Official Position Research Articles

Специальные виды хищения

The article considers the controversial issues of attributing Note 1 to Article 158 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (RF CC), which defines the concept of theft, to the theft of objects seized or restricted in civil circulation (narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, firearms, documents, etc.), called special theft in the criminal law literature. The aim of the article is to substantiate that this definition cannot be applied to special types of theft. The features of objects seized or restricted in civil circulation determine the content of the signs of the object, the objective side, the subjective side and the subject of special theft, which is different from the content of similar signs of the composition of theft provided for in Chapter 21 of RF CC. The research is based on domestic criminal and other branch laws, as well as on materials of judicial practice. In the process of working on the article, the following methods were used: the method of comparative jurisprudence, which made it possible to compare the provisions of articles of RF CC on embezzlement provided for in Chapter 21 of RF CC and on special embezzlement provided for in other chapters of RF CC (24, 25 and others); the method of document analysis, which made it possible to analyze judicial practice and Resolutions of the Plenums of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, which considered the qualification of special types of theft (narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, firearms, documents, etc.); a formal logical method that allowed an analysis of the content of the norms of RF CC on theft of objects seized or restricted in civil circulation. The article criticizes scientific positions on this issue, justifying the attribution of Note 1 to Article 158 of RF CC, which gives the concept of theft, to theft of objects seized or restricted in civil circulation. It is argued that judicial practice proceeds from the fact that special types of theft have qualification features that differ from the qualification of theft provided for in Chapter 21 of RF CC. It is noted that when stealing items seized or restricted in civil circulation, property is not only the main, but also an additional object of crime; the moment of the end of such theft should be associated with the moment when the culprit has the opportunity to dispose of the stolen at his discretion, and not with the moment of seizure of these items from someone else’s possession; a selfish goal is optional, and not a mandatory sign of such theft; the use of official position in the theft of these items may even consist in the use of ordinary labor functions when working with objects seized or restricted in civil circulation. It is proposed to take into account the highlighted features of special types of theft in the criminal law in the form of their separate definition in RF CC, different from the one given in Note 1 to Article 158 of RF CC.

Evidence-based position paper on physical and rehabilitation medicine professional practice for persons with COVID-19, including post COVID-19 condition: the European PRM position (UEMS PRM Section).

Although multiple factors still pose challenges to inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation for survivors of COVID-19, rehabilitation plays a key role for this patient population. This study aimed to improve Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) physician's professional practice for persons with COVID-19-related functioning limitations, to promote functional recovery and reduce activity limitations and/or participation restrictions. A systematic review of the scientific literature was performed from December 2019 to August 2022, followed by production of recommendations through 5 Delphi rounds, by consensus among the delegates of all European countries represented in the Union of European Medical Specialists PRM Section. The systematic literature review is reported together with thirty-two recommendations resulting from the Delphi procedure. The PRM physician's role for persons with COVID-19-related limitations of functioning is to develop, foster, and monitor the implementation of an individual rehabilitation project tailored to the patient's age, previous medical and functional status, current comorbidities and complications, activity limitations and participation restrictions and personal and environmental factors. This is done by applying the concept of a multi-specialty integrated service model with multi-professional/interdisciplinary teams, providing care at all stages of COVID-19 illness. This evidence-based position paper represents the official position of the European Union through the UEMS PRM Section.

