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Veritas odium parit
The
reaction comes as a result of the fact that ambassador Baily, who is
soon expected to start his mission in Skopje, had named the FYROM
majority population as “Slavs” in the September 17 hearing in front of
the foreign policy committee in the US Senate.............Foreign Ministry in Skopje reacts against the newly appointed US ambassador. - Had named the FYROM majority population as “Slavs” (22/9/14)Veritas odium parit
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Joint Statement by the Presidents of Ukraine, the European Council and the European Commission on the occasion of the beginning of the provisional application of the Association Agreement ...
ReplyDeleteWe welcome the launch of the provisional application of important parts of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement as of 1 November 2014. This follows the aspirations of the Ukrainian people, who have demonstrated their support for closer relations with the European Union, most recently in the parliamentary elections last Sunday.
The Association Agreement will be a key instrument for carrying out the much-needed reforms in Ukraine in the years to come, underpinned by the EU's support. The provisional application will cover important areas such as the rule of law, the fight against crime and corruption as well as intensified sectorial cooperation. The inaugural meeting of the Association Council, which will define priorities and launch the monitoring of the implementation of the Agreement, will be held before the end of the year.
We also welcome the extension of the EU autonomous trade preferences for Ukraine until the end of 2015 and reaffirm the importance of adequate preparations for the provisional application of the trade provisions of the Agreement as of 1 January 2016.
We look forward to swift finalization of the process of ratification of the Association Agreement by all the EU Member States in accordance with their national procedures. The Agreement will contribute to increased prosperity and stability on our continent and create new opportunities for regional cooperation between Ukraine and its neighbours.
The EU is committed to supporting Ukraine in its path towards a modern European democracy. The Association Agreement does not constitute the final goal in EU-Ukraine cooperation.
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-14-349_en.htm?locale=en
31/10/14
U.S. State Department: Joint Communique on Libya by the African Union, the Arab League, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States ...
ReplyDeleteThe special envoys for Libya from the African Union, the Arab League, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States met yesterday in Paris with Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Bernardino Leon.
The special envoys expressed their full support for the mediation efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative aimed at pursuing a dialogue that will allow the normal functioning of the legitimate Council of Representatives with the full participation of its members, the formation of a fully inclusive and representative government, and the withdrawal of militia groups from cities and airports throughout Libya. They reaffirmed that there was no military solution to the current crisis in Libya.
They condemned the violence perpetrated since the call for a ceasefire in Ghadames. They paid tribute to those, who – on both sides – have engaged in dialogue and expressed their desire for serious and constructive engagement on the part of both delegations.
They called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire throughout Libya that would allow the immediate resumption of humanitarian assistance. They affirmed that those who impede this process will be penalized within the framework of UNSCR 2174.
They commended the determination of the special representative to organize, in the near future, a new round of discussions and urged the parties to remove all obstacles to these discussions. They stated that the efforts of all international partners should aim to support the UN mediation efforts. They rejected any external interference in Libya.
They also stressed their grave concern at the growing terrorist threat affecting the current political situation which can only be defeated by a strong and united Libya.
The special envoys decided to continue to coordinate their efforts through a mechanism to support the UN mediation efforts.
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2014/10/233617.htm
31/10/14
Syria: ‘Outraged’ Security Council condemns ongoing violence targeting civilians...
ReplyDeleteOutraged by the violence directed against civilians in Syria, including the reported dropping of barrel bombs on a displaced persons camp in the war-torn country’s northern region, which killed dozens of people, the Security Council this evening strongly condemned such acts, and reminded all the parties of their international legal obligations to protect civilians.
In a press statement issued at United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern at the continued high level of violence in Syria and condemned all violence directed against civilians...............http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=49226#.VFRmC1fm75M
31/10/14
EU, IMF to finance most part of expenses on Ukraine-EU-Russia gas deal - Naftogaz ...
ReplyDeletehe European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will “finance the most part” of expenses connected with implementation of the three-party gas deal involving Russia, Ukraine and the EU on supplies of Russian natural gas to Ukraine in the upcoming winter, the head of Ukraine’s national oil and gas company Naftogaz said Friday.
“The EU and IMF will finance most of the agreement,” Andrey Kobolev told the 1+1 Ukrainian TV channel in an interview.................http://en.itar-tass.com/economy/757775
1/11/14
Kerry, Saeb Erekat to meet in Washington ...
ReplyDeleteUS Secretary of State John Kerry is slated to meet Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat at the State Department on Monday.
At a press briefing in Washington on Friday, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said a Palestinian delegation would arrive at the US capital for high-level talks on ways to move forward with the stalled peace talks and the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
The meeting will also focus on the uptick in violence in Jerusalem, following rising tensions and a number of deaths in the city, which has for weeks been the scene of daily clashes between security forces and Palestinians.
http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Kerry-Saeb-Erekat-to-meet-in-Washington-380457
1/11/14
La Russie a réduit la livraison de gaz vers la Serbie en raison de dettes ...
ReplyDeleteLa Russie a réduit la livraison de gaz de 28% vers la Serbie en raison de dettes. Cela a été annoncé par le ministre des Mines et de l'Energie, Aleksandar Antic. Selon les données en date de 30 octobre, la dette serbe est de 224 millions de dollars.
Le ministre a exprimé sa confiance que les parties trouveraient un langage commun.
Selon Antic, avant la fin de l'année, la Serbie remboursera une partie de la dette d'environ 100 millions de dollars.
La Serbie répond presque complètement à la demande en gaz grâce à son importation en provenance de Russie. L’entreprise d’Etat Srbijagas s’occupe de transport, de distribution et de stockage de gaz naturel en Serbie. Iougorosgaz, dont 50% appartiennent à Gazprom, est engagée dans l’organisation de la livraison de gaz naturel vers la Serbie.
Lire la suite: http://french.ruvr.ru/news/2014_11_01/La-Russie-a-reduit-la-livraison-de-gaz-vers-la-Serbie-en-raison-de-dettes-3789/
1/11/14
FYROM president visits Serbia ...
ReplyDeleteSerbian and FYROM presidents Tomislav Nikolić and Gjorge Ivanov said their countries "should upgrade and intensify ties in all ares of joint interest."
This is especially true " when it comes to infrastructure and the economy," a joint news conference held in Belgrade on Friday heard.
Nikolić said that cooperation between the two countries was good and friendly relations were developing in the spirit of good neighborly relations and with a good political dialogue at the highest level.
“Serbia is grateful to FYROM for its aid and assistance during the floods in May and September,” the Serbian president said, pointing out that FYROM had first donated a sum of EUR 370,000 and then EUR 175,000 in cash.
FYROM provided us with additional EUR 100,000 at the donors’ conference for the flood-stricken Balkans, Nikolić said.......................http://www.b92.net//eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2014&mm=10&dd=31&nav_id=92088
31/10/14
Iraqi peshmerga reinforcements arrive in Kobani
ReplyDeleteSome 150 Iraqi peshmerga fighters have crossed from Turkey into the Syrian border town of Kobani to help defend it against jihadist militants. They were backed by US-led airstrikes.
Kurdish peshmerga forces from Iraq have crossed the Syrian border from Turkey to help fellow Kurds defend the border town of Kobani against "Islamic State" (IS) jihadist fighters who have been trying to take it for weeks.
A convoy of 10 vehicles carrying the peshmerga entered throught the western sector of the town late on Friday, the Britain-based monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said..................http://www.dw.de/iraqi-peshmerga-reinforcements-arrive-in-kobani/a-18033836
1/11/14
Les Républiques auto-proclamées ont reçu les informations sur les actes de sabotage lors des élections ...
ReplyDeleteLes services de police des Républiques populaires auto-proclamées de Donetsk et de Lougansk ont reçues les informations de la part des autorités de Kiev sur les actes de sabotage qui se préparent lors des élections du 2 novembre. Des mesures visant à les prévenir ont été prises, selon une déclaration conjointe des Républiques auto-proclamées.
Kiev espère terroriser les personnes et réduire le taux de participation au scrutin, ont déclaré les ministères de la Sécurité d'Etat de la RPD et de la RPL. Les départements ont souligné que la situation était sous contrôle, et ont garanti d’assurer la sécurité lors des élections.
Lire la suite: http://french.ruvr.ru/news/2014_11_01/Les-Republiques-auto-proclamees-ont-recu-les-informations-sur-les-actes-de-sabotage-lors-des-elections-3897/
1/11/14
Kurds hold unauthorized rally in southern Turkey....
ReplyDeleteKurdish groups held an unauthorized rally in response to a call made by the pro-Kurdish Democratic Peoples' Party, or HDP, in Turkey's southeastern province of Diyarbakir on Saturday.
