Quote: Russia's Finance Minister Aleksey Kudrin, who's attended the meeting, believes that oil prices include a speculative component and may slide, adding risks for the Russian stock market.Kudrin also said that he's expecting the dollar to staibilize and reverse its recent falls."The dollar falling period will soon be over. Even if it continues to drop for some time, this will only improve its chances for a rebound. For instance, the forecast we use for planning Russian economy says the dollar is going to stabilize and start growing gradually," stressed Kudrin.
http://www.russiatoday.ru/business/news/23393
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Saturday, April 12, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Ukraine premier fails to ditch gas trader
Quote: Rosukrenergo, the controversial Swiss-registered natural gas trader co-owned by Gazprom and two Ukrainian businessmen, will retain its position in the multi-billion-dollar business of supplying Ukraine, officials in Kiev announced on Friday.
Yulia Tymoshenko, Ukraine’s premier, had pledged to remove Rosukrenergo, whose role she has described as murky, but the company will hold on to its position as Gazprom’s choice to be the monopoly supplier of gas for Ukraine.
A spokesperson at Naftogaz, the Ukrainian state energy company, said an agreement was signed this week with Rosukrenergo on the supply of nearly 50bn cubic metres of gas at a price tag of $179.50 per 1,000 cubic metres, an increase from last year’s $130 rate.
“This is a compromise, but a victory considering the circumstances,” said Oleksandr Hudyma, an energy adviser to Ms Tymoshenko.
Officials at Rosukrenergo declined to comment, and refused to say whether their company would remain a competitor for other Gazprom export arms in the lucrative business of supplying consumers in Europe by pumping gas through Ukraine.
Officials at Naftogaz said further agreements still needed to be signed on this and other issues.
The agreement signed this week follows a standoff earlier this year that threatened to dent supplies to Europe as during a 2006 price dispute. Europe receives a quarter of its gas from Russia, with the lion’s share being pumped through Ukraine’s vast pipeline system.
This year, supplies to Ukraine were reduced by about 50 per cent; Europe was not affected.
Rosukrenergo is 50 per cent owned by Gazprom. Stakes of 45 per cent and 5 per cent belong to Ukrainians Dmytro Firtash and Ivan Fursin.
Through negotiations with Gazprom, Ms Tymoshenko’s government managed to remove a middleman company half-owned by Rosukrenergo from its position as monopoly importer of gas to Ukraine and supplier to industry.
In doing so, she provided a fresh lease on life to the bankruptcy-troubled Naftogaz, which will now control all imports and resell gas on the domestic market to other traders, including a Gazprom affiliate.
Referring to Gazprom’s decision to hold on to Rosukrenergo as supplier to Ukraine, Mr Hudyma said: “This is foremost a problem for the Russian side now.”
“Buying gas directly from Gazprom would be the transparent option, but we can’t twist Gazprom’s hands. They decided to keep hold of these shadowy schemes; Ukraine has let go of them,” he added.
A Gazprom official said on condition of anonymity that long-term contracts signed with Rosukrenergo and a complicated gas debt situation involving Ukraine complicated efforts to remove middlemen this year.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/09419de0-081e-11dd-a922-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1
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Yulia Tymoshenko, Ukraine’s premier, had pledged to remove Rosukrenergo, whose role she has described as murky, but the company will hold on to its position as Gazprom’s choice to be the monopoly supplier of gas for Ukraine.
A spokesperson at Naftogaz, the Ukrainian state energy company, said an agreement was signed this week with Rosukrenergo on the supply of nearly 50bn cubic metres of gas at a price tag of $179.50 per 1,000 cubic metres, an increase from last year’s $130 rate.
“This is a compromise, but a victory considering the circumstances,” said Oleksandr Hudyma, an energy adviser to Ms Tymoshenko.
Officials at Rosukrenergo declined to comment, and refused to say whether their company would remain a competitor for other Gazprom export arms in the lucrative business of supplying consumers in Europe by pumping gas through Ukraine.
Officials at Naftogaz said further agreements still needed to be signed on this and other issues.
The agreement signed this week follows a standoff earlier this year that threatened to dent supplies to Europe as during a 2006 price dispute. Europe receives a quarter of its gas from Russia, with the lion’s share being pumped through Ukraine’s vast pipeline system.
This year, supplies to Ukraine were reduced by about 50 per cent; Europe was not affected.
Rosukrenergo is 50 per cent owned by Gazprom. Stakes of 45 per cent and 5 per cent belong to Ukrainians Dmytro Firtash and Ivan Fursin.
Through negotiations with Gazprom, Ms Tymoshenko’s government managed to remove a middleman company half-owned by Rosukrenergo from its position as monopoly importer of gas to Ukraine and supplier to industry.
In doing so, she provided a fresh lease on life to the bankruptcy-troubled Naftogaz, which will now control all imports and resell gas on the domestic market to other traders, including a Gazprom affiliate.
Referring to Gazprom’s decision to hold on to Rosukrenergo as supplier to Ukraine, Mr Hudyma said: “This is foremost a problem for the Russian side now.”
“Buying gas directly from Gazprom would be the transparent option, but we can’t twist Gazprom’s hands. They decided to keep hold of these shadowy schemes; Ukraine has let go of them,” he added.
