Quote: The presidents and prime ministers and their spouses had gathered at the Athenee Palace Hilton hotel for a gala dinner on the final night of the NATO summit when suddenly an unexpected visitor crashed the party -- Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Although Russia does not belong to the alliance, and Putin had not been invited to the dinner, he showed up anyway, to everyone's surprise. The NATO leaders politely made room for him -- as it happened, Afghan President Hamid Karzai had backed out at the last minute, leaving an open seat -- but they were all buzzing at the breach of protocol and its larger meaning.
Putin is the man who came to dinner in more ways than one. Putin's Russia loomed over the summit that ended Friday much as it increasingly looms over Europe these days, an inescapable force that may not be as menacing as during the Cold War but is no longer the docile international welfare recipient of the 1990s either. The Russia he built during an eight-year presidency ending next month has forced its way to the table of European politics, even if uninvited, and competes for influence with the United States.
Full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/04/AR2008040401197_pf.html
Another link with very interesting comments: The Uninvited Guest
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Saturday, April 5, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
Ukraine President: Kiev Free To Forge Own Security Policy
Quote: Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko stressed Friday that Kiev was free to forge its own security policy as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization reaffirmed his country would become a member despite Russian opposition.
"Ukraine is not a product of the Cold War. Ukraine is a sovereign, independent state and it has its own right to formulate its own security policy," he told reporters at a NATO summit in Bucharest.
His remarks came minutes before leaders of the military alliance sat down to talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid deep tensions over the aspirations of Ukraine and Georgia to enter NATO.
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said a decision by leaders Thursday that the former Soviet republics "will become members" was the start of a process that would see Kiev brought into the fold.
"I think that it was the launch of a process that will lead to Ukrainian membership of NATO. That is a conclusion that we should not underestimate," he said after a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission.
Full article: http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20080404%5cACQDJON200804040549DOWJONESDJONLINE000539.htm&&mypage=newsheadlines&title=Ukraine%20President:%20Kiev%20Free%20To%20Forge%20Own%20Security%20Policy%20-%20AFP
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"Ukraine is not a product of the Cold War. Ukraine is a sovereign, independent state and it has its own right to formulate its own security policy," he told reporters at a NATO summit in Bucharest.
His remarks came minutes before leaders of the military alliance sat down to talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid deep tensions over the aspirations of Ukraine and Georgia to enter NATO.
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said a decision by leaders Thursday that the former Soviet republics "will become members" was the start of a process that would see Kiev brought into the fold.
"I think that it was the launch of a process that will lead to Ukrainian membership of NATO. That is a conclusion that we should not underestimate," he said after a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission.
Full article: http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20080404%5cACQDJON200804040549DOWJONESDJONLINE000539.htm&&mypage=newsheadlines&title=Ukraine%20President:%20Kiev%20Free%20To%20Forge%20Own%20Security%20Policy%20-%20AFP
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Keep away from our borders, Putin tells Nato
Quote: Vladimir Putin yesterday told Nato that it would become a "direct threat" to Moscow if it expanded further east.
Emboldened after routing the alliance's plans to offer membership to Ukraine and Georgia, the Russian president yesterday gave warning that the countries must be locked out permanently. "The emergence of a powerful military bloc at our borders will be seen as a direct threat to Russian security," Mr Putin told Nato heads of state at a summit in the Romanian capital, Bucharest.
"The efficiency of our co-operation will depend on whether Nato members take Russia's interests into account."
While the tone of his speech was typically strident, Mr Putin refrained from the insults with which he often pepper his foreign policy speeches.
Nor, however, was he as conciliatory as some Western European countries had hoped after their retreat on membership. Many analysts described Nato's capitulation as the biggest foreign policy victory of Mr Putin's presidency. Mr Putin, who switches jobs to become prime minister next month, offered no substantial compromises in return and ties with the West will consequently remain strained over a number of potentially explosive issues.
Full article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/04/05/wnato105.xml
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Emboldened after routing the alliance's plans to offer membership to Ukraine and Georgia, the Russian president yesterday gave warning that the countries must be locked out permanently. "The emergence of a powerful military bloc at our borders will be seen as a direct threat to Russian security," Mr Putin told Nato heads of state at a summit in the Romanian capital, Bucharest.
"The efficiency of our co-operation will depend on whether Nato members take Russia's interests into account."
While the tone of his speech was typically strident, Mr Putin refrained from the insults with which he often pepper his foreign policy speeches.
Nor, however, was he as conciliatory as some Western European countries had hoped after their retreat on membership. Many analysts described Nato's capitulation as the biggest foreign policy victory of Mr Putin's presidency. Mr Putin, who switches jobs to become prime minister next month, offered no substantial compromises in return and ties with the West will consequently remain strained over a number of potentially explosive issues.
Full article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/04/05/wnato105.xml
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Thursday, April 3, 2008
Europe endorses missiles plan
Quote: Nato’s European leaders endorsed US plans to build a missile defence system in Europe, strengthening President George W. Bush’s hand as he prepares for talks at the weekend with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
The leaders, meeting at a Nato summit in Bucharest on Thursday, decided that the alliance should welcome the system and extend it to Turkey and areas in the Balkans that would not be covered by current US plans.
The decision marks a big shift within Nato over an issue that until early last year divided the alliance. US and European officials said the change followed intensified US efforts to consult with its allies – and with Russia – over the system’s configuration.
“People said this would be the latest wedge issue between the US and Europe,” a US official said. “The Europeans have come to the view that our offer was clearly a very serious one, very detailed and open to working with the Russians.”