Groups of people gathered for the rally in Diyarbakir's Baglar district, along with the local HDP officials.
The group marched through Istasyon Square with HDP MP Nursel Aydogan and Democratic Regions Party district head Zubeyde Zumrut.
Security forces were parked on corners with armored vehicles and took extra measures to ensure protesters did not violate their specific route.....................http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/413841--kurds-hold-unauthorized-rally-in-southern-turkey
1/11/14
Pope Warns Against 'Industry of Destruction' ...
ReplyDeletePope Francis on spoke against "an industry of destruction'' practiced by mankind as he marked All Saints Day with a mass at Rome's main cemetery, the Verano.
Large crowds had gathered for the solemn outdoor event among tombstones.
Francis wove his homily around thoughts he said had come to his mind earlier in the afternoon. Addressing the crowd with few pre-written notes, the pope said humans were "capable of destroying the earth''.
"Man takes possession of everything, believes he is god, believes he is the king. And wars, the wars that continue raging, not exactly helping to sow the seed of life but to destroy. It is an industry of destruction,'' he said.............http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-pope-warns-against-industry-of-destruction-during-all-saints-day-mass/2504888.html
1/11/14
New Russian Humanitarian Aid Convoy Ready to Head to Donbas: Emergencies Ministry...
ReplyDeleteA new Russian humanitarian aid convoy has been loaded and will deliver 1,000 ton of aid to Donetsk and Luhansk regions in Donbas, Oleg Voronov, a deputy chief of the national crisis management center of the Emergency Situations Ministry said Sunday.
"More than 100 trucks will deliver to Donetsk and Luhansk regions a total of more than 1,000 ton of humanitarian aid – sugar and canned meet, building materials, fuel and medications," Voronov said......http://en.ria.ru/russia/20141102/194980995/New-Russian-Humanitarian-Aid-Convoy-Ready-to-Head-to-Donbas.html
2/11/14
Australia commemorates 100 anniversary of Anzac's departure for WWI ...
ReplyDeleteAustralia is bracing for an emotional weekend to commemorate the centenary since the first convoy of Australian and New Zealand (Anzac) troops sailed into the Great War.
A train solemnly departed Friday morning, to recreate the journey taken 100 years ago by Australian troops from their training camp to Fremantle Port as part of a weekend of commemorations for the Anzac Centenary.
State Premier Colin Barnett joined commemorative events to mark the troops' departure.
"About 100 years ago, more than 41,000 men and women from Australia and New Zealand set sail from Albany and Fremantle for the battlefields of World War I WWI," Barnett said............http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/889527.shtml
2/11/14
International observers critical of OSCE activity in Ukraine’s southeast...
ReplyDeleteDONETSK, November 1. /TASS/. The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) does not exercise its basic function in the conflict in Ukraine’s southeast joining actually one of the sides, Ewald Stadtler of the Austrian reform conservative party told reporters.
Stadtler has arrived in Donetsk as an international observer for monitoring the election in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic.
“I am confused and a bit angry that the OSCE will not monitor the election,” he said. “Control of this election is a crucial moment in the activity of this organisation. But instead, the OSCE has joined one side of the conflict and is carrying the U.S.-led anti-Russian policy.”
Alessandro Musolino, an Italian politician and an observer at the Donetsk election, said that the Western media are biased in their coverage of political processes in Ukraine’s east.
“Freedom and democracy are not to be respected only when it meets our interests,” he said. “The future of this land is in the hands of residents of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s
http://en.itar-tass.com/world/757822
2/11/14
Suicide attack kills 45 on India-Pakistan border ...
ReplyDeleteA suicide bombing near the India-Pakistan border has killed at least 45 people, Pakistani police say. Women and children are amongst the dead following the blast, which took place near the Pakistani city of Lahore. The injury count is currently around 70.
"The death toll increased to 45," the provincial police chief in Lahore told Reuters.
A senior police official verified the claims that the blast at the Wagah crossing was a suicide attack. "According to initial information it was a suicide attack," Inspector General of Punjab Police, Mushtaq Sukhera, told local television channels. "When ... security was a bit relaxed, the suicide attacker blew himself up near a restaurant," he added.
A senior Pakistani Taliban commander has claimed responsibility for the attack............http://rt.com/news/201675-pakistan-india-border-explosion/
2/11/14
Kiew meldet "intensive Truppenbewegung" aus Russland ...
ReplyDeleteIn Donezk und Lugansk haben die umstrittenen Wahlen begonnen. Russland soll indes Ausrüstung und Mannschaften ins Separatistengebiet verlegen.
Die ukrainische Armee meldete "intensive" Truppenbewegungen aus Russland über die Grenze in die von Separatisten kontrollierten ostukrainischen Regionen. Militärausrüstung und Mannschaften "des Feindes" würden über die russische-ukrainische Grenze in das Separatistengebiet verlegt, sagte Armeesprecher Andrej Lyssenko bei einer Pressekonferenz am Sonntag. Er antwortete damit auf eine Frage nach Videoaufnahmen, die in ukrainischen Medien zu sehen waren.........http://diepresse.com/home/politik/aussenpolitik/4584276/Kiew-meldet-intensive-Truppenbewegung-aus-Russland?from=rss
2/11/14
Car bomb kills two soldiers in Ukraine ...
ReplyDeleteAt least two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and one wounded in a car bomb attack at a checkpoint in the southeast of city Mariupol Sunday, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council said.
Andrey Lisenko, the spokesperson for the council, confirmed that two soldiers lost their lives when a car exploded at the checkpoint near the entrance of the city.
“We believe the car bombs were detonated by remote control. We have launched an investigation into the incident,” he said...........................http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/414039--car-bomb-kills-two-soldiers-in-ukraine
2/11/14
Trois militaires ukrainiens ont trouvé la mort et sept autres ont été blessés dans le Donbass (sud-est) ces dernières 24 heures, a déclaré dimanche le porte-parole du Conseil de sécurité nationale et de défense d'Ukraine (SNBO) Andreï Lyssenko....
Delete"Au cours des dernières 24 heures, trois militaires sont morts et sept autres ont été blessés et hospitalisés", a fait savoir M.Lyssenko.
Selon lui, deux membres des forces armées ont été tués dans une explosion survenue à proximité de la ville de Marioupol, dans la région de Donetsk............Lire la suite: http://french.ruvr.ru/news/2014_11_02/Donbass-trois-soldats-ukrainiens-tues-en-24-heures-Kiev-4802/
2/11/14
Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on the ‘presidential and parliamentary elections’ in Eastern Ukraine ...
ReplyDelete"I consider today's ‘presidential and parliamentary elections’ in Donetsk and Luhansk ‘People's Republics’ a new obstacle on the path towards peace in Ukraine. The vote is illegal and illegitimate, and the European Union will not recognise it.
These ‘elections’ were held contrary to the letter and the spirit of the Minsk Protocol, signed by the representatives of the trilateral Contact Group, and obstruct efforts to find a sustainable political solution to the crisis.
Early local elections in accordance with Ukrainian law, as foreseen in the Minsk Protocol, are the legal and legitimate means of renewing the democratic mandate of the local authorities in these parts of Ukraine. I call on all sides to work towards such elections.
The aspiration for peace can't be only a political statement, it requires political will and good faith. I hope all parties will reaffirm their commitment to the Minsk Protocol, and will act coherently in order to implement it fully in all its parts.
The European Union is committed to supporting these efforts and will continue working towards the solution of the crisis in Ukraine. I call on all parties to act in full respect of the territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence and unity of the country."
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-14-348_en.htm?locale=en
2/11/14
Libyan army urges residents of Benghazi port area to evacuate ...
ReplyDeleteLibya's army urged residents to evacuate a central district of Benghazi that is home to its seaport, a spokesman said on Sunday, as it prepares a military operation against Islamists in the country's second-largest city.
At least 230 people have been killed since the army, backed by forces loyal to a former general, have waged an offensive against Islamist groups in the eastern city, part of chaos plaguing the oil producer three years after the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi.
The army has claimed to have seized back several barracks it had lost to the Islamists in August though fighting has been continuing in other parts of the eastern city.................http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Libyan-army-urges-residents-of-Benghazi-port-area-to-evacuate-380600
3/11/14
Elected Donetsk, Luhansk representatives get mandate to restore peace — Russian ForMin ...
ReplyDeleteThe elections in the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR) in the east of Ukraine have passed in an orderly manner in general and they had a high voter turnout, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
“The elections in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions have been held in an orderly fashion in general and had a high voter turnout,” the ministry said.