A Gazprom official said on condition of anonymity that long-term contracts signed with Rosukrenergo and a complicated gas debt situation involving Ukraine complicated efforts to remove middlemen this year.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/09419de0-081e-11dd-a922-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1
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V. Yanukovych's government used to buy expensive cars and not less vacuum cleaners at the cost of state treasury
Quote: In 2007, the Cabinet of Ministers of Viktor Yanukovych spent 261 million UAH for their needs. The budget money was spent for renewal of cars, comfortable conditions of work and fighting 'bugs', according to the newspaper 'Delo'.
Per official data the governmental car park grew by 19 new cars, six of those were Мercedes-Benz S600L. 9 million hryvnas were paid for them.
The list of purchases also has car vacuum cleaners at the cost of 4.5 thousand UAH each, air conditioners at 31 thousand each and also in-built furniture for the first reception room of the prime minister. The state paid about 300 thousand UAH for it.
The Cabinet Minister Petr Krupko admitted that thanks to V. Yanukovych's generosity, the members of Yulia Tymoshenko's government use swell Mercedeses, though he could not say the names.
But it is known that the Cabinet car park has over two hundred cars at the moment. Last yer it was spent about 5 million hryvnas for their refilling. Their maintenance was also quite expensive. For the budget funds, the Cabinet bought two vacuum cleaners for its cars. The cost of each of them was 4.5 thousand UAH, while in the shop of domestic equipment they cost 300 UAH. The supermarket consultants could not even suppose that such vacuum cleaner could cosy almost a thousand dollars.
Full article: http://ostro.org/shownews_ks.php?id=47821&lang=en
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Per official data the governmental car park grew by 19 new cars, six of those were Мercedes-Benz S600L. 9 million hryvnas were paid for them.
The list of purchases also has car vacuum cleaners at the cost of 4.5 thousand UAH each, air conditioners at 31 thousand each and also in-built furniture for the first reception room of the prime minister. The state paid about 300 thousand UAH for it.
The Cabinet Minister Petr Krupko admitted that thanks to V. Yanukovych's generosity, the members of Yulia Tymoshenko's government use swell Mercedeses, though he could not say the names.
But it is known that the Cabinet car park has over two hundred cars at the moment. Last yer it was spent about 5 million hryvnas for their refilling. Their maintenance was also quite expensive. For the budget funds, the Cabinet bought two vacuum cleaners for its cars. The cost of each of them was 4.5 thousand UAH, while in the shop of domestic equipment they cost 300 UAH. The supermarket consultants could not even suppose that such vacuum cleaner could cosy almost a thousand dollars.
Full article: http://ostro.org/shownews_ks.php?id=47821&lang=en
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In the Donetsk oblast schoolchildren are poorly fed and poisoned with anti-sanitary - prosecution
Quote: In the Donetsk oblast, the schoolchildren's food is lacking meat, fish, milk and sour milk products, fruit. This information was provided by the press service of the Donetsk oblast prosecution on results of checking the adherence to the Law of Ukraine 'On children's protection', 'On children's food' on issues of children's rights to get the safe and healthy high quality products.
'In majority of regions, when compiling cost estimates, they don’t account the nutrition norms in educational and health improvement establishments, which are adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. It results in deficit of meat, fish, milk and diary products, fruit. Last year there were 2 cases of group poisoning of children in pre0school establishments. Despite that, the principals of some educational institutions allow for gross violations of legislation related with children's nutrition,' the statement reads.
Article: http://ostro.org/shownews_ks.php?id=47789&lang=en
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'In majority of regions, when compiling cost estimates, they don’t account the nutrition norms in educational and health improvement establishments, which are adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. It results in deficit of meat, fish, milk and diary products, fruit. Last year there were 2 cases of group poisoning of children in pre0school establishments. Despite that, the principals of some educational institutions allow for gross violations of legislation related with children's nutrition,' the statement reads.
Article: http://ostro.org/shownews_ks.php?id=47789&lang=en
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Russian Army chief threatens action if Ukraine or Georgia join NATO
Quote: Rada lawmaker V. Kaskiv says Putin’s words “Ukraine is not even a state” must anger every Ukrainian and cannot be ignored by the Ukrainian authorities. “If media reports are true, following the provocations in the Tuzla conflict and threats of targeting Russia’s nuclear weapons on Ukraine, diplomatic relations with Russia must be curtailed and debates in VR held,” Pora party press service told ZIK Apr 9.
Full article: http://www.zik.com.ua/en/news/2008/04/09/132748
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Full article: http://www.zik.com.ua/en/news/2008/04/09/132748
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Naftohaz Ukrainy, RosUkrEnergo Contract Supply Of 50 Billion Of Gas By 2009
Quote: Naftohaz Ukrainy national joint-stock company has signed contract with Russian gas monopoly Gazprom on supplies of about 50 billion of gas by 2009.
First deputy head of the President's Secretariat Oleksandr Shlapak has announced this at a news briefing.
"At last the contract is signed... this means that we shall consume legitimate gas," he said.
Shlapak stressed, the concluded contract will enable the State Customs Service to clear customs of gas for Naftohaz Ukrainy.
