NewzIntel.com

    • Checkout Page
    • Contact Us
    • Default Redirect Page
    • Frontpage
    • Home-2
    • Home-3
    • Lost Password
    • Member Login
    • Member LogOut
    • Member TOS Page
    • My Account
    • NewzIntel Alert Control-Panel
    • NewzIntel Latest Reports
    • Post Views Counter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Public Individual Page
    • Register
    • Subscription Plan
    • Thank You Page

Category: Weather

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hillsborough and Manatee Counties Disaster Recovery Centers to Relocate

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Hillsborough and Manatee Counties Disaster Recovery Centers to Relocate

    Hillsborough and Manatee Counties Disaster Recovery Centers to Relocate

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– Disaster Recovery Centers at the David Barksdale Senior Center in Hillsborough County and GT Bray Park in Manatee County will close at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20. The centers will reopen in new locations and announcements will be made.

    Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for assistance. Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. If you choose to apply by phone, please understand wait times may be longer because of increased volume for multiple recent disasters. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance – YouTube.

    For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

    kirsten.chambers
    Sun, 10/20/2024 – 14:07

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Georgians Who Lost Income Due to Storms May Be Eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Georgians Who Lost Income Due to Storms May Be Eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance

    Georgians Who Lost Income Due to Storms May Be Eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance

    ATLANTA – Employees or self-employed Georgians who became unemployed as a direct consequence of Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene may be eligible to receive Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Receiving this assistance does not affect your ability to apply for or receive other FEMA assistance. 

    Disaster Unemployment Assistance is a FEMA-funded, state managed federal program that helps workers whose primary income is lost or interrupted as a direct result of a disaster declared by the President. Unlike regular state unemployment insurance, it provides benefits to people who are self-employed, farmers, diversified farming operators, loggers, commission-paid employees, and others who are not eligible under the state’s program. 

    In Georgia, the deadlines to apply depend on the disaster declaration dates.

    For Tropical Storm Debby:

    • Nov. 25 for residents in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long and Screven counties.

    For Hurricane Helene: 

    • Dec. 2 for residents in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Echols, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Lowndes, McDuffie, Montgomery, Pierce, Richmond, Screven, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Washington and Wheeler counties.
    • Dec. 3 for residents in Effingham, Elbert, Rabun and Tift counties.
    • Dec. 6 for residents in Brantley, Bryan, Butts, Camden, Charlton, Dodge, Fulton, Glynn, Hancock, Long, McIntosh, Newton, Thomas, Warren and Wayne counties.

    Additional counties may be added at a later date. Please visit the Georgia Department of Labor Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance page to learn what you need to file an application and see a list of disaster-related benefit facts. 

    To apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Georgians must first apply for regular unemployment insurance on the Georgia Department of Labor website at dol.georgia.gov or in person at any GDOL career center. Only those who are ineligible for regular unemployment insurance can be considered eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits. 

    The Georgia Department of Labor will notify you if you are eligible to file for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Income verification may be required when applying for these benefits. People should be prepared to provide proof of earnings for the most recently completed tax year. Acceptable proof of earnings includes copies of the most recently completed income tax returns, quarterly estimated income tax payment records, or similar documents.

    For additional information on Disaster Unemployment Assistance, visit dol.georgia.gov or call the Georgia Department of Labor toll-free customer service line at 1-877-709-8185.

    For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4821 and fema.gov/disaster/4830. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

    larissa.hale
    Sun, 10/20/2024 – 14:54

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Saudi Arabia: Migrant workers at Carrefour sites exploited, cheated and forced to live in squalor

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Migrant workers contracted to sites in Saudi Arabia franchised by French retail giant Carrefour were deceived by recruitment agents, made to work excessive hours, denied days off and cheated of their earnings, said Amnesty International.

    In the new report, “I would fear going to work”: Labour exploitation at Carrefour sites in Saudi Arabia, the human rights organization also documents how workers were made to live in squalid accommodation and feared being ‘fired’ if they complained or resisted working additional overtime.

    The abuses suffered by some of the contracted workers likely amount to forced labour including human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation, yet neither Carrefour Group nor its partner Majid Al Futtaim, which operates the franchise in Saudi Arabia, took adequate action to stop them or offer redress to workers.

    “Workers thought they were opening the door to a better life but instead many were subjected to appalling exploitation and abuse. Carrefour’s inaction meant it failed to prevent this suffering, which for some contracted workers likely amounts to forced labour including human trafficking,” said Marta Schaaf, Amnesty International’s Director of Climate, Economic and Social Justice, and Corporate Accountability Programme.

    “Carrefour has a clear responsibility under international human rights standards to ensure abuses do not occur throughout its operations, including its franchises. Now Carrefour and Majid Al Futtaim should act to remedy the abuses – including urgently compensating those affected – and ensure that workers in their operations are never harmed again.”

    Carrefour has a clear responsibility under international human rights standards to ensure abuses do not occur throughout its operations, including its franchises.

    Marta Schaaf, Amnesty International

    Amnesty International’s report comes just two weeks before the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body will consider a landmark complaint against the Saudi Arabian government regarding wage theft, forced labour and the prohibition of trade unions. The complaint was submitted by global trade union Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) in June 2024, supported by Amnesty International and other organisations.

    Deceived, overworked and underpaid

    Amnesty International’s investigation follows a 2023 report published by the organization exposing abuses at Amazon facilities in Saudia Arabia, involving one of the same labour supply companies. The latest research was based on interviews and information provided by 17 men from Nepal, India and Pakistan. They all worked in various Carrefour facilities in Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah between 2021 to 2024 and nearly all are or were employed by labour supply companies and contracted out to Majid Al Futtaim.

    To secure jobs the workers paid recruitment agents in their home countries an average fee of $1,200, and often took on high-interest debt to do so, despite such charges being outlawed by Saudi legislation and prohibited by Majid Al Futtaim’s own policies.

    Almost all the workers interviewed were lied to or misled by the agents, sometimes with the involvement of labour supply companies, about the nature and benefits of the jobs in Saudi Arabia or tricked into believing they were being hired directly by international companies. Many only found out they would be employed by Saudi Arabian supply companies – which are notorious amongst workers – after paying the fees, by which time most could not recoup the money paid and therefore felt unable to backout.

    In Saudi Arabia the men were met with arduous work and repeated underpayment. They described regularly walking more than 20km per day and working 60-hour weeks, sometimes up to 16 hours a day, especially when business was booming in periods such as ‘salary weeks’ and the month of Ramadan. In breach of both Saudi Arabia’s laws and Majid Al Futtaim’s policies, workers said managers at the facilities – which included supermarkets and warehouses, or ‘dark stores’ – would sometimes cancel their weekly rest days. 

    Anand*, a former warehouse ‘picker’, told Amnesty: “Inside Carrefour stores, workers are not treated as humans. They treat workers as animals. They keep on saying, ‘yallah, yallah’ [‘let’s go’, ‘let’s go’]. They cling to our T-shirt to make us work fast.”

    Many of the workers said the hardest part of the experience was not being paid properly for these overtime hours as required by national law and company policies. As a result, they were often denied dozens of additional hours’ pay a month, amounting to hundreds of dollars each year.

    Accommodation provided by the labour supply companies was often dirty and overcrowded, contrary to Majid Al Futtaim’s requirements. Workers said they slept six or eight to a room, with one describing it as “like a cowshed”.

    Contracted workers described a culture of fear. Workers who raised complaints directly with managers at the Carrefour facilities said they were ignored or told to take up the matter with the labour supply companies instead. Some workers who did speak out experienced retaliation from the supply companies or Carrefour facility managers, intimidating others into silence. Although Majid Al Futtaim told Amnesty International that it prohibits retaliation against anyone sharing a “good-faith concern”, workers reported that if they resisted working extra hours, they would be threatened with not being paid or facing dismissal.

    Baburam* told Amnesty International:

    “It was tough to work that long. But the manager wouldn’t let me go… He would say, ‘You must complete the order process, then you can go.’ What could I do? If we didn’t work 15 hours, he would also say, ‘I will terminate you. I won’t pay for your overtime’.”

    Being ‘terminated’ from these facilities could result in workers being made ‘jobless’ until their labour supply company found them a new role – often weeks or months later. During this time, the worker would be left with no income from the supply company or support from the Saudi Arabian state.

    Gopal* said: “Had I complained, I could have lost my job. That’s why I couldn’t complain. Once, 14 or 15 workers complained about it, and they were expelled from the job. When a worker loses his job, the supply company makes him jobless for four to five months.”

    Had I complained, I could have lost my job. That’s why I couldn’t complain.

    Gopal*, contracted worker

    High risks of forced labour        

    The experiences of workers interviewed by Amnesty International indicates that the two key elements of forced labour – involuntary work and threat of penalty – are present in Carrefour Group’s franchise operations in Saudi Arabia.

    While Carrefour Group’s policies make clear it is aware of its responsibilities and has committed to upholding international human rights standards, including throughout its franchises and suppliers, Amnesty International’s research demonstrates that its due diligence processes are wholly inadequate. This is despite the fact that in Saudi Arabia, the severity and frequency of labour abuses – including forced labour – are acute and well-documented.

    “It is well known that despite some reforms, migrant workers in Saudi Arabia continue to be subjected to the country’s Kafala sponsorship system, have no guaranteed minimum wage and are prohibited from joining or forming trade unions. Carrefour has no excuse for failing to protect its workers from exploitation, and no justification to avoid paying them the compensation they deserve,” said Marta Schaaf.

    “The high risk of exploitation in Saudi Arabia highlights an undeniable need for fundamental reform of the country’s labour system. The ILO Governing Body should urgently open an investigation into violations of workers’ rights and ensure Saudi Arabia brings its labour laws and practices fully in line with international standards.”

    In response to Amnesty International’s findings, Carrefour Group and Majid Al Futtaim said they have launched an internal investigation into the treatment of migrant workers in their Saudi Arabia facilities, while Carrefour Group has also instructed a third-party audit of its franchise partner’s operations. Majid Al Futtaim detailed steps it has taken to remediate abuses since Amnesty International first alerted it, including moving some workers to new housing; reviewing policies on overtime and the ban on recruitment fees; increasing screening of new suppliers and improving access to its employee hotline.

    “Serious questions remain, however, as to why neither company identified or addressed long-standing abuses prior to being alerted by Amnesty International in mid-2024, including after we published our investigation into one of their suppliers last year.Neither company has yet committed to reimburse recruitment fees or compensate workers for harms suffered,” said Marta Schaaf.

    *Names of workers have been changed.

    Background information

    • Carrefour Group was a sponsor of the 2024 Paris Olympics and has an annual turnover of more than €94 billion.
    • Carrefour facilities and stores in Saudi Arabia are operated by UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim via a franchise agreement with Carrefour Group, headquartered in France.
    • The ILO Governing Body is due to discuss BWI’s complaint on 7 November.
    • Following Amnesty International’s Amazon investigation, Amazon eventually paid over $1.9 million to reimburse recruitment fees to over 700 workers.

    MIL OSI NGO –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Saudi Arabia: migrant workers at Carrefour sites exploited and forced to live in squalor – new report

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Workers from Nepal, India and Pakistan made to work 16-hour days and threatened with costly lay-offs if they refused to work overtime

    Workers report sleeping six or eight to a room, with one describing it as ‘like a cowshed’

    ‘Inside Carrefour stores, workers are not treated as humans. They treat workers as animals’ – former warehouse picker

    Carrefour, a sponsor of the Paris Olympics with an annual turnover of more than €94 billion, says it has launched an internal investigation 

    ‘Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia continue to be subjected to the country’s kafala sponsorship system, have no guaranteed minimum wage and are prohibited from joining or forming trade unions’ – Marta Schaaf 

    Migrant workers contracted to sites in Saudi Arabia franchised by French retail giant Carrefour have been deceived by recruitment agents, made to work excessive hours, denied days off and cheated of their earnings, said Amnesty International today in a new report. 

    In a 56-page report – ‘I would fear going to work’: Labour exploitation at Carrefour sites in Saudi Arabia – Amnesty also shows how workers have been made to live in squalid accommodation and to fear being fired if they complained or resisted working overtime.

    The research – based on interviews with 17 men from Nepal, India and Pakistan who worked in various Carrefour facilities in Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah between 2021 to 2024 – shows that the abuses suffered by some of the workers are likely to amount to forced labour, including human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation.

    The Carrefour Group, which was a sponsor of the 2024 Paris Olympics and has an annual turnover of more than €94 billion – has a franchise agreement with the UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim company which operates Carrefour facilities and stores in Saudi Arabia. Neither the Carrefour Group nor Majid Al Futtaim took adequate action to stop worker abuses or offer redress to workers. 

    To secure their jobs the workers paid recruitment agents in their home countries an average fee of £900 and often took on high-interest debt to do so, despite such charges being outlawed by Saudi legislation and prohibited by Majid Al Futtaim’s own policies.

    Almost all the workers interviewed by Amnesty were lied to or misled by the agents – sometimes with the involvement of labour supply companies – about the nature and benefits of the jobs in Saudi Arabia, or tricked into believing they were being hired directly by international companies. Many only found out they would be employed by Saudi Arabian supply companies – which are notorious among workers – after paying the fees, by which time most could not recoup the money paid and felt unable to back out. 

    In Saudi Arabia, the men were met with arduous work and repeated underpayment. They described regularly working 60-hour weeks, sometimes up to 16 hours a day, especially when business was booming in periods such as “salary weeks” and the month of Ramadan. In breach of both Saudi Arabia’s laws and Majid Al Futtaim’s own policies, workers said managers at the facilities – which included supermarkets and warehouses – would sometimes cancel their weekly rest days. They reported regularly having to walk more than 12 miles per day in their course of their working day.

    Anand*, a former warehouse picker, told Amnesty:

    “Inside Carrefour stores, workers are not treated as humans. They treat workers as animals. They keep on saying, ‘yallah, yallah’ [‘let’s go’, ‘let’s go’]. They cling to our t-shirt to make us work fast.”

    Many of the workers said the hardest part of the experience was not being paid properly for overtime hours as required by national law and company policies. As a result they were often denied dozens of additional hours’ pay a month, amounting to hundreds of pounds each year. Workers described a culture of fear, with those who raised complaints directly with managers at the Carrefour facilities reportedly ignored or told to take up the matter with the labour supply companies. Some workers who did speak out experienced retaliation from the supply companies or Carrefour facility managers, intimidating others into silence. Although Majid Al Futtaim told Amnesty it prohibits retaliation against anyone sharing a “good-faith concern”, workers said if they resisted working extra hours they would be threatened with not being paid or dismissal. 

