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Helsinki Commission Digital Digest April 2022
Biden administration urged to ban UK lawyers who 'enabled' oligarchs
A member of Congress has urged the Biden administration to place travel bans on senior British lawyers that acted for wealthy Russian clients against investigative journalists. Steve Cohen, a Democratic representative from Tennessee, has written to Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, urging him to sanction the lawyers for having "enabled malign activities of Russian oligarchs". His letter comes as the Biden administration looks to increase its support for Ukraine in its war against Russia and tighten sanctions against those who have supported the Russian regime. Cohen wrote: "Oligarchs who hire lawyers to engage in abusive cases against journalists to silence them cannot exert malign influence in our system . . . the United States must establish deterrents for foreign enablers serving individuals who are undermining democracy." The state department did not respond to a request for comment. Cohen singled out several lawyers he believed should be subject to bans on visas for travel to the US: Nigel Tait of Carter-Ruck; John Kelly of Harbottle & Lewis; barrister Hugh Tomlinson; Geraldine Proudler of CMS; Keith Schilling of Schillings; and Shlomo Rechtschaffen of SR law. Each of the lawyers is well known in London legal circles, with firms like Carter-Ruck and Schillings having established strong reputations in defamation law and reputation management. Tait, Kelly, Tomlinson and Proudler all worked on recent cases against the former Financial Times journalist Catherine Belton or her publisher HarperCollins, or both. Belton and HarperCollins were sued last year by several Russian oligarchs including Roman Abramovich over her book Putin's People, which details the rise to power of Russia's president Vladimir Putin. The lawsuits were later settled or withdrawn. Cohen cited Schillings' work for Malaysian businessman and fugitive Jho Low. British ministers have expressed concern over the way in which UK courts are used by wealthy foreigners to launch libel cases. Dominic Raab, the justice secretary, last month set out proposals to limit any so-called Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. Also in March Bob Seely, the MP for the Isle of Wight, used parliamentary privilege to claim "amoral" City lawyers were teaming up with "Putin's henchmen" to offer "legalised intimidation". A spokesperson for Tomlinson said: "Regulatory rules for lawyers are very strict and work to ensure equal entitlement to independent legal advice. Mr Tomlinson acted properly and in accordance with those rules throughout and has never acted as Mr Cohen suggests." Tait's firm Carter-Ruck said: "The claims made against Carter-Ruck are misconceived and are rejected entirely. In addition to other matters, we are not working for any Russian individuals, companies or entities seeking to challenge, overturn, frustrate or minimise sanctions." It added: "We are not acting for, and will not be acting for, any individual, company or entity associated with the Putin regime in any matter or context, whether sanctions-related or otherwise, and will continue to conduct all 'know your client' checks in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, as we have always done." Cohen cited Rechtschaffen for his representation of Israeli-British businessman Walter Soriano, who he alleged was an "enabler" of certain oligarchs including Abramovich. Rechtschaffen said: "Walter Soriano is not an enabler of any oligarch . . . The English courts have said that the claim against Mr Stedman is not abusive." Harbottle & Lewis said the firm had "acted at all time in accordance with its professional and legal obligations, and takes these matters very seriously". Schillings said the firm did not act for any sanctioned entities and could not comment on client matters. It added that Cohen's allegations were "wholly misplaced" and "misinformed". It said the firm had upheld "the highest traditions of the legal profession". Proudler's firm CMS said it rejected Cohen's allegations, adding that Proudler and the firm had been "compliant with all professional regulations". "As we have said since the invasion of Ukraine, CMS is no longer accepting new instructions from Russian based entities or from any individuals with connections to the Russian government."
Helsinki Commission Urges U.S. Administration to Consider Sanctioning Remaining Individuals Involved in Persecution of Sergei Magnitsky
WASHINGTON—Helsinki Commission Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin (MD), Co-Chairman Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09), and Ranking Member Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) today released a letter sent April 15 to President Biden urging the U.S. administration to consider sanctioning the remaining individuals involved in the persecution of Sergei Magnitsky, the fraud he uncovered, and the coverup of his death in 2009. The letter read in part: "The passage and enforcement of the Magnitsky Act was among the rare times in the last decade that the United States rightly put universal values first in its relationship with Russia. Sergei Magnitsky courageously stood up to the Putin regime's corruption and represents what Russia might be one day. He has served as an inspiration for Russian activists and civil society who dream of a Russia that respects human rights and complies with its own freely undertaken international commitments… "At this time of great upheaval, it could not be more important that the United States demonstrate its commitment to universal values. Sanctioning these individuals responsible for dismantling the rule of law in Russia and killing one of Russia's bravest whistleblowers would have this effect." Included with the letter was a list that includes the names and identifying information of 255 individuals who have not yet been sanctioned for their apparent role in Sergei Magnitsky's death and the $230 million tax fraud he exposed. The list was compiled by Hermitage Capital Management LLC, the firm where Sergei Magnitsky worked at the time of his arrest and murder. The full letter and list are available online.
Experts say desperate refugees are finding new danger after leaving Ukraine - human traffickers
An independent U.S. commission listened to testimony from experts on Capitol Hill on Thursday who painted a disturbing picture of yet another consequence of Russia's war in Ukraine -- human traffickers targeting vulnerable refugees who are desperate to flee to safety. The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, heard from a panel of experts who expressed serious concern for the millions of Ukrainians who have left, or want to leave, the country. The experts underscored the need for the international community to protect the refugees, coordinate reception and transfer of unaccompanied minors, raise awareness and provide security. Kari Johnston, senior official at the U.S. State Department's anti-trafficking office; Tatiana Kotlyarenko, an anti-trafficking adviser; Mykola Kuleba, director of Save Ukraine; and Nic McKinley, founder and CEO of DeliverFund spoke to the Helsinki commission about the challenges they face to assisting Ukrainians fleeing the war from being harmed by the traffickers. Kari Johnston, senior official at the U.S. State Department's anti-trafficking office, told the committee that most refugees fleeing Ukraine have so far been women and children -- some of whom are alone. Part of the problem is that Ukraine has restrictions preventing Ukrainian men from leaving the country. "We are encouraging our European partners to take necessary measures, including distributing information to refugees on human trafficking and available safe resources for them in all languages they can understand," she told the commission. "We have been encouraged by how quickly governments and people in Europe have opened their hearts and homes but also by efforts governments have made to protect them to prevent trafficking." Adviser Tatiana Kotlyarenko noted that targeting women is on the rise, partly because of their appeal to criminals in the sex trafficking industry. One tactic that's already been seen near Ukraine is traffickers posing as transportation or aid workers -- which lure refugees into a false promise of security. "There's been reports of women and children disappearing after they've crossed the border, sometimes accepting a ride or a job offer from a person they think is there to help," Kotlyarenko told the commission. "Although the extent of human trafficking is not yet known, cases are beginning to be reported." "Children have been displaced, putting them at great risk of physical harm, severe emotional distress, trauma and human trafficking," she added. "There have been children who on their own walked to the border in the cold after being separated from family members or their family members killed." The United Nations has estimated that more than 4 million refugees have fled Ukraine so far since Russia launched its invasion on Feb. 24. Established by Congress in 1975, the commission is composed of nine members of the House, nine members of the Senate and typically one member each from the departments of defense, state and commerce. Those final three slots, however, are vacant and awaiting appointments.
