Geopolitical mosaic: Avakov eliminated the “Golden Eagle”, Heroes Maidan Square appears in Ukrainian cities, and the State Department teaches Russia to live
Cried your money. Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak acknowledged the existence of the risk of non-repayment by Ukraine of Eurobonds for 3 billion dollars bought out by Russia in December of 2013. He also noted that this risk is very insignificant, reports Interfax.
“Nobody expected that the situation will develop according to a dramatic scenario. In my practice, it was not the case that the holder of sovereign bonds of the issuer was another sovereign, as in our case. Accordingly, I don’t remember that such obligations were not fulfilled, but fell into restructuring and, all the more, were partially canceled. In this sense, we probably have risks, but they are of a completely different plan, and they are not so big, ”he said.
According to the deputy minister, in any case, Russia will oppose the inclusion of Ukraine’s debt on a bond issue in any restructuring scheme. “That would be unfair,” he noted.
Mr. Storchak even had to remind Kiev that three billion is not a gift. In an interview with Russia-24, he expressed the hope that Ukraine would keep its credit history: “We, I remind, did not donate these $ 3 billion, they are against the securities and debtor’s obligations to pay 5% per annum on these borrowings. How great is the probability of no return - it will be clear soon enough. The first payment will be in June. The ability and willingness of the Ukrainian authorities to service this loan will be the first litmus test regarding what will happen next, ”the deputy minister said.
The phrase “Nobody expected” and “It would be unfair,” we add, is a sample of how much our government ignores the game of the West in the Ukrainian field and how far it is from reality. It is difficult to say that the blame is the hope that Russian money “bought” Ukraine, or the employment of the Olympics, but on the Kiev field, it seems, the West wins, namely the US, the EU and already NATO (about this in the release below) . As a result, the Kremlin only remains that it is to believe in justice ...
"Golden eagle" is no more. Arsen Avakov, who was temporarily assigned by the Parliament of Ukraine to discharge his duties as Minister of the Interior, disbanded the order of the special unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine “Berkut”. He writes about it RIA News".
Avakov wrote on Facebook: “I signed an order 144 number from 25 February 2014 of the year“ About the liquidation of the special civilian security units “Berkut” (details at a special briefing tomorrow). ”
As Interfax reminds, the deputies of the Verkhovna Rada from the Freedom faction had previously proposed liquidating the Berkut (the bill was registered on February 23). Commenting on the bill, Parliament Speaker Alexander Turchinov drew attention to the fact that it needs to be finalized, because someone must perform the functions of protecting citizens.
Earlier, Mr. Avakov appointed an official investigation against the leaders of a number of regional commanders for the fact of abuse of power during protests. The investigation will be carried out by a special commission of 29 employees of the general staff of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the main investigative department, the departments of internal and public security, personnel and legal.
In a deaf opposition. The Communist Party of Ukraine and its faction in the Verkhovna Rada decided to join the opposition. This was stated by the Presidium of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, reports "Lenta.ru".
The party leadership criticized both Yanukovych and his opponents. The Communist Party noted that the past leadership of the country chose a "pernicious, anti-popular" political course. The new government also ignores the interests of voters. She “closes her eyes” to inflate “anti-communist psychosis” in the country, destroy monuments to Lenin and defenders of the Great Patriotic War, as well as attack the offices of the Communist Party of Ukraine. “Taking advantage of this, neo-Nazis let themselves go even further,” the Communists stated.
It is difficult to disagree with the Communists, add on my own. Moreover, their words are confirmed by the mass of negative and simply disgusting examples, which are ordinary acts of vandalism.
From the spire of the building of the Verkhovna Rada cut off the Soviet red star. This is reported by ITAR-TASS with reference to the vice-speaker of the Ukrainian parliament Ruslan Koshulinsky, reports "Lenta.ru".
“The Soviet star was cut off with the consent of the parliament’s leadership,” said the vice-speaker.
Lenta reminds that Alexander Briginets, a deputy from Batkivshchyna, demanded to remove the symbol of the USSR from the spire of the Verkhovna Rada at the end of 2013.
February 25 at the Kiev metro station "Teatralnaya" from the columns were removed signs with Soviet slogans. The subway guide also decided to dismantle the six-ton bas-relief of Lenin from the station wall.