Ironically, the consultations intensified after a bellicose speech by Mr Putin last February in Munich in which he attacked US missile defence, expressing the fear that it was directed against Russia.
Washington said the system needed to deal with Iran’s missile and nuclear ambitions, and was too small and in the wrong place to affect Russia’s nuclear deterrent.
Nato statement on Thursday indicates that allies share the US view that Iran poses a potential threat to Europe.
Full article: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/64bd6614-01bf-11dd-a323-000077b07658.html
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The leaders, meeting at a Nato summit in Bucharest on Thursday, decided that the alliance should welcome the system and extend it to Turkey and areas in the Balkans that would not be covered by current US plans.
The decision marks a big shift within Nato over an issue that until early last year divided the alliance. US and European officials said the change followed intensified US efforts to consult with its allies – and with Russia – over the system’s configuration.
“People said this would be the latest wedge issue between the US and Europe,” a US official said. “The Europeans have come to the view that our offer was clearly a very serious one, very detailed and open to working with the Russians.”
Ironically, the consultations intensified after a bellicose speech by Mr Putin last February in Munich in which he attacked US missile defence, expressing the fear that it was directed against Russia.
Washington said the system needed to deal with Iran’s missile and nuclear ambitions, and was too small and in the wrong place to affect Russia’s nuclear deterrent.
Nato statement on Thursday indicates that allies share the US view that Iran poses a potential threat to Europe.
Full article: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/64bd6614-01bf-11dd-a323-000077b07658.html
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Why France and Britain must join forces
Quote: Summits, like familiarity, can easily breed contempt. Promises readily made are quickly forgotten. Projects announced with a flourish prove rhetorical not real. We hope this week’s Franco-British summit will be different, putting work in hand that will be good for Britain and France; and good, too, for Europe and the transatlantic relationship.
Franco-British relations often fall victim to tabloid treatment. Watch out for the focus on the French president’s glamorous new wife. Spats are usually played up, differences exaggerated and emotions aroused. Long memories on both sides – and a French perception that Britain has something of a complex about France – ensure that the past frequently casts a cold shadow over the future. Occasionally the lows give way to entente cordiale and there is a burst of enthusiasm for working together. Usually, quite quickly, the optimism fades and old reflexes and stereotypes reassert themselves.
Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, and Gordon Brown, the British prime minister, can hardly be expected to cure the manic-depressive nature of Franco-British relations at their first summit. But they can make another attempt at reducing the debilitating mood swings. Both have come relatively recently to their jobs and have the chance to forge a new relationship at the top of government. Both are unencumbered by past Franco-British differences over Iraq. Both, in their respective ways, appear fundamentally agnostic as far as Europe is concerned. Finally, both lead countries that are joined at the hip in dealing with foreign policy challenges, from Afghanistan to the Balkans and the need to define a common approach to China and to the Russia of Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev.
The day-to-day relationship is much better than headlines pretend. Our militaries usually work easily together. So do our intelligence services on critical issues such as counter-terrorism, illegal immigration and people trafficking. Successive French governments have worked hard to stem the flow of illegal immigrants across the Channel, an issue that was on the front pages a few years ago but has largely disappeared thanks to the co-operation between UK and French enforcement agencies. On wider international issues there is often close co-operation: at the United Nations, Britain and France have been at the heart of efforts to find a negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. But, for many years, bilateral co-operation has .been much less good in another international forum – Nato.
Full article: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9cf55dfa-fa9b-11dc-aa46-000077b07658.html
Franco-British relations often fall victim to tabloid treatment. Watch out for the focus on the French president’s glamorous new wife. Spats are usually played up, differences exaggerated and emotions aroused. Long memories on both sides – and a French perception that Britain has something of a complex about France – ensure that the past frequently casts a cold shadow over the future. Occasionally the lows give way to entente cordiale and there is a burst of enthusiasm for working together. Usually, quite quickly, the optimism fades and old reflexes and stereotypes reassert themselves.
Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, and Gordon Brown, the British prime minister, can hardly be expected to cure the manic-depressive nature of Franco-British relations at their first summit. But they can make another attempt at reducing the debilitating mood swings. Both have come relatively recently to their jobs and have the chance to forge a new relationship at the top of government. Both are unencumbered by past Franco-British differences over Iraq. Both, in their respective ways, appear fundamentally agnostic as far as Europe is concerned. Finally, both lead countries that are joined at the hip in dealing with foreign policy challenges, from Afghanistan to the Balkans and the need to define a common approach to China and to the Russia of Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev.
The day-to-day relationship is much better than headlines pretend. Our militaries usually work easily together. So do our intelligence services on critical issues such as counter-terrorism, illegal immigration and people trafficking. Successive French governments have worked hard to stem the flow of illegal immigrants across the Channel, an issue that was on the front pages a few years ago but has largely disappeared thanks to the co-operation between UK and French enforcement agencies. On wider international issues there is often close co-operation: at the United Nations, Britain and France have been at the heart of efforts to find a negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. But, for many years, bilateral co-operation has .been much less good in another international forum – Nato.
Full article: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9cf55dfa-fa9b-11dc-aa46-000077b07658.html
Did France make this deal to not accept Ukraine and Georgia?
In my opinion, seems Bush might've made this deal previously, to satisfy his needs in Afghanistan. The US doesn't cause a stink about denying Ukraine and Georgia of its NATO MAP aspirations, in order to get the support it desparately needs currently in Afghanistan.
