BPM- Euro-Americas Zone

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 141-146

2010-12-14T02:34:00.000-08:00

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 141

WESTERN EUROPE

Political Issues

Noam Chomsky told Zaman, a Turkish magazine that objection to Turkey’s EU bid are simply racist and even if Ankara completes all requirements, Europe might still refuse it. Chomsky’s criticism of the EU came amid the growing far right-wing across Europe and the comment made by German Chancellor Angela Merkel that multiculturalism has utterly failed, an indication to the failure of Turks and Arabs integration.

Noam Chomsky’s view tallies with the new decision made by Centre-right French MPs that intends to stop France from paying money due for Turkey to help it on the path to EU membership. They argue that “Turkey is not in Europe. This is evident both geographically and historically.”

Power struggle is taking a toll on the European Union. The debate is to what extent MEPs can be part of EU delegations to multilateral and bilateral meetings and negotiations with other countries. The Parliament wants to have its representatives guaranteed participation in all multilateral, but also bilateral agreements "of particular political importance" for instance on trade or fisheries.

The European Parliament has won the right to look into the nitty gritty of spending in foreign delegations in the EU's new diplomatic service European External Action Service (EEAS). The ambassador will have to take personal responsibility for making sure that European Commission funds channeled through their offices are spent correctly.

According to an Ifop poll 71 % of the French fear the country's image abroad is suffering due to the recent laws made by the government welcomed domestically but offensive abroad. As Paris prepares to chair the G20, it hopes to polish France’s global image.

European Liberals are wary as new the Dutch government takes office due to the government coalition with far-right, nationalist, anti-immigration and anti-Islam party.

Economic Issues

Acknowledging the hitch of the economic problem the country faces, UK’s Queen Elizabeth II canceled a Christmas party for her staff this year.

France is feeling the heat of strike actions that have affected the economy. Highlighting the economic implications of the recent strike, the chairman of the French oil company Total acknowledges the worrisome nature of the strike.

Meanwhile in Spain, unemployment and austerity measure have made the coalition of labour and Socialist Workers’ Party a natural alliance.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Dutch prosecutors have asked an Amsterdam court to acquit Geert Wilders, the anti-Islam, anti- Muslims and anti-immigrant politician of the charges pressed against him. Prosecutors argue that his anti Islam comments are part of the debate needed by the society.

The refusal of certain Chinese journalists into EU conference hall has raised the view that EU is conceding to Chinese censorship even on its own soil. EU-China relation is definitely burgeoning and is expected to continue growing.

Paris has submitted a document to the EU Commission concerning Roma expulsion. The commission expected of Paris to change its rules which must be congruent with EU directive. According to this a person who is to be deported has the right to ask for a one month delay, the right to appeal and the right to receive a written notice of deportation.

Meanwhile, Roma, Livia Jaroka, the only Roma MEP in the European Parliament is hoping the media interest will help her push for a "micro-regional" strategy for Europe's largest ethnic minority.

As part of EU’s effort to curtail the health and environmental hazard of smoking, the bloc’s Health commissioner said the European Commission is bent at banning smoking totally in public by 2011. The addiction kills some 650,000 Europeans every year.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The Nabucco pipeline project is an unfinished business and bottlenecked by politics despite the huge interest the EU has thrown in it. It is yet to be seen whether a new negotiation by a Belgian engineering firm with Turkmenistan could affect the whole project.

The EU is hoping to fight for an extension of the Kyoto Protocol during environment talks in Nagoya, Japan, and at crucial UN climate change talks which start in Cancun, Mexico. The bloc wants to halt biodiversity loss by 2020 and work towards restoring the ecosystem contributing to avert global biodiversity loss.

It also welcomed an international deal to limit carbon emissions from the aviation sector. However due to economic issue, EU is not expected to donate any money in this regard.

After a two years debate, the EU Commission was able to reach a consensus on green tariff for curtailing heavy lorries creating air and noise pollution. The law is part of EU’s effort to improve its environment.

The European Commission appears to have backtracked on earlier plans for a compulsory moratorium on deepwater oil drilling inside the EU, with new proposals set to call for a voluntary ban at member state discretion.

Meanwhile the recent Hungarian toxic spill from an aluminium plant grips EU’s attention and experts from the bloc’s commission have been sent to Hungary to help curtail a second leak as the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban believes such is inevitable.

Geostrategic Issues

The intended cut of military spending by the British government has raised dust among NATO members particularly Washington fearing that such cut might affect the overall NATO and global military performance. The cut is part of the whole effort to tackle Britain’s ballooning budget government deficit.

Paris has shown willingness for European missile defense system even though the continent still holds the goal of nuclear disarmament. The system has been controversial because it was initiated by Washington and has raised Russian’s concern which NATO is making effort to address.

The repeated message by the U.S. State Department's counterterrorism is that Europe is more likely to experience an event similar to the deadly 2008 Mumbai attacks in India. The alert is believed to be premised on coordinated intelligence gathered from aborted terrorist attacks.

Israel's foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman tells Europe that Israel will not allow being placated as Czechoslovakia was sacrificed for Hitler in 1938. Lieberman is asking the EU to solve its internal problems before telling Israel how to solve the issue of Palestine.

Meanwhile, Pakistani foreign minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi has urged the EU to keep fund flowing and to enhance economic development in Pakistan if the bloc really wants to help in solving the menace of extremism.

EAST EUROPE

Political Issues

Albanian ruling party is under fire from coalition partners as well as the opposition party, for electoral reforms and the inability to resolve pending accusation of electoral irregularities in last June 2009 election. Meanwhile, Albania has been inducted into the EU visa liberalization scheme but the bloc demands that Albanians be educated on the scheme for sake of avoiding abusive use.

It is not election time in Croatia but political parties have started gearing up for the next November 2011 general election as coalition parties constitute themselves.

Following the resignation of President Fatmir Sejdiu last month, Kosovo parliament is expected to be dissolved by the end of the year; meanwhile political parties have commenced preparations for the next elections.

Serbian parliament is heading towards making a resolution to declare as war crimes action committed against the Serbs during the 1990s war. The resolution was deemed fit following the same done by the parliament to condemn the war crime perpetrated against Albanians and Bosnians.

The Bosniak cultural community of Sandzak, a part of Serbia wants Belgrade to recognize their autonomy as an entity. The community recently gained more strength through a landslide election victory and believes Belgrade should allow them to relate freely with Turkey, who they see as a brother state.

Poland is bent at maintaining East-Oriented policy, a priority for the EU and supports EU’s position on three principles of the international law: right of nations to self-determination, territorial integrity and non-use of force. This is in reference to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Meanwhile, Poland is lashing out at Russia for refusing to allow the relatives of the Katyn massacre victim’s access to investigation files.

On-going municipal and senatorial elections in Czech Republic is becoming a concern for the ruling centre-right government, whose coalition is losing public support after being in office for three months.

Estonian opposition leader and Center Party Chairman Edgar Savisaar commented on recent Latvian elections; Savisaar believes Latvian elections result would have been different if discontented persons had not left the country due to high unemployment.

Latvian elections result indicate the victory of Dombrovskis’ centre- right Vienotiba (Unity) bloc garnered 31% of the vote and won 33 seats in the 100-seat parliament.

Economic Issues

Failing economic policy has pushed Macedonian main opposition Social Democratic Alliance of Macedonia (SDSM) to launch a series of anti-government demonstrations across the country.

The Romanian government was able to reach a compromise with striking civil servants after a long strike action was launched against the government for its IMF inspired austerity measures.

While economies all around the world have been struggling to halt appreciation of their currencies, the central European states are reaping benefits from currency strength. Meanwhile, Polish economy continue to experience growth and decline in unemployment

The Czech government has approved a plan to tax solar plants and to use proceeds from future carbon credit sales to keep power price hikes below 10% for homes and businesses in 2011.

It was a sound opportunity for both countries, as Bulgarian-Slovak Consultative Commission for Economic Cooperation signed agreements to improve economic cooperation in many fields. Yet, several thousand trade unionists marched through the Slovak capital Bratislava protested against austerity measures planned by the country's centre-right government.

Hungary plans tough public sector staff cuts in 2011 and may impose taxes on the energy sector to keep its pledge to the European Union to cut its budget deficit below 3 % of GDP

Recent Statistics on Estonian economy show a slight growth despite its troubles.

The preparation of 2011 Latvian budget will decide whether or not the country will implement tough budget cuts recommended by the World Bank.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Ilija Jurisic a former Bosnian security officer received a hero’s welcome in Tuzla, Bosnia after a court in Belgrade acquitted him of war crimes charged against him.

Meanwhile despite problems facing the government, Pristina has taken the responsibility of building houses for ethnic minorities residing in the disputed new country.

Slovakia is considering handing over two alleged Chechen terrorists to Russia, despite objections from the European Court of Human Rights.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych promised to sack any public employee responsible for media terrorism. Under Yanukovych, who was elected last February, there have been spates of attacks on journalists.

The European parliament president (Speaker) said that too many people were dying on Europe’s roads in reference to Poland and Ukrainian cases; meanwhile Czech Transport Ministry published an analysis which claims that the volume of traffic on motorways decreased by 11 % between 3pm and 11pm on Fridays after higher tolls were introduced.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Romanians finally laid the controversial energy issue to rest by signing a memorandum of intent with officials from Russian gas giant Gazprom regarding the possibility of the South Stream pipeline transiting Romania.

Toxic spill from Hungary is becoming a concern for the Balkan countries as the toxic flows into the Danube and now reaches Serbia and Croatia.

Hungarian police has detained the director of the aluminum company responsible for a flood of caustic red sludge that killed eight people when it burst from its reservoir last week. The arrest coalesce with the vow by the Hungarian Prime Minister Orban that the perpetrator of the environmental crisis will be held responsible.

Following the meeting of leaders of the two countries, France is ready to consider a proposal in the European Union to modernize Ukraine's natural gas transit system. This is worthy for Ukraine as President Viktor Yanukovych is working to restore his country's regional reputation as an energy transit nation for the European Union. Meanwhile the European Union is cautioning Poland not to allow its gas transaction with Russia undermines EU’s national gas transit systems which could be illegal under European laws.

Lithuanian government signed a new cooperation agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA), in research related areas and geared at using space technologies for peaceful purposes.

Geostrategic Issues

The head of the European Commission (EC) delegation to Serbia, Vincent Degert, has said that Belgrade has failed to meet the goals of an anti-corruption strategy that parliament adopted five years ago.

Slovenia and Croatia have ironed out one of their differences as the former is ready to refund the money of Croats saved in a defaulting Slovenian bank. Meanwhile the two nations continue to be embroiled in a border dispute, a hurdle for Croatia-EU talks.

Armenia and Slovakia reached a new air transportation agreement that will allow direct flight between the two and promotes cultural and economic tie.