Protecting Ukrainian Refugees from Human Trafficking
More than 4 million refugees have fled Ukraine since Russia's massive invasion on February 24, in the largest migration of people in Europe since the Second World War. Given Ukraine's exit restrictions on males from 18-60, the vast majority of those are women and children. Most cross the Ukrainian border without resources or a place to go, making them extremely vulnerable to human trafficking. Reports indicate that traffickers already are trolling border areas trying to lure refugees with promises of accommodation, onward transportation, or employment. Ukrainian orphans and unaccompanied minors are particularly susceptible to such predators, and they need not only to be safely evacuated from Ukraine, but also securely tracked and transferred into national child protection systems so they do not fall prey to human traffickers or otherwise disappear. To address these concerns, the Helsinki Commission held a hearing on April 7, 2022, featuring experts on human trafficking and practitioners working directly with Ukrainian refugees. Witnesses testified on efforts by frontline states, the international community, NGOs, and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to prevent refugees from becoming victims of human traffickers by raising awareness, vetting those working with refugees and those providing housing and employment, and countering online solicitation. They also discussed the need to safely transport vulnerable populations, particularly children, safely out of warzones and properly register them to ensure that they do not go missing or become trafficking victims. Helsinki Commission Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin (MD) commended the recent efforts of European countries to support refugees fleeing Ukraine. He stressed the need for governments and NGOs to coordinate in ensuring the care and safety of child refugees to avoid a crisis of missing children similar to the one that occurred in Europe in 2015. He said, "Not only do we need to ensure that children are safe and taken care of, but we must be able to reunite them with family after the war if possible." Helsinki Commission Co-Chairman Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09) expressed his alarm over the humanitarian crisis occurring in Ukraine and condemned Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's disregard for human life and spirit. "This flow of refugees caused by Putin's war will cause us and require us to oversee as closely as possible the welfare of the women and children [to protect them from] people who have about the same consciousness and concern for others and human spirit as Vladimir Putin," he said. Ranking Member Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) advocated for further military support for Ukraine so that Ukraine can reclaim its territory and refugees can return home safely. "Evicting the murderous Putin from Ukraine is the only way to help Ukrainian civilians and allow refugees to return to Ukraine," he said. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), OSCE Parliamentary Special Representative on Human Trafficking issues, thanked the witnesses for their leadership in the fight against human trafficking and called for increased international cooperation in protecting women and children from traffickers. Senior Official and Principal Deputy Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons at the U.S. State Department Dr. Kari Johnstone described the dire situation refugees face as they flee. Many are further endangered and exposed to human trafficking by extenuating circumstances, such as being unable to access information in their language or belonging to an already marginalized group such as Roma. Dr. Johnstone emphasized the need for trauma-informed, age-appropriate, gender-sensitive approaches to support refugees. Making sure refugees have access to appropriate work, housing, and schooling helps to keep refugees out of vulnerable situations and prevent trafficking. "While there's no simple solution, working together…we are hopeful that we will be able to at least reduce the impact of this war," Dr. Johnstone said. Tatiana Kotlyarenko, advisor on anti-trafficking issues at ODIHR, called for unity on all fronts to combat human trafficking and asked for continued support from Congress in strengthening ODIHR's work on anti-human trafficking in Ukraine. She also stressed the importance of implementing strong national referral mechanisms to better identify and assist victims of human trafficking "If you want to prevent trafficking of Ukrainian women and children, we need to unite to address demand on policy, legislative, and practical levels," she said. Mykola Kuleba, director of the NGO Save Ukraine, shared a firsthand account of the horrific conditions on the ground in Ukraine that he has witnessed while evacuating children from the war zone, emphasizing that the first step to protect Ukrainian refugees is to help Ukraine defend itself so its people don't become refugees. He also highlighted the need for more humanitarian assistance, including food, water, and medicine. "Millions of Ukrainian children are now refugees wandering around the world. The world must help this great democratic country that has faced unprecedented evil. Each of you has the ability to aid in the rescue. Each of you can resist this evil," Kuleba said. Nic McKinley, founder and CEO of DeliverFund, described the importance of disrupting the human trafficking market on the demand side by deterring potential buyers and attacking traffickers' ability to profit from the exploitation of vulnerable populations. He also discussed how traffickers use social media to lure victims through advertisements for housing and employment for refugees. "You cannot have a human trafficking victim," he said, "without a human trafficker." Members brought a number of concerns and questions to witnesses, ranging from how best to distribute information on preventing human trafficking to refugees, to how government and NGO efforts can be coordinated to most effectively deliver assistance and provide protection for vulnerable populations. Related Information Witness Biographies
Russia Critics Press Congress for Curbing Moscow's Role in International Groups
Critics of Moscow pressed lawmakers to sever remaining international connections with Moscow and punish what they called enablers of Russian President Vladimir Putin's government—including Russian tycoons. "We recognize that the oligarchs are the appendages of Mr. Putin's mafia state," said Sen. Ben Cardin (D., Md.), the co-chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, known as the Helsinki Commission, which held a hearing Wednesday on Russia's financial ties abroad. "I can't wait to see police tape around mansions in Miami," said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D., R.I.). Witnesses before the commission, a U.S. agency that has frequently scrutinized Moscow, sought to portray Russian billionaires and their network of lawyers and agents in the West as little different from Russian government employees and its lawyers abroad. Bill Browder, a prominent critic of the Kremlin's human-rights record, called on the U.S. to withdraw from the mutual legal-assistance treaty that allows U.S. and Russian law enforcement to cooperate on investigations and secure witness testimony. Western countries should ban lawyers paid by the Russian government in one country from traveling to their countries, he said. The Kremlin used the Interpol international law-enforcement network in an effort to arrest Mr. Browder after his lawyer died in a Russian prison in 2009. Mr. Browder, who founded investment fund Hermitage Capital, said the U.S. and partner countries should seek to remove Moscow from Interpol or "basically threaten the funding of Interpol if Russia is not expelled." Mr. Browder was the largest private investor in Russia until his expulsion from that country in 2005. Moscow should also lose its membership and face blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force, a Paris-based intergovernmental body that audits the ability of nations to detect and disrupt illicit finance, said Daria Kaleniuk, co-founder of the Anti-Corruption Action Center in Ukraine. Mr. Browder and Ms. Kaleniuk were among five witnesses at the hearing.
Countering Oligarchs, Enablers, and Lawfare
As influential proxies of Russian dictator Vladmir Putin, Russian oligarchs work to weaken Western democracies from within. They pay Western enablers—especially lawyers and lobbyists—millions to use their standing in democratic societies to generate policies favorable to the authoritarian regime in Russia and to silence its critics. On April 6, 2022, the Helsinki Commission heard from five witnesses who testified on the corruption of Russian oligarchs, as well as the various means through which such oligarchs censure journalists from reporting on their nefarious activities. Helsinki Commission Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin (MD) opened the hearing by recognizing oligarchs as appendages of Putin's government who have engaged in extensive laundering and looting of the Russian state. He stressed the importance of sanctioning oligarchs, who utilize the existing financial and judicial frameworks of Western democracies to protect themselves from legal harm, as well as their accountants and lawyers, who utilize lawfare as means of continuing their kleptocratic ways and silencing those who report on their crimes. "We have to fortify our system against lawfare," he stated. "And we hope that we can win this fight." Helsinki Commission Co-Chairman Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09) asserted that oligarchs, while stealing and oppressing the Russian public, also are funding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. "In exchange for the lavish lifestyles that they live, these oligarchs pledge their loyalty to the mid-level KGB agent… currently overseeing Europe's biggest land war since 1945," he remarked. Ranking Member Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) described Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a battle between the virtues of the free world and the vices of a corrupt state. "Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine because Ukraine is a democracy… because it shows accountability over corruption," he stated. "This is the most black and white conflict in recent memory." Daria Kaleniuk, executive director of the Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Action Centre, testified that Putin's invasion of Ukraine was due to fear of Ukraine's fight against corruption. On February 22, when Putin declared war on Ukraine, he referred to numerous anti-corruption reforms for which the Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Action Centre had advocated. "It was clear to me in that moment that Ukraine's successful story in fighting corruption is actually the ultimate threat to Vladmir Putin and to his kleptocratic regime," she remarked. She argued that integral to Putin's success throughout the years is his legion of legal and financial professionals. "There are two battlefields," she stated. "One in Ukraine…. And another one in the West, where America is obligated to fight by targeting Russian oligarchs and their enablers." Bill Browder, head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign, described his experience following the passing of the Magnitsky Act, which allows the United States to freeze the assets of kleptocrats and human-rights violators. He highlighted the team of Western professionals who helped Putin target him for his work to passing the legislation. To ensure these Western enablers are held accountable for their actions, Browder recommended that Congress speak out and deny government employment to such organizations in the future. "We should make a list of these type of firms that do this enabling, this list should be put together by the U.S. Congress, and there should be a recommendation to the U.S. Government not to do business with these firms going forward," he said. "They can pick sides. They can decide they want to work for the bad guys. And if they work for the bad guys, then they shouldn't get any money from the U.S. government. Scott Stedman, founder of Forensic News, described the increased use of lawfare by oligarchs as a weapon to intimidate reporters into silence. He spoke of his experience reporting on Walter Soriano, a businessman with reported ties to multiple Russian oligarchs. Soriano filed a lawsuit against Forensic News and its contributors, attempting to silence Stedman through financial intimidation and lawfare. "Mr. Soriano's U.S. litigation counsel Andrew Brettler wrote to me threatening yet more legal action if I did not pay a U.K. court for more money than I've ever had in any bank account," he said. "This is what lawfare looks like. It is designed to suppress, stall, scare critical coverage of the Russian elite and their enablers." Anna Veduta, vice president of the Navalny Anti-Corruption Foundation International, outlined the need to sanction corrupt Russian politicians, oligarchs, enablers, and their family members. The assets these oligarchs and enablers have acquired are held by relatives, she argued, who have yet to be sanctioned. "People responsible for these lies, people who are poisoning Russian people with these lies, still can enjoy spring break in Miami and take their kids to Disneyland," she said. "So I am going to quote Alexei Navalny once again, 'Warmongers must be treated as war criminals.'" Shannon Green, executive director of the USAID Anti-Corruption Task Force and senior advisor to the Administrator highlighted the reliance of autocrats like Putin on oligarchs and enablers. She reviewed USAID initiatives to support reform coalitions and confront lawfare domestically, as well as efforts to develop new programs to confront kleptocracy abroad. Addressing her fellow panelists, she stated, "Anna, Bill, Daria, Scott, we draw inspiration and courage from your example. And the U.S. government's message to you, and to all of your fellow change agents, is: Be not afraid. We stand with you." Related Information Witness Biographies Statement for the Record: Arabella Pike, Publishing Director, HarperCollins Publishers