Many would compare the situation in Iraq along with Afghanistan, and conclude there's not much difference. The root of 9/11 was based from Afghanistan, where Bin Laden was based. To have France assist in Afghanistan, I would find it justifiable. But, can anyone understand why after all this time, why would France decide to join the US force's? Is it due to a new French leader? I doubt this is a last minute decision. Is France playing both the US and the Kremlin?
Why would France want to save face after denying MAP entry to these post-soviet countries? There are many question's to be answered. Perhaps these French leader's will be able to clarify their decision.
Mr. M
Actual article: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3c19441e-01a4-11dd-a323-000077b07658.html
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Many would compare the situation in Iraq along with Afghanistan, and conclude there's not much difference. The root of 9/11 was based from Afghanistan, where Bin Laden was based. To have France assist in Afghanistan, I would find it justifiable. But, can anyone understand why after all this time, why would France decide to join the US force's? Is it due to a new French leader? I doubt this is a last minute decision. Is France playing both the US and the Kremlin?
Why would France want to save face after denying MAP entry to these post-soviet countries? There are many question's to be answered. Perhaps these French leader's will be able to clarify their decision.
Mr. M
Actual article: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3c19441e-01a4-11dd-a323-000077b07658.html
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Why the euro is unlikely to eclipse the dollar
Quote: Judging from commentary by international economists, one would think that the dollar was on its deathbed. America’s financial crisis and the dollar’s depreciation are bringing us to a tipping point where the greenback will lose its international currency mantle to the euro. A few more losses on dollar investments, it is said, and central banks will learn to hold their reserves in euros. Other investors will follow. America’s “exorbitant privilege” will be no more.
To paraphrase Mark Twain, these reports of the dollar’s death are greatly exaggerated. They are based on a model of the demand for international reserves that does not apply to our 21st-century world.
The chief idea of this model is that international currency status is a source of network effects. Just as it pays to use the same computer software as other people in your network, it pays to use the same international currency as other official and private market participants.
Central banks thus find it attractive to hold dollars because other central banks hold dollars. With everyone doing likewise, the market in dollars is deep and liquid. Because trade is denominated in dollars, central banks find them convenient to smooth the balance of payments. This network externality is the source of the exorbitant privilege that the dollar has enjoyed for half a century.
Full article: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/14049bf2-00b1-11dd-a0c5-000077b07658.html
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To paraphrase Mark Twain, these reports of the dollar’s death are greatly exaggerated. They are based on a model of the demand for international reserves that does not apply to our 21st-century world.
The chief idea of this model is that international currency status is a source of network effects. Just as it pays to use the same computer software as other people in your network, it pays to use the same international currency as other official and private market participants.
Central banks thus find it attractive to hold dollars because other central banks hold dollars. With everyone doing likewise, the market in dollars is deep and liquid. Because trade is denominated in dollars, central banks find them convenient to smooth the balance of payments. This network externality is the source of the exorbitant privilege that the dollar has enjoyed for half a century.
Full article: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/14049bf2-00b1-11dd-a0c5-000077b07658.html
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Yuschenko Cancels Decree On Appointment Of Stanik As Constitutional Court Judge
Quote: President Viktor Yuschenko has cancelled a decree of March 25, 2004 on appointment of Siuzanna Stanik as Constitutional Court judge.
This is disclosed in the presidential decree No.297/2008 of April 3.
The decree was abolished due to violation of office taking procedure.
As Ukrainian News earlier reported, on April 2, Yuschenko reinstated Siuzanna Stanik as a judge of the Constitutional Court.
On March 25, the collegiate body for administrative affairs of the Supreme Court reinstated Stanik as a judge Constitutional Court.
The Party of Regions considers that new Constitutional Court judges can take the oath only after courts rule reinstatement of Stanik as the Constitutional Court judge.
On October 26, 2007, Kyiv Administrative Appeal Court cancelled the award of Kyiv Shevchenkivskyi District Court on reinstatement of Stanik as a judge of the Constitutional Court.
http://www.ukranews.com/eng/article/114236.html
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This is disclosed in the presidential decree No.297/2008 of April 3.
The decree was abolished due to violation of office taking procedure.
As Ukrainian News earlier reported, on April 2, Yuschenko reinstated Siuzanna Stanik as a judge of the Constitutional Court.
On March 25, the collegiate body for administrative affairs of the Supreme Court reinstated Stanik as a judge Constitutional Court.
The Party of Regions considers that new Constitutional Court judges can take the oath only after courts rule reinstatement of Stanik as the Constitutional Court judge.
On October 26, 2007, Kyiv Administrative Appeal Court cancelled the award of Kyiv Shevchenkivskyi District Court on reinstatement of Stanik as a judge of the Constitutional Court.
http://www.ukranews.com/eng/article/114236.html
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Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Bush signals softening on EU defence
Quote: President George W. Bush on Wednesday signalled a softening of long-standing US resistance to stronger European Union defence capabilities, suggesting for the first time this could help rather than weaken Nato.
The signal came in a speech ahead of Wednesday’s Nato summit in Bucharest, in which Mr Bush said European governments should spend more on defence – but suggested it did not matter whether it was to support Nato or EU operations.
Video: Nato summit
The FT’s James Blitz talks to key Nato players about tensions with Russia over its expansion
Washington has long seen the EU’s plans to develop independent military capabilities as subtracting from capabilities that should properly lie with Nato.