RUSSIA

Political Issues

The on-going election in Russia is projected as a victory for the ruling party; the regional elections has been punctuated by emotions about the next step of democracy in Russia as ruling and opposition parties have been at loggerhead and independent parties are emerging.

Economic Issues

Russia-Algeria bilateral ties moved to the next stage following the final inking of agreement in six sectors including energy and transportation. Similarly, Russia and Cyprus signed a tax treaty expected to strengthen business ties and reaffirm Cyprus' status as a primary source of foreign investment in Russia.

Russia along with the rest of the BRIC countries hopes to put up strong resistance to attempts to make a harsh appraisal of currency controls at the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington.

Social/Humanitarian Issues

The Russian government is not backing away from the plan to ban a comprehensive tobacco advertisement and public tobacco smoking by 2012.

Meanwhile the Russian Orthodox Church has joined the YouTube family by opening its own channel on the popular video hosting site to “bring God's word closer to lives of modern youth," Patriarch Kirill said in a video recorded for the channel.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Reaching an agreement with Romania on the controversial South Stream pipeline, Russia’s oil giant Gazprom is also aiming at creating a hub in the Middle East and Far East.

Russia is expected to hike tax on oil product as well as pushing prices above $60 per barrel in 2011 to ensure stable growth.

Russian authority is prepared to beef up monitoring of environmental pollution. Scallop garden is expected to start monitoring the Far East Kozmino Bay, seven time zones east of Moscow.

Geostrategic Issues

Russia hopes to normalize relation with Belarus. Both countries in recent times have been exchanging unpleasant remarks and accusation of meddling in each other’s domestic politics.

US/CANADA

Political Issues

In America Democrats hold 26 governor seats against 24 by the republicans, but with elections underway, there is a growing feeling that republicans will change the calculus.

According to the Nanos Research survey, Canadian Conservatives minority government has picked ahead all opposition parties, although election is not imminent but analysts hold the view that the minority government would face serious setbacks over its budget in early 2011.

Canada has lost its bid for the seat of UN non-permanent members after contesting along with Germany and Portugal. Critics believed the failure was due to Ottawa’s sharp foreign policy, strongly pro-Israel Middle East policy and reductions in bilateral aid to poor African nations. Canada has served on the non-permanent seat six terms in the past.

Economic Issues

As the U.S economy continues to experience a downturn with no hope for recovery at the earliest, banks and customers are busy struggling to streamline the issue of foreclosures, while there is growing accusation that banks have ignored signs of troubled foreclosures.

Canadian economy recorded a bigger deficit than expected. The Conservatives government is trying to stabilize the economy but like every other developed economy, the recession is still lingering.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Toronto-born Omar Khadr is the only Canadian citizen accused of murdering a U.S. soldier with a grenade during a battle in Afghanistan in 2002. The Canadian government has rejected pleading on his behalf and his case continuously being delayed in the U.S

As marijuana becomes an acceptable drug across states in the U.S, there is growing tension that addiction to the drug might become high among youth and could transcend into adulthood. Even though not all Americans consent to the legality of the drug, some elders believes the drug is helpful for medical and health related diseases.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Google and Good Energies, an investment firm specializing in renewable energy, have each agreed to invest heavily in a proposed $5 billion transmission backbone for future offshore wind farms along the Atlantic Seaboard that could ultimately transform the region’s electrical map.

Geostrategic Issues

America's ambassador to Britain said there is no evidence that violent dissident groups in Northern Ireland are getting money from the U.S amid the view that Irish-Americans have been accused of backing the IRA's campaign of violence before its was disbanded.

LATIN AMERICA

Political Issues

The Argentine government is prepared to veto a parliamentary bill that tends to increase pension and minimum wage. The president is against the bill as it would cost the economy.

As Brazilians look prepared for second round of election by October 31, abortion becomes a political issue tearing apart the leading Workers’ party and in friction with the Catholic Church.

Following troubled days of rescue operation for trapped miners, the Chilean parliament is preparing to enact law for better welfare of miners and company involve in the extraction sector. Chile hopes to increase its copper production level through the new bill. Meanwhile, Chile’s foreign secretary said that Chile’s copper exploration company is going to invest $4 billion in Balochistan, Pakistan, to explore copper.

It was a diplomatic plus point for Colombia by becoming a nonpermanent UNSC member along with Brazil from the region. Meanwhile, efforts by the Colombian government continue in fighting the threat of FARC rebels.

In Mexico, the political teeth crushing issue is the vicious cycle of violence perturbing the Mexicans and at the same time headache for neighboring states in the United States. .

According to the president of the Venezuelan Confederation of Industries, Chavez administration has seized at least 185 manufacturing companies within 2010, excluding firms in the agriculture sector.

Economic Issues

Brazilian plane manufacturing company Embraer is on a deal with China to provide passenger planes with 50 seats.

Upon applauding the effort of the rescue effort of the Chilean government, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu requested President Pinera of Chile to come to Israel to sign a free trade agreement.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The protection of the Amazon is necessary for Brazil and the world amid the growing tension of global warming. Therefore cubing unruly deforestation in the Amazon is getting greater attention by the government Meanwhile, Brazil recorded 16.43 billion dollars for exporting soybeans, soya flour and soybean oil, which accounts for the largest share of Brazil's overall agricultural exports.

Geostrategic Issues

The rift between Argentina and Britain remains on the headlines as both countries tussle over the authority of Falkland Island, which according to the Argentina is being pirated by the British government because of its oil reserve.

Meanwhile according to reports Argentine is offering help to Pakistan in the Agriculture and energy sectors, in the wake of the devastation caused by the floods.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is on a foreign tour geared at strengthening his ties with the expected visiting nations, though experiencing political fracture at home. Chavez has also reiterated his support for Argentina against British interference in the Falkland Islands and equally threw his support for China, opposing the Nobel Prize awarded to a Chinese prisoner by the West.

AUSTRALASIA

Political Issues

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the ban on internet materials such as rape, drug use, bestiality and child sex abuse is premised on moral values but such could only be accessed by Internet Service Provider companies. The ban however has caused resentment among the Aussies.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Australia's former long-serving Guantanamo Bay inmate David Hicks reveals his ordeal at the prison in a newly published book “Guantanamo: My Journey". Hicks however is not expected to gain from his publication as Australian law forbids making profit from crime.

Indian student leader in Melbourne rejected the portrayal of race relations depicted by a Bollywood movie as definitely inaccurate. The movie follows the series of attacks on Indian students in Australia which stained relation between the two countries.

Geostrategic Issues

Having a regional refugee centre in East Timor remains unfinished business between Australia, Indonesia and East Timor, although these countries are in a series of discussion over the matter. East Timor’s lawmakers are objecting to such centre based on lingering problems on the island. §

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 142

WESTERN EUROPE

Political Issues

The Franco-German agreement which gives leeway to EU members to having control over imposing penalties in exchange for Franco-German amendment of EU treaties has raised the ire of the German foreign minister Guido Westerwelle of the pro-business Free Democrats. The latter believes the new agreement is too flexible; rather it should show authority and assertiveness and should be free of political opportunism.

With the growing far right politicians across Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel was not shy to say that multicultural society in Germany have utterly failed, indicating the supposed failure of immigrants to integrate.

A cut in British public spending is being hailed by the government as best option for the deficit gripped economy. The cut also affects military spending and has raised Washington’s concern as well. The British cut shows the trend across Europe but challneges Keynesian theory that deficit spending by governments is crucial to avoiding a long recession.

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi argued during an interview with Germany's Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung daily that UN sanctions might have little or no impact on Iran even though Rome consented to the sanctions. Berlusconi believes Russia and China are the two non-western countries that can convince Iran out of its blind alley.

Economic Issues

Despite the economic problems in the region and in the Eurozone, European MEPs have voted by a vast majority to increase next year's EU budget by 5.9 %, a move they define as "responsible" despite government spending cuts in member states.

The EU does not so much believe in U.S style of Big-government and stimulus package that bailed financial institutions out of recession. The regional bloc is bent at making law that will make banks shoulder the cross of their failure without endangering taxpayers.

Despite the massive strike actions that almost rendered the economy lame, French President Sarkozy and his centre-right government refused to back down on a bill seeking to plug a hole in pension funding by raising the minimum retirement age to 62 from 60 and raising the age at which people qualify for a full pension to 67 from 65.

The domestic crisis between the French and the government has transpired beyond domestic to EU issue. Shortage of fuel caused by the strike actions is causing fret for EU Strasbourg office as mobility of EU staffs is impaired.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Arrest of transgender persons accused of prostitution and resisting police has stirred EU’s interest on Turkey’s level of human right. The case might dent Turkey of being intolerant of heterogeneous people.

The EU and UN are seriously concern about the detention of illegal migrants apprehended in Greece. A UN report suggests that Greek detentions clearly amount to inhuman and degrading treatment, in violation of Articles 7 and 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Meanwhile, according to a report by Reporters without Borders, Greece’s press freedom ranking plummeted from 35 places to 70 amid a general decline in press freedom in the whole of Europe. The Greek plunge is due to political unrest and related physical attacks on journalists.

Upon the submission of a document by Paris to EU commission over its expulsion of Roma. The commission ended the case to petition Paris before the European court for violating EU rules. Meanwhile Paris has agreed to exercise future actions in line with EU rules.

Complementing U.S State Department terror alert for Europe, the Saudi Arabian intelligence has issued a fresh alert about an Al-Qaeda plot in Europe. Thus, indicating the necessity of Europeans to gear up for any eventuality.

In the Netherlands’ controversial Freedom Party MP Geert Wilders' party has become part of the ruling conservative government, but that does not stop the Amsterdam court from trying him over provocative and insulting comments made against Islam. However Wilders believes sitting judge should be dismissed for what he called judges’ prejudices.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The European Commission has sent a strong warning to Italy to clean up its city of Naples from tons of trash or face sanctions. Italy’s Naples is accused of failing to create a sound disposal management after the garbage crisis flared in 2007. The Naples problem is associated with corruption, poor management and infiltration by the local mob.

For most economies it was uneasy to accomplish a reduction in gas emission plan, but the 2009 Ireland’s recession forced the economy to reduce its gas emission by 20 %.

Ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss is increasingly becoming a concern for the EU before the next Kyoto and Cancun talks. The EU believes the challenge entail huge costs which society simply cannot afford; as such EU wants the extension of the Kyoto protocol.

Geostrategic Issues

The European Commission is becoming worried over the increasing number of asylum seekers from Serbia and Macedonia who were recently inducted in EU visa liberalization scheme. The scheme only accords free mobility and does not allow asylum seeking.

Meanwhile, the EU has given a green light to Moldova for a visa free regime ahead of the country’s election which might likely see a pro-EU government. In the same way, the bloc will still allow Belarusian President Aleskander Lukashaneko and few officials entry into the EU but the most notorious people in the nomenklatura will remain persona non grata.

