southfront--2020-07-17--Get With The Times: U.S. Army Uses Twitch Stream And Fake Giveaways To Fish For Recruits

The US Army has a Twitch streaming channel which it uses to potentially recruit new servicemen .
It recently came under fire for banning all users from its chat who ask about American war crimes .
In a statement , the U.S. Army esports team said that it felt viewers ’ comments violated Twitch ’ s policies against harassment .
“ The U.S. Army eSports Team follows the guidelines and policies set by Twitch , and they did ban a user from their account , ” a representative of the U.S. Army esports team said in a statement .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with potential applicants that a game does not reflect a real Army experience .
They discuss their career experiences in real terms with factual events .
Team members ensure people understand what the Army offers through a realistic lens and not through the lens of a game meant for entertainment .
This user ’ s question was an attempt to shift the conversation to imply that Soldiers commit war crimes based on an optional weapon in a game , and we felt that violated Twitch ’ s harassment policy .
The U.S. Army @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and ultimately the goal of the Army eSports Team is to accurately portray that range of opportunities to interested youth.
” The US Army , Navy , and Air Force all stream on Twitch using dedicated e-sports teams .
These teams are made up of highly-skilled players who compete in tournaments in various games for cash prizes .
The Twitter account for the US Army e-sports team links to a sparsely populated page with register to win !
at the top , no details on what one could even win , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tiny disclosure at the bottom of the page , welcomes an eventual harangue by an Army recruiter .
Even more so , US Army ’ s channel was running fake controller giveaways that redirected viewers to a recruitment page .
Twitch , which is owned by Amazon , said the situation reached a point when it needed to interfere and force the US Army to stop .
According to the Nation ’ s report , the giveaways , which were spammed in the Twitch chat , offered viewers a chance to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clicking the associated link , however , would send viewers to a recruitment page “ with no additional mention of a contest , odds , total number of winners , or when a drawing will occur.
” “ The silence from Twitch on the latest wave of criticism regarding the military using the site to scam kids into sharing personal info speaks volumes , ” said streamer Jayson “ ManVsGame ” Love on Twitter .
“ Imagine any other channel doing that .
Feel free to manipulate your viewers as much as you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hey Twitch , is using your platform to run scams always against the [ terms of service ] or does the US Army get a special exception when they ’ re after kids ’ blood instead of money ?
” game developer Bruno Dias said on Twitter .
“ I see you guys are upgrading from recruiting out of low-income schools , nice , ” Twitch user xCanyon916 said in a Navy stream .
As the recruiter was answering questions from chatters asking about life in the Navy and so on .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something again about the Navy ’ s recruiting practices , they ’ d be banned .
Hasan Piker , a popular Twitch streamer with a dedicated following of over 430,000 users , recoiled at the thought of recruiters ’ building relationships with young , impressionable viewers .
In addition to running their own channels , the US Army is also an official e-sports sponsor of Twitch ’ s esports brand and channel , Twitch Rivals .
The US Air Force is an official sponsor of ESL ( Electronic Sports League ) and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Strike : Global Offensive tournaments .
“ The Air Force is excited to partner with ESL .
This partnership provides the perfect platform to generate public awareness about the Air Force and the many opportunities we have to serve .
The Air Force has a lot in common with gamers , especially the intellectual challenge that both provide .
The Air Force and ESL also greatly value integrity—a core value for each of us .
This partnership showcases the similarities such as teamwork , technology and respect .
It can show how young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in gaming into an Air Force career.
” So , yes , the US military is attempting to get in the times with making unsolicited recruitment on streaming platforms and banning any opinion that doesn ’ t fit theirs .
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The US Army has a Twitch streaming channel which it uses to potentially recruit new servicemen.
It recently came under fire for banning all users from its chat who ask about American war crimes.
““Have a nice time getting banned, my dude,” Army recruiter and gamer Joshua “Strotnium” David told me right before he booted me from the US Army’s Twitch channel. I had just reminded viewers of the United States’ history of atrocities around the globe, and helpfully provided a link to the Wikipedia page for US war crimes,” reported the Nation’s Jordan Uhl.
just having a good time with the US Army esports twitch stream @JordanUhl pic.twitter.com/qnjyxg1KP0 — Rod Breslau (@Slasher) July 8, 2020
In a statement, the U.S. Army esports team said that it felt viewers’ comments violated Twitch’s policies against harassment.
“The U.S. Army eSports Team follows the guidelines and policies set by Twitch, and they did ban a user from their account,” a representative of the U.S. Army esports team said in a statement. “Team members are very clear when talking with potential applicants that a game does not reflect a real Army experience. They discuss their career experiences in real terms with factual events. Team members ensure people understand what the Army offers through a realistic lens and not through the lens of a game meant for entertainment. This user’s question was an attempt to shift the conversation to imply that Soldiers commit war crimes based on an optional weapon in a game, and we felt that violated Twitch’s harassment policy. The U.S. Army offers youth more than 150 different careers, and ultimately the goal of the Army eSports Team is to accurately portray that range of opportunities to interested youth.”
The US Army, Navy, and Air Force all stream on Twitch using dedicated e-sports teams.
These teams are made up of highly-skilled players who compete in tournaments in various games for cash prizes.
The Twitter account for the US Army e-sports team links to a sparsely populated page with register to win! at the top, no details on what one could even win, and a sign-up form that, according to a tiny disclosure at the bottom of the page, welcomes an eventual harangue by an Army recruiter.
Even more so, US Army’s channel was running fake controller giveaways that redirected viewers to a recruitment page.
Twitch, which is owned by Amazon, said the situation reached a point when it needed to interfere and force the US Army to stop.
“Per our Terms of Service, promotions on Twitch must comply with all applicable laws,” a Twitch spokesperson told Kotaku in an email. “This promotion did not comply with our Terms, and we have required them to remove it.”
According to the Nation’s report, the giveaways, which were spammed in the Twitch chat, offered viewers a chance to win an Xbox Elite Series 2 controller. Clicking the associated link, however, would send viewers to a recruitment page “with no additional mention of a contest, odds, total number of winners, or when a drawing will occur.”
“The silence from Twitch on the latest wave of criticism regarding the military using the site to scam kids into sharing personal info speaks volumes,” said streamer Jayson “ManVsGame” Love on Twitter. “Imagine any other channel doing that. Feel free to manipulate your viewers as much as you like, I guess?” “Hey Twitch, is using your platform to run scams always against the [terms of service] or does the US Army get a special exception when they’re after kids’ blood instead of money?” game developer Bruno Dias said on Twitter. “I see you guys are upgrading from recruiting out of low-income schools, nice,” Twitch user xCanyon916 said in a Navy stream. As the recruiter was answering questions from chatters asking about life in the Navy and so on.
The recruiter warned xCanyon916 that if they said something again about the Navy’s recruiting practices, they’d be banned.
Hasan Piker, a popular Twitch streamer with a dedicated following of over 430,000 users, recoiled at the thought of recruiters’ building relationships with young, impressionable viewers.
“Twitch is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my career, and it’s because you’re live for hours on end, talking to these people in the chat. You develop a community and know your individual chatters. There is an ecosystem in every Twitch channel,” Piker said. “Recruiting in this predatory way is a violation of [the users’] safety.”
In addition to running their own channels, the US Army is also an official e-sports sponsor of Twitch’s esports brand and channel, Twitch Rivals.
The US Air Force is an official sponsor of ESL (Electronic Sports League) and its Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Counter Strike: Global Offensive tournaments.
Maj. Ross McKnight, Chief, Air Force National Events Branch at Air Force Recruiting Service, said:
“The Air Force is excited to partner with ESL. This partnership provides the perfect platform to generate public awareness about the Air Force and the many opportunities we have to serve. The Air Force has a lot in common with gamers, especially the intellectual challenge that both provide. The Air Force and ESL also greatly value integrity—a core value for each of us. This partnership showcases the similarities such as teamwork, technology and respect. It can show how young Americans can turn their hobbies and interests in gaming into an Air Force career.”
So, yes, the US military is attempting to get in the times with making unsolicited recruitment on streaming platforms and banning any opinion that doesn’t fit theirs.
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southfront--2020-07-17--The True Enemy Of The Indonesian Navy: The Climate

On July 14th , the 541 Teluk Jakarta , Frosch I-class landing ship sunk approximately 90 meters under the sea in Masalembo near Kangean Island in East Java .
The Indonesian Navy said in a written statement that the vessel had sustained a number of leaks before finally sinking .
“ The sea waves [ near the ship ’ s ] location were 2.5 to 4 meters high at the time , ” the statement read .
“ All 55 crew onboard are safe , ” Navy spokesperson First Admiral Mohammad Zaenal said .
All 55 crewmen have been rescued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sejahtera and KM Dobonsolo .
They are due to be transferred to KRI RE Martadinata , which is bound for Surabaya , according to the Navy .
Teluk Jakarta reportedly left Surabai on July 12th to carry out the routine task of delivering supplies to naval facilities in eastern Indonesia .
On July 14th , during a storm the ship sprung a leak .
The flow of water could not be stopped , and soon the ship lost speed due to flooding of the engine room and sank at a depth of 90 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ship of the German Democratic Republic Eisenhüttenstadt fleet built in 1979 and one of the 12 Project 108 medium-sized landing ships ( Frosch I ) built by Peene-Werft shipyard in Wolgast .