Ukraine – NATO: relations and prospects of membership

The author notes that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in modern conditions plays one of the key roles in ensuring security and stability in Europe. It is stated that, in accordance with its founding documents, this international structure aims to unite the efforts of its members for collective defense and for the preservation of peace and security. The article reveals the international legal aspects of the Partnership for Peace program, established in 1991 to ensure cooperation between NATO and European states that are not members of the alliance, and to maintain a constant dialogue on issues of mutual interest to both NATO and states that are not part of this military-political bloc. It is emphasized that this program is used for the purpose of cooperation between NATO members and non-members in the military and defense spheres, including in various crisis situations, based on the postulate that the security of member states is inseparably linked with the security of all other European states. The article focuses on the analysis of the history and prospects of the development of relations between Ukraine and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The policy of the Ukrainian leadership towards the bloc, as well as concrete steps within the framework of Euro-Atlantic integration are considered. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the compliance of the current state of the internal political system of Ukraine with the requirements and standards of NATO. The official position of the Russian Federation on the issue of Ukraine's membership in NATO is considered. It is concluded that Ukraine's entry into NATO in the short and medium term contradicts the interests of the international organization itself.

Suspending Voluntary Reserve Service: New Questions in Israeli Military Ethics

Military activities with the framework of the IDF [Israel Defense Force] is carried out by citizens in a variety of positions. In addition to the ordinary positions of career officers and NCOs, the IDF consists of conscripted men and women as well as reservists. Some of the latter serve under an ordinary command to serve for a certain relatively short period. Other reservists, including pilots and special forces officers have served since they volunteered to serve. Facing the political clash between the government, who have been viewed as trying to change the democratic nature of the state, and the popular opposition, who have tried to protect the judiciary and other elements of democracy, many officers who belong to the latter reservist group have suspended their voluntary service or even retired. Their decision has raised the obvious issue of whether such decisions can be justified, morally, ethically, and democratically. This is the topic of the present paper.

PAKISTAN’S STRATEGIC CULTURE

The article examines the strategic culture of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, with the focus on the dominance of military elites in the political life of this state. The author’s goal is to analyze the factors that led to the rise of the army in the specific political and security environment of Pakistan. The generalship has done more than merely determine the main directions of the security policy and make principled decisions of a strategic nature; it has fully controlled all aspects of Pakistani society. This has been the case not only during military coups and direct military rule, but also when civilian governments were in power. Crucial decisions have been made only with the consent of or even as initiated by the army leadership. Moreover, from the very beginning of its independence, Pakistan has been nurturing its own version of the "army + Islam" formula, in which one component complemented and upheld the other. This "duet" was deeply rooted in the very emergence of Pakistani identity as a Muslim state of South Asia, i.e., a state established on a religious basis. After highlighting the preceding historical factors of the formation of such a specific culture, the study then explores its manifestations in the contemporary state through examples illustrating the influence of military leaders on the internal development and international behavior of the country. The author argues that for the 75 years of its independence, the Pakistani army has been a guarantor of social stability, which has brought it significant support from the population. On the other hand, the generalship has been repeatedly criticized for inhibiting the development of democratic institutions in the country and active interference in domestic policies and the life of the population. The author places a special emphasis on investigating the strategic behavior of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the context of the development of Ukrainian-Pakistani relations. The army has the power to influence bilateral cooperation and Pakistan’s official neutral position regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war by adjusting this attitude.

Placement of Competency Based Structural Officials in the Youth Sports and Tourism Service of Serang Regency, Banten Province

Competence is one of the important considerations in terms of employee placement in a particular position or position. This is in accordance with the principle of 'the right man on the right place', which means "the right person in the right place". A position that occupies a srtuktural position must of course consider the competence of the relevant employee. This research is entitled "Placement of Competency-Based Structural Officials at the Department of Youth, Sports and Tourism of Serang Regency, Banten Province (DISPORAPAR)". This study aims to understand the implementation related to the placement of structural official positions in DISPORAPAR Serang Regency Banten Province. In addition, this research also aims to find out things that become obstacle factors and efforts that can be made to resolve these obstacles. The method used in this research is qualitative research, with descriptive methods and inductive approaches. And for the data collection process, observation, interview, and documentation techniques were used. Furthermore, for data analysis techniques, the author applies data reduction techniques, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. From the research that has been done, the results show that the structural officials in DISPORAPAR have not been placed on target

