Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Airat Gatiyatov assessed the level of readiness of the second phase of the NSU campus facilities.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

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On behalf of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Valery Falkov, Deputy Minister Airat Gatiyatov visited the construction site of the second phase of the project during a working visit to Novosibirsk.new campus of NSU, which is being built within the framework of the national project "Youth and Children" – an educational and scientific centerInstitute of Medicine and Medical Technologies(UNC IMMT) and the NSU Research Center (R&D Center). Construction of these facilities is scheduled for completion this year.

Together with Novosibirsk Region Governor Andrey Travnikov and NSU Rector Dmitry Pyshny, the Deputy Minister of Education and Science inspected the facilities of the world-class campus under construction and held a meeting on the project's implementation.

The construction of NSU's new campus consists of several phases. The first phase includes the academic building.Specialized Scientific Center of Novosibirsk State UniversityThe NSU Specialized Scientific Center (SENC) recreation center and NSU dormitory complex, which accommodates 690 students, were commissioned and have been operational since September 1, 2024. One of the second-stage facilities, the classroom building, opened in late August 2025. It will be able to accommodate approximately 1,700 students at a time. The building includes four classrooms, the largest of which can accommodate 400 students, a research library, a student project center, coworking spaces, and a conference hall.

The new building of the NSU Institute of Medical and Mathematical Technologies (IMMT) will provide training facilities for over 700 students in medical fields, including new programs such as Medical Cybernetics and Industrial Pharmacy, which opened at NSU in 2025. It will house practical workshops and laboratories for molecular pharmacology, metabolomic research, medicinal chemistry, molecular virology, oncology, and other fields, as well as a simulation center for practicing the practical skills of future doctors.

The NSU Research Center building will house up to 180 university researchers—graduate students and young scientists. Promising scientific and technological areas will be developed there, including space instrumentation, photonics and sensors, biomedical and pharmaceutical technologies, synchrotron technologies, high-performance computing, and others. The Research Center will also house a pilot production facility for biotech products.

"NSU's new campus is an investment in the future of Russian science and education. It's creating an environment where education, research, and technology work together as a unified system, and where students and young scientists are provided with world-class opportunities," noted Airat Gatiyatov.

Construction and installation work has been fully completed at the NSU IMMT USC building, including laying walls and partitions, installing the roof, stained-glass windows, and the façade. Interior finishing is well underway: ceilings and walls are complete, electrical wiring and outlets are being installed, elevator installation is complete, and door installation has begun. Commissioning of internal utility systems, such as fire alarms, has also begun. Partial deliveries of equipment and furniture have begun.

Interior finishing work is also underway at the NSU Research Center, and preparations have begun for the installation of cleanrooms. The technical readiness of the NSU Research Center and the NSU Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics (IMMT) Research Center buildings is 73.5% and 84.5%, respectively.

At the direction of President Vladimir Putin, a network of modern campuses is being created in Russia. By 2030, the country is expected to have a constellation of 25 campuses. The Government of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Education and Science are leading this effort. Funding for the project is provided by federal and regional budgets, as well as extra-budgetary sources.

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.

A stunning molten iron fireworks show in Shanghai

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

SHANGHAI, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) — A unique "fireworks show" made of molten iron was held on the banks of the Huangpu River in Pudong New Area, creating a vibrant spectacle against the night sky, as part of the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) cultural festival.

This alternative to fireworks – “Da tehua” (literally translated into Russian – “to carve iron flowers”) – was invented in ancient times by blacksmiths: when liquid iron reaches 1,600 degrees, it is thrown into the air using planks, resulting in a “rain of iron flowers.”

SHANGHAI, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) — A unique "fireworks show" made of molten iron was held on the banks of the Huangpu River in Pudong New Area, creating a vibrant spectacle against the night sky, as part of the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) cultural festival.

This alternative to fireworks – “Da tehua” (literally translated into Russian – “to carve iron flowers”) – was invented in ancient times by blacksmiths: when liquid iron reaches 1,600 degrees, it is thrown into the air using planks, resulting in a “rain of iron flowers.”

SHANGHAI, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) — A unique "fireworks show" made of molten iron was held on the banks of the Huangpu River in Pudong New Area, creating a vibrant spectacle against the night sky, as part of the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) cultural festival.