In 1993 , after the reunification of Germany , these 12 ships , together with two Project 109 supply ships ( Frosch II ) built on the same hull , were acquired by Indonesia .
Of the 12 units , to date , the Indonesian Navy has already lost one – the Teluk Peleng ( tail number 535 ) , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In addition , the Teluk Berau ( tail number 534 ) was decommissioned in 2012 and then sunk as a target of one of the Yakhont supersonic anti-ship missiles acquired by Indonesia from Russia .
Various accidents remain the scourge of the Indonesian Navy – in particular , in September 2018 , the Rencong missile boat caught fire and was entirely destroyed .
In December 2017 , in the Strait of Malacca , a Sibarau patrol boat sank into a storm after engine failure .
In May 2016 , running into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accident occurred in Sumatra and sank the corvette Pati Unus .
In September 2012 , in Banjuangi just before testing , the Klewang whole-composite missile trimaran of the X3K project , caught fire and sank .
Several boats of the Indonesian fleet in recent years have been lost due to hurricanes .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • USS BonHomme Richard Almost Entirely Destroyed By Fire

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On July 14th, the 541 Teluk Jakarta, Frosch I-class landing ship sunk approximately 90 meters under the sea in Masalembo near Kangean Island in East Java.
The Indonesian Navy said in a written statement that the vessel had sustained a number of leaks before finally sinking.
“The sea waves [near the ship’s] location were 2.5 to 4 meters high at the time,” the statement read. “All 55 crew onboard are safe,” Navy spokesperson First Admiral Mohammad Zaenal said.
All 55 crewmen have been rescued by nearby civilian ships – KM Tanto Sejahtera and KM Dobonsolo.
They are due to be transferred to KRI RE Martadinata, which is bound for Surabaya, according to the Navy.
Teluk Jakarta reportedly left Surabai on July 12th to carry out the routine task of delivering supplies to naval facilities in eastern Indonesia.
On July 14th, during a storm the ship sprung a leak.
The flow of water could not be stopped, and soon the ship lost speed due to flooding of the engine room and sank at a depth of 90 meters.
Teluk Jakarta is a former ship of the German Democratic Republic Eisenhüttenstadt fleet built in 1979 and one of the 12 Project 108 medium-sized landing ships (Frosch I) built by Peene-Werft shipyard in Wolgast.
In 1993, after the reunification of Germany, these 12 ships, together with two Project 109 supply ships (Frosch II) built on the same hull, were acquired by Indonesia.
Of the 12 units, to date, the Indonesian Navy has already lost one – the Teluk Peleng (tail number 535), which hit a concrete pier in November 2013.
In addition, the Teluk Berau (tail number 534) was decommissioned in 2012 and then sunk as a target of one of the Yakhont supersonic anti-ship missiles acquired by Indonesia from Russia.
Various accidents remain the scourge of the Indonesian Navy – in particular, in September 2018, the Rencong missile boat caught fire and was entirely destroyed.
In December 2017, in the Strait of Malacca, a Sibarau patrol boat sank into a storm after engine failure.
In May 2016, running into the hull of a sunken ship, an accident occurred in Sumatra and sank the corvette Pati Unus.
In September 2012, in Banjuangi just before testing, the Klewang whole-composite missile trimaran of the X3K project, caught fire and sank.
Several boats of the Indonesian fleet in recent years have been lost due to hurricanes.
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southfront--2020-07-17--USS Bonhomme Richard Almost Entirely Destroyed By Fire

On July 16th , all fires on board the USS Bonhomme Richard , Wasp-class amphibious assault ship , have been extinguished , but the warship appears almost entirely destroyed .
The USS Bonhomme Richard is part of the expeditionary strike group .
The extinguishing of the fire took 4 days , and it involved more than 400 sailors from 12 San Diego-based ships and more than 1,500 water bucket drops from helicopters .
As of July 16th , 40 sailors and 23 civilians have been treated for minor injuries , including heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation , while fighting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There was concern about the roughly 1 million gallons of fuel that is aboard the ship , but the fire and heat sources stayed above the tanks .
The ship has also been leaning on its side because of the amount of water that has been used within the ship and from above it to put out the flames and keep it cool for firefighters to work .
“ What we do know is that brave sailors from commands all across San Diego worked tirelessly alongside federal firefighters to get this fire extinguished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their efforts .
This was a Navy team effort , ” Sobeck said in the prepared statement .
The cause and origin of the fire are unknown , and the investigation is ready to start now that it has been extinguished .
“ We did not know the origin of the fire .
We do not know the extent of the damage .
It is too early to make any predictions or promises of what the future of the ship will be , ” Sobeck said .
“ We can not make any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since the fire began on the morning of July 12th , it spread throughout the ship from the cargo hold , where Navy officials believe it started .
The fire destroyed the ship ’ s forward mast and damaged its superstructure .
At around 9 AM local time , an explosion occurred on board the warship , while in home port at Naval Base San Diego undergoing maintenance .
The resulting fire was fueled by paper , cloth , rags or other materials , not fuel oil or other hazardous materials , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since the ship was in maintenance , on-board fire-suppression systems had been disabled , delaying the onset of firefighting efforts , according to Admiral Sobeck .
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On July 16th, all fires on board the USS Bonhomme Richard, Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, have been extinguished, but the warship appears almost entirely destroyed.
“Our fire teams are investigating every space to verify the absence of fire. Until every space is checked and there are no active fires, we will not be able to commence any official investigations,” Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck, the commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, said in a prepared statement.
The USS Bonhomme Richard is part of the expeditionary strike group.
The extinguishing of the fire took 4 days, and it involved more than 400 sailors from 12 San Diego-based ships and more than 1,500 water bucket drops from helicopters.
As of July 16th, 40 sailors and 23 civilians have been treated for minor injuries, including heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation, while fighting the fire, according to the Navy.
There was concern about the roughly 1 million gallons of fuel that is aboard the ship, but the fire and heat sources stayed above the tanks.
The ship has also been leaning on its side because of the amount of water that has been used within the ship and from above it to put out the flames and keep it cool for firefighters to work.
“What we do know is that brave sailors from commands all across San Diego worked tirelessly alongside federal firefighters to get this fire extinguished and I want to thank them for their efforts. This was a Navy team effort,” Sobeck said in the prepared statement.
The cause and origin of the fire are unknown, and the investigation is ready to start now that it has been extinguished.
“We did not know the origin of the fire. We do not know the extent of the damage. It is too early to make any predictions or promises of what the future of the ship will be,” Sobeck said. “We cannot make any conclusions until the investigation is complete.”
Since the fire began on the morning of July 12th, it spread throughout the ship from the cargo hold, where Navy officials believe it started. The fire destroyed the ship’s forward mast and damaged its superstructure.
At around 9 AM local time, an explosion occurred on board the warship, while in home port at Naval Base San Diego undergoing maintenance.
The resulting fire was fueled by paper, cloth, rags or other materials, not fuel oil or other hazardous materials, and it still took 4 days to extinguish.
Since the ship was in maintenance, on-board fire-suppression systems had been disabled, delaying the onset of firefighting efforts, according to Admiral Sobeck.
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SOUTHFRONT IS IN A CRITICAL SITUATION AS A RESULT OF THE ONGOING MEDIA AND TECHNICAL PRESSURE CAMPAIGN AGAINST OUR ENDEAVOUR
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southfront--2020-07-17--Turkey Deploys More Troops And Equipment In Preparation Of Sirte Push

On July 16th , spokesperson of the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) , Brigadier General Ahmed al-Mesmari said that Turkey was pushing more mercenaries and equipment into Libya .
According to him , there were some rumors that Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar ’ s forces had been withdrawing from Sirte and leaving it for Turkey and the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) .
He said those rumors were entirely unfounded .
He vowed that the LNA Air Force and Air Defense were completely prepared to protect and operate on the entire Libyan territory .
He , furthermore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led by Tunisian Parliament Speaker Rached Ghannouchi was “ reeling and about to fall.
” The LNA received a new shipment of APCs and battle tanks .
In a rare occurrence in recent days , the LNA artillery targeted GNA positions in Abu Qurayn , south-east of Misrata .
At that positions , an image was published of a M101 Howitzer in Turkish camo , which was allegedly recently delivered to the GNA .
The Turkish side continues supplying equipment and troops to al-Watiya with its Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Sarraj met with Italian Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese and the two sides discussed joint efforts to reach a suitable conclusion to the conflict in Libya .
The head of Libya ’ s Presidential Council Fayez Al-Sarraj discussed with Italy ’ s Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese preliminary steps to the return of Italian companies to resume work in Libya , plus Italy ’ s assistance in mine clearance activities .
The US State Department said that Turkey had “ inserted itself ” in Libya and that it was preparing to march on Sirte .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on three individuals and five entities that are linked to Russia ’ s mythical paramilitary Wagner Group , after accusing the mercenary group of laying landmines in and around Libya ’ s capital Tripoli .
The sanctions announcement came just hours after U.S. Africa Command accused the Wagner Group of “ complicating Libyan cease-fire efforts ” by placing mines and other explosive devices in and around Tripoli .