    Meanwhile, accommodation provided by the labour supply companies was often dirty and overcrowded, contrary to Majid Al Futtaim’s requirements. Workers said they slept six or eight to a room, with one describing it as “like a cowshed”.

    In response to Amnesty’s findings, Carrefour and Majid Al Futtaim said they’ve launched an internal investigation into the treatment of migrant workers in their Saudi Arabia facilities, while Carrefour has also begun a third-party audit of its franchise partner’s operations. Majid Al Futtaim detailed steps it has taken to remediate abuses since Amnesty first alerted it, including moving some workers to new housing, reviewing policies on overtime and the ban on recruitment fees, increasing the screening of new suppliers and improving access to its employee hotline. 

    Marta Schaaf, Amnesty International’s Director of Climate, Economic and Social Justice, and Corporate Accountability, said:

    “Workers thought they were opening the door to a better life but instead many were subjected to appalling exploitation and abuse. 

    “Carrefour’s inaction meant it failed to prevent this suffering, which for some contracted workers likely amounts to forced labour including human trafficking.

    “It is well known that despite some reforms, migrant workers in Saudi Arabia continue to be subjected to the country’s kafala sponsorship system, have no guaranteed minimum wage and are prohibited from joining or forming trade unions. 

    “Carrefour and Majid Al Futtaim should act to remedy the abuses – including urgently compensating those affected – and ensure that workers in their operations are never harmed again.

    “The high risk of exploitation in Saudi Arabia highlights an undeniable need for fundamental reform of the country’s labour system. 

    “The ILO Governing Body should urgently open an investigation into violations of workers’ rights and ensure Saudi Arabia brings its labour laws and practices fully in line with international standards.”

    Further case studies

    Baburam* told Amnesty:

    “It was tough to work that long. But the manager wouldn’t let me go … He would say, ‘You must complete the order process, then you can go’. What could I do? If we didn’t work 15 hours, he would also say, ‘I will terminate you. I won’t pay for your overtime’.”

    Being “terminated” from these facilities could result in workers being made “jobless” until their labour supply company found them a new role – often weeks or months later. During this time, the worker would be left with no income from the supply company or support from the Saudi Arabian state.

    Gopal* said:

    “Had I complained, I could have lost my job. That’s why I couldn’t complain. Once, 14 or 15 workers complained about it, and they were expelled from the job. When a worker loses his job, the supply company makes him jobless for four to five months.”

    The experiences of workers interviewed by Amnesty indicates that the two key elements of forced labour – involuntary work and a threat of penalty – are present in Carrefour’s franchise operations in Saudi Arabia. While Carrefour’s policies make clear it is aware of its responsibilities and has committed to upholding international human rights standards, including throughout its franchises and suppliers, Amnesty’s research demonstrates that its due diligence processes are wholly inadequate. This is despite the fact that in Saudi Arabia, the severity and frequency of labour abuses – including forced labour – are acute and well-documented.

    *Names of workers have been changed.

    Amazon research and landmark ILO complaint

    Amnesty’s Carrefour investigation follows a 2023 Amnesty report exposing abuses at Amazon facilities in Saudi Arabia, involving one of the same labour supply companies. Following the investigation Amazon eventually paid more than $1.9 million to reimburse recruitment fees to more than 700 workers. Amnesty’s new report comes just a fortnight before the International Labour Organisation’s governing body will consider a landmark complaint against the Saudi Arabian government regarding wage theft, forced labour and the prohibition of trade unions. The complaint was submitted by the global trade union Building and Wood Workers’ International in June, supported by Amnesty and other organisations.

    MIL OSI NGO –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Special Representative for Nature appointed in landmark first

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ruth Davis has been appointed the first UK’s Special Representative for Nature.

    The UK government has appointed Ruth Davis OBE as the first Special Representative for Nature. This landmark announcement is being is made as the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP16 meeting in Colombia marks its first formal day.    

    Ruth Davis is one of the country’s leading environmental policy experts, with over twenty-five years’ experience working on issues of nature recovery and climate change.   

    Ms Davis previously advised the government when it hosted COP26, including helping secure an international pledge to end deforestation, which was signed by 145 countries. She played a leading role supporting negotiators and ministers and has previously worked with some of the UK’s leading nature organisations including RSPB and Plantlife. She holds an MSc from Reading University in Plant Sciences and a diploma in Botanical Horticulture from Kew.  

    Her appointment comes as environment ministers gather in Colombia to discuss conservation and sustainable use of the world’s biological diversity. The Global Biodiversity Framework was agreed at COP15 in Montreal, where over 150 countries signed up to and committed themselves to halting and reversing the international decline of nature.   

    Miss Davis will begin her role as Special Representative for Nature at the end of this month and will attend COP16 in her current role as an advocate for nature, working alongside the UK delegation led by Environment Secretary, Steve Reed. 

    This is a joint role between the FCDO and Defra and Ms Davis will report to both the Environment Secretary and the Foreign Secretary.         

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:   

    We cannot address the nature and climate crises without coordinated global action. That is why we have appointed Ruth as our special representative for nature – a landmark first – who will champion our ambition to put climate and nature at the heart of our foreign policy.

    We depend on nature in every aspect of our lives – it underpins our economy, health and society – and yet progress to restore our wildlife and habitats has been too slow. Ruth’s extensive knowledge and expertise will be vital to help us  deliver on our commitments to put nature on the road to recovery.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: 

    One million species are facing extinction, including one third of both marine mammals and coral reefs. And wildlife populations fallen by 73 per cent since 1970, mostly due to a staggering 83 per cent collapse in freshwater species.

    The climate and nature emergency is the most profound and universal source of global disorder. I am delighted Ruth Davis is joining to be our first ever UK Special Representative for Nature to help us achieve our goal of a liveable planet for all, now and in the future.

    Ruth Davis, the Special Representative for Nature said:   

    The government has recognised that the nature crisis is of equal gravity to the climate crisis; and that we cannot tackle one without addressing the other. Ecosystems and the species they support are essential to maintain food security, reduce health risks and manage the impacts of rising global temperatures.    

    I am delighted to be working with colleagues across government, and with partners around the world, to take on this urgent challenge; in particular, ensuring that the rules and incentives that govern the global economy work to protect and restore nature; and that we invest in the commitment, knowledge and passion of local people, who are critical to safeguarding the places where they live.

    The announcement of the Special Representative for Nature follows confirmation that Rachel Kyte will take up the role of the UK’s Special Representative for Climate, announced last month.  

    The Special Representatives will support ministers to raise global ambition on nature recovery and climate change. They will drive engagement with international leaders and build influence on the global stage to meet the UK’s strategic objectives.

    Share this page

    The following links open in a new tab

    • Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)
    • Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Announces New Actions to Support North Carolina’s Hurricane  Recovery

    Source: The White House

    FEMA to hire Community Liaisons across the state to aid in recovery

    More than $300 million approved for North Carolina survivors and state recovery efforts

    Following Hurricane Helene’s devastating impacts across the Southeast and Appalachia, the Biden-Harris Administration continues its robust Federal efforts to help communities recover and rebuild, including in heavily impacted communities in North Carolina. Across the state, the Administration is working alongside state and local officials to continue surging resources and assisting families, business owners, farmers, and other impacted communities receive the support and assistance they need and deserve.

    To continue supporting recovery efforts, today the Administration is announcing that the Federal government will create a brand-new program and hire Community Liaisons to assist impacted communities with their recovery and rebuilding efforts. These dedicated Community Liaisons will interface between the people of North Carolina and FEMA to ensure their needs are met and serve as trusted messengers for survivors.

    Thus far, the Administration has approved more than $300 million in assistance across the state, including $118 million in individual assistance to more than 87,600 households, and more than $189 million for debris removal and other emergency efforts. In total, across all impacted states in the Southeast and Appalachia, the Administration has approved nearly $2 billion in hurricane recovery assistance.

    These new efforts to support North Carolina’s recovery supplement additional resources and funding, including:

    • More than 1,500 Federal personnel remain deployed supporting the response and recovery operations. This includes more than 400 Disaster Survivor Assistance Team members, who are visiting neighborhoods to connect with survivors, assess damage, and offer access to Federal resources that support recovery and rebuilding.
    • Fourteen Disaster Recovery Centers are operating in impacted areas and have served more than 5,700 visitors. More centers will be opening in the coming days. Survivors can visit Disaster Recovery Centers in the following cities/towns: Asheville, Bakersville, Boone, Brevard, Hendersonville, Jefferson, Lenoir, Marion, Morgantown, Newland, Old Fort, Sparta, Sylva, and Waynesville.
    • FEMA is providing temporary hotel stays to more than 2,500 households through Transitional Sheltering Assistance.
    • FEMA inspectors have performed more than 21,000 home inspections to help survivors assess damage and apply for financial assistance.
    • Active-duty troops and National Guard members remain on the ground in their state capacity to support search-and-rescue operations, route clearance, and commodities distribution across western North Carolina. The Department of Defense is also employing additional capabilities to assist with increasing situational awareness across the remote terrain of Western North Carolina. The Army Corps of Engineers continues missions supporting debris removal, temporary emergency power installation, water and wastewater assessments with the Environmental Protection Agency.
    • Power has been restored to 99 percent of impacted North Carolina customers due to thousands of utility personnel working around the clock.
    • Commodity distribution, mass feeding, and hydration operations continue in areas of western North Carolina. FEMA continues to send commodity shipments and voluntary organizations are supporting feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries coming in via truck and aircraft. Mobile feeding operations are reaching survivors in heavily impacted areas, including three mass feeding sites in Buncombe, McDowell and Watauga counties.

    Additional actions the Administration is taking to protect public health, provide flexibilities to homeowners and taxpayers, support infrastructure recovery, and support workers, farmers, and students in North Carolina can be found here. Additional actions President Biden directed before Helene’s landfall can be found here.

    Biden-Harris Administration’s Continuous Commitment to Being on the Ground

    Following Hurricane Helene’s devastating impacts across North Carolina, President Biden committed to helping impacted communities recover and rebuild, no matter how long it takes. On October 2, less than one week after landfall, President Biden visited North Carolina to survey the damage, meet with first responders and impacted communities, and receive an operational briefing. As part of that visit, he also directed up to 1,000 active-duty troops to partner with the North Carolina National Guard on the ground at the request of the Governor. Days later, to surge additional resources and capacity at the request of the Governor, President Biden ordered another 500 active-duty troops to move into western North Carolina. On October 5, Vice President Harris also visited North Carolina to survey the damage, receive briefings, and meet with first responders.

    The President and Vice President and senior leaders across the Administration have spoken with and coordinated closely with Governor Cooper throughout the response. President Biden talked with Governor Cooper at least twice immediately following Helene’s landfall, and Governor Cooper joined him to survey damage and receive briefings during his visit. They have stayed in close contact in the ensuing weeks.

    At the President’s direction, FEMA Administrator Criswell has been on the ground in North Carolina for multiple days and nights to lead the Federal response since Helene’s landfall. She has traveled across the state to meet with survivors and communities, identify resource needs, and continue ensuring a swift and coordinated recovery effort.  She will return again this evening and remain in place to direct additional measures to speed response and recovery.  Many other Administration leaders, including Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Secretary Michael Regan, and Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, have also visited North Carolina to support recovery efforts and others will do so in the coming days and weeks, including Secretary Tom Vilsack on October 25.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Expanding coal mines – and reaching net zero? Tanya Plibersek seems to believe both are possible

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland

    Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s recent decision to approve expansion plans for three New South Wales coal mines disappointed many people concerned with stabilising the global climate.

    Two of these mines, Narrabri and Mount Pleasant in New South Wales, featured in the high-profile but ultimately unsuccessful Living Wonders court case, intended to force the federal government to take account of climate damage done by coal mine approvals. A lawyer involved in the case said Plibersek’s decision showed a refusal to “recognise their climate harms”.

    Why did Plibersek sign off on this? She has argued the mines will abide by domestic industrial emissions rules. As her spokesperson told the ABC:

    The emissions from these projects will be considered by the minister for climate change and energy under the government’s strong climate laws.

    But these laws apply only to emissions produced in Australia, which in this case will be from extracting and transporting coal and the relatively small amount of coal burned here. Most of the coal will be exported and burned overseas. Australian laws do not count those much larger emissions.

    The government is effectively washing its hands of the far larger emissions created when the coal is burned overseas. Since taking office, the Albanese government has approved seven applications to open or expand coal mines. Just this week, NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said his state would keep exporting coal into the 2040s.

    This reasoning doesn’t stack up. If we stopped expanding coal mines, coal would get more expensive – and we would accelerate the global shift to clean energy.

    How can more coal be compatible with net zero?

    Under the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate action, nations must publicly commit to domestic emissions reductions goals and are expected to steadily ramp up ambition.

    But these emissions cuts are domestic only – we don’t measure the emissions we enable by exporting coal and gas.

    The Albanese government has increased domestic ambition by committing to a 43% reduction on 2005 figures by 2030. This seems to be a substantial advance on the 26-28% commitment made by the previous government. In reality, internal tensions in the Morrison Coalition government handed Labor an unintentional gift.

    In 2021, estimates suggested Australia was already on track for a 35% reduction. But internal opposition among Coalition backbenchers stopped Morrison announcing this as a target. As a result, Labor’s change looks about twice as impressive as it should.

    Still, progress is happening. Domestically, Australia is now burning less and less coal.

    But in terms of exports, the government’s position – clear in Plibersek’s decision as well as the government’s plan to keep gas flowing for decades – is as long as there is a demand for coal and gas from other countries, Australia will be ready and willing to meet it.

    Most of the coal unlocked by Plibersek’s decision will go overseas, given NSW exports 85% of its coal to partners such as Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan.

    How does the government defend this?

    Expanding coal mines while maintaining a public commitment to net zero is a consistent theme between this government and its predecessor, which also committed to net zero. It meets a minimal interpretation of our legal obligations under the Paris Agreement, but maintains the planet’s path towards dangerous warming.

    In her statement of reasons given in 2023 as to why the Mount Pleasant mine expansion should be permitted, Plibersek and the Labor government offer several defences.

    The first is she is simply acting in accordance with Australian law, as the project would comply with “applicable Commonwealth emissions reduction legislation”. This is a weak reed, to put it mildly. The Albanese government, with the support of Greens and independents, can change the law whenever it chooses.

