European Affairs
- Growing Russian/Georgian Tensions
- Chernobyl’s 22nd Anniversary
- Zapatero Re-Elected Prime Minister
- Bulgarian Government No-Confidence
- EU Approves Kosovo Constitution
- Broadband Provider Revenues Rise
- US - Russian Missile Defense Talks
- Ukraine’s Form of Government
- Citizens Protest Russian Election
- Russia’s Presidential Election
Growing Russian/Georgian Tensions
Posted by
Mark Resnicoff
Mark Resnicoff
Russia and Georgia have increased their military presence around the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, disputing the provinces’ potential independence.
Over the past several weeks, Russia has increased its peacekeeping forces in Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The additional troops were sent to the area after Georgia massed an additional 1,500 soldiers and police near the Abkhazia border. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow has to take action to protect Russian passport-holders in both regions. Georgia however, fears direct military aggression from Russia.
Georgia denies any plan of military intervention in either of the upstart regions and officials referred to Russia's tactics as "irresponsible."
Many experts believe Russia is acting out on its threat from earlier this year in which President Vladimir Putin stated if Kosovo was allowed to become an independent nation, it would set a precedent and Abkhazia and South Ossetia should then be provided with the same opportunity for independence.
Tensions between Russia and Georgia have recently increased, despite Moscow lifting economic sanctions against Georgia. Last week, Georgia claims a Russian MiG-29 shot down an unmanned Georgian spy plane. Following this “act of aggression,” Georgia has threatened to block Russia's entry into the World Trade Organization.
This situation is different than last year’s threat of military action by Moscow as a response to the US plan for an Eastern European missile defense shield. In that situation, Putin threatened direct force against its neighbors to protect its borders and interests.
Georgia denies any plan of military intervention in either of the upstart regions and officials referred to Russia's tactics as "irresponsible."
Many experts believe Russia is acting out on its threat from earlier this year in which President Vladimir Putin stated if Kosovo was allowed to become an independent nation, it would set a precedent and Abkhazia and South Ossetia should then be provided with the same opportunity for independence.
Tensions between Russia and Georgia have recently increased, despite Moscow lifting economic sanctions against Georgia. Last week, Georgia claims a Russian MiG-29 shot down an unmanned Georgian spy plane. Following this “act of aggression,” Georgia has threatened to block Russia's entry into the World Trade Organization.
This situation is different than last year’s threat of military action by Moscow as a response to the US plan for an Eastern European missile defense shield. In that situation, Putin threatened direct force against its neighbors to protect its borders and interests.
Posted by
Mark Resnicoff
Mark Resnicoff
The 22nd anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident brings about contemplation and a surprising appeal from former area residents for worldwide happiness and peace.
April 26 is the 22nd anniversary of the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant in northern Ukraine.I had planned to write a general post about this anniversary, but having somewhat of a personal stake in the aftermath of the accident has driven me in a different direction.
No, I was not at Chernobyl at the time of the accident, but I do have friends who are former residents of Pripyat, the city that used to be home to the Plant workers. I also have friends who are former liquidators, people who helped clean up the consequences of the disaster. I personally visited the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in 2006, and as fascinating as it is to see nature reclaim the area, it was also extremely sad to visit the former home of my friends.
Not everything about the Chernobyl anniversary needs to be gloomy and depressing. Many former Pripyat residents in Kyiv have created an international action titled "The Saved Planet." This action is an appeal for everyone around the world to make our planet a better, happier an peaceful place.
The action only asks that people stop for 10 minutes to say a prayer or merely have good, bright thoughts on April 26 from 1700 to 1710 GMT. If these people can find a way to turn part of a day of sorrow into a day of hope, then everyone else can do the same.
These Chernobyl victims are not allowing the horrible memory of that incident to rule the day. No, they have chosen part of the disaster’s anniversary to join together for a more positive worldwide outlook. If only everyone else could do the same thing.
No, I was not at Chernobyl at the time of the accident, but I do have friends who are former residents of Pripyat, the city that used to be home to the Plant workers. I also have friends who are former liquidators, people who helped clean up the consequences of the disaster. I personally visited the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in 2006, and as fascinating as it is to see nature reclaim the area, it was also extremely sad to visit the former home of my friends.