Protecting Ukrainian Refugees from Human Trafficking to Be Discussed at Helsinki Commission Hearing
WASHINGTON—The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following hearing: PROTECTING UKRAINIAN REFUGEES FROM HUMAN TRAFFICKING Thursday, April 7, 2022 10:30 a.m. Dirksen Senate Office Building Room 562 Watch live: www.youtube.com/HelsinkiCommission More than 4 million refugees have fled Ukraine since Russia's massive invasion on February 24, the largest migration of people in Europe since the Second World War. Given Ukraine's exit restrictions on males from 18-60, the vast majority of those leaving are women and children. Most cross the Ukrainian border without resources or a place to go, making them extremely vulnerable to human trafficking. Reports indicate that traffickers already are trolling border areas trying to lure refugees with promises of accommodation, onward transportation, or employment. Ukrainian orphans and unaccompanied minors are particularly susceptible to such predators, and they need not only to be safely evacuated from Ukraine, but also securely tracked and transferred into national child protection systems so they do not fall prey to human traffickers or otherwise disappear. Witnesses will examine efforts by frontline states, the international community, NGOs, and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to prevent refugees from becoming victims of human traffickers, to coordinate the reception and transfer of unaccompanied minors, to conduct awareness-raising and prevention programs near the border, and to provide security to protect refugees. The following witnesses are scheduled to testify: Panel 1: Dr. Kari Johnstone, Senior Official, U.S. Department of State, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons Panel 2: Ms. Tatiana Kotlyarenko, Anti-Trafficking Advisor, OSCE Office for Democratic Institution and Human Rights Mr. Mykola Kuleba, Director of Save Ukraine and former Presidential Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Nic McKinley, Founder and CEO, DeliverFund
Helsinki Commission Digital Digest March 2022
Helsinki Commission Hearing to Examine Ways to Counter Oligarchs, Enablers, and Lawfare
WASHINGTON—The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following hearing: COUNTERING OLIGARCHS, ENABLERS, AND LAWFARE Wednesday, April 6, 2022 2:30 p.m. Dirksen Senate Office Building Room 562 Watch live: www.youtube.com/HelsinkiCommission As influential proxies of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, Russian oligarchs work to weaken Western democracies from within. They pay Western enablers—especially lawyers and lobbyists—millions to use their standing in democratic societies to generate policies favorable to the authoritarian regime in Russia and to silence its critics. This hearing will examine ways to counter tactics oligarchs use to launder their money and reputations and stifle dissent. Witnesses will discuss their experiences investigating oligarchs and enablers, as well as the risks of doing so, which include abusive lawsuits filed by Western lawyers on behalf of Putin's proxies. The following witnesses are scheduled to testify: Shannon Green, Executive Director, USAID's Anti-Corruption Task Force; Senior Advisor to the Administrator Bill Browder, Head, Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign Daria Kaleniuk, Executive Director, Anti-Corruption Action Centre Scott Stedman, Founder, Forensic News Anna Veduta, Vice President, Anti-Corruption Foundation International
With oligarchs in the crosshairs, alleged Western 'enablers' attract fresh scrutiny
As governments scramble to seize high-profile assets owned by Russian oligarchs, a quiet effort is gaining momentum in the West to target their alleged "enablers" – the lawyers, lobbyists and money-handlers who critics say help them hide, invest and protect their vast wealth in U.S. and European institutions. "The yachts and jets and villas get the most attention, but a lot of the oligarchs' money is in private equity and hedge funds – places we can't see," said Maira Martini, a researcher with the corruption watchdog Transparency International. "That's the money that really matters to them." For decades, wealthy business tycoons with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin have enlisted the services of reputable bankers and lawyers in the West to navigate loopholes that obscure their identity. While it's not necessarily illegal to use obscure entities and agents to protect finances, critics say the laws need to be strengthened to create more transparency. rganized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, a global investigative reporting platform that focuses on corruption, organized crimes and illicit financing, claims to have uncovered over 150 assets worth $17.5 billion held by 11 Russian elites and their alleged enablers, while a Forbes report identified more than 82 properties across the world -- a collective of $4.3 billion -- held by 16 sanctioned Russian oligarchs. Assets that have surfaced are likely only a fraction of these oligarchs' actual wealth. The true extent is difficult to track because they often use a convoluted network of shell companies, obscure entities and stand-ins to keep their finances hidden, experts said. But now, with war raging in Ukraine, lawmakers and corruption watchdogs are calling on governments to close those loopholes and crack down on the middlemen who know how to exploit them. "Putin's oligarchs cannot operate without their Western enablers, who give them access to our financial and political systems," said Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn. "These unscrupulous lawyers, accountants, trust and company service providers and others need to do basic due diligence on their clients to ensure that they are not accepting blood money. This isn't rocket science – it is common sense policy to protect democracy." In Washington, Cohen and others have introduced the ENABLERS Act, which would require real estate brokers, hedge fund managers and other entities to "ask basic due diligence questions whenever somebody comes to them with a suitcase full of cash," said Rep. Tom Malinowski, D-N.J., the lead sponsor of the bill. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, a global network of journalists and newsrooms that have tracked the wealthy's tax havens and financial secrecy, has identified at least a dozen networks of facilitators, offshore agents and banks across the world that have allegedly helped Russia's elites move and hide their money based on its analyses of public records and leaked financial documents the group has obtained over the past decade. This includes a range of actors, from global offshore law firms that create shell companies and other obscure entities to help wealthy Russians keep their finances clouded, to one-man shops in offshore tax havens that help set up "nominee" shareholders and paid stand-ins to conceal the real owners of entities. ICIJ also points to the roles of major law firms in helping shape the modern tax avoidance system as well as the roles of big financial institutions and banks in helping wealthy Russians move their money. Last year, The Washington Post, as part of its collaboration with ICIJ's Pandora Papers project, reported on how South Dakota, with its limited oversight, vague regulations and trust secrecy, has become a tax haven for secretive foreign money. Malinowski stressed that the United States "has become one of the easiest places in the world for corrupt kleptocrats around the world to hide money." "What we've basically allowed is a system where people can steal their money in countries without the rule of law and then protect their money in countries like ours where they can count on property rights and courts and privacy rules to safeguard his loot for life," Malinowski said. "We should not be complicit in the theft that supports dictatorships like Putin." Experts warned that sanctions and asset seizures, while effective in the short term, may be toothless over time if secrecy loopholes remain in place. On Wednesday, Transparency International published an open letter calling on Western leaders to take steps to stem rules that foster opacity. "To disguise their wealth and keep them out of the reach of law enforcement authorities, kleptocrats will turn to lawyers, real estate agents, banks, crypto-service providers and banks in your countries," the letter reads. "You must redouble your supervision efforts over the gatekeepers of the financial sector."
Chairman Cardin Emphasizes the Importance of the Global Magnitsky Act
Madam President, reserving the right to object to the request from the Senator from Idaho, it is my understanding that the Senator's modification would not include provisions that were included in the Housepassed legislation that modifies the global Magnitsky sanction regime. I just would like to speak for a moment, if I might. There is no question that we stand with the people of Ukraine against the unprovoked attack by Mr. Putin. We are inspired every day by the courage of the Ukrainian people and by their inspirational leader, President Zelenskyy. The United States has shown leadership, and I congratulate the Biden administration. We have led the free world in providing defensive lethal weapons to Ukraine to defend itself. We have provided humanitarian assistance, joining the global community, including dealing with 3 million Ukrainians that are now refugees in other countries and 10 million that have been displaced as a result of Mr. Putin's unprovoked attack. And we have led on sanctions. We have led in getting the global unity to impose sanctions against not just the Russian sectors, but also against individuals. And when Mr. Zelenskyy spoke before the Members of Congress, he specifically mentioned the importance of these sanctions; and he asked us to expand those covered by the sanctions to include the enablers, those that are enabling Mr. Putin—the oligarchs—to be able to fund his aggression against Ukraine. So what did the House send over to us? In their bill, they sent over a global Magnitsky modification. It is identical to legislation that was filed by Senator PORTMAN and myself that included the revocation of PNTR for Russia, along with the global Magnitsky. First and foremost, it removes the sunset that is in the legislation that would sunset this year. Mr. Zelenskyy asked for us to be resolved in being willing to stand up to Mr. Putin, that it would take some time. A clear message is that we remove the sunset on the global Magnitsky statute. And we know how difficult it is to get legislation passed in this body. It also expands the global Magnitsky to include the enablers—exactly what Mr. Zelenskyy asked us to do—those that enabled—the oligarchs that allowed him to be able to finance this. The language that is included in here is very similar to the language that was included in President Trump's Executive order. This is critical legislation. Now, let me just tell you how appropriate it is that it is included in a PNTR bill—because the first Magnitsky sanction bill—and Senator WYDEN was very important in getting this done—was included in the original PNTR bill for Russia, and we were able to get it done at that time. We then made it a global Magnitsky, and my partner on that was the late Senator McCain. It has always been bipartisan. My partner now is Senator WICKER. The two of us have joined forces to make sure we get it done now. It is critically important in order to impose banking restrictions on those that are targeted under the global Magnitsky, as well as visa restrictions on being able to travel. How important is it? Ask Mr. Usmanov, who is one of the principal oligarchs to Mr. Putin, who solves Mr. Putin's business problems. Guess how he solves those problems? Well, his yacht has now been confiscated in Germany. That is how important these sanctions are and how we have to move them forward. So, if I understand my colleague's request, it would deny the opportunity for us to act on the global Magnitsky, which Mr. Zelenskyy has specifically asked us to do. We would lose that opportunity. We would be sending this bill back to the House that is not in session, which means there will be a further delay in repealing PNTR for Russia, which is something we need to do now, today. We can get it to the President for signature today under the majority leader's request. And as the majority leader has indicated, I support the energy ban—I support the Russian energy ban. President Biden has already taken steps to do that. And I agree with my colleague from Idaho. I would like to incorporate that in statute, but there is no urgency to do that as there is on repealing PNTR and the global Magnitsky. That is the urgency. That is what we need to get done today. That is what we can get to the President this afternoon under the majority leader's request, and that will be denied if my friend from Idaho's request were granted. So, for all those reasons, I object.
Helsinki Commission Digital Digest February 2022
Conflict of Interest?