As Ukrainian News reported, on March 12, Naftohaz Ukrainy and Gazprom signed an agreement on developing relations in the gas sector, in keeping with which as Gazprom, so as RosUkrEnergo can be supplier of gas to Ukraine.
http://www.ukranews.com/eng/article/116239.html
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First deputy head of the President's Secretariat Oleksandr Shlapak has announced this at a news briefing.
"At last the contract is signed... this means that we shall consume legitimate gas," he said.
Shlapak stressed, the concluded contract will enable the State Customs Service to clear customs of gas for Naftohaz Ukrainy.
As Ukrainian News reported, on March 12, Naftohaz Ukrainy and Gazprom signed an agreement on developing relations in the gas sector, in keeping with which as Gazprom, so as RosUkrEnergo can be supplier of gas to Ukraine.
http://www.ukranews.com/eng/article/116239.html
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WILL PUTIN BE PERSONA NON GRATA IN UKRAINE AND BLACK SEA FLEET DRIVEN FROM SEVASTOPOL?
Quote: The Ukrainian National Congress (UNC) is drawing an appeal to the Ukrainian Security Service to proclaim President of Russian, Vladimir Putin, a persona non grata in Ukraine and ban his flights in Ukrainian airspace.
All these measures are the Ukrainians' response to reports in the local media alleging that Putin has said that the "Ukraine is not even a state" at the Russian-NATO Council meeting.
Article: http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:773933138&start=2
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All these measures are the Ukrainians' response to reports in the local media alleging that Putin has said that the "Ukraine is not even a state" at the Russian-NATO Council meeting.
Article: http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:773933138&start=2
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Wednesday, April 9, 2008
NATO door wide open for Ukraine
Quote: The NATO Bucharest Summit was a strategic success for Ukraine and for NATO. While the North Atlantic alliance did not offer Ukraine an immediate Membership Action Plan (MAP), every one of NATO’s leaders joined together to make a much more important commitment:Ukraine can join NATO as soon as it is ready. The door is not only wide open, the table is set with a place for Ukraine already reserved.
The summit communique is clear: “NATO welcomes Ukraine’s and Georgia’s aspiration for membership in NATO. We agreed today that these countries will become members of NATO.”
President Yushchenko rightly called this a historic decision that exceeded his expectations. The decision exceeded the expectations of virtually all NATO members as well. Before last Thursday, no country applying for membership into this club of likeminded democracies had ever been promised acceptance before making a formal application.
The path to membership — should Ukraine decide to follow it — leads through a process called a MAP. Last Thursday, all the NATO leaders supported Ukraine’s desire to start down that path. Ukraine’s request to begin that process of reform will be reviewed by NATO’s foreign ministers this December. If they agree, as most NATO countries did last week, the membership process will begin. The leaders have already stated where it will end.
Full article: http://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/oped/28820/
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The summit communique is clear: “NATO welcomes Ukraine’s and Georgia’s aspiration for membership in NATO. We agreed today that these countries will become members of NATO.”
President Yushchenko rightly called this a historic decision that exceeded his expectations. The decision exceeded the expectations of virtually all NATO members as well. Before last Thursday, no country applying for membership into this club of likeminded democracies had ever been promised acceptance before making a formal application.
The path to membership — should Ukraine decide to follow it — leads through a process called a MAP. Last Thursday, all the NATO leaders supported Ukraine’s desire to start down that path. Ukraine’s request to begin that process of reform will be reviewed by NATO’s foreign ministers this December. If they agree, as most NATO countries did last week, the membership process will begin. The leaders have already stated where it will end.
Full article: http://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/oped/28820/
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Court strips Dniproenergo stake from Akhmetov
Quote: Ukraine’s Supreme Court struck down on April 8 a controversial debtforequity deal from last summer that yielded a $500 millionplus stake in a leading Ukrainian electricity producer to a company controlled by Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine’s top businessman.
In a victory for Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who pledged to reverse suspect privatizations, the court cancelled last year’s bankruptcy deal, which was sponsored by the government of former Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, who has close ties to Akhmetov.
The deal diluted the state’s 76 percent stake in energy generator Dniproenergo to a 50 percentplusone share, while giving a blocking interest to Akhmetov’s Donbass Fuel and Energy Company (DTEK), which agreed to settle debt and invest badly needed funds into the firm.
The deal cancelled by the court increased DTEK’s holding in Dniproenergo as a result of a share emission from 8.7 percent to 40 percent, at a price tag of about $208 million.
Full article: http://www.kyivpost.com/business/general/28827/
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In a victory for Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who pledged to reverse suspect privatizations, the court cancelled last year’s bankruptcy deal, which was sponsored by the government of former Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, who has close ties to Akhmetov.
The deal diluted the state’s 76 percent stake in energy generator Dniproenergo to a 50 percentplusone share, while giving a blocking interest to Akhmetov’s Donbass Fuel and Energy Company (DTEK), which agreed to settle debt and invest badly needed funds into the firm.
The deal cancelled by the court increased DTEK’s holding in Dniproenergo as a result of a share emission from 8.7 percent to 40 percent, at a price tag of about $208 million.
