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Defence in the media

https://modmedia.blog.gov.uk/2016/08/23/defence-in-the-media-23-august-2016/

Defence in the media: 23 August 2016

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Today’s defence-related news features reports that a resident king penguin and honorary member of the king of Norway’s guard has been given a new title of brigadier.

Saudi Arabia

It is being reported that Britain, France and the US are facing criticism over an agreement to sell arms to Saudi Arabia, which could be used in Yemen.

A Government spokesperson said:

The UK Government takes its arms export responsibilities very seriously and operates one of the most robust arms export control regimes in the world. The Government is satisfied that extant licences for Saudi Arabia are compliant with the UK’s export licensing criteria. The key test for our continued arms exports to Saudi Arabia in relation to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is whether there is a clear risk that those weapons might be used in a serious violation of IHL. The situation is kept under careful and continual review.

Syria

There is continued reporting in the Daily Telegraph of US warnings to the Syrian Government that the Americans would not hesitate to defend themselves if they felt threatened. According to reports, the warning comes after Syrian warplanes carried out airstrikes near an American base last week.

Norwegian military mascot

It is widely reported including on the front page of The Guardian, that a resident king penguin, has been given a military promotion in a special ceremony at Edinburgh zoo. Sir Nils Olav, an honorary member of the king of Norway’s guard, has been given a new title of brigadier. 

Image of the day

Nils Olav the penguin inspects the Guard of Honour formed by His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard. On Monday morning, 22 August, His Majesty the King of Norway's Guard paid a very special visit to RZSS Edinburgh Zoo to bestow a unique honour upon our resident king penguin Sir Nils Olav. Already a knight, the most famous king penguin in the world was given the new title of “Brigadier Sir Nils Olav”. The prestigious title was awarded during a special ceremony which was attended by over 100 uniformed soldiers of His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard, who are taking part in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this year. Sir Nils paraded his way up Penguin Walk, whilst inspecting the soldiers of the Guard. Brigadier David Allfrey, Producer and Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, added: “This is just a simply fantastic example of the great relations between our two countries, and it couldn’t be a more charming tradition. At the Tattoo we of course have many inspecting officers but this is by far my favourite. Congratulations, Brigadier Olav!”
Nils Olav the penguin inspects the Guard of Honour formed by His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard. On Monday morning, 22 August, His Majesty the King of Norway's Guard paid a very special visit to RZSS Edinburgh Zoo to bestow a unique honour upon our resident king penguin Sir Nils Olav. Already a knight, the most famous king penguin in the world was given the new title of “Brigadier Sir Nils Olav”. Crown Copyright.

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