"Lenta" notes that after the actual removal of Yanukovych from power, there were about 40 similar cases throughout the country. February 23 in Kirovograd dismantled a monument to Sergei Kirov, and in Kiev, about 200 people attacked the monument to the Chekists. A day earlier in the city of Stryi in the Lviv region, vandals demolished a monument to a Soviet soldier.
Subtle matter that requires special study. Leonid Slutsky, head of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots, has denied reports from the Ukrainian media about the accelerated issuance of Russian passports to residents of Crimea. “Crimean colleagues expressed wishful thinking. This is a matter of too subtle matter, which requires both special study and a special decision of the country's leadership, ”he said. "Lenta.ru" with reference to the RIA "News».
Slutsky said that measures to protect the Russian-speaking population of Ukraine will be developed soon. "We must understand that we will not abandon our brothers in Ukraine and more than a million of our compatriots who are in a difficult situation due to the sharp forthcoming collapse of the Russian-speaking space," he said.
About the "train of friendship from the" Right Sector "and the integrity of Ukraine. The Ukrainian national radical movement "Right Sector" promised to stop any manifestations of separatism in the country. About this, as reported by "News of Sevastopol," said an activist of the organization Igor Mosiychuk. “Attempts to break the territorial integrity of Ukraine will be severely punished. If the government is not capable of this, then the “Right Sector” will form a “friendship train”. We, as in 90-UNSO, will go to the Crimea. Then the public, like this, as the rats ran away when the column of the Unsovians entered Sevastopol ... "- cites his words "Lenta.ru".
Probably, Mosiychuk was referring to the events of the spring of 1992, Lenta writes, when the UNA-UNSO, together with the priests of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, traveled by train to the south of Ukraine to suppress separatist sentiments.
Until recently, recalls Lenta, Mr. Mosiychuk was in custody. On January 11, the court sentenced him to six years in prison for preparing to undermine the monument to Lenin in Borispol. February 24 activist was released from custody in accordance with the decision of the Verkhovna Rada on the release of "political prisoners." In total, the resolution listed the 23 person. Deputies argue that the decision to release them corresponds to the "sovereign will of the Ukrainian people."
In Ukraine, squares are being renamed en masse. At an extraordinary session, the Kirovograd city council voted to rename the central square of the city from Kirov to the heroes of Maidan, reports RIA News" with reference to the "Ukrainian Truth".
The deputies also supported the proposal to rename Dzerzhinsky Street to Viktor Chmilenko Street - in honor of the activist who was killed on February 9 in Kiev. In addition, a contest will be announced for the best project of a monument to the heroes of Maidan, which is planned to be installed in the central square of the city.
Renaming of streets and squares affected other cities. Heroes Square Maidan appeared in Dnepropetrovsk (the former Lenin Square), Ternopil (formerly the Arts Square) and Vinnitsa (formerly Sovetskaya Square). In Nikolaev gather Lenin Avenue to rename into Heroes of Maidan Avenue. A street or Heroes Maidan square may appear in Lviv, this proposal was made by Mayor Andrei Sadovy. In Kiev, Institutskaya Street can be renamed the street hundreds of Heaven. In Ivano-Frankivsk, in exactly the same way, they want to name the area near the building of the regional council. The street of the heroes of the Heavenly hundreds appeared in a village near Cherkassy (former Lenin street).
As RIA Novosti reminds, the initiative to create a monument to the Heavenly Hundred and Heroes of the Maidan was previously supported by the Mayor of Kiev, Vladimir Makeyenko. And the mayor of Lutsk, Nikolay Romanyuk, stated that a memorial sign to the Heroes of the Maidan will be erected at the memorial complex “Eternal Glory”, where the names of all those killed in the “Euromaidan” of Volynians will be carved. In Nikolaev, a monument to the heroes of Maidan is going to be installed on the site of a monument to Lenin.
So, let's add from ourselves, the newest history is stepping through squares and streets, casting itself in bronze of the newest symbols. Very soon, new symbols — not in bronze and granite, but in words that are much worse than monuments and street name plates — will appear in rewritten history books. There is no doubt: the newest period of Ukrainian free history is already carefully described by someone.
Wanted V. Yanukovych, suspected of premeditated murder with aggravating circumstances. Viktor Yanukovych was wanted for suspicion of involvement in the killing of demonstrators in Kiev last week. This was announced on Tuesday evening by the acting Prosecutor General of Ukraine, Oleg Makhnitsky, reports Interfax.