It included photos of what appeared to be booby-traps and improvised mines that it said were placed by the Wagner Group .
“ The Russian-state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disregard for the safety and security of Libyans , ” said Africa Command director of operations Maj. Gen. Bradford Gering .
“ The Wagner Group ’ s irresponsible tactics are prolonging the conflict and are responsible for the needless suffering and the deaths of innocent civilians .
Russia has the power to stop them , just not the will , ” Gering said .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • LNA Spokesperson Says Attack On Sirte Incoming , Despite No Apparent Movements From Turkey

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On July 16th, spokesperson of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Brigadier General Ahmed al-Mesmari said that Turkey was pushing more mercenaries and equipment into Libya.
المتحدث باسم الجيش الليبي اللواء أحمد المسماري: تركيا لازالت تدفع بمزيد من المرتزقة والمعدات العسكرية إلى ليبيا — سكاي نيوز عربية-عاجل (@SkyNewsArabia_B) July 16, 2020
According to him, there were some rumors that Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s forces had been withdrawing from Sirte and leaving it for Turkey and the Government of National Accord (GNA).
He said those rumors were entirely unfounded.
عاجل | المتحدث باسم الجيش الليبي: لا صحة لما يُشاع عن انسحاب قواتنا من مواقعها في سرت أو اتفاقنا مع وفد أمريكي على تسليم منطقة الهلال النفطي لأطراف أوروبية — العين الإخبارية – عاجل (@AlainBRK) July 16, 2020
He vowed that the LNA Air Force and Air Defense were completely prepared to protect and operate on the entire Libyan territory.
عاجل | المتحدث باسم الجيش الليبي: القوات الجوية جاهزة بشكل كامل وقوات الدفاع الجوي تغطي كافة الأراضي الليبية — العين الإخبارية – عاجل (@AlainBRK) July 16, 2020
He, furthermore, claimed that the Muslim Brotherhood, led by Tunisian Parliament Speaker Rached Ghannouchi was “reeling and about to fall.”
#اللواء أحمد المسماري: تنظيم الإخوان بقيادة الغنوشي في تونس بدأ يترنح وأوشك على السقوط. #الساعة24 pic.twitter.com/gprJPSXJE3 — الساعة 24 (@alsaaa24) July 16, 2020
The LNA received a new shipment of APCs and battle tanks.
Apc's and tanks have been delivered to the #LNA in a new shipment that arrived yesterday .#Libya pic.twitter.com/VRXbPkBCVr — Ouais Hasairi (@HasairiOuais) July 16, 2020
In a rare occurrence in recent days, the LNA artillery targeted GNA positions in Abu Qurayn, south-east of Misrata.
#مصراتة ..
استهداف بالمدفعية الثقيلة من قبل القوات المسلحة العربية الليبية إتجاة نقاط وتمركز عناصر الحشد المليشياوي المواليين إلى #تركيا جنوب شرق مدينة مصراتة .. — Khaled Dernah (@KhaledDernah3) July 16, 2020
At that positions, an image was published of a M101 Howitzer in Turkish camo, which was allegedly recently delivered to the GNA.
The Turkish side continues supplying equipment and troops to al-Watiya with its Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.
Back to Al Watiya AFB second day in a row: Turkish Air Force’s Erkilet based 222nd Squadron’s Lockheed C130 Hercules 711468 turboprop transport plane flew from Konya AFB to ‘TurAFB’ Al Watiya in Nuqat al Khams #Tripolitania. This is the 30th TurAF flight to #Libya in last 2months pic.twitter.com/0pStekb16G — Yörük Işık (@YorukIsik) July 17, 2020
On the diplomatic front, GNA President Fayez al-Sarraj met with Italian Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese and the two sides discussed joint efforts to reach a suitable conclusion to the conflict in Libya.
The head of Libya’s Presidential Council Fayez Al-Sarraj discussed with Italy’s Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese preliminary steps to the return of Italian companies to resume work in Libya, plus Italy’s assistance in mine clearance activities.
#BreakingNews: Head of #Libya's Presidential Council Fayez Al-Sarraj discusses with #Italy's Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese preliminary steps to the return of Italian companies to resume work in Libya, plus Italy's assistance in mine clearance activities — Libya Alahrar (@LibyaalahrarEN) July 16, 2020
The US State Department said that Turkey had “inserted itself” in Libya and that it was preparing to march on Sirte.
#ليبيا — الخارجية الأميركية لـ"الحدث": تركيا أقحمت نفسها بليبيا وربما تعدّ أنقرة للتقدم نحو سرت — ا لـ حـ ـد ث (@AlHadath) July 16, 2020
The U.S. on July 15th imposed sanctions on three individuals and five entities that are linked to Russia’s mythical paramilitary Wagner Group, after accusing the mercenary group of laying landmines in and around Libya’s capital Tripoli.
The sanctions announcement came just hours after U.S. Africa Command accused the Wagner Group of “complicating Libyan cease-fire efforts” by placing mines and other explosive devices in and around Tripoli. It included photos of what appeared to be booby-traps and improvised mines that it said were placed by the Wagner Group.
“The Russian-state sponsored Wagner Group is demonstrating a total disregard for the safety and security of Libyans,” said Africa Command director of operations Maj. Gen. Bradford Gering. “The Wagner Group’s irresponsible tactics are prolonging the conflict and are responsible for the needless suffering and the deaths of innocent civilians. Russia has the power to stop them, just not the will,” Gering said.
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southfront--2020-07-17--European Union Work On Building Up Of Its Military Capabilities

Written by Colonel V. Olevsky , Lieutenant Colonel D. Klimov ; Originally appeared at Foreign Military Review , translated by AlexD exclusively for SouthFront The current military-political course of the European Union ( EU ) is determined by the desire of its leadership to transform this organisation into one of the world ’ s centres of power .
In order to ensure the guaranteed implementation of this policy , a key area of EU activities in the field of the Common Security and Defence Policy ( CSDP ) is the development of military capabilities and anti-crisis civilian capacities for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions of the world .
The successful achievement of goals is hindered by the growing crisis phenomena in the European Union caused by financial and economic difficulties of the member states , the aggravation of the political and economic disagreements with the United States , the deepening systemic crisis and strengthening of centrifugal tendencies in the organisation .
The adjustment of views on the nature and sources of new threats to western countries had led to a revision of the fundamental principles of the functioning of the European community and ways to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s focus on increasing self-sufficiency in crisis management in the area of common European interests has had a decisive influence on the development of the CSDP .
In order to reduce dependence on the United States and NATO for conducting operations and missions within the framework of “ force projection ” , the leadership of the association has stepped up activities to develop its own military component .
This process is being carried out with the active support of Germany and France , which have consistently promoted the initiative to create the co-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active efforts to expand military and military-technical cooperation within the EU , the declared goals of creating a “ European Army ” with collective defence functions that duplicate the status and activities of NATO seem difficult to achieve in the foreseeable future .
This situation is due to the reluctance of the majority of member states of the organisation to transfer control over their armed forces to a supranational ( pan-European ) level .
In addition , the US opposition to the process of forming the European Defence Union and the limited resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ structures of the lion ’ s share of the defence potential of European countries , most of which are simultaneously involved in two organisations , do not allow the full implementation of EU political decisions on military construction .
In this regard , we are only talking about giving a new impetus to military cooperation in order to increase the collective capacity to protect the territory and citizens of the states of the region .
With that , the idea of creating a unified armed forces or supranational military authorities is not supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this stage .
The most important concept document on military construction is the “ EU Global Strategy for Foreign and Security Policy ” ( hereinafter referred to as the “ Global Strategy ” ) , which was adopted in 2016 and replaced the “ European Security Strategy ” ( 2003 ) .
Based on the provisions of the Global Strategy , a set of policy documents on the practical implementation of the pan-European defence policy for the medium term was developed .
It includes the “ Executive Plan for Security and Defence ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defence ” , as well as the implementation plan for the “ Joint NATO-EU Declaration ” adopted at the Warsaw summit of the Alliance in July 2017 .
According to the Global Strategy the “ level of ambition ” of the European Union provides for the implementation of three strategic functions : responding to external security threats , ensuring the protection of the EU ’ s coalition structures and its citizens , and assisting partner countries in improving their military capabilities .
The new programme of intensive development of the military component of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee for the implementation of these functions contains a number of measures divided into three areas , or three “ baskets ” : political ( strengthening the position of the EU as a global player , developing interaction with partners ) , operations ( building up the organisation ’ s military capabilities , establishing inter-ethnic interaction in this area ) and economic ( supporting the European military-industrial complex ) .
The main goal of the military construction of a united Europe is declared to be the expansion of the collective capabilities to conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory and abroad .
Stressing the global nature of the EU ’ s interests , the need to create favourable conditions for the free use of the “ world heritage ” – international waters , air and space – is emphasized .
In this regard , an expanded list of typical operations and missions for which the EU “ must have reliable , mobile , highly interoperable , sustainable and multi-functional military and civilian components ” has been defined .
The basis of the military potential of the European Union and its most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( CTG ) of the response forces .
Taking into account the existing problems in the acquisition of CTGs , the EU leadership is seeking to improve the mechanisms for the use of these formations .
