U.S. AND PERU AGREE TO CONTINUE PROTECTING PERUVIAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL ITEMS

Photo:  Peruvian Ancient Art Object.  Credit:  Wikimedia.

F

ROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT

United States and Peru Extend Agreement to Protect Peruvian Heritage

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 8, 2012

The Department of State is pleased to announce the extension of the “Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Peru Concerning the Imposition of Import Restrictions on Archaeological Material from the Pre-Hispanic Cultures and Certain Ethnological Material from the Colonial Period of Peru” (MOU). The Department of Homeland Security has published notification of the extended restrictions in the Federal Register, effective June 9, 2012.
The MOU covers archaeological remains of ancient cultures - such as the Chavin, Moche, Cuzco, Incas - that developed in Peru from 12,000 B.C. to A.D. 1532. Their achievements include the construction of city complexes; advances in metallurgy; the production of textiles, gold and silver jewelry, and unique styles of polychrome ceramic vessels. They are a reminder that the accomplishments of these ancient cultures are among the most important in the history of mankind. The MOU also protects ethnological material produced during the Colonial period (A.D. 1532-1821) such as sculpture and paintings with stylistically distinct iconography.

This MOU, in effect since 1997, is possible under U.S. legislation that implements the UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, a framework of cooperation to stem pillage and unauthorized transport of cultural objects across boundaries. Systematic pillage of archaeological sites in Peru and removal of ecclesiastical ethnological material has caused irreparable loss to Peruvian history and tradition. Their protection promotes alternative approaches to accessing this material for cultural, educational, and scientific purposes and offers Peru the opportunity to develop long-term solutions for safeguarding its unique ancient past.

By extending this MOU, the United States demonstrates its continued respect for the extraordinary cultural heritage of Peru. The restricted objects may enter the United States if accompanied with an export permit issued by the government of Peru or documentation of its provenance prior to 1997 and if no other applicable U.S. laws are violated.

The extension is consistent with a recommendation made by the Cultural Property Advisory Committee to the Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State, to whom the President’s decision-making authority on these matters is delegated. The Committee is a presidentially-appointed body established to make recommendations to the Department concerning cultural property agreements.
This MOU follows on emergency protection that entered into force in 1990 to reduce the threat of pillage of Moche artifacts newly found at the royal tombs of Sipan, Peru. Protection of the Sipan material was incorporated into the MOU in 1997 and continues in effect.

SPACE SHUTTLE ENTERPRISE MOVES TO PERMANENT HOME

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
Enterprise Moves to Intrepid
Atop a barge on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, the space shuttle Enterprise was towed on the Hudson River past the Statue of Liberty on its way to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, where it will be permanently displayed.  Image Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

First Look At The Shuttle Enterprise With the Cast of Star Trek & Crew Of The Star Ship Enterprise. Photo Credit:  NASA.

USS NICHOLAS RECOVERS OVER 4900 LBS OF COCAINE

 Photo Left :  USS Nicholas.  Credit:  U.S. Navy.
FROM:  U.S. NAVY
USS Nicholas Recovers Approximately 4,900 Pounds Of Cocaine 


From U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs
USS NICHOLAS, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47) recovered 112 bales of cocaine, weighing approximately 4,910 pounds, during an interdiction off the Pacific Coast of Colombia in support of Operation Martillo, June 4.

The estimated wholesale value of the recovered drugs is more than $60 million, with an estimated street value of more than $367 million.

In a coordinated effort, crews from Nicholas, the U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sherman, and the Colombian navy disrupted a major shipment of contraband.

U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard LEDET personnel recovered contraband that was jettisoned from the go-fast before the vessel entered Colombian territorial waters. The Colombian navy was in the vicinity and launched a patrol boat to intercept and seize the go-fast.

Photo Above 120506-N-ZZ999-002 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 6, 2012) Alleged drug traffickers are arrested by Colombian naval forces in this still frame from a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) video camera from a U.S. Navy helicopter assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS McClusky (FFG 41) during interdiction operations in the eastern Pacific coastal waters of Colombia. The helicopter maintained surveillance as the Colombian navy made the arrest. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)  

Since the beginning of their deployment in January, USS Nicholas and the embarked LEDET has seized approximately 10,148 pounds of cocaine, with a total estimated street value of more than $759 million.

Operation Martillo (Spanish for 'hammer') is a U.S., European, and Western Hemisphere partner nation effort targeting illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along the Central American isthmus. U.S. military participation is being led by Joint Interagency Task Force-South, a component of U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), while U.S. maritime law enforcement and the interdiction phase of operations in the region occurs under the tactical control of the 11th Coast Guard District, based in Alameda, Calif., or by law enforcement agencies of partner nations in the region. Operation Martillo is a component of the U.S. government's coordinated interagency regional security strategy in support of the White House strategy to combat transnational organized crime and the U.S. Central America Regional Security Initiative.

U.S. Coast Guard LEDETs belong to Tactical Law Enforcement Team South or Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team and are an armed deployable specialized force under the U.S. Coast Guard's Deployable Operations Group. They were created to support narcotics interdiction operations aboard U.S. Navy and allied ships and are capable of supporting Department of Defense national defense operations. LEDETs provide specialized law enforcement capability and maritime security capabilities to enforce U.S. laws across a full spectrum of maritime response situations, maritime security augmentation and maritime interdiction anti-piracy operations.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports USSOUTHCOM joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

NEVADA RESIDENT AND COMPANY TO PAY $2.6 MILLION TO SETTLE ALLEGED FOREIGN CURRENCY TRADING FRAUD WITH CFTC

FROM:  COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION
CFTC Orders Nevada Resident Luis Salazar-Correa and His Company, Prosperity Team, LLC, to Pay More than $2.6 Million to Settle CFTC Anti-fraud Forex Action
Washington, DC – The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) today filed and simultaneously settled charges against Luis Salazar-Correa of Las Vegas, Nev., and his Nevada-based company, Prosperity Team, LLC, for fraudulently soliciting individuals to participate in a pooled investment vehicle, misappropriating customer funds, and issuing false statements to conceal trading losses and the fraud.