Turkey is at a crossroads. Even as the Turkish Government insists that it remains committed to its NATO partners and to future EU integration, its actions—both foreign and domestic—call those promises into question. Turkey has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine and Turkish officials have announced plans to normalize relations with Armenia and moved to restore ties with several Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt and Israel. At the same time, the government has reiterated its commitment to the use of Russian military equipment, eroding relations with the United States and other members of NATO. Despite being a founding member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Turkey is struggling to live up to the principles of respect for fundamental freedoms outlined in the Helsinki Final Act. A record number of Turkish journalists are behind bars. The failure of the Turkish government to comply with a ruling of the European Court for Human Rights on the case of Osman Kavala paved the way for the country's potential expulsion from the Council of Europe, and thousands of others arrested following the attempted 2016 coup also languish in prison on dubious charges. The briefing, held on February 16, 2022, investigated the intersection of Turkey's OSCE and NATO commitments related to human rights and security, and its domestic policies that fail to hold true to these principles. Panelists also explored practical policy recommendations to help Turkey overcome this disconnect. During the briefing, attendees heard from Dr. Soner Cagaptay, Director of the Turkish Research Program at the Washington Institute for the Near East, and Deniz Yuksel, Turkey Advocacy Specialist with Amnesty International. The briefing was moderated by Helsinki Commission Senior Policy Advisor Bakhti Nishanov. Co-Chairman Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09) opened the briefing by remarking on the importance of Turkey and his personal history with Turkey. He also emphasized that human rights abuses in Turkey have long been a subject of concern, particularly those brought about by President Erdogan's empire-building attempts. "We need to do what we can to see that the whole world is fair for citizens to express themselves, for press to express themselves, and for people to get information, without which we will not have independent democracies," he said. Mr. Nishanov explained in opening remarks that Turkey's position is complex and multi-faceted—while Turkey has been making efforts to normalize relationships with Armenia, Israel, and Egypt as well as bearing a large refugee burden, recent years have been challenging as Turkey experienced economic pain, inflation, and governance issues. Additionally, Turkey's record of human rights abuses, anti-immigrant sentiments, and other obstacles cast a pall on recent progress, and bring into question the future of Turkey's democratic development. Dr. Soner Cagaptay spoke about President Erdogan's declining domestic popularity and the looming threat of economic hardship in Turkey. He also remarked on President Erdogan's attempts to restore ties with Turkey's Gulf neighbors, as well as with the United States and Europe. Dr. Cagaptay asserted that as tensions heightened between Russia and Ukraine, Turkey would adopt a neutral public-facing identity, but support Kyiv militarily. While Russia and Turkey are often compared, he pointed out that Turkey has measures of democracy that Russia does not. "The lesson of Turkey under Erdogan is that it takes a long time to kill [democracy]. Turkish democracy is resilient, it is not dead," he said. Deniz Yuksel spoke to Turkey's human rights crisis and the dangers opposition politicians, journalists, and citizens face. Reports of torture and detention are common, and those calling out such abuses face persecution themselves. She recommended that U.S. officials raise human rights concerns in every engagement with Turkey. She emphasized, "From the record-breaking imprisonment of journalists to the persecution of LGBTI people, an ongoing crisis of gender-based violence, and the unlawful deportation of refugees, the failures of Turkey's judicial system cut across societal lines and undermine the human rights of all." During the question-and-answer segment of the briefing, panelists addressed a range of questions including how specific ethnic minorities are treated in Turkey, how human rights abuses may affect Turkey's relationship with the United States, and what challenges will arise alongside Turkey's 2023 elections. Related Information Panelist Biographies Will Turkey Help Washington If Russia Invades Ukraine? | The Washington Institute Human Rights in Turkey | Amnesty International – USA: Turkey Regional Action Network Turkey's Careful and Risky Fence-Sitting between Ukraine and Russia | Foreign Policy Research Institute
Olympic skater's entourage could face trouble under US law
ZHANGJIAKOU, China (AP) — Legal troubles for the coach and others in Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva's orbit could emerge in the United States even after her doping case from the Beijing Games has been resolved. Anti-doping experts say the episode falls under the scope of a recently enacted U.S. law that criminalizes doping schemes in events involving American athletes. The law calls for fines of up to $1 million and prison sentences of up to 10 years for those who participate in doping programs that influence international sports. "Doctors and coaches who give performance-enhancing drugs to athletes are directly liable" under the new law, said one of its authors, attorney Jim Walden. "They are at risk of jail, steep fines, and forfeiture. And I suspect the FBI is already hot on this trail." On Monday, The Court of Arbitration for Sport cleared Valieva to compete in the women's competition this week. Still unresolved is what to do about the gold medal the Russians won — with Valieva as the headliner — in last week's mixed team competition. Because Valieva is 15, and considered a "protected person" under global anti-doping rules, the sanctions against her could be light. That does not exempt her entourage from possible anti-doping penalties beyond the possible stripping of the medal from the Russian team. Walden and others expect those same people to come under investigation by U.S. law-enforcement, as well. "The latest Russian doping scandal in Beijing is exactly why we passed the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act. Doping is corruption," said Sen Ben Cardin, D-Maryland, who is involved in anti-doping issues. Walden represents the bill's namesake, Grigory Rodchenkov, the Russian lab director who blew the whistle on the complex, widespread Russian doping scheme designed to help the country win medals at the 2014 Sochi Games and elsewhere. Rodchenkov now lives in hiding. The Rodchenkov Act wasn't designed to go after athletes. It targets coaches, doctors and other members of an athlete's entourage who are accused of arranging doping programs in any event that involves U.S. athletes, sponsors or broadcasters. The bill, supported by Walden, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and others, passed by unanimous consent through both houses of Congress and was signed into law in December 2020. It was considered a remarkable achievement considering the polarization in U.S. politics. Officials at the White House drug control office in both the Trump and Biden administrations have been critical of global anti-doping regulators. They threatened to withhold funding from the World Anti-Doping Agency, but recently paid their remaining dues despite some major concerns. The law's first test came last month when federal officials charged a doctor of providing drugs to an "Athlete A," who The Associated Press identified as Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare. The IOC and WADA lobbied against parts of the bill. Their main argument was that it gave U.S. law enforcement too much leverage in policing anti-doping cases that occur outside its own borders. This case — a Russian who was found to have doped on Dec. 25 at a national championship — appears, at first glance, to fit that profile. WADA said it took six weeks for officials to receive the test from a lab in Sweden because Russia's anti-doping agency (RUSADA) failed to flag it as a priority. That Valieva was allowed to compete at the Olympics turns it into an international episode. WADA said in a statement that it was "disappointed in the ruling," and that it, too, would "look into" Valieva's support personnel. Russia's anti-doping agency has also begun an investigation. But critics of WADA and the IOC argue the bill was passed because the international anti-doping system has proven it can't police its own. They point to the sanctions handed to Russia over the past eight years as Exhibit A. Part of those sanctions resulted in years' worth of suspensions and reforms for RUSADA, which is overseeing this case. Critics contend the case involving Valieva might not have erupted had the country — whose athletes are competing in Beijing under the banner of "Russian Olympic Committee" due to the sanctions — been penalized appropriately. "If I were a betting man, I'd say there's a 95% chance that this is a good case for" the law, said Rob Koehler, the head of the advocacy group Global Athlete. Though there are harsh penalties under the law, it's hard to imagine U.S. authorities would ever get their hands on Russians if they were indicted. Still, an indictment would have an impact. It could curtail their ability to travel or coach outside of Russia, since the United States has extradition deals with dozens of countries across the globe. Valieva tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine. "We need more facts, but you can envision a case like this under Rodchenkov," USADA CEO Travis Tygart said. "This drug doesn't just show up out of nowhere. Assuming the facts play out that someone was involved in giving it to her to enhance performance, it fits like a glove."
Chairman Cardin on Doping Scandal At 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing
WASHINGTON—Helsinki Commission Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin (MD) released the following statement: "The latest Russian doping scandal in Beijing is exactly why we passed the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act. Doping is corruption. It defrauds clean athletes and honest sponsors, and insults the spirit of international competition. "Putin—like other strongmen—regularly uses corruption as a tool of foreign policy. The Olympics are no exception. I call on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate all alleged doping crimes during the Beijing Olympics and hold the perpetrators responsible under the Rodchenkov Act." The Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act, which became law in December 2020, criminalizes doping in international sport. In January 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced the first charges filed under the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act for a doping scheme at the Tokyo Olympics.