    In reality, the government has steadfastly resisted pressure to include a “climate trigger” in Australia’s environmental approval processes. Their resistance is relatively new – as recently as 2016, Labor policy included a climate trigger for land clearing.

    Labor’s second defence has often been dubbed the “drug dealer’s defence”. That is, if Australia didn’t export coal, other producers would take our place. As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has put it:

    policies that would just result in a replacement of Australian resources with resources that are less clean from other countries would lead to an increase in global emissions, not a decrease.

    As I’ve argued previously, this defence doesn’t work. Coal is subject to a rising cost curve – if we stopped exporting it, new or expanded production from other sources would cost more to extract and hence be priced higher. More expensive coal would, in turn, accelerate the global energy transition. We do have agency – we could choose not to unlock more coal.

    Finally, Plibersek claims emissions from burning Mount Pleasant coal – estimated at over 500 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over the mine’s extended lifetime – would not be “substantial” relative to total global emissions. For context, Australia’s total emissions are now less than 500 million tonnes a year.

    This “litterbug’s defence” suggest Australia’s emissions – whether produced domestically or exported – are not big enough to make a difference. This is not true – we are now the second largest exporter of emissions globally, after Russia. That is due largely to coal.

    Are fossil fuel exports untouchable?

    There’s a huge gap between global pledges to cut emissions and the reductions needed to actually achieve the Paris targets. Most countries we export coal and gas to are not yet on a path to achieve the reductions in emissions necessary to stabilise the global climate – though China’s emissions may, remarkably, be about to decline.

    That’s why we need to press for decarbonisation at every stage of the energy system, from extraction of coal, oil and gas to the financing of new carbon-based projects as well as at the point where the fuel is burned and emissions produced generated.

    The problem for Australia is we sell a lot of coal and gas – more than ever before. So even as solar and wind energy begins to displace coal and gas in domestic power generation, our coal and gas exports seem all but untouchable.

    We should be saddened but not surprised at this pattern. The Albanese government seems guided by the principle of doing nothing to generate substantial opposition – and to count on the fact a Dutton Coalition government would do even less.

    John Quiggin is a former member of the Climate Change Authority

    – ref. Expanding coal mines – and reaching net zero? Tanya Plibersek seems to believe both are possible – https://theconversation.com/expanding-coal-mines-and-reaching-net-zero-tanya-plibersek-seems-to-believe-both-are-possible-241007

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS attends APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting in Peru (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, began his visit in Lima, Peru, yesterday (October 20, Lima time) to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) and related activities.

         In the morning, Mr Chan attended the Finance Ministers’ Retreat. The meeting focused on discussing the fiscal policies of economies and several specific topics, including tax administration, promoting quality infrastructure development, and the digital transformation of financial services.

         Mr Chan introduced the latest developments in Hong Kong regarding these topics. He specifically shared Hong Kong’s experience in issuing retail bonds to support infrastructure projects that benefit the economy and people’s lives. He highlighted that this arrangement allows residents to participate in advancing infrastructure projects, and providing them with a safe, reliable, and stable investment option, while also raising funds for these projects. This approach achieves the dual goals of supporting inclusive finance and infrastructure development. Mr Chan also shared Hong Kong’s progress in promoting the digitalisation of financial services, including ongoing optimisation of the fintech ecosystem, launching regulatory sandboxes to test and promote innovative projects across various financial sectors, and facilitating data sharing between small and medium-sized enterprises and banks to facilitate business lending.

         In the afternoon, Mr Chan attended the High Level Event on Sustainable Finance under FMM, engaging in in-depth discussions with attending finance ministers and representatives from various business sectors on the strategies for the development of sustainable finance and transition finance, governance frameworks, and international cooperation. Mr Chan outlined the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s emission reduction targets and action strategies set forth in the “Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050.” He also shared Hong Kong’s latest developments as a leading green finance centre in Asia, including the issuance of green and sustainable bonds, participation in the formulation of relevant international standards and climate disclosure guidelines, talent training, and promoting transition finance to build a thriving green and sustainable finance ecosystem. Moreover, a steering group comprising all financial regulators has been established to drive related efforts.

         Mr Chan also met with Vice Minister of Finance of China Mr Liao Min, as well as several representatives from participating economies, including the Minister of Economy and Finance of Peru, Mr José Arista Arbildo; the Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance of Singapore, Mr Chee Hong Tat, and Deputy Minister of Finance of Thailand Mr Paopoom Rojanasakul, to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation and exchange views on common concerns. In these bilateral meetings, Mr Chan introduced Hong Kong’s latest economic situation and various policy measures set out in the Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive recently. 

         In the evening, Mr Chan attended the welcome reception for the FMM.

         Mr Chan will continue to attend the FMM today (October 21, Lima time).                        

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Insurance Sector – Commonwealth insurance peaks collaborate on global insurance protection gap

    Source: Insurance Council of NZ

    The peak bodies representing personal and business insurers in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have called on Commonwealth leaders at this week’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa to discuss worsening extreme weather and its impact on national economic and community resilience across the Commonwealth.
    The Association of British Insurers (ABI), the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), and the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ), have jointly written to the Prime Ministers of their respective nations calling for the issue to be put on the agenda as part of the Commonwealth Business Forum on 23 and 24 October.
    This followed a Global Insurance Protection Gap Forum held in Sydney, Australia on Friday 18 October involving the four leaders of the ABI, IBC, ICA, and ICNZ, along with insurers, Australian government representatives, and regulators.
    The four associations collectively represent insurers writing approximately US$200B in gross annual premium, with their members playing an essential role in enabling individuals, communities and businesses to recover from the unexpected and reduce risk across the economies in which they operate.
    Operating in Commonwealth nations, the four organisations and their members face similar regulatory, political, and financial environments, with their governments and regulators having similar tools at their disposal to implement solutions.
    The Global Insurance Protection Gap forum agreed that:
    – As extreme weather intensifies, populations expand and more homes are put in harm’s way, the insurance protection gap will widen.
    – Flood risk is often concentrated in particular areas, but the widespread nature of flood risk is going to increase.
    – Governments and insurers have a critical opportunity to collaborate across global markets to build a shared view of current and future hazard risk.
    – We must stop locking further risk into our economies by building homes in the wrong places.
    – Applying excessive taxes and levies to insurance premiums can directly affect the affordability of insurance coverage.
    Comment attributable to Hannah Gurga, Director General, Association of British Insurers
    Our changing climate represents a real and growing threat to our resilience as a nation and globally. The UK led the way with the creation of Flood Re, which has helped keep insurance accessible for hundreds of thousands of homes. We are now at a crossroads, with a new government in post and a review of the planning system underway. It’s vital that decisions are taken for the long-term and made for the benefit of all. That’s not just investing in flood defences but also changing where and how we build. Action is needed now, not in the future when the challenge will be ever greater.
    Comment attributable to Celyeste Power, President and CEO, Insurance Bureau Canada
    In the span of just five weeks this past summer, Canada saw five natural catastrophes: three major floods, a devastating wildfire, and a destructive hailstorm resulting in $7 billion of insured losses.
    This isn’t an anomaly. It isn’t bad luck. It’s part of an escalating trend of severe weather events that is making Canada a riskier place to live, work and insure.
    I know Canada is not facing these challenges alone and I join with my colleagues in Australia, New Zealand and Britain in our call for meaningful action to reduce the growing physical and financial risks our citizens are facing.
    Comment attributable to Andrew Hall, CEO, Insurance Council of Australia
    More frequent and intense disasters, coupled with ongoing development of areas at high risk of extreme weather and growing asset values, are widening the gap globally between those who can afford insurance in high-risk areas and those who can’t – often leaving society’s least wealthy unable to rebuild and recover when disaster strikes.
    As the bodies representing personal and business insurance providers in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, we have a unique perspective on this issue.
    Insurers remain steadfastly committed to the policies of derisking as the only sustainable way to reduce the pressure on premiums and close the protection gap: better planning so no more homes are built in harm’s way, stronger buildings that are better able to withstand extreme weather, greater investment in public infrastructure to better protect communities, and an ongoing program of home buybacks where no other mitigation is possible.
    Comment attributable to Kris Faafoi, CEO, Insurance Council of New Zealand
    Our nations share a common history and a future challenge with climate change. By working closely together our insurance representative bodies are committed to doing their bit to help reduce risk from natural hazards and protect our families and communities.
    By reducing the protection gap we keep communities safe, reduce the costs to taxpayers and ratepayers and maintain insurance capacity and affordability.
    Just last year New Zealand experienced just how devastating severe weather events can be on lives, livelihoods and communities. There is much to be gained by working together on these issues across the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand through policy work, relationships and our responses to natural disasters.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lexington Man Sentenced for Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, David Allen Baxter, 40, was sentenced to 100 months, on Friday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

    According to his plea agreement, on February 9, 2024, law enforcement observed Baxter, who had an outstanding warrant for a parole violation, entering and exiting a building.  Officers attempted to make contact, but Baxter fled on foot.  While Baxter was fleeing, officers observed him reaching into his jacket pocket and attempting to grab something.  Officers eventually caught Baxter, who was in possession of a loaded and chambered firearm.  Baxter admitted that he knew he was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.

    Baxter had previously been convicted of the following:  convicted felon in possession of a handgun, receiving stolen property, and possession of a controlled substance, in Scott Circuit Court in December 2019; convicted felon in possession of a firearm and wanton endangerment, in Fayette Circuit Court in September 2016; trafficking in a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance, in Fayette Circuit Court in December 2003; and robbery, in Fayette Circuit Court in May 2001.

    Under federal law, Baxter must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence.  Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

    Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.

    The case was investigated by the ATF and Lexington Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

    This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities.  It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts.  In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

    — END —

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lexington Man Sentenced for Armed Fentanyl Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, Jago Clay, 24, was sentenced to 108 months, on Friday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. 

    According to his plea agreement, on June 17, 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Clay’s vehicle, due to an upside-down license plate affixed to the wrong vehicle.  During the stop, officers found a large bag containing approximately 256 pressed fentanyl pills, a digital scale, and two loaded handguns. Clay admitted to knowingly possessing the fentanyl pills, with the intent distribute them, and to possessing the firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking.

    Under federal law, Clay must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence.  Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.

    Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.

    The case was investigated by the ATF, KSP, and Lexington Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

    This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities.  It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts.  In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

    — END —

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Progress towards Auckland’s climate goals puts resilience at the forefront

    Source: Auckland Council

    From increasing public transport options, to decarbonising the council’s operations, to community food initiatives and building resilience to flood events, Auckland Council is delivering tangible, positive climate outcomes for Aucklanders. That’s according to Auckland Council’s Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan 2024 progress snapshot.

    Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the council’s Policy and Planning Committee applauds the progress already made but reminds us that to maintain momentum and achieve our climate goals requires continued commitment from all of us.

    “As a region, the scale and speed of climate action needed to make an impact on resilience continues to grow and will require increasing levels of cohesion and investment across both government and our council.”

    Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan is Auckland Council’s long-term approach to climate action. It sets out eight priority action areas to deliver our goals to reduce carbon pollution and plan in ways that prevent further climate disruption.

    Kataraina Maki, Auckland Council’s Chief Sustainability Officer, believes the council plays a crucial role in forward-thinking to make caring for everyone in a climate-disrupted future a reality.

    “Imagine the lives we can all live when, across our communities, we are empowered to take the bold climate actions we need, and know are feasible. Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan provides long term solutions to make wise decisions now that will prevent further disruption to the climate later for future generations.

    “Kia kotahi, Auckland Council supports our communities to unite, work together, and adapt to low-carbon, climate-prepared lifestyles to meet peoples’ needs and make our city better for everyone, especially those most vulnerable to climate disruption.”

    The annual progress report highlights the council’s contribution towards the implementation of Te Tāruke-a-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan based on the levels of actions that are completed, in progress, and still required in reducing emissions and improving resilience to climate change. It also provides highlights of progress and key challenges for each priority in the plan along with a summary of key initiatives planned for the year ahead.

    Key highlights of 2023/2024 report include:

    • Collecting and diverting 20,000 tonnes of food scraps from landfill, exceeding the target of 18,000 tonnes for year one
    • Investment in public transport to increase patronage up to 100 million boardings by March 2025
    • Issuing three new green bonds increasing total green bond holdings to NZ $3.7 billion
    • The Auckland Council climate grant funded 32 community-led projects, with approximately a third going to underserved communities
    • Approximately 750,000 trees were planted across the region as part of the Urban Ngahere programme
    • Several projects including Auckland Art Gallery and Auckland Domain Wintergardens have switched from gas to electricity and alternative energy sources, saving money and reducing emissions.

    A planted area and stormwater stream beside the motorway in South Auckland.

    Building resilience to future extreme weather events top priority for the council

    In response to the 2023 extreme weather events, Auckland Council has partnered with the government to implement a $2 billion flood recovery and resilience package. As severe weather events happen more frequently, the council is preparing for the additional water we know to expect and preventing further flood risks through financial support for affected homeowners, supporting community-led responses and accelerating crucial repairs to affected infrastructure.

    The Making Space for Water programme has been integral to this work where $820 million has been given to help build resilience, repair affected stormwater assets and reduce the impacts of future intense rainfall.

    Councillor Hills says that rebuilding our infrastructure after big flooding and climate events can prevent worsening climate disruption.

    “Rampant carbon pollution has trapped heat like a blanket in our atmosphere and warmed the oceans, leading to a disrupted climate and more extreme weather events. A lot more water is one of the effects,” he says.

    “Auckland Council prioritises working alongside mana whenua, communities, and infrastructure experts to redesign our city to be more spongy to soak up this extra water and reduce heat in our neighbourhoods.

    “By uncovering our natural waterways and enhancing and maintaining our stormwater systems through programmes like Making Space for Water, we’re giving water space to flow and rise to build resilience and reduce the impacts of future flooding.”

    An electric bus on Waiheke Island.

    Zero emission transport

    Auckland’s public transport network is becoming fully electric. A total of 180 buses are now zero emissions in the fleet, making it the largest fleet of zero-emission buses of any city in Australasia. Investment in the transition from fossil fuels to lower emissions has also seen the construction of the first low emission ferries. The Climate Action Transport Targeted Rate has also increased our frequent bus network to forty routes in total, the most recent addition is the 94, which is seeing almost 400 new users each day.

    Te Herenga Waka O Orewa Marae has received funding to repair flooring in the wharekai, an engineering design to improve stormwater management.