Full article: http://www.kyivpost.com/business/general/28827/
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Latest threat to coalition comes as PM votes with Regions, Communists
Quote: Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko’s group on Tuesday joined forces with the opposition Regions and Communist parties to approve internal legislative regulations setting them on a collision course with President Viktor Yushchenko.
http://www.ukrainianjournal.com/index.php?w=article&id=6313
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http://www.ukrainianjournal.com/index.php?w=article&id=6313
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Tymoshenko threatens to take Yushchenko to court over his ban on land auctions government resolution
Quote: Addressing the government session on Apr. 9, Premier Tymoshenko said the land mafia has scored a victory and community budget revenues will fall short of billions of hryvnias after Pres Yushchenko, for unknown reasons, has practically vetoed the government resolution on land auctions and non-arable land sales. To reinstate the resolution, she warned, she is prepared to take the issue to the Constitutional Court, the cabinet secretariat told ZIK Apr. 9.
Full article: http://zik.com.ua/en/news/2008/04/09/132839
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Full article: http://zik.com.ua/en/news/2008/04/09/132839
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Party of Regions believe Yulia Tymoshenko's Cabinet is unable to cope with inflation
Quote: This was voiced by minister for economy of the opposition cabinet Iryna Akimova. In her opinion, the Cabinet chaired by Yulia Tymoshenko continues to produce just another inflation records. By the pessimistic forecast, inflation by 2008 close may exceed 20%.
http://www.nrcu.gov.ua/index.php?id=148&listid=64165
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http://www.nrcu.gov.ua/index.php?id=148&listid=64165
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Gazprom Creates Gazpromsbyt Ukraine
Quote: Russian gas monopoly, Gazprom company, has registered its Ukrainian subsidiary Gazpromsbyt Ukraine to supply gas to Ukrainian consumers.
Well-informed source from the Cabinet of Ministers disclosed this to Ukrainian News.
To launch gas supplies to Ukrainian consumers, Gazprom's subsidiary should receive relevant license from the National Electricity Regulation Commission.
As Ukrainian News earlier reported, on March 12, Gazprom and Naftohaz Ukrainy national joint-stock company sign agreement "On development of gas sector cooperation," which foresees that Gazprom's subsidiary would supply Ukrainian industrial consumers with at least 7.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas.
http://www.ukranews.com/eng/article/115529.html
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Well-informed source from the Cabinet of Ministers disclosed this to Ukrainian News.
To launch gas supplies to Ukrainian consumers, Gazprom's subsidiary should receive relevant license from the National Electricity Regulation Commission.
As Ukrainian News earlier reported, on March 12, Gazprom and Naftohaz Ukrainy national joint-stock company sign agreement "On development of gas sector cooperation," which foresees that Gazprom's subsidiary would supply Ukrainian industrial consumers with at least 7.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas.
http://www.ukranews.com/eng/article/115529.html
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Russia will do all it can to prevent Ukraine's, Georgia's accession to NATO - foreign minister
Quote: Russia will not allow Georgia and Ukraine to become NATO members, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
"We will do all we can to prevent Ukraine's and Georgia's admission to NATO and not to allow a dramatic decline in our relations with both the alliance, its leading members, and our neighbors, which would be inevitable in case of admission," Lavrov said on Echo Moskvy radio.
Full article: http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:772603900&start=14
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"We will do all we can to prevent Ukraine's and Georgia's admission to NATO and not to allow a dramatic decline in our relations with both the alliance, its leading members, and our neighbors, which would be inevitable in case of admission," Lavrov said on Echo Moskvy radio.
Full article: http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:772603900&start=14
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Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Russia to prepare recommendations at UN on human rights record in UK, Ukraine
Quote: Russia plans to raise the issue of the observance of human rights in the United Kingdom and Ukraine at the UN, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Yakovenko said.
"It will be Britain at the first session and Ukraine at the next," Yakovenko said in an interview with the newspaper Rossiiskaya Gazeta.
Yakovenko was speaking about the countries for which Russia will prepare recommendations as a co-rapporteur of the Universal Periodic Review, whose first session opens in Geneva in April.
"The heads of state and government of the UN member-states reached the basic agreement in 2005 to restructure the human rights dimension of the United Nations. The UN Commission on Human Rights was not efficient enough," Yakovenko said.
http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:772045653&start=1
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"It will be Britain at the first session and Ukraine at the next," Yakovenko said in an interview with the newspaper Rossiiskaya Gazeta.
Yakovenko was speaking about the countries for which Russia will prepare recommendations as a co-rapporteur of the Universal Periodic Review, whose first session opens in Geneva in April.
"The heads of state and government of the UN member-states reached the basic agreement in 2005 to restructure the human rights dimension of the United Nations. The UN Commission on Human Rights was not efficient enough," Yakovenko said.
http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:772045653&start=1
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Putin Hints At Splitting Up Ukraine
Quote: President Vladimir Putin hinted at last week's NATO summit in Romania that Russia would work to break up Ukraine, should the former Soviet republic join the military alliance, Kommersant reported Monday.
Putin "lost his temper" at the NATO-Russia Council in Bucharest during Friday's discussions of Ukraine's bid to join NATO, Kommersant cited an unidentified foreign delegate to the summit as saying.