This alternative to fireworks – “Da tehua” (literally translated into Russian – “to carve iron flowers”) – was invented in ancient times by blacksmiths: when liquid iron reaches 1,600 degrees, it is thrown into the air using planks, resulting in a “rain of iron flowers.”

SHANGHAI, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) — A unique "fireworks show" made of molten iron was held on the banks of the Huangpu River in Pudong New Area, creating a vibrant spectacle against the night sky, as part of the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) cultural festival.

This alternative to fireworks – “Da tehua” (literally translated into Russian – “to carve iron flowers”) – was invented in ancient times by blacksmiths: when liquid iron reaches 1,600 degrees, it is thrown into the air using planks, resulting in a “rain of iron flowers.”

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.

Chongqing: International students immerse themselves in the traditional Chinese New Year atmosphere

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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

Ahead of the Spring Festival, 20 international students gathered in the Ban'an district of Chongqing, southwest China, to learn about local cultural customs, such as Mudong folk songs, the art of jianzhi paper cutting, and the making of traditional rice cakes. Participants were able to experience the joyful atmosphere of Chinese New Year.

Photo by a Xinhua News Agency correspondent.

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.

It's Spring Festival time on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

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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

On February 1, a festive parade celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year took place on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. This is the fourth time this event has been held on the French capital's main street.

The robot-led procession was accompanied by traditional performances—dragon and lion dances, as well as folk dances. The vibrant program attracted the attention of Parisians and tourists alike.

Photo by a Xinhua News Agency correspondent.

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.

From "China Travel" to "Becoming Chinese": Why Do Foreigners Fall in Love with China?

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

Since early 2026, a trend called "Becoming Chinese" has been gaining momentum on international social media. Riding this wave, foreign users have begun actively sharing their "Chinese lifestyle": drinking hot water, preparing nutritious soups, practicing Baduanjin exercises… Most of them may have never been to China, but thanks to watching short videos, they live as if they have become "distant Chinese relatives."

The emergence of the trend of “becoming Chinese from a distance” is not a coincidence.

The "Becoming Chinese" trend originated from a TikTok video by Chinese-born blogger Sherry Zhu. In the video, she explains Chinese winter wellness practices, principles of traditional Chinese medicine, and Chinese dietary habits, such as drinking hot water and eating raw and cold foods in moderation. She jokingly declares, "Starting tomorrow, you will become Chinese." Her video quickly garnered millions of views and sparked a wave of imitation among international users. They began practicing qigong, brewing apple water, steeping goji berries, and sharing moments from their lives "in Chinese style." Moreover, the international audience's interest in the "Chinese way of life" is not limited to wellness but extends to all aspects of life: clothing, food, housing, and transportation. Some add red elements to their clothing to attract good luck for the Spring Festival; others learn to play mahjong to become more "Sinicized."

Brew a cup of hot tea, cook a bowl of warm porridge—the popularity of the "Chinese way of life" among foreign users is a clear reflection of Chinese culture's progressive emergence on the global stage. Previously, foreign internet users associated Chinese culture with giant pandas, kung fu, and a host of stereotypical symbols. Today, it's a tangible and understandable "Chinese way of life," the Eastern aesthetics of the game "Black Myth: Wukong," the value resonance of the cartoon "Nezha," and the emotional comfort brought by the world-famous Labubu dolls.

"China Travel" Remains Popular: Foreigners See the Real China

If "Becoming Chinese" can be characterized as foreigners' desire to experience Chinese culture from a distance, then "China Travel" is their personal experience of getting to know the real China.

Since its explosive growth in popularity in 2024, interest in "China Travel" has remained consistently high. Fueled by social media, this trend features both active recommendations from international influencers based on their personal experiences and rave reviews from many foreign tourists following their trips to China.