Helsinki Commission Briefing to Examine Intersection Between Foreign Policy and Human Rights in Turkey
WASHINGTON—The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following online briefing: CONFLICT OF INTEREST? Foreign Policy and Human Rights in Turkey Wednesday, February 16, 2022 11:00 a.m. Register: https://bit.ly/3Je5Ck4 Turkey is at a crossroads. Even as the Turkish Government insists that it remains committed to its NATO partners and to future EU integration, its actions—both foreign and domestic—call those promises into question. Turkey has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine and Turkish officials have announced plans to normalize relations with Armenia and moved to restore ties with several Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt and Israel. At the same time, the government has reiterated its commitment to the use of Russian military equipment, eroding relations with the United States and other members of NATO. Despite being a founding member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Turkey is struggling to live up to the principles of respect for fundamental freedoms outlined in the Helsinki Final Act. A record number of Turkish journalists are behind bars. The failure of the Turkish government to comply with a ruling of the European Court for Human Rights on the case of Osman Kavala paved the way for the country's potential expulsion from the Council of Europe, and thousands of others arrested following the attempted 2016 coup also languish in prison on dubious charges. The briefing will investigate the intersection of Turkey's OSCE and NATO commitments related to human rights and security, and its domestic policies that fail to hold true to these principles. Panelists also will explore practical policy recommendations to help Turkey overcome this disconnect. The following panelists are scheduled to participate: Soner Cagaptay, Director, Turkish Research Program, Washington Institute for the Near East Deniz Yuksel, Turkey Advocacy Specialist, Amnesty International
Helsinki Commission Digital Digest January 2022
Helsinki Commission Marks One-Year Anniversary of Navalny's Imprisonment
WASHINGTON—Ahead of the one-year anniversary of Alexei Navalny's arrest on January 17, Helsinki Commission Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin (MD), Co-Chairman Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member Sen. Roger Wicker (MS), and Ranking Member Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statements: "In the past year, while Alexei Navalny has remained unjustly imprisoned, the Kremlin has doubled down on its absurd persecution of his anti-corruption organizations as 'extremist,'" said Chairman Cardin. "Nevertheless, Mr. Navalny's colleagues, friends and allies, in the face of grave threats, continue to risk their own freedom to expose Putin's thuggery across Russia." "Putin would not have gone to the trouble to imprison Alexei Navalny unless he perceived a serious threat to his power," said Co-Chairman Cohen. "Mr. Navalny and his team across Russia were instrumental in revealing the ill-gotten gains of Putin and his cronies. This tells you all you need to know about why they are a target." "During his imprisonment, Alexei Navalny has used his own suffering to call attention to the plight of the hundreds of other political prisoners in Russia," said Sen. Wicker. "We have not forgotten him or others who are persecuted for their beliefs, and we look forward to a Russia in which they finally are free." "Despite the Kremlin's attempts to push Alexei Navalny out of public view and prevent him from challenging Putin, we will not stop calling for his release," said Rep. Wilson. "Russians who challenge Putin should not have to fear for their safety in their own country." In August 2020, Alexei Navalny was the victim of an assassination attempt by the FSB that used a Russia-developed chemical weapon in the Novichok family. He spent months recovering after being flown to Berlin for treatment. Navalny returned to Moscow on January 17, 2021, and was arrested at the airport. In February, a Russian judge sentenced Navalny to three and a half years in a prison colony for violating the terms of a suspended sentence related to a 2014 case that is widely considered to be politically motivated. Previous time served under house arrest reduced his prison time to two years and eight months. In June, the Moscow City Court ruled that Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation and its regional networks would henceforth be considered "extremist" organizations, essentially outlawing these groups and criminalizing their activity. In September, Russian authorities opened a new probe against Navalny and his closest associates for creating and directing an "extremist network." This, combined with other ongoing criminal investigations, could lead to additional jail time for Navalny and threaten those associated with his organizations, many of whom have been forced to flee Russia.
Helsinki Commission Welcomes First Charges Under the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act
WASHINGTON—Following the first charges filed under the Helsinki Commission's Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act for a doping scheme at the Tokyo Olympics, Helsinki Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin (MD), Co-Chairman Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member Sen. Roger Wicker (MS), Ranking Member Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02), and former Commissioner Rep. Michael Burgess (TX-26) issued the following statements: "Swift utilization of the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act is exactly what we hoped for with this legislation," said Chairman Cardin. "I thank the U.S. attorneys and investigators who put in long hours of work pursuing this case. They understood the importance of cleaning up cheating and corruption in international sports, which often is a tool of autocratic governments. These first charges are only the beginning and serve as a very public part of the global anti-corruption strategy supported by the Biden administration and spearheaded by the Helsinki Commission for many years." "I welcome this first enforcement action under the Rodchenkov Act and urge the Department of Justice to continue unraveling the corruption that infects international sport," said Co-Chairman Cohen. "Sports should bring people together and celebrate achievement—they should not be an opportunity for fraud. My own GOLD Act would expand the Rodchenkov Act and I call on my colleagues to pass it swiftly." "These charges are the culmination of years of work to hold administrators, doctors, and officials accountable for their role in corrupting international sport," said Sen. Wicker. "They demonstrate that our new approach is working. I thank the public servants at the U.S. Department of Justice and urge them to continue their efforts to enforce this critically important law." "Dictators and their cronies interfere in everything we hold dear, including sports. They view victory in international sport as a way to trumpet the greatness of their oppressive systems. Cheating in sports is part of their foreign policy," said Rep. Wilson. "With the Rodchenkov Act, we are holding these corrupt networks to account. I applaud the Department of Justice for prosecuting fraudsters at the Tokyo Olympics and call on them to do the same in Beijing." "From a young age, professional athletes dedicate themselves to becoming the best in their sport. For those skilled enough to make it to the Olympics, their efforts should not be tainted by doping schemes," said Rep. Burgess. "Yesterday's charges provide hope to those that have been defrauded. They would not have been made possible without the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act. I worked to enact this law to maintain sport integrity and keep all American athletes safe and protected from fraud. Further, yesterday's action is a win for athletes such as Katie Uhlaender, whose moving testimony spurred Congress into action. I hope that yesterday's charges are only the beginning of combatting fraud in international sport competition." "This is exactly the kind of action we hoped for following the enactment of this groundbreaking anti-doping legislation," said Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, the former head of Moscow's anti-doping laboratory and the Russian whistle-blower after whom the law is named. "We are grateful to United States Attorney Damian Williams for taking this monumental first step toward restoring the Olympic games to their role as a cherished forum for nations to convene in the spirit of peace, fairness and cooperation. We cannot continue to allow corrupt states and the overlords of sport commerce to exploit our athletes and traditions of peace to advance the economic and geopolitical interests of the few. Yesterday's action is entirely appropriate and puts real teeth into anti-doping enforcement, while also setting an example of international cooperation and fair play for future generations." The Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act, which became law in December 2020, criminalizes doping in international sport. In July 2021, the Helsinki Commission hosted a hearing on the enforcement of the Rodchenkov Act at the Tokyo Olympics. Earlier that year, Dr. Rodchenkov spoke out publicly for the first time about the impact of the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act on a Helsinki Commission podcast, calling it a "game-changer." On Wednesday, the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced the charges against Eric Lira, who they allege "obtained various performance enhancing drugs ('PEDs') and distributed those PEDs to certain athletes in advance of, and for the purpose of cheating at, the 2020 Olympic Games held in Tokyo in the summer of 2021."


With its horror-movie styling and ultra-violent nature, this perfect example of a Euro gothic western garnered an "X" rating on its initial Italian release. During the Civil War, three Confederate officers, leaders of a Confederate regiment, sell out to the Yankees, kill the sentries and allow the enemy troops to slaughter their whole company. One of their men, however, does not die... Left for dead, the Stranger (Anthony Steffen, Italy's answer to Clint Eastwood!) lies unconscious on the ground, severely wounded. Several years go by and, as though coming back from hell, the Stranger begins hunting down his enemies - the men that left him for dead. Is he a ghost, or just a man - hell-bent on revenge!


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Home Pakistan India 250-metre bridge on Pakistan side a sticking point in Kartarpur talks – Times of India
250-metre bridge on Pakistan side a sticking point in Kartarpur talks – Times of India
NEW DELHI: The success of the Kartarpur Corridor hinges on a quarter-of-a-kilometre bridge over a creek that Pakistan is currently reluctant to construct.
As India and Pakistan head to the next round of talks on the Kartarpur Corridor on Sunday, the Indian government is confident of completing by October 31 a sophisticated passenger terminal and a four-lane approach road and bridge to the Pakistani border for pilgrims going to Kartarpur Sahib.
"We have high expectations from this meeting and look forward to commencing the pilgrimage by November and hope the other side will match up. On the bilateral front, we have entered into discussions with Pakistan," a senior government source said on Friday. The first discussions were held in Attari on March 14. The second round will be on Sunday.
While the government strongly refuted suggestions from Pakistan that India was lagging in the construction, the mismatch between the Indian and Pakistani approaches at this point centres on a 250-metre bridge. India is building a raised bridge across a tributary of the Ravi river as part of the corridor. Pakistan has been asked to build a bridge on the other side. Pakistan has instead offered to build an embankment or a surface-level dirt causeway. India has told Pakistan this would put villages and even Dera Baba Nanak on the Indian side at risk of flooding since Pakistan's action would effectively put a barrier on the creek. This issue would be front and centre at Sunday's talks.
The other issues to be discussed include logistics. Indian officials said this included "modalities on who can use the corridor, what kind of travel documentation would be required, nature of permissions, how many people can travel in a day, whether there would be extra provision during special occasions like Guru Purab and Baisakhi, whether travel would be in government transport or on foot etc". India wants pilgrims to be able to access Kartarpur Sahib throughout the year.
The big concern on the Indian side is security. There are fears that Pakistan could play mischief in any number of ways. Indian security officials believe Pakistan really wants to restart the Sikh extremist movement in India again, a perception strengthened by Pakistan's inclusion of Khalistani leader Gopal Singh Chawla in the official delegation. "Security is non-negotiable for us. We are putting in place very advanced high-tech security and surveillance systems on the corridor," a home ministry official said. It was to reinforce India's security concerns that the government banned Pakistan-supported Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice earlier this week.