But in recent months US diplomats have indicated that this suspicion of the European Security and Defence Policy was coming to an end. Victoria Nuland, US ambassador to Nato, has said that the ESDP was now being viewed as complementing rather than supplanting Nato.
But for the first time, Mr Bush signalled support for the approach: “Building a strong Nato alliance also requires a strong European defence capacity. So at this summit I will encourage our European partners to increase their defence investments to support both Nato and EU operations.
Full article: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/96460838-00a4-11dd-a0c5-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1
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The signal came in a speech ahead of Wednesday’s Nato summit in Bucharest, in which Mr Bush said European governments should spend more on defence – but suggested it did not matter whether it was to support Nato or EU operations.
Video: Nato summit
The FT’s James Blitz talks to key Nato players about tensions with Russia over its expansion
Washington has long seen the EU’s plans to develop independent military capabilities as subtracting from capabilities that should properly lie with Nato.
But in recent months US diplomats have indicated that this suspicion of the European Security and Defence Policy was coming to an end. Victoria Nuland, US ambassador to Nato, has said that the ESDP was now being viewed as complementing rather than supplanting Nato.
But for the first time, Mr Bush signalled support for the approach: “Building a strong Nato alliance also requires a strong European defence capacity. So at this summit I will encourage our European partners to increase their defence investments to support both Nato and EU operations.
Full article: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/96460838-00a4-11dd-a0c5-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1
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Tuesday, April 1, 2008
SHOCK! Ministry of Agricultural Policy - Protection Racket of International Drug Traffic!
Quote:
Yesterday in the evening audience of Ukraine heard a sensation. It even overshadows the visit of U.S. President George Bush to Ukraine. Valery Kravchenko, former mayor-general of Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), well-known person concerned with a few scandals reported it…
… Generally speaking, Ukraine is lucky. After a scandal concerned with the records represented by ex-mayor of National Security Nickolay Melnichenko, many officials try to win fame of “chief unmaskers”. But information given yesterday by Kravchenko is rather interesting anyway. Anyway there are two ideas about it: if Kravchenko said the truth, then we are on the verge of colossal international scandal. If he told a lie, there is a question: where else one can say in public: “Ministry of Agricultural Policy is an official protection racket of international trade” (!) Ex-mayor-general made such a statement.
He states the whole of drugs trade turn over in Europe goes through Ukraine. According to him, poppy-seed is being planted on special fields in our country. “Everything is under control of Ministry of Agricultural Policy and also department on struggle against illegal drugs turn over at the Interior Ministry”, we cite him as saying.
These two organizations are official protection rackets of drugs sale, Valery Kravchenko stresses.
http://mignews.com.ua/en/articles/297511.html
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Yesterday in the evening audience of Ukraine heard a sensation. It even overshadows the visit of U.S. President George Bush to Ukraine. Valery Kravchenko, former mayor-general of Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), well-known person concerned with a few scandals reported it…
… Generally speaking, Ukraine is lucky. After a scandal concerned with the records represented by ex-mayor of National Security Nickolay Melnichenko, many officials try to win fame of “chief unmaskers”. But information given yesterday by Kravchenko is rather interesting anyway. Anyway there are two ideas about it: if Kravchenko said the truth, then we are on the verge of colossal international scandal. If he told a lie, there is a question: where else one can say in public: “Ministry of Agricultural Policy is an official protection racket of international trade” (!) Ex-mayor-general made such a statement.
He states the whole of drugs trade turn over in Europe goes through Ukraine. According to him, poppy-seed is being planted on special fields in our country. “Everything is under control of Ministry of Agricultural Policy and also department on struggle against illegal drugs turn over at the Interior Ministry”, we cite him as saying.
These two organizations are official protection rackets of drugs sale, Valery Kravchenko stresses.
http://mignews.com.ua/en/articles/297511.html
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Remarks by President Bush and President Yushchenko of Ukraine in an Exchange of Luncheon Toasts
Quote: PRESIDENT YUSHCHENKO: Dear Mr. President, dear Mrs. Bush, dear guests and ladies and gentlemen. It is with great pleasure that I express my feelings of utmost respect for His Excellency, President George Bush. The active cooperation between our countries extends from the idea of a partnership focused on the future. And I'm especially impressed that this philosophy forms the basis of the primary document we signed today, the road map of relations between Ukraine and the United States of America, and in other documents signed during your visit.
Common values and concepts for strengthening democracy, peace and security unite our countries, enlarging our joint agenda and posing new tasks before us. I am convinced that the widest political, civil and business circles of both our countries will actively contribute to strengthening the foundation of our partnership, which has withstood the test of time.
Dear ladies and gentlemen, Ukrainians highly value the support by the United States of our aspirations to honor the memory of the victims of the Holodomor of 1932 to '33 in Ukraine. We will be immeasurably grateful for the United States' recognition of this crime by the totalitarian regime as an act of genocide directed against our nation. Ukraine shall always remember the honored names of American researchers James Mace, Robert Conquest, and others whose work to introduce a tragic truth about the famine to the world was invaluable.
Dear ladies and gentlemen, we sincerely thank the United States for its support of Ukraine along the way to membership in the World Trade Organization. With the conclusion of this process, before us lies an open road to the fundamental expansion of our relations in the trade and investment areas.
We are delighted to invite our American partners to focus joint efforts in the areas of high technology, energy conservation, developing alternative energy sources, and agriculture. I am convinced that in the nearest future, we can anticipate new goals and promising ideas and joint projects. We especially highly value the support and assistance of the United States in Ukraine's advance along the path of Euro-Atlantic integration.
