Day: February 15, 2023

In a tragedy, affecting people who had probably suffered enough, a bus carrying 60 migrants who had crossed into Panama from Colombia through the dangers of Darién Province crashed in Panama. 39 of those on board are reported as having been killed. It is said to have fallen from the road into a ravine. initial reports appear to confirm that several of the victims were Cuban.

Meanwhile, avian flu remains a concern, with the Minister of Agricultural Development (MIDA) confirming 3 cases, involving the slaughter of 2,500 domestic birds. in a statement, the Minister asked the population to avoid the management of backyard birds, not to rescue sick birds and call MIDA at once if concerned, to prevent the poultry sector that comprises 50% of agricultural GDP “from being affected and our country remains free of diseases”.

15 FEBRUARY 2023

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/KoIvM842y

On 15 February, HM Treasury announced General Licence INT/2023/2711256 under Regulation 61 of the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 in connection to humanitarian activity in relation to earthquake relief efforts in Syria and Turkey.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ofsi-general-licence-int20232711256

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/KoIvM842y

On 15 February, the EU Sanctions blog reported that the new package includes the addition of 7 Iranian entities to the EU’s Russia dual use sanctions, nearly 100 new individuals, restrictions on the export specific rare earth materials and thermal cameras, further restrictions on the export of dual use goods and advanced technology goods, and export bans on critical technology and industrial goods.

https://www.europeansanctions.com/2023/02/details-of-the-eus-proposed-10th-package-of-russia-sanctions-announced/

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_23_907

https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/russiaukraine-press-statement-high-representativevice-president-josep-borrell-10th-package_en

According to EU Observer, the ban extends to portable toilets…

https://euobserver.com/world/156725

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/KoIvM842y

On 14 February, this report from RUSI says that Russia’s nuclear energy exports continue to expand, even as its overall economy bears the brunt of Western sanctions.  Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation (Rosatom), which has a monopoly over the Russian nuclear industry, has continued exports of nuclear fuel and other goods relevant to the nuclear energy sector.  According to Russian customs data, sourced through a third-party commercial trade data provider, Russia has exported just over $1 billion-worth of nuclear energy-related goods and materials since the start of the war in Ukraine.  It notes that generous Russian financing arrangements make Russia an attractive supplier among its other competitors in the nuclear energy sector.

https://static.rusi.org/RUSI-Russian-Exports-final-web_0.pdf

On 15 February, Politico reported that the EU is considering whether to designate Dubai-based SUN Ship Management Ltd (formerly SCF Management Services), after Sovcomflot is believed to have transferred its entire fleet of 92 vessels to SUN in order to circumvent EU and international sanctions.  It is reported to operate a fleet of 92 Liberian- and Cypriot-flagged crude Oil, LNG and chemical vessels.

https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1143988/New-EU-sanctions-could-target-Sovcomflots-Dubai-operations

On 1 February, this paper claims that exchange traded funds (ETF) are used in a new form of insider trading known as “shadow trading”.   It is said that findings suggest insider trading is more pervasive than just the “direct” forms that have been the focus of research and enforcement to date.

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4343579

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/KoIvM842y