MHA officials said construction work at the passenger building was "going on in full swing and will cater to 5,000 pilgrims daily and 10,000 pilgrims on special occasions". The terminal, officials said, was being built on 15 acres of land, with 54 check-in counters, immigration and customs clearance facilities, and a "robust" security system. The construction only involves a foundation, and the entire structure would be made of pre-fabricated steel and installed at the spot. "Once the foundation is complete, the rest will be done very fast," an official said.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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- Revenue of $3.8 billion for the quarter, down 5% sequentially and 39% year-over-year - Adjusted operating profit margin increased 140 bps sequentially - Free cash flow for the quarter of $348 million - GAAP net loss per share of $0.36 for the quarter, includes $0.31 per share of restructuring charges and merger-related costs
HOUSTON, Oct. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Baker Hughes Incorporated (NYSE: BHI) announced today results for the third quarter of 2015.
"In the third quarter, we delivered increased operating profit sequentially, despite deteriorating market conditions and lower revenue," said Martin Craighead, Baker Hughes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Internationally, despite a 4% decrease in revenue we expanded margins across all of our segments as a result of continued cost reductions. In North America, margins declined further driven by ongoing weakness in the U.S. onshore market, and unfavorable mix in the Gulf of Mexico. Although our Canada business grew sequentially due to seasonal activity, the recovery was less pronounced than prior years. Compared to the third quarter of 2014, revenue in North America declined 57% on sharply lower activity and unfavorable pricing, while actions we have taken to right-size our operational structure resulted in decremental adjusted operating profit margins of 30%.
"As our customers focus increasingly on managing cash, we are experiencing a current shift in spend favoring production optimization projects over exploration and development. As such, we are seeing stronger interest in our production offerings, particularly upstream and refinery chemicals, that provide our customers with optimized production from existing wells and increased ultimate recovery. Consistent with our earlier forecast, we expect further activity reductions and pricing pressures to continue across the globe for well construction for the remainder of the year, as our customers adapt their spending to the lower oil price environment.
"In the fourth quarter, we expect activity in North America to decline as our customers adjust activity for lower commodity prices, exacerbated by an extended holiday impact. Internationally, seasonal year-end product sales are not expected to offset the anticipated decline in activity. We remain focused on proactively managing our cost structure, efficiently reducing our working capital, and strategically targeting revenue opportunities to continue to increase profitability, generate positive cash flow, and maintain a strong balance sheet.
"Regarding the pending merger, I continue to be pleased with the efforts of the teams working on regulatory matters and developing plans for a successful integration. The recently announced plan to divest certain businesses is another important step in the process to complete the transaction. These businesses represent industry leading products and services with extremely proud histories of innovation and value creation for our clients throughout the world.
"Finally, I would like to recognize all of our employees for their hard work, commitment to Baker Hughes, and continued focus on our customers, while working safely in an extremely difficult business environment."
2015 Third Quarter Results
Revenue for the quarter was $3.8 billion, down 39% compared to the third quarter of 2014. Compared to the prior quarter, revenue declined $182 million or 5%.
On a GAAP basis, net loss attributable to Baker Hughes for the third quarter was $159 million or $0.36 per diluted share.
Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure) for the third quarter of 2015 was $522 million, an increase of $63 million or 14% sequentially, and a decrease of $666 million or 56% compared to the third quarter of 2014.
Adjusted net loss (a non-GAAP measure) for the third quarter of 2015 was $22 million or $0.05 per diluted share. Adjusted net loss for the third quarter excludes $191 million before-tax or $137 million after-tax ($0.31 per diluted share) in adjustments. The adjustments include restructuring charges of $98 million before-tax or $70 million after-tax ($0.16 per diluted share) and $93 million before-tax or $67 million after-tax ($0.15 per diluted share) for merger and other related costs.
Free cash flow (a non-GAAP measure) for the quarter was $348 million. Excluding restructuring payments of $56 million, free cash flow would have been $404 million for the quarter.
For the quarter, capital expenditures were $178 million, a decrease of $80 million or 31% sequentially, and down $247 million or 58% compared to the third quarter of 2014. Depreciation and amortization expense for the third quarter of 2015 was $432 million, relatively flat sequentially and down 5% compared to the prior year quarter.
Excluding merger-related costs, corporate costs were $26 million, compared to $42 million in the prior quarter and $57 million in the third quarter of 2014. The reduction in corporate costs is mainly a result of workforce reductions and lower discretionary spend.
North America revenue for the third quarter of $1.4 billion decreased 9% sequentially. The decline was driven primarily by reduced onshore U.S. activity, most notably in stimulation, drilling services and completions product lines, lower pricing across the region, and an unfavorable mix of activity in the Gulf of Mexico. Revenue declines in the U.S. were partially offset by the seasonal activity recovery in Canada, though to a much lesser extent than in prior years.
North America adjusted operating profit margin (a non-GAAP measure) was (11.2%) for the third quarter, compared to (8.5%) in the prior quarter. Despite the erosion of margins driven by the sharp decline in activity and an increasingly unfavorable pricing environment, decremental operating margins of 20% sequentially on reduced revenue were achieved as a result of ongoing cost reduction measures.
Compared to the prior year, revenue declined 57% as a result of a sharp drop in activity, as evident in the 54% year-over-year rig count decline, and deteriorating pricing conditions experienced by the industry since early 2015 as operators adjust their spending to a lower oil price environment. All product lines have been unfavorably impacted by the activity drop, with production chemicals and deepwater operations showing the most resilience. Year-over-year operating margins decreased from 12% in the prior year to (11.2%) in the current year as ongoing cost management efforts helped contain decremental operating margins on reduced activity and pricing to 30%; an improvement from the 35% year-over-year decremental operating margin reported last quarter.
Third quarter revenue for Latin America was $439 million, flat sequentially. The revenue decline resulting from reduced onshore activity and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, primarily in Brazil, was offset by share gains in the quarter.
Adjusted operating profit margin for Latin America in the second quarter was 11.6%, compared to 10.3% for the prior quarter. The sequential increase in operating profit was driven by cost savings, partially offset by foreign exchange losses and unfavorable pricing across most of the region.
Compared to the prior year, revenue decreased 23% primarily driven by activity declines across the region, predominantly in the Andean geomarket where the rig count has declined 46%. Revenue was also negatively impacted by the unfavorable change in foreign exchange rates. Year over year, margins decreased 82 bps. The impact on margins from lower revenue was partially offset by improvements made to the operating cost structure, minimizing year-over-year decremental operating margins to 15%.
Revenue in Europe/Africa/RussiaCaspian of $791 million for the third quarter decreased 9% sequentially, primarily due to reduced activity in Africa and Continental Europe, as reflected in the sequential rig count decline for these areas, plus the impact of unfavorable exchange rates mostly in Russia and Norway.
Adjusted operating profit margins were 12.4% for the third quarter of 2015, compared to 6.6% for the prior quarter. The improvement in margins is primarily attributable to the result of cost saving initiatives.
Compared to the prior year, revenue declined $323 million or 29%. The decrease can be attributed to activity reductions in Africa and Continental Europe, as reflected in the 30% rig count decline for those areas, the unfavorable change in exchange rates of several currencies across the region relative to the U.S. Dollar, which resulted in a reduction in revenue of approximately $110 million, and unfavorable pricing throughout the region. Additionally, revenue is down due to the deconsolidation of a joint venture in North Africa late last year. Year over year, margins decreased 99 bps primarily attributable to unfavorable pricing, approximately $43 million associated with the unfavorable change in exchange rates and lower activity. Cost-saving actions helped mitigate the impact of these unfavorable events as reflected by the 16% decremental operating margins.
In the third quarter, revenue of $849 million in Middle East/Asia Pacific declined 1%, sequentially. The reduction in revenue from lower activity and unfavorable pricing was essentially offset by share gains primarily in drilling services and completions. Weak activity across Asia Pacific persisted, but was compensated by strength in select markets across the Middle East.
Adjusted operating profit margin was 9%, a 194 bps improvement compared to the prior quarter. The improvement in profit margins can be attributed to the benefit of cost saving measures throughout the region, and mobilization costs in the second quarter not repeating in the third quarter. The current quarter includes the unfavorable impact of charges in Iraq related to our integrated operations.
Compared to the prior year, revenue decreased $228 million, or 21%, predominantly as a result of reduced activity in Asia Pacific, as reflected in the 15% drop in the rig count, and lower revenue in the Middle East mainly as a result of a reduction in our integrated operations in Iraq. Revenue was also impacted by unfavorable pricing across the region. Share gains in the Middle East slightly offset these declines. Year over year, margins decreased 544 bps with decremental operating margins on revenue of 35%. The reduction in margins can be attributed largely to lower activity levels and unfavorable pricing. The reduction in margins was partially offset by the benefit of cost-saving actions.
Revenue for Industrial Services of $339 million in the third quarter increased 11%, sequentially. Revenue growth from the prior quarter is related to the seasonal activity increase in the process and pipeline services business and activity growth in the downstream chemical business, partially offset by lower activity in the polymers product line.
Adjusted operating profit margins were 13%, compared to 10.5% in the prior quarter. The improvement in margins can be attributed to the seasonal increase in activity and additional savings from recent cost reduction measures.
Compared to the prior year, revenue increased 2% as revenue related to the acquisition of a pipeline services business late in the third quarter of 2014 was partially offset by reduced activity. Revenue was also impacted by unfavorable changes in foreign exchange rates against the U.S. Dollar. Year-over-year operating profit margins improved 247 bps, due primarily to savings from cost reduction actions.