"Article - massacre of people, article 115, part of 1 (premeditated murder. -" IF "), with aggravating circumstances," Makhnitsky told reporters in Kiev.
He also said that the murder case was filed against the 50 man. And about. Attorney General did not rule out that the list of defendants will increase.
Rozysk Yanukovych engaged in operational-search units of the Security Service of Ukraine and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Together with Yanukovych, the former Prosecutor General of Ukraine Viktor Pshonka is also on the wanted list.
Banners of the Soviet Army in Kharkov. The number of supporters of the power of the Kharkiv region and opponents of "euromaidan" is steadily growing, reports specialist. correspondent ITAR-TASS.
“We do not have a clear organization, structure, we are spontaneously formed from the number of ordinary residents who do not want their city destroyed. We do not want visitors from Kiev and the western regions of the country to decide how we should live, ”one of the activists told a reporter.
A tent camp has grown around the monument to Lenin, which is protected around the perimeter by a double fence with a “buffer” zone. Around the monument fluttering flags of Russia, Ukraine, banners of the Soviet Army. Appeared medical center and army field kitchen. Activists publish a color newsletter "To be honest." The cries of "Russia, Russia" are heard.
Kharkiv Mayor Gennady Kernes threatened to convene his own “Maidan” yesterday, if in the near future supporters of “Euromaidan” do not leave Liberty Square and unlock the building of the regional administration. “We don't want destruction in the city. But if they do not listen to us, then tomorrow we will assemble the largest Maidan, ”he stressed.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the square, opponents of the current regional authorities continue to picket the regional administration building, demanding the resignation of the entire regional leadership.
Evidence from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia is going to demonstrate to the EU and OSCE leaders a video on which the facts of how the participants in the riots in Kiev commit unlawful actions, beating the Berkut fighters, are recorded. "Voice of Russia" with reference to RIA "News".
About this the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation reported in "Facebook". “We are deeply concerned about what is happening in Ukraine and, in particular, about how this situation is commented on and trying to influence it in the capitals of Western countries. In the Western media, they prefer not to talk about what the unrest organized by extremists was. Perhaps the leadership of European structures does not know how extremists acted, posing as "peaceful citizens." In the near future, these cadres will be brought to the leadership of the OSCE and the EU, ”the Foreign Ministry said.
On the video, the radicals beat them with batons and metal sticks of the “Golden Eagle” fighters, throw stones at them, take shields and helmets. An entry also suggests that the radicals use firearms. weapon. In some shots, you can see how the radicals are holding rifles with a sniper scope. On most cadres, law enforcement officers almost do not resist, they are only closed with shields from stones flying at them and strikes with bits, occasionally striking back.
This information will be conveyed during the meeting of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov with OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zanier.
But look from the other side.
"We had to shoot ..." In the article of Yutta Sommerbauer (“Die Presse”; the source of the abbr. Translation - "Inopressa") “It was necessary to shoot, there was no other way out,” cites the opinion of the Kiev political scientist, an employee of the Institute of Euro-Atlantic Cooperation, Vladimir Gorbach. He believes that the use of firearms by the protesters in Kiev was justified.
Ukrainian events Gorbach calls the "popular uprising." “Whether this can be called a revolution will depend on the changes that will occur in the near future,” the political scientist said. He expressed the hope that “a citizen will finally be considered the source of power. Then we can become a completely normal Central European people. ”
“Gangsters came to power with Viktor Yanukovych,” said Gorbach. - They privatized state institutions, made them controlled by themselves and perceived as their property. Within this system, there was no other option than the one that was realized ... It was necessary to shoot. There was no other way out. ”
Yanukovych, according to Gorbach, “fled when he realized that the system was falling apart: it was the moment when power structures, including the special unit Berkut, stopped following his orders and left the center of the city on Friday afternoon. It became clear to them that a compromise with the EU and an agreement reached on holding new elections meant that Yanukovych, for whom they worked, would no longer be president. Consequently, further shooting will have consequences, for it will be held accountable. The opposition has organized a withdrawal of security officials. When they left, Yanukovych fled. ”
The way members of the Party of Regions began to emerge from it reminded Gorbach of the “collapse of the Soviet Union” when the Communists rejected their party. Thus, the regionals "are trying to save their own skin," the expert said.