The priorities of their construction include : increasing the level of combat readiness , developing expeditionary capabilities , improving the process of training and recruitment .
In accordance with the Global Strategy , it is also planned to improve the forms and methods of using the response force , supplementing peacekeeping and humanitarian missions with operations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitor compliance with the embargo regime , and protect air and sea communications .
Britain ’ s decision to withdraw from the organisation created the conditions for the promotion by members states of the sub-regional association “ Weimar triangle ” ( Germany , Poland , France ) for earlier initiatives involving the development of the military component of the European Union .
As part of the revision of the concept , the CTG is considering moving from a six-month to one-year cycle of rotation of forces on duty , increasing the duration of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theaters , activation of operational and combat training .
In addition , it is planned to develop common standards for planning and organising combat training events for all types of armed forces and branches of the armed forces .
In view of the growing scale of illegal migration , smuggling and maritime piracy , the feasibility of creating naval combat tactical groups is being assessed .
At the same time it is planned to deploy a certification centre for units of the armed forces of the EU member states in Italy .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union ’ s governing bodies are considering the following possible measures : • increase in the number of operational and combat training activities of the armed forces of the EU countries contributing to the CTG ; • conducting exercises at the level of government structures of these states to develop mechanisms and procedures for making political decisions on the involvement of these units in crisis management operations ; • introduction of the modular principle of CTG formations ( each group is completed by including independent and coordinated land , naval , air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ensuring their high operational readiness to perform combat tasks ; • review of the CTG financing procedure with a view to allocating EU budget funds and gradually increasing their share .
At the same time , work is under way to develop a multi-national set of capabilities for rapid response to crisis situations within the framework of the “ European Intervention Initiative ” proposed by France .
The agreement of intent to participate was signed by Belgium , Denmark , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany , Italy , the Netherlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sweden .
In the future , Greece and Poland may join this initiative .
The implementation of this project will significantly simplify the procedures and reduce the time for making decisions on the use of allocated forces .
At the same time , this potential is expected to be used not only in the interests of the European Union , but also in the framework of NATO and United Nations operations .
To consolidate the leading role of the EU in the international relations the organisation ’ s leadership attaches special importance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in various regions of the world .
Thus , Brussels is trying to avoid involving participating states in high- and medium-intensity conflicts that require the use of harsh instruments of force .
This approach is due to the lack of necessary resources and the unwillingness to be drawn into prolonged military operations with difficult to predict outcomes that do not bring rapid and noticeable military and political results .
A special feature of the association ’ s anti-crisis activities is the coordination of its military aspects with NATO .
This situation is linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member countries that the EU should assume responsibility for conducting operations only in cases where it is not appropriate for the Alliance to intervene .
In this regard , Brussels adheres to two main options for using the peacekeeping potential – using the resources of the bloc ( based on the “ Berlin Plus ” package of agreements ) and based on the military capabilities of mainly one of the EU states acting as the host country .
The European Union currently conducts 16 military and civilian ( mixed ) operations and missions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving about 4,500 people .
The greatest attention is paid to the “ zones of instability ” in North and Central Africa , the Middle East , the Balkans and the post-Soviet space .
The overall operations of the European Union response forces are managed through a headquarters deployed at one the UE ’ s multinational operational headquarters , which are located in the cities of Potsdam ( Germany ) , Mont-Valérien ( France ) , Rome ( Italy ) , and Larissa ( Greece ) .
Its commander is a representative of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has made the greatest contribution to the formation of the group .
In case of an operation involving Alliance resources , the strategic command and staff structures are formed on the basis of the permanent department of military planning and interaction of the European Union ( 80 people ) at the headquarters of the strategic command of operations of the NATO Air Force ( Casto , Belgium ) , which was established in accordance with the “ Berlin Plus ” package of agreements .
Thus , the post of commander-in-chief of the group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assigned to the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander of the NATO joint armed forces .
As part of the development of the EU ’ s anti-crisis capacity , much attention is paid to optimising the management system of the association ’ s military contingents abroad .
In particular , the EU military staff has formed a centre for planning and conducting military operations and missions to guide the activities of military advisers and trainers in crisis regions and problem states .
An agreement was also reached on the establishment of a special coordination council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the interaction of the created centre with pan-European civil anti-crisis structures .
In order to improve situational awareness in the European Union , a set of measures is being implemented to increase the exchange of information with NATO and with the special services of individual states , and to improve the personnel and technical support of the intelligence and analytical centre of the European foreign service and the intelligence directorate of the EU general staff .
Given the lack of forces and resources to conduct operations and missions , Brussels is interested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and involving their military units in the response force .
The European Union uses the practice of involving military formations of “ third ” countries in its anti-crisis actions on the basis of bilateral framework agreements concluded with them .
Currently , such agreements have been reached with Georgia , Moldovia , the Ukraine and a number of other countries .
In the process of implementing the partnership policy , the EU intends to continue to provide limited assistance to the relevant countries in the development of military doctrinal documents , the reform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , training for law enforcement agencies , addressing issues of countering terrorist and cyber threats , developing border forces and means , and responding to natural and man-made emergencies .
It is intended to identify partners who contribute to EU operations and missions in a special category and provide them with appropriate benefits .
At the same time , the amount of assistance ( primarily financial ) will directly depend on the participation of these states in crisis managements operations .
The leadership of the European Union pays special attention to the deepening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the London summit of the Alliance ( 2019 ) confirmed the course to strengthen bilateral ties in the military field .
Long-term plans for joint activities include more specific areas of cooperation .
This includes coordinating long-term military planning processes , developing common mechanisms for responding to crises and emergencies , and increasing the number of joint military exercises , including those involving EU states that are not members of the bloc .
In order to improve situational awareness in the European Union a set of measure is being implemented aimed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the intelligence agencies of individual states , improvement of personnel and technical support to the intelligence and analysis centre of the European foreign service and the intelligence department of the EU military staff .
Considering the lack of resources for operations and missions , Brussels is interested in intensifying the dialogue on the military line with partner states and involving their military formations in the response forces .
The European Union uses the practice of involving military formations in its anti-crisis actions .
In the process of implementing the partnership policy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited assistance to the relevant countries in the development of military doctrinal documents , the reform of national external and internal security bodies , training for law enforcement agencies , addressing issues of countering terrorist and cyber threats , developing border forces and means , and responding to natural and man-made emergencies .
It is intended to identify partners who contribute to EU operations and missions in a special category and provide them with appropriate benefits .
At the same time , the amount of assistance ( primarily financial ) will directly depend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis management operations .
The leadership of the European Union attaches particular importance to deepening cooperation with NATO .
The final declaration of the Alliance ’ s London summit ( 2019 ) confirmed the course on strengthening bilateral ties in the military field .
Prospective plans for joint activities include more specific areas of cooperation .
This includes coordinating long-term military planning processes , developing common mechanisms for responding to crises and emergencies , and increasing the number of joint military exercises , including those involving EU states that are not members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas is combating hybrid threats .
In this regard , common requirements have been developed for the stability of the EU and Alliance member states to external influences , including ensuring the continuous functioning of government bodies , uninterrupted operation of external national services , and ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure facilities .
It is planned to combine the potential of the two organisations to identify , analyse and neutralise “ implicit ” forms of aggression , develop the civil defence system and respond to emergencies , and intensify efforts in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the relevant procedures were carried out during the operational and combat training of the NATO Air Force and the European Union response force .
In order to further increase military and military-technical capabilities , the EU leadership has introduced new long-term mechanisms for interaction in the military sphere .
The largest and most expensive programme is the “ Permanent Structured Cooperation on Security and Defence ” ( PESCO ) , which provides for the pooling of resources of interested countries in the field of military construction , including the creation of multinational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development and production of the latest weapons , military and special equipment , and the improvement of anti-crisis activities under the auspices of the European Union .
The PESCO Initiative is supported by 25 EU states ( except Denmark and Malta ) , which are involved in the implementation of 47 organisational , staff and military-technical projects .
The development of the EU ’ s military-industrial complex ( MIC ) has been identified as a separate area of the CSDP .
In order to preserve the further strengthening of the organisation ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an “ action plan to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the EU ’ s military-industrial and technological base ” .
According to the document , the task of forming and strengthening the internal market for military equipment is supposed to be solved by organising control and improving the effectiveness of the EU rules for conducting tenders and procurement procedures , as well as ensuring the security of supplies of materials , goods and services in the interests of the military industry and the armed forces .
It is planned to increase the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialisation within the defence sector .
Within the framework of this initiative , common European standards for military and dual-purpose products have been developed , an optimal certification procedure has been introduced , a list of minerals critical to the military industry has been determined , and a programme of support of small and medium enterprises of the European defence industry has been approved .
There is still an acute problem of underfunding of military construction in the EU .
The organisation ’ s management states that from 2005 to 2015 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 11 percent , and amounts to about 200 billion euros .
Against this background , the European Union continues to fragment the arms markets , duplicate the processes of creating new models of military equipment , and the technological lag in the military-industrial complex .
In this regard , the European defence fund has been established to finance the most expensive projects for creating high-tech weapons .
It is planned to allocate at least 13 billion euros from the EU budget for 2021-2027 .