The two powerhouses in the EU are debating on how to alleviate the concern of Russia over the proposed European missile defense system. NATO has signaled the need to put Moscow on board of the system as the latter is an inescapable member of Europe.

The Vatican along with bishops from the Middle East has issued a communiqué demanding Israel to succumb to UN resolutions calling for an end to its "occupation" of Arab lands. They added that Israel shouldn't use the Bible to justify "injustices" against the Palestinians.

EAST EUROPE

RUSSIA

Political Issues

Even as Russia completes its regional and municipal elections, political dust is yet unsettled as opposition remains proactive challenging the government over political discrimination.

Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski has approved a government motion to extend Poland's ISAF mission in Afghanistan until April 13, 2011.

The Czech ruling party is under fire as opposition parties are getting upper hand in Senatorial and municipal elections. Such atmosphere of victory could undermine the set of proposals the ruling party tends to undertake.

Current Slovak government is headed by a woman and it has just completed its 100 days in office. According to reports it will take great effort for the coalition government to live up to high expectation the public demands from it.

The President of Ukraine Victor Yanukovych announced he will hold a meeting with the representatives of the opposition parties to ensure the transparency of the October 31 local elections.

Hungarian government tends to be pushing for stronger ties with Syria and effort that could be accentuated if Hungary takes over the bloc's rotating presidency in 2011.

Economic Issues

World Bank economists have contested Russia’s view that Moscow could soon be another global financial hub. The argument depicts Russia as far below other BRIC countries in terms of investments.

Poland has finally reached a bargaining price with Moscow on gas delivery to Poland and its transit to Germany through the Yamal pipeline.

Meanwhile according to reports the Polish economy remains vibrant and its stock market attests to that fact leading to the insinuation that Poland could become formidable financial centre in Central and Eastern Europe.

The new Slovak government is yet to find a solution to the demand of Slovak’s trade unions. Meanwhile the government’s austerity package, with its 1.7 billion euros in cuts and tax raise makes the public unhappy.

The presence of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in Ukraine and Belarus is no doubt an indication for deeper economic relations as the three countries inked agreement on energy cooperation and transaction. Nonetheless, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), says its economy was growing faster than expected. Meanwhile, China is also eyeing the Belarusian market.

The European Commission has filed a query with Hungary and is waiting for reply on the country's tax on the telecommunications sector.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

In a latest ruling by the European Court of Human Rights the court ruled that Russia unlawfully banned gay pride marches and picketing in Moscow in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Polish-Lithuanian diplomatic relations is on a historic low upon the accusation by the Poles that minority Poles in Lithuania are facing discrimination and the latter is not sensitive about it.

Meanwhile according to reports Poland spends more on its justice system than any other EU state. Poland has the most judges in the EU, after Germany, amounting to 10,322 currently on the legal circuit

Romanian President Traian Basescu after meeting visiting Hungarian President Pal Schmitt said that Romania has no problem with a new Hungarian law which allows easier acquisition of citizenship for ethnic Hungarians in neighboring countries. There are around 1.4 million ethnic Hungarians in Romania.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Russian grains will remain scarce in the international market as Moscow extends ban on grains for another six months owing to the fear that shortfall in domestic supply. Meanwhile, Russia’s energy clout continues to expand following the acceptance of Romania to join the South Stream pipeline project and the new soft position taken by Bulgaria on same project.

European Union member Lithuania has rejected a proposal by neighboring non-EU Belarus for a joint nuclear power plant amid competition between three similar projects in the region.

The Slovak environment ministry has hinted a growing fear that the country might face a similar devastating toxic sludge spill that hit neighboring Hungary two weeks ago.

Geostrategic Issues

Russia has disclosed its bid to be part of the US-NATO sponsor European missile defense shield though the shield has remained controversial. Meanwhile, Moscow says it has no misgiving over Indo-US military deal. For Moscow it will be a diplomatic success if ASEAN accepts it bid for membership as the Southeast Asia hold their 17^th summit.

Russia had provided Poland with the draft report on its investigation of the Polish president's plane crash in Russia in April. It is now a matter of deliberation by the Poles to ascertain the authenticity of the report.

US/CANADA

Political Issues

For the Democrats everything matters before the November 3^rd elections and the deployment of former President Bill Clinton to campaign in swing states is no coincidence. Meanwhile, President Obama warns Americans consumers from voting republicans as their policy will further put consumer to jeopardy. Meanwhile, with the Tea Party advance, republicans continue to make a lead in run-up for the elections.

According to reports, in the US illegal immigrants have no voting rights but they are allowed to participate as volunteers campaigning for a candidate. These volunteers have the impression that elected candidate can help change their status from illegal to legal migrants.

Condoleezza Rice, the former US Secretary of State, during an interview with Olivia Ward of the Toronto Star last week asserted that the Tea Party movement is good for the country; Iran is weaker as clergy authority is under fire, no regret for overthrowing Saddam and China will have to match economic development with political correctness.

Toronto voters are locked in an election that will determine whether the mayor will go for to liberal or conservative party. The latest polls give Ford (liberal) and Smitherman (conservative) around 30 % of the vote each.

Economic Issues

US President Obama has reiterated the need for a change in global trade rules particularly with the new emerging economies like China. The U.S has been a pushover for the Chinese economy for a decade and that has to be changed as China heads for valued added and competitive products.

Meanwhile Canadian Central Bank mulls over future hike in monetary policy as the nation’s economy is yet to regain its stamina, added to that is the uncertain U.S economy which the Canadian economy is vulnerable to.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

American scholars are back discussing culture as explanation for poverty and other attitudinal disposition of people in different locale. Amid the socio-economic and political scenario in the country cultural discourse is becoming indispensable.

The next global attack might not be in the conventional military warfare but a cyber attack, which the United States is now set forth to challenge through the joint effort of Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security and Defense Department.

Canadian government is refusing the rings of human smugglers from profiting on its tradition of hospitality. The government is toughening its immigration policy refusing illegal asylum seeker to get safe havens in the country.

The Canadian police debunked the view that they has apprehended one of the assassins involved in the killing of Hamas leader in Dubai.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Months after the runaway oil from BP operation on Gulf of Mexico was sealed, environmental aftermath effect remains a discourse and scientists are arguing that building a chain of sand berms off the coast cannot suffice.

Canadian Environmental Defense, Equiterre and the Pembina Institute are the trio group shouldered with the task of beefing up the enforcement of legislation in the Alberta oil sands. The environmental implications of the sand exploration have been a concern over the last months.

LATIN AMERICA

Political Issues

The ruling Workers’ party’s bid for a second run election is challenged by the Brazilian Catholic Church on the premise that Ms Rousseff is campaigning for legalization of abortion, which according to the church is detrimental to the growth of the society.

Recent Chileans experience might be the backdrop for President Sibestian Pinera willingness to send the Mine Workers Safety bill to the parliament so as to reduce the repetition of similar ordeal.

Colombia joined the group of powerful countries as it becomes a member of non-permanent UNSC members for the year 2011-2012.

President Hugo Chavez has been on a foreign tour geared at garnering more diplomatic clout for Venezuela. His visit to the Russian backyard like Ukraine and Belarus is likely to raise the oil export of Venezuela to these countries.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

For Colombians it would be a step forward as the nation participates in the UN sponsored Creative Economy Forum at the Shanghai World Expo.

It is not in the interest of the country receiving human right violation reports, even though it is facing an unending battle with drug lords. The recent human right publication by Inter-American Court of Human Rights depicted violations of the human rights by Mexican military in 1974 and such report tallies with other documents that Mexican military is not discriminatory in the killing civilians.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

According to reports the protection of the Amazon is simply not environmentally wise for Brazil alone but for the world in general as the debate over climate change and global warming unfolds. President Lula has praised the effort of his government in reducing the rate of deforestation of the Amazon.

Colombia’s coffee production for 2011 is more likely to see a shortfall as compared to 2010 due to heavy rains that have flooded the Andean nation.

AUSTRALASIA

Political Issues

Showing her commitment to the Afghan campaign, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard says her country is ready to face the challenges ahead in winning the war and Canberra will not abandon Afghanistan but will work along coalition partners to achieve a realistic future.

Economic Issues

Singapore's stock exchange is preparing to launch a takeover of its Australian counterpart to form a 14 billion dollar stock house. The tie-up between the Australian and Singapore stock exchanges, which have market capitalizations of some 6.1 billion US dollars and 7.9 billion US dollars respectively, would require government approval.

BHP Billiton chairman Jac Nasser told shareholders that any acquisition or investment must create value for shareholders. If shareholder value is not demonstrated, the company will not proceed with the proposed acquisition. The mining giant would pull out of a hostile 40-billion-dollar bid for Canada's Potash Corp if it proves too expensive.

Meanwhile, BHP announces an increased output in iron ore production as market from China and India increases.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Australian government has deemed it fit to move certain vulnerable families among the asylum seeker to community settlement due to the hard times in the camp. Australian immigration policy has been stained due to series of unrest in the camp.

Meanwhile in Australia a six years old girl has been banned from taking her bus to school after she pulled down the trousers of one of her teasers, who tormented her for wearing the hijab. §

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 143

WESTERN EUROPE

Political Issues

According to Lisbon treaty, European Citizens' Initiative can be evoked through referendum in order to effect legislation. Europe's far-right 'lite' parties want to use this initiative to push for a pan-European ban on Turkish accession to the EU.

The European Commission has launched surveillance Rabit-teams on the Greek-Turkish border to stem the tide of undocumented immigrants passing through the Greek-Turkey border for EU countries.

Unfolding realities in the EU has forced the EU leaders to agree on the need for tweaking the EU’s rulebook on a limited basis, though a Franco-German proposal for a wholesale rewriting was once rejected. The rules can help resolve issues like the budget deficit; strengthening the Euro and many more could be laid to rest. However the change must be cautious not to trigger another round of referenda.

The tentative change is further creating brawl between EU justice commissioner Viviane Reding and France. For months she lambasted Paris for expelling Roma and now called the Franco-German proposed changed irresponsible but unkindly taken by Paris rather as insult to the French.

The European Commission urges the United Kingdom to end discriminatory conditions which breach transitional arrangements on free movement of workers and the obligation to ensure equal treatment on the basis of nationality. London is believe to be depriving citizens of Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland, Romania and Bulgaria certain social benefits.

France political decision of banning the burqa is brewing trouble for the country as al-Qaeda sends threat of killing French citizens if the French government refuses to retract the law.

Regardless of whether the Wikileak materials were justified or not, Britain deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg broken ranks with the UK and US administrations that the leak suggest that basic rules of war, conflict and engagement have been broken or that torture has been in any way condoned are extremely serious and need to be looked at.

Economic Issues

As the global economy problems linger, G20 summit held in South Korea strived to reduce the tension of the problem, the summit moved toward more market-determined exchange rate systems that reflect underlying economic fundamentals and they pledged to refrain from competitive devaluation of currencies.