Please see Table 1 for a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of net (loss) income attributable to Baker Hughes to Adjusted EBITDA is provided in Table 2. Supplemental segment financial information for revenue, adjusted operating profit (loss) before tax (a non-GAAP measure), and adjusted operating profit before tax margin is provided in Tables 5a and 5b. Decremental operating margin (a non-GAAP measure) is the decrease of adjusted operating profit (loss) before interest expense and income taxes between two periods, divided by the increase or decrease in revenue between the same two periods (see Tables 5a and 5b). Free cash flow is defined as net cash flows provided by operating activities less disbursements for capital expenditures plus proceeds from disposal of assets.
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income (Loss)
Restructuring charges
Operating (loss) income
(Loss) income before income taxes
Net (loss) income
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net (loss) income attributable to Baker Hughes
Basic (loss) earnings per share attributable to Baker Hughes
Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Baker Hughes
Accounts receivable - less allowance for doubtful accounts (2015 - $366, 2014 - $224)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Net (repayments) proceeds from issuance of debt
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
The following table reconciles net (loss) income attributable to Baker Hughes, which is the directly comparable financial result determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), to adjusted net (loss) income1 (a non-GAAP financial measure). Adjusted net (loss) income excludes identified items with respect to 2014 and 2015 as disclosed below:
Net (loss) income attributable to Baker Hughes (GAAP)
Restructuring charges2
Merger and related costs3
Inventory adjustments4
Adjusted net (loss) income (non-GAAP)1
Adjusted net (loss) income is a non-GAAP measure comprised of net (loss) income attributable to Baker Hughes excluding the impact of certain identified items. The Company believes that adjusted net (loss) income is useful to investors because it is a consistent measure of the underlying results of the Company's business. Furthermore, management uses adjusted net (loss) income as a measure of the performance of the Company's operations.
Restructuring charges of $98 million before-tax ($70 million after-tax) and $76 million before-tax ($59 million after-tax) associated primarily with workforce reductions were recorded during the third and second quarters of 2015, respectively.
Merger and related costs of $93 million before-tax ($67 million after-tax) and $83 million before-tax ($60 million after-tax) were recorded during the third and second quarters of 2015, respectively, including costs under our retention program and obligations for minimum incentive compensation which, based on meeting eligibility criteria in April, have been treated as merger related expenses. Merger and related costs of $55 million and $40 million were recorded in Corporate and $38 million and $43 million were recorded in Operations for the third and second quarters of 2015, respectively.
Inventory adjustments of $23 million before-tax ($16 million after-tax) were recorded in the second quarter of 2015 to adjust the carrying value of certain U.S. inventory.
The amount of claims made under a labor claim settlement agreement from the second quarter of 2014 was less than expected and accordingly, the accrual was reduced by $13 million before-tax ($9 million after-tax), which was recorded during the second quarter of 2015.
Costs related to restructuring the North Africa business of $58 million before and after-tax in the Europe/Africa/Russia Caspian segment during the third quarter of 2014.
Table 2: Calculation of EBIT, EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA1
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(Loss) earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)
Earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and
(Loss) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)
Technology royalty agreement10
Restructuring charges of $98 million before-tax ($70 million after-tax) and $76 million before-tax ($59 million after-tax) were recorded during the third and second quarters of 2015, respectively, and related primarily to workforce reductions. Restructuring charges of $747 million before-tax ($544 million after-tax) were recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and were associated with workforce reductions, facility closures, asset impairments and contract terminations.
Merger and related costs of $93 million before-tax ($67 million after-tax) and $83 million before-tax ($60 million after-tax) were recorded during the third and second quarters of 2015, respectively, including costs under our retention program and obligations for minimum incentive compensation which, based on meeting eligibility criteria in April, have been treated as merger related expenses. Merger and related costs of $55 million and $40 million were recorded in Corporate and $38 million and $43 million were recorded in Operations for the third and second quarters of 2015, respectively. Merger and related costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were $204 million before-tax ($147 million after-tax) of which $123 million were recorded in Corporate and $81 million were recorded in Operations.
Inventory adjustments of $23 million before-tax ($16 million after-tax) were recorded in the second quarter of 2015 to adjust the carrying value of certain U.S. inventory. Inventory adjustments of $171 million before-tax ($122 million after-tax) were recorded in the first quarter of 2015 to adjust the carrying value of certain inventory of which $159 million is in the U.S. and $12 million is in Latin America.
Costs related to litigation settlements for labor claims of $62 million before-tax ($39 million after-tax) were recorded during the second quarter of 2014. The amount of claims made under the settlement agreement was less than expected and accordingly, the accrual was reduced by $13 million before-tax ($9 million after-tax), which was recorded during the second quarter of 2015.
Foreign exchange loss of $12 million before and after-tax in Venezuela was recorded in the second quarter of 2014 as a result of changing from the official exchange rate of 6.3 Bolivars Fuertes per U.S. Dollar to the SICAD 2 rate of approximately 50 Bolivars Fuertes per U.S. Dollar.
Severance charges of $29 million before-tax ($21 million after-tax) were incurred in North America during the first quarter of 2014.
Table 3a: Segment Revenue, Profit (Loss) Before Tax, and Profit Before Tax Margin1
Profit (Loss) Before Tax
Corporate and Other Profit (Loss) Before Tax
(12.4 %)
Profit before tax margin is a non-GAAP measure defined as profit (loss) before tax divided by revenue. Management uses the profit before tax margin because it believes it is a widely accepted financial indicator used by investors and analysts to analyze and compare companies on the basis of operating performance.
Table 3b: Segment Revenue, Profit (Loss) Before Tax, and Profit Before Tax Margin1
Table 4: Adjustments to Profit (Loss) Before Tax
Adjustments to Profit (Loss) Before Tax
20143,4,5,6
Inventory adjustments of $23 million before-tax were recorded in the second quarter of 2015 to adjust the carrying value of certain U.S. inventory. Inventory adjustments of $171 million before-tax were recorded in the first quarter of 2015 to adjust the carrying value of certain inventory of which $159 million is in the U.S. and $12 million is in Latin America.
Merger and related costs of $93 million before-tax and $83 million before-tax were recorded during the third and second quarters of 2015, respectively, including costs under our retention program and obligations for minimum incentive compensation which, based on meeting eligibility criteria in April, have been treated as merger related expenses. Merger and related costs of $55 million and $40 million were recorded in Corporate and $38 million and $43 million were recorded in Operations for the third and second quarters of 2015, respectively. Merger and related costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were $204 million before-tax of which $123 million were recorded in Corporate and $81 million were recorded in Operations.
Foreign exchange loss of $12 million before-tax in Venezuela was recorded in the second quarter of 2014 as a result of changing from the official exchange rate of 6.3 Bolivars Fuertes per U.S. Dollar to the SICAD 2 rate of approximately 50 Bolivars Fuertes per U.S. Dollar.
Costs related to restructuring the North Africa business of $58 million before-tax in the Europe/Africa/Russia Caspian segment during the third quarter of 2014.
Costs related to an impairment of a technology investment of $14 million before-tax recorded in Corporate and Other during the third quarter of 2014.
Table 5a: Supplemental Segment Financial Information Excluding Certain Identified Items
The following table contains non-GAAP measures of adjusted operating profit (loss) before tax and adjusted operating profit before tax margin, which excludes identified items in Table 4:
Adjusted Operating Profit (Loss) Before Tax1
Adjusted Operating Profit Before Tax Margin1
Adjusted operating profit (loss) before tax is a non-GAAP measure defined as profit (loss) before tax less interest expense and certain identified costs. Adjusted operating profit before tax margin is a non-GAAP measure defined as adjusted operating profit (loss) before tax divided by revenue. Management uses each of these measures because it believes they are widely accepted financial indicators used by investors and analysts to analyze and compare companies on the basis of operating performance and that these measures may be used by investors to make informed investment decisions.
Table 5b: Supplemental Segment Financial Information Excluding Certain Identified Items
Baker Hughes sets a customer record on a deepwater project offshore Nigeria. A Baker Hughes bottomhole assemble suite, which included the AutoTrak G3™ rotary steerable drilling system, the LithoTrak™ service, the TesTrak™ formation pressure-while-drilling service, and the SoundTrak™ acoustic logging-while-drilling service, successfully drilled a rate of penetration of 393.7 ft/hr (120 m/hr) setting a customer record of 2,788.71 ft/day (850 m/day) when compared to 23 similar hole sections drilled in the field. The customer saved $750,000 on rig time with significant bit cost per foot savings.
Baker Hughes receives a drilling and completions contract to optimize two Permian Basin wells in Texas. By using a more data-driven approach, Baker Hughes exceeded the customer's 38-day goal by drilling from spud to a total depth of 18,181 ft (5542 m) in 24 days saving the operator 14 days. The work was done with the Talon™ high-efficiency PDC drill bit, the TruTrak™ automated drilling system, and the AutoTrak™ Curve rotary steerable system. The combination of technology provided the customer with measurement-while-drilling and logging-while-drilling systems to enable 3D directional drilling services.
Baker Hughes saves a customer $1 million by eliminating the rathole in a single run in the Gulf of Mexico. Baker Hughes used a dual reamer configuration that included GaugePro™ XPR expandable reamer above the bottomhole assembly (BHA) and the GaugePro™ Echo on-command digital reamer close to the bit. The GaugePro XPR reamer drilled and reamed 2,714 ft (827 m) to section total depth (TD) in 54 hours for an average rate of penetration of 50.3 ft (15.3 m) per hour. After reaching TD, the BHA was moved above the remaining rathole, the near-bit GaugePro Echo reamer was activated, and successfully reduced the rathole by 215 ft (66 m) or 90%. Eliminating a dedicated hole opening run saved significant time and cost.