News Frames of the Russian-Ukrainian War on the Websites

This study aimed to reveal the news frameworks of the Russian-Ukrainian war on the (Rudaw) and (BBC) Arabic websites. The study adopted the content analysis method within the descriptive approach, as its sample consisted of all news materials published on the two websites during the first week of the war, for the period between (24/2/2022) until (2/3/2022). The total sample during the mentioned period amounted to (183) news for both sites. The study reached several results, most notably: There are statistically significant differences in the framing of the news of the Russian-Ukrainian war by the both websites. (Rudaw) focused on news briefings, while (BBC Arabic) focused on news reports in the first place. The two sites did not rely on media sources from the two sides of the conflict, while Rudaw obtained information by monitoring the accounts of senior officials of the two sides of the conflict on social media (18,55%). The results also show that the both websites depend on their correspondents and delegates in the manufacture and transmission of news with a very small percentage. While news reports were prepared by the both websites' correspondents from other countries such as the United States, Germany and Britain, not on the battlefield or on the territory of the two warring countries. With regard to the persuasive frameworks used in presenting the news, the results showed that Rudaw was more reasonable and neutral, while BBC Arabic was biased towards sympathizing with the Ukrainians and portraying them as an oppressed people. The main reason for this difference may be the reflection of the official and political position of the funder of both sites, as Rudaw refrained from any attempt to make an impact and attract the attention of the recipient, as it tried in (90,72%) of its news to convey facts and information only, leaving the decision and interpretation to the recipient. Contrasted with (BBC Arabic), which used several terms such as: occupation, invasion, crime, violations, in order to convince the public of its tendencies towards sympathy with the Ukrainians.

A Study of the Gansu Official Hu Xin and his Collection Yu Fen Cao in Microcosmic Perspective

Hu Xin was a famous official in Tianshui, Gansu during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. He served in several branches of the central government, and his highest official position was that of the Supreme Leader of the Taichang Temple. Hu Xin's collection, Yu Fen Cao, documents his many initiatives to serve the people, impeach corrupt officials, and maintain national stability during his tenure. It reflects well on his political ambitions. Analyzing Hu Xin's historical contribution to the country and the people and his positive influence, we can further enrich the historical image of Hu Xin, and also provide historical details for understanding the prosperity and demise of the Donglin Party.

Improving the Function of Goods User Administration Officials in Managing Local Assets at the Transportation Department of Gorontalo Province

This study aims to determine the role of the Goods User Administration Officer in the Administration of Regional Property at the Gorontalo Provincial Transportation Office. The method used in this research is a qualitative method with data sources through interviews with informants including Goods Administration Officers, Goods Users, Goods Management Administrators, User Goods Administration Officers, User Goods Administrators, Academics who are considered to know the field of HR management and other source documents. The location of this research is the Gorontalo Province Transportation Office. Based on the results of the study, it was found that there are factors that influence the not maximizing the role of goods user administration officials in the administration of regional property, including the lack of human resources who have competence in the administration and management of regional property, the position of goods user administration officials is concurrently held by structural officials, and the tendency of ASNs who consider the duties of goods user administration officials as additional work and not as main and important tasks. Based on these factors, to maximize the role or duties of goods user administration officials, ASNs must be appointed who do not hold structural positions and have the competence to understand and implement the rules and regulations for administration and management of regional property.

Methodology of the Professional-Business Game for the Development of a Cadet Leader in Professional Training Courses (L-1B) of the Tactical Level of Military Education