    Mana whenua partnerships

    Auckland Council supports leadership of mana whenua who have expertise in living in harmony with natural systems to care for their rohe and tāngata, using mātauranga Māori to guide how te taiao is valued and protected. The council supports climate resilience programmes across seven Auckland marae as part of the Resilient Marae Programme, and rangatahi Māori-led responses to the environment such as Mātātahi Taio to deliver climate action outcomes using traditional Māori knowledge systems and practices.

    About the progress snapshot

    The council group this year reports that based on the current allocation of funding for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, meeting the 2050 net zero target set in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri is becoming more challenging within timeframe and financial constraints. Regional emissions are also starting to rise, after they temporarily decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The report identifies that we all face big challenges in a climate-disrupted future. Better, resilient lives for everyone are possible through bold community climate planning, and a sustained collective commitment and effort from government, the council, businesses, communities and individuals to climate action.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Breaking ground on the first new Road of National Significance

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Work has kicked off on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) as the Government continues to move at pace to deliver infrastructure that enables Kiwis and freight to get to where they want to go quickly and safely, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.

    “The Government is keeping its promise to New Zealanders to deliver a new generation of RoNS across the country that reduce congestion, unlock land for thousands of new houses, and boost economic growth as we rebuild the economy to reduce the cost of living. Delivering the infrastructure this country needs is a key part of our plan to rebuild the economy and boost productivity,” Mr Brown says. 

    “Early works have now started on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway RoNS to four-lane this critical corridor that carries 29,000 vehicles a day and links freight to one of New Zealand’s largest ports. The growing population and economy mean that the central section of this road is reaching capacity at peak times. Starting work now allows the NZTA to maximise the 2025/2026 construction season and bring forward the construction of this project by 12 to 15 months.”

    The Government is prioritising 17 RoNS which were highlighted in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport, with seven new projects to begin procurement, enabling works and construction in the next three years.

    “New Zealand has an infrastructure deficit, and our Government is taking action to fix it. It’s not enough to just talk about projects and write endless business cases. Kiwis voted for a Government that would get on and build the infrastructure that our country needs. That is what we are doing, and we’re pleased to be able to show action within our first year. 

    “Four-laning the Hawke’s Bay Expressway will unleash national and regional economic growth and productivity by reducing travel times, increasing resilience, and improving safety for motorists. 

    “The Hawke’s Bay Expressway was critical to the resilience of the region during Cyclone Gabrielle, with other routes being cut off. This Road of National Significance will increase capacity, resilience, support residential growth, and provide a boost to the local economy by helping move freight more quickly to the Napier Port. 

    “NZTA is prioritising the Taradale Road to Pākowhai Road section of the Hawke’s Bay Expressway as it is the most congested part of the road, and will help ensure more reliable journey times for commuters and freight operators in the Bay. 

    “The Government will be delivering the benefits of better road infrastructure to Kiwis and businesses across the country, as progress ramps up on several other Roads of National Significance projects. Takitimu North Link Stage 1 is already underway, Ōtaki to North of Levin will begin construction next year, and the Northland Expressway is currently undergoing geotechnical work. 

    “The RoNS projects previously built by National are some of New Zealand’s most successful State Highway corridors, reducing congestion and improving safety. Moving at pace to build a new generation of RoNS signals our Government’s focus on prioritising investments that deliver real value to commuters and businesses.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB-Supported Project Boosts Resilience of Land, Maritime Transport Networks in Solomon Islands

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS (21 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing the Government of Solomon Islands with the second tranche of financing for its Land and Maritime Connectivity Project totaling $53 million. The project is strengthening transport infrastructure in Solomon Islands.

    The Land and Maritime Connectivity Project was approved by the ADB Board in June 2021, to be funded by a concessional loan of $74.4 million and a grant of $74.5 million. The grant is sourced from the Asian Development Fund, which provides grants to ADB’s poorest and most vulnerable developing member countries. The Government of Solomon Islands is contributing the remaining $21.8 million of the project’s overall cost of almost $171 million. The project is a 10-year multitranche financing facility, enabling ADB’s long-term support to the country’s transport sector.

    “Developing a sustainable transport network will help drive robust socioeconomic growth in Solomon Islands,” said ADB Senior Transport Specialist Rika Idei. “The project will better connect people in rural and remote areas to markets, health, and education services.”

    Tranche 2 will continue the rehabilitation and climate-proofing of road transport infrastructure from the first tranche. Works on the remaining 26 kilometers (km) of the Henderson–Mberande road section have commenced, while the rehabilitation of the 1.7 km Honiara City Council–Ground section and the upgrading of the 3.1 km Town Ground–White River section are ongoing. Both are critical road links on Guadalcanal Island. Climate resilience features are integrated into the road design to ensure all-year access along the east–west corridor in the island. After the completion of civil work, a 5-year performance-based maintenance will follow to sustain road quality and endurance.

    Maritime transport infrastructure will be improved in the second tranche, with work beginning for the provincial wharves under the project in Kira Kira and work in Ahanga expected to start soon. Marketplaces and passenger buildings will be included as part of the provincial wharves.

    Support for institutional improvement is a key element of the project, particularly in the second tranche. Part of the support is to develop a gender strategy to support women in technical and leadership roles in the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS attends APEC meeting in Peru

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan began his visit in Lima, Peru, to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting and related activities.

    Yesterday morning, he attended the Finance Ministers’ Retreat, a meeting focused on discussing the fiscal policies of economies and several specific topics, including tax administration, promoting quality infrastructure development, and the digital transformation of financial services.

    Mr Chan introduced the latest developments in Hong Kong regarding these topics and specifically shared Hong Kong’s experience in issuing retail bonds to support infrastructure projects that benefit the economy and people’s lives.

    He highlighted that this arrangement allows residents to participate in advancing infrastructure projects, and providing them with a safe, reliable, and stable investment option, while also raising funds for such projects. This approach, Mr Chan pointed out, achieves the dual goals of supporting inclusive finance and infrastructure development.

    He also shared Hong Kong’s progress in promoting the digitalisation of financial services, including ongoing optimisation of the fintech ecosystem, launching regulatory sandboxes to test and promote innovative projects across various financial sectors, and facilitating data sharing between small and medium-sized enterprises and banks to facilitate business lending.

    In the afternoon, while participating in the High Level Event on Sustainable Finance under Finance Ministers’ Meeting, Mr Chan engaged in in-depth discussions with finance ministers on the strategies for the development of sustainable finance and transition finance, governance frameworks and international co-operation.

    The Financial Secretary outlined the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s emission reduction targets and action strategies set forth in Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050.

    Additionally, he shared Hong Kong’s latest developments as a leading green finance centre in Asia, including the issuance of green and sustainable bonds, participation in the formulation of relevant international standards and climate disclosure guidelines, talent training, and promoting transition finance to build a thriving green and sustainable finance ecosystem.

    Moreover, he noted that a steering group comprising all financial regulators has been established to drive related efforts.

    What’s more, Mr Chan met Vice Minister of Finance Liao Min as well as several representatives from participating economies, including Peru’s Minister of Economy & Finance José Arista Arbildo, Singapore’s Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance Chee Hong Tat and Thai Deputy Minister of Finance Paopoom Rojanasakul to discuss deepening bilateral co-operation and exchange views on common concerns.

    During the bilateral meetings, Mr Chan introduced Hong Kong’s latest economic situation and various policy measures set out in the Policy Address that the Chief Executive delivered last week.

    In the evening, he attended a welcome reception for the Finance Ministers’ Meeting.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No MDs are in effect as of Mon Oct 21 07:02:02 UTC 2024

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Mesoscale DiscussionsUpdated:  Mon Oct 21 07:02:03 UTC 2024 No Mesoscale Discussions are currently in effect.

    Notice:  The responsibility for Heavy Rain Mesoscale Discussions has been transferred to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on April 9, 2013. Click here for the Service Change Notice.
    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Casey, Wyden Slam McDonald’s for Squeezing Customers with Excessive Price Increases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    October 22, 2024

    “Corporate profits must not come at the expense of people’s ability to put food on the table.”

    Text of Letter (PDF) 

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), wrote to President and Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s, Chris Kempczinski, pushing for more information on McDonald’s pricing decisions as fast food prices continue to increase, outpacing inflation and squeezing customers. 

    “While McDonald’s is not the only fast food restaurant that has increased prices significantly in recent years, its dominant market position as the largest fast food chain in the United States has an outsize impact on American consumers. While working families are trying to make ends meet, McDonald’s and its corporate counterparts have continued to grow their profits,” wrote the senators.

    Earlier this year, McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger attempted to blame the company’s menu price increases on inflationary pressures and input costs, but the data tells another story. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, fast food prices have consistently outpaced inflation, and since 2020, overall inflation has increased by 20 percent, while McDonald’s has increased its menu prices for several items substantially more. McDonalds net annual income rose by over 79 percent – nearly $8.5 billion, from 2020 to 2023.

    While McDonald’s was raising prices, the company also spent nearly $4 billion on stock buybacks in 2022 and $3 billion in 2023. The company also benefits from a tax loophole that favors buybacks. This prioritizes Wall Street shareholders over investments in McDonald’s own business and workers. 

    As American consumers have begun taking their business elsewhere, the company has promised to take a “forensic approach” to evaluating high prices.

    “Corporate profits must not come at the expense of people’s ability to put food on the table,” concluded the senators. “As we seek to investigate and understand the increased consumer costs in the economy, we hope McDonald’s will help us to understand why its prices have risen so high.”

    As a champion for American consumers and a secure and healthy economy, Senator Warren has engaged in oversight of corporations that unfairly exploit consumers. She has also been calling for more competition and stronger enforcement of antitrust laws to bring down prices for families: 

    • In October 2024, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Darren Soto (D-Fla.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), and Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) wrote to Chair of the Federal Trade Commission, Lina Khan, on reports of widespread price gouging in states impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton and on the need for a federal price gouging ban to complement state-level efforts.
    • In October 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) wrote to the CEOs of Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and General Mills, pressing their executives on the companies’ pattern of profiteering off consumers, both through “shrinkflation” and dodging taxes on the profits they made from that price gouging.
    • In September 2024, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Representative Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) demanded answers from 13 corporate landlords operating in Massachusetts as to whether they are using RealPage’s algorithm to raise rents for families.
    • In August 2024, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) sent a letter to Rodney McMullen, chairman and CEO of Kroger, raising concerns about Kroger’s use of Electronic Shelving Labels (ESLs) to potentially surge grocery prices and exploit consumers.
    • In May 2024, while chairing a Senate Banking Subcommittee on Economic Policy hearing, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) called out giant corporations for hiking up food prices while raking in record profits, and urged action to promote competition and bring down costs.
    • In May 2024, Senator Warren and Rep. Jim McGovern led a group of lawmakers in a letter to President Joe Biden, urging the Biden administration to use its executive authority to take action to lower food prices. 
    • In May 2024, during a hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs, Senator Warren called out food industry price gouging and urged action to combat unfair pricing practices.
    • In April 2024, Senator Warren (D-Mass.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) wrote to DoorDash and UberEats, the two largest delivery platforms, calling out their use of hidden junk fees.
    • In March 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Penn.) led a group of 14 lawmakers in a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan urging the agency to revive enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act (RPA), a critical tool to promote fair competition in the food industry. 
    • In February 2024, Senator Warren joined Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) in introducing the Shrinkflation Prevention Act to crack down on corporations that deceive consumers by selling smaller sizes of their products without lowering prices.
    • In February 2024, Senators Warren, Baldwin, Casey, and U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) reintroduced the Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2024, which would protect consumers and prohibit corporate price gouging by authorizing the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce a federal ban against grossly excessive price increases.
    • In February 2022, at a hearing, Senator Warren called out corporations for abusing their market power to raise consumer prices and boost profits.
    • At a January 2022 hearing, Senator Warren pressed Fed Chair Jerome Powell on the role of corporate concentration in driving up prices for consumers during his renomination hearing to be Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
    • In a New York Times op-ed published in April 2020, Senator Warren urged Congress to focus on cracking down on price gouging in its ongoing effort to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Provides Free Well Disinfection, Well Water Collection Kits to Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Provides Free Well Disinfection, Well Water Collection Kits to Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene

    NCDHHS Provides Free Well Disinfection, Well Water Collection Kits to Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene
    hejones1
    Tue, 10/22/2024 – 11:23

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced free well disinfection and well water collection kits are available for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Local health departments in western North Carolina will distribute kits for households with private wells that were flooded or damaged by the storm.

    Excessive rain and flooding can cause water in private wells to become contaminated, meaning the water can make people sick if it is consumed. After a flood, private wells must be assessed for damage, repaired, disinfected and tested before use to ensure the water is safe. It is critical people do not drink or use water from a private well that has been damaged or flooded until it has been properly disinfected and tested after the storm.

    The NCDHHS Division of Public Health has assembled well disinfection and well water collection kits for distribution through select local health departments. Private well owners living in the communities served by the following local health departments who have flooded or damaged wells can pick up free kits beginning Tuesday, Oct. 22. Participating local health departments include:

    • AppHealthCare – Alleghany location: 157 Health Services Road, Sparta, NC 28675
    • AppHealthCare – Ashe Environmental Health Building: 626 Ashe Central School Road, Jefferson, NC 28640
    • AppHealthCare – Watauga location: 126 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone, NC 28607
    • Burke County Health Department: 700 E. Parker Road, Morganton, NC 28655
    • Buncombe County Health Department – Environmental Health Building: 30 Valley St., Asheville, NC 28801
    • Caldwell County Health Department: 2345 Morganton Blvd., Lenoir, NC, 28645
    • Cherokee County Health Department: 228 Hilton St., Murphy, NC 28906
    • Haywood County Environmental Health: 157 Paragon Parkway, Suite 200, Clyde, NC 28721
    • Henderson County Health Department: 1200 Spartanburg Highway, Suite 100, Hendersonville NC 28792
    • Madison – Environmental Health Building: 5707 US-25, Marshall, NC 28753
    • Toe River Health District – Mitchell location: 130 Forest Service Drive, Bakersville, NC 28705
    • Toe River Health District – Avery location: 545 Schultz Circle, Newland, NC 28657
    • Yancey County Health Department: 202 Medical Campus Drive, Burnsville, NC 28714

    Each well kit includes the necessary supplies to disinfect and collect a well water sample for testing, including step-by-step instructions. Flooded or damaged wells must be disinfected first before collecting a sample for testing. Private well owners should return the sample back to their local health department for testing. The local health department or testing lab will provide results back as quickly as possible. Private well owners who live in an impacted area not listed above should contact their local health department for well disinfection and testing assistance.