More importantly, Europe during the G20 summit agreed to give representation to the emerging economies which meant that Europe has to give up two of its seats.

French strike actions have become more noticeable on the streets but the victims of the strike on sea are less known. Report has it that sailors get stranded on the sea failing to reach the shore due to striking workers and hence made life uneasy for sailors on the sea.

Wanting to reach the benchmark set by the EU and curtailing the repetition of Greek financial crisis, the Portuguese Socialist ruling minority government and its centre-right opposition PSD compromised on a deal on austerity budget for 2011. Meanwhile, China has indicated its willingness to buy Portuguese government bonds.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

As part of its Crisis Management plans, the EU’s Aid commissioner Kristalina Georgieva has proposed having standby Crisis Unit that will be responsible whenever natural disaster strikes. Having such unit will eliminate the dilemma of rescue operation among member state.

According to the latest report of Transparent International, Greece took the position of 78/178 as the most corrupt nation in the EU. The report shows a change in the usual suspect nations like Romania and Bulgaria.

The world was once again gripped by bomb threat allegedly sent from Yemen via Dubai to London and U.S. Investigators are still looking into the viability of the bomb.

The issue of the Roma is once again coming to spotlight following the report of Human Right Watch that there is a forceful relocation of Roma to Kosovo. The NGO is asking all western European countries to stop sending Roma back to Kosovo until they can ensure that conditions for their integration there have improved.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

EU leaders are at the last stage of rubber stamping the consensus of having the Kyoto protocol extended as recent environmental summits have been less yielding. This is also due to the growing sensitivity of the EU towards the loss of biodiversity environment.

Following the EU warning of a fine over environmental indiscipline, the Italian government has finally resolved the garbage problem of Naples, responsible for angry clashes and stinking waste piling up in streets of Naples.

Geostrategic Issues

Although a complete lift of sanction on Cuba cannot be embarked, yet the EU deems it worthy to start exploring closer ties with the Communist country, following the release of dissidents and reforms unfolding in Cuba.

EAST EUROPE

Political Issues

The Polish Parliament is debating laws to regulate In-vitro fertilization (IVF) but the bill is facing challenge from the opposition Law and Justice Party and the Catholic Church as morally wrong.

The result of recent Czech Senatorial elections has become a hurdle for Prime Minister Petr Necas’s drive to narrow the budget deficit. The Czech Social Democrats now with a majority has vowed to veto cuts in welfare programmes upon the election’s victory.

The upper house of the Czech parliament gave final approval to expand the country’s military mission in Afghanistan to 720 troops next year from the current ceiling of 535.

Meanwhile, Slovak parliament passed a revision to the judicial council act on October 19, which requires the judicial council to appear before the public and its members will be obliged to provide arguments before the public for their decisions.

Hungary’s top court has defended its powers after the governing Fidesz party proposed curbing them to prevent the judiciary from interfering with its political promises or budget goals.

As Belarus prepares for election, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is scheduled to send a long-term observer mission to Minsk to observe the country's presidential election.

In Latvia, prime minister has made a sharp reversal of a decision that tends to include radical nationalist in the newly constituted government. The government now wants aboard the Centrist Unity Alliance and the Populist Greens and Farmers Union.

Economic Issues

Poland is leading countries that already have a reformed pension system not to be forced by the EU to incorporate pension cost in budget deficit cut. EU believes the move to exclude pension reform costs would violate the EU's current accounting system. Meanwhile Poland’s resolve for the Euro is unwaived in the face of a growing economy.

On the other end, Czech National Bank Governor Miroslav Singer expects the country’s economy to grow faster than previously expected as current forecast for 2010 growth is 1.6 per

Hungary's public debt can begin to decline in 2010 if the Forint remains near 270 per euro, and the current path would bring debt to the EU's ceiling of 60 percent of GDP by 2015.

Estonia's ministry of economic affairs and communications will allocate the €350mn ($485mn) proceeds of a sale of CO2 credits to Spain for investment in new wind farms.

In Lithuania, Statistics Lithuania announces that third-quarter GDP increased by 0.6 per cent compared to the same period last year and by 6.7 per cent compared to the second quarter of 2010.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Poland is not taking lightly the issue of Pole minority in Lithuania. Poland accuses the Baltic state of marginalizing the Poles and refusing to use standard Polish orthography in the transcriptions of the names of Polish residents and in the Baltic country. In the same connection, a UN human rights panel’s report urges Hungary to tackle widespread and "virulent" hate speech, discrimination and violence against the Roma minority as well as rising anti-Semitism.

Following the attack and murder of a political assistant in the offices of Law and Justice Party last week, the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) demands a complete ban on firearms in Poland allowing only sports clubs and hunting associations to purchase weapons.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The Slovak government intends to apply similar Czech’s law that slashes subsidies on solar power producers, though the Slovak law will only support solar power plants with a capacity of maximum 100 kilowatt hours.

Following the visit of President Hugo Chavez to the region, Ukraine and Belarus have signed the first in a series of agreements needed to start the transit of Venezuelan crude oil to Belarus through Ukrainian pipelines.

Estonia plans to separate Eesti Gaas’s natural gas sales and transmission divisions in two years to reduce dependence on Russia’s Gazprom, the biggest owner and its sole gas supplier.

Geostrategic Issues

Poland’s Defense Ministry is to renegotiate a contract for the purchase of anti-ship and land attack missiles from Norway’s Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace Company.

Slovakia which does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state after its unilateral declaration of independence in 2008 has agreed to withdraw the country's NATO-troops from Kosovo by the end of 2010 and will make a modest increase of troops in the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan by next year.

Hungary remains a favourite and supporter of Turkey’s EU bid as Ankara played a significant role in Hungary’s NATO accession. As Hungary takes on the EU presidency in the first half of 2011, Turkey issue will be part of the prioritized issues.

European Union Foreign Ministers kept the threat of sanctions hanging over Belarus, but decided not to implement the threat in the hope of encouraging the authoritarian state towards democratic reforms.

RUSSIA

Economic Issues

The Russian government heads for a huge privatization by embarking on a five-year plan to sell off stakes in prized state companies such as oil major Rosneft and banks Sberbank and VTB to raise US$60 billion for state coffers.

Russia and other emerging economies have come under the radar of European Commission’s criticism. The commission believes protectionism policies of these economies is affecting EU’s economy recovery and does not meet the commitments of G20.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

As political tension heightens in Russia, left wing and liberal anti-Kremlin opposition groups gathered in Moscow protesting against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, demanding his resignation. Meanwhile, Moscow is unhappy about NGOs reporting of press freedom in the country.

Russia, the United Nations, the European Union and the Vatican stands oppose to the death sentence of former Iraq’s former deputy premier Tareq Aziz. Such sentence is believed by the four as potential to exacerbate the tension in Iraq.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Moscow and Washington struggles to ensure nuclear nonproliferation amid an unsettled START agreement. Moscow fears that the republicanisation of the U.S Congress could further undermine the agreement. Meanwhile, Russia’s nuclear energy cooperation with Armenia, Russia-Saudi, Russia-Ukraine, Russia-Venezuela nuclear talks and Turkmenistan gas pipeline are all raising more questions about Moscow energy intentions.

Geostrategic Issues

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has visited Ukraine as both countries are now on a new level of relations. Russian gas supplies to Ukraine became a matter of discussion during the visit as about 80 percent of Russian gas exports to the European Union is transited via Ukraine.

US/CANADA

Political Issues

The pre-election polls show that coalition that brought Obama-Democrat party to power is faltering. Women, Roman Catholics, less affluent Americans and independents, who threw their support for democrat in 2008 are now showing interest for the Republican Party.

Economic Issues

As the midterm election campaign draws to a close, fear hangs in the air that U.S deficit might further increase owing to the on-going polarization between the Democrat and Republican parties and coupled with the frenzy that democrats might lose the House majority. Meanwhile, Washington is rallying allies against Chinese economic protectionism particularly its devalued currency that has been a lingering issue between developed economies and Beijing.

According to Ben Bernanke, the Fed chairman of U.S, American economy would have been worse off without federal stimulus programme. Ben has refused to heighten the partisan fray on the state of the economy by avoiding public debates. Bernanke and the rest of Obama’s administration need magical effort to turn around the economy, revive it from further downturn.

Being a major U.S economy partner, the faltering U.S. housing market is a potential threat for Canadian economy, adding salt to Canada’s injury following IMF report that risks to Canada's economic outlook have increased. Yet the Canadian economy was reported to resume growth in wholesale trade, manufacturing and oil and gas extraction during the month of August.

Canadian fertilizer producer Potash Corp, Saskatchewan does not favour the takeover bid by BHP. The company has gotten the support of the Liberals and the left-wing New Democrats opposing the BHP offer.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The U.S Justice Department has fined GlaxoSmithKline for putting on sale 20 drugs with questionable safety. The pharmaceutical company will have to pay $150 million for the settlement of criminal charges that will be the largest such payment ever by a manufacturer of adulterated drugs

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Halliburton has refused to accept the blame for the blowout of BP oil well in the Gulf of Mexico. According to presidential investigative panel, Halliburton had made unreliable cementing that contributed to the April disaster.

Canada is a major neighbouring trade partner of the United States and Canadians are always fearful that unkind law from Washington could hamper their economy as in the lobby against TransCanada’s application to build the 2,000-mile Keystone XL pipeline. The pipeline hopes to bring crude oil to the U.S. Some fear it will further increase U.S dependence on fossil oil.

LATIN AMERICA

Political Issues

The death announcement of the former Argentina President, Nestor Kirchner was a shock for the country and the region. Late Nestor Kirchner was reported to have died of heart attack, therefore jeopardizes his presidential bid.

In Brazil it was a clear show of victory for Ms. Dilma Rousseff upon securing 56% votes after the second round of Brazilian elections. Rousseff believes filling the boot of Lula will be tough task and fervently determined to further accomplish the legacy of Lula. Meanwhile, President Lula da Silva still maintains a high rating from the public even after the elections.

Economic Issues

Brazil and Argentina, the leading oilseed producers in Latin America held meetings with Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay in Santiago, Chile on the prospect of combining their oilseeds for export to buyers in Asia and elsewhere.

The economy is being under fire and added to the Venezuela’s finance minister predicts that Venezuela’s oil industry is going to shrink by 1.4 percent and the non-oil economy will decline 2.6 percent in 2010.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The internet is reported by Ibope as the battle ground for Brazilian president candidates and their supporters. The avenue of social networking increases Brazilians internet usage which was reflected in the just concluded elections.

Mining tragedy is not usual in the region and the recent Chilean saga is becoming a wakeup call for others, therefore linking the closure of 18 illegal gold mines in Colombia will not be overstatement geared to ensure safety. Meanwhile, Brazil has shown interest in Colombia’s metallurgical coal and ready to help in constructing railway for its export.

