Category: Russia

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Fuel exports from Azerbaijan to Armenia exceeded USD 788,000 in 2025

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Baku, January 26 /Xinhua/ — Fuel exports from Azerbaijan to Armenia reached $788,800 by the end of 2025, according to statistics published by the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan.

According to the agency's report, no exports of goods from Armenia to Azerbaijan were recorded during the reporting period.

A notable event in the sphere of mutual trade was the delivery made on December 18, 2025, when the Azerbaijani side sent 1,220 tons of AI-95 motor gasoline to Armenia.

Armenia continues to import fuel at the beginning of this year. Specifically, on January 9, 1,742 tons of AI-95 gasoline and 956 tons of diesel fuel were received. On January 11, another delivery of 979 tons of AI-92 gasoline was recorded.

The resumption of transportation in this direction became possible after Azerbaijan’s decision, made in October of this year, to lift restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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China is ready to work with the US to resolve differences and advance cooperation, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) — China is willing to work with the United States to properly handle differences, inject momentum into cooperation, and ensure stable, healthy and sustainable development of economic and trade relations between the two countries, the Ministry of Commerce said Monday.

In 2025, China and the United States, guided by the principles of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit, held five rounds of trade and economic consultations, which yielded a number of positive results, Vice Minister of Commerce Yan Dong announced at a press conference organized by the State Council Information Office. This fully demonstrated that China and the United States can find solutions to problems through equal dialogue and consultation, he added.

As the Deputy Minister noted, following the meeting between the two heads of state in Busan, the two sides continued to maintain contacts at various levels within the framework of the China-US trade and economic consultation mechanism. Joint efforts were made to implement the important agreements reached by the two heads of state and implement the outcomes of the China-US trade and economic consultations in Kuala Lumpur.

In the next stage, China is ready to work with the United States to preserve and implement the important agreements reached between the heads of state and effectively utilize the mechanism of trade and economic consultations, while adhering to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutually beneficial cooperation, Yan Dong said. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The "Ideas Transforming Cities" Competition: Your Chance to Make the World a Better Place

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

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We invite students from the State University of Management to participate in the IX All-Russian competition for young architects and urbanists, "Ideas Transforming Cities."

The competition aims to support talented young citizens who are actively involved in planning and creating urban improvement projects.

Schoolchildren, students, young architects, designers, and anyone interested in urban development, aged 7 to 35, are invited to participate.

The competition includes over 40 categories covering a wide range of topics: from the creation of small architectural forms and the design of public spaces to the development of urban master plans and historic site restoration projects. Particular attention is given to projects that consider the needs of people with disabilities, environmental trends, and national cultural traditions.

Works will be judged in four age categories: 7 to 9 years old, 10 to 13 years old, 14 to 17 years old, and 18 to 35 years old.

You can apply and submit your project until April 20 at this link. The authors of the best projects from the remote round will meet at the finals, which will be held in Moscow from May 28 to 30, 2026.

The competition winners will receive valuable prizes, diplomas, and the opportunity to implement their projects in practice.

Participants aged 14-17 will have the opportunity to win trips to the Artek International Children's Center for a themed session titled "Territory of Development – My Dream Home."

Winners over 18 years of age will be recommended for internships at architectural firms and participation in the Tavrida Forum. Winners of the on-site round will also receive additional points for admission to partner universities. The best projects may be recommended to local governments for implementation.

The All-Russian competition "Ideas Transforming Cities" is included in the list of events of the Russian Ministry of Education aimed at developing intellectual and creative abilities for the 2025/26 academic year.

The competition is organized by the Federation Council Committee on Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Self-Government, and Northern Affairs, the State Duma Committee on Construction, Housing, and Utilities, the Autonomous Non-Commercial Organization for the Promotion of Local Self-Government "Institute for Local Communities Development," and the Union of Architects of Russia. The competition, supported by the Russian Ministry of Construction, promotes youth engagement in creating a comfortable and modern urban environment, fulfilling the goals of the National Project "Infrastructure for Life" and the Federal Project "Creating a Comfortable Urban Environment."