    For help understanding test results, use the online Be Well Informed tool (select North Carolina) or contact the NCDHHS-DPH Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch at 919-707-5900 or oeeb@dhhs.nc.gov.

    Well disinfection and well water collection kits can be picked up at the following dates and times:

    • Oct. 22-24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Oct. 28-31, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Additional dates and times will be provided by the local health departments.

    For information regarding Hurricane Helene including additional resources and flexibilities in place, please go to www.ncdps.gov/Helene and www.ncdhhs.gov/helene.

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció hoy que hay kits gratuitos de desinfección y recolección de agua de pozo disponibles para las comunidades afectadas por el huracán Helene. Los departamentos de salud locales en el oeste de Carolina del Norte distribuirán kits para hogares con pozos privados que fueron inundados o dañados por la tormenta.

    El exceso de lluvia y las inundaciones pueden contaminar el agua de los pozos privados, lo que significa que el agua puede enfermar a las personas si se consume. Después de una inundación, los pozos privados deben ser evaluados para detectar daños, reparados, desinfectados y analizados antes de su uso para garantizar que el agua sea segura. Es fundamental que las personas no beban ni usen agua de un pozo privado que haya sido dañado o inundado hasta que haya sido desinfectado y analizado adecuadamente después de la tormenta.

    La División de Salud Pública del NCDHHS ha reunido kits de desinfección y recolección de agua de pozo para su distribución a través de departamentos de salud locales seleccionados. Los propietarios de pozos privados que viven en las comunidades atendidas por los siguientes departamentos de salud locales con pozos dañados o inundados pueden recoger kits gratuitos a partir del martes 22 de octubre. Los departamentos de salud locales participantes incluyen:

    • AppHealthCare – Ubicación en Alleghany: 157 Health Services Road, Sparta, NC 28675
    • AppHealthCare – Edificio de Salud Ambiental de Ashe: 626 Ashe Central School Road, Jefferson, NC 28640
    • AppHealthCare – Ubicación en Watauga: 126 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone, NC 28607
    • Departamento de Salud del condado de Burke: 700 E. Parker Road, Morganton, NC 28655
    • Departamento de Salud del condado de Buncombe – Edificio de Salud Ambiental: 30 Valley St., Asheville, NC 28801
    • Departamento de Salud del condado de Caldwell: 2345 Morganton Blvd., Lenoir, NC, 28645
    • Departamento de Salud del condado de Cherokee: 228 Hilton St., Murphy, NC 28906
    • Salud Ambiental del condado de Haywood: 157 Paragon Parkway, Suite 200, Clyde, NC 28721
    • Departamento de Salud del condado de Henderson: 1200 Spartanburg Highway, Suite 100, Hendersonville NC 28792
    • Madison – Edificio de Salud Ambiental: 5707 US-25, Marshall, NC 28753
    • Distrito de Salud Toe River – Ubicación en Mitchell: 130 Forest Service Drive, Bakersville, NC 28705
    • Distrito de Salud Toe River– Ubicación en Avery: 545 Schultz Circle, Newland, NC 28657
    • Departamento de Salud del condado de Yancey: 202 Medical Campus Drive, Burnsville, NC 28714

    Cada kit de pozo incluye los suministros necesarios para desinfectar y recolectar una muestra de agua de pozo para su análisis, incluidas las instrucciones paso a paso. Los pozos inundados o dañados deben desinfectarse primero antes de recoger una muestra para su análisis. Los propietarios de pozos privados deben devolver la muestra a su departamento de salud local para su análisis. El departamento de salud local o el laboratorio de pruebas proporcionarán los resultados lo más rápido posible. Los propietarios de pozos privados que viven en una zona afectada no mencionada anteriormente deben ponerse en contacto con su departamento de salud local para obtener asistencia con la desinfección y las pruebas de los pozos.

    Para obtener ayuda para comprender los resultados de las pruebas, use la herramienta en línea Be Well Informed (seleccione Carolina del Norte) o comuníquese con la Sección de Epidemiología Ocupacional y Ambiental del NCDHHS-DPH al 919-707-5900 o oeeb@dhhs.nc.gov.

    Los kits de desinfección y recolección de agua de pozo se pueden recoger en las siguientes fechas y horas:

    • Octubre 22-24, 9 a.m. a 3 p.m.
    • Octubre 28-31, 9 a.m. a 3 p.m.

    Los departamentos de salud locales proporcionarán fechas y horas adicionales.

    Para obtener información sobre el huracán Helene, incluidos los recursos adicionales y las flexibilidades vigentes, visite http://www.ncdps.gov/Helene  y http://www.ncdhhs.gov/helene.

    Oct 22, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Meloë Kacenelenbogen Eyes the Future of Air Quality, Climate Research

    Source: NASA

    A mentor of research scientist Meloë Kacenelenbogen once shared a sentiment from French author André Gide: “You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” Kacenelenbogen pushes beyond her comfort zone to explore the unknown.
    Name: Meloë S. KacenelenbogenFormal Job Classification: Research scientistOrganization: Climate and Radiation Laboratory, Science Directorate (Code 613)

    What do you do and what is most interesting about your role here at Goddard?
    I study the impact of aerosols — suspended particles from, for example, wildfire smoke, desert dust, urban pollution, and volcanic eruptions — on air quality and the Earth’s climate. I use space, air, and ground-based observations, as well as models.
    Why did you become a scientist? What is your educational background?
    I never made a deliberate choice to become a scientist. I started with very little confidence as a child and then built up my confidence by achieving things I thought I could not do. I chose the hardest fields to work on along the way. Science looked hard and so did fluid mechanics, remote sensing, and atmospheric physics. I have failed many times, but I always learn something and move on. I do get scared and maybe even paralyzed for a day or two, but I never let fear or failure immobilize me for long.
    I was born in Maryland, but my family moved to France when I was young, so I am fluent in French. I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical engineering, and physical methods in remote sensing from the Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI, Jussieu). In 2008, I got a Ph.D. in atmospheric physics for applying satellite remote sensing to air quality at the Université des Sciences et Technologies de Lille (USTL), France.
    What are some of your career highlights?
    After my Ph.D., I worked for the Atmospheric Lidar Group at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), on spaceborne and ground-based lidars. In 2009, I got a NASA Post-doctoral Program (NPP) fellowship at the agency’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, where I worked for 13 years on space-based, aircraft-based, and ground-based atmospheric aerosol vertical distribution and aerosol typing.
    In 2022, I came to work at the Climate and Radiation Lab at Goddard.
    What is most interesting about aerosols?
    Aerosols are very topical because they have a huge impact on the air we breathe and our Earth’s climate. The smaller the aerosol, the deeper it can get into our lungs. Among other sources, aerosols can come from cars, factories, or wildfires. We all know that wildfires are becoming bigger and more frequent. They are expected to happen even more frequently in the future due to climate change. Both when I was living in California and here in Maryland, I have experienced first-hand choking from the wildfire smoke. I will always remember how apocalyptic it felt back in the summer of 2020 in California when wildfire smoke was paired with COVID confinement, and the sky turned Mars-like orange.
    Please tell us about your involvement with the Atmosphere Observing System (AOS)?
    I am incredibly lucky to be able to contribute to the next generation of NASA’s satellites. I am working on AOS, which will observe aerosols, clouds, convention, and precipitation in the Earth’s atmosphere. I am part of the team that is helping design several instruments and algorithms.
    My role is to connect this spaceborne observing system to all our other space, ground, and air-based measurements at the time of launch. We are making a mesh of observations to address the science questions, run the algorithms, and validate the spaceborne measurements. I am constantly pushed to expand my horizon and my own knowledge.
    Why do you enjoy always challenging yourself intellectually?
    I started that way. I had no confidence, so I felt that the only way I could build my confidence was to try doing things that scared me. I may sometimes be a little scared, but I am never bored.
    What did you learn from your mentors?
    A few years ago, a mentor shared a quote from André Gide with me that encapsulates what we are talking about: “You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” In other words, it is OK, maybe preferable, to be out of my comfort zone to explore the unknown as scary as it may be.
    Along the way, it has been extremely important for me to deliberately choose mentors. To me, a good mentor has earned the respect of all who have worked with them, is uplifting, reassuring, and gives me the invaluable guidance and support that I need. I deliberately try to surround myself with the right people. I have been very, very fortunate to find incredible people to encourage me.
    As a mentor, what do you advise?
    I tell them to deliberately choose their mentors. I also tell them that it is OK to be uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable is the nature of our field. To do great things, we often need to be uncomfortable.
    Why do you enjoy working on a team?
    I love working on teams, I love to feed off the positive energy of a team whether I lead it or am part of it. In my field, teamwork with a positive energy is incredibly satisfying. Everybody feeds off everybody’s energy, we go further, are stronger, and achieve more. This may not happen often, but when it does it makes it all worth it.
    What are the happiest moments in your career?
    I am always happiest when the team publishes a paper and all our efforts, are encapsulated in that one well-wrapped and satisfying peer-reviewed paper that is then accessible to everyone online. Every paper we publish feels, to me, the same as a Ph.D. in terms of the work, pain, energy, and then, finally, satisfaction involved.
    What do you hope to achieve in your career?
    I want to have been a major contributor to the mission by the time the AOS satellites launch.
    What do you do for fun?
    I do mixed martial arts. I love the ocean, diving, and sailing. I also love going to art galleries, especially to see impressionist paintings to reconnect with my Parisian past.

    Who is your favorite author?
    I love Zweig, Kafka, Dostoyevsky, Saint-Exupéry, and Kessel. The latter two wrote a lot about aviators in the early 1900s back in the days when it was new and very dangerous. Those pilots, like Mermoz, were my heroes growing up.
    Who would you like to thank?
    I would like to thank my family for being my rock.
    What are your guiding principles?
    To paraphrase Dostoevsky, everyone is responsible to all men for all men and for everything. I have a strong sense of purpose, pride, justice, and honor. This is how I try to live my life for better or for worse.
    By Elizabeth M. JarrellNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    Conversations With Goddard is a collection of Q&A profiles highlighting the breadth and depth of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s talented and diverse workforce. The Conversations have been published twice a month on average since May 2011. Read past editions on Goddard’s “Our People” webpage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Celebrates Colorado’s Leadership in Education With Visits to Poudre Valley High School and National Blue Ribbon School in Fort Collins

    Source: US State of Colorado

    NORTHERN COLORADO – Today, Governor Polis made visits across Northern Colorado to celebrate Colorado’s leadership in education. This morning, the Governor visited Poudre High School for their Ninth Grade Success Showcase. Poudre received a Colorado Ninth Grade Success Grant to help increase the number of 9th grade students with the skills needed to successfully reach 10th grade on-track and on-time. To date , the school has seen a 13% increase in students who are on track. Poudre School District also received a $457,999 Response, Innovation, and Student Equity Education (RISE) Youth Apprenticeship grant in December 2023. This grant has helped high schools in the region expand youth-based apprenticeship opportunities and create more pathways for students to build skills and experiences needed to get good-paying jobs. 

    “Colorado is committed to helping every student succeed no matter their zip code and it’s exciting to see the work Poudre High School is doing to help more students get the needed skills to thrive in the classroom and beyond, whether that’s through the Ninth Grade Success grant or in partnership with the school district through our RISE Youth Apprenticeship grant,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    The Governor also visited Zach Elementary School, one of Colorado’s 2024 National Blue Ribbon Award-Winning Schools. Zach Elementary received their second Blue Ribbon Award in September, for continuing to promote collaboration and personalized learning approaches to ensure student success. 

    “Schools across Colorado are creating more pathways for students to succeed. I am excited to visit this nationally-recognized school. Zach Elementary is an important reflection of our shared efforts to make Colorado a leader in education and I want to thank the educators and staff who work so hard to support students,” said Governor Polis. 

    Governor Polis then joined Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, to announce $3 million in funding for Climate Resilience Projects through the National Science Foundation-funded Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine, which is driving climate resilience projects across the region. This plan will help support water security, wildfire prediction and response, extreme weather modeling, soil carbon sequestration, and methane emissions mitigation.

    “Colorado is leading the way in addressing climate change and using innovative solutions to become more resilient in the face of its impact. I’m thankful for Wyoming and Governor Gordon’s partnership and openness to work together to drive innovation, strengthen public-private partnerships, and make the region more climate resilient. These projects will help secure our water future, protect Coloradans from wildfire dangers, and protect our air and I am excited to see them in action,” said Governor Polis. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA is Hiring in Houston and Austin to Help Storm Survivors

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA is Hiring in Houston and Austin to Help Storm Survivors

    FEMA is Hiring in Houston and Austin to Help Storm Survivors

    AUSTIN — FEMA is hiring local residents to support the recovery of Texans affected by Hurricane Beryl and the storms and flooding this spring. Opportunities are available in Houston and Austin.Positions open in Houston include:Manufactured Housing Specialists Recovery Coordination Group Managers Positions open in Houston and Austin include:Public Assistance Program Delivery ManagersTraining Specialists To apply: USAJobs.gov has a detailed description of open positions at Local Hires-TX. You can apply there online.FEMA jobs are available to local residents who wish to aid in the recovery of their community and help their fellow citizens in the recovery process. A Local Hire’s term of employment is 120 days. Local Hire appointments may be extended, in 120-day increments, based on the needs of the disaster. Some local hires have become permanent employees. FEMA Local Hire employees are eligible for the following benefits:Health insurance for individual or family Flexible spending accountsFederal long-term care insurancePaid sick leave based on hours worked.Holiday payWorker’s compensationApplicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older, and must possess a high school diploma or GED. Individuals will be required to pass a background investigation that includes fingerprinting and credit check, be able to provide their own transportation to and from work and live within 50 miles of the employing office. Employees are also required to participate in mandatory direct deposit/electronic funds transfer for salary payment.For more information about Texas disaster recovery, visit: fema.gov/disaster/4798. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.
    alexa.brown
    Tue, 10/22/2024 – 18:30

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: How To Prepare for FEMA Home Inspection in South Carolina After Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: How To Prepare for FEMA Home Inspection in South Carolina After Hurricane Helene