In order to prepare a new financial mechanism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ test ” programme to support priority military R & D , called the “ Programme for the Development of the EU Military-Industrial Complex for 2019-2020 ” .
It selected 21 priority projects for which 497 million euros were allocated .
At the same time , it was decided to create the special extra-budgetary fund “ European Instrument for Peace ” in the amount of 10.5 billion euros for 2021-2027 in order to increase the capacity of the alliance in the field of crisis management .
Some of these funds will be spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is intended to replace the current EU funding mechanism “ Athena ” ) , as well as on assistance to third countries in the development of power structures .
As an important factor in the development of the European Union ’ s military capabilities that affect issues of direct interaction with NATO , the need to increase the efficiency of cross-border military transport is considered , which reduces the time for the transfer of EU military contingents and cargo , as well as the timing of the deployment of troops ( forces ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed forces in selected areas .
In 2018 , the EU leadership approved an “ Action Plan ” that defines the list and schedule of specific measures to create a “ military Schengen ” .
The main efforts of participating states are aimed at reducing the time required for obtaining permits to cross borders , as well as improving transport infrastructures .
The EU budget for 2021-2027 includes 6.5 billion euros for the modernisation of existing transport facilities and the construction of new ones .
The necessary conditions for the functioning of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • bringing critical transport infrastructure facilities into compliance with technical requirements that allow them to be used by various types of wheeled and tracked vehicles ; • adoption by the EU countries of amendments to simplify the procedures for crossing the internal and external borders of this organisation by troops and equipment ( including non-European countries ) ; • securing the legal status of national military contingents on the territory of EU and NATO allies , clarifying their privileges and immunities ; • development of procedures for prompt notification of movements of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reduce their impact on the functioning of the civil transport system ; • determination of parameters for support of EU and NATO Armed Forces contingents by transit and final deployment countries ( fuel , accommodation , medicine , etc ) ; • coordination and exchange of information on military transfers between national and pan-European ( coalition ) authorities ; • strengthening cooperation to protect critical transport infrastructures from hybrid threats .
Special attention is paid to ensuring maritime security .
In November 2019 , the concept of a “ Coordinated EU Naval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world ’ s oceans was approved .
It is based on the principle of voluntary provision by participating states of forces and means of the national navy for the deployment of ship groups in the zones of operational interests of the EU , as well as the use of the capabilities of the merchant fleet of European countries .
The primary tasks of the formations are defined as monitoring the maritime situation in “ high-risk ” waters , protecting and escorting commercial vessels in conflict areas , conducting military , anti-terrorist , humanitarian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Indian Ocean , the Mediterranean and Black Seas , and the Gulf of Guinea are designated as geographical areas of responsibility .
In general , the practical activities of the European Union in the field of security and defence indicate a desire to strengthen its influence on international issues by developing its own military structures , increasing participation in crisis management , expanding cooperation with third countries and other organisations , and neutralising the internal problems of the commonwealth by uniting European states on the basis of the idea of joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to security .
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Written by Colonel V. Olevsky, Lieutenant Colonel D. Klimov; Originally appeared at Foreign Military Review, translated by AlexD exclusively for SouthFront
The current military-political course of the European Union (EU) is determined by the desire of its leadership to transform this organisation into one of the world’s centres of power. In order to ensure the guaranteed implementation of this policy, a key area of EU activities in the field of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) is the development of military capabilities and anti-crisis civilian capacities for the prevention and resolution of conflicts in various regions of the world.
The successful achievement of goals is hindered by the growing crisis phenomena in the European Union caused by financial and economic difficulties of the member states, the aggravation of the political and economic disagreements with the United States, the deepening systemic crisis and strengthening of centrifugal tendencies in the organisation.
The adjustment of views on the nature and sources of new threats to western countries had led to a revision of the fundamental principles of the functioning of the European community and ways to ensure the collective security. The EU’s focus on increasing self-sufficiency in crisis management in the area of common European interests has had a decisive influence on the development of the CSDP. In order to reduce dependence on the United States and NATO for conducting operations and missions within the framework of “force projection”, the leadership of the association has stepped up activities to develop its own military component.
This process is being carried out with the active support of Germany and France, which have consistently promoted the initiative to create the co-called European Defence Union. However, despite active efforts to expand military and military-technical cooperation within the EU, the declared goals of creating a “European Army” with collective defence functions that duplicate the status and activities of NATO seem difficult to achieve in the foreseeable future. This situation is due to the reluctance of the majority of member states of the organisation to transfer control over their armed forces to a supranational (pan-European) level.
In addition, the US opposition to the process of forming the European Defence Union and the limited resources available due to the absorption by NATO structures of the lion’s share of the defence potential of European countries, most of which are simultaneously involved in two organisations, do not allow the full implementation of EU political decisions on military construction. In this regard, we are only talking about giving a new impetus to military cooperation in order to increase the collective capacity to protect the territory and citizens of the states of the region. With that, the idea of creating a unified armed forces or supranational military authorities is not supported by the majority of EU members at this stage.
The most important concept document on military construction is the “EU Global Strategy for Foreign and Security Policy” (hereinafter referred to as the “Global Strategy”), which was adopted in 2016 and replaced the “European Security Strategy” (2003).
Based on the provisions of the Global Strategy, a set of policy documents on the practical implementation of the pan-European defence policy for the medium term was developed. It includes the “Executive Plan for Security and Defence”, the “Action Plan for European Defence”, as well as the implementation plan for the “Joint NATO-EU Declaration” adopted at the Warsaw summit of the Alliance in July 2017.
According to the Global Strategy the “level of ambition” of the European Union provides for the implementation of three strategic functions: responding to external security threats, ensuring the protection of the EU’s coalition structures and its citizens, and assisting partner countries in improving their military capabilities.
The new programme of intensive development of the military component of the organisation developed by the EU Military Committee for the implementation of these functions contains a number of measures divided into three areas, or three “baskets”: political (strengthening the position of the EU as a global player, developing interaction with partners), operations (building up the organisation’s military capabilities, establishing inter-ethnic interaction in this area) and economic (supporting the European military-industrial complex).
The main goal of the military construction of a united Europe is declared to be the expansion of the collective capabilities to conduct operations and missions, both on its territory and abroad. Stressing the global nature of the EU’s interests, the need to create favourable conditions for the free use of the “world heritage” – international waters, air and space – is emphasized. In this regard, an expanded list of typical operations and missions for which the EU “must have reliable, mobile, highly interoperable, sustainable and multi-functional military and civilian components” has been defined.
The basis of the military potential of the European Union and its most combat-ready component are the combat tactical groups (CTG) of the response forces. Taking into account the existing problems in the acquisition of CTGs, the EU leadership is seeking to improve the mechanisms for the use of these formations. The priorities of their construction include: increasing the level of combat readiness, developing expeditionary capabilities, improving the process of training and recruitment.
In accordance with the Global Strategy, it is also planned to improve the forms and methods of using the response force, supplementing peacekeeping and humanitarian missions with operations to enforce peace, establish no-fly zones, monitor compliance with the embargo regime, and protect air and sea communications.
Britain’s decision to withdraw from the organisation created the conditions for the promotion by members states of the sub-regional association “Weimar triangle” (Germany, Poland, France) for earlier initiatives involving the development of the military component of the European Union. As part of the revision of the concept, the CTG is considering moving from a six-month to one-year cycle of rotation of forces on duty, increasing the duration of “autonomous” actions on remote operational theaters, activation of operational and combat training. In addition, it is planned to develop common standards for planning and organising combat training events for all types of armed forces and branches of the armed forces. In view of the growing scale of illegal migration, smuggling and maritime piracy, the feasibility of creating naval combat tactical groups is being assessed. At the same time it is planned to deploy a certification centre for units of the armed forces of the EU member states in Italy.
In order to implement these plans, the European Union’s governing bodies are considering the following possible measures:
increase in the number of operational and combat training activities of the armed forces of the EU countries contributing to the CTG;
conducting exercises at the level of government structures of these states to develop mechanisms and procedures for making political decisions on the involvement of these units in crisis management operations;
introduction of the modular principle of CTG formations (each group is completed by including independent and coordinated land, naval, air and other units in its composition) and ensuring their high operational readiness to perform combat tasks;
review of the CTG financing procedure with a view to allocating EU budget funds and gradually increasing their share.
At the same time, work is under way to develop a multi-national set of capabilities for rapid response to crisis situations within the framework of the “European Intervention Initiative” proposed by France. The agreement of intent to participate was signed by Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. In the future, Greece and Poland may join this initiative.
The implementation of this project will significantly simplify the procedures and reduce the time for making decisions on the use of allocated forces. At the same time, this potential is expected to be used not only in the interests of the European Union, but also in the framework of NATO and United Nations operations.
To consolidate the leading role of the EU in the international relations the organisation’s leadership attaches special importance to the practical involvement in stabilising the situation in various regions of the world. Thus, Brussels is trying to avoid involving participating states in high- and medium-intensity conflicts that require the use of harsh instruments of force. This approach is due to the lack of necessary resources and the unwillingness to be drawn into prolonged military operations with difficult to predict outcomes that do not bring rapid and noticeable military and political results.