"Do you understand, George, that Ukraine is not even a state!" Putin told U.S. President George W. Bush at the closed meeting, the diplomat told Kommersant.
After saying most of Ukraine's territory was "given away" by Russia, Putin said that if Ukraine joined NATO it would cease to exist as a state, the diplomat said.
Putin threatened to encourage the secession of the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea and eastern Ukraine, where anti-NATO and pro-Moscow sentiment is strong, the diplomat said, Kommersant reported.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who accompanied Putin at the summit, said Monday he did not hear Putin's purported remarks about Ukraine and could not confirm the report.
Putin also offered broader economic cooperation with Georgia's separatist republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as Tbilisi sought NATO approval for eventual membership in the alliance.
Full article: http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:771788468&start=6
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Putin "lost his temper" at the NATO-Russia Council in Bucharest during Friday's discussions of Ukraine's bid to join NATO, Kommersant cited an unidentified foreign delegate to the summit as saying.
"Do you understand, George, that Ukraine is not even a state!" Putin told U.S. President George W. Bush at the closed meeting, the diplomat told Kommersant.
After saying most of Ukraine's territory was "given away" by Russia, Putin said that if Ukraine joined NATO it would cease to exist as a state, the diplomat said.
Putin threatened to encourage the secession of the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea and eastern Ukraine, where anti-NATO and pro-Moscow sentiment is strong, the diplomat said, Kommersant reported.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who accompanied Putin at the summit, said Monday he did not hear Putin's purported remarks about Ukraine and could not confirm the report.
Putin also offered broader economic cooperation with Georgia's separatist republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as Tbilisi sought NATO approval for eventual membership in the alliance.
Full article: http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:771788468&start=6
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Tymoshenko Declares UAH 81,600 Of Income In 2007
Here are some numbers from Yulia's declaration of income. Is it possible that Yulia's losing money, comparing 2007 income with 2006? I doubt it. How can these people run a country (with these fudged-up numbers) if they can't show an increase in income?
I see that corruption isn't only within or around the Regions party, as Yulia's declarations so clearly indicates. Ukraine hasn't made a dent in its issue with corruption.
I see that corruption isn't only within or around the Regions party, as Yulia's declarations so clearly indicates. Ukraine hasn't made a dent in its issue with corruption.
"Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has declared UAH 81,681 of income in 2007.
This follows from a copy of Tymoshenko's income declaration, posted at
Ukrainska Pravda.
As Ukrainian News earlier reported, Tymoshenko declared UAH 160,275 of
income in 2006."Full article: http://www.ukranews.com/eng/article/114979.html
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Monday, April 7, 2008
Analysis: U.S. eyes Ukraine energy routes
Quote: What a difference two decades and a generation make.
On Aug. 1, 1991, President George H.W. Bush in Kiev addressed a session of Ukraine's Supreme Soviet. In a speech written by his Soviet and East European Affairs Adviser Condoleezza Rice, Bush cautioned the Ukrainian lawmakers Americans "will not aid those who promote a suicidal nationalism." New York Times columnist William Safire subsequently dubbed the speech "chicken Kiev." Four months later, the Soviet Union imploded.
On April 1, during a state visit to Ukraine prior to attending the NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania, President George W. Bush, accompanied by Rice, now secretary of state, met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko in Kiev for discussions. The topics included diversification of Ukraine's natural gas imports, Ukraine's pursuit of a NATO Membership Action Plan for joining the alliance, and the government's battle with corruption and economic issues, including investment cooperation involving U.S. companies in large-scale privatization. Bush even discussed with his hosts the possibility of creating a free-trade zone between Ukraine and the United States. In a classic instance of diplomatic understatement, Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Turchynov labeled the discussions "interesting."
Following his Kiev sojourn, Bush jetted off to Bucharest, where his more cautious NATO allies effectively rejected his cherished goal of a MAP for Ukraine and Georgia, another former Soviet republic. Most journalists covering the summit focused on the drama surrounding the entry tussles over Ukrainian and Georgian NATO membership, but the real legacy of Bush's Eastern European jaunt may well be his discussions in Kiev, as they have infuriated the Kremlin while essentially delivering nothing tangible to Ukraine and have effectively tarred President Viktor Yushchenko and his government as U.S. stooges.
Turchynov said Bush and Tymoshenko discussed diversifying Ukraine's natural gas supplies by signing gas deals directly with Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan with U.S. cooperation.
There is only one small flaw in Bush's view of U.S.-Ukrainian energy cooperation....
Full article: http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:771699259&start=3
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On Aug. 1, 1991, President George H.W. Bush in Kiev addressed a session of Ukraine's Supreme Soviet. In a speech written by his Soviet and East European Affairs Adviser Condoleezza Rice, Bush cautioned the Ukrainian lawmakers Americans "will not aid those who promote a suicidal nationalism." New York Times columnist William Safire subsequently dubbed the speech "chicken Kiev." Four months later, the Soviet Union imploded.