    How To Prepare for FEMA Home Inspection in South Carolina After Hurricane Helene

    After South Carolinians apply for FEMA assistance following Hurricane Helene, a home inspection may be needed to verify disaster-caused damage and determine whether the home is safe, sanitary and livable. These inspections are carried out by FEMA-contracted inspectors who will never ask for, or accept, money.Inspectors do not make decisions regarding eligibility for assistance. The information gathered during the inspection is part of several criteria used by FEMA to determine if applicants are eligible for federal assistance. The inspector will consider:The structural soundness of the home, both inside and outside.Whether the electrical, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer/septic systems are all in working order.Whether the home is safe to live in and can be entered and exited safely.Inspectors will make an appointment by phone or text with you before coming and will already have your FEMA application number. They will show photo identification to you. For security reasons, federal identification may not be photographed. If the inspector is unable to reach you, the inspector will leave messages and/or texts on the phone number listed on the FEMA application. These communications may come from unfamiliar phone numbers, and it is important that applicants respond so their application can be processed. Providing an alternate phone number, such as that of a relative or someone who can relay a message, will help ensure the inspector can reach you to schedule the inspection.Get the following documents and information ready for your inspection. You should be ready to:Provide the last four digits of your FEMA application number. Show your photo identification. If you lost your I.D. in the disaster, let the inspector know. FEMA has other ways to verify your identification.Show proof that you owned or occupied the house at the time of the disaster. This could include insurance policy information, tax bill, mortgage statement, rent receipts, and utility bills.Show insurance documents, such as home and/or auto insurance policies.Share a list of household occupants living in the residence at time of the disaster.Discuss disaster-caused damage to both your home and personal property. Collect any photos or videos of the damage.A typical home inspection takes about 45 minutes to complete. After the inspection, you should allow seven to 10 days for processing. If you have questions about the status of your application, you can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 
    kwei.nwaogu
    Tue, 10/22/2024 – 19:15

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center in Wytheville, Va. Will Open Oct. 23

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center in Wytheville, Va. Will Open Oct. 23

    Disaster Recovery Center in Wytheville, Va. Will Open Oct. 23

    BRISTOL, Va.– A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will be opening in at the Heritage Preservation Center at 115 West Spiller Street in Wytheville, Va. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, at 8 a.m. Disaster survivors can visit any DRC to receive assistance. This will be the seventh DRC open in the impact area; to find the DRC closest to you, including addresses and hours, visit FEMA.gov/drc or text DRC and a ZIP code to 43362. A Disaster Recovery Center is an accessible facility that survivors can visit in person to learn more about FEMA and other agencies providing disaster assistance in Virginia. Residents, property owners, and business owners can go to a DRC to apply for assistance and obtain resources from other agencies based on their needs. Survivors do not need an appointment at a DRC to receive assistance. The center is located at:Wythe CountyHeritage Preservation Center115 West Spiller StreetWytheville, VA 24382Hours of operation:Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.Closed SundaysSurvivors do not have to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. You can call 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. You can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App on your phone.The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Dec. 2, 2024.If you have received a letter from FEMA about your application status, visit a DRC to learn more about next steps. DRC staff can help you submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process your application and answer any questions you may have. Learn more about what to expect at a DRC here.FEMA has set up a rumor response webpage to clarify our role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response.For more information on Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA.  ###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.To apply for FEMA assistance, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, or download and apply on the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages). Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. 
    erika.osullivan
    Tue, 10/22/2024 – 19:07

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Temporary FEMA Center Open in Valdosta

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Temporary FEMA Center Open in Valdosta

    Temporary FEMA Center Open in Valdosta

    ATLANTA – Georgia residents who live in the Valdosta area and are unable to visit one of FEMA’s eight Disaster Recovery Centers throughout the state can apply for assistance in person at a temporary location. This center is only open from Tuesday, October 22 to Saturday, October 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following address: Temporary FEMA Center2108 E. Hill AvenueBuilding DValdosta, GA, 31601Valdosta homeowners and renters who had home or property damage due to Tropical Storm Debby, damage Aug. 4-22, and/or Hurricane Helene can visit this center to apply for FEMA assistance, update their cases and ask questions. People who require additional services are encouraged to visit the Disaster Recovery Center located at the former Church of the Nazarene at 4344 Forest Street Extension, Valdosta, GA, 31605, which is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice.When visiting a center to apply for FEMA assistance, have the following with you: A current phone number where you can be contacted.Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.Your Social Security number.A general list of damage and losses.Banking information if you choose direct deposit.If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.While people can apply in person at the center, residents are encouraged to fill out their application online at DisasterAssistance.gov or on the FEMA App, as these are the quickest and most convenient ways. Another way to apply is by calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-8-00-621-3362, which is open every day and help is available in most languages.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit FEMA’s Hurricane Debby Georgia page or FEMA’s Hurricane Helene Georgia page. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
    larissa.hale
    Tue, 10/22/2024 – 19:29

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 10/22/2024 ICYMI on WJHL: Blackburn Lauds Volunteers, Promises FEMA Oversight After Floods

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) spoke with WJHL News Channel 11 during her trip to Northeast Tennessee on Friday, where she received an update from local and state officials on repairs following Hurricane Helene:

    Click here to watch Senator Blackburn’s interview with News Channel 11.

    Blackburn lauds volunteers, promises FEMA oversight after floods

    Murry Lee
    WJHL News Channel 11

    U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) was in Northeast Tennessee surveying damage left by Hurricane Helene on Friday.

    Blackburn toured damage in parts of Northeast Tennessee like Washington and Greene counties. Blackburn went to the remains of the Highway 107 Kinser Bridge and examined the amount of debris in the area.

    News Channel 11 spoke with Blackburn in Greene County during a meeting with local leaders like County Mayor Kevin Morrison and EMA Director Heather Sipe.

    “We are working on flood damage and of course, the response here with the EMA with the mayor, with your local elected officials has really been exemplary,” Blackburn said. “And our team has worked really closely with them. We’re standing up the multi-agency resource centers. We are doing pop-up office hours, and Michael and Kim in our office are working with people to be sure that they recover those Social Security and VA and income tax documents.”

    Blackburn told News Channel 11 it is critical that people and businesses receive the care and attention required after the natural disaster.

    “What we want to do is make certain that FEMA stays on the ground, that individuals are able to apply for all the resources that are available to them, and that FEMA processes these claims in a timely manner, whether it is something for the county, for businesses, or for individuals,” she said.

    Blackburn’s office has also created a web page to direct flood-impacted Tennesseans to resources like FEMA individual assistance and Multi-Agency Resource Centers.

    The senator also praised the volunteer spirit of Tennessee during her visit.

    “Tennessee has the best volunteers and the best communities, and people have stepped up,” she said. “I think it is just so inspiring how they’ve come forward with water and food and furniture and clothing, and the communities are partnering up to help everybody in Upper East Tennessee and help them rebuild. We have so many families that have really lost everything.”

    Blackburn stated that part of the process going forward will be to ensure federal agencies like FEMA and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) fulfill their obligations in the months to come.

    “What we will do is just continue,” Blackburn said. “It’s mostly oversight. There will be some funding provisions and we want to make certain that the agencies are funded adequately so that they respond appropriately to the needs that are there in the communities. And then looking at the oversight for how FEMA and the Small Business Administration and DOT, those agencies that respond in times of disaster to make certain that they do that in the proper manner.”

    RELATED:  

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 10/21/2024 Blackburn, Rose, Tennessee Delegation Call for Urgent Aide to Farmers Devastated by Helene

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), U.S. Representative John Rose (R-Tenn.), and the entire Tennessee Congressional Delegation sent a letter urging U.S. House and Senate leadership to provide meaningful disaster relief for Tennessee farmers in the weeks ahead. 

    Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend of Florida as a Category 4 storm. While assessments are ongoing, Helene is on track to become one of the deadliest and most devastating hurricanes to hit the United States. In the letter, Members of the Tennessee Delegation highlighted the important role federal agricultural disaster assistance will have in helping Tennessee farmers recover.

    “In Tennessee, some areas received nearly 10 – 15 inches of rainfall in addition to runoff from surrounding states, drowning crops and littering fields with debris. Ruined ready-to-harvest crops and forage, flooded pastures, equipment loss, and distressed livestock have left farmers questioning how their operations will move forward and how they will provide for their families,” wrote the Tennessee Delegation. “Producers, who are already engulfed by the ongoing farm financial crisis, will require meaningful disaster assistance to stand up their operations and continue farming.”

    CO-SIGNERS:
    • The letter was also signed by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Reps. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), Mark Green (R-Tenn.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.).

    Click here for the full text of the letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of UN Resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan – B10-0134/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Markéta Gregorová, Ville Niinistö, Maria Ohisalo, Hannah Neumann, Diana Riba i Giner, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Erik Marquardt
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    B10‑0134/2024

    European Parliament resolution on the People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of UN Resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan

    (2024/2891(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its recommendation of 21 October 2021 to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation[1],

    – having regard to its resolution of 7 June 2022 on the EU and the security challenges in the Indo-Pacific[2],

    – having regard to its resolution of 15 September 2022 on the situation in the Strait of Taiwan[3],

    – having regard to its resolution of 13 December 2023 on EU-Taiwan trade and investment relations[4],

    – having regard to its recommendation of 13 December 2023 to the Council and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy concerning EU-China relations[5],

    – having regard to the joint communication of the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 16 September 2021 on the EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific (JOIN(2021)0024),

    – having regard to the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence – For a European Union that protects its citizens, values and interests and contributes to international peace and security, approved by the Council on 21 March 2022 and endorsed by the European Council on 24 March 2022,

    – having regard to NATO’s 2022 Strategic Concept,

    – having regard to the statement by the spokesperson of the European External Action Service of 14 October 2024 on China’s latest military drills,

    – having regard to the G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement of 3 August 2022 on preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,

    – having regard to United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (XXVI) of 25 October 1971 on the restoration of the lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations,

    – having regard to Article 7 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) of 9 May 1992,

    – having regard to Rule 5 of the Standing Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),

    – having regard to Article 4 of the Constitution of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol),

    – having regard to Article 8 and Article 18, paragraph (h), of the Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO),

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

    A. whereas the statutes of most international organisations tasked with addressing global issues including climate change, the preservation of human health and the suppression of transnational crime, such as the WHO, the UNFCCC, Interpol and the ICAO, provide opportunities for non-state entities to participate without infringing on the rights of member states;

    B. whereas the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has made instrumental use of UN Resolution 2758 as a legal basis for its position that Taiwan is part of the PRC and a foundational element of its One China principle; whereas UN Resolution 2758 does not include the words ‘Republic of China’ or ‘Taiwan’, but only states that the PRC will represent ‘China’ at the UN, and does not make any determination regarding the status of Taiwan; whereas, however, the PRC continues to misinterpret UN Resolution 2758 to block Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations;

    C. whereas the EU and Taiwan are like-minded partners that share the common values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law; whereas the EU remains decisively committed to its One China policy;

    D. whereas following the Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s annual speech on 10 October 2024, the PRC, on 14 October 2024, conducted a comprehensive military exercise across the Taiwan Strait, amounting to the fourth round of large-scale war games in just over two years;

    E. whereas the median line, which was set up in a decades-old tacit agreement between both sides of the Taiwan Strait, was designed to reduce the risk of conflict by keeping the military aircraft from both sides of the Strait at a safe distance and thus prevent fatal miscalculations; whereas the PRC’s People’s Liberation Army violated the median line only four times between 1954 and 2020, but now routine incursions reflect Beijing’s intent to irreversibly reset long-standing benchmarks;

    F. whereas on 14 October 2024, China also deployed 17 vessels from its coast guard, which was a larger deployment than in a previous exercise held in May this year, when coast guard vessels had been deployed for the first time; whereas four formations of Chinese coast guard ships patrolled the island and briefly entered its restricted waters; whereas the very frequent deployment of coast guard ships by the PRC in the Taiwan Strait, in what they consider ‘law enforcement’ missions, sends a clear message of sovereignty from the PCR, keeps constant pressure on Taiwanese authorities and causes a dangerous increase in the risk of collisions, in what is one of the most concrete indications of China’s intention to erode the status quo;

    G. whereas full-scale military exercises by the PRC have also been coupled with cyberattacks against Taiwanese authorities and other grey-zone activities such as cognitive and legal warfare and disinformation, aimed at discouraging the Taiwanese population, eroding Taiwanese legitimate sovereign rights and, ultimately, instilling the belief that reunification is inevitable;

    H. whereas on 16 October 2024, the authorities of the PRC stated ‘We are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and endeavour, but we will never commit ourselves to renouncing the use of force,’ reiterating Xi Jinping’s landmark speech at the opening of the Chinese Communist Party’s 20th Party Congress in October 2022; whereas Xi Jinping also referred to permanent military pressure in the Taiwan Strait as ‘new normality’; whereas Chinese diplomats even threatened ‘re-education’ of Taiwanese people after reunification;

    I. whereas the PRC has been behaving aggressively across a vast area of the Indo-Pacific and exerting varying degrees of military or economic coercion, which has led to disputes with neighbours such as Japan, India, the Philippines and Australia;

    1. Strongly reiterates its commitment to the EU’s One China policy and to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, in the whole Indo-Pacific region and beyond;

    2. Expresses the view that UN Resolution 2758 does not establish the PRC’s sovereignty over Taiwan; underlines how Taiwan has proven to be a very reliable partner in dealing with the many challenges of our time and supports Taiwan’s participation in meetings, mechanisms and activities of relevant international organisations, particularly the WHO, the UNFCCC, Interpol and the ICAO; calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote Taiwan’s inclusion in such international forums in accordance with their statutory rules;

    3. Strongly condemns the PRC’s practice of regularly resorting to comprehensive military exercises in the Taiwan Strait; is very concerned by the increasing, unwarranted mobilisation of the PRC coast guard, which confirms that the PRC considers the waters around Taiwan as its own and increases the risks of accidents; considers this to be yet another worrying confirmation that China is deliberately jeopardising the status quo in the Taiwan Strait;

    4. Is very concerned at the adoption of guidelines for punishing ‘diehard “Taiwan independence” separatists for conducting or inciting secession’ jointly announced by the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, the ministries for public security and state security and the justice ministry in June 2024, which could lead to harsh punishments for the crime of secession, up to and including the death penalty; strongly condemns the sentencing of one Taiwanese activist to nine years in prison in September this year, after his arrest while in the PRC in 2022, as well as the constant harassment of Taiwanese people working and living in the PRC;

    5. Expresses concern at the expectation that China will become more aggressive militarily in the Taiwan Strait, as well as in the Indo-Pacific region more broadly;

    6. Urges the PRC authorities to restore full respect for the Taiwan’s Strait median line and to put a stop to all other grey-zone actions against Taiwan;

