Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2024.

The UK has sanctioned 10 vessels in Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’, a group of ships that use illicit practices to avoid sanctions on Russian oil.

• UK sanctions 10 vessels in Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’, a group of ships that use illicit practices to avoid sanctions on Russian oil
• new sanctions further crack down on Russian oil revenues, Putin’s most critical source of funding for his illegal war in Ukraine
• today marks the third time the UK has used its bespoke powers to sanction individual vessels, targeting those who undermine sanctions and facilitate Russia’s oil trade

The UK has today (11 September) sanctioned 10 vessels operating as part of Putin’s ‘shadow fleet’, in the latest crack down on critical revenue sources funding Putin’s war machine.

Today’s action will directly target vessels in Putin’s ‘shadow fleet’, used by Russia as a desperate attempt to undermine UK and G7 sanctions and continue unfettered trade in Russian oil.

Russia’s oil exports are Putin’s most critical revenue source for funding his illegal war in Ukraine, accounting for roughly a quarter of the Russian budget in 2023. Today we are taking decisive action to limit that revenue.

The ships targeted are all ‘high-volume offenders’ – vessels operating around the clock to transport as much Russian oil as possible. These ships will now be barred from entering UK ports and will be refused access to the UK Ship Register.

Just 3 of the vessels targeted today; NICOLAY ZUYEV (IMO 9610781), NS ASIA (IMO 9413561) and ZALIV ANIVA (IMO 9418494), have collectively carried more than $5 billion worth of Russian oil since Russia’s full-scale illegal invasion begun.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Putin’s war machine is funded by a dark and illicit economic system that this government is committed to destabilising.

Today’s sanctions further undermine Russia’s ability to trade in oil via its shadow fleet. Alongside our partners, we will continue to send a stark message to Russia that the international community stands with Ukraine and we will not tolerate this illicit fleet.

Russia has been forced to spend over $8 billion amassing this shadow fleet. But with sanctioned tankers loitering and unable to load oil, we are determined to make Putin’s investment an expensive misstep for the Kremlin. Our action will help to counter Russian attempts to undermine and dodge economic sanctions.

Previous UK action against individual shadow ships have left vessels materially disrupted, with the vast majority of them idling outside ports, and unable to carry on their trade in Russian oil.

Today’s announcement brings the total number of ‘shadow fleet’ ships specified to 25 and follows the UK’s ‘call to action’ in July which aims to bring a halt to this dangerous trade.

The vessels sanctioned today are:

• NIKOLAY ZUYEV (IMO 9610781)
• NS CLIPPER (IMO 9341081)
• NS CORONA (IMO 9341079)
• ZALIV ANIVA (IMO 9418494)
• OLYMPIYSKY PROSPECT (IMO 9511387)
• LEONID LOZA (IMO 9412347)
• NS ASIA (IMO 9413561)
• SCF BALTICA (IMO 9305568)
• VLADIMIR TIKHONOV (IMO 9311622)
• SCF VANKOR (IMO 9316127)

Background

• so far, sanctions have deprived Russia of over $400 billion worth of assets and revenues since February 2022. That’s equivalent to 4 more years of funding for the invasion. The UK has sanctioned over 2,000 individuals and entities under our Russia sanctions regime
• ships specified under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 are prohibited from entering a port in the UK, may be given a movement or a port entry direction, can be detained, and will be refused permission to register on the UK Ship Register or have its existing registration terminated. In addition, the Oil Price Cap exception is not applicable to services in relation to specified ships, or to the supply or delivery of Russian oil or oil products in specified ships
• The Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation has published guidance on the Russian Oil Services ban. Limited exceptions apply and licences may be granted for specified ships, as set out in Part 7 of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2024.

UK explanation of vote delivered by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, following the UN Security Council vote to renew the 1591 sanctions regime on Sudan.

President,

We welcome the adoption of this resolution renewing the 1591 sanctions regime, and we thank the U.S. for leading us in these negotiations.

Let me make two points.

First, the Sudanese people have suffered from this man-made conflict for over eighteen months. Last week the UN Fact-Finding Mission reported systematic human rights abuses are being carried out by both the RSF and SAF on Sudanese civilians on a daily basis, including sexual and gender-based violence, torture, mass civilian casualties and displacement, and the destruction of critical civilian infrastructure.

With both sides continuing to believe that the solution to this conflict will be on the battleground, we urgently call on States to refrain from enhancing either side’s fighting capability. Instead, those who have influence with the parties must use it to bring them to the negotiating table.