Today we look forward to a specific and clear signal from NATO, which will attest to the transition of our relations to a qualitatively new level. I am firmly convinced that the accession of our country to the NATO Membership Action Plan will benefit both parties. This shall be a formidable contribution to the creation of a new European security architecture, extending and strengthening freedom, democracy and human rights in the Euro-Atlantic states.
I am sincerely grateful to the United States, and personally to President Bush, for the consistent and persistent support of Ukraine's aspirations to become an integral part of the collective security system in Europe.
Dear friends, I am certain that we will use the chance we have been given to benefit today's and future generations of the people of our countries. I believe in our joint success. The United States' support as a partner strengthens my determination.
I raise my glass to the future of our cooperation, to the health of the President and Mrs. Bush, and for our nations and our friends.
(A toast is offered.)
PRESIDENT BUSH....
Full article: http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:768721964&start=6
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Common values and concepts for strengthening democracy, peace and security unite our countries, enlarging our joint agenda and posing new tasks before us. I am convinced that the widest political, civil and business circles of both our countries will actively contribute to strengthening the foundation of our partnership, which has withstood the test of time.
Dear ladies and gentlemen, Ukrainians highly value the support by the United States of our aspirations to honor the memory of the victims of the Holodomor of 1932 to '33 in Ukraine. We will be immeasurably grateful for the United States' recognition of this crime by the totalitarian regime as an act of genocide directed against our nation. Ukraine shall always remember the honored names of American researchers James Mace, Robert Conquest, and others whose work to introduce a tragic truth about the famine to the world was invaluable.
Dear ladies and gentlemen, we sincerely thank the United States for its support of Ukraine along the way to membership in the World Trade Organization. With the conclusion of this process, before us lies an open road to the fundamental expansion of our relations in the trade and investment areas.
We are delighted to invite our American partners to focus joint efforts in the areas of high technology, energy conservation, developing alternative energy sources, and agriculture. I am convinced that in the nearest future, we can anticipate new goals and promising ideas and joint projects. We especially highly value the support and assistance of the United States in Ukraine's advance along the path of Euro-Atlantic integration.
Today we look forward to a specific and clear signal from NATO, which will attest to the transition of our relations to a qualitatively new level. I am firmly convinced that the accession of our country to the NATO Membership Action Plan will benefit both parties. This shall be a formidable contribution to the creation of a new European security architecture, extending and strengthening freedom, democracy and human rights in the Euro-Atlantic states.
I am sincerely grateful to the United States, and personally to President Bush, for the consistent and persistent support of Ukraine's aspirations to become an integral part of the collective security system in Europe.
Dear friends, I am certain that we will use the chance we have been given to benefit today's and future generations of the people of our countries. I believe in our joint success. The United States' support as a partner strengthens my determination.
I raise my glass to the future of our cooperation, to the health of the President and Mrs. Bush, and for our nations and our friends.
(A toast is offered.)
PRESIDENT BUSH....
Full article: http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:768721964&start=6
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Ukraine risks Russian hostility
Quote: "The positive decision on Membership Action Plan to Ukraine will finally stop speculation in neighbouring Russia whether Ukraine can still be the subject of domination or not."
So on one thing both sides agree: at stake here is the issue of Ukrainian sovereignty itself. For the government, the ambition to join Nato is about far more than just replacing outdated Soviet military hardware.
It would, ministers believe, cement Ukraine's independence as a nation and allow the country to move out of Russia's shadow. But before they get there, they have got a lot of persuading to do, both at home and abroad.
Full article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7324283.stm
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So on one thing both sides agree: at stake here is the issue of Ukrainian sovereignty itself. For the government, the ambition to join Nato is about far more than just replacing outdated Soviet military hardware.
It would, ministers believe, cement Ukraine's independence as a nation and allow the country to move out of Russia's shadow. But before they get there, they have got a lot of persuading to do, both at home and abroad.
Full article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7324283.stm
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Russia has no right to veto Ukraine's membership of NATO, Bush says
Quote: U.S. President George W. Bush has said Moscow has no right to veto Ukraine's bid to join the NATO Membership Action Plan.
"Each [NATO member] state has told me that Russia won't have a veto, won't be able to impose a veto on what is happening in Bucharest.
I accept it, I think it is a correct position," Bush said at a press conference in Kyiv on Tuesday on the results of the meeting with President Viktor Yuschenko.
Bush said he would work to convince the summit participants let Ukraine and Georgia join the NATO MAP.
http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:768629835&start=7
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"Each [NATO member] state has told me that Russia won't have a veto, won't be able to impose a veto on what is happening in Bucharest.
I accept it, I think it is a correct position," Bush said at a press conference in Kyiv on Tuesday on the results of the meeting with President Viktor Yuschenko.
Bush said he would work to convince the summit participants let Ukraine and Georgia join the NATO MAP.
http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:768629835&start=7
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Granting the NATO Membership Action Plan to Ukraine and Georgia would mark a point of no return in Russia's relations with the Alliance, Russian envoy
"Granting the NATO Membership Action Plan to Ukraine and Georgia would mark a point of no return in Russia's relations with the Alliance, Russian envoy to NATO Dmitry Rogozin said.
"The Membership Action Plan marks the point of no return, in our opinion. If MAP is granted to Georgia and Ukraine at NATO's Bucharest summit, our relations would take a dramatic turn," Rogozin told Interfax on Tuesday.