    7. Remains resolutely opposed to any unilateral change in the Taiwan Strait and against the will of Taiwanese citizens; remains equally strongly opposed to the threat or use of force, and stresses that any attempt by Beijing to subjugate Taiwan would come at an extraordinarily high price for the PRC;

    8. Commends Taiwan for the remarkable democratic journey it has undertaken over the last 30 years, solidly anchored upon freedoms, the rule of law, democratic institutions and free and fair elections; highlights the recognition of same-sex marriage by Taiwan in 2019, the first such recognition in Asia; strongly encourages Taiwan to keep working towards the abolition of the death penalty;

    9. Welcomes the very responsible reactions by the Taiwanese political elite to provocations by the PRC and expresses its great respect for the whole of Taiwanese society for its extraordinary resilience and strength;

    10. Welcomes the latest annual speech by President Lai Ching-te, who also appealed to China to work with him for peace; considers this to be an encouraging sign of movement towards stronger unity within the Taiwanese political spectrum; highlights that Taiwanese sovereignty is supported across the whole political spectrum and finds its best expression in the conducting of free and fair elections and in the maturity of Taiwanese democracy;

    11. Stresses that the EU and Taiwan are like-minded partners and share common values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, thereby making Taiwan a strategically important partner for the EU in the Indo-Pacific region;

    12. Acknowledges that the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle does not provide any credible prospect for the preservation of the status quo in the Taiwan Strait; stresses the need to further develop EU-Taiwan relations with the preservation of peace and democracy at their core;

    13. Highlights the importance of coupling dialogue with deterrence; stresses the need, hence, to identify a fully-fledged and multidimensional strategy that would ensure that any unilateral change in the status quo in the Taiwan Strait would come at a prohibitively high cost to the PRC;

    14. Welcomes the posting of a liaison officer at the European Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan to coordinate joint efforts to tackle disinformation and interference as a first important step towards deeper EU-Taiwan cooperation, and calls for the EU to further deepen cooperation with Taiwan in this key area;

    15. Stresses the need to strengthen the focus on the PRC’s grey-zone activities against Taiwan and to renew EU support for the resilience of Taiwanese society and democracy as a whole; encourages, with this in mind, increased scientific, cultural and political interaction at the highest level possible, as well as the deepening of parliamentary diplomacy and visits; prioritises the creation of a common civic space with Taiwan by fostering exchanges and common activities with Taiwanese civil society and media organisations; underlines the importance of the people-to-people dimension of this cooperation;

    16. Stresses the crucial role of Taiwan in the global supply chain of key high-tech sectors, notably semiconductors; welcomes the recent investment projects by Taiwanese companies in some Member States and underlines the importance for Taiwan’s security of continuing to deepen its investments in the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to start working on a resilient supply chain agreement with Taiwan or other bilateral agreements to deepen the economic relationship; highlights the potential for cooperation on foreign direct investment screening policy and on tackling economic coercion and retaliation;

    17. Reiterates the importance of respecting international law, in particular the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea with its provisions on the obligation to settle disputes by peaceful means, and on maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight;

    18. 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 governments and parliaments of the member states of the United Nations, and the Government and Legislative Yuan of Taiwan.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia – B10-0129/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    to wind up the debate on the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

    B10‑0129/2024

    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 it previous resolutions on Armenia and Azerbaijan,

    – having regard to the Charter of the United Nations and to the principles of international law,

    – having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

    – having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR),

    – having regard to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

    – having regard to the European Neighbourhood Policy and to the Eastern Partnership,

    – having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part[1],

    – having regard to the Comprehensive and enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part[2],

    – having regard to the EU Country Roadmap for Engagement with Civil Society in Armenia for the period 2021-2027,

    – having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy signed between the EU and Azerbaijan on 18 July 2022,

    – having regard to the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions,

    – having regard to the joint statement of 7 December 2023 of the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan,

    – having regard to the report of 10 May 2024 of the UN Committee against Torture on Azerbaijan,

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

    A. whereas a lasting and comprehensive peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan is essential for the security, stability and prosperity of the South Caucasus region;

    B. whereas Azerbaijan’s aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh has resulted in significant human suffering, and Azerbaijani troops have committed ethnic cleansing and violence against the Armenian inhabitants of the region;

    C. whereas, in the context of building confidence between the two countries, an agreement had been reached for the Republic of Armenia to support the Republic of Azerbaijan’s bid to host the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by withdrawing its own candidacy; whereas this agreement provided for the Republic of Azerbaijan to release 32 Armenian military servicemen and the Republic of Armenia to release 2 Azerbaijani military servicemen;

    D. whereas 23 prisoners of war are still being held captive in Azerbaijan charged with spurious crimes and without adequate legal representation;

    E. whereas EU-Azerbaijan relations are based on the EU-Azerbaijan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in force since 1999;

    F. whereas it has become clear that the gas deal signed between the Commission and Azerbaijan has given the Azerbaijani Government carte blanche to do as it pleases, knowing that the EU’s energy security is dependent on its will;

    G. whereas the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, COP29, will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November 2024;

    H. whereas progress has been made in recent years towards closer cooperation between the EU and Armenia, including in areas such as trade, development and political dialogue; whereas the European Union is Armenia’s second largest trading partner and its largest development cooperation donor;

    I. whereas Azerbaijan’s record in terms of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is still very negative and needs to be improved before the EU further deepens its political and energy partnership with the country;

    J. whereas the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, stated on 15 August 2024 that in recent months she had witnessed an alarming wave of arrests and criminal cases against human rights defenders and journalists in Azerbaijan; whereas this statement concerns, among others, Anar Mammadli, Chair of the Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Center, and Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Abbasova, Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova, Director, Editor-in-chief and journalists respectively of Abzas Media, an outlet dedicated to human rights issues and corruption investigations;

    K. whereas Gubad Ibadoghlu, a political economist and opposition figure, was arrested by the Azerbaijani authorities in July 2023 and remained in detention until 22 April 2024, when he was transferred to house arrest; whereas his health has deteriorated significantly since his arrest, as a result of torture, inhumane detention conditions and refusal of adequate medical care, thus endangering his life;

    L. whereas Ilhamiz Guliyev, a human rights defender, was arbitrarily arrested on 4 December 2023 on dubious accusations of drug trafficking after his whistleblowing testimony about police tampering with evidence against government critics; whereas he is facing up to 12 years in prison;

    M. whereas the human rights of LGBTIQ people in Armenia and Azerbaijan are at best disregarded and at worst actively fought against by the government and state institutions; whereas, according to the 2024 Rainbow Map and Index of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association Europe, Azerbaijan scored 2 % in terms of its legal and policy practices; whereas this makes Azerbaijan the lowest-ranked of all the countries assessed;

    N. whereas, in the International Court of Justice order of 7 December 2021, which ordered Azerbaijan to prevent and punish acts of vandalism and desecration against Armenian cultural heritage, serious allegations were made regarding the involvement of the Azerbaijani authorities in the destruction of cemeteries, churches and historical monuments in Nagorno-Karabakh; whereas the building of the National Assembly of Nagorno-Karabakh was demolished by Azerbaijan on 3 March 2024;

    O. whereas the EU’s position, as expressed in relevant resolutions, is clear in rejecting ‘any attempt to facilitate or assist in any way the international recognition of the secessionist entity in occupied Cyprus, including in relation to its alleged acceptance as an observer in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS)’; whereas Azerbaijan hosted the Informal Summit of the Heads of State of the OTS on 5-6 July 2024;

    1. Underlines the importance of peace, stability and security in the South Caucasus for the region, for the EU and for the world; highlights that a lasting and comprehensive peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan is essential for the security, stability and prosperity of the South Caucasus region;

    2. Calls upon the international community to support the peace process by providing diplomatic and economic assistance, by respecting and recognising the democratic will of the refugees of Nagorno-Karabakh and by encouraging all parties to fulfil their commitments under international law;

    3. Reaffirms its commitment to the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris for a New Europe and United Nations Security Council resolutions, and calls for the full implementation of these principles in the resolution of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia;

    4. Deplores the forced displacement of 100 000 ethnic Armenians, resulting in ethnic cleansing of the indigenous Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan;

    5. Takes note of the agreement between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia to release 32 Armenian and 2 Azerbaijani military servicemen; calls for the release of the remaining 23 Armenian prisoners of war; considers that such actions can have a positive influence on normalising relations and concluding a peace treaty;

    6. Urges the Governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan to take steps to build trust and confidence between their communities, including by promoting people-to-people exchanges and educational programmes that foster reconciliation and understanding;

    7. Strongly denounces the fact that the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has characterised Azerbaijan as a ‘trustworthy energy supplier’; reiterates its call for the Commission to immediately suspend the Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy between the EU and Azerbaijan;

    8. Regrets statements from President Aliyev regarding the expansion of gas production to cover the increasing demand, including from European markets; considers that the acceleration of the Green Transition by the EU, while protecting the most vulnerable sections of society, can have the added benefit of diversifying its energy mix;

    9. Expresses concern about the human rights situation in Azerbaijan; urges Azerbaijan to ensure due process and fair trials and to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners, human rights defenders and journalists who have been unfairly detained; stresses that any partnership agreements should be contingent upon respect for the rule of law and human rights;

    10. Calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to strengthen the enforcement of labour laws and ensure that all workers, including migrant workers, are afforded their basic rights, including the right to fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to form and join trade unions without fear of retaliation; calls on the Azerbaijani Government to improve transparency in labour practices and to implement concrete measures to prevent and address labour abuses, including child labour;

    11. Believes that the continued human rights abuses in Azerbaijan are incompatible with hosting COP29; further believes that Azerbaijan’s goal of increasing its gas production is totally incompatible with the global objective of phasing out fossil fuels set by the Parties to the UNFCCC; calls on the international community to use this opportunity to push Azerbaijan to take immediate and tangible action to address its human rights situation;

    12. Deplores the destruction of Armenian cultural, religious and historical heritage since the beginning of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, notably the razing to the ground of the building of the National Assembly of Nagorno-Karabakh;

    13. Reiterates that Azerbaijan must adhere to the principle of good neighbourly relations and respect international law, which includes the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states;

    14. Rejects any attempt to facilitate or assist in any way the international recognition of the secessionist entity in occupied Cyprus, including in relation to its alleged acceptance as an observer in the Organization of Turkic States; encourages Azerbaijan to duly uphold respect for the principles of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states; deplores that Azerbaijan has ratified the amended Statute of the Organization of Turkic States, which would put into effect the decision to grant the secessionist entity observer status;

    15. Takes note of the UN Committee against Torture’s report of 10 May 2024 on Azerbaijan; calls for further action by the Azerbaijani authorities on respecting human rights, especially in the areas of: harassment of human rights defenders and journalists; hate crimes, hate speech and discrimination; the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons; and gender-based and domestic violence;

    16. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and the Governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia – B10-0142/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Şerban‑Dimitrie Sturdza, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Aurelijus Veryga, Claudiu‑Richard Târziu, Assita Kanko
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    B10‑0142/2024

    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 the European Convention on Human Rights of 1950, ratified by Azerbaijan in 2002,

    – having regard to the UN Charter,

    – having regard to Geneva Conventions of 1949,

    – having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966,

    – having regard to the joint EU-US-Armenia high-level meeting of 5 April 2024 in support of Armenia’s resilience,

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

    – having regard to the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part[1] (CEPA), which fully entered into force on 1 March 2021,

    – having regard to Decision 99/614/EC, ECSC, Euratom of the Council and of the Commission of 31 May 1999 on the conclusion of 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] (EU-Azerbaijan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement), which has been in force since 1999,

    – having regard to the launch of the EU Mission in Armenia on 20 February 2023,

    – having regard to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, to which Armenia and Azerbaijan are parties,

    – having regard to the statement of 24 August 2024 by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on behalf of the EU on recent post-election developments,

    – having regard to the statement of preliminary findings and conclusions of the International Election Observation Mission of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on the early parliamentary elections of 1 September 2024 in Azerbaijan,

    – having regard to the statement by the European External Action Service (EEAS) spokesperson of 3 September 2024 on Azerbaijan’s early parliamentary elections,

    – having regard to the statement by the EEAS spokesperson of 29 May 2024 on the human rights situation in Azerbaijan,

    – having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding on a strategic partnership in the field of energy signed between the EU and Azerbaijan on 18 July 2022,

    – having regard to the 2023 Eastern Partnership Index,

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

    A. whereas Azerbaijan has serious shortcomings in the area of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and assembly and media freedom, and engages in repression of political activists, journalists and civil society, all of which distances Azerbaijan from democratic norms and international human rights standards; whereas corruption and a lack of judicial independence further undermine the country’s governance, while government authorities continue to suppress dissent and persecute critics; whereas despite international agreements and calls for reform, including from the European Parliament, Azerbaijan has made limited to no progress on improving its human rights record;

    B. whereas journalists, human rights defenders and activists have been imprisoned in the country, with approximately 30 prominent figures behind bars on politically motivated charges, and a surge in arbitrary arrests and detentions has been reported, their number having tripled as Azerbaijan silences opposition ahead of the upcoming 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, and there are allegations of torture and beatings; whereas notable civil society organisations have called for the EU and international leaders to pressure Azerbaijan to improve its human rights record during COP29, urging the release of political prisoners and an end to arbitrary prosecutions;

    C. whereas according to the US Department of State’s Azerbaijan 2023 Human Rights Report, there were credible allegations that the Azerbaijani Government ‘used violence or threats of violence against individuals in other countries as politically motivated reprisal’; whereas according to this report, the Azerbaijani Government ‘limited freedom of expression and media independence’, and ‘there were reports that dissidents and journalists who lived outside the country suffered digital harassment and intimidation of family members who remained in Azerbaijan’;

    D. whereas early parliamentary elections were held in Azerbaijan on 1 September 2024, and, according to the OSCE’s International Election Observation Mission, took place ‘in a restrictive political and legal environment that does not enable genuine pluralism and resulted in a contest devoid of competition’;

    E. whereas September 2024 was the fourth anniversary of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, and marked one year since Azerbaijan forcibly regained control over Nagorno-Karabakh, which is part of its internationally recognised territory; whereas all the state institutions of the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh Republic were dissolved as of 1 January 2024; whereas these events, preceded by Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin corridor, resulted in the mass exodus of almost the entire population of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh; whereas, as a result, Nagorno-Karabakh has been entirely ethnically cleansed of its Armenian population, who had been living there for centuries;