Money for the "Berkut". At a demonstration in Sevastopol, residents initiated a fundraiser for the fighters of the “Berkut”, who were no longer paid. This tells "RT".
At a rally at the Sevastopol city administration, it was announced that from February 26 a tent will be set up next to the building - a collection point for employees of the Berkut, who have not been paid for two months. This was written by the newspaper Sevas.Ua.
In addition, the Russian Bloc party launched an initiative to offer assistance to the employees of the Berkut and the internal troops who are subject to repression by the Ukrainian security forces. The press service of the party said that city residents are ready to accommodate the “Berkutovtsy” who arrived in the city and the policemen at home.
The decisive moment for Putin. New review of Western newspapers from "Foreign Press" It is dedicated to the topical Ukrainian theme, or rather, the intended reaction to the Maidan riots of the Kremlin and Putin personally.
Now is not the time to rattle the saber, writes The New York Times, recommending that the US and the EU make Ukrainians understand that substantial financial assistance will be provided if they form a government of national unity and agree to a reform package. “Western countries should also try to use Russia so that the Kremlin does not sabotage the plan to save Ukraine, and Russian-speaking Ukrainians understand that the West does not advocate a nationalist government,” the article says.
This is a crucial moment for Putin, who, like many of his compatriots, is unable to accept the fact that Ukraine is a sovereign state. He should understand that Russia will not be able to prevent the next Ukrainian leader from signing the Association Agreement with the EU and that the actions to split Ukraine will provoke a civil war.
Yanukovych fled, leaving behind a private golf course, a restaurant designed for the Spanish galleon, a heap of discriminating documents, and many dead protesters. “But don't be in a hurry to applaud,” says USA Today. - This is not the triumph of democracy. Ukraine is just beginning, or rather, resuming, a process that will be no less complicated than failed uprisings of the Arab Spring or the color revolutions that began after the Cold War, including the Ukrainian Orange Revolution 2004 of the Year.
The US and the EU were in a delicate situation, the newspaper notes. They need not just stabilize Ukraine, but do it in cooperation with Russia.
In the past, President Putin, the newspaper notes, used bribery (under the guise of financial assistance) and blackmail (threats to turn off the gas) to lure Ukraine back into Russian orbit. He most likely will not stop there. Military invasion is unlikely. But Putin is more likely to try to split Ukraine, than to watch its movement to the West.
Western leaders, including the US president and the German chancellor, are trying to convince Putin not to interfere with the changes in Ukraine, reports The Washington Post.
It is not yet clear whether the Russian president will be able to accept Ukraine. Putin himself does not speak out on the Ukrainian events. However, the newspaper warns: “... Given the Putin's invasion of Georgia in 2008, a military intervention scenario cannot be ruled out. That is why, in addition to trying to reconcile Russia with a democratic and independent Ukraine, the West must make it clear that any such invasion will be a disaster not only for Ukraine, but also for Russia. ”
“The flight of the president, booed up by the crowd, betrayed simultaneously by the inner circle, the party and the forces of law and order, is undoubtedly the most terrible nightmare of Vladimir Putin,” writes “Le Monde”. “It’s not a secret to anyone that he abhorring“ color revolutions ”- shocks that mark the liberation of a society that rejects the system of power, corruption and cronyism.”
“What is happening today in Ukraine will have serious consequences in the post-Soviet space, if only because of the demonstration that Moscow’s dominance in the“ near abroad ”may be incomplete,” the publication notes. “What form will Russian anger take?” Sparking separatist sentiment in the Russian-speaking Donbas? Activation of Russian military networks in the Crimea? Entering troops, like in Prague in 1968 year? ”- trying to understand the newspaper. “Such scenarios are associated with certain risks, and Vladimir Putin knows this. Chaos in Ukraine will inevitably affect neighboring Russia, ”the article says.
Further, “Le Monde” advises the EU to immediately turn its attention to Moldova and Georgia. These countries have initialed the Association Agreement and may be subject to pressure from Russia. “The blast wave of the Kiev revolution is only beginning to spread,” the newspaper states.
After the humiliating "loss of face", Putin is plotting revenge, "the headline of The Times claims. Journalist Roger Boys argues this way: if Moscow could not keep Ukraine, will trust remain in it in “many countries where it substitutes props for dictators”?