Colombian government is worried over the California's Proposition 19, which aimed at legalizing marijuana. If such law comes to being, it will grease up marijuana production, a major crop in Colombia.

The menace of drug lord is a protracted experience the Mexican government is still struggling to resolve as Ciudad Juarez was again hit by drug lord. Meanwhile, Mexican government accuses the United States of lack of seriousness to fight drug as California prepares to legalize marijuana.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

With the aim of reducing environmental pollution and providing cheap energy, Chilean President Pinera inaugurated the Pacific Hydro's La Higuera and La Confluencia projects that will provide almost 1 million Chilean homes with renewable energy, equivalent to taking more than 250,000 cars off the road.

Meanwhile, Chile and Pakistan mull on cooperating on projects like irrigation, coal, hydro power, and mining in Sindhi province.

Venezuelans might have to endure months of unsupplied gas from Colombia as the latter undertakes maintenance and upgrading of gas machinery.

Geostrategic Issues

The 2^nd South American-African joint summit is an indication that the global south can have a viable cooperation. Since 2020, trade between South America and Africa was recorded to have jumped from $6 billion to $36 billion and Brazil has been the main beneficiary of the transactions.

The 12^th Dialogue and Agreement Mechanisms of Tuxtla Presidential Summit (Tuxtla Group Summit) was recently held and attended by ten Latin American governments. The summit agreed to strengthen regional and bilateral cooperation on security and to create a united front against drug trafficking and organized crime.

Argentina-Russia consolidated their 125 years old diplomatic relationships through the inking of agreements in nuclear power engineering, space exploration, high technologies, and transportation sectors.

Meanwhile, tussle between Argentina and Britain over Malvinas remains a hot issue. Argentina claims Britain is not ready to give up the island due to its energy reserve.

Chilean President Pinera’s visit to Germany was aimed at showcasing the democratic tradition between the two countries and love of the citizens as demonstrated during the recent rescue effort of 33 miners. Pinera taunted Cuban-Venezuelan inspired kind of democracy as unparallel with the Chile.

President Chavez’s foreign tour is completed and Chavez believes it was a success encompassed Africa, Asia and Europe followed by huge inking of agreement and cooperation.

AUSTRALASIA

Economic Issues

The proposed merger of Australia and Singapore stock exchange is brewing debate even within the coalition government of Prime Minister Julia Gillard. The Green coalition partner is against the merger and other opposition finds regulatory issues with the bid.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

In Australia, a Muslim cleric lost an appeal against his jail terms for being complicit in an abortive terror attack. The appeal court however said some sentences given to his group were excessive.

Geostrategic Issues

As Australia renews its commitment in Afghanistan, its ministry of defense found that the WikiLeaks documents had not had a major impact on its operations in Afghanistan. §

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 144

WESTERN EUROPE

Politics

According to reports EEAS chief Catherine Ashton has shown confidence in the experience and expertise of German and Polish diplomats to become deputy secretary generals in the European External Action Service (EEAS).

Sentiments regarding the U.S elections in the EU vary; while some believe EU-US will not rupture, EPP, an umbrella organisation of all centre-right parties in Europe believes it is ripe time to clinch with the Republican dominated Congress.

Joining the passport-free Schengen zone for Albania and Bosnia by Christmas is an immense achievement but such benefit will not condone asylum or residence seeking. The decision to have the two countries carries a majority vote but with a misgiving from Dutch and French governments.

Meanwhile, the bloc rained abundance of criticism on Serbia for lack of judiciary reform and against a market economy caught up in red tape. At the same time, the Enlargement Strategy’s report criticised the Western Balkan for non-protection of press freedom.

With the intention of avoiding severe relations with allies, the British government is revoking its universal jurisdiction principle. The principle damaged UK-Israel relations upon the evocation of the principle to arrest foreign Israel minister for war crime.

For the socialist Greek government it has been an uneasy undertaken implementing austerity measures and abiding by EU and IMF conditions. The conservative opposition wants the government to replace austerity with a policy of state investment to stimulate the economy. Meanwhile a snap election is expected to test the support for the austerity measures.

Facing it own political and economic problems, Greece is increasingly becoming gateway for illegal migrants into Europe. A recent UN report accuses Athens of violating rights of these migrants and Athens has called for EU assistance to face the threat of illegal immigration.

Economy

The proposed $600 billion by the U.S Fed is also angering EU that Washington has broken the tight belts and common policy reached at G20 Toronto summit.

Berlin whose net contribution to the EU is higher than others has rejected the proposal to have EU tax. The European Commission has been rolling out different mechanisms to resolve the financial issues facing the bloc. Germany like every other believes tax-raising powers is residual to national governments.

Meanwhile in France the dust is unsettled as French unions are still gearing up for street protest with the aim of forcing President Sarkozy to retract his pension law.

A deal reached by the ruling and opposition Portuguese parties was to save the country from repeating the Greek financial crisis. The deal was applauded by the EU and Lisbon hopes to reap the benefit of Beijing's largesse in trade deals and alleviate market pressure on its debt.

Society

Pope Benedict XVI visit to Portugal is once again reiterating the view that Europe ought to admire its Christian heritage. The Vatican is alarmed by the growing secularization of Europe and the ongoing trend of homosexual wanting active public sphere.

The European Commission has adopted a Communication on “A comprehensive approach on personal data protection in the European Union,” outlining the Commission’s ideas for modernizing the EU legal system for the protection of personal data to address globalization and rapid technological changes. The Commission hopes to revise the data protection legal framework in 2011.

Abu Hamza al-Masri, an Islamic preacher was able to retain his British citizenship and delay his extradition to the United States following a court ruling. Meanwhile a British lawyer was able to show the criminal actions of British soldiers in a secret detention centre near Basra, Iraq. The lawyer holds that the abuse amounted to Britain’s Abu Ghraib.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

EU energy commissioner Guenther Oettinger is optimistic that the EU leaders will approve his plan to have radioactive waste buried deep underground and overseas exports of the toxic byproduct also banned. Doing this will be a conformity to International Atomic Energy standards, the idea is believed to be on a record high support than usual among EU leaders. Meanwhile, Oettinger has also called on Moscow to join the EU energy strategy, in hopes to strengthen relations.

The EU is on the verge of finalizing the Danube Strategy aimed at making the Danube basin a competitive region in the next decade. The Danube basin includes, primarily: Germany (especially Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria), Austria, the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Romania and Bulgaria inside the EU, as well as Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova and parts of Ukraine.

Geostrategic Issues

Ankara’s strategic policy could clash with NATO’s desire. Ankara is reluctant to see Tehran added or targeted as threat within the new NATO defense system. The reluctant policy is believed to be an acid test for Ankara’s NATO membership.

A controversial defense deal between Britain and France was finally signed. The agreement including the creation of a joint expeditionary force, shared use of aircraft carriers and combined efforts to improve the safety and effectiveness of their nuclear weapons.

Oslo and Stockholm are unhappy with U.S surveillance carried out in both countries and believes such violated their national law. Explanation for such action is awaited upon Washington’s claim that the surveillance was deemed potential for security risks to the U.S.

Estonian EU transport commissioner Siim Kallas has cautioned the EU against extremely restrictive measures and panic atmosphere following the Yemeni and Greek bombs. Kallas opined that proportionate response that will close the potential loopholes is what is needed though 100 % security is unattainable.

EAST EUROPE

Politics

Amid Tirana’s gloating over its EU integration achievement, the government approved a historic budget for 2011, which aims to improve social amenities and hike salary and pension. Meanwhile, the ruling party rejects the proposal of the opposition to have an unlimited investigation into the alleged election irregularities of June 2009, an allegation that has roadblock the smooth functioning of the Albania parliament over a year.

In Bosnia, Bakir Izetbegovic a member of the of the tripartite presidency offered apology to all victims of the 1990s war, agreeing that all victims are equal. Meanwhile, the Bosnian Central Election Commission (CIK) confirmed results of recent general elections. Still in Bosnia, the alliance of the two largest Serbs parties, Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) and the Serb Democratic Party (SDS) is a tactical plan to having joint platform which gives them 12 of the 42 seats and avenue to repel any repulsive law against the Serbs in the parliament

As the EU prepares to amend the Lisbon Treaty, there is growing fear among EU aspirants that such changes might impair their accession but Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor takes a different view and hopes to close all EU chapters by 2011. Meanwhile Daniel Srb, leader of the Croatian Party of Rights (HSP) plans to hold a protest against the planned visit of Serbian President Boris Tadic to Vukovar in November. Vukovar symbolizes the bloodiest place for Croat during the 1990s war.

Kosovo enters a new political level following an institutional brawl that brewed parliamentarian anger for vote of no-confidence against the government. The dissolution of the government makes the country set for a snap December election intended to be monitored by the Brussels and Washington.

Economy

After a complete supervision of its economy and financial doings, IMF will be issuing another loan to Romania by mid January.

Geostrategic Issues

Washington has refuted the view opined by former ambassador William Montgomery that nothing has changed since the end of the Bosnian war and the country should rather be partitioned.

Would there be a limit for Turkey’s diplomacy in the Balkan; Ankara has shown willingness to mediate the talk between Serbia and Kosovo over the disputed status of the latter. Meanwhile, the UN is reviewing its regular quarterly report on the situation in Kosovo as situation in northern Kosovo remains worrisome.

Belgrade’s enthusiasm for the EU has grown with the aim of getting EU accession status in months to come. Meanwhile, visit of Serbian President Boris Tadic to Croatia is aimed to close dark past even though a Croat opposition party wants Tadic to take responsible of his predecessor.

RUSSIA

Politics

From any observers of Russian democracy, the recent veto by President Dmitry Medvedev was a landmark, halting the move by the Duma from hampering the right of freedom of assembly which is enshrined in the Russian Constitution. The Duma adopted changes to the law on protests and rallies which stipulated tighter sanctions against those who violate terms of public meetings set by the government.

The Visegrad Four EU members continue to flex their clout in the bloc by trying to make EU consider their stance on Romany minorities, economic and energy security issues. Poland and Czech Republic integrals of the Visegrad Four are disfavouring the proposed change of EU’s law seen as a Franco-German initiative, though Warsaw wants to keep good relations with Germany.

Hungary remains resolute in supporting Turkey’s EU accession as it takes on EU rotational presidency by 2011. Meanwhile, Hungary hopes that Canada will reconsider its bid for visa-free regime. Ottawa has been reluctant to welcome 2004 EU members into that regime.

Despite its stained relations with Moscow, Belarusian Central Election Commission has invited Russia and Latvia to monitor its presidential election, meanwhile German and Polish leaders also called on President Alexander Lukashenko to ensure fair election.

The outcome of Ukrainian mayor and regional council elections was received with cold reaction from Washington, thus tallied with misgivings of opposition parties and election observers that the elections was not free from irregularities.

Economy

It was a signal for cautious economic planning as the World Bank cut its forecast for Russia's economic growth and warned of risks from inflation.