A special feature of the association’s anti-crisis activities is the coordination of its military aspects with NATO. This situation is linked to the position of the majority of member countries that the EU should assume responsibility for conducting operations only in cases where it is not appropriate for the Alliance to intervene. In this regard, Brussels adheres to two main options for using the peacekeeping potential – using the resources of the bloc (based on the “Berlin Plus” package of agreements) and based on the military capabilities of mainly one of the EU states acting as the host country.
The European Union currently conducts 16 military and civilian (mixed) operations and missions in various regions of the world, involving about 4,500 people. The greatest attention is paid to the “zones of instability” in North and Central Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans and the post-Soviet space.
The overall operations of the European Union response forces are managed through a headquarters deployed at one the UE’s multinational operational headquarters, which are located in the cities of Potsdam (Germany), Mont-Valérien (France), Rome (Italy), and Larissa (Greece). Its commander is a representative of the armed forces of the state that has made the greatest contribution to the formation of the group.
In case of an operation involving Alliance resources, the strategic command and staff structures are formed on the basis of the permanent department of military planning and interaction of the European Union (80 people) at the headquarters of the strategic command of operations of the NATO Air Force (Casto, Belgium), which was established in accordance with the “Berlin Plus” package of agreements. Thus, the post of commander-in-chief of the group of troops (forces) will be assigned to the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander of the NATO joint armed forces.
As part of the development of the EU’s anti-crisis capacity, much attention is paid to optimising the management system of the association’s military contingents abroad. In particular, the EU military staff has formed a centre for planning and conducting military operations and missions to guide the activities of military advisers and trainers in crisis regions and problem states. An agreement was also reached on the establishment of a special coordination council, whose task will be to organise the interaction of the created centre with pan-European civil anti-crisis structures.
In order to improve situational awareness in the European Union, a set of measures is being implemented to increase the exchange of information with NATO and with the special services of individual states, and to improve the personnel and technical support of the intelligence and analytical centre of the European foreign service and the intelligence directorate of the EU general staff.
Given the lack of forces and resources to conduct operations and missions, Brussels is interested in intensifying the military dialogue with partner states and involving their military units in the response force. The European Union uses the practice of involving military formations of “third” countries in its anti-crisis actions on the basis of bilateral framework agreements concluded with them. Currently, such agreements have been reached with Georgia, Moldovia, the Ukraine and a number of other countries.
In the process of implementing the partnership policy, the EU intends to continue to provide limited assistance to the relevant countries in the development of military doctrinal documents, the reform of national external and internal security bodies, training for law enforcement agencies, addressing issues of countering terrorist and cyber threats, developing border forces and means, and responding to natural and man-made emergencies. It is intended to identify partners who contribute to EU operations and missions in a special category and provide them with appropriate benefits. At the same time, the amount of assistance (primarily financial) will directly depend on the participation of these states in crisis managements operations.
The leadership of the European Union pays special attention to the deepening cooperation with NATO. The final declaration of the London summit of the Alliance (2019) confirmed the course to strengthen bilateral ties in the military field. Long-term plans for joint activities include more specific areas of cooperation. This includes coordinating long-term military planning processes, developing common mechanisms for responding to crises and emergencies, and increasing the number of joint military exercises, including those involving EU states that are not members of the bloc.
In order to improve situational awareness in the European Union a set of measure is being implemented aimed at expanding the exchange of information with NATO and the intelligence agencies of individual states, improvement of personnel and technical support to the intelligence and analysis centre of the European foreign service and the intelligence department of the EU military staff.
Considering the lack of resources for operations and missions, Brussels is interested in intensifying the dialogue on the military line with partner states and involving their military formations in the response forces. The European Union uses the practice of involving military formations in its anti-crisis actions.
In the process of implementing the partnership policy, the EU intends to continue to provide limited assistance to the relevant countries in the development of military doctrinal documents, the reform of national external and internal security bodies, training for law enforcement agencies, addressing issues of countering terrorist and cyber threats, developing border forces and means, and responding to natural and man-made emergencies. It is intended to identify partners who contribute to EU operations and missions in a special category and provide them with appropriate benefits. At the same time, the amount of assistance (primarily financial) will directly depend on the participation of these states in crisis management operations.
The leadership of the European Union attaches particular importance to deepening cooperation with NATO. The final declaration of the Alliance’s London summit (2019) confirmed the course on strengthening bilateral ties in the military field. Prospective plans for joint activities include more specific areas of cooperation. This includes coordinating long-term military planning processes, developing common mechanisms for responding to crises and emergencies, and increasing the number of joint military exercises, including those involving EU states that are not members of the bloc.
One of the priority areas is combating hybrid threats. In this regard, common requirements have been developed for the stability of the EU and Alliance member states to external influences, including ensuring the continuous functioning of government bodies, uninterrupted operation of external national services, and ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure facilities. It is planned to combine the potential of the two organisations to identify, analyse and neutralise “implicit” forms of aggression, develop the civil defence system and respond to emergencies, and intensify efforts in the field of strategic propaganda. Practical developments of the relevant procedures were carried out during the operational and combat training of the NATO Air Force and the European Union response force.
In order to further increase military and military-technical capabilities, the EU leadership has introduced new long-term mechanisms for interaction in the military sphere. The largest and most expensive programme is the “Permanent Structured Cooperation on Security and Defence” (PESCO), which provides for the pooling of resources of interested countries in the field of military construction, including the creation of multinational formations and military management bodies, the development and production of the latest weapons, military and special equipment, and the improvement of anti-crisis activities under the auspices of the European Union.
The PESCO Initiative is supported by 25 EU states (except Denmark and Malta), which are involved in the implementation of 47 organisational, staff and military-technical projects.
The development of the EU’s military-industrial complex (MIC) has been identified as a separate area of the CSDP. In order to preserve the further strengthening of the organisation’s MIC, the European Commission has developed an “action plan to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the EU’s military-industrial and technological base”. According to the document, the task of forming and strengthening the internal market for military equipment is supposed to be solved by organising control and improving the effectiveness of the EU rules for conducting tenders and procurement procedures, as well as ensuring the security of supplies of materials, goods and services in the interests of the military industry and the armed forces.
It is planned to increase the competitiveness by further developing cooperation and regional specialisation within the defence sector. Within the framework of this initiative, common European standards for military and dual-purpose products have been developed, an optimal certification procedure has been introduced, a list of minerals critical to the military industry has been determined, and a programme of support of small and medium enterprises of the European defence industry has been approved.
There is still an acute problem of underfunding of military construction in the EU. The organisation’s management states that from 2005 to 2015, the consolidated defence spending of European countries decreased by 11 percent, and amounts to about 200 billion euros. Against this background, the European Union continues to fragment the arms markets, duplicate the processes of creating new models of military equipment, and the technological lag in the military-industrial complex.
In this regard, the European defence fund has been established to finance the most expensive projects for creating high-tech weapons. It is planned to allocate at least 13 billion euros from the EU budget for 2021-2027. In order to prepare a new financial mechanism, the European Union is implementing a “test” programme to support priority military R&D, called the “Programme for the Development of the EU Military-Industrial Complex for 2019-2020”. It selected 21 priority projects for which 497 million euros were allocated.
At the same time, it was decided to create the special extra-budgetary fund “European Instrument for Peace” in the amount of 10.5 billion euros for 2021-2027 in order to increase the capacity of the alliance in the field of crisis management. Some of these funds will be spent on conflict resolution activities (the project is intended to replace the current EU funding mechanism “Athena”), as well as on assistance to third countries in the development of power structures.
As an important factor in the development of the European Union’s military capabilities that affect issues of direct interaction with NATO, the need to increase the efficiency of cross-border military transport is considered, which reduces the time for the transfer of EU military contingents and cargo, as well as the timing of the deployment of troops (forces) to strengthen the Alliance’s joint armed forces in selected areas. In 2018, the EU leadership approved an “Action Plan” that defines the list and schedule of specific measures to create a “military Schengen”.
The main efforts of participating states are aimed at reducing the time required for obtaining permits to cross borders, as well as improving transport infrastructures. The EU budget for 2021-2027 includes 6.5 billion euros for the modernisation of existing transport facilities and the construction of new ones.
The necessary conditions for the functioning of the “military Schengen” are defined as:
bringing critical transport infrastructure facilities into compliance with technical requirements that allow them to be used by various types of wheeled and tracked vehicles;
adoption by the EU countries of amendments to simplify the procedures for crossing the internal and external borders of this organisation by troops and equipment (including non-European countries);
securing the legal status of national military contingents on the territory of EU and NATO allies, clarifying their privileges and immunities;
development of procedures for prompt notification of movements of military formations, as well as measures to reduce their impact on the functioning of the civil transport system;
determination of parameters for support of EU and NATO Armed Forces contingents by transit and final deployment countries (fuel, accommodation, medicine, etc);
coordination and exchange of information on military transfers between national and pan-European (coalition) authorities;
strengthening cooperation to protect critical transport infrastructures from hybrid threats. Special attention is paid to ensuring maritime security.
In November 2019, the concept of a “Coordinated EU Naval Presence” in important areas of the world’s oceans was approved. It is based on the principle of voluntary provision by participating states of forces and means of the national navy for the deployment of ship groups in the zones of operational interests of the EU, as well as the use of the capabilities of the merchant fleet of European countries.