Neither Moscow nor Brussels want a collapse of the Ukrainian economy, the correspondent continues. The EU needs Russia to continue to help Ukraine with money. “So one of the long-term consequences of the current crisis could be closer cooperation with Moscow. In the meantime, expect hard words from Putin and a bit of confrontation. He perceives the events of the past weekend as a humiliation directed by the West, ”the article says.
“Putin’s course in relation to the Ukrainian crisis will predetermine the fate of him,” is the title of Simon Jenkins’s article in The Guardian. How will the Russian president behave: as a state husband or a bully? This question is asked by the correspondent.
The Olympics were conceived to “show how the borders of Russia in the Caucasus are compelled by intimidation to submission,” but “the western border exploded,” Jenkins writes.
How Putin behaves will predetermine his fate. Who will he become - “a sophisticated statesman or kleptomaniac-bully”? Putin prepared the ground for Sochi by skillful diplomacy in Iran and Syria, the author recalls. But these are faraway countries, and Ukraine for Putin is “his own court, where at least one third of the country looks at him, awaiting instructions. He can neither abandon these people nor ignore the wave of Ukrainian nationalism in Kiev. ”
Settlement in gosdepovski. Ukraine, determining its future, should not choose between the United States and Russia, and Washington is ready to work with Moscow to resolve the situation, the US Secretary of State said, reports correspondent RIA "News" Peter Martynychev.
At a conference on the prevention of sexual violence in conflict zones, John Kerry said: “This is not the West against the East. This should not be. This is not Russia or the United States. The fact is that the Ukrainian people choose their future. And we want to work with Russia, other countries, with everyone, to ensure the peaceful development of events from today, because the terrible violence on the Maidan shocked the whole world. ”
Of course, add on my own. Not so long ago, the same State Department spoke about Syria. And there too the “people” chose the “future”, and the opposition was striving for “democracy”. Is very similar. And indeed, all the statements of the State Department are old tracing paper from the promises of the Cold War.
John Kerry was echoed by British Foreign Secretary William Hague. He said that the national interests of his country were the independent determination by the Ukrainian people of their future.
Is that so? Is this in the national interest of the UK? It would be nice to know what national British interests in Kiev, or, say, Sevastopol?
By the way, the US State Department gave some advice to the Kremlin about the “swamp” issue.
The State Department teaches Russia to live. The United States is deeply disappointed with the verdicts of the Russian court in the case of the unrest in Bolotnaya Square and urges them to be reconsidered, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said, reports correspondent RIA "News" Peter Martynychev.
Jen Psaki said: “We urge the Russian government to demonstrate adherence to the rule of law by reviewing this injustice ... This is an example of punishment for the realization of freedom of speech and assembly guaranteed by the constitution.”
As the correspondent reminds, the Zamoskvoretsky Court of Moscow on Monday completed an eight-month judicial investigation and a two-day pronouncement of the verdict in the case of unrest in Bolotnaya Square 6 in May 2012. According to the decision of Judge Natalia Nikishina, seven men will go to serve their sentences in a penal colony for periods of two and a half to four years, the only girl from the defendants ’prison is sentenced to three years and three months conditional. All of these people have been convicted of using violence against police officers. The defense intends to appeal the decision of the court.
Nuclear concern. In Ukraine and in neighboring countries, they are concerned about the lack of order at Ukrainian nuclear facilities, said Mikhail Margelov, chairman of the Federation Council’s international affairs committee. The senator especially noted that, given its constrained economic situation, Ukraine is a developed industrial country, "Sight" with reference to ITAR-TASS.
“And this, in the absence of a known order, implies the possibility of man-made trouble. But there is no order: the Security Service of Ukraine was left without plans to protect nuclear facilities, and the representatives of this body left the service the other day and do not answer the phone calls, ”he expressed his concerns.
He recalled that in Ukraine there are four nuclear power plants with 15 or 17 power units, and the total number of high-risk facilities in this country reaches 2 thousand units. "This can not but bother Ukraine and its neighbors," - concluded the head of the Committee of the Federation Council.
In addition, the senator compared the development of events in the country with the “Arab spring”, when “those who are dissatisfied with power, corruption, low living standards, and extremists use protest energy begin to protest”.