The CFTC order requires Salazar-Correa and Prosperity Team jointly and severally to pay a $1 million civil monetary penalty and restitution of $1,641,000. The order permanently prohibits Salazar-Correa and Prosperity Team from engaging in certain commodity-related activities, including trading, and from registering or seeking exemption from registration with the CFTC. The order also permanently prohibits the respondents from further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act, as charged.

The order finds that from about February 2009 through at least June 2010, Salazar-Correa and Prosperity Team fraudulently solicited and accepted at least $2,482,000 from at least 183 customers primarily for the purpose of trading leveraged or margined off-exchange foreign currency (forex) contracts through a pool investment vehicle, also known as Prosperity Team. In soliciting potential customers, Salazar-Correa falsely guaranteed monthly returns varying from 10 percent to 25 percent, depending on the amount invested, and misrepresented the risks of trading forex, the order finds.

Rather than achieving the claimed returns, the respondents consistently sustained trading losses, which cumulated in overall losses of approximately $1,566,000, and operated a Ponzi scheme by misappropriating customers’ funds to make payments to other customers, the order finds.

Salazar-Correa and Prosperity Team concealed the massive trading losses and their misappropriation of customer funds by issuing false statements, which were accessible to customers online through Prosperity Team’s website, the order finds.
The CFTC appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation in Las Vegas, Nev., the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, the International Financial Services Commission of Belize, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, and the U.K. Financial Services Authority.

CFTC Division of Enforcement staff members responsible for this case are Alison Wilson, Jonathan Huth, Heather Johnson, Brandon Tasco, Gretchen L. Lowe, and Vincent A. McGonag

U.S. AND REPUBLIC OF KOREAN FORCES STRIVE TO IMPROVE ABILITIES

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
OVER THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- A U.S. Army MH-47 helicopter from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) lines up to refuel from a 17th Special Operations Squadron MC-130P Combat Shadow during a training mission here March 30 during Foal Eagle 2009. Foal Eagle is an annual combined training exercise for U.S. and Republic of Korea forces to evaluate and improve their ability to coordinate procedures, plans and systems necessary to defend the ROK. The 17th SOS is deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and the 160th SOAR is deployed from Fort Lewis, Wash. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Cram)

Un cráter de Marte muestra cómo cambió el clima del planeta

Un cráter de Marte muestra cómo cambió el clima del planeta

STATE DARTMENT LUNCH FOR PRESIDENT OF PHILIPPINES

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Hosts a Lunch for President of the Republic of the Philippines Benigno S. Aquino III
Remarks Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State,
 Benjamin Franklin Room
Washington, DC
June 8, 2012
Good afternoon, everyone. And welcome – please sit down – welcome to the State Department, to the Ben Franklin Room, where we are so honored to be hosting President Aquino and the Philippine delegation and celebrating the enduring friendship between our two countries.

Together, the United States and the Philippines are writing a new chapter in our storied alliance and building a multifaceted relationship for the 21st century. Our trade and economic linkages continue to deepen through initiatives like the Partnership for Growth. And just a few minutes ago, Secretary del Rosario and I signed a new agreement that will spur joint efforts on science and technology, because when our scientists share their ideas and their resources, not only do our two countries but the world reaps the benefits. And we are also increasing the number of United States Peace Corps volunteers in the Philippines. (Applause.)

Last year, I celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty in Manila, and Secretary Panetta and I co-hosted our counterparts for the first time ever last April. Our special forces have been working side by side with their Filipino counterparts. We are also working closely together to increase information and intelligence exchanges and coordination on maritime domain issues. And in this context, I'm pleased to announce today that the United States will support the construction, outfitting, and training of a new National Coast Watch Center in the Philippines. (Applause.)

As allies, our two nations consult on important regional issues, as we have done regarding our respective diplomacy in the South China Sea. As I’ve said many times, the United States does not take a position on the competing territorial claims in the South China Sea. But we do, however, have a clear interest in the maintenance of peace and stability, freedom of navigation, respect for international law, and unimpeded lawful commerce in the South China Sea. (Applause.)

In this context, we welcome the initial steps to defuse tensions surrounding the Scarborough Reef taken by President Aquino. And we encourage continued diplomatic dialogue and further efforts to lessen tension, to disengage, and to resolve the situation peacefully. The United States has been consistent in that we oppose the use of force or coercion by any claimant to advance its claims, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely. We also call on ASEAN and China to conclude their efforts to reach consensus on a code of conduct for the South China Sea.

Now, President Aquino first came to the United States over 30 years ago to seek asylum with his family as political turmoil ravaged his country. Today, I welcome him here to reaffirm our shared future based on mutual respect and interests, our common democratic values, new partnerships, and the bonds between our peoples.

I think, Mr. President, you can see from just looking out here that we have quite a few Filipino Americans here today. And indeed – (applause) – if we’d had a room twice or three times as big, you’d see even more Filipino Americans, because this is time not only to celebrate the friendship between our nations, but it is also a time to recognize the many contributions of Filipino Americans to our nation and the gratitude we have that Filipino culture, family ties, and connections have enriched the United States so much.
So please join me in a toast to the president and to the people of the Philippines, and to the partnership and friendship between the United States and the Philippines. Cheers, Mr. President.