Not everything about the Chernobyl anniversary needs to be gloomy and depressing. Many former Pripyat residents in Kyiv have created an international action titled "The Saved Planet." This action is an appeal for everyone around the world to make our planet a better, happier an peaceful place.
The action only asks that people stop for 10 minutes to say a prayer or merely have good, bright thoughts on April 26 from 1700 to 1710 GMT. If these people can find a way to turn part of a day of sorrow into a day of hope, then everyone else can do the same.
These Chernobyl victims are not allowing the horrible memory of that incident to rule the day. No, they have chosen part of the disaster’s anniversary to join together for a more positive worldwide outlook. If only everyone else could do the same thing.
Zapatero Re-Elected Prime Minister
Posted by
Mark Resnicoff
Mark Resnicoff
Spain’s PM Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, following his party’s victory in the March 2008 General election, returns for a second term after two parliamentary ballots.
On April 11, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero was approved by Parliament for a second term in office. The process required a second vote because Zapatero did not get enough votes during the first ballot. Zapatero’s Socialist Workers’ Party was victorious in the March 2008 General election. This was the first time since Spain returned to being a democracy in 1975 that a second parliamentary vote was required to approve a Prime Minister.
During the first ballot on April 9, Zapatero received 168 votes in the 350-seat Congress of Deputies, eight short of the required absolute majority. The second ballot, which cannot occur for at least 48 hours after the first, requires only a simple majority. On Friday morning, Zapatero received 169 votes in favor of his nomination, 158 against, and 23 abstentions.
Seeking changes within his own government, Zapatero has created a new cabinet with nine female members, including former Housing Minister Carme Chancon Piqueras, who has become the country’s first Defense Minister.
Continuing in power, Zapatero faces the daunting task of rebuilding a cooling economy and dealing with the Basque separatist group ETA. Zapatero's task will not be easy - he will lead a minority government that will be forced to seek support from other parties every time they try to get new laws passed.
During the first ballot on April 9, Zapatero received 168 votes in the 350-seat Congress of Deputies, eight short of the required absolute majority. The second ballot, which cannot occur for at least 48 hours after the first, requires only a simple majority. On Friday morning, Zapatero received 169 votes in favor of his nomination, 158 against, and 23 abstentions.
Seeking changes within his own government, Zapatero has created a new cabinet with nine female members, including former Housing Minister Carme Chancon Piqueras, who has become the country’s first Defense Minister.
Continuing in power, Zapatero faces the daunting task of rebuilding a cooling economy and dealing with the Basque separatist group ETA. Zapatero's task will not be easy - he will lead a minority government that will be forced to seek support from other parties every time they try to get new laws passed.
Bulgarian Government No-Confidence
Posted by
Mark Resnicoff
Mark Resnicoff
Bulgaria’s coalition government survived a fifth no-confidence vote amidst claims it is involved with organized crime and voting abstentions from alliance members.
Bulgaria's coalition government survived a no-confidence vote on Friday, fueled by opposition claims it has close ties to organized crime. The parliamentary motion was rejected in the 240-seat National Assembly by a vote of 117-82, with 35 abstentions and six absentees.
This was the fifth time Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev's government has faced a no-confidence vote since assuming office in 2005. This last vote followed the arrest of two senior police officials who are accused of abuse of power and revealing state secrets to organized crime leaders. Prior to the vote, the government approved a plan drafted by Interior Minister Rumen Petkov to reform the police.
The government may have survived, but the vote revealed signs of a shaky three-member coalition including the Bulgarian Socialist Party and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms.. All 35 abstentions came from third coalition partner National Movement for Simeon II, which demanded the dismissal of the Interior Minister.
Following the vote, Prime Minister Stanishev announced Cabinet changes would occur to prevent the government from completing its term in office "limping along."
The European Union has repeatedly criticized the Bulgarian government for its failure to combat corruption and organized crime. The country could face EU sanctions if a mid-2008 European Commission report indicates negative progress.
The next national election should occur by sometime in 2009, when the people will determine if Stanishev’s government will remain in power.
This was the fifth time Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev's government has faced a no-confidence vote since assuming office in 2005. This last vote followed the arrest of two senior police officials who are accused of abuse of power and revealing state secrets to organized crime leaders. Prior to the vote, the government approved a plan drafted by Interior Minister Rumen Petkov to reform the police.