The aim of the study is to develop a methodology for a professional-business game for the development of a cadet leader in professional training courses (L-1B) of the tactical level of military education on the example of teaching the discipline “Combat use of military communication systems and complexes”. After all, the most important prerequisite for the combat potential of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is a comprehensively trained officer-leader, his consciousness, knowledge, skills, military-technical qualifications, creative and innovative activity, developed emotional and volitional sphere of the psyche, beliefs, motivation, and ideals. The article summarizes the research on the state of development of a cadet leader in Ukraine. In the context of a full-scale war, there is a need to strengthen the development of the personality of a cadet leader (a future officer of the tactical level of military education). Today’s cadet-leader is tomorrow’s officer-leader, capable of integrating knowledge and solving complex problems in new or unfamiliar environments with incomplete or limited information, being a leader and authority for the personnel. Therefore, the scientific and practical task arises to consider aspects of the development of the personality of a cadet leader and to modernize the process of his development, for example, in the courses of professional military education L-1B (tactical level of military education) in terms of the disciplines of the Department of Combat Use of Communication Units. The periodization of cadets’ adaptation to the new educational space and service activities is considered, the optimal period of leader growth is determined, and the mechanism itself is proposed. The article separately identifies the key tasks for the selection of academic staff and admission to the educational process. The methodology of the professional and business game for the development of a cadet leader in professional training courses (L-1B) of the tactical level of military education is developed on the example of teaching the discipline “Combat use of military communication systems and complexes”. The scientific novelty of the work is the improved educational process of training and development of a cadet leader in professional training courses (L-1B) of the tactical level of military education by reformatting group classes in the traditional format into a professional business game for the positions of officers with the introduction of typical and atypical (force majeure) training tasks for cadets in everyday activities in new or unfamiliar environments in the presence of incomplete or limited information.

Legal Debates on ‘Ex Officio’ Procedure in Late 16th Century England: Robert Bill’s Position

The article examines the origins of the modern right to remain silent and not testify against oneself, which was established in legal discussions among English jurists in the sixteenth century and in the practice of English courts in the seventeenth century. The aim of the article is to analyze the conflict between common and civil law jurists in the late sixteenth century regarding the procedure of ex officio oath-taking, that is, taking an oath due to the prosecutor’s official position. The legal context of the 1580s-1590s, when there was a dispute over the activities of the High Commission, is reviewed. The legal texts under consideration demonstrate a struggle between inquisitorial practices and attempts to make the judicial process (including the church) “properly organized.” Special attention is paid to the position of Robert Bill, a clerk of the Privy Council. The author delves into the arguments Bill presents against ex officio oaths. The analysis of the legal debate allows for a broader understanding of several conflicts: the relationship between church and common law in England after the Reformation and the balance of power between authorities and subjects’ rights.

The Crime Of Money Laundering In The Perspective Of Criminal Law

The crime of money laundering is the act of processing large amounts of illegal money resulting from criminal acts into funds that appear clean or legal according to law, using sophisticated, creative, and complex methods. The crime of money laundering can be referred to as a process or act that aims to hide or disguise the origin of money or assets obtained from the proceeds of a criminal act which are then converted into assets that appear to originate from legitimate activities. In general, there are two main reasons why the practice of money laundering is fought and declared a criminal act, namely, firstly, the influence of money laundering on the financial and economic system is believed to harm the economy, for example, a negative impact on the effective use of resources and funds which are widely used for activities are illegal and cause less than optimal use of funds, thus causing harm to society. The position of the Indonesian Prosecutor's Office according to Article 2 (paragraph 1) is a government institution that exercises state power in the field of prosecution and other authorities based on law. About the crime of money laundering, the Prosecutor's Office said that according to Article 30 of Law Number 15 of 2002 as amended by Law Number 25 of 2003 concerning TPPU, it is stated that "investigation, prosecution and examination in court of criminal acts as intended in this Law, it is carried out based on the provisions in the Criminal Procedure Law. This type of research is Normative research. The approaches used are a statutory approach and a conceptual approach. The data source used is secondary data. Data analysis was carried out descriptively qualitatively. Concluding was carried out using a deductive method from general to specific, to that related topic, namely the Juridical Review of Ethical Witnesses for Police Members Who Commit Desertion. This research resulted in the findings of the Law on the Prevention and Eradication of the Crime of Money Laundering itself. provides a complete understanding of money laundering. Article 1 number 1 of the Law on the Prevention and Eradication of Money Laundering only states that money laundering is any act that fulfills the elements of a criminal act by the provisions of this law. Law enforcement against money laundering has been widely carried out after the promulgation of Law Number 15 of 2002 concerning the crime of money laundering as amended by Law Number 8 of 2010 concerning the Crime of Money Laundering