We also recall the importance of today’s renewal of the arms embargo on Darfur.

Second, President, we welcome today’s reaffirmation of the importance of the warring parties ensuring the protection of civilians. International humanitarian law is the cornerstone of our efforts to protect civilians during armed conflicts, and its principles must be rigorously upheld and enforced in Sudan.

The UK will continue to press all parties on this matter.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2024.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy is visiting Kyiv today, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, to demonstrate Western support for Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.

• Foreign Secretary David Lammy is visiting Kyiv today [11 September], with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, to demonstrate Western support for Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression
• together, they are 2 of the first to meet with new ministers
• the UK announces at least £242 million of funding to support Ukraine in the face of relentless Russian attacks, and the deployment of $484 million of fiscal support and military equipment deliveries

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will reiterate united UK and US support for Ukraine in a joint visit to Kyiv today. This is the first ever joint visit by a UK Foreign Secretary and a US Secretary of State, highlighting the UK and US’s unshakeable resolve to support Ukraine.

The pair were seeing first-hand the enduring resilience of Ukraine’s defence of its borders and independence and were due to meet with President Zelenskyy, and Foreign Minister Sybiha, becoming the first foreign ministers to meet with their new counterpart.

In his first visit as Foreign Secretary, Mr Lammy will announce at least £600 million worth of support to Ukraine against Putin’s illegal invasion. The Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed to £3 billion a year of military support for Ukraine for as long as needed earlier this year.

This confirms the £242 million announced for 2024 to 2025 for immediate humanitarian, energy and stabilisation needs as well as support to reforms, recovery and reconstruction. As Russian missile and drone attacks continue to kill civilians and destroy vital infrastructure, the commitment will ensure support to the most vulnerable in Ukraine, as well as support for longer-term economic, reconstruction and energy needs.

The Foreign Secretary also announced the intention to deploy $484 million worth of loan guarantees for World Bank lending before the end of the year, to bolster Ukraine’s economic stability. It will support vital public services, including keeping schools and hospitals open, paying civil servants, and funding pensions. The loan guarantee, delivered by the World Bank, is the second deployment of the $3 billion package the UK committed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London last year.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

The UK’s support to Ukraine is unwavering. Our commitment of over £600 million worth of support is the latest installment in our enduring support to Ukraine. This will provide vital support to Ukrainians as they continue to endure relentless Russian attacks.

It is a privilege to be one of the first to meet my new counterparts. The bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people is inspiring. Alongside the United States, we are committed to giving Ukraine what it needs to resist Russia’s illegal invasion. Their fight for freedom, liberty and democracy is also a fight for British security, European security, and global security. With the US, we stand firmly with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

This year’s bilateral funding includes £100 million of humanitarian funding which will support the most vulnerable Ukrainians, including those living in communities at the frontline of relentless Russian attacks and those displaced to neighbouring countries and communities. This includes helps to evacuate, emergency responses to Russian missile attacks across Ukraine, and life-saving help for displaced persons.

A further £20 million will double this year’s support to essential repairs and protection to the power network, restore access to vital power supplies and strengthen Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Ongoing UK support has funded rooftop solar panels to power hospitals, back-up generators to keep the lights on, and power generation equipment in Kharkiv and Odesa. As Ukrainians continue to live through black-outs, and vital services are left without power, UK support to bolster Ukraine’s energy system will Ukraine keep the lights on.

£40 million will fund stabilisation and early recovery, to ensure Ukraine not only wins the war, but can make a head-start on winning the peace. This funding includes vital assistance to Ukraine to resist Russian aggression, support to stabilise newly liberated territories, and funding to support work to hold those responsible to account for war crimes committed in Ukraine.

Whilst in Kyiv the Foreign Secretary was due to attend the International Crimea Platform’s annual summit to demonstrate international unity in condemning Putin’s illegal annexation of Crimea 10 years ago. The UK and international partners are united in efforts to restore Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Foreign Secretary will also announce the first investment into Ukraine by British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institute under the G7 initiated Ukraine Investment Platform. This £30 million of support to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)’s Trade Facilitation Programme will support trade flows of critical goods, including food, in Ukraine. This is the first allocation of funding of the £250 million of capital to BII that the UK announced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London last year.

The Defence Secretary has also today confirmed, as part of the Government’s commitment to ramp up and speed up deliveries of military support for Ukraine, that support announced in April – including air defence missiles, equipment for F16 fighter jets, AS90 self-propelled guns and spare barrels, military boats, and maritime guns – have now been delivered.