U.S. RELATIONS WITH MALTA

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
U.S. Relations With Malta
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
Fact Sheet
June 6, 2012
Malta and the United States established full diplomatic relations upon Malta's independence in 1964. The government seeks close relations with the United States, with an emphasis on increased trade and private investment. U.S. Navy ships visit on a semi-regular basis. During the period of rebellion in Libya that began in February 2011, Malta played an important role in supporting evacuation of third-country nationals, including Americans; coordinating humanitarian aid to the people of Libya; and providing general assistance to forces of nations involved in enforcement of UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973.

U.S. Assistance to Malta
The U.S. foreign assistance to Malta currently provides International Military Education & Training (IMET) funding and has in the past included foreign military financing (FMF) grants and other defense assistance allowing for the acquisition of U.S. security related equipment, services and training. Under a refugee resettlement program, almost 1000 third-country migrants have been resettled in the U.S. from Malta.

Bilateral Economic Relations
The United States has been supportive of Malta's campaign to attract private investment, and a number of U.S. companies are operating in Malta. These include major hotels, light manufacturing and repair facilities, pharmaceutical and medical supply firms, and some offices servicing local and regional operations. In an effort to boost trade relations, the United States and Malta signed a double taxation agreement in 2008, which came into force in 2011. Malta joined the Visa Waiver Program in 2008. This program allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States visa-free for tourist and business purposes for stays under 90 days.

Malta's Membership in International Organizations
Malta became a member of the United Nations in 1964 following independence from the United Kingdom. Malta and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the UN, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Trade Organization, and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Malta is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Partnership for Peace. Malta has been a member of the European Union since 2004, and is also a member of the Schengen Agreement on the abolition of border checks and the Euro zone.

LEVITOW MEMORIAL UNVEILED AT CANNON AIR FORCE BASE

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
A Medal of Honor hangs from the newly unveiled John Lee Levitow memorial in the heritage room of the 3rd Special Operations Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., May 22, 2012. Levitow was an AC-47 gunship loadmaster who became the lowest ranking Airman to ever receive the Medal of Honor for exceptional heroism during a time of war. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Xavier Lockley) 











3 SOS unveils Levitow Memorial at Cannon AFB 
by Public Affairs Staff
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

5/22/2012 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M.  -- The 3rd Special Operations Squadron unveiled a memorial dedicated to Airman 1st Class John L. Levitow in their heritage room at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., May 22.

Assigned to the 3 SOS during the Vietnam War, Levitow worked as a loadmaster on an AC-47 Spooky gunship. While supporting a firefight and dropping white phosphorus flares through the open door of the gunship, his aircraft was jarred by a tremendous blast. A North Vietnamese Army 82-millimeter mortar shell landed on top of the right wing and exploded inside the wing frame. Everyone in the back of "Spooky 71" was wounded, including Levitow.

Immediately after the explosion, Levitow saw that a burning Mark 24 magnesium flare that had been knocked free in the fuselage and was rolling amid ammunition cans that contained 19,000 rounds of live ammunition. Despite his wounds, he threw his body onto the burning flare and dragged himself to the rear of the aircraft where he hurled the flare through the open cargo door. At that instant, the flare separated and ignited in the air, but clear of the aircraft. Levitow's actions saved the gunship and the lives of the crew members onboard.

Levitow was awarded the Medal of Honor for these heroic acts, and he became the lowest-ranking Airman ever to receive the prestigious honor for exceptional heroism during wartime.

According to the official website for the Public Broadcasting Service, there have been seventeen Medal of Honor recipients since the formation of a separate Air Force in 1947. This places Levitow in an elite group.

"John Levitow was part of the 3 SOS, a fellow Air Commando, and a significant part of our squadron's lineage," said Master Sgt. Charles Nichols, 3 SOS operational superintendent. "Our troops are so proud to finally see this memorial within the 3 SOS after all the work we put into getting it here."

Today, the 3 SOS flies the MQ-1B Predator, a Remotely Piloted Aircraft that is employed primarily for intelligence collection. The 3 SOS has flown more than 200,000 hours since October 2005 and continues to conduct operations in support of Special Operations Forces worldwide.

Chief Master Sgt. Gary Glover, 27th Special Operations Group superintendent, came up with the concept of erecting the memorial at the 3 SOS. "I wanted to do it for the squadron, but it's more of a testament of the sacrifice and service before self attitude that the squadron still lives by today," said Glover. "Knowing the heritage of your squadron helps inspire pride and professionalism."

While Glover started the memorial project, Nichols took the steps necessary to follow through on the initiative.

"I didn't succeed alone in this endeavor," said Nichols. "A lot of hard working people stepped up from the squadron to make this memorial a reality. Everyone in the 3 SOS played some part, so it really was a team effort."

The 3 SOS hosted a base-wide motorcycle ride and squadron barbeque to raise money needed for the memorial. More than 30 motorcyclists took part in the ride, which went through Clovis, Melrose and Portales, N.M., and helped raise more than $800.

One of the more difficult items to procure was the actual Medal of Honor ribbon, which needed Congressional approval to be sent to the 3 SOS. Levitow originally received the medal in 1969.

"It just goes to show that no matter how many stripes you have on your sleeve or how much brass you have on your collar, you can make a difference in the lives of others," said Nichols. "To see this year-long project finally realized makes us feel like we've made an impact at Cannon."

INTERNATIONAL PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES ON INDIGENT DEFENSE

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Adoption of the First International Principles and Guidelines on Indigent Defense June 6th, 2012
2012 Posted by Tracy Russo
The following post appears courtesy of the Access to Justice Initiative
One of the cornerstones of the United States criminal justice system is the right to legal representation for criminal defendants.  In the United States the right is confirmed by the federal Constitution, but many countries also guarantee this right to their citizens through their domestic laws.