In November 2024, American Evan Kyle, who had previously donated an album of World War II photographs to China, set out on his first trip to China. He observed the flag-raising ceremony in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, learned to cook jianbingguozi (egg pancakes) in Tianjin, and sampled local delicacies at the Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou. The hospitality of the Chinese people left a deep impression on him. In a media interview, he even expressed hope that China would become his "second home." From March to April 2025, live broadcasts from China by the American YouTuber "IShowSpeed" generated a huge response. On the streets of Shanghai, he danced the trendy "kemusan" dance; in Beijing, wearing a colorful quilted jacket, he dared to try a special Beijing soybean drink called "douzhir"; and at the Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province, dressed in monk's robes, he practiced the "iron shirt" (tiebushan) technique. These amusing livestreams elicited admiration from many foreign viewers: "We've rediscovered China!"

Unlike many popular bloggers, French photographer Alex Cissé's video about his trip to China offers no appreciation of the local cuisine or landscapes, nor does itinerary planning advice. In a monologue, he reflects on the process of dismantling his stereotypes about China: "In China, I realized that my values aren't universal. I thought I was visiting China, but in reality, China had entered my heart."

From personal participation in "China Travel" to "remotely imitating the Chinese," foreigners' fascination with China begins with a search for the real China and is reinforced through real, tangible experiences in which they feel an ever-growing attraction, experiencing constant admiration and a sense of belonging. Whether it's the enthusiastic experiences of foreign tourists visiting China to see its beauty and sample its cuisine, or the practice of imitating Chinese people by cooking hot porridge or soup, these vivid stories and candid accounts create an emotional resonance in intercultural communication. They also serve as the most vivid commentary on the image of an open and inclusive China and its long, rich culture.

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.

Breaking News: A fire broke out at an oil storage facility in South Korea's Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

SEOUL, February 10 (Xinhua) — An oil storage tank owned by Korea Pipeline Corporation caught fire on Tuesday morning in South Korea's Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, the Renhap News Agency reported.

Police said the fire was caused by an explosion at the top of the tank. There were no reports of casualties.

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.

UN High Commissioner: El Fasher tragedy could have been prevented

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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February 9, 2026 Human rights

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated that the events that unfolded in the Sudanese city of El Fasher last October were a avoidable disaster. Speaking to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, he emphasized the need to hold those responsible accountable and prevent a recurrence of such crimes.

"After 18 months of siege, starvation and bombing, the Rapid Reaction Force unleashed a wave of brutal violence that killed thousands of people in a matter of days and sent tens of thousands fleeing in fear," Türk recalled.

Sexual violence and abductions

According to the High Commissioner, during a recent trip to Sudan He personally met with the victims. His staff interviewed over 140 victims and witnesses of the violence. People spoke of mass killings, extrajudicial executions, sexual violence, torture, abductions, and enforced disappearances. The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) received evidence of attacks targeting non-Arabs, in particular members of the Zaghawa ethnic group.

Turk said sexual violence was systematically used as a weapon of war.

“During my visit, I met with survivors who gave consistent and heartbreaking accounts of gang rapes and other forms of sexual violence against women and girls,” he stressed.

According to him, militants also kidnapped fleeing people and demanded huge ransoms. Thousands remain missing. Many were likely killed, while others are believed to be held in inhumane conditions.

Probable war crimes

Last month, the International Criminal Court (ICC) informed the UN Security Council that attacks may have been committed in El Fasher. war crimes and crimes against humanityThe OHCHR's findings, as Türk noted, coincide with this assessment.

The High Commissioner recalled that for over a year, the UN Office had been warning of the risk of mass atrocities in besieged El Fasher. He said the threat was clear, but these warnings were ignored.

Türk emphasized that responsibility for the crimes committed "lies entirely with the Rapid Reaction Force and its allies and sponsors." At the same time, the OHCHR chief added, the international community must also act more decisively.

The High Commissioner expressed deep concern about the situation in Kordofan, where drone strikes continue and civilians are being killed. In just two weeks, according to the UN Office, approximately 90 civilians have been killed and more than 140 injured. Strikes have targeted a World Food Programme convoy, as well as markets, medical facilities, and residential areas in Southern and Northern Kordofan. According to Türk, civilians are at risk of extrajudicial executions, sexual violence, arbitrary detention, and loss of loved ones.

Call to action

Hate speech is becoming a catalyst for ethnic violence, the UN's top human rights defender warned. Local leaders are using dehumanizing rhetoric against entire communities to justify atrocities, mobilize fighters, and deepen divisions.