The Diplomat Dr. Haralampi Sarmadzhiev and His Participation in the 1898 International Anti-Anarchist Conference in Rome

The article discusses the mission of the Bulgarian diplomat Dr. Haralampi Sarmadzhiev (1860-1908) at the International Conference of Rome for the Social Defense Against Anarchists held in 1898 and argues that the participation of the Principality of Bulgaria in this forum represented for the country another step towards achieving full independence. After its liberation in 1878, Bulgaria was still a vassal of the Ottoman Empire, but the Bulgarian government used every opportunity to reaffirm its self-determination and challenge its dependent status. Dr. Sarmadzhiev, born in Bolhrad in a family of wealthy Bessarabian Bulgarians, after graduating from the Bolhrad Gymnasium studied at the University of Bucharest and later in Paris, where he obtained a doctorate in law and became the first Bulgarian lawyer to receive this degree. After completing his studies in Paris, Dr. Sarmadzhiev moved to Bulgaria, just liberated from the Ottoman rule, and served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He held high offices, including that of acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Bulgaria, organized the work of the newly created ministry, and cultivated a constellation of young diplomats. Dr. Sarmadzhiev was an outstanding Bulgarian diplomat of his era, whose service in Belgrade and Vienna marked a significant contribution to the development of Bulgarian-Serbian and Bulgarian-Austrian relations. He was chosen to represent the principality at the international anti-anarchist conference in Rome. At this forum, Dr. Sarmadzhiev actively worked towards the diplomatic emancipation of his country; on at least one occasion, he defied the instructions from his government and opposed the official Russian position, asserting Bulgaria’s independent stance despite pressure from both Russia and Turkey. Multilateral meetings in the Italian capital brought considerable legislative and administrative results and became a starting point for subsequent international cooperation.

Curriculum for diagnostic endoscopic ultrasound training in Europe: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Position Statement.

The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) has recognized the need to formalize and enhance training in diagnostic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). This manuscript represents the outcome of a formal Delphi process resulting in an official Position Statement of the ESGE and provides a framework to develop and maintain skills in diagnostic EUS. This curriculum is set out in terms of the prerequisites prior to training; the recommended steps of training to a defined syllabus; the quality of training; and how competence should be defined and evidenced before independent practice. 1: Trainees should have achieved competence in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy before training in diagnostic EUS. 2: The development of diagnostic EUS skills by methods that do not involve patients is advisable, but not mandatory, prior to commencing formal training in diagnostic EUS. 3: A trainee's principal trainer should be performing adequate volumes of diagnostic EUSs to demonstrate maintenance of their own competence. 4: Training centers for diagnostic EUS should offer expertise, as well as a high volume of procedures per year, to ensure an optimal level of quality for training. Under these conditions, training centers should be able to provide trainees with a sufficient wealth of experience in diagnostic EUS for at least 12 months. 5: Trainees should engage in formal training and supplement this with a range of learning resources for diagnostic EUS, including EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration and biopsy (FNA/FNB). 6: EUS training should follow a structured syllabus to guide the learning program. 7: A minimum procedure volume should be offered to trainees during diagnostic EUS training to ensure that they have the opportunity to achieve competence in the technique. To evaluate competence in diagnostic EUS, trainees should have completed a minimum of 250 supervised EUS procedures: 80 for luminal tumors, 20 for subepithelial lesions, and 150 for pancreaticobiliary lesions. At least 75 EUS-FNA/FNBs should be performed, including mostly pancreaticobiliary lesions. 8: Competence assessment in diagnostic EUS should take into consideration not only technical skills, but also cognitive and integrative skills. A reliable valid assessment tool should be used regularly during diagnostic EUS training to track the acquisition of competence and to support trainee feedback. 9: A period of supervised practice should follow the start of independent activity. Supervision can be delivered either on site if other colleagues are already practicing EUS or by maintaining contacts with the training center and/or other EUS experts. 10: Key performance measures including the annual number of procedures, frequency of obtaining a diagnostic sample during EUS-FNA/FNB, and adverse events should be recorded within an electronic documentation system and evaluated.

