While the majority of attempts at mediation between Russia and the West on Ukraine have failed, a communication channel with the Vatican remains. It is run by Leonid Sevastianov, a religious dissident and ex-consultant who is well-connected in Moscow.
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Back-door diplomacy Acquiring former procurement office Sofema would significantly increase corporate intelligence group ADIT's stake in foreign armies training specialist DCI. But to take control of the latter, ADIT, majority owned by the Sagard fund, must convince the French state to give up some of its shares.
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Corporate Intel The Damascene authorities, now no longer concerned about maintaining their rule, has come up with a cunning way to keep a tally of Syrians living aboard, many of whom were once defectors or opponents. This administrative blackmail comes with exorbitant fees that can help fill the Assad regime's coffers.
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Agencies French dark web specialist Aleph Networks' tools are attracting interest from Seoul's intelligence services. Struggling with their neighbour, North Korea, the services are in the midst of a major overhaul and are working hard to develop their cyber capacities.
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Cybersecurity UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will visit the French capital in July for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, with major investments expected to be announced.
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Corporate Intel In the lead up to the Chinese Communist Party's 20th National Congress at the end of the year, President Xi Jinping has ramped up his anti-corruption crackdown on officials likely to hold key positions in the next term.
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Back-door diplomacy As tension between Moscow and the European Union escalates after Vilnius blocked shipments to the Russian exclave, Russian military strategists are weighing their options in terms of diplomacy, economic warfare, and military action.
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