"Lullaby statements" to the effect that MAP is not synonymous to membership of the Alliance must be dismissed, he said. "This means nothing for serious people, Such arguments are propaganda, pure and simple," he said. Whoever gives "oratories" on this score, arguing that a bid is only the first step to be followed by a referendum - in Ukraine, for instance - in fact it is sheer demagogy," Rogozin aid.
Hopefully, Russia's most responsible partners understand what consequences the invitation for Georgia and Ukraine to join the Alliance could ensue, he said. "We hope these partners will stand by their firm position and will not waver hearing commands from overseas," he said."
http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:768629845&start=5
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"The Membership Action Plan marks the point of no return, in our opinion. If MAP is granted to Georgia and Ukraine at NATO's Bucharest summit, our relations would take a dramatic turn," Rogozin told Interfax on Tuesday.
"Lullaby statements" to the effect that MAP is not synonymous to membership of the Alliance must be dismissed, he said. "This means nothing for serious people, Such arguments are propaganda, pure and simple," he said. Whoever gives "oratories" on this score, arguing that a bid is only the first step to be followed by a referendum - in Ukraine, for instance - in fact it is sheer demagogy," Rogozin aid.
Hopefully, Russia's most responsible partners understand what consequences the invitation for Georgia and Ukraine to join the Alliance could ensue, he said. "We hope these partners will stand by their firm position and will not waver hearing commands from overseas," he said."
http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:768629845&start=5
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As Bush visits Ukraine, Kievites gripe at guest gridlock
Quote:
DPA POLITICS NATO Politics Ukraine FEATURE: As Bush visits Ukraine, Kievites gripe at guest gridlock Stefan Korshak, dpa Kiev
US President George W. Bush and his entourage
descended on the usually peaceful Ukrainian capital Kiev on Monday,
for a state visit devoted mostly to photo opportunities.
The US leader's 18-hour presence paralysed whole urban districts,
inconvenienced tens of thousands of Kievites, and gained the already
unpopular US leader more enemies in the former Soviet republic.
"It's just like during Communism - the police are going nuts over
some big shot, and we Kiev citizens are locked out of our own city,"
street vendor Serhy Povorotnik griped.
"Don't forget, (former Soviet leader Leonid) Brezhnev started a
war in Afghanistan, and so did Bush. Big countries are all alike!" he
added, repeating a common Ukrainian criticism of Bush.
The security precautions required by the 43rd US president for his
short stay were for Ukraine unprecedented, rivalling and at times
exceeding precautions demanded by Soviet leaders of the once-feared
KGB.
The Bush motorcade - a column of SUVs, sedans, darkened windows
and flashing lights numbering 50 vehicles including Ukrainian cop
escorts - received total control of the country's only high-grade
highway, the road from Kiev's Borispil airport to Kiev, for a full
three hours, twice.
Bush and his subordinates made the Borispil road "absolutely
impossible" on Monday evening while roadway serves as a key lorry
thoroughfare between Kiev and Moscow; and were set to do so again
during Tuesday afternoon rush hour, preventing residents of high-rent
suburbs near Borispol village from returning home from work.
Restrictions in Kiev's centre were even more severe, with a White
House "security bubble" encompassing a roughly a half-kilometre
circle around the Hyatt Hotel, where Bush and his wife Laura were
scheduled to spend the night.
Non-official vehicle movement within the zone was banned in the
vicinity for duration of the Bushes' stay. The order made
inaccessible by car thousands of homes and businesses in Kiev's old
city, Ukraine's highest-rent district. (Real estate in Kiev prices
rival Paris these days.)
"We Ukrainians, we have a tradition of tolerance of foreigners,
and hospitality to guests," said Anastasia Tsimbaleva, a waitress
without orders or tips at the usually busy Kava cafe. "But the guest
has to be polite, and taking over Kiev centre isn't."
Kiev city police prior to Bush's visit warned citizens, quite
seriously, not to venture onto the roofs of buildings in the city
centre because "the Americans are arriving with their own snipers,
and they will shoot any one near the president, who has anything
resembling a weapon in his hands," Korrespondent magazine reported.
Full article: http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:768342062&start=1
.
DPA POLITICS NATO Politics Ukraine FEATURE: As Bush visits Ukraine, Kievites gripe at guest gridlock Stefan Korshak, dpa Kiev
US President George W. Bush and his entourage
descended on the usually peaceful Ukrainian capital Kiev on Monday,
for a state visit devoted mostly to photo opportunities.
The US leader's 18-hour presence paralysed whole urban districts,
inconvenienced tens of thousands of Kievites, and gained the already
unpopular US leader more enemies in the former Soviet republic.
"It's just like during Communism - the police are going nuts over
some big shot, and we Kiev citizens are locked out of our own city,"
street vendor Serhy Povorotnik griped.
"Don't forget, (former Soviet leader Leonid) Brezhnev started a
war in Afghanistan, and so did Bush. Big countries are all alike!" he
added, repeating a common Ukrainian criticism of Bush.
The security precautions required by the 43rd US president for his
short stay were for Ukraine unprecedented, rivalling and at times
exceeding precautions demanded by Soviet leaders of the once-feared
KGB.
The Bush motorcade - a column of SUVs, sedans, darkened windows
and flashing lights numbering 50 vehicles including Ukrainian cop
escorts - received total control of the country's only high-grade
highway, the road from Kiev's Borispil airport to Kiev, for a full
three hours, twice.