The leader of the Russian communists, Gennady Zyuganov, spoke earlier on the topic of safety of nuclear power plants in Ukraine. “There are five nuclear power plants in Ukraine, these are 15 nuclear reactors that require unique control, operators have been preparing for at least ten years, and super-reliable security there,” he said. “In the present conditions, when the security agencies fled, there is no reliable protection and cannot be in the near future,” he believes. “Our specialists, together with European ones, should consider protection measures, since we are talking about the security of not only Ukraine, but Russia and Belarus,” Zyuganov added.
Impatience of the Baroness. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said that the European Union is considering the prospect of short-term and long-term loans to Kiev, is working on this issue with the International Monetary Fund, and is also serious about cooperation between Moscow and Kiev. Reports about it "RT".
According to Interfax, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton spoke to journalists in Kiev, summing up her visit to Ukraine.
“Now it is necessary to make a decision on the creation of a new government. After different parties are involved in this process, a plan for resolving economic issues should be developed and discussions should be started with international organizations, with all of us, so that we can determine what kind of assistance is better for Ukraine, ”Ashton said at a press conference.
According to her, the European side "actively cooperates with the International Monetary Fund" on this issue. “We are considering combining short-term loans with long-term loans,” Ashton explained. According to Catherine Ashton, the International Monetary Fund is ready to begin negotiations with the new Ukrainian government.
The head of European diplomacy also noted the need for economic reforms in the country, which would allow, in particular, to diversify the energy and agricultural sectors of the economy.
“RT” recalls that during the two-day trip to Ukraine, Catherine Ashton met with Vitaly Klitschko, Arseniy Yatsenyuk and Oleg Tyagnibok. In addition, Ashton discussed the issue of political settlement of the situation in Ukraine with Verkhovna Rada Speaker Oleksandr Turchynov. Catherine Ashton managed to discuss issues of providing financial assistance with Yulia Tymoshenko. “I look forward to continuing our dialogue. Now you and your activity are key for the future of Ukraine, ”Ashton said, referring to Yulia Tymoshenko.
Georgian heart Saakashvili in Ukraine, but he will go to America. Mikheil Saakashvili stated that he received proposals from the leaders of the Ukrainian opposition who came to power to take high positions, reports Newsru.com with reference to Interfax.
“There were paradoxical proposals, including to hold high official posts, both openly and in private conversations, but I certainly don’t have such plans,” Saakashvili said on Wednesday night when it was broadcast from Kiev on the air, “ Selection of the “Rustavi-2” TV company.
“I told them (the leaders of the Maidan) that my heart is here (in Ukraine), because our struggle is here, but my existence belongs to Georgia. With the Soviets, with all I can, I will help, but we cannot do what they have to do, but they need to make quick reforms, ”Saakashvili continued.
However, let us add from ourselves, despite the fact that his “existence belongs to Georgia”, Mr. Saakashvili decided to go to the United States. Maybe to Georgia, who knows.
Newsru.com indicates that Saakashvili, saying that he misses Georgia very much, for many reasons decided to leave for America. “I will speak openly about these reasons in due time,” the ex-president said.
NATO preoccupied Ukraine. The crisis in Ukraine has significantly pressed through the process of completing the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan on the agenda of the two-day meeting of defense ministers of the 28 countries of the alliance that is opening in Brussels. On the second day of this meeting - February 27 - there will even be an unscheduled meeting of the NATO Commission - Ukraine. This was reported by the official representative of the alliance Oana Lungesku, transmit correspondent ITAR-TASS Denis Dubrovin and Ivan Konovalov.
"The NATO Commission - Ukraine is a reliable platform to support democracy," she said.
We can say, we add, that such a statement may qualify for one of the main news of the day. Everyone knows how NATO can support democracy and how close the Alliance is with Russia.
Responding to a question from Russian journalists, is NATO going to intervene in Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen replied: “We have no plans to invade Ukraine or any other country. We have no plans to take sides. We are on the side of the Ukrainian people, he himself must determine the fate and future of his country. ”
So the Libyan people also once "determined the fate and future of their country." And before Libya, NATO promoted democracy in Yugoslavia.
Lost trust. The commander of the American warship, which entered the Black Sea in early February and stranded in the waters of the Turkish port of Samsun, is relieved of his duties, reports correspondent ITAR-TASS Ivan Lebedev.
According to representatives of the US Navy in Europe, second-rank captain Dennis Volpe has been transferred to another position due to the loss of confidence of his superiors, who now doubt that he can lead the crew of the USS Taylor missile frigate.
