rural Women’s Network calendar, enabling women from regional, rural and remote areas of NSW to connect, learn and celebrate.

    “Each year, there’s a range of diverse speakers and workshops, all of whom bring something new and inspiring to share – and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Lismore in 2025.”

    Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

    “I’m excited to have the Rural Women’s Gathering here. I think its fantastic because we have some great women right across our community.

    “This is recognition that there’s a whole lot of women’s leadership here, particularly our rural women. They’re in everything, from the CWA, to the SES, to the RFS, to Zonta, we’ve got the lot.

    “The Rural Women’s Gathering is a great opportunity to network and having it in Lismore means its easier for local women to take part.”

    MIL OSI News –