The government may have survived, but the vote revealed signs of a shaky three-member coalition including the Bulgarian Socialist Party and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms.. All 35 abstentions came from third coalition partner National Movement for Simeon II, which demanded the dismissal of the Interior Minister.
Following the vote, Prime Minister Stanishev announced Cabinet changes would occur to prevent the government from completing its term in office "limping along."
The European Union has repeatedly criticized the Bulgarian government for its failure to combat corruption and organized crime. The country could face EU sanctions if a mid-2008 European Commission report indicates negative progress.
The next national election should occur by sometime in 2009, when the people will determine if Stanishev’s government will remain in power.
EU Approves Kosovo Constitution
Posted by
Mark Resnicoff
Mark Resnicoff
Kosovo’s government has prepared a draft Constitution which has been approved by a European Union official. The document guarantees individual and minority rights.
Pieter Feith, head of the European Union-led civilian mission in Kosovo approved the new country’s Constitution on April 2, 2008. The document guarantees individual, community and minority rights, including those of the Serb minority.
Kosovo’s Constitution still needs to be formally approved by the country’s 120-seat assembly. It is expected to come into effect on June 15, the day the local government is scheduled to take over authority from the United Nation’s mission.
Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in February 2008. EU approval of the country’s Constitution was required to make sure it was in line with the international agreement that allowed for Kosovo’s secession.
Serbia and Russia still oppose the secession and refuse to recognize Kosovo as an independent state. As a member of the U.N. Security Council, Russia’s defiance means that Kosovo’s independence has not been recognized by the United Nations.
The lawmakers in Kosovo have obviously been busy drafting the country’s Constitution. It is very encouraging that it has gained EU approval more than two months before it needs to come into effect.
Independence is one thing, but the ability to self-rule can be much more complicated. This announcement is a positive step forward in Kosovo’s quest for recognition, absolute independence and self-rule.
Kosovo’s Constitution still needs to be formally approved by the country’s 120-seat assembly. It is expected to come into effect on June 15, the day the local government is scheduled to take over authority from the United Nation’s mission.
Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in February 2008. EU approval of the country’s Constitution was required to make sure it was in line with the international agreement that allowed for Kosovo’s secession.
Serbia and Russia still oppose the secession and refuse to recognize Kosovo as an independent state. As a member of the U.N. Security Council, Russia’s defiance means that Kosovo’s independence has not been recognized by the United Nations.
The lawmakers in Kosovo have obviously been busy drafting the country’s Constitution. It is very encouraging that it has gained EU approval more than two months before it needs to come into effect.
Independence is one thing, but the ability to self-rule can be much more complicated. This announcement is a positive step forward in Kosovo’s quest for recognition, absolute independence and self-rule.
Broadband Provider Revenues Rise
Posted by
Mark Resnicoff
Mark Resnicoff
European broadband penetration rates are expected to rise for many years, providing increased revenue growth for service providers such as Sweden’s TeliaSonera.
Recent reports indicate that broadband penetration rates in some European countries are now equal to or greater than those in the United States. Broadband's high-speed access is great for users, but is also providing huge revenue growth for providers.
BuddeComm's latest report, "2006-2007 Europe - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband in Scandinavia," indicates that the share of dial-up revenue fell from 72% in 2001 to 9% in 2006. Broadband is becoming such a de facto standard that in 2007, Sweden's telecommunications giant TeliaSonera stopped offering dial-up for its new subscribers.
Though TeliaSonera may have lost a few customers that did not want broadband services, the company still realized a net sales increase of 5.8% in 2007, with 5.8 million new subscriptions throughout their Nordic, Baltic and Eurasian operations. According to TeliaSonera Broadband President Anders Bruse, growth in broadband is driving sales. Bruse noted, "... We are shifting the product mix, including investments and costs, from traditional to new services to strengthen our positions."
Revenue growth for European broadband providers should continue for many years due to the European Union's initiative to further expand these high-speed services throughout the continent.
Reference
TeliaSonera Annual Report 2007
BuddeComm's latest report, "2006-2007 Europe - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband in Scandinavia," indicates that the share of dial-up revenue fell from 72% in 2001 to 9% in 2006. Broadband is becoming such a de facto standard that in 2007, Sweden's telecommunications giant TeliaSonera stopped offering dial-up for its new subscribers.