Joint investment summit of Chinese and Polish entrepreneurs created the avenue for entrepreneurs of both countries to boast upon the manner with which their economies survived the global financial turmoil. Poland has been China's top trading partner in central and Eastern Europe for five years.

The continent is facing economic and financial trauma, but the Poles have cause to be happy as the National Bank of Poland has predicted growth amounting to 4.3 and 4.2 percent in 2011-2012 respectively. Such progressive prediction was not true for Czech Republic, where both the finance ministry and central bank both cut the previous forecasts for 2011 GDP outlook.

Meanwhile, the Slovakia's strongest opposition party SMER failed to win parliament's backing for a special levy on banks next year that might have replaced a planned rise in value added tax (VAT). The parliament rejected the proposal because it has yet to go to the EU table.

Hungarian economy is still struggling to regain is sovereignty even after it spat on the face of the IMF. The government is pushing to make the economy meet the European Union's deficit target amid a troublesome budget.

For Belarus active participation in the EU's Eastern Partnership programme is not a relegated option and having a committed economic transaction with Turkey is paramount.

Society

The objection of religion once symbolized Communist Russia, but the increasing role of religion in the public and anti gay actions could be an unfolding new wave of conservatism.

According to a marketing survey most Russians take advantage of the internet for financial and economic dealings as in plane and train tickets, mobile services and music transactions.

The Poles were honoured as the EU brings together scientific minds to inaugurate the Copernicus Science Centre and to show a multi-media "Big Bang" extravaganza in their country.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Russia energy importance is far from being eclipsed in the soonest future as Europe though seeking for alternative energy still have active dependence on Russian gas. The renewal of agreement between Russia and Ukraine for energy transit from the latter to the rest of Europe and the new demand by Netherlands and Denmark for more gas from Gazprom demonstrates Russia incontestable energy clout.

Similarly, the Russia-ASEAN recent summit also highlights Russia energy influence as ASEAN nations never hide their energy cooperation with Moscow. Meanwhile, Gazprom records income growth and predicts more.

Russia's high-tech companies Rusnano and Renova have announced plans to build the country's first industrial solar power station near the Black Sea.

During the 14th International Trade Fair of oil and gas industry in the Ukrainian capital Kiev, Iranian Ambassador to Ukraine Akbar Qasemi was not shy to say that his country stands as the gateway for gas and oil from Asia to Europe.

Geostrategic Issues

NATO and Russia are still struggling to agree upon a joint proposed European missile system, but both have a consensus view of stamping out opium production in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Russia and Japan dispute over Kuril Islands, called the Northern Territories by Japan remains a lingering matter.

Poland is taking very serious the proposed NATO Lisbon Summit which hopes to bring Russia aboard. Poland has been more critical of Moscow for its hegemonic tendency in the region.

Slovakia and Czech Republic are prepared to reduce their troops’ commitment in Kosovo but increase them in Afghanistan, where NATO forces are operating.

Can North Korea learn from the lesson of Ukraine that was once a nuclear hub but simultaneously became non-nuclear and join the fold of economic developing states? The argument stand thus that nuclear weapon is a characterization of North Korea and a symbol against external influence.

US/CANADA

Politics

It is now a dusted issue; Republican Party has swept the House with landslide margins but failed to capture the Senate. The election results brought forth several questions: Was the election about President Obama? How powerful a phenomenon is the Tea Party movement? How will the new Congress address the still-weak economy? What will it mean for the crop of likely 2012 Republican presidential candidates? Did anonymous campaign money sway the outcome?

The White House has called the election result a shellacking for the Democrat Party and Obama realised a tough time to come from discontented Republican of his big government project.

According to Ipso poll, Canadian minority government takes a lead in opinion poll upon listening to the voice of the people not to allow the takeover of Potash Corp by BHP Billiton.

Economy

Could the proposed $600 billion by the Fed for the recovery of the banking sector go unattacked, such will never outpace republican dominated Congress radar, furiously against big government.

Could it be true that it would still take 12 years to close the gap between the growing number of American workers and the total available jobs, according to the Brookings Institution’s Hamilton Project? If such estimation should be true then jobless Americans will still have cause to be angry with the White House.

The Canadian government finally listens to the voice of the public as the minority government rejected the takeover bid by BHP Billiton for Potash Corp. Prime Minister Stephen Harper referred to the rejection as a rare case as Canada often welcome foreign companies. Meanwhile, Canadian employment rate is yet to pick its original stamina though few employment opportunities were recorded.

Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney opined that the financial industry will make lower returns after global banking reforms are put in place as these institutions must adopt stricter rules on capital and liquidity.

Society

An American Appeal Court has held back the right of Arizona police to question people on the road suspected of illegal stay. The court insinuated that fighting illegal immigration is the task of the federal government therefore state is not expected to overlap that jurisdiction.

The Midwest state of Iowa pioneered safeguarding minority rights back from 1839, when Iowa Supreme Court became the pacesetter protecting minority interest, but when same court legalized same-sex marriage, it irritated the public leading to the expulsion of three judges. Thus causing fear over the independence of judiciary.

Before the U.N. Human Rights Council, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Esther Brimmer had to prove U.S protection of human rights was higher than any other country, following cries over violation of human rights by foes and friends of Washington.

Omar Khadr terrorist case has finally been rested by 40 years jail sentence although he might be released in less than three years after being transferred to his country, Canada.

Geostrategic Issues

Paying a visit to India, President Obama believes Washington should relax export regulations for New Delhi though with caution and fear for outsourcing U.S jobs which became an issue in the just concluded midterm elections. Obama also threw his support for India’s bid for a permanent seat in the UNSC.

Scott Stewart argues in his article Al Qaeda Unlucky Again in Cargo Bombing Attempt published in STRATFOR November 2, 2010 that al- Qaeda intention was not to hurt the Jew but to bring down U.S airliners in the recent Yemeni bomb saga. Even though the tactical plan failed the group will continue to make effort as in camouflaging more bombs from security agents. But according to the New York Times, the foiling of the attack was a success of intelligence and infiltration of Taliban and al-Qaeda groups

LATIN AMERICA

Politics

Following the death of Argentina ex. President, Nestor Kirchner, criticisms have started rolling upon President Cristina Kirchner that her economic policies could be changed and her government has not be able to integrate Argentine poor into the status of the middle class as done by Brazilian Lula.

It was a landslide victory for the Brazilian Workers’ party as Ms. Dilma Rousseff, a former chief of staff under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won the presidential elections with a strong mandate of 56 % against her opponent from PSDB. In order to keep the rhythm, Rousseff is promising her supporters an un-discontinued Lula’s policy.

Economy

Despite its social problems, Mexico is taking a leap to becoming world leader in auto manufacturing industry. Mexico starts a $570 million autos plant that will employ 700 people and produce Pentastar V-6 engine for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

President Hugo Chavez is simultaneously nationalizing and privatizing companies in the country. One of Venezuelan refinery Citgo is about to be sold to Germany with the aim of increasing its benefit to the economy. Meanwhile, Iran has offered state-run oil holding Petroleos de Venezuela a 10-percent interest in a South Pars Phase12.

Society

Heap of allegations mount on Colombian military of being complicit in indiscriminatory killing of innocent Colombians under the premise of fighting drug and rebel groups. The killing has triggered UN and Human Right groups’ concerns and the government urges the military to offer apology to the public

President Calderon severely criticized the United States over its lackadaisical attitude towards the fight against drug, in reference to the plan of California State to legalize marijuana.

Internet usage is increasing in the region and governments in the region are not taking their chances. The recent Brazilian presidential election brings internet social networking to limelight and Venezuelan Hugo Chavez’s support via the internet is increasingly growing.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Chilean mining investor displayed their willingness to invest in Balochistan, Pakistan resources. Meeting with Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chilean Consortium of Mineral Exploring Company wants to invest $3.5 billion over the four years in the Balochistan Reko-Diq project.

Geostrategic Issues

The meeting of President Santos and Hugo Chavez is a clear indication that both countries have normalized their relations. Both leaders agreed to strengthen ties through energy projects and to increase joint effort to combat rebel groups. While the two resolve their differences, Spain wants Venezuela to stop supporting ETA and should extradite ETA member wanted in Spain.

AUSTRALASIA

Economy

For Australian opposition parties the merger of Australia and Singapore Stock exchange will harm Australia’s economy but Prime Minister Julia Gillard during ASEAN summit told her Singaporean counterpart that disturbing such long-standing foreign investment processes is unhealthy.

Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan believes certain Australian banks are defying the rule of the Central Bank by hiking their lending rate. According to Swan, such action is a display of arrogance and the government will crack them down.

Geostrategic Issues

The increasing clout of China in Asia Pacific is grabbing regional attention and Washington is equally concerned. Therefore re-tailoring Washington-Canberra and New Zealand strategic alliance in Afghanistan and making China more responsible is no surprise and was a prime issue discussed when Hilary Clinton visited the region. §

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 145

WESTERN EUROPE

Politics

EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy has spoken beyond the stereotype attached with him. He lambasted the increasing mantra for nationalism across Europe and made a reminiscence how nationalism puts Europe to protracted wars in the past. He nevertheless lauded the courage for austerity measures as solution for recent financial problems.

Poland has always been at the forefront fighting for equality of members within the EU. The latest proposal of the Italian foreign minister Franco Frattini to have within the EU six steering group made up of the Union's biggest countries has been rejected by Warsaw, indicating that model of UNSC is unwelcome in the bloc.

The European Commission has unveiled an overhaul of its code of conduct, which will curb ex-commissioners from exploiting their previous office. Ex-EU commissioners have found to be lobbying on behalf of corporations by taking advantage of their previous portfolio.

Italian Premier, Silvio Berlusconi is yet on another political threshold as oppositions mount no confidence votes against him and his policies. Berlusconi’s survivability will be determined by the social capital of his party.

Greek municipal elections would put to test and decide if the people agree with the austerity policy of the government or support the opposition’s anti-austerity policy. Despite the political trial, the Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas extends appreciation to the German government for playing a role in bailing out his economy from recent crisis.

With the new EU border police sent to Greek-Turkey border, hundreds of illegal immigrants are now apprehended using Greece as transit into other parts of Europe.

Economy

EU’s 2011 budget is becoming a leg dragging issue due to the lack of consensus between the European Parliament and the council. The dividing line is whether or not the Union should increase its budget to 5.9 or 2.9, the latter is welcomed by the parliament on account of austerity measures swinging around EU countries.

The British government is taking all measures to reducing backlog of the nation’s deficit. One of the measures is retrieving tax from all tax evaders banking in foreign countries. Therefore the coalition government is reaching agreement with foreign countries having tax evaders’ accounts

The Irish economy is sending alarm across Europe of another failing economy dripping in financial problem and signaling to get help from EU and IMF. Ireland has thus announced a plan to nearly double its package of spending cuts and tax increases to try to rein in its huge deficit.