“We respect the will expression of the residents of (Ukraine’s) south-east. The elected representatives have got the mandate for the practical efforts aimed at the restoration of normal life in the regions,” the statement says.
The ministry added that “taking into account the held elections it is very important to take active steps to develop a stable dialogue between the Ukrainian central authorities and representatives of Donbas in line with the Minsk agreements.”
“We are ready to constructively promote the Ukrainian crisis settlement together with our international partners,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
http://en.itar-tass.com/world/757939
3/11/14
China unveils laser to shoot down low-flying drones: Report ...
ReplyDeleteChina has developed a highly accurate laser weapon system that can shoot down light drones at low altitude, state media reported.
The machine has a two-kilometre range and can bring down "various small aircraft" within five seconds of locating its target, the official Xinhua news agency said, citing a statement by the China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP), one of the developers.
Xinhua showed pictures of large metal boxes in camouflage paint and the wreckage of a small drone, some of it burning.
It is expected to "play a key role in ensuring security during major events in urban areas" and address concerns on unlicensed mapping activities, according to Xinhua...................http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/China-unveils-laser-to-shoot-down-low-flying-drones-Report/articleshow/45018715.cms
3/11/14
Islamic State fighters in Syria said on Monday they had taken control of a gas field in the central province of Homs, the second gas field seized in a week after battles with government forces....
ReplyDeleteThe hardline Sunni Islamist group posted 18 photos on social media showing the Islamic State flag raised in the Jahar gas field as well as seized vehicles and weaponry, according to the SITE jihadist website monitoring service.
Reuters could not independently confirm the events due to security restrictions.................http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Islamic-State-says-seizes-second-gas-field-in-Syria-380619
3/11/14
At least 24 people have died after a boat believed to have been carrying illegal immigrants capsized in Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait on Monday....
ReplyDeleteSeven people were rescued and 24 dead bodies were recovered, the Istanbul governor’s office announced.
Sources said there were around 43 people on the boat.
Following emergency appeals early in the morning, a team from the Turkish Coast Guard was dispatched to the area in the far north of the 31-kilometer strait, near the Black Sea.
Search-and-rescue operations are being carried out by seven coastguard vessels, a helicopter, a diving team and nearby fishing boats.
http://www.aa.com.tr/en/headline/414265--immigrant-boat-sinks-in-istanbul-3-rescued
3/11/14
Russia urges Kiev to cancel the military operation in the southeast of Ukraine, Russian State Secretary, Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin told TASS on Monday, commenting on the final results of the elections in the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR)....
ReplyDeleteAccording to him, the elected representatives of Donetsk and Luhansk republivs “have enough powers to develop a stable and wide-ranging dialogue with Kiev authorities.”
“It is quite obvious for us that this work can yield result only on the condition of a dialogue based on mutual respect and equality and Kiev’s refusal from military operations and the notorious ‘anti-terrorist operation,’” the state secretary said.
“There is one more condition — the commitment to the Minsk agreements on September 5 and 19,” he added.
http://en.itar-tass.com/world/757951
3/11/14
EU delays decision on Russian access to Opal gas pipeline ...
ReplyDeleteThe European Commission said on Monday it had pushed back a deadline for deciding whether to give Russia more access to the Opal gas pipeline across Germany until the end of January from the end of October.
Russian gas exporter Gazprom is currently allowed only limited access to the pipeline under a European Union law which seeks to prevent energy suppliers from dominating infrastructure.
But no-one else has taken up the spare capacity on Opal, which provides a link between Russia's Nord Stream pipeline to Germany and the Czech Republic.
"The Commission has agreed with the German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) to prolong the deadline for issuing a decision on Opal. The reason ... is that certain technical aspects require further attention," a Commission official said.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it was difficult to say exactly when a decision would be made. The new deadline was the end of January 2015, although it could be extended further...................http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/03/us-ukraine-crisis-eu-opal-idUSKBN0IN12S20141103?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews
3/11/14
Kiev Unaware of Contents of Russian Humanitarian Convoy for Donbas: Official ...
ReplyDeleteUkraine's National Security and Defense Council is unaware of the contents of the fifth Russian humanitarian aid convoy, which delivered building materials, food, fuel and medications to Donetsk and Luhansk on Sunday, Council’s spokesperson Andriy Lysenko stated Monday.
"It [the convoy] illegally crossed the border of Ukraine, the content [of it] is unknown and we don't have accurate data on this convoy," Lysenko said at a briefing.
On Sunday, a 100-truck Russian aid convoy cleared customs checks at the Donetsk-Izvarino border crossing and later split into two groups that headed to Luhansk and Donetsk, two stricken Ukrainian cities in the east.......................http://en.ria.ru/world/20141103/195051314/Kiev-Unaware-of-Contents-of-Russian-Humanitarian-Convoy-for.html
3/11/14
Heavy clashes near seaport of Libyan city Benghazi ...
ReplyDeleteHeavy fighting broke out near the seaport of Libya's eastern Benghazi city on Monday as the army, backed by forces loyal to a former general, attacked Islamist groups, residents said.
Dozens of residents were leaving the city, heeding a call by the army to evacuate the port area where military officials say Islamists are holed up after more than two weeks of fighting.
A Reuters reporter saw the army deploying tanks and artillery in Libya's second-largest city..... REUTERS..........http://www.todayonline.com/world/heavy-clashes-near-seaport-libyan-city-benghazi
3/11/14
Merkel envisage une sortie de la Grande-Bretagne de l'UE (médias) ...
ReplyDeleteLa chancelière d'Allemagne Angela Merkel a admis envisager possible, lors d'un entretien avec le Premier ministre britannique David Cameron, une sortie du Royaume-Uni de l'UE à cause des divergences sur des quotas de migrants européens, écrit Der Spiegel.
Angela Merkel a rejeté les propositions du Premier ministre britannique de mettre en place des quotas de migrants en provenance de l'UE, soulignant que l'exigence de modifier les règles sur la liberté de circulation était un « point de non retour ».
The Guardian note que le 10 Downing Street ne nie pas l'information sur l'entretien. Le week-end dernier, David Cameron a renoncé à son idée de quotas et examine la possibilité pour Londres d'expulser les migrants en provenance de l'UE et incapables de s'assurer les moyens d'existence au bout de trois mois après l'arrivée en Grande-Bretagne.
Lire la suite: http://french.ruvr.ru/news/2014_11_03/Merkel-admet-une-sortie-de-la-Grande-Bretagne-de-lUE-medias-3289/
3/11/14
MEPs to debate IS conflict with Head of Iraqi Kurds’ National Security Council ...
ReplyDeleteForeign Affairs Committee MEPs will debate the deadly conflict with the “Islamic State” (IS) and the need for political reconciliation in Iraq with Masrour Barzani, Head of the National Security Council of Iraqi Kurds, on Tuesday. The debate, set to start at 10:15, follows September’s plenary debates on Kobane and the European IS fighters.....................http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/content/20141103IPR76908/html/MEPs-to-debate-IS-conflict-with-Head-of-Iraqi-Kurds%E2%80%99-National-Security-Council
3/11/14
Spot report by OSCE Observer Mission, 2 Nov 2014: Russian convoy of 32 vehicles crossed into Ukraine and returned back through Donetsk Border Crossing Point.....
ReplyDeleteSUMMARY
On 2 November 2014 starting at 07:06 (Moscow time), a Russian convoy arrived to the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP). A total of 32 vehicles were inspected only by the Russian border guard and customs services. By 15:08 on the same day, all the vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation (RF)...............http://www.osce.org/om/126266?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=oscelatestnews
3/11/14
Suspended prosecutor talks about "dark side of EULEX"...
ReplyDeleteAccording to the Priština-based Albanian language daily Koha Ditore, she warned of attempts to "cover up the cases" that this mission deals with.
"It is not my goal to cause damage to EULEX. I think an independent international investigation should be carried out into the manner in which EULEX has operated in Kosovo, as the people currently with EULEX and those who operate from Brussels are trying to cover up things instead of deal with them," the British prosecutor was quoted as saying.............http://www.b92.net//eng/news/crimes.php?yyyy=2014&mm=11&dd=03&nav_id=92116
3/11/14
Le commandant de l'OTAN en Europe évoque à nouveau de l'activité croissante des forces aériennes russes ...
ReplyDeleteLe commandant en chef des forces de l'OTAN en Europe, le général américain PhilipBreedlove a évoqué à nouveau de la croissance de l’activité des forces aériennes russes, en soulignant que l’aviation russe utiliserait des systèmes de combat plus complexes, un nombre d’appareils plus important que d’habitude, leur permettant de voler plus près du territoire des l’alliance.