The primary tasks of the formations are defined as monitoring the maritime situation in “high-risk” waters, protecting and escorting commercial vessels in conflict areas, conducting military, anti-terrorist, humanitarian and rescue operations. The north-western part of the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean and Black Seas, and the Gulf of Guinea are designated as geographical areas of responsibility.
In general, the practical activities of the European Union in the field of security and defence indicate a desire to strengthen its influence on international issues by developing its own military structures, increasing participation in crisis management, expanding cooperation with third countries and other organisations, and neutralising the internal problems of the commonwealth by uniting European states on the basis of the idea of joint counteraction to crisis situations and military threats to security.
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southfront--2020-07-17--China-US Sanctions War Heats Up Again

China-US Sanctions War Heats Up Again

US President Donald Trump has signed the Hong Kong Autonomy Act , a bipartisan act to penalize banks that work with Chinese officials alleged to be interfering in Hong Kong affairs .
China has vowed to take reciprocal steps .
The latest measure adopted by the US Congress and signed by President Trump will end the preferential economic treatment of the semi-autonomous Chinese city .
The US announced the measure as a response to the application of a uniform national security law to the city by the Chinese government .
The national security law criminalizes sedition , secession , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s national security agency to operate in the city .
“ No special privileges , no special economic treatment and no export of sensitive technologies , ” Trump said after signing the executive order on , among other things , sanctions against banks doing business with Chinese officials involved in the implementation of the new security law in Hong Kong .
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Beijing strongly opposed Trump ’ s move , urging his administration to stop interfering in China ’ s internal affairs .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s internal affairs and no foreign country has the right to interfere , ” the ministry said .
It said Beijing would impose retaliatory sanctions on US individuals and entities .
The Chinese government was further angered by Mike Pompeo ’ s statement on Wednesday morning that the US will impose visa restrictions on Chinese corporate executives that it claims have facilitated human rights violations .
China ’ s Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang summoned US ambassador to China Terry Branstad the same day to make “ solemn representations ” regarding the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry said in a statement .
Relations between the two countries , already severely strained , have reached new lows this month , with the US sending two aircraft carriers to the South China Sea for military manoeuvres and also approving new arms sales to Taiwan .
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US President Donald Trump has signed the Hong Kong Autonomy Act, a bipartisan act to penalize banks that work with Chinese officials alleged to be interfering in Hong Kong affairs. China has vowed to take reciprocal steps.
The latest measure adopted by the US Congress and signed by President Trump will end the preferential economic treatment of the semi-autonomous Chinese city. The US announced the measure as a response to the application of a uniform national security law to the city by the Chinese government. The national security law criminalizes sedition, secession, and subversion against mainland China and allows China’s national security agency to operate in the city.
“No special privileges, no special economic treatment and no export of sensitive technologies,” Trump said after signing the executive order on, among other things, sanctions against banks doing business with Chinese officials involved in the implementation of the new security law in Hong Kong.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Beijing strongly opposed Trump’s move, urging his administration to stop interfering in China’s internal affairs.
“Hong Kong affairs are purely China’s internal affairs and no foreign country has the right to interfere,” the ministry said. It said Beijing would impose retaliatory sanctions on US individuals and entities.
The Chinese government was further angered by Mike Pompeo’s statement on Wednesday morning that the US will impose visa restrictions on Chinese corporate executives that it claims have facilitated human rights violations.
China’s Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang summoned US ambassador to China Terry Branstad the same day to make “solemn representations” regarding the latest punitive measure, China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Relations between the two countries, already severely strained, have reached new lows this month, with the US sending two aircraft carriers to the South China Sea for military manoeuvres and also approving new arms sales to Taiwan. LINK
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southfront--2020-07-17--Queue The Apocalypse: Azerbaijan Threatens To Strike Armenian Nuclear Power Plant In Response To Hos

Queue The Apocalypse: Azerbaijan Threatens To Strike Armenian Nuclear Power Plant In Response To Hostilities

On July 16th , the situation in Nagorno Karabakh , between Armenia and Azerbaijan appeared to have deteriorated further .
The Azerbaijani side made a worrisome threat , claiming that it was ready to strike Armenia ’ s nuclear power plant in response to hostilities along the border .
Colonel Vagif Dargyakhly , chief of the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan urged Armenia not to forget that the latest missile systems in the arsenal of the Azerbaijani army make it possible to hit the Metsamor NPP with high accuracy .
This was allegedly in response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reservoir .
According to him , the reservoir was protected from being struck due to the specific terrain of where it is located , as well as its fortifications , as well as the modern air defense facilities .
On the night of July 16 , Armenian forces again resumed attacks on Azerbaijani positions .
Also , the villages of Dondar Gushchu , Agdam and Vahidli of the Tovuz region were shelled by mortars and other long-range weapons .
Reportedly , several Armenian civilian vehicles were struck by Azerbaijani UAVs , and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , the Armenian side is also attempting to carry out UAV reconnaissance , by way of a Lockheed Martin X-55 Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft and it was reportedly downed .
Both sides actively blame the other of being the aggressor in the situation .
A UAV strike by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces hit a car an Armenian Ministry of Emergency situations car , and Minister Artsrun Hovhannisyan said there were casualties .
The Armenian side published a video allegedly showing the Azerbaijani side transporting their killed servicemen .
Azerbaijani media reported that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijani army , was buried .
He died on July 16th as a result of fighting in the Tovuz region of the Azerbaijani-Armenian border .
Active combat operations are being conducted in the direction of the Tovuz region of the Azerbaijani-Armenian state border .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Overview Of Border Conflict Between Armenia And Azerbaijan – July 16 , 2020 ( Videos ) • Armenia And Azerbaijan On Brink Of Regional War : Brief Overview • Armenian-Azerbaijani Clashes Risk To Escalate Into Regional Conflict .
At Least One General Already @ @ @ @

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On July 16th, the situation in Nagorno Karabakh, between Armenia and Azerbaijan appeared to have deteriorated further.
The Azerbaijani side made a worrisome threat, claiming that it was ready to strike Armenia’s nuclear power plant in response to hostilities along the border.
Colonel Vagif Dargyakhly, chief of the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan urged Armenia not to forget that the latest missile systems in the arsenal of the Azerbaijani army make it possible to hit the Metsamor NPP with high accuracy.
This was allegedly in response to rumors that Armenia could strike the Mingachevir reservoir. According to him, the reservoir was protected from being struck due to the specific terrain of where it is located, as well as its fortifications, as well as the modern air defense facilities.
On the night of July 16, Armenian forces again resumed attacks on Azerbaijani positions. Also, the villages of Dondar Gushchu, Agdam and Vahidli of the Tovuz region were shelled by mortars and other long-range weapons.
Reportedly, several Armenian civilian vehicles were struck by Azerbaijani UAVs, and there were no casualties.
One of the #Armenia|n civilian vehicles struck by #Azerbaijan|i UAV. Luckily, there are no casualties. pic.twitter.com/5EGaaZmwUR — Alice Sharafyan (@sharafyan_a) July 16, 2020
At the same time, the Armenian side is also attempting to carry out UAV reconnaissance, by way of a Lockheed Martin X-55 Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft and it was reportedly downed.
The tactical UAV "X-55", attempted to carry out a reconnaissance flight over the positions of the units of #AzerbaijanArmy was immediately detected & destroyed thanks the vigilance of our units.#Armenia continues provocative actions and attack to??.#StopArmenianAggression pic.twitter.com/baGgnglZv0 — Ali Alizada ?? (@Ali_F_Alizada) July 16, 2020
Both sides actively blame the other of being the aggressor in the situation.
Armed forces of the aggressor state #Armenia continue to target the residential areas, civilian infrastructure in the villages of #Tovuz district of #Azerbaijan. This is the blatant violation of international humanitarian law! Don’t turn a blind eye to #ArmenianAgression! pic.twitter.com/Fdr5QrdShR — Leyla Abdullayeva (@LAbdullayevaMFA) July 16, 2020
A UAV strike by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces hit a car an Armenian Ministry of Emergency situations car, and Minister Artsrun Hovhannisyan said there were casualties.
The Armenian side published a video allegedly showing the Azerbaijani side transporting their killed servicemen.
Azerbaijani media reported that Nazim Afgan-oglu, the conscript of the Azerbaijani army, was buried.
He died on July 16th as a result of fighting in the Tovuz region of the Azerbaijani-Armenian border.
Active combat operations are being conducted in the direction of the Tovuz region of the Azerbaijani-Armenian state border.
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southfront--2020-07-17--Criminal Gangs Seized Control Of Gold, Diamond And Bauxite Mining Areas In Venezuela

A report by the Human Rights Council released this week alleges that some gold , diamond and bauxite mines in the Venezuelan Amazon are controlled by criminal groups that exploit , beat and in some cases have killed workers at the mines .
The High Commissioner ’ s report to the Human Rights Council describes how the criminal groups – known locally as “ sindicatos ” – exercise control over a large number of mining operations in Arco Minero del Orinoco ( Orinoco Mining Arc ) .