Though TeliaSonera may have lost a few customers that did not want broadband services, the company still realized a net sales increase of 5.8% in 2007, with 5.8 million new subscriptions throughout their Nordic, Baltic and Eurasian operations. According to TeliaSonera Broadband President Anders Bruse, growth in broadband is driving sales. Bruse noted, "... We are shifting the product mix, including investments and costs, from traditional to new services to strengthen our positions."
Revenue growth for European broadband providers should continue for many years due to the European Union's initiative to further expand these high-speed services throughout the continent.
Reference
TeliaSonera Annual Report 2007
US - Russian Missile Defense Talks
Posted by
Mark Resnicoff
Mark Resnicoff
US and Russian Governments begin talks regarding plans to place a defense shield of interceptor missiles and a radar installation in Poland and the Czech Republic.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Robert Gates met with Russian leaders last week, attempting to reach an agreement regarding the construction of a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been completely against this plan since its inception, though he recently indicated confidence that a solution is possible.
At stake is a plan to base U.S. interceptor missiles in Poland and radar units in the Czech Republic to act as a shield against possible attack by countries such as Iran that pose a threat with nuclear weapons. Russia opposes the plan, claiming the location of such a system is a direct threat to the country's strategic interests. The U.S. government swears the system would not be aimed at Russia.
I am glad to see both sides talking, but a solution will not be simple. Last summer, Russia countered the plan by offering the use of one of its own installations, thereby allowing them a measure of control. Of course, the U.S. rejected the offer and relations have since cooled. I believe a compromise will be reached after Dmitry Medvedev is sworn in as Russia's new President, though any agreement will most likely be approved by Putin himself.
At stake is a plan to base U.S. interceptor missiles in Poland and radar units in the Czech Republic to act as a shield against possible attack by countries such as Iran that pose a threat with nuclear weapons. Russia opposes the plan, claiming the location of such a system is a direct threat to the country's strategic interests. The U.S. government swears the system would not be aimed at Russia.
I am glad to see both sides talking, but a solution will not be simple. Last summer, Russia countered the plan by offering the use of one of its own installations, thereby allowing them a measure of control. Of course, the U.S. rejected the offer and relations have since cooled. I believe a compromise will be reached after Dmitry Medvedev is sworn in as Russia's new President, though any agreement will most likely be approved by Putin himself.
Posted by
Mark Resnicoff
Mark Resnicoff
A recent poll indicates Ukrainian citizens prefer their current form of government, but President Viktor Yushchenko has plans for a change to a presidential republic.
In a poll conducted between February 22 and 28, the Kyiv International Sociology Institute found that almost 40% of Ukrainian citizens prefer their current form of government, a parliamentary-presidential republic. However, President Viktor Yushchenko believes the current system is flawed and wishes to change Ukraine to become a purely presidential republic.
After Ukraine's Orange Revolution in 2004 and problems that led to the tension-filled Parliamentary election in September 2007, I cannot blame Yushchenko for wanting change. I agree with Yushchenko that change is needed, but I am not sure his proposition is the best solution.
More important than my opinion, apparently the citizens of Ukraine also have their doubts. Only 19% of respondents favored a presidential republic - definitely not a glowing recommendation. The poll results revealed the following:
After Ukraine's Orange Revolution in 2004 and problems that led to the tension-filled Parliamentary election in September 2007, I cannot blame Yushchenko for wanting change. I agree with Yushchenko that change is needed, but I am not sure his proposition is the best solution.
More important than my opinion, apparently the citizens of Ukraine also have their doubts. Only 19% of respondents favored a presidential republic - definitely not a glowing recommendation. The poll results revealed the following:
- A parliamentary-presidential republic - 38%
- A presidential-parliamentary republic - 21%
- A presidential republic - 19%
- A parliamentary republic - 7%
- One-man rule - 2%
- Not sure - 13%
Citizens Protest Russian Election
Posted by
Mark Resnicoff
Mark Resnicoff
Small groups of Russian citizens demonstrated against the recent Presidential election process and results, while most Western governments withheld public criticisms.