Le ministère russe de la Défense avait déjà affirmé à plusieurs reprises que tous les vols d’avions des forces aériennes de Russie ont toujours été réalisés et sont toujours réalisés en stricte conformité avec les réglementations internationales sur l'utilisation de l'espace aérienau-dessus des eaux neutres, sans violer les frontières des autres États.
Lire la suite: http://french.ruvr.ru/news/2014_11_03/Le-commandant-de-lOTAN-en-Europe-evoque-a-nouveau-de-lactivite-croissante-des-forces-aeriennes-russes-9775/
3/11/14
The Turkish foreign ministry on Monday summoned the German ambassador to protest at the appearance in a German school textbook of a caricature of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a dog...
ReplyDeleteGerman ambassador Eberhard Pohl was summoned over the cartoon which appeared in a school textbook in the southern state of Baden Wuerttemberg, a foreign ministry spokesman told AFP.
According the reports, the cartoon had been taken from a 2011 article in the Sunday edition of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper which showed Erdogan as a guard dog with teeth bared coming out of a kennel marked “Erdogan.”
The cartoon, which had the sarcastic title “Turks in Germany-- a success story”, was used in a high school textbook for social studies.
“We strongly condemn the appearance in a school textbook of a cartoon insulting our respected president and all Turks living in Germany,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
“There is no place in democracies for attempts to incite hatred in society, xenophobia and Islamophobia,” it added, calling on Germany to prevent any re-occurence of the incident............http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/11/03/Turkey-summons-German-envoy-over-Erdogan-as-dog-cartoon-in-textbook-.html
3/11/14
Al-Qaeda reportedly seizes US anti-tank rockets after defeating rival Syrian rebels ...
ReplyDeleteJihadists with the Al-Qaeda affiliate known as the Al-Nusra Front took control of several villages in Syria’s Idlib province over the weekend and reportedly seized weapons from Western-backed moderate rebel groups.
Upwards of 80 American-made TOW anti-tank missiles reportedly were captured by Al-Qaed-linked fighters in Syria after Western-supported opposition groups were overrun or defected to Al-Nusra Front
The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Sunday that Al-Nusra fighters were successful with weekend advances that earned them control of the town of Khan Al-Sobol, as well as “most of the towns and villages of Al-Zaweyi Mountain in the countryside of Idlib,” citing unnamed sources described by the Observatory as reliable and trusted.
In addition to seizing the town of Khan Al-Sobol, the Al-Qaeda linked extremist group has also allegedly taken control over M’arshorin, M’sran, Dadikh, KafarBatikh and Kafruma, per the Observatory’s reporting, “where the Islamic battalions and Hazm are located.”
According to an article published late Sunday by the Washington Post, rebel commanders, activists and analysts in Syria corroborated reports that moderate rebels “either surrendered or defected” to Al-Nusra over the weekend upon the group’s advance, with area residents adding to the paper that the defeated groups handed over their weapons. This could be a serious blow to the Obama administration’s effort to create a significant opposition force capable of fighting the so-called Islamic State and Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad’s forces. The US planned to arm and train at least 5,000 fighters from CIA-vetted moderate groups; however, the latest setback may complicate American efforts................http://rt.com/usa/201927-nusra-seizes-weapons-syria/
3/11/14
US Senate to Push for Lethal Aid to Ukraine if Obama Won’t: Senator ...
ReplyDeleteThe US Senate will do everything in its power to overcome a possible White House decision not to send lethal assistance to Ukrainian government forces, a representative from US Senator James Inhofe's office told RIA Novosti.
"If no such decision is made by [US President Barack] Obama, the issue will be considered by the Senate and the Armed Services Committee, [who] will do whatever it can to make it happen," the Inhofe representative said.
Ukraine officials have passed on a list of weapons to Washington, so the US government is aware of Kiev's needs, the representative claimed..............http://en.ria.ru/politics/20141104/195073171/US-Senate-to-Push-for-Lethal-Aid-to-Ukraine-if-Obama-Wont.html
4/11/14
Israel will reopen two border crossings with Gaza that it had ordered shut over the weekend, an army spokeswoman said Monday....
ReplyDelete“The crossing points of Erez and Kerem Shalom will be open as normal on Tuesday morning,” the spokeswoman told AFP, without giving details.
The two crossings had been ordered shut after a rocket fired from Gaza struck Israeli territory on Friday, without causing any casualties or damage.
The rocket was the first to hit Israeli soil since September 16, and the second since the end of Israel's devastating 50-day war on Gaza militants.................http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/11/04/Israel-to-reopen-Gaza-border-crossings-Tuesday-army-.html
4/11/14
Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, Egypt's most active militant group, has sworn allegiance to Islamic State, a statement from Ansar said Monday night....
ReplyDeleteAnsar had previously told Reuters that it sought inspiration and advice from Islamic State, the radical al-Qaeda offshoot that has taken over swathes of Iraq and Syria, drawing U.S.-led airstrikes as it tries to remake the map of the Middle East......................http://www.todayonline.com/world/egypts-ansar-bayt-al-maqdis-swears-allegiance-islamic-state-statement
4/11/14
Kurdish government ready to send more forces to Kobani ...
ReplyDeleteAdditional Kurdish peshmerga forces are prepared to reinforce forces defending the besieged Syrian town of Kobani, the top foreign policy official for Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government said Monday.
Falah Mustafa Bakir told The Anadolu Agency that the KRG is prepared to send additional troops “if needed,” following public remarks at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
Bakir thanked Turkey for its role in facilitating the movement of an initial convoy of peshmerga fighters into Kobani, saying, “This has proven that we are all together in fighting ISIS and we all have a shared interest. ISIS is a threat to all of us, and we all have to work together in order to defeat them,” using an alternative name for ISIL...............http://www.aa.com.tr/en/headline/414698--kurdish-government-ready-to-send-more-forces-to-kobani
4/11/14
Venezuelan air defense forces have downed a suspected drug mafia plane over the western state of Apure on the border with Colombia, the country's Defense Minister, Gen. Vladimir Padrino Lopez said early Tuesday on his Twitter account....
ReplyDeleteGen. Lopez posted a photo of the downed aircraft, saying "It is the wreckage of a King-200 type plane that trespassed into our airspace and was shot down by the personnel of the strategic command of the Bolivarian Armed Forces southeast of Elorza, in the Apure state," he wrote.
The minister did not shed light on the fate of the plan's crew.
In 2013, President Nicolas Maduro unveiled a law that allowed Venezuelan air defense forces to down planes that belong to Colombian drug traffickers if they attempt to cross into the country's territory. The legislation was first proposed by then Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and cleared the parliament last year.
http://en.ria.ru/world/20141104/195080053/Venezuela-Shoots-Down-Trespassing-Plane-That-Allegedly-Smuggled.html
4/11/14
Luhansk says not worried about Poroshenko’s plans to scrap special status law ....
ReplyDeleteAuthorities in the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic said on Tuesday they were not concerned about Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko’s intention to scrap a law that would have offered “special status” to the country’s eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
“There is no problem. This law would not suit us anyway,” Alexey Karyakin, the head of the republic’s People’s Council, told TASS, dismissing the “special status” law as inadequate............http://en.itar-tass.com/world/757998
4/11/14
Alerte maximale dans plusieurs pays pour l'Achoura, fête sacrée des chiites ...
ReplyDeletePlusieurs millions de chiites commémorent, mardi, le martyre de l'imam Hussein, petit-fils de Mahomet et figure fondatrice de cette branche de l'islam, dans un climat sécuritaire particulièrement tendu. Surtout en Irak.
Les grandes célébrations chiites de l'Achoura, mardi 4 novembre, se déroulent cette année dans un climat de tension maximale dans plusieurs pays du monde arabe. En Irak. les forces de sécurité sont en alerte pour parer tout risque d'attentat lors des cérémonies, qui ont déjà été la cible d'attaques terroristes sanglantes par le passé.................http://www.france24.com/fr/20141104-achoura-chiites-chiisme-alerte-irak-attentat-suicide-etat-islamique-terrorisme-fete-hussein-kerbala-liban-ei/
4/11/14
German Chancellor Angela Merkel believes that latest events in Ukraine, primarily elections in self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, do not allow for consodering possible cancelation of sanctions imposed on Russia....
ReplyDelete“There are no reasons to cancel them now,” she said in Berlin on Tuesday. Merkel named elections in the self-proclaimed republics “illegal,” noting that Moscow should influence militias more actively to prevent the conflict from escalation.
“Russia does not take effort at an extent we would like them to do so,” she said, noting importance of observing the Minsk agreements by all conflicting parties.