On April 1, during a state visit to Ukraine prior to attending the NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania, President George W. Bush, accompanied by Rice, now secretary of state, met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko in Kiev for discussions. The topics included diversification of Ukraine's natural gas imports, Ukraine's pursuit of a NATO Membership Action Plan for joining the alliance, and the government's battle with corruption and economic issues, including investment cooperation involving U.S. companies in large-scale privatization. Bush even discussed with his hosts the possibility of creating a free-trade zone between Ukraine and the United States. In a classic instance of diplomatic understatement, Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Turchynov labeled the discussions "interesting."
Following his Kiev sojourn, Bush jetted off to Bucharest, where his more cautious NATO allies effectively rejected his cherished goal of a MAP for Ukraine and Georgia, another former Soviet republic. Most journalists covering the summit focused on the drama surrounding the entry tussles over Ukrainian and Georgian NATO membership, but the real legacy of Bush's Eastern European jaunt may well be his discussions in Kiev, as they have infuriated the Kremlin while essentially delivering nothing tangible to Ukraine and have effectively tarred President Viktor Yushchenko and his government as U.S. stooges.
Turchynov said Bush and Tymoshenko discussed diversifying Ukraine's natural gas supplies by signing gas deals directly with Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan with U.S. cooperation.
There is only one small flaw in Bush's view of U.S.-Ukrainian energy cooperation....
Full article: http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100007539&docId=l:771699259&start=3
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Sunday, April 6, 2008
The Wrong MAP for Ukraine and Georgia
Quote: The theorist for the self-defeating approach in Ukraine is a former foreign minister under Yushchenko. His policy line – which is also a line of domestic political argument – has run as follows: Ukraine should stop trying to balance its relations with Russia and the West, as it did under Kuchma. Ukraine should orient itself to the West and join NATO, and Russia should respect this choice. None of this suggests that there has been any thinking about NATO itself; it's all about Ukraine and its identity. In truth, it's not quite even about that. It's about the identity politics of those Ukrainians who take this position in a domestic political fight against the Eastern Ukrainians, who think of Ukraine's identity in a different way and are never going to fall into line against Russia. It is evident that they would like to get some respect and a sense of total independence from Russia. That, it needs to be recognized, is their personal problem; it may be harsh to say it, but it is a set of wishes that is doomed to go unfulfilled. The Orange leadership can sometimes, barely, win elections against the Eastern Ukrainians, but it has shown that it cannot thereby lead the country into solid public support for joining NATO – just the opposite.
The proponents of this one-way line got their chance early in Yushchenko's presidency to try out their line in practice. What happened? The more Yushchenko pushed on the NATO issue, the more Eastern Ukrainians and Crimeans agitated against NATO, with mass demonstrations and a real consensus in their regions against joining NATO. His Eastern-based opponent Yanukovych regained some popularity instead of fading away, increased his voter share, and became prime minister. The East-West divide in Ukraine grew sharper. Western Ukrainians began to realize that forcing the NATO issue was ruinous for Ukraine. More and more Ukrainians turned against joining NATO – some polls reached 80 percent against. Current polls still show under 20 percent in favor of NATO.
Has anything been learned from the experience? Or are we expecting someone to put Eastern Ukrainians through a transmogrifier and all come out as Western Ukrainians?
What the join-NATO-against-Russia line has meant in practice for Ukraine is to create trouble with Russia at every step along the way without ever getting to the goal; actually, the harder it's tried, the farther Ukraine gets from the goal. It does maximum damage to Ukraine (and everyone else) for minimum benefit. It doesn't serve Ukraine's interests, nor the West's; it can only be explained in terms of acting out some personal psychological issues vis-à-vis Russia.
Full article: http://www.antiwar.com/orig/straus.php?articleid=12616
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The proponents of this one-way line got their chance early in Yushchenko's presidency to try out their line in practice. What happened? The more Yushchenko pushed on the NATO issue, the more Eastern Ukrainians and Crimeans agitated against NATO, with mass demonstrations and a real consensus in their regions against joining NATO. His Eastern-based opponent Yanukovych regained some popularity instead of fading away, increased his voter share, and became prime minister. The East-West divide in Ukraine grew sharper. Western Ukrainians began to realize that forcing the NATO issue was ruinous for Ukraine. More and more Ukrainians turned against joining NATO – some polls reached 80 percent against. Current polls still show under 20 percent in favor of NATO.
Has anything been learned from the experience? Or are we expecting someone to put Eastern Ukrainians through a transmogrifier and all come out as Western Ukrainians?
What the join-NATO-against-Russia line has meant in practice for Ukraine is to create trouble with Russia at every step along the way without ever getting to the goal; actually, the harder it's tried, the farther Ukraine gets from the goal. It does maximum damage to Ukraine (and everyone else) for minimum benefit. It doesn't serve Ukraine's interests, nor the West's; it can only be explained in terms of acting out some personal psychological issues vis-à-vis Russia.
Full article: http://www.antiwar.com/orig/straus.php?articleid=12616
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London Erupts in Torch Protests
Scott Anthony
Sunday April 6, 2008
guardian.co.uk
Quote: Olympic torch grabbed and attacked with a fire extinguisher as more than 35 people are arrested
Police were forced to bring in reinforcements to marshal the Olympic torch relay through London after a series of protests along the 31-mile route by demonstrators angered at China's human rights record. More than 35 people have been arrested, all for public order offences.