On top of this, the Defence Secretary has today also announced that hundreds of additional air defence missiles, tens of thousands of additional artillery ammunition rounds, and more armoured vehicles will be delivered to Ukraine by the end of the year.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

This government’s support for Ukraine is ironclad. On our second day in office I promised President Zelenskyy we would speed up UK deliveries of military aid – and we are delivering on that commitment.

Russia’s indiscriminate attacks on Ukraine’s people and infrastructure, often far behind the front line, highlights the urgent need to continue stepping up our support to Ukraine. So I am pleased to confirm additional aid will reach Ukraine by the end of this year.

Meeting with my Ukrainian counterpart in London last week and with 50 nations at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Germany, I made clear that UK support will continue for as long as it takes. We stand united in the face of Putin’s illegal war. The defence of the UK and Europe starts in Ukraine.

John Healey made the commitment to speed up deliveries on his second day as Defence Secretary when he visited Odesa and spent the afternoon with President Zelenskyy.

Background

• since February 2022, the UK has provided £695 million on bilateral non-military support, alongside $2.5 billion in fiscal support (loan guarantees), which will rise to $5 billion by 2027

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 September 2024.

UK statement for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Sudan.

Mr President,

The situation in Sudan is beyond devastating. The Fact-Finding Mission’s report is a harrowing read and makes clear the importance of keeping Sudan on the Human Rights Council’s agenda.

As the High Commissioner said yesterday, over 20,000 are estimated to have been killed and indiscriminate killings have continued unabated.

The Rapid Support Forces have carried out attacks against civilians and perpetrated widespread sexual violence. The fighting has meant famine is now taking hold in many parts of the country. And because of this appalling human rights situation, almost 11 million people have fled their homes – across the country or pouring into neighbouring states.

However, both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces continue to seek a military outcome to this conflict. There is little sign of peace and violations continue relentlessly. Despite recent efforts to open humanitarian corridors, people are desperate for food, medical supplies, and basic services.

Mr President,

The Fact-Finding Mission is the only independent investigative body documenting and reporting these violations. Their work must continue to ensure justice for these victims.

We call on both parties to adhere to their obligations under international law. The Sudanese people are calling for peace, for reconciliation and for accountability. We must work together to answer that call.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 September 2024.

Foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom gave a statement following Iran’s export and Russia’s procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles.

Statement by Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom, France and Germany:

The governments of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom strongly condemn Iran’s export and Russia’s procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles. This is a further escalation of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and will see Iranian missiles reaching European soil, increasing the suffering of the Ukrainian people. This act is an escalation by both Iran and Russia, and is a direct threat to European security.

The E3 has privately and publicly been clear that we would take new and significant measures against Iran if the transfers took place. We now have confirmation that Iran has made these transfers. We will be taking immediate steps to cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran. In addition, we will pursue the designations of significant entities and individuals involved with Iran’s ballistic missile programme and the transfer of ballistic missiles and other weapons to Russia. We will also work towards imposing sanctions on Iran Air.

The E3 are closely coordinating our strong response to these transfers with our European and international partners. We call on Iran to immediately cease all support to Russia’s war against Ukraine and halt the development and transfers of its ballistic missiles.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 September 2024.

UK Statement for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Afghanistan as delivered at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s longstanding commitment to shedding light on the human rights situation in Afghanistan. We are deeply disappointed by the Taliban’s decision to ban him from the country.

We have all watched in horror and sadness as the Taliban restrict the rights of women and girls across every sphere of their lives. The latest vice and virtue edicts are appalling. They extend the already severe restrictions and systematic oppression to which Afghan women and girls have been subjected. As our Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has said, these laws mark another tragic setback for the country.

Mr President, these restrictions are unjust. The sound of a woman’s voice is deemed a moral violation, their bare faces are banned in public, and they are forbidden to look at men to whom they are not related. The impact on women’s wellbeing and livelihoods is unimaginable.

The UK will not stop fighting for the rights of women and girls and will continue to find ways to support them in Afghanistan.

Special Rapporteur,

The Taliban must reverse this edict.

How can we support women and girls in Afghanistan now they are effectively banned from public spaces?

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 September 2024.

The UK and US will deepen their commitment to the economic and security relationship when a new Strategic Dialogue opens in London.