Türk called on states to exert pressure on parties to the conflict to comply with international law, cease attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. He also reiterated his call for the expansion of the arms embargo to all of Sudan.

The High Commissioner stressed that despite the scale of the tragedy, hope remains.

"One thing became crystal clear to me during my visit to Sudan: the spirit of the struggle for peace, justice, and freedom is still alive," he said. "The Sudanese people hold the key to sustainable peace in their country, and they will prevail."

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.

Denis Manturov: The front received another batch of equipment.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

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First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov attended a ceremony handing over 125 units of equipment to military personnel. The Niva and UAZ SUVs, as well as KamAZ, Sobol, and UAZ (Bukhanka) trucks, and Chaborz buggies will be sent to the front, where they are currently in high demand.

In accordance with the Russian President's directive, the Government is allocating the necessary funds, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade is organizing the procurement and donation of equipment to meet the needs of the special military operation. These deliveries, supported by the People's Front, have been ongoing for three years now, and during this time, military personnel have received over 7,000 vehicles.

"We continue to implement the task set by the President and are delivering another batch of vehicles to the troops. Units in five military districts will receive these models, which are in high demand at the front, used for transporting troops, delivering ammunition, rotating assault teams, and evacuating the wounded. Clearly, this is only a small part of what the government and volunteers are doing for the front. But for those who heroically defend the interests of the country, no matter what, every support is crucial. Therefore, we will continue to find ways to further expand this support," said Denis Manturov.

The People's Front equipped the donated vehicles with additional individual kits for the soldiers. Each car and buggy was equipped with night vision goggles, Kevlar vests, Bulat drone detection devices, drone backpacks, nutrition bars, thermal mugs, and power banks.

"Once again, we are handing over equipment to our soldiers on the hospitable soil of Rostov. We have 125 all-terrain vehicles here, including Nivas and UAZs in various configurations. There are also ambulances, buggies, several KamAZ trucks, and the star of the UAZ constellation (the "Bukhanka"), all equipped with anti-fragmentation blankets. Vehicles with such protection are particularly effective in evacuating the wounded. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for this ongoing support from the Government of the Russian Federation," said Mikhail Kuznetsov, head of the People's Front Executive Committee.

The People's Regiments donated 10 camouflage kits for trucks, 58 garage-canopies for passenger vehicles, and four for heavy trucks to the troops. In addition, the troops received 74 sets of 3D-printed items, 199 retort bags, 36 sun protection sleeves for drone operators, 75 urban camouflage nets designed to look like garbage, and four Leshy (Leshy) suits in the same color scheme.

"The Rostov Region has remained a strong support base since the start of the special military operation. The regional government and residents have already delivered nearly 9,000 tons of aid and equipment to the front lines. These figures represent lives saved, missions accomplished, and support for our soldiers who are steadfastly fighting on the front lines," noted Rostov Region Governor Yuri Slyusar.

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.

Dmitry Patrushev: Funding for forest fire suppression measures in 2026 will amount to approximately 27 billion rubles.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting on preparedness to ensure the safety of the 2026 flood and fire season. The event was held at the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations' situation center. All relevant federal agencies participated—the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East, Roshydromet, Rostekhnadzor, Rosprirodnadzor, Rosvodresursy, and Rosleskhoz—as well as the heads of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Thanks to this format of cooperation, significant consequences of adverse natural events were avoided last year.

"Last year, the area burned by fire was reduced by almost half. The Russian government allocated approximately 20 billion rubles for forest fire prevention and control in 2025. This funding included the creation of a forest fire center in the Far East and the upgrading of the equipment of units in the regions most prone to fires. This year, funding for related activities has been increased by another 7 billion rubles. Specifically, there are plans to establish 11 new air units and strengthen 40 existing ones," said Dmitry Patrushev.

This year, the procurement of video cameras will continue, which will improve the speed of wildfire detection. Forest firefighting equipment will be updated, including for new regions. Additional funds for forest fire prevention and control will be provided to 19 regions. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized to the meeting participants that all measures must be carried out efficiently and before the onset of the fire season.