Bush and his subordinates made the Borispil road "absolutely
impossible" on Monday evening while roadway serves as a key lorry
thoroughfare between Kiev and Moscow; and were set to do so again
during Tuesday afternoon rush hour, preventing residents of high-rent
suburbs near Borispol village from returning home from work.
Restrictions in Kiev's centre were even more severe, with a White
House "security bubble" encompassing a roughly a half-kilometre
circle around the Hyatt Hotel, where Bush and his wife Laura were
scheduled to spend the night.
Non-official vehicle movement within the zone was banned in the
vicinity for duration of the Bushes' stay. The order made
inaccessible by car thousands of homes and businesses in Kiev's old
city, Ukraine's highest-rent district. (Real estate in Kiev prices
rival Paris these days.)
"We Ukrainians, we have a tradition of tolerance of foreigners,
and hospitality to guests," said Anastasia Tsimbaleva, a waitress
without orders or tips at the usually busy Kava cafe. "But the guest
has to be polite, and taking over Kiev centre isn't."
Kiev city police prior to Bush's visit warned citizens, quite
seriously, not to venture onto the roofs of buildings in the city
centre because "the Americans are arriving with their own snipers,
and they will shoot any one near the president, who has anything
resembling a weapon in his hands," Korrespondent magazine reported.
Full article: http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:768342062&start=1
.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Minister says Russia applies "double standards" to Ukraine over NATO
Quote: Ukrainian Defence Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov has said that Russia applies double standards when it criticizes Ukraine's willingness to cooperate with NATO. Yekhanurov was speaking at a briefing in Kyiv today summing up his first 100 days in office.
"As for the Russian Federation's cooperation, I would like to repeat that there are two standards: the one which Russia chose for itself, which is a very high level of cooperation, and the other one for the others, that is, for us," Yekhanurov said.
"This standard is about cooperation at a level twice as low (compared with Russia's)," he said.
Ukraine has still a lot to do in order to reach at least two thirds of what Russia has done in its cooperation with NATO. This primarily relates to cooperation in the military and technical spheres, Yekhanurov said.
"What I am allowed to, nobody else is," Yekhanurov said explaining Russia's position on the issue. Yekhanurov added that he favoured equal partnership and mutual respect.
http://ukraine-observer.com/index.php?c=1514
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"As for the Russian Federation's cooperation, I would like to repeat that there are two standards: the one which Russia chose for itself, which is a very high level of cooperation, and the other one for the others, that is, for us," Yekhanurov said.
"This standard is about cooperation at a level twice as low (compared with Russia's)," he said.
Ukraine has still a lot to do in order to reach at least two thirds of what Russia has done in its cooperation with NATO. This primarily relates to cooperation in the military and technical spheres, Yekhanurov said.
"What I am allowed to, nobody else is," Yekhanurov said explaining Russia's position on the issue. Yekhanurov added that he favoured equal partnership and mutual respect.
http://ukraine-observer.com/index.php?c=1514
.
Byut and SDPU(u) Together?
Quote: “It is true SDPU(u) cooperates with Byut”, said Igor Kril.
Members of some regional organizations of SDPU(u) are factually the members of “Batkivshchina” (Motherland) party and Byut, he noted. “That is why it would be a lie to say it is not so, and I welcome these works of Yulia that she begins to name Medvedchuck as “a victim of Kuchma times”. It is the first step to justify her relations with Viktor Medvedchuck”, said Igor Kril.
http://mignews.com.ua/en/articles/297026.html
.
Members of some regional organizations of SDPU(u) are factually the members of “Batkivshchina” (Motherland) party and Byut, he noted. “That is why it would be a lie to say it is not so, and I welcome these works of Yulia that she begins to name Medvedchuck as “a victim of Kuchma times”. It is the first step to justify her relations with Viktor Medvedchuck”, said Igor Kril.
http://mignews.com.ua/en/articles/297026.html
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Ukraine's hopes to join NATO soured by fierce opposition from Russia, internal problems
Quote: If it weren't for Ukraine's drive to join NATO, army conscripts here might still be peeling potatoes and wrapping their feet in cloth instead of socks, as their predecessors had done for centuries.
Ukrainian officials will showcase these and other reforms at the NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania, this week, in hopes the Western military alliance will risk angering Moscow and invite this former Soviet republic to start the process of membership.
Ukraine's bid to join NATO has strong backing from Washington and US President George W. Bush is expected to visit Kyiv on Monday and Tuesday in a show of support on the eve of the summit. Membership would help cement Ukraine's place in the European community.
But key Western European powers, including Germany and France, have spoken out against giving Ukraine a so-called Membership Action Plan just yet, fearing upsetting already strained ties with Russia, a major supplier of energy to Europe. The plan is a precursor to the granting of full membership, which usually takes several years to obtain.
Russia sees the alliance's eastward expansion as a direct threat to its status as a regional power. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that his country could aim its warheads at Ukraine if it joins NATO and deploys anti-missile defenses on its territory.
Ukrainian leaders have been invited to the April 2-4 summit to discuss cooperation. They hope to use the opportunity to boost their case for getting a road map to membership, but the prospects appear slim.
"If MAP is granted, especially if Putin comes there, it will be an outright scandal," said Fyodor Lukyanov, editor of the journal Russia in Global Affairs.
Together with Ukraine, Georgia has also requested a MAP, hoping joining NATO would reduce Moscow's centuries-old influence over the country and put it on a solid Westward track.