Throughout the day there were incidents and flashpoints, the most serious occuring in Ladbroke Grove when a Free Tibet protester slipped through a 50-strong pack of British police and Chinese security guards before attempting to wrestle the Olympic flame from Blue Peter TV presenter Konnie Huq. The episode was brought to an end when the protester was bundled to the ground.
Two others were also taken away after trying to put out the flame with a fire extinguisher in Holland Park, and the procession was later forced into a temporary halt as the torch made an unscheduled switch to a bus while police pondered how to safely negotiate a crowd of protesters at Fleet Street. The move briefly prevented further disruption but negated the spectacle, with the torch bearer completely hidden from the throngs lining the route from Wembley Stadium to Greenwich.
Full article: http://sport.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,2271457,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront
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The dazzle and squalor of the constitutional process in Ukraine
Quote: During 2007 there was a great deal of talk about the need for constitutional reform. Presidential Decree №1294/2007 from 27 December envisaged the creation of a National Constitutional Council [NCC] which would include academics, politicians, regional representatives delegated by bodies of local self-government and civic figures. The President would head the Council and approve its makeup. The Council would discuss the concept for a new draft Constitution and prepare this draft.
What should the role of the NCC be? It is a consultative and advisory body under the President and it can, in my opinion, be viewed only as a convenient tool for preparing decent draft amendments and additions to the current Constitution or a draft new version of the Constitution. The NCC has no authority to review draft laws or approve any decisions, this being the prerogative of a representative body – either the Verkhovna Rada or a Constitutional Assembly especially elected for this purpose. There should also be wide public discussion of changes to the Constitution. The draft needs to be printed in large numbers and sufficient time given to ensure that all those interested have the opportunity to read it and make their comments.
The Constitution is an act of civic society and it cannot be passed solely by professional politicians who will certainly not manage to avoid the temptation of adapting the Constitution to serve their own selfish interests, or will sabotage its creation altogether. A decent draft can only be drawn up with the participation of well-known public leaders and lawyers who have people’s trust. And there was a possibility of creating a National Constitutional Council reflecting the diversity and different views of Ukrainian society: many civic associations put forward their proposals for well-known public figures to be included in the NCC. However the makeup of the NCC approved on 18 February by Presidential Decree № 139/2008, is a downright disappointment. Of 97 of its members, 40 are National Deputies [MPs] with 12 from the Party of the Regions; 11 from Our Ukraine – People’s Self-Defence; 9 from BYuT – Yulia Tymoshenko’s bloc; 5 from the Lytvyn Bloc; and 3 from the Communist Party. There are 9 employees of the Presidential Secretariat, 4 from parliamentary institutions; 2 civil servants; and 6 heads of regional councils. In a word, we see the entire political beau monde. There are only 13 specialists in law, including 5 retired judges of the Supreme and Constitutional Courts; 13 representatives of the National Academy of Sciences and higher institutes. There are 9 members of civic organizations, the vast majority of which are extensions of the same authorities.
What could this choice by the President’s Secretariat indicate?....
Full article: http://www.khpg.org/en/index.php?id=1207443053
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What should the role of the NCC be? It is a consultative and advisory body under the President and it can, in my opinion, be viewed only as a convenient tool for preparing decent draft amendments and additions to the current Constitution or a draft new version of the Constitution. The NCC has no authority to review draft laws or approve any decisions, this being the prerogative of a representative body – either the Verkhovna Rada or a Constitutional Assembly especially elected for this purpose. There should also be wide public discussion of changes to the Constitution. The draft needs to be printed in large numbers and sufficient time given to ensure that all those interested have the opportunity to read it and make their comments.
The Constitution is an act of civic society and it cannot be passed solely by professional politicians who will certainly not manage to avoid the temptation of adapting the Constitution to serve their own selfish interests, or will sabotage its creation altogether. A decent draft can only be drawn up with the participation of well-known public leaders and lawyers who have people’s trust. And there was a possibility of creating a National Constitutional Council reflecting the diversity and different views of Ukrainian society: many civic associations put forward their proposals for well-known public figures to be included in the NCC. However the makeup of the NCC approved on 18 February by Presidential Decree № 139/2008, is a downright disappointment. Of 97 of its members, 40 are National Deputies [MPs] with 12 from the Party of the Regions; 11 from Our Ukraine – People’s Self-Defence; 9 from BYuT – Yulia Tymoshenko’s bloc; 5 from the Lytvyn Bloc; and 3 from the Communist Party. There are 9 employees of the Presidential Secretariat, 4 from parliamentary institutions; 2 civil servants; and 6 heads of regional councils. In a word, we see the entire political beau monde. There are only 13 specialists in law, including 5 retired judges of the Supreme and Constitutional Courts; 13 representatives of the National Academy of Sciences and higher institutes. There are 9 members of civic organizations, the vast majority of which are extensions of the same authorities.
What could this choice by the President’s Secretariat indicate?....