Recognizing that criminal legal aid – or indigent defense – “is an essential element of a fair, humane and efficient criminal justice system that is based on the rule of law,” the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (the UN Crime Commission) adopted the first international principles and guidelines on indigent defense at its recently concluded 21st session.  The United Nations Principles and Guidelines on Access to Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems affirm the importance of legal aid at all stages of the criminal justice system.

Created in 1992 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the UN Crime Commission is the central body within the United Nations system dealing with crime prevention and criminal justice policy. It is one of the governing bodies of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).  The 40-member body, which includes the United States, met this past April in Vienna, Austria to consider 11 resolutions on issues such as combating violence against migrants and migrant smuggling, setting minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners, and criminal legal aid.
The United States was one of 16 co-sponsors of the United Nations Principles and Guidelines on Access to Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems, which was initially submitted by Georgia and South Africa (on behalf of the African Group). This resolution adopted the principle and guidelines.  Although the UN principles and guidelines correctly recognize that, “states employ different models for the provision of legal aid,” these comprehensive guidelines and principles can be effective tools in strengthening and growing existing criminal legal aid systems throughout the world.

The creation of the Access to Justice Initiative at the U.S. Department of Justice in March 2010 is a testament of the United States’ commitment to supporting indigent defense.  The Access to Justice Initiative was launched to help ensure that basic legal services are available, affordable and accessible to everyone in this country regardless of status or income.  A significant part of our work is directed at strengthening and supporting indigent defense.  Because of this, a representative from the Access to Justice Initiative was invited to join the U.S. delegation to the UN Crime Commission to assist with negotiating this resolution.

The adoption of the United Nations Principles and Guidelines on Access to Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems is a significant milestone in the global development of fair and just systems of criminal justice.  It will likely be submitted to the United Nations General Assembly for approval later this year.

MARINE HELPS PLANES NAVIGATE RUNWAYS

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zachary G. Harrison, an aviation ordnance technician assigned to Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3, helps EA-6B Prowler aircraft pilots navigate the runways at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrea Dickerson  

Marine Helps Pilots Navigate Runways
By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrea Dickerson
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C., June 8, 2012 - Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zachary G. Harrison is out to learn as many military skills as he can.
An ordnance technician working with EA-6B Prowler aircraft, Harrison also can be seen on the flightline here, visually communicating necessary commands and signals Prowler pilots need to navigate the runway.

"He is one of the best Marines this squadron has," Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jasmine L. Saunders, the ordnance chief for Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3, said of Harrison. "He is always our go-to person because [of] the dedication he has for his job."
Harrison "is the first to volunteer when we need something done," Saunders said. "His work ethic is unparalleled."

A native of Port Huron, Mich., Harrison said he loves his job because there is always the opportunity to gain knowledge and new skills.

"I work with the ordnance on the Prowlers, but I am now training as a team leader so I am now the person standing in front of the aircraft conducting hand and arm signals to other team members," he said.

Saunders said Harrison is progressing very quickly though he's only been with the squadron a short time.

MILITARY COMMISSARIES AND EXCHANGES IMPORT SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE 

Resale Program Provides Important Benefits, Officials Say

By Amaani Lyle

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2012 - Despite the prospect of major defense cuts early next year, the Defense Department remains committed to resale programs that provide valuable benefits to uniformed members and employment for family members and veterans, a senior department official told the House Armed Services Committee today.

Robert L. Gordon, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy, joined other officials in giving testimony before the committee to underscore the importance of the military resale program.

"On my visits to military communities, I hear of the tremendous appreciation for, and in some cases, the need for commissaries and exchanges," Gordon said. "Often, they are (the only) source of high-quality American made products -- but equally important, they are the lifeblood to many of our installation support programs."

Programs such as the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, the Navy Exchange Service Command, Semper Fit Exchange Service and the Defense Commissary Agency are not only a significant source of employment for military family members, but they bring quality-of-life enhancements to service members around the globe, Gordon and other witnesses explained.

"A strong exchange benefit is one of the cornerstones of the military way of life," said Air Force Brig. Gen. Francis L. Hendricks, AAFES commander. "It enhances recruitment and retention, thereby aiding in the readiness of the armed forces."

Hendricks recalled AAFES' rapid growth in theater since the spring of 2003, when U.S. ground forces fought their way up the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. "Our first store in Iraq operated out of the back of a Toyota Landcruiser," Hendricks said. "As troops advanced northward, so did our store."

During the next eight years, AAFES established 95 sites throughout the theater, and more than 4,000 of its employees volunteered to operate retail stores and food activities in support of the troops.  "We brought them familiar products and services and the food they craved," Hendricks said. "In that moment, at that place, we brought a little piece of home to them."

Humanitarian aid to military members and surrounding communities is but another virtue of the resale program, according to Thomas Gordy, Armed Forces Marketing Council president.  When the earthquake and tsunami struck Japan in March 2011, military resale systems worked with industry partners and the services to ensure military families stationed in the devastated region had access to food, water, milk and other essential items.

"The resale stores in Japan remained stocked, while the stores outside the gate were empty," Gordy said. "Not only did the system support our military families, but (supported) the recovery effort with essential supplies, providing United States with another element of humanitarian support to our friends in Japan."

Wherever in the world uniformed members and their families rely on commissaries and exchanges, the resale program's budget-conscious prices can offer consumers significant savings advantages, said retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, Navy Exchange Service Command chief executive officer. "Our 2011 annual market basket survey results show that customers save an average of 23 percent below commercial retail prices not including sales tax, generating over $500 million in non-pay compensation," Bianchi said.

TWO CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE INVESTORS PLEAD GUILTY TO BID RIGGING AT FORECLOSURE AUCTIONS

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ANTITRUST DIVISION
Investigation Has Yielded 24 Plea Agreements to Date
WASHINGTON — Two Northern California real estate investors have agreed to plead guilty for their roles in conspiracies to rig bids and commit mail fraud at public real estate foreclosure auctions in Northern California, the Department of Justice announced.