German government adheres invariably to a diplomatic course to settle the Ukrainian crisis, the chancellor added.
http://en.itar-tass.com/world/758020
4/11/14
Draft Law to Abolish Donbas Special Status Under Consideration: Ukrainian Parliament ...
ReplyDeleteThe draft law proposed by the Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and aimed to abolish Donbas Special Status has been submitted to the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada's official website stated Tuesday.
According to the Rada's website, the draft law has been submitted by the leader of the nationalist Radical Party Oleh Lyashko.
http://en.ria.ru/world/20141104/195098808/Draft-Law-to-Abolish-Donbas-Special-Status-Under-Consideration.html
4/11/14
Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has registered a bill on a law over special status of Donbass devoid of effect on Tuesday....
ReplyDeleteLeader of the Radical Party Oleh Lyashko has submitted the bill. This news report was posted at the website of the Ukrainian parliament on Tuesday.
http://en.itar-tass.com/world/758024
4/11/14
Reprise en vue pour la Grèce, l'Espagne et l'Irlande, selon Bruxelles ...
ReplyDeleteLa Grèce va tourner le dos à six années de récession en 2014, et sa croissance devrait ensuite accélérer pour atteindre 3,7% en 2016, avec un chômage en baisse et une amélioration de ses finances publiques, selon les prévisions mardi de la Commission européenne.
Athènes devrait afficher une croissance encore modeste de 0,6% cette année, puis de 2,9% en 2015 et de 3,7% l'année suivante, soit le même niveau que l'Irlande. Les deux pays, particulièrement affectés par la crise, devraient afficher les plus forts taux de croissance en zone euro en 2016.
"La reprise tant attendue de la Grèce est soutenue par la consommation et les exportations", grâce au tourisme et au secteur naval, et à l'affaiblissement de l'euro, indique l'exécutif européen dans son rapport. En 2016, les réformes structurelles devraient également porter leurs fruits................http://www.rtl.be/info/monde/europe/1138805/reprise-en-vue-pour-la-grece-l-espagne-et-l-irlande-selon-bruxelles
4/11/14
Israeli forces demolished two Palestinian homes on Tuesday in an East Jerusalem neighborhood that has been at the heart of clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters, a move likely to exacerbate weeks of tension in the holy city...
ReplyDeleteAuthorities knocked down the buildings near the district of Abu Tor, southeast of the Old City, in the early hours, saying they had been built without construction permits.
"At 5 o'clock this morning, around 90 policemen and two bulldozers kicked us out of the house and started destroying it without letting us take any of our belongings," Hamza Abu Rajab, owner of one of the buildings, told Reuters....................http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.624550
4/11/14
The National Council for Planning and Building approved Tuesday plans to build a new Arab city near Acre, Channel 2 reported....
ReplyDeleteThe authority said that the city would have the capacity for up to 10,000 housing units.
The city would be the first non-Beduin Arab city to be erected in Israel since its establishment.
It is planned to have a population of 40,000, and would be connected to a planned train line between Acre and Karmiel.
http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Government-approves-plan-to-build-new-Arab-town-near-Acre-380741
4/11/14
Ukraine crisis: Poroshenko orders troops to key cities ...
ReplyDeleteUkraine's President Petro Poroshenko has ordered army reinforcements to key southern and eastern cities in case of a new rebel offensive.
Mr Poroshenko said the units were to protect Mariupol, Berdyansk, Kharkiv and the north of Luhansk region.
He spoke after meeting security chiefs in the wake of disputed polls in rebel-held areas of Donetsk and Luhansk.
He said he was still committed to the current peace process but has proposed cancelling a key plank of the plan.....................http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29905014
4/11/14
Gaz: Kiev a payé au russe Gazprom 1,45 milliard de dollars de sa dette ...
ReplyDeleteKiev a annoncé mardi avoir payé au géant semi-public russe Gazprom 1,45 milliard de dollars de sa dette, première condition pour la reprise des livraisons de gaz russe à l'Ukraine coupées en juin.
Le groupe public ukrainien "Naftogaz a versé à Gazprom une première tranche de 1,45 milliard de dollars d'arriérés" sur 3,1 milliards de dollars que Kiev doit verser d'ici la fin de l'année, a annoncé Naftogaz dans un communiqué...........http://www.rtl.be/info/monde/europe/1138869/gaz-kiev-a-paye-au-russe-gazprom-1-45-milliard-de-dollars-de-sa-dette
4/11/14
Gazprom confirms Ukraine’s first $1.45bn gas tranche received...
DeleteGazprom has confirmed receipt of the first tranche of $1.45 billion from Ukraine in settlement of the gas debt for earlier deliveries by Russia, company spokesperson Sergey Kupriyanov said.
On Tuesday Ukraine’s Naftogaz said it had transferred the sum to the Gazprom account as part of the unsettled gas debt.
“Gazprom received confirmation from banks of the transfer of $1.45 billion from Naftogaz for gas delivered earlier by Russia,” Kupriyanov said.
Last week Gazprom chief Aleksey Miller said gas deliveries from Russia to Ukraine could be resumed within 48 hours after the first payment is made, as well as a prepayment corresponding to the volumes of gas Ukraine expects in November, RIA reports.
http://rt.com/business/202363-gazprom-gas-ukraine-debt/
5/11/14
Iran dispatches warships to Gulf of Aden...
ReplyDeleteIran’s navy has dispatched a group of vessels to the Gulf of Aden in order to protect the Islamic Republic’s “maritime interests,” the country’s official news agency reported on Tuesday.
IRNA said the naval group – consisting of a destroyer and support vessel – left the port of Bandar Abbas, the capital of the Iran province of Hormozgan on the Middle East Gulf.
The naval group will then proceed with its mission, sailing the Strait of Hormuz, Jask port, the Oman Sea, the Makran coast, the northern part of the Indian Ocean and through Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb to the Gulf of Aden, IRNA reported.................http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/11/05/Iran-dispatches-navy-group-to-Gulf-of-Aden.html
4/11/14
Georgia's premier sacks pro-Western defense minister ...
ReplyDeleteGeorgia's Prime Minister Irakly Garibashvili sacked his defense minister on Tuesday hours after he criticized the arrests of several officials in his ministry as politically motivated and aimed at those who favor better relations with the West.
Defense Minister Irakly Alasania, one of the most pro-Western ministers in the coalition government, earlier denounced the detention of one former and four serving defense ministry officials last week, as well as new charges against several army medical officers on Tuesday.
"I want to unambiguously state that this is obviously politically motivated," Alasania, whose Free Democrats party is in the ruling Georgian Dream coalition, told reporters.
"I want to clearly state that this is an attack on Georgia's Euro-Atlantic choice," he said, referring to Georgia's stated interest in joining NATO and its recent trade deal with the European Union.
"This is an attack on the structure, which ... is distinguished by its successful reforms and is distinguished on the path of achieving this foreign policy goal," he said.
Garibashvili called Alasania's remarks "irresponsible."
The State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Alexy Petriashvili, also from the Free Democrats, said after the announcement he will send his resignation letter to Garibashvili on Wednesday................http://www.todayonline.com/world/georgias-premier-sacks-pro-western-defense-minister
4/11/14
Georgian Foreign Minister Panjikidze Announces Resignation ...
DeleteGeorgia's Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze announced her resignation at a briefing Wednesday.
"Presented here are [First Deputy Foreign Minister] David Zalkaliani, [Deputy foreign ministers] Tamar Beruchashvili, Vladimir Gurgenidze and we are also joined by Davit Jalagania, who is currently in Cuba on an official visit. We are leaving our present posts, we are leaving our political coalition of the Gruzinskaya Mechta [Georgian Dream]," Panjikidze said.
Panjikidze, who had an extensive diplomatic career before entering politics, was appointed foreign minister on October 25, 2012.
On Tuesday, Georgian Prime Minister Irakly Garibashvili sacked the country's defense minister, Irakly Alasaniya, saying he would not allow the politicization of that particular ministry.............http://en.ria.ru/world/20141105/195141319/Georgian-Foreign-Minister-Panjikidze-Announces-Resignation.html
5/11/14
Georgia's Pro-West Foreign Minister Quits ...
DeleteGeorgian Foreign Minister Maja Panjikidze resigned on Wednesday over what she called threats to the ex-Soviet republic's pro-Western policies, deepening a crisis in the coalition government.
A junior minister overseeing integration with Europe also quit, a day after Prime Minister Irakly Garibashvili fired his Western-leaning defence minister and one of the six parties in the ruling Georgian Dream coalition threatened to pull out.