Society

The head of security at one of Europe's busiest airports has said that EU governments should invest more resources in old-fashioned human intelligence and fewer in new regulations and screening technology. The recently foiled bomb was accomplished based on human intelligence not on machines, thus investment in human intelligence in what should be pivotal.

Blacklisting airports did not get the approval of most EU members, following the proposal by Germany to blacklist certain airports in terrorism-prone countries. The bloc rather resolved to form ad-hoc committee responsible to make effective inspection, check listing and risk analysis of cargo for overall safety of airport.

The French government commemorated the 92nd anniversary of the end of World War I. by honoring the war veterans. French Muslim soldiers of the war were honored at the Paris Grand Mosque.

European deputies have started raising voices for a transatlantic inquiry into Iraqi torture cases described in US war logs published by Wikileaks. EU leaders want to trash out the issue with US. British deputy PM spearheaded this attempt that such description of torture should not be left unturned.

Vatican and Iran have maintained diplomatic relations since the last 50 years and both take themselves as religious societies. Recently a letter was sent by the Pope to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to demands the stop of religious discrimination of Catholics in Iran.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Creating and facilitating naval traffic, cleaning up the highly polluted river and improving regional links through bridges, highways and better train connections are supposedly essence of the Danube River Strategy. A project under consideration by the EU to facilitate both EU and non-EU countries sharing border around the Danube, the project will be similar to the Baltic Sea Strategy.

The demand of energy particularly renewable is increasingly becoming a discussable issue for European leaders and through the effort of the European Commissioner for Energy the proposal of having unified energy policy has been sponsored. Such proposal is not unlikely to meet reservation from Europe’s capital wanting to maintain sovereignty over energy policy.

As energy needs and cry over global warming increases, developed economies are struggling to re-channel attention for renewable energy. The attempt by the EU to having 10 % of transport energy needs from renewable sources (like biofuels) by 2020 will further increase greenhouse gas emissions as reported by Institute for European Environmental Policy.

Geostrategic Issues

After two weeks suspension on passenger flight ban from Yemen, the German government has lifted the ban from Yemen, although the ban still continues on air cargo coming from that Arabian country.

Paris and Amsterdam believe opening Schengen zone to Romania and Bulgaria should be delayed till both countries clear their slate by fighting against corruption, reforming their justice systems and a better surveillance of the border with Moldova.

EAST EUROPE

Politics

As Albanians prepare for local elections, OSCE urges the parties to ensure women get their legal 30% representation.

Meanwhile a plea by Albanian President Bamir Topi asks that Kosovo be admitted soon to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Adding Kosovo in such an institution could further accelerate its EU integration.

It was applauded as a diplomatic success as European Commission finally lifted EU visa for Albanian citizens, but the protracted political impasse facing Tirana cost it EU candidate status deprival.

Politics of ethnicity continues to be the core of polarization in Bosnia and caution notes is rolling in that Bosnia is more likely to lack behind in development and EU integration if such persist.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) mulls the possibility of sanction against Bosnia (BiH), Sarajevo has not amended its constitution drafted under the Dayton Peace Agreements which discriminates against minorities as mentioned by the European Court of Human Rights.

Croatia moves closer closing up EU negotiation chapters with three more chapters remaining and hope to get the EU membership card by next year. Even after signing EU accession treaty, the Croat government wants a public referendum.

Amid the run-up for Kosovo December general elections, parties have started going for coalition in bid to maximize their chances. Meanwhile, the election is becoming a big dilemma for Serbia whether or not to ask Kosovo Serbs to participate or boycott the elections. Boycotting the election will do them no good and could further dent Belgrade’s status before the EU. EULEX has rejected the request to secure the ballot boxes instead urges the Kosovo police to do their job well.

Economy

Montenegrin government has suspended its controversial economic citizenship programme launched in August, in order to harmonize policies with those of the EU. according to the plan Montenegro offered citizenship to any member of the business community who invests over 500,000 euros in the country.

The new Polish leader, President Bronislaw Komorowski is aiming for big changes in the country’s constitution, changes which according to his projection will redefine and reposition Poland in Europe. Meanwhile, Polish parliament mulls over the next NATO summit in Lisbon, the summit becomes important for Poland because of the new role of Russia in the proposed NATO missile system.

Despite huge discontent for the policy, the Czech parliament went ahead to approve package of unpopular austerity measures designed to reduce Czech Republic's deficit.

Having evaluated the results of the local authority elections, which received international criticism, Ukrainian leadership has decided to take several steps towards improving the national election legislation. .

Although a popular politician during his tenure as Slovakian leader, ex-Prime Minister Robert Fico was re-elected leader of his leftist SMER party and vowed to return to government when the next election is held in four years time. Meanwhile, Slovakian Prime Minister, Iveta Radicova, has threatened to resign after two failed bids to vote in a new prosecutor-general in place of the incumbent. She argues that he has been too feeble on cases involving dishonest politicians, business tycoons and privatizations.

Political wrangling between Belarus and Russia remains alive as President Alexander Lukashenka attacked Moscow of plotting to make him lose during the forthcoming elections. Nonetheless, Belarusian parliament has submitted to President Alexander Lukashenka the proposal concerning the possible recognition of independence of two Georgian breakaway regions.

Poland maintains its economic growth within the region and recent show of its stock market is another testimony. The Polish treasury is also profiting from its privatization policy. Such growth is also true for Czech’s economy that grew by 3 % year-on-year in the third quarter of 2010, an indication to the rebounding of its trade and manufacturing sectors.

The government of the Czech Republic has expressed its willingness to support the government of Ghana to establish an urban rail system and to help revive some of Ghana's defunct factories. They have also agreed to share their technological and other professional expertise with Ghana to enable her to generate more power and transmit electricity for both domestic and the external markets.

Hungary plans to continue to rely on revenue from extraordinary crisis taxes in 2014, contrary to government pledges to end such taxes in 2013. The Hungarian parliament also passed a bill that scraps the Constitutional Court's jurisdiction in matters of taxation and contributions, meanwhile inflation grips the economy.

Amid the survival crisis facing the Eurozone, report by the European Commission shows that most Estonians are resentful that their country join the zone. Estonia intended to join the zone by January 2011, yet the Estonia's economy expanded faster than expected in the third quarter, with growth in exports and domestic demand fuelling the manufacturing sector. Meanwhile, Latvia has completed its budget for the next year considering the conditions of international lenders.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Amid the political crisis facing Pristina, EULEX head Xavier Bout de Marnhac said ongoing corruption investigations will not be discontinued and hopes that such will propel developments.

Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and Deputy Prime Minister Svetozar Marovic are to appear as witnesses before a court in a case of nine people charged with deporting Bosniak civilians from Montenegro in 1992.

Serbian government has launched smoking ban in offices and public places. The law bans smoking in all public buildings, offices, educational institutions and hospitals. People who break the rules will be fined 46 euros.

The celebration of Poland’s Independence Day was a mixture of reactions, while the event marked the anniversary of the end of World War I, when Poland regained its independence; other marked it with anti-fascist protest.

US-based Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI), the European Roma Rights Centre and the Greek Helsinki Monitor, has jointly filed complain with the EU against the failure of Czech Republic to comply with court order that ordered it to stop placing thousands of healthy Roma children in schools for the mentally disabled.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

According to reports Croatia is not expected to be part of the Bulgaria’s nuclear plant (Belene) instead it will focus on its own energy projects; however the decision will not affect bilateral relations with Bulgaria.

Bulgarian cabinet finally approved a partnership in the planned Russian South Stream pipeline that will run across the Black Sea. The agreement envisages a 50-50 % partnership between Gazprom and Bulgarian Energy.

Geostrategic Issues

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad paid a visit to Bulgaria on (November 9th), the first by a Syrian head of state in 24 years. Assad urges Sofia to play its role, both in its bilateral relations with Israel and within the EU, to urge Israel to continue the peace process.

It was a political slap for Kosovo as the European Commission did not recognize the readiness of Pristina for EU visa liberalization scheme. The commission holds that Pristina has yet to meet the readmission and reintegration criteria, something Interior Minister Bajram Rexhepi and Integrations Minister Besim Beqaj disputed.

The European Commission has agreed to equip Montenegro with pre-accession assistance funds aims to support democratic and economic reforms in Montenegro. This also adds to the fact that Montenegro is set to receive EU candidate status following a recommendation the European Commission, just four years after declaring independence.

Serbia’s EU Stabilization and Association Agreement have been ratified by Hungary another EU member.

RUSSIA

Politics

President Dmitri A. Medvedev vetoed the harsh law by the Russian Duma that would have made it more difficult for opposition to launch peaceful protest. Political atmosphere has been torrid recently due to opposition’s demand that politic should be more open. Meanwhile, the Russian president is clamoring for political and economic regeneration to be speed up in the North Caucasus Federal Region.

Economy

According to Renaissance Capital’s report, Russian GDP is expected to grow an annual 5.3 % in the first three months of 2011 as government spending widens, consumer demand rebounds and bank lending spur recovery.

Russian authority wants IMF to change its quota realignment; Moscow wants the quota system to be changed for the next two years and Moscow along with China will not be happy if Washington pumps more money without consulting other economies.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Last week about 4,000 members of the Russian Communist Party gathered in downtown Moscow to celebrate the 83rd anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution.

According to reports over 450 terrorism-related crimes were registered in Russia between January and September.

With the aim of revitalizing the educational system, Russian president believes quality of education in Russia has deteriorated, and the country needs to cut the number of universities and colleges.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Although Gazprom’s profit fell less than expected in the second quarter, as rising Russian prices helped offset a foreign exchange loss and slower European gas sales. Yet the company continues to ink natural gas agreement with foreign countries like South Korea.

European energy stakeholders like ex- German Foreign Minister, Joschka Fischer holds that Russia’s South Stream pipeline was not for energy reasons but to pull Ukraine eastward and as a competitor to NABUCCO, the European pipeline project intended to reduce Europe's dependency on energy imports from Russia.

Geostrategic Issues

According to reports Moscow senses a threat from Turkey if a part of NATO’s missiles is deployed in the latter. Meanwhile, Russia has inked millions of dollar arms contract with Indonesia.

US/CANADA

Politics

The midterm elections outcome was no doubt a victory for the Republican Party that has swept many gubernatorial seats, federal House and state Houses. They are in for rolling back democrats’ policy and tougher stance on issue the democrats have been mild with.

Meanwhile Washington is seeing a new wave of inexperienced politicians joining the House through the effort of the Tea Party Movement. Only time will tell if these newcomers will effect their pledged changes or blend in with Washington’s politics.

Obama’s White House has a hard battle to fight; his party recently lost the House majority to Republicans during the midterm elections, meanwhile his new deficit reduction plan is awakening the scorn of both republican and democrats alike and it is hard to predict the outcome of the battle.