    F. whereas over more than three decades, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties, immense destruction, including of cultural, religious and historical heritage, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people on both sides; whereas there are six interstate cases before the European Court of Human Rights between Armenia and Azerbaijan in relation to the Nagorno-Karabakh region, with both countries standing accused of having violated human rights conventions; whereas Azerbaijan has repeatedly been accused of ethnic cleansing, particularly in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, where it is said to have displaced over 100 000 ethnic Armenians;

    G. whereas three decades of diplomacy and peacebuilding efforts by the OSCE, the EU and other international actors have failed to find a peaceful solution to the conflict and, therefore, to deter Azerbaijan from its use of military force;

    H. whereas according to the US Department of State’s Azerbaijan 2023 Human Rights Report, the Azerbaijani Government ‘did not take credible steps to punish the majority of officials who were reported to have committed human rights abuses’; whereas the report also states that there was ‘no reported progress on government investigations of alleged abuses committed by Azerbaijani armed forces or individuals during the 2020 and 2022 hostilities’;

    I. whereas it is necessary to ensure connectivity between Europe and Asia while avoiding crossing Russian territory; whereas the South Caucasus is in a strategic position for promoting Europe-Asia connectivity, which is particularly important for the EU’s energy capacities and for trade with Central Asia;

    J. whereas Armenia has already managed to weaken its ties with Russia in relation to security, as it has frozen its participation in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization, although it remains a member of the Eurasian Economic Union;

    K. whereas the eighth meeting of the border commissions of Armenia and Azerbaijan, held on 19 April 2024, concluded with a preliminary agreement on the delimitation of four border sections;

    L. whereas the peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan appear to be at a standstill and it is unlikely that an agreement will be concluded and signed before COP29; whereas the peace deal should contribute to the long-term stability of bilateral relations and of the wider region as a whole; whereas this goal can only be achieved if the authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan can guarantee peaceful coexistence and respect for minority rights;

    M. whereas Azerbaijan is a major oil and natural gas producer, particularly through the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli oil field and the Shah Deniz gas field in the Caspian Sea, and the country primarily uses the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline to export hydrocarbons to Europe, bypassing Russia and offering the EU an alternative energy source, which is valuable in this geopolitical climate; whereas Azerbaijan’s economy is heavily reliant on oil and gas revenues, which make up more than 90 % of the country’s export revenues and account for a noteworthy portion of the government’s budget;

    N. whereas gas contracts between Gazprom and SOCAR for the delivery of one billion cubic metres of gas from Russia to Azerbaijan between November 2022 and March 2023 have raised significant concerns about the re-export of Russian gas to the European market, particularly in light of the memorandum of understanding signed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen; whereas the EU aims to reduce European dependence on Russian gas, but this agreement could be seen as undermining that goal, as Russian gas would still be flowing into Azerbaijan, thus potentially freeing up Azerbaijani gas for increased re-export to the EU; whereas there are significant challenges facing European efforts to replace Russian gas shipped via Ukraine with Azerbaijani gas by the end of 2024, and although Ukraine, the EU and Azerbaijan support the injection of Azerbaijani gas into Russian pipelines, Azerbaijan might lack sufficient gas supplies to make up the shortfall; whereas, in this regard, the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline could provide an alternative route to ensure adequate supply, but new infrastructure is required to enhance gas transmission capacity in the interconnections with the EU, particularly through Bulgaria and Romania on one side and the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline on the other, in order to ensure a more efficient and secure flow of gas into the European market;

    1. Expresses its concern about the human rights situation in Azerbaijan; urges Azerbaijan to fulfil its obligations under its own constitution and under international agreements to protect fundamental freedoms and respect the human dignity of its citizens, and to cease the use of criminal prosecution as a tool to suppress government critics and members of civil society;

    2. Calls on Azerbaijan to drop all charges against Gubad Ibadoghlu, Ilhamiz Guliyev and all other people imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights, to release them and to ensure free and unhindered space for independent journalism and freedom of expression; calls on Azerbaijan to allow Dr Ibadoghlu to travel abroad, unhindered and to the country of his choice, to reunite with his family and to receive the medical care he urgently needs;

    3. Calls on the Commission, UN mechanisms and other international actors to step up their efforts to promote human rights and democratic governance in Azerbaijan ahead of COP29;

    4. Underlines that COP29 could be an opportunity for Azerbaijan to reaffirm its genuine commitment to its obligations under international law, instead of using it to gloss over its human rights record while continuing repressive practices;

    5. Calls on the Commission to work closely with the UN to urgently establish a comprehensive plan for investigating and clarifying the fate of the Armenian military personnel, including women, and the eight unarmed Armenian prisoners of war who were killed or reported missing in connection with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and to conduct impartial inquiries on the ground, facilitate information exchanges, secure unhindered access to detention facilities for international observers through the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, such observers having previously been denied access, and launch a centralised database for tracing and resolving missing persons cases, while also providing the necessary support and resources to the families affected;

    6. Demands that Azerbaijan release the 23 Armenian hostages who are still being held in Baku, including the former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh;

    7. Reiterates its condemnation of the Azerbaijani military incursions into the internationally recognised territory of Armenia in recent years; expresses its sympathy with the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians who had to flee their ancestral lands, and calls on the authorities in Baku to guarantee the safe return of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians and to uphold their rights to cultivate their culture and traditions; welcomes all efforts by the Government of Armenia to provide shelter and aid to the displaced Armenians;

    8. Expresses deep concern for the preservation of cultural, religious and historical heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh; urges Azerbaijan to refrain from further destroying, neglecting or altering the origins of cultural, religious or historical heritage in the region; demands the protection of the Armenian cultural, historical and religious heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh in line with UNESCO standards and Azerbaijan’s international commitments; insists that Azerbaijan allow a UNESCO mission to Nagorno-Karabakh and grant it the necessary access to heritage;

    9. Strongly condemns Russia’s increasing hybrid attempts to destabilise the political situation inside Armenia and in the region; is concerned that the EU Mission in Armenia is regularly targeted by Russian disinformation attempts and campaigns;

    10. Reiterates the EU’s commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in the Caucasus region; underlines its unequivocal support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Armenia and Azerbaijan; expresses support for the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with the goal of achieving lasting peace; encourages both countries to continue to make progress on finalising an agreement and signing a peace deal as soon as possible;

    11. Believes that genuine dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia is the only sustainable way forward and calls for the EU and its Member States to support such efforts, which must include the mutual recognition of territorial integrity, guarantees for the rights and security of Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenian population and the release of the remaining prisoners, including the former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh, and an end to the sham trials against them;

    12. Stresses that EU involvement in the region should be practical and result-oriented, unlike the role played by Russia, which for decades has fuelled the conflict and used it for its own political gain; welcomes the fact that Armenia has frozen its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization; underlines that Azerbaijan’s connectivity issues with its exclave of Nakhchivan should be resolved with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia;

    13. 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 President, Government and Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the President, Government and Parliament of the Republic of Armenia, the Director-General of UNESCO, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the UN and the Council of Europe.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Coal & Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy chairs Day-long Half-Yearly Review Meeting on Coal Sector

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of Coal & Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy chairs Day-long Half-Yearly Review Meeting on Coal Sector

    Safety and Welfare of Mineworkers Must be Top Priority: Shri G Kishan Reddy

    Coal Minister Advocates for Enhanced Efficiency and Environmental Responsibility in the Coal Sector

    Posted On: 22 OCT 2024 8:39PM by PIB Delhi

    The Half-Yearly Review Meeting on the coal sector was convened at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi, today. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, with Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, serving as co-chair. Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal; Smt. Rupinder Brar; Smt. Vismita Tej; Additional Secretaries, Ministry of Coal; and all senior officers from the Ministry of Coal, along with CMDs of Coal/Lignite PSUs, were also present. The meeting was to assess the progress of ongoing projects, discuss future strategies, and enhance the coal sector’s growth trajectory.

    In a significant step towards sustainability and resource efficiency, Shri G. Kishan Reddy launched the Report of the High-Powered Expert Committee (HPEC) on the Gainful Utilization of Overburden (OB) in the Coal Sector.

    The report outlines a comprehensive framework for using OB as a valuable resource. Historically seen as waste, OB is now being positioned as an asset with the potential to contribute significantly to environmental sustainability, economic development and create employment opportunities for local communities.

     

    During the Half-Yearly review, Final Mine Closure certificates were awarded to three WCL mines: Pathakhera-I UG Mine, Pathakhera-II UG Mine, and Satapura-II UG Mine. It is for the first time since independence that Coal Mines are officially closed and certificates have been issued. Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy presented these certificates to Shri J.P. Dwivedi, CMD, WCL; Shri Deepak Rewatkar, GM (Safety), WCL; and Shri L.K. Mohapatra, Area General Manager, Pathakhera Area.

    In his keynote address, Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the importance of production efficiency and environmental stewardship in the coal sector. He highlighted the need to embrace innovative technologies that enhance coal production while minimizing environmental impact. He expressed deep concern for the environment, urging all stakeholders to prioritize responsible mining practices, including the implementation of accredited compensatory afforestation initiatives and effective reclamation of de-coaled lands. Furthermore, the Minister stressed that mine closures must be managed responsibly, ensuring that affected communities are supported and that rehabilitated areas are returned to productive use.

    The Minister also underscored the critical importance of safety for mineworkers, stating that their health and well-being must be prioritized through rigorous enforcement of safety protocols and ongoing training programs. He expressed concern for the families of mine workers, emphasizing that a safe working environment is essential not only for the workers themselves but also for their communities. Shri Reddy urged stakeholders to foster a culture of safety and social responsibility, reinforcing the need for proactive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives that engage and uplift local communities. By aligning industry practices with community needs, promoting social welfare, and addressing environmental concerns, the coal sector can transform into a model of modernity and responsibility, ultimately ensuring a sustainable future for both the industry and the environment.

    While Reviewing, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey highlighted the remarkable progress made by the coal sector over the past six months. He commended the efforts of all stakeholders in enhancing production capacity while emphasizing the need for continued focus on safety and environmental sustainability. Minister Shri Dubey stressed the importance of innovative practices and technologies in driving efficiency and moving towards net zero. He called for collaborative efforts to address challenges and ensure the long-term viability of coal as a critical energy resource, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting the industry while prioritizing the welfare of workers and local communities.

    Addressing the gathering, Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, outlined the agenda of the event and highlighted the key focus areas of the discussion. Secretary Shri Dutt reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the coal sector can sustainably meet the energy demands of the nation while protecting the environment and the lives of those who work in it.

    Further presentations were made on the Operational Overview of the coal sector, along with the Vision 2030 and Vision 2047 frameworks. Detailed discussions were held on the operationalization of newly allocated coal blocks, the status of exploration activities, and accelerating coal production to secure India’s energy needs and foster self-reliance in the energy sector. The session also highlighted critical areas that need to be addressed to ensure sustained energy security and support the nation’s long-term economic growth.

    Subsequent sessions delved into the financial, technical, and business development of the coal sector. The Minister held in-depth discussions with CMDs and HODs regarding capital expenditures (CAPEX), asset monetization, and market capitalization, offering a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and future prospects. Presentations showcased technological advancements, particularly in underground mining, and strategies to enhance coking coal capacity, with the goal of reducing reliance on imports and boosting domestic production. A significant emphasis was placed on adopting environmentally sustainable practices in the mining sector, including the transition to gas-based technologies and the integration of electric vehicles (EVs). These efforts align with the overarching aim of lowering the carbon footprint in coal mining operations. The progress of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects was reviewed, focusing on eco-friendly coal transportation systems designed to minimize environmental impact. Furthermore, discussions highlighted the promotion of Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) to improve operational performance and productivity, supporting the Make in India initiative championed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

    Shri G. Kishan Reddy led a discussion on Inter-Ministerial Coordination and Sustainable Development, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among ministries. Presentations were made by the Ministries of Power, Railways, and Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), addressing critical challenges and aligning goals to enhance cooperation. Shri G. Kishan Reddy reiterated the necessity of sustainable development, particularly through accredited compensatory afforestation, environmental initiatives, and the reclamation and proper utilization of de-coaled land. He highlighted that responsible mine closure is not merely an operational requirement but a commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring long-term sustainability.

    The discussions also extensively covered safety protocols in mining operations and welfare programs for mine workers and their families. Special attention was given to CSR and HR initiatives, recruitment promotion and transfer policies, and labor relations, along with the Employees’ Provident Fund, all aimed at fostering a safe and supportive environment for all stakeholders. An interaction session on CSR, HR, and Labour Relations covered strategies for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) planning and execution, ensuring the effective alignment of social initiatives with the needs of communities around coalfields. Discussion also focused on transfer policies, aiming to create a more transparent, merit-based system for employee transfers and promotions, as well as the status of labor relations, emphasizing welfare measures such as the Employees Provident Fund (CMPFO) to ensure the financial security of coal sector employees.

    A significant aspect of the discussions was the observance of Vigilance Awareness Week. The Ministry of Coal reiterated its dedication to upholding transparency and accountability across its operations. Presentations were made on the various vigilance initiatives being undertaken by Coal PSUs, which include strict compliance with ethical standards, ensuring fair practices in tenders and contracts. The Minister interacted with Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs), reinforcing the Ministry’s anti-corruption stance and its drive toward a corruption-free governance structure.

    The Half-Yearly Review Meeting concluded with a vote of thanks, setting the stage for an action-packed second half of the year, driving the coal sector forward toward the ambitious targets of Vision 2030 and beyond.

     

    Final Mine Closure certificates were given to Three Mines, namely Pathakhera -I UG Mine, Pathakhera -II UG Mine & Satapura-II UG Mine of WCL, during the Half-Yearly Review of the Coal Sector at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi today. It is for the first time since independence… pic.twitter.com/pqOcoaFJmq

    — G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) October 22, 2024

    During the Half-Yearly Review of the Coal Sector, unveiled the Report of the High-Powered Expert Committee (HPEC) on Gainful Utilization of Overburden (OB) in the Coal Sector at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi today.

    HPEC included multi-disciplinary experts from five central… pic.twitter.com/WskNjBQYI8

    — G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) October 22, 2024

     

    ****

    ST

    (Release ID: 2067178) Visitor Counter : 57

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 24, 2025
←Previous Page
1 … 184 185 186 187 188 … 227
Next Page→
NewzIntel.com

NewzIntel.com

MIL Open Source Intelligence

  • Blog
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Authors
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Patterns
  • Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

Designed with WordPress