The Free Democrats' departure would strip the coalition of a majority in parliament, increasing political instability in the country of 4.5 million which is crossed by pipelines that carry Caspian oil and gas from Azerbaijan to Europe.............http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-georgias-pro-west-foreign-minister-quits/2509149.html
5/11/14
Argentina apeló la decisión de Griesa de declarar al país en desacato ...
ReplyDeleteArgentina presentó una apelación para revertir la decisión del juez de Nueva York Thomas Griesa, que declaró en desacato a la Argentina porque consideró que el país intenta evadir los fallos que favorecen a los denominados fondos buitre.
En su pedido ante la Cámara de Apelaciones de ese distrito contra la decisión del juez de distrito en Manhattan y sus medidas consiguientes, Buenos Aires dice que deben "revertirse enteramente" las acciones que ha tomado, según informó la agencia Reuters.
Cualquier apelación debe ser atendida por la Corte de Apelaciones del Segundo Circuito de Manhattan.
Griesa tiene aún que decidir qué sanciones impondrá a Argentina, luego de que en septiembre decidió que el país sudamericano había tomado medidas "ilegales" para evadir sus dictámenes............http://www.ieco.clarin.com/economia/Griesa-Argentina-desacato-apelacion-fondos_buitre_0_1242475755.html
4/11/14
Mogherini: EU foreign ministers to consider situation with anti-Russian sanctions Nov. 17...
ReplyDeleteThe foreign ministers of the European Union’s 28 member states will consider the situation around the EU’s anti-Russian sanctions for Moscow’s position on Ukrainian events at a meeting on November 17, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Federica Mogherini, said Tuesday.........http://en.itar-tass.com/world/758047
4/11/14
Republicans win key seats as US midterm results roll in ...
ReplyDeleteRepublicans scored big victories on Tuesday and edged closer to taking control of the US Senate in midterms elections that could tip the balance of power away from President Barack Obama for his remaining two years in office.............http://www.france24.com/en/20141105-republicans-strike-us-midterm-election-results-democrats-senate/
5/11/14
Steps toward the strengthening of cooperation between NATO and Ukraine are made for the benefit of supporters of the military solution to the ongoing standoff in the ex-Soviet republic and in no way provide for the peaceful resolution of the conflict, Alexander Grushko, Russia’s permanent NATO envoy, said...
ReplyDelete“We know that within the frames of the so-called ‘special partnership’ NATO plans to activate its cooperation with Ukraine,” Grushko said in an interview with Russia’s Kommersant business daily.
According to the Russian diplomat, the issue is about NATO’s regular joint military drills with Ukraine, about assistance for Kiev in the reformation of the security sphere, formation of trust funds for reformations in the military sphere as well as about the assistance in the development of the national security strategy.
Last week outgoing secretary-general of the North Atlantic alliance, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, said that Moscow wanted to establish a zone of Russian influence near western borders and supported “frozen conflicts” to this aim.
In particular, Rasmussen said, Russia backs the “frozen conflicts” in Moldova, Georgia’s breakaway republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, as well as in Crimea and Donbass, in eastern Ukraine...............http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/758054
5/11/14
Egypt's Sinai-based Ansar Bayt al- Maqdis extremist group denied on Tuesday the circulating news about their swearing allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) group....
ReplyDelete"The statement that circulated in the media and attributed to us about our swearing allegiance to IS chief does not belong to us and we hope that only our official sources are quoted," according to a statement the group posted on their social media account................http://www.china.org.cn/world/2014-11/05/content_33972341.htm
5/11/14
Turkey warns of dire refugee crisis if Aleppo falls ...
ReplyDeleteTurkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has warned Turkey may face yet another major refugee crisis if Syria's second-largest city Aleppo falls to the President Bashar al-Assad’s regime
The premier spoke with the media after a briefing at the Office of the Turkish General Staff late Tuesday.
"That was the reason why we have been demanding for a safe haven in Syria," Davutoglu said............http://www.aa.com.tr/en/headline/415269--turkey-warns-of-dire-refugee-crisis-if-aleppo-falls
4/11/14
Virgin Galactic head plans to travel to space despite fatal crash of SpaceShipTwo ...
ReplyDeleteRichard Branson, the founder of the British company Virgin Galactic intends to become the first person sent into space by his company despite its suborbital SpaceShipTwo crashing in the Mojave Desert (California), he said in an interview with CNN.
“There is no way I would ask others to go on a Virgin Galactic flight if I didn't feel it was safe enough for myself,” he said.
Branson stressed that the company still enjoys strong support of its investors who are going to become passengers of Virgin Galactic spacecrafts. "They want to see this happen, and they want to show their commitment," he said...................http://en.itar-tass.com/non-political/758079
5/11/14
Gazprom Says It Received First Debt Repayment From Ukraine ....
ReplyDeleteRussia's top natural gas producer Gazprom said on Wednesday it had received $1.45 billion from Ukrainian energy firm Naftogaz in repayment for unpaid debt, the first step toward Russia resuming gas supplies to Ukraine.
The payment by Naftogaz is the first to Gazprom since May, when a row over gas pricing and unpaid debts escalated between Moscow and Kyiv.
Naftogaz said it had paid the first tranche of its debt on Tuesday. Ukraine has to pay $3.1 billion in two tranches by the end of the year to cover part of the debts for previous supplies from Gazprom.
Russia has said the debt stands at either around $4.5 billion or over $5 billion, depending on the pricing for gas Kyiv received between April and June............http://www.voanews.com/content/russias-gazprom-says-it-received-first-debt-payment-from-ukraine/2508943.html
5/11/14
Malaysia would become a full member of the MH17 criminal investigation team led by the Netherlands, according to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and his visiting Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte here Wednesday....
ReplyDeleteNajib said at the joint press conference that the level of Malaysia's participation in the investigation work would become more evident in the future.
On his part, Rutte said that as Malaysia had lost many people in the terrible disaster and the plane was carrying Malaysia's flag, it was logical that Malaysia should get involved............http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/890175.shtml
5/11/14
Police seal off Temple Mount after Palestinian rioters hurl stones ...
ReplyDeletePolice in Jerusalem sealed off the Temple Mount to visitors on Wednesday morning after dozens of Palestinian rioters hurled stones and shot fireworks at security forces in the vicinity.
Police cordoned off part of the plaza, forcing the rioters into the Al-Aqsa Mosque with the use of crowd-dispersal methods. The Temple Mount has been indefinitely closed to visitors until further notice.
http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Police-seal-off-Temple-Mount-after-Palestinian-rioters-hurl-stones-380824
5/11/14
La mission européenne au Kosovo éclaboussée par un scandale de corruption ...
ReplyDeleteUn scandale de corruption risque d'éclabousser les institutions européennes, confrontant la toute fraîche Commission Juncker à une situation extrêmement délicate. Trois responsables de la mission européenne au Kosovo sont accusés d'avoir accepté de l'argent de la part du crime organisé.
Cette mission européenne au Kosovo est dénommée Eulex, elle compte aujourd'hui 1500 employés et a été mise en place en 2008, quelques mois après la proclamation d'indépendance du Kosovo.
Eulex a pour mandat de se charger des dossiers jugés trop sensibles pour la justice locale, d'aider à faire régner l'Etat de droit. Dès lors, si trois pontes d'Eulex - dont la procureur en chef de la mission, la Tchèque Jaroslava Novotna - sont accusés de corruption, cela fait désordre.
Ils auraient tous trois accepté de l'argent pour faire obstruction ou carrément classer des dossiers liés au crime organisé......................http://www.rtbf.be/info/dossier/euranetplus/detail_la-mission-europeenne-au-kosovo-eclaboussee-par-un-scandale-de-corruption?id=8394383
5/11/14
NATO intention to move infrastructure to Russian borders leads to escalation — official ...
ReplyDeleteNATO’s intentions to move the military infrastructure to the Russian borders lead to escalating tensions, Russian Ambassador to NATO Alexander Grushko said in an interview with Kommersant daily on Wednesday.
The implementation of the NATO Wales summit decisions proves that the Alliance “intends to continue increasing operation readiness and move its military infrastructure to the Russian borders. This is a direct way towards escalating tension and undermining military security in the regional dimension and in Europe as a whole,” Grushko said..............http://en.itar-tass.com/world/758111
5/11/14
Russian Embassy in Portugal Says Verifies Information on 'Intercepted Russian Ship' ...
ReplyDeleteThe reports saying that Portuguese Navy intercepted a Russian vessel early on Wednesday are going to be verified, Russian Embassy in Portugal told RIA Novosti.
"The Russian Embassy in Portugal is verifying this information. At the moment, neither the Ministry of Defense of Portugal, nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can not give any comments or information on the subject," the embassy said.