Roshydromet has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive wildfire forecast. Rosleskhoz is tasked with inspecting all regions for the season's preparedness, paying particular attention to the condition of equipment and the staffing levels of units, as well as forest fire prevention measures. Ground and air patrols must also be monitored regularly.

Ivan Sovetnikov, head of the Federal Forestry Agency, spoke about joint preparations with the regions for the fire season. He noted that increased federal funding will, among other things, allow for the hiring of over a thousand new employees.

Dmitry Patrushev recalled that, in accordance with the Presidential Decree, the goal is to halve the area of forest fires by 2030. Furthermore, this year, almost 85% of fires must be extinguished within 24 hours of detection. Last year, not all regions met this requirement.

The leaders of the most fire-prone regions of the Russian Federation briefed the Deputy Prime Minister on their efforts to protect populated areas from wildfires, organize firefighting efforts in hard-to-reach areas, and prevent agricultural fires. Dmitry Patrushev emphasized the importance of regions informing local governments about fire safety requirements in populated areas prone to wildfires. Furthermore, it is necessary to inspect social infrastructure, energy, transportation, and agricultural land bordering forested areas to ensure preventative measures are in place.

The Russian Ministry of Natural Resources has been instructed to pay special attention to ensuring fire safety in specially protected natural areas.

At the end of the meeting, Dmitry Patrushev emphasized the importance of high-quality interagency cooperation. This can be organized through exercises and unscheduled inspections conducted by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. Furthermore, headquarters have been established at the federal level and in each region to prevent and respond to potential emergencies. The experience of the district headquarters in the central part of the country has proven its effectiveness and will continue to function. The Deputy Prime Minister also recommended establishing similar headquarters in each federal district.

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.

Dmitry Patrushev: In 2026, approximately 9 billion rubles have been allocated for the construction of hydraulic structures and the clearing of water bodies.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting on preparedness to ensure the safety of the 2026 flood and fire season. The event was held at the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations' situation center. All relevant federal agencies participated—the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East, Roshydromet, Rostekhnadzor, Rosprirodnadzor, Rosvodresursy, and Rosleskhoz—as well as the heads of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. This format of cooperation helped prevent significant consequences from adverse natural events last year.

According to preliminary estimates from Roshydromet, precipitation has already exceeded normal levels across most of the country. Moreover, sharp temperature fluctuations are possible in the European part of Russia in late February and March, which could lead to dangerously high water levels. Furthermore, challenging conditions are expected in the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts.

"In 2025, 34 hydraulic engineering and protective structures were built and repaired. This year, the Russian government has allocated approximately 9 billion rubles for this area of work, as well as for the cleanup of water bodies, which is a billion rubles more than last year's funding," said Dmitry Patrushev.

The Deputy Prime Minister announced that work on a number of major projects is expected to be completed by 2026. These include dams in Khabarovsk Krai and the Jewish Autonomous Region. Furthermore, starting this year, reservoir operating modes will be regulated through a new module in the Rosvodresursy information system.

Dmitry Kirillov, Head of the Federal Water Resources Agency, spoke about joint work with the regions to prepare reservoirs for the safe passage of floods and implement planned preventative measures. This work takes into account the climatic and geographical characteristics of the regions. Thus, reservoirs in southern Russia, including new territories, have completed their flood control tasks and are now filling. Reservoirs in central Russia will be ready by early April, and those in the Arctic, Siberia, and the Far East will be ready by May.

Dmitry Patrushev noted that Rostekhnadzor, together with regional and federal agencies, must continue monitoring the condition of hydraulic structures. Particular attention will be paid to abandoned structures.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that all preventative measures must be implemented in a timely manner to ensure effective work during the season. Roshydromet, in turn, must regularly provide agencies and regions with high-quality and comprehensive forecasts, particularly regarding flood development. Furthermore, Dmitry Patrushev instructed that the opening of additional hydrological observation posts be considered to increase monitoring coverage.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of planned and preventive measures by the Federal Agency for Water Resources. This includes, in particular, reservoir management, transboundary cooperation, and flood control measures in particularly hazardous areas.

Following the meeting, Dmitry Patrushev emphasized that each responsible agency and all Russian regions must develop an action plan for various flood scenarios.

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.