Full article: http://www.khpg.org/en/index.php?id=1207443053
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Russia sees decline in foreign tourist numbers
Quote: A total of 2,213,597 foreign citizens visited Russia for the purposes of tourism in 2007, which is 9 percent less than a year earlier, the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI) reported today. According to the RUTI, the figure marked a 10-year low in 2007, as 2.5m tourists visited Russia in 1997. In 2006, over 2.443m foreigners came to Russia as tourists, which was 2 percent more than a year earlier.
http://rbcnews.com/free/20080404193621.shtml
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http://rbcnews.com/free/20080404193621.shtml
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Ukraine's Iron Lady: Glamor, hairstyle and a fierce political will
Quote: On a typical day she may chair a cabinet meeting, visit coal miners or fly to Brussels for a summit. But before she steps out of her home, she sculpts her rich blond hair into a peasant-style braid. Only then does she become the prime minister every Ukrainian can instantly identify.
The hair is the high point of Yulia Tymoshenko's glamorous image. But she also has a steely, in-your-face resolve. It made her the heroine of the 2004 Orange Revolution that brought democracy to her country, and four months into her second premiership she continues to fascinate Ukrainians.
To her adoring supporters she's simply "Yulia," selfless fighter for democracy. The hairdo is more than just a fashion statement; it evokes a beloved symbol of Ukrainian identity — the humble, honest peasant.
Her critics say she's anything but humble and honest, seeing her as a corrupt and power-hungry opportunist. She was accused of enriching herself in corrupt energy deals in the 1990s, which earned her the nickname of "gas princess," and was briefly jailed seven years ago on money-laundering charges. (The charges, which she claims were politically motivated, were dropped.)
Her tenacity leads some to call her the Iron Lady, and Tymoshenko herself looks to Margaret Thatcher as a role model. Nowadays, however, Europe is getting used to women leaders — German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Finnish President Tarja Halonen, Moldovan Prime Minister Zinaida Greceanîi and Borjana Kristo, president of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
But none rules a country as divided as Ukraine, a former Soviet republic torn between its Europe-friendly west and pro-Russian east.
Full article: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/04/06/europe/EU-FEA-GEN-Ukraines-Iron-Lady.php
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The hair is the high point of Yulia Tymoshenko's glamorous image. But she also has a steely, in-your-face resolve. It made her the heroine of the 2004 Orange Revolution that brought democracy to her country, and four months into her second premiership she continues to fascinate Ukrainians.
To her adoring supporters she's simply "Yulia," selfless fighter for democracy. The hairdo is more than just a fashion statement; it evokes a beloved symbol of Ukrainian identity — the humble, honest peasant.
Her critics say she's anything but humble and honest, seeing her as a corrupt and power-hungry opportunist. She was accused of enriching herself in corrupt energy deals in the 1990s, which earned her the nickname of "gas princess," and was briefly jailed seven years ago on money-laundering charges. (The charges, which she claims were politically motivated, were dropped.)
Her tenacity leads some to call her the Iron Lady, and Tymoshenko herself looks to Margaret Thatcher as a role model. Nowadays, however, Europe is getting used to women leaders — German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Finnish President Tarja Halonen, Moldovan Prime Minister Zinaida Greceanîi and Borjana Kristo, president of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
But none rules a country as divided as Ukraine, a former Soviet republic torn between its Europe-friendly west and pro-Russian east.
Full article: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/04/06/europe/EU-FEA-GEN-Ukraines-Iron-Lady.php
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U.S. judge orders ex-Ukraine leader to pay $19.5 million
Quote: A U.S. judge ordered a former Ukrainian prime minister on Friday to pay nearly $19.5 million to a Ukrainian businessman who said the politician demanded cash and half ownership of his firm in exchange for favored treatment.
Pavlo Lazarenko, who served as Ukraine's prime minister from 1996 to 1997, was convicted in U.S. federal court in 2004 of using his position to extort millions of dollars from his country and then launder it through California banks.
The indictment in the complicated and slow-moving case came down in 2000.
During the trial businessman Peter Kiritchenko testified that he gave Lazarenko tens of millions of dollars and ownership of half of a company to help expand his firm.
"I agreed to give him 50 percent of the profit and 50 percent of the company. I didn't see any other way to develop the company," Kiritchenko testified in 2004.
He later asked for a court order for Lazarenko to give back the money, and on Friday U.S. District Judge Martin Jenkins agreed the former prime minister should return it.
"The record supports his request for $19,473,309.00, based upon his submission of specific and credible evidence," Jenkins wrote in his order.
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSN0433171720080404
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Pavlo Lazarenko, who served as Ukraine's prime minister from 1996 to 1997, was convicted in U.S. federal court in 2004 of using his position to extort millions of dollars from his country and then launder it through California banks.
The indictment in the complicated and slow-moving case came down in 2000.
During the trial businessman Peter Kiritchenko testified that he gave Lazarenko tens of millions of dollars and ownership of half of a company to help expand his firm.
"I agreed to give him 50 percent of the profit and 50 percent of the company. I didn't see any other way to develop the company," Kiritchenko testified in 2004.
He later asked for a court order for Lazarenko to give back the money, and on Friday U.S. District Judge Martin Jenkins agreed the former prime minister should return it.
"The record supports his request for $19,473,309.00, based upon his submission of specific and credible evidence," Jenkins wrote in his order.
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSN0433171720080404
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