A Qualitative Study of Barriers, Facilitators, and Challenges of Providing High-Quality Hypertension Care in Health Centers in Iran: Perspectives of Healthcare Care Workers, Patients, and Health Center Managers

Background: Although the vital role of early diagnosing, and properly controlling hypertension has been emphasized for decades, a large number of hypertension patients still encounter barriers and challenges in accessing qualified cares. This study examined and identified barriers, facilitators, and challenges of providing high-quality care for patients with hypertension in health centers in Tabriz, Iran. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted based on purposive sampling. The participants in this study included health care workers at health centers, patients with hypertension, and health centers managers at official positions (n=19). Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews. Collected data was analyzed thematically. Results: The mean duration of the interviews was 40 minutes (range: 30 to 60 minutes). The barriers were categorized into areas (sub-themes) of patient-related and health-center barriers. Facilitators included patient-related factors, external and environmental activities of health centers, and activities of Iranian health system. Furthermore, the challenges were categorized into (sub-themes) patient-related, environmental, and health system challenges. Conclusion: There are major barriers and challenges in providing qualified and comprehensive services for patients with hypertension. Stakeholders should consider removing these barriers and challenges, and facilitators should be used to provide health services to hypertension patients.

Intentional introduction into circulation on the market of Ukraine (releasing on the market of Ukraine) of dangerous products: problems of defining and establishing mandatory signs of this criminal offense

The article is devoted to the study of current problems of legal definition and establishment of mandatory elements of the criminal offense (crime) provided for in Article 227 "Deliberate introduction into circulation on the market of Ukraine (release on the market of Ukraine) of dangerous products" of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Mandatory signs of the objective side of the investigated criminal offense have been established. Attention is focused on the moment of the end of the crime.
 The expediency of improving Article 227 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine by including in its provision a socially dangerous consequence of alternative types, as well as by adding part 2 of the specified article with circumstances aggravating criminal liability for the analyzed criminal offense, is substantiated. Such circumstances are recognized as the repeated commission of an act either by prior conspiracy by a group of persons or with the occurrence of serious consequences, or by an official using his official position.

«Trading in influence» or «abuse of influence» is a problem of qualification

The article analyzes the legislative tools designed to combat corruption, Art. 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine «Abuse of influence» occupies a special place. On the one hand, this prohibition is actively demanded in practice, on the other hand, its inclusion in the Criminal Code increased the casuistic nature of the latter, partially created an excess of legislative description of criminal behavior related to corruption, and due to non-compliance in this case with the principle of legal certainty, seriously complicated the application of Criminal Law of Ukraine in practice.
 The criminal offense provided for in Art. 369-2 «Abuse of influence» of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is quite difficult to understand and apply. In addition, there are certain problems with the proper criminal-legal qualification of criminal behavior at the junction of such corruption components of criminal offenses as Art. 369-2 and Art. 368 «Acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of an illegal benefit by an official», Art. 368-3 «Bribery of an official of a legal entity of private law, regardless of the organizational and legal form», Art. 368-4 «Bribery of a person providing public services» of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
 The norm of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is the result of the implementation of Article 12 of the Criminal Convention of the Council of Europe on the fight against corruption and Art. 18 of the UN Convention against Corruption. However, this implementation is far from perfect, which always creates problems for law enforcement.
 The origin of the concept of «abuse of influence» is interesting. Most likely, it is the fruit of creativity of the Ukrainian legislator. After all, the concept of «trading in influence» is used in international acts, which in translation means trading in influence, but not abuse.
 Thus, the specified composition of the criminal offense was permanently problematic in qualification and, accordingly, in understanding. For a long time, difficulties arose with the application of the note, which has lost its validity, and, accordingly, with the definition of the person authorized to perform the functions of the state. And although this problem was later settled by the legislator, the question of the nature of the influence still remains debatable: whether it must necessarily be connected with the official position or whether it is possible to use friendly, family and other ties - the appropriateness of fixing as a separate qualifying sign of extortion, as well as the type of subjects of the specified crime.