Felony charges were filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in Oakland, Calif., against Douglas Ditmer of San Ramon, Calif. and Keith Slipper of Oakland.

To date, as a result of the department’s ongoing antitrust investigation into bid rigging and fraud at public real estate foreclosure auctions in Northern California, 24 individuals, including Ditmer and Slipper, have agreed to plead or have pleaded guilty.

“By agreeing not to compete with one another in the bidding process, these investors illegally profited and undermined the integrity of the real estate market,” said Scott D. Hammond, Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division’s criminal enforcement program.  “The conspiracy eliminated competition and prevented lenders and distressed homeowners from getting fair market prices for their property.”

According to court documents, Ditmer and Slipper participated in conspiracies to rig bids and commit mail fraud by agreeing to stop bidding or to refrain from bidding for properties at public foreclosure auctions in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, Calif., negotiating payoffs with other conspirators not to compete, purchasing selected properties at public auctions at suppressed prices, and participating in second, private auctions open only to members of the conspiracy, where the property was awarded to the conspirator who submitted the highest bid.

The department said Ditmer conspired with others to rig bids and commit mail fraud at public real estate foreclosure auctions in Contra Costa County beginning as early as July 2008 and continuing until about January 2011, and in Alameda County beginning as early as June 2007 and continuing until about January 2011.  Slipper conspired with others to rig bids and commit mail fraud at public foreclosure auctions in Contra Costa County beginning as early as June 2008 and continuing until about December 2010, and in Alameda County beginning as early as March 2009 and continuing until about May 2009

 “The FBI continues to work closely with the Antitrust Division to target those individuals who engage in fraudulent bid rigging and other anticompetitive activities at foreclosure auctions,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephanie Douglas of the San Francisco Field Office.  “We are committed to bringing to justice those who engage in illegal and unfair practices that adversely impact legitimate home buyers and sellers.”

The department said that the primary purpose of the conspiracies was to suppress and restrain competition in order to obtain selected real estate offered at Contra Costa and Alameda county public foreclosure auctions at non-competitive prices.  When real estate properties are sold at these auctions, the proceeds are used to pay off the mortgage and other debt attached to the property, with remaining proceeds, if any, paid to the homeowner.  According to court documents, these conspirators paid and received money that otherwise would have gone to pay off the mortgage and other holders of debt secured by the properties, and, in some cases, the defaulting homeowner.

Each violation of the Sherman Act carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals.  The maximum fine for the Sherman Act charges may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victim if either amount is greater than $1 million.  Each count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.  The government can also seek to forfeit the proceeds earned from participating in the conspiracy to commit mail fraud.

The charges today are the latest cases filed by the department in its ongoing investigation into bid rigging and fraud at public real estate foreclosure auctions in San Francisco, San Mateo, Contra Costa and Alameda counties, Calif.

The ongoing investigation into fraud and bid rigging at certain real estate foreclosure auctions in Northern California is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office and the FBI’s San Francisco office.

SOUTHCOM RELYING ON PARTNER NATIONS TO HELP ACCOMPLISH SOME MISSIONS

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
One of two interceptor boats delivered to Grenada in May under the Secure Seas U.S. maritime security assistance initiative, part of U.S. Southern Command's theater engagement efforts helping regional partners deter maritime threats. DOD photo by Michael Wimbish  
Southcom Strives to Maximize Theater Engagement Efforts
By Donna Miles
MIAMI, June 7, 2012 - U.S. Southern Command continues to move full steam ahead on its array of theater engagement programs, but recognizing budget realities, is exploring new, more efficient ways to conduct them and to maximize their impact, a senior military leader here reported.

"We all understand what the future looks like. We know the trend is downward for future funding," Army Maj. Gen. Gerald W. Ketchum, director of the command's theater engagement directorate, told American Forces Press Service.

"So we are going to have to be smart," he said. "We probably aren't going to be able to do all the things we have done in the past, so we are going through this very deliberate process right now of ensuring that where we are spending our money is, in fact, where we need to be doing that."

That, Ketchum explained, involves scrutinizing every activity within the command's "robust toolkit" of engagement programs to eliminate those with marginal return in favor of those with proven results. "So you have to ensure that the activity you select truly is going to accomplish what you want and is going to provide the [desired] end results," he said.

Southcom's theater engagement programs run the gamut, from bilateral and multilateral exercises, training programs and educational exchanges to a security assistance program that helps partners meet their defense and modernization needs.

All are designed to help partner nations build their own military capacity and to improve their ability to operate with each other and the United States, Ketchum said. Because partner-nation capability varies widely across the region, Southcom tailors its engagements to address specific requirements, identified through close coordination with the partners themselves as well as the command's service components, U.S. embassy teams and U.S. service members operating in the theater.

Ultimately, these engagements aim to create strong partnerships able to stand up to regional challenges, Ketchum said. "We truly want to be the partner of choice," he said. "And we want those partnerships to be enduring."

The success of the effort has a direct impact on the United States, Ketchum said. "We are a community of nations, and we are completely interlocked because of globalization," he said. "And the threats we face do not end at borders. They are international in nature, and therefore, it takes an international response to address those challenges."

As the Southcom staff studies the way ahead for these programs, Ketchum said it's already well-versed in the creative, cost-effective ways of operating laid out in the defense strategic guidance issued in January.

"We have been doing that in Southcom already for a very long time," he said. "You start to talk about low cost, small footprint, efficient ways of doing business, and [Air Force] Gen. [Douglas W.] Fraser, [Southcom's commander], would say you are describing Southcom."

For example, a unique organizational construct at the command helps ensure its theater engagement efforts build on each other without expensive and unnecessary overlap. Unlike other geographic combatant commands that spread these programs across a variety of staff offices, Southcom consolidates them under one umbrella – the J7 theater engagement directorate that reports directly to Fraser.