LINK In the section referring to an area known as the Orinoco Mining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : The report found that nearly 150 men and women are reported to have died in or around the mines since March 2016 , with security forces implicated in around half the incidents , adding that the government had not replied to its request for information .
The miners , who include young children , are not given employment contracts and are exposed to mercury contamination and malaria .
The report also states that Venezuelan security and military forces have failed to prevent crimes and , in some cases , have collaborated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miners .
It called for the government of President Nicolas Maduro to regulate mining activities in the region in accordance with international legal and environmental standards .
Created by a government decree in 2016 , AMO – an area of some 111,000 square kilometres in the Venezuelan Amazon – makes up 12 % of the national territory .
Gold , diamonds , coltan , iron and bauxite are mined there .
According to the report , Venezuela ’ s central bank has not published data since 2018 on gold and other mineral exports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Venezuelan government has supported small-scale mining in the area to bring in revenue during the economic crisis .
Operations in the area expanded after the US increased sanctions intended to force President Maduro from power .
LINK In a public statement UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said : The report also examines broader justice issues in Venezuela and claims that the independence of the justice system has been considerably undermined by the insecurity of tenure of judges and prosecutors ; the lack of transparency in the process of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and political interference .
According to the report , decisions of the Supreme Court related to the opposition-controlled National Assembly have consistently given rise to concerns about political considerations prevailing over legal determinations .
The report states that this situation has gravely affected the judiciary ’ s capacity to act independently to protect human rights , and is contributing to impunity .
Despite recent efforts made by the Office of the Attorney General to investigate human rights violations committed by security forces , the lack of accountability is especially significant in cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and during security operations , as well as allegations of torture and ill-treatment and gender-based violence .
LINK In a separate report last September , the Human Rights Council had expressed its concern over the consequences of the coercive unilateral sanctions that have been imposed against Venezuela .
A statement by the UN office said : Earlier this week , over 450 civil society organizations from 35 countries sent a letter to the European Union ’ s High Representative for External Affairs to express their concern over the resolution passed by a majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on ‘ the humanitarian situation in Venezuela and the migration crisis and the refugees ’ and calling on the organization to focus on mechanisms of cooperation and dialogue instead of tacitly supporting the US policy of sanctions and confrontation .
The letter states : Unfortunately , a majority of members of the European Parliament insist on confrontation and a policy that corresponds to the objectives of the State Department of the US government for the promotion of regime change in Venezuela .
This majority of the European Parliament fails to recognize that many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the terrible consequences of the sanctions ( unilateral coercive measures ) promoted by the United States that seek to suffocate the economy in order to produce a systemic collapse , thereby punishing thirty million Venezuelans who are denied access to food , medicine and essential resources to combat the current pandemic .
The resolution is in fact opposed to calls made by the UN Secretary General , Pope Francis and yourself as a representative of the European Union , among others , to suspend sanctions against Venezuela .
One of the worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supports the theft by the British government of the gold deposited in the Bank of England by ignoring the right of the Venezuelan government to these resources .
The resolution does not recognize that , in the month of January , Mr. Juan Guaidó , as a result of his innumerable errors , acts of corruption , ties to drug trafficking and Colombian paramilitarism , lost the support of a large sector of the Venezuelan opposition and , consequently , he was not reelected as President of the National Assembly , after refusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to be voted .
We emphasize that this resolution follows the regime change policy promoted by the Donald Trump government , as opposed to the joint statement on cooperation signed by the EU ’ s External Affairs Service and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela , and seems to promote the repetition of intervention and interference by the European Union .
LINK The government of Venezuela , which is one of the 47 members of the Human Rights Council , has not yet responded to the report ’ s allegations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ perspective on the media war against Venezuela • Venezuela : US Maximum Pressure Continues , More Details Of Failed Mercenary Attack Revealed

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A report by the Human Rights Council released this week alleges that some gold, diamond and bauxite mines in the Venezuelan Amazon are controlled by criminal groups that exploit, beat and in some cases have killed workers at the mines.
The High Commissioner’s report to the Human Rights Council describes how the criminal groups – known locally as “sindicatos” – exercise control over a large number of mining operations in Arco Minero del Orinoco (Orinoco Mining Arc). LINK
#Venezuela: People working in the #ArcoMinero del Orinoco region are caught up in a context of labour exploitation and high levels of violence by criminal groups that control the mines in the area, including who enters & who leaves – ? report. Learn more: https://t.co/20ySk8b213 pic.twitter.com/YI1PGKoZhA — UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) July 15, 2020
In the section referring to an area known as the Orinoco Mining Arc (AMO), the report said:
“Much of the mining activity within and beyond AMO is controlled by organised criminal groups or armed elements. They determine who enters and leaves the area, impose rules … and gain economic benefit from all activity within the mining area, including through extortion in exchange for protection.”
The report found that nearly 150 men and women are reported to have died in or around the mines since March 2016, with security forces implicated in around half the incidents, adding that the government had not replied to its request for information.
The miners, who include young children, are not given employment contracts and are exposed to mercury contamination and malaria.
The report also states that Venezuelan security and military forces have failed to prevent crimes and, in some cases, have collaborated in the exploitation and violence against the miners.
It called for the government of President Nicolas Maduro to regulate mining activities in the region in accordance with international legal and environmental standards.
Created by a government decree in 2016, AMO – an area of some 111,000 square kilometres in the Venezuelan Amazon – makes up 12% of the national territory. Gold, diamonds, coltan, iron and bauxite are mined there. According to the report, Venezuela’s central bank has not published data since 2018 on gold and other mineral exports, their destination or foreign currency earnings.
The Venezuelan government has supported small-scale mining in the area to bring in revenue during the economic crisis. Operations in the area expanded after the US increased sanctions intended to force President Maduro from power. LINK
In a public statement UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said:
“Despite the considerable presence of security and military forces in the region … authorities have failed to investigate and prosecute human rights violations, and abuses and crimes linked to mining, Authorities should take immediate steps to end labour and sexual exploitation, child labour and human trafficking, and should dismantle criminal groups controlling mining activities. They must also investigate, prosecute and punish those responsible for human rights violations, abuses and crimes.”
The report also examines broader justice issues in Venezuela and claims that the independence of the justice system has been considerably undermined by the insecurity of tenure of judges and prosecutors; the lack of transparency in the process of appointment and designation; precarious working conditions; and political interference. According to the report, decisions of the Supreme Court related to the opposition-controlled National Assembly have consistently given rise to concerns about political considerations prevailing over legal determinations.
The report states that this situation has gravely affected the judiciary’s capacity to act independently to protect human rights, and is contributing to impunity. Despite recent efforts made by the Office of the Attorney General to investigate human rights violations committed by security forces, the lack of accountability is especially significant in cases of killings in the context of protests and during security operations, as well as allegations of torture and ill-treatment and gender-based violence. LINK
In a separate report last September, the Human Rights Council had expressed its concern over the consequences of the coercive unilateral sanctions that have been imposed against Venezuela. A statement by the UN office said:
The United Nations Human Rights Council recognized that the “unilateral extraterritorial coercive measures” imposed on Venezuela “have further aggravated the effects of the economic crisis and, consequently, the humanitarian situation of the Venezuelan people” and expressed its concern about the situation. In a resolution on strengthening cooperation and technical assistance in the field of human rights in Venezuela, the organization reaffirmed the universal principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, self-determination, sovereign equality of States, non-intervention and non-interference in the internal affairs of States. LINK
Earlier this week, over 450 civil society organizations from 35 countries sent a letter to the European Union’s High Representative for External Affairs to express their concern over the resolution passed by a majority of the Parliament on 10 July 2020 on ‘the humanitarian situation in Venezuela and the migration crisis and the refugees’ and calling on the organization to focus on mechanisms of cooperation and dialogue instead of tacitly supporting the US policy of sanctions and confrontation. The letter states:
Unfortunately, a majority of members of the European Parliament insist on confrontation and a policy that corresponds to the objectives of the State Department of the US government for the promotion of regime change in Venezuela. This majority of the European Parliament fails to recognize that many of the problems Venezuela has are due to the terrible consequences of the sanctions (unilateral coercive measures) promoted by the United States that seek to suffocate the economy in order to produce a systemic collapse, thereby punishing thirty million Venezuelans who are denied access to food, medicine and essential resources to combat the current pandemic. The resolution is in fact opposed to calls made by the UN Secretary General, Pope Francis and yourself as a representative of the European Union, among others, to suspend sanctions against Venezuela. One of the worst aspects of the resolution is that it supports the theft by the British government of the gold deposited in the Bank of England by ignoring the right of the Venezuelan government to these resources. The resolution does not recognize that, in the month of January, Mr. Juan Guaidó, as a result of his innumerable errors, acts of corruption, ties to drug trafficking and Colombian paramilitarism, lost the support of a large sector of the Venezuelan opposition and, consequently, he was not reelected as President of the National Assembly, after refusing to attend the session where his reelection had to be voted. We emphasize that this resolution follows the regime change policy promoted by the Donald Trump government, as opposed to the joint statement on cooperation signed by the EU’s External Affairs Service and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, and seems to promote the repetition of intervention and interference by the European Union. LINK
The government of Venezuela, which is one of the 47 members of the Human Rights Council, has not yet responded to the report’s allegations.
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