"Lusa [information] agency reported that this information was provided by its correspondent who accompanied the Minister of Defense Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco in his visit to Lithuania. The embassy is awaiting clarification from the Portuguese authorities," it added.
According to Lusa, Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco stated that the Portuguese Navy intercepted a Russian vessel that was in the waters of the exclusive economic zone of the country.
The Portuguese Minister of Defense is currently in Lithuania, with his NATO colleagues at the military base of Siauliai. Portuguese media do not give the name of the ship or the exact point of interception. According to the Portuguese media, it is a survey vessel.
http://en.ria.ru/world/20141105/195171097/Russian-Embassy-in-Portugal-Says-Verifies-Information-on.html
5/11/14
EU Council does not recognize elections in Donetsk, Lugansk republics ...
ReplyDeleteThe Council of the European Union said in a statement on Wednesday that it does not recognize the recent elections in the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s republics.
“The EU considers the holding of ‘presidential and parliamentary elections’ in Donetsk and Luhansk "People’s Republics" on 2 November as illegal and illegitimate and will not recognize them,” the Council’s statement said.
The Council said the only elections that could be recognized by the EU should be held “in accordance with Ukrainian law.”.............http://en.itar-tass.com/world/758232
5/11/14
U.S. State Department: Dismissals and Resignations of Georgian Government Officials ...
ReplyDeleteJen Psaki
Department Spokesperson
Washington, DC
November 5, 2014
-----
"The United States notes with concern the Georgian Prime Minister’s dismissal of Defense Minister Alasania and his deputy ministers, and the subsequent resignations of State Minister for Euro-Atlantic Integration Petriashvili and Foreign Minister Panjikidze and her deputy ministers. We have greatly appreciated the work of these ministers in service to their country and in partnership with the United States.
At a time of regional turmoil and domestic economic challenge, it is in Georgia’s interest to demonstrate stability, unity, commitment to due process and the rule of law, and public confidence in democratic institutions. We urge all parties to work towards these goals and to focus on securing Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic future. We call upon the Georgian government to take steps to dispel perceptions that the judicial system is being used for political purposes, and to demonstrate its commitment to our shared democratic values."
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2014/11/233793.htm
5/11/14
Israel approves additional settlement plan in East Jerusalem ...
ReplyDeleteJerusalem's municipal Planning and Construction Committee authorized on Wednesday a plan to build 278 houses in East Jerusalem, the second of such move this week, Israeli media reported.
It is the second time during this week that the committee approved a housing plan in East Jerusalem beyond the Green Line, on lands Israel annexed during the 1967 War. On Monday, the committee authorized the construction of about 500 housing units in the neighborhood of Ramat Shlomo.
Wednesday's plan includes 216 housing units in the Ramot neighborhood, beyond the pre-1967 border, and 62 in the Har Homa neighborhood.
"This move comes as the Palestinian (National) Authority is trying to take unilateral step in international organizations like the United Nations," an official source told Israel's Walla news website, referring to the Palestinians' recent attempt to seek a UN Security Council resolution calling for an end to Israel's occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem without negotiations.....................http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/890334.shtml
6/11/14
Iraq Looks Forward to Open 'New Page' in Relations With Turkey: Foreign Minister ...
ReplyDeleteIraq wants to open a "new page" in relations with Turkey, leaving behind all tensions with the country, Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Jaafari said at a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.
"We want to open a new page in our relations with Turkey. Even if we had some friction - let it remain in the past," Jaafari said.
He added that Turkey could help Iraq in terms of national security.
"We are against the presence of foreign military in Iraq, but any other help from our friends would be welcome," he said.
With regard to oil trade "it is, under our constitution, under the responsibility of the central government of Iraq. And the issue with the sale of oil from the territory of Kurdish autonomy in Iraq will be solved according to the constitution," Jaafari stated.
In turn, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Turkey would continue to support Iraq and its territorial integrity, threatened by terrorist organizations. He stressed that it is necessary to develop a comprehensive strategy to fight terrorism.
In November 2013, Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan autonomy agreed that the oil from the region would flow through Turkey to Europe. However, Iraq is against its autonomy's own decisions regarding petroleum resources located in the country's territory. Despite this, the leadership of the Kurdish autonomy began exporting oil through Turkey in May.
http://en.ria.ru/politics/20141106/195173595/Iraq-Looks-Forward-to-Open-New-Page-in-Relations-With-Turkey.html
6/11/14
NATO Stages Military Drill in Lithuania ...
ReplyDeleteMore than 2,500 NATO troops are taking part in exercises on two training grounds in Lithuania.
Nine countries have sent soldiers to train as part of Exercise Iron Sword, Czech Republic, Estonia, the U.S., U.K., Canada, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary and Germany.
Originally the exercise was to have involved only Lithuanian troops but was expanded in response to the Russian actions in Ukraine.
U.S. officer Lieutenant Bryan Blair said the aim of the exercise was to be able to communicate and fight together as one unit.
About 2,000 Lithuanian troops and 500 from the other NATO countries were using more than 300 combat vehicles in the two-week exercise.
http://www.voanews.com/content/nato-stages-military-drill-in-lithuania/2510267.html
6/11/14
Libya's Supreme Court declares elected parliament invalid: agency ...
ReplyDeleteLibya's Supreme Court declared the country's internationally-recognized parliament as unconstitutional on Thursday, state news agency LANA said, deepening a rift between rival power centers in the oil producer.
Libya's elected parliament, the House of Representatives, has been operating from the eastern city of Tobruk since an armed group linked to the western city of Misrata seized the capital Tripoli, dividing the North African country..........http://www.todayonline.com/world/libyas-supreme-court-declares-elected-parliament-invalid-agency
6/11/14
Russia’s lower house speaker says Donetsk shelling must not go unpunished ...
ReplyDeleteSerious crimes like the shelling of a school in Donetsk, in eastern Ukraine, must not remain unpunished, the speaker of Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, said on Thursday.
“Yesterday Donetsk again was shelled by armed groupings, subordinated to the official Kiev. The school became one of the targets in this shelling which killed two teenagers as a result,” Sergey Naryshkin said.
“Such crimes must not be unpunished,” Naryshkin stressed.
Earlier on Thursday, Russia’s Investigative Committee opened a criminal case into the shelling of the Donetsk school.
According to investigators, on Wednesday afternoon servicemen of Ukraine’s Armed Forces and National Guard launched artillery shelling upon instructions of their commanders directly targeting school number 63 in Donetsk.......................http://en.itar-tass.com/world/758327
6/11/14
Kiev Troops Deploy Tanks in Donetsk Suburb, Fighting Underway: Self-Defense Forces ...
ReplyDeleteFighting erupted in a suburb of the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk Thursday as the Kiev government troops deployed tanks there, Donetsk self-defense forces told RIA Novosti.
“A column of tanks has entered Yasynuvata, nearby districts are being shelled,” a self-defense forces source said.
The fighting comes a day after the Kiev government officials reiterated their commitment to the ceasefire regime in the conflict-hit east.
http://en.ria.ru/world/20141106/195203695/Kiev-Troops-Deploy-Tanks-in-Donetsk-Suburb-Fighting-Underway.html
6/11/14
US broadens bombing campaign in Syria, angers Western-backed rebels ...
ReplyDeleteUS airstrikes have targeted a Syrian rebel group with connections to Nusra Front, a Syrian watchdog reported. Syrian rebels, however, are reportedly upset with the change of strategy, saying it strengthens President Assad’s grip on power.
The Obama administration’s stated purpose for commencing an aerial campaign on Syrian territory – without Syria’s permission, not to mention that of Congress – was to deal a deadly blow to the Islamic State (also known as ISIS, or ISIL), the ultra-violent Islamic group that has cut a swath across northern Iraq and Syria.
Those efforts suffered a setback Thursday when it was reported that US forces hit a compound belonging to the Islamic group Ahrar al-Sham in the town of Babsalqa in Syria’s northwestern territory, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights..............http://rt.com/news/202827-syria-us-isis-nusra/
6/11/14
Moldova, EU sign memorandum implying financial aid of up to 410 mln euro ...
ReplyDeleteMoldova and the European Union on Thursday signed a memorandum of mutual understanding and assistance for the years 2014 through to 2017, which implies European financial aid to the republic in the amount of 410 million euro.
The document was signed by Prime Minister Iurie Leanca and the European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood policy Johannes Hahn.
Leanca said at a joint news briefing with Hahn that aid would be allocated for reforms in the agrarian sector, development or rural areas and upgrading of state administration...................http://en.itar-tass.com/economy/758448
6/11/14
No warships for Russia yet, says French PM ...