• David Lammy welcomes US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the UK for first time since becoming Foreign Secretary
• they will open an ambitious UK-US Strategic Dialogue to deliver a deeper special relationship than ever before and strengthen ties that deliver growth and security on both sides of the Atlantic
• it will cover key aspects of the relationship, where we are highly aligned, including support for Ukraine and de-escalation in the Middle East, as well as other global priorities in defence and security and resilient and sustainable growth

The UK and US will deepen their commitment to the economic and security relationship that has made them indispensable allies and trade partners for more than 80 years, when a new Strategic Dialogue opens in London on Tuesday (10 September).

Foreign Secretary David Lammy will host US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to open comprehensive talks where the 2 close allies will explore ways to continue strengthening the special relationship that has delivered security and prosperity since the Second World War.

Talks between the 2 foreign ministers will also cover unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and the UK and US commitment to a long-term peaceful settlement in the Middle East and enabling a two-state solution.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

The UK has no greater friend than America. The special relationship has been cherished on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 80 years, but together we are committed to supercharging our alliance to bring security and growth to Brits and Americans alike.

In a more volatile and insecure world, it is even more important that we are highly aligned nations. Together we are re-energising our economic partnership, working together to tackle insecurity abroad and facing the future in unity and confidence.

This Strategic Dialogue will cover key elements of the UK-US relationship, including defence and security, Europe, Ukraine, the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific, secure, resilient and sustainable growth and other global priorities.

It will reflect the immense value the UK places on its economic relationship with the US. With the UK and US sharing a $1 trillion investment relationship, a re-energised and enhanced economic partnership presents huge opportunities for people and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic – supporting the new government’s priority to grow the economy.

The Foreign Secretary and Secretary Blinken previously met during the NATO Summit in Washington DC in July. The 2 sides plan for the Strategic Dialogue to become an annual event to ensure the full benefits of the special relationship are seen in the UK, US and around the world.

The UK and US are equally united in promoting prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific, and the dialogue will cover their commitment to ensuring regional security through the AUKUS partnership.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 September 2024.

UK government announcement of significant measures against Iran and Russia, following the Iranian regime’s transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia.

• UK and E3 partners cancel bilateral arrangements with Iran, which will restrict Iran Air services into the UK and Europe
• UK and US announce co-ordinated sanctions against Iranian and Russian individuals and organisations
• Russian cargo ships sanctioned for their role in transporting military supplies from Iran to Russia
• response taken in co-ordination with international partners to expose Iran and Russia’s attempts to undermine global security

The UK government is today announcing new and significant measures against Iran and Russia, following the Iranian regime’s transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia for use on the battlefield in Ukraine.

In coordination with our international partners, the UK will cancel its bilateral air services arrangements with Iran, which will restrict Iran Air’s ability to fly in to the UK.

This follows repeated warnings from the UK and international partners calling on Iran to cease its planned transfer of the deadly weapons to Russia, whose intent is to cause further humanitarian devastation and loss of life in Ukraine.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Iran supplying Russia with ballistic missiles to fuel its illegal invasion of Ukraine is a significant and dangerous escalation.

We have been clear in that any transfer of ballistic missiles by Iran would face a significant response. Today, alongside our international partners, we are calling out this behaviour and its attempts to undermine global security.

Iran must stop supporting Putin’s unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack against a sovereign democratic state. The UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Together with France and Germany, the UK has today also issued a joint statement condemning the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia and outlined the necessary steps being taken in response.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said:

This government stands firmly with the people of Ukraine.

We will continue to use every lever at our disposal to put pressure on Iran to end its support for Putin’s illegal invasion, which is why we have begun the termination of all direct air services between the UK and Iran.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

By transferring ballistic missiles to Russia, Iran is actively supporting Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.

Iran has already supplied Russia with hundreds of one-way attack drones. Ballistic missiles are highly dangerous weapons, likely to threaten innocent lives.

Resorting to collaboration with countries such as North Korea & Iran shows the desperate situation Russia is in. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Alongside the US, the UK is sanctioning a number of key individuals and organisations for their role in facilitating Iran’s military support to Russia, including those involved in ballistic missile and drone supply chains. Those subject to an asset freeze and travel ban include:

• Brigadier General Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, Director General for International Relations of the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL): linked to Iran’s exports of defence products to its partners
• Second Brigadier General Ali Jafarabadi, head of the Space Command of the IRGC Aerospace Force (IRGC-ASF): oversees Iran’s testing of space launch vehicles which has supported the development of Iran’s long-range ballistic missile arsenal
• Majid Mousavi, Deputy Commander of the IRGC-ASF and Deputy to the IRGC-ASF Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh: oversees the development and operation of Iran’s inventory of ballistic missiles

Those subject to an asset freeze include:

• The Anzali Free Trade Industrial Zone Organisation (Anzali FTZ)
• Baharestan Kish Company
• Saad Sazeh Faraz Sharif (SSFS)
• Chekad Sanat Faraz Asia (CSFA)

Several Russian organisations are also sanctioned today for their intent to use the weapons systems to bring destruction to Ukraine. These include:

• The 924th State Centre for Unmanned Aviation
• The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS)
• Command of the Military Transport Aviation (VTA)

Five Russian cargo ships are also sanctioned today for their role in transporting military supplies from Iran to Russia. These include:

• SKIF-V (IMO 8858087)
• OMSKIY (IMO 8889385)
• MUSA JALIL (IMO 8846814)
• BEGEY (IMO 8943210)
• BALTIYSKIY (IMO 7612448)

To date, the UK has more than 400 sanctions designations in place on Iranian individuals and entities, including those that seek to use malign influence regionally and internationally. The UK has also sanctioned 2,000 individuals and entities under the Russia sanctions regime, with over 1,700 of which sanctioned since Putin’s full-scale invasion.

Iran is one of Russia’s key military backers and has transferred hundreds of drones to Russia for use in its war of aggression in Ukraine since August 2022.

New legislation is also being laid in Parliament later this week to strengthen trade sanctions on Iran, targeting items that are used in the production of ballistic missiles, UAVs and other weaponry.

The UK will continue to work with international partners to hold Iran to account for its malign behaviour, including for its military support to Russia, and to hold Russia to account for its illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 September 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Colleagues, over two and half years since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine it is the Ukrainian people who continue to bear the terrible consequences of Russia’s aggression.

14 million Ukrainians are already in need of humanitarian assistance.

Rather than end this suffering, Russia has chosen to sharply increase its attacks on schools and hospitals in recent months.

This Council met in July to discuss the particularly shocking damage caused by a Russian missile strike on the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital. Since then, the situation has only got worse. The UN reports that Russian attacks have led to 184 civilian casualties in the last month, in cities and towns across the country.

And Russia continues to target key energy facilities across the country. Over 100 attacks since March, have caused extended power cuts affecting millions of people. To be clear, direct attacks on civilian infrastructure constitute a war crime.

This must end.

This constant bombardment, and Russia’s aggression along the frontline and in Ukrainian territory, is also complicating the humanitarian response.

As reported by OCHA on World Humanitarian Day, Ukraine is now one of the most dangerous contexts in the world for aid workers. There were over 225 incidents that directly impacted humanitarian operations last year, averaging four a week.

The systemic denial of humanitarian access also means we cannot verify the full scale of violations and abuses being committed against Ukrainian civilians.

The UK calls on Russia to comply with all its obligations under International Humanitarian Law, to take all feasible precautions to protect civilians and to cease targeting infrastructure that provides the essential needs for Ukraine’s population.

Until Russia ends its aggression, Ukraine has the right to defend itself, under Article 51 of the UN Charter. And in defending itself, Ukraine is defending us all.

Ukrainians are risking their lives day in, day out to stand up for the values at the heart of this very institution – the UN – and the right of all our countries to sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Mr President, the UK remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine. We’ve committed £12.7bn of support so far, including vital lethal aid, crucial humanitarian assistance and funding for energy supplies. We will continue to support Ukraine in the face of this appalling aggression.

We reiterate once again our call for Russia to end this brutal war, to withdraw from Ukrainian territory, and to uphold its commitments under the UN Charter.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 September 2024.

Core Group statement on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. Delivered by the UK at the 57th Human Rights Council.

Thank you Mr President,

This statement is on behalf of  Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

High Commissioner,

We welcome your report on Sri Lanka.

We share your concern about the impact on human rights and fundamental freedoms of several new or proposed laws. All legislation, including that relating to counter terrorism, online safety, and civil society must align with Sri Lanka’s human rights obligations.

Civil society, journalists and  impacted  communities face sustained surveillance and harassment. We also are concerned about reports of arbitrary arrests and torture. We reiterate the need to promote and protect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, including during memorialisation events.

While we welcome the return of some military-held land to civilian control, we stress the importance of addressing land disputes in the north and east, which exacerbate inter-communal tensions and impact the ability of communities to freely practice their faith.

As Sri Lanka approaches elections we urge the government to re-engage with the Human Rights Council process; to build a conducive environment for meaningful reconciliations and transitional justice; and to ensure mechanisms are independent, inclusive, transparent, and address the priorities of affected communities.

We remain ready to support Sri Lanka in addressing these concerns.