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Defence in the media

https://modmedia.blog.gov.uk/2015/11/20/defence-in-the-media-20-november-2015/

Defence in the Media: 20 November 2015

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In today's news ministers from across the EU are to discuss security measures, with warnings that extremists are taking advantage of the migrant crisis. There is consensus on the need to improve border security and intelligence sharing. In the US, Congress has approved a Republican bill erecting fresh barriers for Syrian and Iraqi refugees trying to enter the United States.

ISIL - UNITED NATIONS

The Independent reports that world powers are pressing for a single resolution at the United Nations Security Council to declare a common war against ISIL and "eradicate" jihadists in Iraq and Syria. The attacks in Paris have galvanised a hitherto divided Security Council, the article says. The text calls on member states "with the capacity to do so" to "take all necessary measures, in compliance with international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, on the territory under the control of ISIL, to redouble and co-ordinate their efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist acts committed specifically by ISIL; and to eradicate the safe haven they have established in Iraq and Syria". 

ISIL - AIRSTRIKES

The Times reports that Russian and American aircraft have destroyed hundreds of ISIL oil tanker lorries and hit installations as both countries step up campaigns against the ISIL oil-smuggling network in northern Syria. It comes amid growing signs of collaboration against ISIL between Russian, French and US forces.

Cyprus migrants

The Daily Mail  says that Cypriot officials have said one in three of the migrants who landed on a British military base will have their asylum claims rejected because of security concerns. A Base spokeswoman said that 53 of the migrants had been transferred to the Cypriot authorities. The Foreign Secretary, speaking on a visit to the island, made it clear that the Sovereign base would not become a migration route.

An MOD spokesperson said:

Yesterday 53 migrants who had previously claimed asylum were transferred in to the care of the Cypriot authorities. To date more than 90 of the 115 migrants who arrived at RAF Akrotiri in October have now claimed asylum and we will continue to work with the Cypriot authorities on the cases of those still in the Sovereign Base Area. We are working with other nations to organise the removal of those individuals who do not wish to seek asylum. The UK Government will not allow a new migrant route to open up to the UK.

Defence review

The Financial Times looks ahead to next week’s Strategic Defence and Security Review. The article says the Prime Minister is to set out what security chiefs believe is the most important statement on Britain's defence strategy since the Cold War. It is written that the Paris terrorist attacks have raised the stakes for the review. 

Falklands rescue

The Mirror reports that British forces on the Falklands help to rescue all 347 passengers and crew from a cruise ship crippled by an engine room blaze. RAF Sea King helicopters and two other support helicopters winch 79 people from life rafts in the water and from the ship's deck, while HMS Clyde shepherded lifeboats to bring the others to shore. The Defence Secretary is quoted, saying that the action "saved many lives and prevented a human tragedy”. 

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:

This successful rescue in the Falklands this morning demonstrates how our Armed Forces are always ready to help those in peril. The swift action taken by Royal Navy and Royal Air Force crews, working with civilian counterparts, saved many lives and prevented this developing into a human tragedy.

The Armed Forces Hindu Network and Royal Navy reserve unit HMS President have celebrated Diwali, The Festival Of Lights. The network marked Diwali with an engagement event in London bringing together figures from the Hindu community and Ministry of Defence for prayers, the lighting of diyas and traditional Hindu dancing. The evening ended with a traditional communal meal.

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