Baker Hughes completes a four-well subsea abandonment operation for a customer in the UK. The service offering included the wellhead abandonment straddle packer system, cementing services, and perforating services to complete the job in less than 23 days. Baker Hughes technology enabled the safe and effective abandonment of category two subsea wells using a service vessel rather than a rig, allowing the customer to save $2.4 million in time and costs.
Baker Hughes sets a drilling record in Egypt. The Kymera™ hybrid drill bit drilled through interbedded sandstone, clay, limestone, and anhydrite to 4,462 ft (1360 m) at an average rate of penetration (ROP) of 34.3 ft/hr (10.45 m/hr). The bit drilled the entire section to total depth in one run with a 4% increase in ROP and 18% reduction in cost per meter.
Optimizing Well Production and Increasing Ultimate Recovery
Baker Hughes increases in the production chemicals and services market with a contract in Angola. Baker Hughes will supply all the production chemicals and services that include the CRONOX™ acid corrosion inhibitor, the TRETOLITE™ fluids-separation technology, scale inhibitors, biocides, and antifoamers.
Baker Hughes successfully implements the MAX-GUARD™ clay stabilizer in the Putumayo, Colombia area in a formation that is extremely unstable. The customer wanted to maintain oil crude production by drilling injection wells and reduce operational time in formations that are highly tectonic in the area. The technology improved wellbore stability through pore pressure reduction and helped the customer drill the curve in 31 days.
Baker Hughes saves a North Sea customer more than $1 million with the FASTrak™ logging-while-drilling fluid analysis sampling and testing service. The technology was deployed in a highly deviated well and eliminated the need to run wireline. The customer had initially planned to obtain four samples, but because of excellent performance continued to obtain seven samples in the reservoir. By obtaining these samples, the customer was able to save two days of operational time and more than $1 million in drilling costs. The FASTrak system allowed the customer to obtain more samples in less time, which gave them the opportunity to properly characterize their reservoir fluids.
Baker Hughes receives a 10-year, artificial lift contract in Oman. Baker Hughes was awarded the largest share of a 10-year electrical submersible pumping (ESP) system lease and well monitoring contract by a major national oil company. The proven track record of the Baker Hughes ESP system's reliability and production performance are key factors in maintaining superior market position in Oman.
Baker Hughes secures contracts with two operators in Canada. Baker Hughes was awarded two separate, three-year contracts to supply oilfield production chemicals and services for several fields throughout Canada.
As previously announced in Baker Hughes' Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 18, 2014, Baker Hughes and Halliburton Company ("Halliburton") have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, Baker Hughes will be merged with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Halliburton (the "Merger"). In connection with this proposed Merger, Halliburton filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4, including Amendments No. 1 and 2 thereto, and a definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus of Baker Hughes and Halliburton and other documents related to the proposed transaction. The registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on February 17, 2015 and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus was mailed to stockholders of Baker Hughes and Halliburton.
On March 27, 2015, Halliburton's stockholders approved the proposal to issue shares of Halliburton common stock as contemplated by the Merger Agreement. In addition, Baker Hughes' stockholders adopted the Merger Agreement and thereby approved the proposed combination of the two companies. The transaction is still subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, including the termination or expiration of the applicable waiting period under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"). On July 10, 2015, Baker Hughes and Halliburton entered into a timing agreement with the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (the "DOJ") and the companies subsequently announced an amendment to the timing agreement on September 28, 2015. Pursuant to the amended timing agreement, both companies agreed to extend the period of the DOJ's review of the Merger to the later of December 15, 2015 or 30 days following the date on which both companies have certified final, substantial compliance with the DOJ's prior request for additional information under the HSR Act. In light of the timing agreement, Baker Hughes and Halliburton have agreed to extend the time period for closing of the acquisition pursuant to the Merger Agreement to no later than December 16, 2015. The Merger Agreement also provides that the closing can be extended into 2016, if necessary. Baker Hughes cannot predict with certainty when, or if, the pending Merger will be completed because completion of the transaction is subject to conditions beyond the control of Baker Hughes.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (each a "forward-looking statement"). The words "anticipate," "believe," "ensure," "expect," "if," "intend," "estimate," "project," "foresee," "forecasts," "predict," "outlook," "aim," "will," "could," "should," "potential," "would," "may," "probable," "likely," and similar expressions, and the negative thereof, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are also affected by the risk factors described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014; Baker Hughes' subsequent quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015, and June 30, 2015; and those set forth from time-to-time in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The documents are available through the Company's website at: www.bakerhughes.com/investor or through the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering and Analysis Retrieval ("EDGAR") system at: www.sec.gov. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement.
These forward looking statements, including forecasts, may be substantially different from actual results, which are affected by many risks including the impact of the pending Merger with Halliburton, along with the following risk factors and the timing of any of these risk factors:
Baker Hughes - Halliburton pending Merger - the ability to obtain regulatory approvals for the transaction; the impact of the pending transaction making it more difficult to obtain relationships with customers, employees or suppliers; the inability to retain key personnel; the suspension of our stock repurchase program pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement.
Restructuring activities - the ability to successfully implement and adjust the restructuring activities and achieve it's intended results.
Economic and political conditions – the impact of worldwide economic conditions; the effect that declines in credit availability may have on worldwide economic growth and demand for hydrocarbons; the ability of our customers to finance their exploration and development plans; foreign currency exchange fluctuations and changes in the capital markets in locations where we operate; and the impact of government disruptions.
Baker Hughes is a leading supplier of oilfield services, products, technology and systems to the worldwide oil and natural gas industry. The Company's 46,000 employees today work in more than 80 countries helping customers find, evaluate, drill, produce, transport and process hydrocarbon resources. For more information about Baker Hughes, visit: www.bakerhughes.com.
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/baker-hughes-announces-third-quarter-results-300163614.html


SULLY — Will Clapper had a double-double, Kael Johnston had a career night and Baxter's boys' basketball team rallied past Lynnville-Sully on Feb. 8.
Clapper had 22 points and 12 rebounds, and the Bolts outscored the Hawks 13-2 in the fourth quarter to win 61-52 on the road.
Johnston scored a career-high 12 points and Carter Nelsen chipped in 13 points and seven rebounds. Cole Damman finished with eight points, five assists and three rebounds.
Lynnville-Sully (14-5) led 23-18 after one but the game was tied at 40-all at halftime. L-S led by two after three quarters, but Baxter's big fourth quarter allowed the Bolts to pull away.
Rylan James led the Hawks with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Tyson Vander Linden had 10 points and eight assists.
Baxter (10-9) takes a five-game win streak into its Class 1A postseason game with Sigourney. The Bolts play the Savages at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 in Montezuma.
COLO — Baxter led 22-0 after one quarter and coasted to an easy 52-24 road victory over Colo-NESCO on Feb. 9 during a make-up Iowa Star Conference South Division game.
Clapper had 15 points and nine rebounds, Damman added 15 points and five assists and Nelsen chipped in 14 points, four rebounds and three steals. Brendyn Padget did not score but had six rebounds, four assists and three steals.


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text:
Questions (1582, 1583, 1584)
Stephen Donnelly
1582. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the incidences to date in 2019 of cases of carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae, CPE, at 30 June 2019, by public and voluntary hospitals in tabular form. [33453/19]
1583. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the acute hospitals implementing the requirements for screening of patients with CPE guidelines in tabular form. [33454/19]
1584. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the acute hospitals implementing the national policy on restricted antimicrobial agents in tabular form. [33455/19]
As these are service matters and the data is collated by the HSE, the questions have been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to Deputy Stephen Donnelly. This reply was taken as a composite with 33453/19 and 33454/19.
The prevention and control of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) has been a significant patient safety and public health priority for the Department of Health for numerous years. A wide range of initiatives has been put in place in the Irish health system over several years including improved surveillance of infections and prescribing, infection prevention and control processes, antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, public and professional awareness raising and with a significant emphasis on the education and training of healthcare professionals.
Ireland's National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017-2020 (known as iNAP) was launched on 25th October 2017. The Plan, jointly launched by the Minister Michael Creed TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and I, has been a cross-Departmental initiative, requiring a cross sectorial and whole of Government ('One Health') approach to addressing the world wide threat of AMR. iNAP aims to ensure the development and implementation of multifaceted interventions which will safeguard against inappropriate prescribing, dispensing and consumption of medicines, while simultaneously promoting rational use in patients and animals that are expected to benefit from treatment.
I activated the National Public Health Emergency Plan in October 2017 to address CPE in our health system. Together with the implementation of iNAP, we have had an enhanced response to HCAIs and AMR across the health system. The HSE have strengthened their national implementation governance structures, an Expert Group provides assurance that HSE CPE guidance and requirements are in line with international best practice and the HPSC are publishing a monthly national CPE surveillance report. Most recent published figures (to end May 2019) is attached for information. A number of new developments are being rolled out in both acute hospitals and community care settings, including increased capacity for infection prevention and control and the relevant laboratory services. The HSE National Clinical Team has also been expanded, including provision for two dedicated implementation leads, one each for acute hospitals and community services. In addition, there are a variety of initiatives to improve antimicrobial use and surveillance underway.
Since 2018, my Department has allocated €7 million (full year costs) for these new developments to address challenges presented by HCAIs and AMR, including CPE. The funding includes €2 million allocated in 2018 and a further €5 million for 2019.
Surveillance Report