Tourist McFaul. Michael McFaul leaves the post of US ambassador to Russia and returns home on Wednesday. He plans to work at Stanford University, where he taught before the start of the civil service, and return to Russia as a tourist. This tells "Voice of Russia".
The successor of McFaul is not ready to name the White House. Earlier, McFaul told RIA Novosti that there are several applicants.
McFaul stressed that he was leaving with a sense of accomplishment. Among the successes, he listed the simplification of the visa regime and the increase in the number of issued non-immigrant visas, the growth of trade between countries, Russia's accession to the WTO, the development of close positions of Moscow and Washington on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons in the context of North Korea and Iran.
“Farewell, Michael!” - such a message appeared in the official “Twitter” of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, “Voice of Russia” reminds.
McFaul intends to visit Russia as a tourist. By his own admission, he would like to go to Altai and Lake Baikal.
How the American ambassadors failed the exams. In a note by Emily J. Blasco (“ABC”; the source of the short translation is "Inopressa") It tells how four new US ambassadors put themselves to ridicule when they were examined by the US Senate.
Where did these ambassadors come from? It turns out that they were appointed to their posts by Obama - from among those millionaires who sponsored his election campaign, writes Emily J. Blasco.
A new scandal spurred controversy over embassies, where not personnel diplomats are appointed, but those whom the presidents want to reward for their material donations. There were 30% such embassies, but in Obama’s second term there was 53%!
“The ambassadors, who were going to be sent to Norway, Argentina, Iceland and Hungary, proved themselves the worst,” the journalist said.
George Tsunis, Obama's candidate for the post of US ambassador to Norway, called the Norwegian Progress Party anti-democratic. “He considered her absolutely marginal and lost her speechlessness when one senator told him that this party was part of the ruling coalition,” the newspaper writes. Noah Bryson Meimet and Robert C. Barber, appointed respectively to Argentina and Iceland, admitted that they had never been to these countries. Meimet also called Argentina "the ally of the country."
Exchange of courtesies. The United States expels three Venezuelan diplomats in response to the Caracas demarche. This decision was announced by State Department spokesman Jen Psaki, reports correspondent ITAR-TASS Andrey Surzhansky.
“In response to the decision of the Venezuelan government to declare three American diplomats persona non grata, the State Department, in accordance with Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, also announces persona non grata to three employees of the Venezuelan embassy in Washington,” she said.
According to her, the Venezuelan diplomats are given 48 hours to leave the country. Psaki called their names and diplomatic rank. This is the first secretary of the Venezuelan embassy in Washington Ignacio Avalos, the first secretary Victor Aspurua and the second secretary Marcos Figueredo.
Japan allocated money for the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria. Japan has allocated 13,25 million euros for the destruction of the Syrian chemical weapons. This was reported in the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, reports correspondent ITAR-TASS Vitaly Chugin.
The director general of the OPCW, Ahmet Uzumcu, thanked the Japanese government for its generous contribution.
China sued Ukraine. China filed a lawsuit against Ukraine at the London International Arbitration Court for damages amounting to 3 billion dollars. This is stated in the message of the first deputy head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee of Ukraine on the fight against organized crime and corruption Gennady Moskal, distributed to the media, reports ITAR-TASS.
According to him, the amount of 3 billion dollars was provided to the State Food and Grain Corporation for the purchase of grain with their subsequent delivery to China.
"Contrary to the agreement, grain was sold to China in the amount of only 153 million dollars," the report says. According to Moskal, bypassing agreements with China, but with Chinese money, the SFGCU delivered grain to 28 million dollars in Ethiopia, to 14 million dollars in Monaco, to 7 million dollars in Saudi Arabia, and to 24 million in Iran dollars, Kenya - for 11 million dollars, for the Philippines - for 1,5 million dollars, for Switzerland - for 61,9 million dollars, for Egypt - for 26,3 million dollars and for Syrian rebels - for 325 thousand dollars.
The Chinese company-operator received only 180 thousand tons of products.
Victory Day over Japan. The Chinese authorities intend to introduce two new public holidays: Victory Day over Japan and Memorial Day for the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre, reports "Lenta.ru" with reference to the Xinhua Agency.