Earlier this week, several groups of protesters took to the streets for Moscow and St. Petersburg to show their outrage over suspected fraud in last Sunday’s Russian Presidential election, won easily by Dmitry Medvedev. In Moscow, the protesters were outnumbered by thousands of peaceful pro-Kremlin activists who marched on the U.S. embassy shouting pro-Putin and Medvedev chants. Surprisingly, there were no governmental crackdowns on the demonstrations.
Most Western governments avoided direct criticism of the vote, voicing their willingness to work with Medvedev, and hopes he respects democracy and freedom. Germany and France sent their congratulations to Medvedev, though they mentioned the vote did not meet their criteria of a democratic election.
The European Union and Britain said the election results appeared to reflect the will of the Russian people. I’m sure that Britain felt the same as Germany and France, but with their statement, employed a healthy dose of diplomacy.
There may well have been fraud and tampering during the vote, but I have no doubt that Medvedev still would have won a “fair” election. The majority of Russian citizens fully support Putin, and would therefore vote for his hand-picked successor. In polls across country, Medvedev was miles ahead of the other candidates,
It is quite likely that many people’s intent was to vote for Putin, believing that he will remain in control of the country, but it was Medvedev’s name on the ballots, and he received the votes. Westerners may not approve of the election process, but they do need to accept the will of the Russian people.
Most Western governments avoided direct criticism of the vote, voicing their willingness to work with Medvedev, and hopes he respects democracy and freedom. Germany and France sent their congratulations to Medvedev, though they mentioned the vote did not meet their criteria of a democratic election.
The European Union and Britain said the election results appeared to reflect the will of the Russian people. I’m sure that Britain felt the same as Germany and France, but with their statement, employed a healthy dose of diplomacy.
There may well have been fraud and tampering during the vote, but I have no doubt that Medvedev still would have won a “fair” election. The majority of Russian citizens fully support Putin, and would therefore vote for his hand-picked successor. In polls across country, Medvedev was miles ahead of the other candidates,
It is quite likely that many people’s intent was to vote for Putin, believing that he will remain in control of the country, but it was Medvedev’s name on the ballots, and he received the votes. Westerners may not approve of the election process, but they do need to accept the will of the Russian people.
Russia’s Presidential Election
Posted by
Mark Resnicoff
Mark Resnicoff
With the support of current President Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Medvedev appears to be the predetermined winner of the March 2, 2008 Russian Presidential election.
All eyes will be watching Russia this Sunday, waiting for the inevitable announcement that Dmitry Medvedev has won the election and will become the country’s next President. Medvedev is the hand-picked successor of current President Vladimir Putin, who is slated to become Russia’s next Prime Minister.
Besides Medvedev, the other candidates are communist Gennady Zyuganov, ultra-nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky, and supposed pro-European Andrei Bogdanov. Mikhail Kayanov was a fifth candidate and probably the biggest threat to Medvedev, but was removed from the ballot for allegedly falsifying some of the signatures he needed to be included in the election. Kasyanov opposes Putin and claims his removal from the ballot was politically motivated.
In all recent opinion polls, a huge majority of voters indicated their intent to vote for Medvedev. According to a survey by independent Levada Center in Moscow, 19% of respondents believe Medvedev will act independently as President, while 63% think he will be under the control of Putin. It appears that people will vote for Medvedev due to Putin’s support of his candidacy, not because they feel he can do the job.
Experts estimate Medvedev will win the election with approximately 2/3 of the vote. Come back next week for complete election results and analysis.
Besides Medvedev, the other candidates are communist Gennady Zyuganov, ultra-nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky, and supposed pro-European Andrei Bogdanov. Mikhail Kayanov was a fifth candidate and probably the biggest threat to Medvedev, but was removed from the ballot for allegedly falsifying some of the signatures he needed to be included in the election. Kasyanov opposes Putin and claims his removal from the ballot was politically motivated.
In all recent opinion polls, a huge majority of voters indicated their intent to vote for Medvedev. According to a survey by independent Levada Center in Moscow, 19% of respondents believe Medvedev will act independently as President, while 63% think he will be under the control of Putin. It appears that people will vote for Medvedev due to Putin’s support of his candidacy, not because they feel he can do the job.
Experts estimate Medvedev will win the election with approximately 2/3 of the vote. Come back next week for complete election results and analysis.