"At the very elementary level, this prevents duplication," Ketchum said. "You don't want to have one program doing something and another program doing something very similar – the left hand not talking to the right hand – to be good stewards of the taxpayers' money."

But more importantly, we are looking for synergy," he said.
Ketchum used the example of a security assistance effort that helps a partner nation's military acquire new boats to patrol its waterways. "Wouldn't it make sense, right after that, to come in and provide training to the operators and maintainers?" he said. "And then maybe after that, wouldn't it make sense to have them participate in an exercise using that asset?"

The Secure Seas maritime security assistance initiative, managed by U.S. Southern Command, is helping in this way. The United States is providing interceptor boats and associated equipment, state-of-the-art command and control communications systems and training and technical support to nine Eastern Caribbean nations to help them deter threats associated with transnational organized crime.

Marine Forces South Commander Maj. Gen. John M. Croley joined U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Larry L. Palmer at the first delivery ceremony, in Dominica, May 31. The initial delivery package included similar provisions for Grenada and St. Lucia.

This building-block approach to theater engagement works particularly well when the staff who oversee each piece of the larger effort work closely together and report to the same boss, Ketchum said. "Organizationally, it is much easier if they are all part of the staff where individuals providing the equipment are sitting in the next cubicle or down the hall from the guy who is organizing the training," he said. "That's what we have here in the new U.S. Southern Command headquarters building."

The new headquarters, which opened in December 2010 and replaced numerous smaller buildings in the Miami area, also includes representatives from other agencies who bring insights and experience to the decision-making process.

"The whole idea is to look at this holistically, to take all our tools, and with that awareness and visibility, to look at a whole-of-government approach," Ketchum said. "It is absolutely critical to everything we do here at Southcom. It's not a sound bite. It's something we have embraced."

STATE DEPARTMENT SAYS 39 NATIONS HAVE ADEQUATE MEASURES TO PROTECT SEA TURTLES FROM SHRIMP TRAWL FISHING

Photo:  Kemps-Ridley Sea Turtle on Padre Island.  Credit:  U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.  

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Sea Turtle Conservation and Shrimp Imports
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC
June 8, 2012
On April 19, the Department of State certified 39 nations and one economy as having adequate measures in place to protect sea turtles during the course of shrimp trawl fishing, which permits those countries to export wild-caught shrimp to the United States under Section 609 of Public Law 101-162 (Section 609). Section 609 bans the import of wild-caught shrimp and shrimp products harvested in ways that may adversely affect some sea turtle species unless the Department of State certifies to Congress that the government of the harvesting nation has taken measures to reduce the incidental catch of sea turtles in its shrimp trawl fisheries, such as through the use of turtle excluder devices (TEDs), or that the fishing environment of the harvesting nation does not threaten sea turtles. The Department makes certifications annually by May 1 and bases them in part on the results of verification visits by State Department and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) teams to exporting countries. For more information on the 2012 certification, see the Federal Register Notice on the 2012 Certification published at 77 FR 31062 on May 24: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-05-24/pdf/2012-12635.pdf.

Implementation of Section 609 of Public Law 101-162 has provided considerable benefits to endangered sea turtles species. Six of the seven species of marine turtles are listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Well-designed and installed TEDs reduce the mortality of sea turtles incidentally caught in shrimp trawl nets by up to 97 percent without appreciable loss of shrimp. The United States Government is currently providing technology and capacity building assistance to a variety of nations in the hope they can contribute to the recovery of sea turtle species and be certified under Section 609. For more information on United States Government sea turtle conservation efforts,

U.S. HUMANITARIAN AID TO SRYIA AND NEIGHBORS

Map Credit:  Central Intelligence Agency.
FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
U.S. Humanitarian Aid Reaching Syria and Neighboring Countries
Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC
June 8, 2012
The United States is pursuing every avenue to provide humanitarian relief to those affected by the violence in Syria and is engaged in focused diplomatic efforts to secure full and unfettered access for humanitarian organizations to reach those in need. The United States is providing an additional $12.8 million in humanitarian assistance to support the people of Syria, bringing the total amount of U.S. emergency aid to just over $52 million during the current fiscal year for this crisis. Our assistance continues to reach those affected by the violence through our contributions to international and non-governmental humanitarian partners, including:
$16.5 million to the World Food Program (WFP);
$14.9 million to non-governmental organizations (NGOs);
$8.5 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR);
$8 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC);
$3 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA);
$750,000 to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and
$500,000 to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian
Affairs.

Within Syria:
The UN estimates that at least 1 million people in Syria are in need of assistance, with the number of internally displaced Syrians estimated at approximately 300,000. These, as well as other vulnerable and besieged communities, have received U.S. assistance in the form of medical supplies and other humanitarian relief. Humanitarian assistance is provided on the basis of need, not political affiliation, and is being distributed to the most vulnerable through UN agencies, international and local non-governmental organizations. Working together, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) and ICRC, as well as UNICEF, WFP and other international and local NGOs are providing substantial assistance to Syrians and other civilians under great risk.

Nearly 45,000 needy people in Homs, some 15,000 people in Hama, and 14,500 people in Idlib and rural Damascus have received food and other essentials over the last two weeks from the SARC, with ICRC support. ICRC has established teams inside Syria to more efficiently deliver assistance to those most in need. The ICRC provided the SARC branches in Damascus, Rural Damascus, Idlib and Homs with enough medical supplies to treat 200 casualties. Additionally, 2,000 displaced persons will benefit from improved water and sanitation at 10 public buildings in Homs. UN and NGO partners are delivering critical medical services and supplies, food, water, blankets, hygiene kits, and household items to the Syrian people targeting more than 400,000 people.