Organizing committee: 109012, Moscow, Novaya sq., 8, building 1, office 408, tel. 7 (925) 760-98-40, 7 (495) 606-85-31, e-mail: konkurs.idei.goroda@yandex.ru.

Details of previous years' competitions, current news, and this year's competition regulations can be found on the project's official website.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: January 26, 2026.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The Chinese Foreign Minister held talks with the OIC Secretary General.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hussein Ibrahim Taha in Beijing on Monday.

Noting that the OIC is the largest intergovernmental organization in the Islamic world, Wang Yi said China has always attached strategic importance to developing relations with Islamic countries and the OIC, and highly appreciates their firm support for China on issues related to Xinjiang and Taiwan.

China is willing to cooperate with Islamic countries to protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and prevent the world from returning to the "law of the jungle," Wang Yi said.

According to him, both sides should focus on cooperation in the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road, promote the political settlement of regional issues, and maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.

Wang Yi called on both sides to adhere to genuine multilateralism, uphold the central role of the United Nations and the fundamental norms of international relations, and contribute to building a more equitable and rational global governance system.

H. I. Taha, in turn, noted that the OIC is firmly committed to the one-China principle, highly appreciates the significant development achievements in Xinjiang, and opposes interference by external forces in China's internal affairs.

He expressed the OIC's readiness to strengthen and deepen its partnership with China and jointly maintain peace, stability, prosperity and development in the region.

H.I. Taha praised China's positive contribution to promoting a comprehensive, lasting and just settlement of the Palestinian issue, and expressed hope that China will play an even more active role in this direction. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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China's updated train schedule adds 7 new China-Europe freight routes.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, January 26 (Xinhua) — China's national railway system has implemented an updated train schedule starting at 12:00 a.m. Monday, with a total of 12,130 passenger trains and 23,748 freight trains operating nationwide. The adjustments were made to further improve the freight and passenger transportation capacity and transport efficiency of the national railway system.

As reported by the online news portal chinanews.com.cn, citing a statement from the state-owned China Railway Corporation, the new schedule reflects, in particular, increased efforts to organize international freight transport, manifested in the addition of seven new routes with precise train schedules along the entire route to Europe from such Chinese hub cities as Zhengzhou, Xi'an, Jinan, Changsha, Chongqing, and Shijiazhuang.

We are talking about China-Europe rail freight transport routes, within the framework of which transport services are provided in accordance with fixed train routes, routes and schedules with clearly defined departure points, border crossings and arrival times at all stations, which have been carefully developed and agreed upon by the transport authorities of the countries located along these routes.

Previously, according to official Chinese data, there were 17 such railway routes in the country, covering nine Chinese cities and six European countries, with over 1,000 trains traveling annually. The new train schedule brings the number of such routes to 24, further guaranteeing the stable and uninterrupted operation of international production and supply chains.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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January 26, 2026 Gazprom's projects help St. Petersburg become more comfortable and attractive every year.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Gazprom – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Key areas of cooperation were discussed at a meeting of the Interdepartmental Council for the implementation of the cooperation agreement between the company and the city, chaired by Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee, and Alexander Beglov, Governor of St. Petersburg.

In 2025, Gazprom completed a number of major projects envisaged by the roadmap (it includes more than 60 projects in total).

Gazprom is improving the city's historic center and enhancing its architectural expression. In 2025, the Singer House (House of Books), Mikhailovsky (Engineers') Castle, and the Nikolay-Bogoyavlensky Naval Cathedral received new artistic lighting. Outdoor lighting was replaced on Kirochnaya Street (from Liteyny to Suvorovsky Prospekt), Rubinstein Street, Chernyshevsky Prospekt, the Fontanka River Embankment (from Pestelya Street to Kutuzov Embankment), and Sampsonievsky Bridge. Lighting work on the main building of the Mariinsky Hospital and the facades of buildings on Technological Square has been completed.

In the Scientific Quarter, Academician Sakharov Square, Tiflisskaya Street, Birzhevoy Proezd, Birzhevaya Liniya, and Birzhevoy Pereulok have been improved. In the Central District, renovations to the icon painting department of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy have been completed.