Adolescents, their parents, and abortions

The opinions and assertions expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences or the Department of Defense. Neither I nor my family members have a financial interest in any commercial product, service, or organization providing financial support for this research. References to non-Federal entities or products do not constitute or imply a Department of Defense or Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences endorsement. This work was prepared by a civilian employee of the U.S. Government as part of the individual’s official duties and therefore is in the public domain and does not possess copyright protection

Soft power in Turkey's foreign policy in Europe

Since the mid-2000s, under the rule of the Justice and Development Party, Turkey has included the concept of soft power in its foreign policy agenda. Based on the position of Turkish officials, the practical implementation of soft power is based on public diplomacy, with its “infrastructure” being created at the same time by establishing new or transforming existing state structures in partnership with non-governmental organisations. Ankara has developed the main directions for public diplomacy to be based on interaction with its Turkish people living abroad and closely related Turkic peoples, the preservation and revival of the cultural, historical and material heritage of the Ottoman Empire, and the support of the Muslim community in different parts of the world. In addition, in recent years, relatively new directions have emerged, such as struggling against FETÖ and extension of coverage of the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation. One of the regions where the Turkish public diplomacy was implemented was Europe. The latter was divided into three sub-regions: the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe. The Balkan countries were traditionally considered important regions for Ankara with the core goal to break old historical and cultural prejudices about its image and to form a positive one in the eyes of the public. With regard to Eastern Europe, Turkey, skillfully using the Ottoman heritage and/or the Turkic factor, exerts influence in Hungary, Moldova, and Ukraine. And the activity in Western Europe is more based on interacting with the Turkish diaspora. Therefore, the aim of the study is to reveal the main directions of Turkey's public diplomacy in the context of the implementation of the policy of soft power in Europe.

Weathering the Storm: Syringe Services Program Laws and Human Immunodeficiency Virus During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Syringe services programs (SSPs) are community-based prevention programs that provide a range of harm reduction services to persons who inject drugs. Despite their benefits, SSP laws vary across the United States. Little is known regarding how legislation surrounding SSPs may have influenced HIV transmission over the COVID-19 pandemic, a period in which drug use increased. This study examined associations between state SSP laws and HIV transmission among the Medicaid population before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. State-by-month counts of new HIV diagnoses among the Medicaid population were produced using administrative claims data from the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System from 2019 to 2020. Data on SSP laws were collected from the Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System. Associations between state SSP laws and HIV transmission before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated using an event study design, controlling for the implementation of COVID-19 nonpharmaceutical interventions and state and time fixed effects. State laws allowing the operation of SSPs were associated with 0.54 (P = 0.044) to 1.18 (P = 0.001) fewer new monthly HIV diagnoses per 100,000 Medicaid enrollees relative to states without such laws in place during the 9 months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The largest effects manifested for population subgroups disproportionately affected by HIV, such as male and non-Hispanic Black Medicaid enrollees. Less restrictive laws on SSPs may have helped mitigate HIV transmission among the Medicaid population throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers can consider implementing less restrictive SSP laws to mitigate HIV transmission resulting from future increases in injection drug use. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.