In Neighboring Countries:
We recognize the generosity of the Governments of Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, and Iraq, who have kept their borders open and are hosting and providing assistance to those fleeing the violence in Syria.

According to the Government of Turkey, as of June 5, 2012, there were more than 26,700 displaced Syrians in camps in Turkey. The Turkish government, with the help of the Turkish Red Crescent, provides camp-based humanitarian assistance that exceeds international standards. At the Turkish government’s request, UNHCR provides technical assistance to Turkish authorities on protection issues including camp management, voluntary repatriation, and registration. In 2012, UNHCR has provided 3,100 family tents and 23,880 blankets in support of the Turkish government’s humanitarian response to the displaced Syrians in Turkey; UNHCR preparations are underway to provide an additional 2,000 family tents, 10,000 blankets, and 2,000 kitchen sets.

In Lebanon, more than 26,000 Syrians are being assisted throughout the country. More than 13,500 have been registered by UNHCR and Lebanon’s High Relief Commission in the North. UNHCR and partners are registering and assisting an additional 3,000 in Tripoli, 900 in the Beirut area, and 7,500 in the Bekaa valley. Ongoing security incidents have impeded assistance in the North, due to road closures, limited movement and inhibited access to affected communities.

Partners distributed 17,000 core relief items, more than 15,500 food kits, and more than 13,000 hygiene kits in north Lebanon. Additionally, UNHCR and partners have distributed clothing, baby kits and heating fuel coupons. WFP will distribute food parcels for 1,300 families in north Lebanon in June 2012.

NGOs have rehabilitated the homes of 29 host families in Lebanon by providing cash grants; and have rehabilitated 19 collective centers. An additional 35 homes are currently being rehabilitated, with 51 more dwellings in line to be renovated. Collective centers have also been identified for future rehabilitation, and technical assessments on the rehabilitation of 30 unfinished buildings in the Bekaa were completed. ICRC and the Lebanese Red Cross have provided medical training to a number of hospitals.

In Jordan, approximately 24,000 displaced Syrians have been registered by UNHCR, with another 2,500 scheduled for registration. Local organizations have identified 35,000 Syrians in need of assistance in Jordan. The Government of Jordan has provided a much higher number of 115,000 Syrians present in country, as many who entered have not registered with UNHCR.

A range of UN agencies are providing relief assistance, education, and health support to displaced Syrians in Jordan in coordination with various Jordanian Ministries. Nearly 2,600 individuals received out-patient health services through UNHCR and its implementing partners since April 1, 2012. Three clinics, in the cities where most Syrians are located, provide free health services to Syrians. Additionally, mobile medical units are also free of charge and travel to newly arrived Syrian populations in need. Some 400 individuals have received non-food items, such as blankets, mattresses, cooking sets and other items. WFP distributed food rations through partners to 12,615 Syrians who are living in host communities. Additionally, WFP provided more than 30,315 hot meals in transit centers since April 19, 2012.

In Iraq, UNHCR has registered more than 4,600 Syrians, with 425 individuals awaiting registration. Many families are staying with relatives and do not immediately seek registration; the most destitute of arrivals have relocated to Domiz camp, where the number of residents has reached more than 3,425 individuals. As of May 30, Domiz camp comprised 254 family tents and 35 tents for individuals. Water and septic tanks have been installed and connected, and the construction of 125 individual cooking areas has begun.

U.S. EXPORTS IN APRIL HIT $182.9 BILLION

FROM:  U.S. EXPORT-IMPORT BANK
Friday, June 08, 2012
U.S. Exports in April Hit $182.9 Billion
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States exported $182.9 billion in goods and services in April 2012, according to data released today by the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the U.S. Commerce Department. Compared to the same time period in 2011, there has been increased activity in Australia ($9.9 billion, +26.3%), the Middle East ($2.1 billion, +23.1%), and China ($3.5 billion, +4.3%). Additionally, fiscal year-to-date authorizations through May 31 for the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) are up from $20.4 billion in 2011 to $21.9 billion in 2012.

“These results demonstrate that U.S. exports remain strong even though there has been economic uncertainty throughout Europe, said Fred P. Hochberg, the chairman and president of Ex-Im Bank. “Exports continue to offer American companies extraordinary opportunities to boost sales to the 95 percent of the world's customers that are located outside the U.S."

Exports of goods and services over the last twelve months totaled $2.145 trillion, which is 35.8 percent above the level of exports in 2009 and a record for the United States. Over the last twelve months, exports have been growing at an annualized rate of 14.0 percent when compared to 2009.

Over the last twelve months, the major export markets with the largest annualized increase in U.S. goods purchases were Panama (37.2 percent), Turkey (33.0 percent), Argentina (29.8 percent), Chile (29.5 percent), Honduras (29.4 percent), Hong Kong (28.9 percent), Peru (27.9 percent), Russia (27.0 percent), Brazil (24.6 percent), and Ecuador (23.0 percent). Of these, Brazil and Turkey are among the nine countries that Ex-Im has identified as having the greatest sales potential for U.S. companies. The other seven countries are Brazil, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, and Vietnam.

U.S. OFFICIAL REMARKS WITH JAPANESE MINISTER

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85), right, conducts a replenishment at sea with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Towada-class fast-combat support ship JS Hamana (AOE 424) during Pacific Bond 2012. With the two ships are the Hatakaze-class destroyer JS Shimakaze (DDG 172) and the Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155). Pacific Bond 2012 is a U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force maritime exercise intended to improve interoperability and further relations between the nations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Declan Barnes (Released) 


FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Remarks to the Media Prior to and After Their Meeting
Remarks
Robert R. King
Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues Japanese Minister for the Abduction Issue Jin Matsubara
Tokyo, Japan
June 8, 2012
MINISTER MATSUBARA (Interpreted from Japanese): As far as Japan's position on the abduction issue is concerned, as clearly stated by Prime Minister Noda in his responses to questions that were raised in Diet sessions, we take the position that no normalization of Japan's relations with North Korea (is possible) without the resolution of the abduction issue.
Furthermore,
we share the recognition that it is extremely difficult to provide any humanitarian assistance without resolution of the abduction issue. The other side of the point, though, is if we see progress on the abduction issue from them it allows us to be in a position to provide humanitarian aid.