In 2026, it is planned to complete the architectural and artistic illumination of the external facades of the Winter Palace, replace the lamps on the Ushakovsky overpass, update the lighting on Pochtamtskaya Street (Central District), Alexander Park (Petrogradsky District), as well as the central alley, the shoreline, and the perimeter of the Park of the 300th Anniversary of St. Petersburg.

Preserving St. Petersburg's rich heritage strengthens the city's status as a historical and cultural gem of global significance. In December 2025, the State Hermitage Museum opened the final section of the Peter the Great Gallery, opening all 11 halls of the permanent exhibition, created with the support of Gazprom. In the Kunstkamera Tower, the upper floors—the Astronomy Hall with its observatory and the Planetarium with the Gottorp Globe—were reopened after a major re-exhibition. A comprehensive restoration of Grigory Ugryumov's paintings, "The Capture of Kazan by Ivan the Terrible, October 2, 1552" and "The Calling of Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov to the Tsardom, March 14, 1613," has begun in collaboration with the Russian Museum.

Bolshaya Lakhta is developing as a powerful center of attraction. The emerging modern seafront of St. Petersburg was expanded with new facilities in 2025. In June, Gazprom opened a unique all-weather, year-round outdoor swimming pool, the "Flagstok Pool," in the Flagstok public space. Adjacent to it, the world's largest outdoor ice rink, the "Flagstok Rink," operates in winter. Both facilities are extremely popular: the pool has attracted nearly 70,000 visitors since June, and the rink has attracted 511,000 since its opening in November.

The company completed construction of a water sports facility on the shoreline near the 300th Anniversary of St. Petersburg Park. It includes a citywide testing center for the GTO (Ready for Labor and Defense) standard.

The Lakhta Center complex, home to Gazprom's headquarters, opened Europe's highest observation deck and exhibition spaces in 2025. They have already been visited by 214,000 St. Petersburg residents and visitors.

The development of Bolshaya Lakhta continues. The "Sailing Ship Poltava" cultural and historical center and the Triumphal Column commemorating Russia's victory in the Northern War are under construction near the Lakhta Center.

Modern urban infrastructure is being expanded with new facilities. In the spring of 2025, a new refueling station for vehicles using natural gas—the most environmentally friendly and economical fuel—opened. This facility is the fifteenth in Gazprom's network of natural gas filling stations in St. Petersburg. This is the company's contribution to preserving a favorable environment while helping motorists and truckers save money on fuel.

On September 1, with the company's support, a new sports facility opened in the city: the Gazprom Academy of Football Club Zenit. Talented young footballers from across Russia study at this multifunctional complex, which includes a comprehensive school and an indoor football arena. Gazprom's socio-cultural initiatives have earned prestigious awards for St. Petersburg. The company's "Friends of St. Petersburg" project won the "Cultural Code" category at the 5th Russian National Creative Industries Award in 2025.

The "Friends of St. Petersburg" project aims to preserve St. Petersburg's historical and cultural heritage and develop the city's creative potential. For example, events are held to enhance the professional skills of students studying restoration, architecture, construction, and art. Over the past five years, the project has brought together 15 city universities, over 3,000 young professionals, and 4,000 volunteers. The "Friends of St. Petersburg" festival has become a key part of the city's annual events calendar.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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A RUDN University student discusses her studies of the history of Komsomol construction projects and her achievements

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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Yulia Shaipova, a student in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at RUDN University, is a young and promising historian. She specializes in the socioeconomic development of the Russian North and the everyday lives of Soviet youth. Over the past three years, she has built a research portfolio that includes over seven scientific publications in collections, as well as regular presentations at national and international conferences.

We spoke with Yulia to find out when her interest in history arose, why she delved into studying Komsomol construction projects in the USSR, and how scholars can combat stereotypes and misconceptions about historical facts.

How did you come to love history? Is it thanks to your history teacher at school?

Yes, my love of history began during my school years. My homeroom teacher and history teacher played a major role in this. A history graduate, she taught lessons, bringing them to life through real-life eyewitness accounts, historical sources, and historians' opinions. It was her professionalism, deep knowledge, and ability to spark interest in the past that helped me realize I wanted to pursue history professionally, and I chose the History program at RUDN University.