It is expected that the 3 of September, the Chinese will celebrate victory in the war with Japan, which lasted from 1937 to 1945 year and became part of the Second World War. Events in memory of those killed in Nanking will be held on December 13. On this day, the Japanese military entered Nanjing, which was then the capital of China.
Relevant documents were provided for consideration by the Standing Committee of the All-China People’s Assembly.
In Iceland, the opposition started up. In Iceland, several thousand people took part in a protest against the refusal of the government from European integration. Reports about it "Lenta.ru" with reference to France-Presse.
According to police, about 3500 people took part in the protest in Reykjavik. The demonstration took place in front of the parliament building. The protesters demanded a referendum on joining the European Union promised in 2013 in May.
Earlier, on February 21, the Icelandic parliament supported the initiative of the country's foreign minister, Gunnar Braga Svensson, to finally refuse to join the European Union.
According to the latest public opinion polls, more than half of the inhabitants of Iceland are in favor of continuing negotiations on joining the European Union.
Will European money go to Uganda's gays? Norway and Denmark have postponed the transfer of financial assistance to Uganda due to the fact that in this African country adopted a law on the introduction of life terms for homosexuality. He writes about it "Lenta.ru" with reference to "The Local".
Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende explained that the law violates human rights and therefore the authorities will not transfer 50 million crowns to the government of an African country. Instead, Oslo will increase funding for Uganda’s human rights groups, Newsinenglish.no reports.
A similar decision was made by Denmark. Financial assistance in the amount of 50 million DKK, which was intended for the Ugandan government, will be sent by Copenhagen to private companies and organizations.
The suspension of assistance to the authorities of the African country is now thinking in Sweden.
In Uganda, tougher penalties for gays and lesbians are generally supported by the population. According to the 2013 survey of the year referenced by CNN, 96% of the country's population believe that society should not perceive homosexuality as something normal.
In Turkey, the demonstrations are again dispersed. Immediately in several major cities of Turkey are protesting against corruption in the government. In the capital, Istanbul and Izmir, the police used special means to disperse the crowd, reports correspondent ITAR-TASS Kirill Zharov.
The largest demonstration has been held since yesterday evening in the Kadikoy district of Istanbul, where protesters gathered around 500. They tried to go to the building of the district office of the ruling party, but the police blocked the roads. A total of about 20 buses with police special forces arrived in Kadikoy, displacing protesters with water cannons and tear gas. Some groups of protesters throw stones at the police and beat the windows of banks.
Russia is not an enemy. Agency "Gallup" updated the rating of the enemies of the United States, which is formed on the basis of surveys of Americans, reports Mixednews.ru with reference to thetowntalk.com.
Russia ranks fourth in this ranking (9% of votes), following the top three "leaders." China ranks first this year (20% of votes). It is followed by Iran and North Korea (in 16 percent).
Disrespectful Obama. Barack Obama is not respected in the international arena, according to most Americans. These are the results of a survey conducted by the Gallup organization, according to "Vesti" with reference to ITAR-TASS.
53% of respondents denied the White House’s host recognition abroad, and only 41% of Americans believe that the head of the current Washington administration is respected in the world.
A survey conducted last year showed opposite data: 51% positive reviews with 43% negative. Specialists of the Gallup service associate the drop in the rating with a complex of factors, primarily with the revelation of American intelligence, engaged in wiretapping, and the situation around Syria.
By the way, George W. Bush in 2007 could boast with a rating of just 21 percentage.
As for Bush, he is now an artist.
New name in painting. Ex-US President George W. Bush decided to organize an exhibition of his paintings. The exhibition will open in early April and will be held at the Bush Jr. Presidential Center in Dallas, reports "Voice of Russia" with reference to ITAR-TASS.
Representatives of the center said that at the exhibition “The Art of Leadership: Personal Diplomacy of the President”, more than 20 portraits written by the US President 43 will be presented. Previously, these works were not exhibited.
Bush became interested in painting after leaving the presidency. He paints mostly animals, still lifes, as well as self-portraits.
As last year reported resource clubfile.ruGuccifer hacker broke into George W. Bush's personal mail. There were his artwork (one of them is presented below). According to George W. Bush, he was embarrassed to admit to the public his passion ...
As we see, for the past time, Mr. Bush has managed not only to overcome the constraint, but also to organize an exhibition.
- especially for topwar.ru
- Vladimir Ivakhnenko; http://www.svoboda.org/content/article/25275019.html
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