At any rate, I believe that the issue of abductees by the DPRK is a very grave humanitarian issue and of human rights. I think it is a race against time because of the aging of the families and the abductees. Symbolically speaking, I believe that Japanese as a whole would really sense that the abduction issue has been resolved when they see a scene of the Yokotas embracing Megumi Yokota.

So I would again like to reiterate my welcome to you, Ambassador, and I would also like to request for your continued support in the resolution of this issue.

AMBASSADOR KING: Mr. Minister, as you know, the United States has been very supportive of Japanese efforts to see the return of these abductees. We will continue to follow that policy and are supportive of what you're doing in terms of seeing the enactment of these returns. Japan is a key partner to the United States, and with South Korea, as we seek to resolve the problems and difficulties in our relationship with North Korea, we want to make sure that we coordinate and cooperate with your government on our policy towards North Korea

ATTORNEY GENERAL HOLDER'S REMARKS ON LEAK INVESTIGATIONS

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Friday, June 8, 2012
Statement of Attorney General Eric Holder on the Assignment of U.S. Attorneys to Lead Investigations of Possible Unauthorized Disclosures of Classified Information
Attorney General Eric Holder issued the following statement today on the assignment of U.S. Attorneys to lead investigations of possible unauthorized disclosures of classified information:

“Today, I assigned U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ronald C. Machen Jr. and U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein to lead criminal investigations into recent instances of possible unauthorized disclosures of classified information.

“These two highly-respected and experienced prosecutors will be directing separate investigations currently being conducted by the FBI.   I have every confidence in their abilities to doggedly follow the facts and the evidence in the pursuit of justice wherever it leads.

“In carrying out their assignments, U.S. Attorneys Machen and Rosenstein are fully authorized to prosecute criminal violations discovered as a result of their investigations and matters related to those violations, consult with members of the Intelligence Community and follow all appropriate investigative leads within the Executive and Legislative branches of government.

“I have notified members of Congress and plan to provide more information, as appropriate, to members of the Judiciary and Intelligence Committees.

“The unauthorized disclosure of classified information can compromise the security of this country and all Americans, and it will not be tolerated.    The Justice Department takes seriously cases in which government employees and contractors entrusted with classified information are suspected of willfully disclosing such classified information to those not entitled to it, and we will do so in these cases as well.”

JUDGE REFUSES TO THROW OUT CHARGES AGAINST ACCUSED WIKILEAKER PFC. BRADLEY MANNING

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Judge Upholds Charges Against Alleged Document Leaker
By Donna Miles
FORT MEADE, Md., June 8, 2012 - The military judge trying the case of alleged WikiLeaker Army Pfc. Bradley Manning today rejected a defense motion to throw out 10 of the 22 charges against him.

Army Col. Denise Lind refused the defense's argument that eight of the charges are unconstitutionally vague and overly broad.

She also upheld two other charges that Manning had exceeded his authorized access to classified Defense Department networks. Lind did announce, however, that she would use a narrow interpretation of the statute in this case. This raises the standard for what the prosecution will need to prove for Manning to be found guilty, a military lawyer told reporters.

The judge also announced that Manning's trial, initially scheduled to begin Sept. 21, likely will be delayed until November or possibly January. The defense team had asked for more time to review documents associated with the case and prepare its arguments.
The rulings came at the end of a three-day hearing here leading up to what's expected to be a three-week trial.

Manning, 24, is accused of the largest intelligence leak in U.S. history while deployed to Iraq as a military intelligence analyst. The former 10th Mountain Division soldier is accused of installing unauthorized software onto government computers to extract classified information, unlawfully downloading it, improperly storing it, and transmitting the data to the whistle-blowing group WikiLeaks.

WikiLeaks, in turn, released thousands of these documents, including classified records about military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, on its website.

Manning is charged with aiding the enemy, wrongfully causing intelligence to be published on the Internet knowing that it is accessible to the enemy, theft of public property or records, transmitting defense information, and fraud and related activity in connection with computers. The charges also include violation of Army Regulations 25-2 "Information Assurance" and 380-5 "Department of the Army Information Security Program."
If found guilty, Manning could receive up to life in prison. He also could be reduced to E-1, the lowest enlisted grade, and face a total forfeiture of all pay and allowances and dishonorable discharge.

Much of this week's pre-trial hearing, one of several to iron out issues related to the case, centered around what documents are being made available, and how quickly, for the defense to prepare for the trial.

Manning's civilian attorney, David Coombs, complained of getting discovery documents too slowly, in a piecemeal fashion or with so many sections redacted – meaning parts of them have been blacked out – that they're of little value.

The defense team hopes to use these documents to show that Manning caused little or no damage.

Yesterday, three State Department officials called by the defense testified that the department stood up three different teams after the leaks occurred to do damage control, identify people considered to be at risk because of the disclosures and improve computer security. The witnesses did not testify about what damages may have been caused.

In an effort to keep the proceedings as close to the projected schedule as possible, Lind announced this week that she would add additional pretrial hearings to assess progress and break through any logjams.

Lind announced that the next hearing will be June 25. At that session, both the prosecution and defense teams are scheduled to submit recommended instructions for the court to give the panel at the trial.

The defense team will have the choice of having the case decided by Lind alone, a military panel, or a jury.