ReplyDeleteFrench Prime Minister Manuel Valls ruled out the imminent delivery of two French-built warships to Russia on Thursday, saying conditions set by France over Moscow’s role in the Ukraine crisis had not yet been met.
"Today the conditions have not been met for their (warships) delivery to Russia," Valls told reporters in the Serbian capital Belgrade..................http://www.france24.com/en/20141106-no-warships-russia-yet-says-french-pm-mistral-valls/
6/11/14
Fearing U.S. air strikes, Syria asks for Russian S300 ...
ReplyDeleteThe Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad feared the rise of Republicans in the U.S. Congress and began preparing for a potential radical shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Syria, statements by the country’s foreign minister revealed on Thursday.
Damascus was afraid that the rise of Republicans could mount pressure on President Barack Obama to launch military strikes against the regime army’s installations in Syria and has asked Russia to speed up the delivery of a powerful air defense system, Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said in an interview with Lebanon’s al-Akhbar newspaper..................http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/11/06/Assad-feared-rise-of-Republicans-in-U-S-Congress.html
6/11/14
Obama wants $3.2 bln for U.S. air war on ISIS ...
ReplyDeletePresident Barack Obama will ask lawmakers Friday for an additional $3.2 billion to pay for the war against the Islamic State group of Iraq and Syria, including funds to train and arm Baghdad government forces, officials said Thursday.
The funds will help cover the cost of replacing bombs in the weeks-long U.S.-led air campaign against ISIS jihadists and assistance for Iraqi army troops and Kurdish forces battling the ISIS on the ground, two defense officials told AFP.
The air war in Syria and Iraq -- which commanders say could last years -- has involved thousands of sorties and hundreds of bombing raids, at a daily cost of $8.3 million, according to the Pentagon...............http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/11/07/Obama-wants-3-2-bln-for-U-S-air-war-on-ISIS-.html
7/11/14
Nato erwägt Großmanöver an der Grenze zu Russland ...
ReplyDeleteDas Verteidigungsbündnis stellt in Aussicht, künftig mit bis zu 40.000 Soldaten in Osteuropa aufzumarschieren. Ein ranghoher General räumt zudem ein, Russlands Vorstöße hätten die Nato unvorbereitet getroffen: „Wir hatten das nicht erwartet.“
Die Nato hat erstmals große Manöver mit mehreren zehntausend Soldaten in den Grenzregionen zu Russland in Aussicht gestellt. „Wir haben bisher Großmanöver von 25.000 bis 40.000 Mann nur in den westlichen Nato-Ländern durchgeführt. Ich kann mir gut vorstellen, dass wir das in Zukunft auch in Osteuropa und im Baltikum machen“, sagte der deutsche Nato-General Hans-Lothar Domröse der Tageszeitung „Die Welt“ vom Freitag. Details nannte er nach Angaben des Blattes allerdings nicht.
Infolge der Ukraine-Krise lassen sowohl das westliche Verteidigungsbündnis als auch Russland seit einigen Monaten die Muskeln spielen. Die Nato verstärkt Standorte und baut eine schlagkräftige „Speerspitze“, die sogenannte Schnelle Eingreiftruppe, auf. Die russischen Streitkräfte flogen westlichen Angaben zufolge zuletzt „außergewöhnlich umfangreiche Manöver“ über den europäischen Meeren............http://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/ausland/europa/osteuropa-nato-erwaegt-grossmanoever-an-der-grenze-zu-russland-13252924.html
7/11/14
No need of foreign troops in Iraq to fight IS: Iraqi FM ...
ReplyDeleteThe Iraqi government asks foreign counties for military support, including equipment and training of security forces, but the country does not want foreign troops in its territory to fight the Islamic State (IS), Iraq Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari said in the Turkish capital Ankara on Thursday.
"Only Iraqi people will fight in territory of Iraq," al-Jaafari, who is paying a visit to Turkey, said at a conference in the International Strategic Research Organization in Ankara.
The Iraqi government also asked Turkey for support in equipment and training of the Iraqi army, the minister said, after his meetings with Turkish leaders in the capital.
Al-Jaafari called the international community for more humanitarian support to the Iraqis who fled the jihadists, and demanded help for restructuring the regions that were destroyed during clashes with IS militants....................http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/890562.shtml
7/11/14
Russia not to consider itself bound by obligations after nuclear summit ...
ReplyDeleteRussia will not consider itself bound by obligations that may appear after the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit, due in the US city of Chicago, which Russia does not plan to attend, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Thursday.
“We will not consider ourselves bound by decisions worked out without our participation, and all the same, if someone wants the decisions to acquire a universal nature, they will have to go to the IAEA, follow the normal path,” Ryabkov told journalists.
He said Moscow’s decision to skip preparation for the 2016 summit is not a special signal Russia is sending. The diplomat added that the decision would have been made even if the Ukrainian crisis had not happened.
The positions of Russia and the United States on the Ukrainian developments differ radically. Washington accuses Moscow of participation in clashes in Ukraine’s embattled southeast and has subjected Russia to sanctions. Russia has repeatedly denied any involvement in the intra-Ukrainian crisis.
http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/758474
7/11/14
China and Japan acknowledge "differing opinions" on disputed territory ...
ReplyDeleteChina and Japan agreed on Friday (Nov 7) that there were “differing opinions” on the disputed islands in the East China Sea, according to media reports. China's State Councillor Yang Jiechi had met National Security Advisor of Japan Shotaro Yachi on Friday.
People’s Daily reported that the disputed islands – known as Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan – has caused tensions between the two countries. Japan and China agreed to implement crisis management measures to prevent tensions from worsening, People's Daily added.
China and Japan will also resume diplomatic, political and security dialogue through bilateral and multilateral channels, reported Reuters.
- CNA/xq
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/china-and-japan/1459384.html
7/11/14
Turkey’s opening air bases for anti-ISIL coalition would be beneficial: US commander ...
ReplyDeleteThe U.S.-led coalition fighting against Islamic jihadists in Iraq and Syria would benefit from Turkey’s permission to use its airbases, a U.S. commander has said.
“When and if the Turks decide to be more forthcoming in helping the coalition, it will clearly be value-added,” Gen. Lloyd Austin, commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East and South Asia, said when asked to what extent the coalition’s efforts had been interrupted by Turkey’s reluctance to allow the usage of its İncirlik base.
“The more access to basing and overflight rights, the better,” he further said at an event organized by the Atlantic Council think tank on Nov. 6................http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-opening-air-bases-for-anti-isil-coalition-would-be-beneficial-us-commander.aspx?pageID=238&nID=74003&NewsCatID=359
7/11/14
Iraq Losing $1.2Bln Monthly on Kirkuk-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline Shutdown: Ministry ...
ReplyDeleteThe Iraqi economy is losing as much as $1.2 billion a month because of the shutdown of the oil pipeline connecting the Iraqi city of Kirkuk with the Turkish city of Ceyhan, an Iraqi Oil Ministry representative said Friday.
"Due to the cease of oil pumping through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline we are losing the income from the export of 300,000-400,000 barrels per day, as a result our export losses amount to an average of $1.2 billion per month," the ministry representative was quoted as saying by Iraqi news agency AIN..............http://en.ria.ru/business/20141107/195251554/Iraq-Losing-12Bln-Monthly-on-Kirkuk-Ceyhan-Oil-Pipeline-Shutdown.html
7/11/14
Palestinians clash with Israeli troops again over holy site ...
ReplyDelete(Reuters) - Palestinian protesters fought with Israeli security forces in East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank on Friday, the latest clashes in a fortnight of violence over access to Jerusalem's holiest site.
At the Qalandia checkpoint separating Ramallah from Jerusalem, troops fired rubber bullets as several hundred protesters marched, some throwing rocks and petrol bombs.
In East Jerusalem, police fired tear gas to disperse protesters hurling firecrackers and burning tires that sent up huge clouds of black smoke in Shoafat refugee camp.............http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/07/us-mideast-jerusalem-violence-idUSKBN0IR0G120141107?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews
7/11/14
Drop in Russian Visitors Hurts European Tourist Industry ...
ReplyDeleteTensions between Russia and the West triggered by the Ukrainian turmoil have struck the European tourist business.
"The crisis in Russia's relations with the West has hit Czech tourism, with the number of spend-happy Russian visitors dropping 14 percent in the third quarter, data showed on Friday… Other European nations have reported similar falls, with ski resorts in Austria and Switzerland bracing for a sharp decline in Russian tourists over the coming months," Reuters reported..............http://en.ria.ru/business/20141107/195276324/Drop-in-Russian-Visitors-Hurts-European-Tourist-Industry.html
7/11/14