But Georgia is riven by two separatist conflicts and Moscow has warned it could support the breakaway provinces' claims to independence if Georgia enters NATO. Despite Washington's support its chances are even smaller, experts say.
Ukraine's bid, meanwhile, is complicated by the country's internal divisions. More than half of the population, most in the Russian-speaking east and south, is deeply suspicious of the West and opposes membership, polls show.
The Ukrainian leaders' January request led to weeks of embarrassing protests in the parliament by opposition lawmakers friendly to Russia that involved fist-fights and locking the speaker in his office so that he couldn't start a session.
The country still has a lot of problems, ranging from rampant corruption to constant political turmoil, which has caused a stream of government shake-ups and early elections over the past years.
Full article: http://www.kyivpost.com/top/28727/
.
Ukrainian officials will showcase these and other reforms at the NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania, this week, in hopes the Western military alliance will risk angering Moscow and invite this former Soviet republic to start the process of membership.
Ukraine's bid to join NATO has strong backing from Washington and US President George W. Bush is expected to visit Kyiv on Monday and Tuesday in a show of support on the eve of the summit. Membership would help cement Ukraine's place in the European community.
But key Western European powers, including Germany and France, have spoken out against giving Ukraine a so-called Membership Action Plan just yet, fearing upsetting already strained ties with Russia, a major supplier of energy to Europe. The plan is a precursor to the granting of full membership, which usually takes several years to obtain.
Russia sees the alliance's eastward expansion as a direct threat to its status as a regional power. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that his country could aim its warheads at Ukraine if it joins NATO and deploys anti-missile defenses on its territory.
Ukrainian leaders have been invited to the April 2-4 summit to discuss cooperation. They hope to use the opportunity to boost their case for getting a road map to membership, but the prospects appear slim.
"If MAP is granted, especially if Putin comes there, it will be an outright scandal," said Fyodor Lukyanov, editor of the journal Russia in Global Affairs.
Together with Ukraine, Georgia has also requested a MAP, hoping joining NATO would reduce Moscow's centuries-old influence over the country and put it on a solid Westward track.
But Georgia is riven by two separatist conflicts and Moscow has warned it could support the breakaway provinces' claims to independence if Georgia enters NATO. Despite Washington's support its chances are even smaller, experts say.
Ukraine's bid, meanwhile, is complicated by the country's internal divisions. More than half of the population, most in the Russian-speaking east and south, is deeply suspicious of the West and opposes membership, polls show.
The Ukrainian leaders' January request led to weeks of embarrassing protests in the parliament by opposition lawmakers friendly to Russia that involved fist-fights and locking the speaker in his office so that he couldn't start a session.
The country still has a lot of problems, ranging from rampant corruption to constant political turmoil, which has caused a stream of government shake-ups and early elections over the past years.
Full article: http://www.kyivpost.com/top/28727/
.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Mykhailo Syrota: “There’s a whore-house in Odesa with 3 and 6-year old children. How can a deputy without immunity expose it?”
Quote: “There’s a whore-house in Odesa where 3 to 6-year old kids are used as prostitutes. Officially, it is called the Zhemchuzhyna orphanage and in which 60 boys and girls live. They are regularly raped by adult clients. Who provides a cover for it? - The law-enforcement agencies. I have to do something about it. A have a 6-year old grandson, and when I think that my grandson can be one of them, I can kill the criminals with my bare hands. Now they tell me that vice is easier to be dealt with when my deputy immunity from prosecution is lifted. But a lawmaker must be protected against coercion and harassment from anyone, law-enforcement including,” Mykhailo Syrota of Lytvyn bloc and leader of the Labor party of Ukraine, said in his March 25 press conference in Lviv held at the ZIK information agency. -
http://zik.com.ua/en/news/2008/03/26/130980
.
http://zik.com.ua/en/news/2008/03/26/130980
.
No link between Ukraine, Georgia's membership and NATO's cooperation with Russia in Afghanistan - experts
quote: "I don't think a link like this is possible in principle. Neither NATO, nor Russia will accept it," political scientist Vyacheslav Nikonov told Interfax.
Russia-NATO cooperation on Afghanistan is continuing, he said. "Of course, it could be broader, if NATO countries took due account of Russia's concerns about a wide range of international issues, which are not limited solely to Ukraine or Georgia's membership of the Alliance," he said.
Political scientist Andranik Migranian does not see, either, any linkage between NATO's attitude to Ukraine and Georgia's NATO accession drive and broader cooperation with Russia in Afghanistan.
"I don't think this kind of a deal is meant here. President Vladimir Putin's planned visit to Bucharest to attend a NATO summit, and U.S. President George W. Bush's subsequent visit to Sochi indicate that NATO is not preparing to Russia any surprises like membership action plans for Georgia or Ukraine," Migranian said.
http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:767474601&start=3
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Russia-NATO cooperation on Afghanistan is continuing, he said. "Of course, it could be broader, if NATO countries took due account of Russia's concerns about a wide range of international issues, which are not limited solely to Ukraine or Georgia's membership of the Alliance," he said.
Political scientist Andranik Migranian does not see, either, any linkage between NATO's attitude to Ukraine and Georgia's NATO accession drive and broader cooperation with Russia in Afghanistan.
"I don't think this kind of a deal is meant here. President Vladimir Putin's planned visit to Bucharest to attend a NATO summit, and U.S. President George W. Bush's subsequent visit to Sochi indicate that NATO is not preparing to Russia any surprises like membership action plans for Georgia or Ukraine," Migranian said.
http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:767474601&start=3
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