A historian's work often involves painstaking archival work. Could you share if, during your studies, you discovered anything in documents that made you look at a historical era in a new way?

I analyzed the minutes of Komsomol meetings and gained insight into the inner workings of how youth issues were addressed at high-priority construction sites, which were typically overlooked in the press. The statistical reports were impressive in their scale and scope. Much of the data remains classified, which only heightens my interest in studying this topic.

Your research specialization—the Russian North and Soviet youth—sounds very compelling. Why do you consider research on these topics important?

I am inspired by the lives of Soviet youth who participated in Komsomol construction projects in the Russian North and were engaged in Arctic exploration. The energy, enthusiasm, and sincere desire of those who chose this path are truly admirable. Today, amid the mass exodus of population from northern cities, studying the historical experience of the 1950s and 1960s is particularly important. This not only allows us to understand the past but can also provide valuable lessons for addressing contemporary issues in these regions.

At the All-Russian Scientific Conference "KLIO-2025" in Irkutsk, you took second place with your research on Komsomol construction projects during the "Thaw" era. Tell us about the main points and conclusions of the paper that earned you the prize.

The report demonstrated that Komsomol construction projects of the 1950s and 1960s became a powerful tool for modernizing the country, promoting technological advances, and developing sparsely populated regions. Interregional scientific dialogue proved valuable: discussing the specifics of youth construction projects with specialists in Eastern Siberia helped to gain a deeper understanding of the general organizational challenges the state faced in remote regions of the USSR.

You also won a research paper competition for a paper in French on the French perception of Nikita Khrushchev. Could you share what kind of person and politician the French considered the head of the USSR?

The French-language paper revealed a striking contrast: while Khrushchev was ironically nicknamed "Kukuruznik" in the USSR, in France he was known as "Nikita the Terrible" or "The Man with the Shoe." For the French public, he became the embodiment of change—an open, dynamic leader unafraid of direct dialogue with the West. Drawing on the works of Christian Pineau and Claude Estier, I showed how, beneath the surface of impulsiveness, the French discerned in Khrushchev a politician who managed to give the Soviet Union a "human face." I believe the jury was impressed by the choice of topic and the unusual perspectives of French historians on the Soviet leader.

You not only actively presented papers, but also participated this year in the 10th International History School at the Elbrus Educational and Scientific Complex of the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh. M. Berbekov. What do you remember about that school?

The history school's program was very comprehensive. Leading experts on the Caucasus gave lectures on the history of Kabardino-Balkaria, its mentality, and the traditions of its peoples. In addition to the academic component, the program included a thrilling cable car ride to the peak of the Caucasus Mountains, Mount Elbrus. Evenings of traditional dances and entertainment created a warm and friendly atmosphere. For me, an important aspect of the International History School was the opportunity to exchange experiences with historians from various regions of Russia, learn about promising research areas, and establish professional contacts.

History is often distorted these days, and some people believe established historical myths. How do you think a young scientist can counter stereotypes and incorrect interpretations of history?

For a young historian, the best way to combat myths is through active scholarly dialogue: participating in discussions, publishing articles, and honestly working with archives. When you hold a real document of the era in your hands, simplified and inaccurate interpretations give way to a complex and living reality.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years: a scientist at an academic institute working with archives, or a science popularizer bringing these complex topics to a wider audience through modern media? Or perhaps a combination of both?

In 10 years, I see myself as a "researcher-educator" who successfully combines academic work with the popularization of science. I plan to focus on archival research and defending my dissertation, as I believe that a deep understanding of Northern history will help us objectively illuminate the past. However, I don't want to limit myself to academia: I would like to become a "public historian" who can convey complex archival findings to a wider audience through modern media formats.

What advice would you give to someone who is just considering a serious academic career in the humanities but is unsure about its relevance?

I would recommend boldly pursuing your academic interests. The humanities are becoming increasingly important for understanding social processes, especially in the modern world. The more we explore, the clearer it becomes how much remains unexplored and requires in-depth study. Humanities specialists with specialized expertise are especially needed now. Therefore, it's important to continually develop professionally, find ways to apply your scientific discoveries in practice, and understand the impact our work can have on society. Sometimes, in completely unexpected ways, your chosen topic can become particularly relevant and become an important part of public consciousness.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Six global nuclear energy trends worth knowing

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

2. There are 416 power units in operation worldwide.

PRIS continuously collects various data on power units, and this information is updated regularly. As of November 19, 2025, the total capacity of all 416 operating power units worldwide was 376.3 GW(e). In 2024, there were 421 operating power units, with a total generating capacity of 377.0 GW(e), generating approximately 2,617.3 TWh of electricity—enough to provide low-carbon energy for hundreds of millions of homes.

The United States remains the world's largest producer of nuclear energy, with 94 nuclear power units (96,952 MW(e)) in operation. In 2024, they generated approximately 781.9 TWh of electricity.

China is rapidly expanding its nuclear power plant fleet, with 57 units (55.3 GW(e)) in operation and another 29 (29.6 GW(e)) under construction. In 2024, Chinese nuclear power plants generated over 417.5 TWh of electricity.

Nuclear energy also plays a significant role in the electricity generation mix of European countries. France leads the way with 57 nuclear power units (63.0 GW(e)), which generated approximately 67.3% of the country's total electricity in 2024—the highest share in the world.

Other European countries with a high share of nuclear electricity generation include Slovakia (60.6%), Hungary (47.1%) and Finland (39.1%).

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China supports Myanmar's stakeholders in achieving peace and reconciliation through general elections, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, January 26 (Xinhua) — China supports all parties in Myanmar achieving broader, lasting, and long-term peace and reconciliation through general elections and de-escalating the situation in the country as soon as possible, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday.

He made this statement at a regular departmental press conference in response to a media request to comment on the completion of the third stage of voting in the general elections in Myanmar.

"China, Russia, India, relevant ASEAN countries, and international organizations sent observers to the elections. The election process was assessed as stable and orderly, and voter turnout was noted. China extends its congratulations for this," Guo Jiakun said.

China intends to work with the international community to respect the elections held by the Myanmar people and provide constructive assistance in quickly restoring peace, stability, and development in that country, the Chinese diplomat concluded. -0-

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Polytechnic University is the best employer in the Science and Education sector according to the hh.ru 2025 ranking.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Polytechnic University was included in the hh.ru employer ranking and took first place among the largest scientific and educational organizations, becoming the only university in St. Petersburg in this industry and numerical group based on the results of 2025.

In the overall ranking among the largest companies by number of employees (more than 5,001 people), SPbPU took 114th place, scoring 97.05 points.

"Over 5,500 people work for the benefit of the Polytechnic University, and our goal as an employer is to continuously create an environment in which our employees can not only develop professionally but also feel the value of their contribution to the development of society, higher education, and science," notes Vice-Rector for Human Resources Maria Vrublevskaya. "As part of the university's development program, we have launched a number of initiatives aimed at developing the competencies and qualifications of Polytechnic students, supporting talented individuals through training, internships, and project involvement, as well as onboarding and attracting new employees. Our goals for the new year include optimizing support processes, improving service quality and customer focus, and implementing socially oriented programs. And these are just the first steps on the long road to creating an atmosphere of well-being, security, and self-development."

The annual hh.ru employer ranking is a large-scale labor market study, providing insights into how companies structure their internal HR processes, personnel management, and job seeker interactions. As of the end of 2025, approximately 1,792 companies from 41 economic sectors participated in the study. The final results were compiled based on 692,000 votes cast by job seekers across the country.

Rating xx.ru "This award reflects a high assessment of SPbPU's human resources and internal environment. Our status as a 'best employer' obligates us to strictly adhere to labor quality standards and improve our tools for retaining and attracting leading academic and management personnel," says Maria Pakhomova, Head of the HR Directorate.

The ranking methodology is based on a multi-component assessment, combining: a company-wide HR survey; an eNPS survey assessing the loyalty of current employees; an analysis of former employee reviews; and a survey of external job seekers. This comprehensive approach provides a comparable picture of employer perceptions.

You can see the rating results here follow the link.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.