If a Federal election is held in Canada it might be hard for minority ruling or opposition parties to obtain maximum votes as latest EKOS poll puts support for both parties as deadlock.

Economy

The weak American economy and the plan to pump $600 billion into the economy by Fed have been greeted with criticism. China, Brazil and Germany are against the plan asking the United States not to weaken international market by pumping in more dollars. Washington’s deteriorating debt repayment capability is another concern for many economies wanting to dig it out with Washington during the Seoul G20 summit. The summit was not a success for Washington because both the free trade agreement with South Korea and the huge spending model for global economy failed to yield.

Canada does not want to be left out in gaining access to the new emerging promising economies like India. Free trade talks were launched between the two countries with hopes to boost gross domestic product in each nation by C$6 billion a year

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Immigration is increasingly becoming a politicized issue up from the United States, across Europe and down to Australia. Even though there are certain degree of tolerance for illegal immigration in Canada, immigration has made Winnipeg a hub of multiculturalism as the demand for immigrants increase in Manitoba.

Geostrategic Issues

Washington is in the middle of a strategic debate whether or not the war in Afghanistan is on the right track. Military officials are taking the areas where U.S and NATO forces have upper hand as indications of success but intelligence officers take the stance that such success can only be measured if eliminated low level militants do not regroup for another attack.

Canada has joined the United States in banning cargo and mail shipments from Somalia and Yemen and had put restrictions on transporting toner printer cartridges on passenger flights. The restrictions are in response to the discovery two weeks ago of bombs hidden in cartridges being shipped to the United States from Yemen.

LATIN AMERICA

Politics

Brazil’s President-elect Ms. Dilma Rousseff is once again reiterating the intention not to discontinue with outgoing President Lula’s policies. Meanwhile, authorities of Sao Paulo have opened the case of the four military personnel who tortured Ms. Dilma Rousseff during 1970s’s military rule.

Economy

The loan by Brazil’s National Development Bank to build a bullet train track between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro has raised public discourse. The huge project is believed by critics to be a project that could slow down the country’s economic growth.

As the economy continues to experience growth, Brazilian government is opening more channels of opportunities for the economy as in sugar plantation in Ghana, contributing to anti-AIDS drugs in Mozambique, entering bilateral trade agreement with Mexico.

Chile became the first Latin American country to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Turkey following the ratification by the Chilean Senate. Similarly, both China and Chile are also extending ties through bilateral agreements.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Freedom of thought and association is increasingly becoming a threat for the Argentine society as same-sex couples want similar recognition given to homosexual in other countries; however Argentina’s Catholic Church is strongly against such freedom.

The dengue fever is puncturing Brazilian society as number of infected has increases from the record of last year.

The order of Colombian President Santos and the cry of human rights organizations have forced Colombia’s army to suspend seven officers for failing in brutal murders last month of three impoverished children near Colombia’s northeast border with Venezuela.

The question before the Mexican government is when will drug related violence cease. Mexican drug lords are increasingly opposing the writ of the state as discriminatory killings climbs the ladder. Rifle production in the United States and sale in Mexico is also another forces link to the drug violence.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Venezuelan National Assembly has approved a bill to construct and operate a nuclear reactor for peaceful purposes. The plant is expected to be completed in ten years under Russia. Venezuela is also reaching an agreement with Cuba to explore its oil reserve in the Gulf of Mexico, such engagement is hoped to further strengthen the socialist oriented countries.

Geostrategic Issues

Argentina believes Malvinas Island is its property and does not need to attack it or regain it. Buenos Aires believes dispute over the island should be peaceful.

The bid of the Brazilian military to equip its arsenal with 36 air fighter jets is locking the heads of French and Swedish military industries as both are interested in the $4-6billion bid, though according to reports France is more likely to seal the deal.

The dust has settled over Colombia and Venezuela, both countries now share cordial relations, but critics hold that such could be temporary if Caracas does not entirely fulfill its pledge to crackdown rebel groups

AUSTRALASIA

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The Australian government mulls over referendum for the recognition of the aborigines community as the first people of the nation in the constitution, though earlier referendum refuses to acknowledge it. Even if the recognition goes on the aborigines will want indigenous rights to be entrenched in the text of the constitution rather than a symbolic acknowledgment in a preamble.

Geostrategic Issues

The increasing power of China in the neighborhood is said to be responsible for the new military alliance between Canberra and Washington as the latter plans to have its base in the pacific country. §

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 146

WESTERN EUROPE

Politics

EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy has referred to current financial trauma facing Eurozone as a survival crisis. He insinuated that the survivability of the European Union develops on the resilience and endurance of the Eurozone as three new EU countries are gripped by debts.

The lack of consensus among EU members over 2011 budget remains a headache for Brussels. Certain EU members (Britain and the Netherlands) are reluctant to give in to the MEPs demands. Meanwhile, failure to reach an accord on the budget could be implicative for EU’s projects at home and abroad. The budget failure was also due to reluctance by member states to grant MEPs extra powers in future multi-annual budget negotiations.

Iceland is bidding for the EU card but wanting a speedy negotiation upon which the Icelandic people can consider in a referendum. The north European country wants to follow the Norwegian pattern but the EU enlargement spokeswoman Angela Filota holds that there is no short-cut and no fast-track negotiation.

Economy

Irish financial crisis is again sending a wrong signal to the Euro zone as a fragile economy. The Irish finance minister has hinted the desire to seek EU and IMF bailout for its troubled economy and once again raises the question of the fate of the Eurozone and whether or not disintegration of the zone is far. Meanwhile, Ireland’s economic problem has started pushing Irish once again out of the country searching for greener pastures elsewhere across the globe.

According to the latest EU audit, Greece incurred a much larger budget deficit and levels of public debt than the earlier estimated amount. Therefore, more Greek bonds would have to be sold and that could be reflective on Athens’ economy.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

EU justice commissioner Viviane Reding believes national barriers should be no hindrance for European Disabled from getting their benefits, thus brings forth the necessity for a common European Disability Act that will remove barriers by the end of the decade and give sense of belonging to European Disabled anywhere within Europe.

The EU although has been relatively lenient with Belgrade but the inability to apprehended the remaining fugitives (Ratko Mladic and Goran Hadzcic) will further roadblock Belgrade’s application for EU membership. The case is highlighted by chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague.

Germany a stronghold European country is taking great security concern following the terror threat issued by U.S State department and the Saudi Security coupled with the Yemeni threat saga and the tip that militants have arrived in Germany from Waziristan to cause harm.

Pauline Neville-Jones UK junior minister responsible for counter-terrorism observed that the continent is facing threats from Islamic radicals, increasingly radicalism in Northern Ireland and cyber-attacks, yet that must not stop Britain and the rest of Europe from keeping civil liberties of people.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

According to the EU agriculture commissioner Dacian Ciolos, the EU's common agriculture policy (CAP), demands a change and that change should emphasize greater environmental protection with less divergence in payments between 'old' and 'new' member states. The changed policy needed to be greener, fairer, more efficient and more effective.

Ahead of NATO summit in Lisbon, EU-US foreign ministers hope to having a common transatlantic energy and security policy and regulatory regimes for energy saving and eco-friendly technologies. They hope that such will further strengthen ties and facilitate energy diplomacy in energy resourceful areas for the two sides of the Atlantic.

The rate of electricity consumption is said to be on the rise, a pointer to the increasingly necessity of energy. Smart grids is becoming household necessity for cutting bills by using energy-consuming devices at low-rate times of day, it also enables utility companies to cut peak-time demand and avoid costly blackouts.

Geostrategic Issues

Outcome of Lisbon NATO summit indicates success of diplomacy as NATO agrees to have a joint missile system which was different from ex-President Bush controversial missile system. The proposed system is believed to be problematic due to certain reservations from NATO members though a canopy for all NATO members and could be supported by Russia as Moscow’s consent for strategic alliance has long been awaited. The alliance also intends to cut fat and build muscle as part of NATO’s austerity measures.

EAST EUROPE

Politics

According to reports the growing tempo of Polish centric slogans among Polish leaders is a reality of how the Poles want the rest of Europe and the world to see them. Having stable politics and vibrant economy not only makes Poles proud of themselves but more importantly enthusiastic of the rotational EU presidency coming to Warsaw by next year, which will give leverage in dealing with all former ex-communist countries in the neighborhood including Russia.

Czech President Klaus said he was frustrated with the excessive attention the media and politicians have paid to Czech post-war crimes. He said that post-war violence by Czechs against ethnic Germans in former Czechoslovakia was not as harsh as Nazi atrocities before and during World War II and is not at all comparable. Meanwhile, Ghanaian Vice President, John Dramani Mahama ended his five-day official visit to the Czech Republic.

The Hungarian parliament has passed its next year’s budget with reduction in tax. Meanwhile, as Budapest looks forward to the EU rotational presidency, western Balkan’s EU integration is said to be a priority.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych denied that he had eroded press freedoms since coming to power, saying that journalists could write what they liked so long as it was the truth.

As Belarus prepares for the next presidential elections, the wind remains unclear whether incumbent President Alexander Lukashenka will retain his seat.

Does Estonia have the political and economic will to join the Eurozone as resentment mounts against it within the country? Meanwhile, Latvia’s government has agreed on 2011 budget deficit cut target with international lenders.

Economy

The economies in Central and Eastern Europe continue to show signs of recovery, as far as Poland and the Czech Republic are concerned. This is also true for big brother Russia, where there is a relatively stabilized economy.

Meanwhile, according to EU10 Regular Economic Report on the ten ex-communist states now members of the EU, Poland and Slovakia are spotted as leading the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region with robust GDP growth of 3.5 % this year. While, the Government of Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund have successfully approved the terms of the Stand-By Agreement continuation, which was signed in July this year.

New Zealand will be entering into Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the trio of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan having a common custom union.

Similarly, the World Bank announces US$150 million loan for Belarus for road upgrading and modernization project, which will help develop Belarusian transport infrastructure on a strategic transit corridor and introduce electronic tolling.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The Hungarian parliament may soon be voting on a new media bill that would restrict the ownership of TV channels and limit the expansion of media companies.

Ukraine's political scene is featuring a new trend of bare-breasted young women under the banner of Femen that aim at protecting women’s right in the country.

Geostrategic Issues

Slovakia’s troops finally departed from Kosovo as earlier mentioned by the government, who till now have not recognized the independence of Pristina. Meanwhile Slovakia intends to increase its NATO presence in Afghanistan.

RUSSIA

Politics

Russian political scenario was predicted to be a tussle ground between PM Putin and President Medvedev, though of less truth, as Putin continues to maintain greater popularity on domestic issues and Medvedev trying to be more diplomatic in foreign issues.

Economy

Russian economy has extended its tentacle globally but not felt adequately in far Eastern Asian countries, although there is a robust transaction between China and South Korea. Meanwhile, Russia’s government hopes to intensify its privatization programme by opening up state companies’ shares to foreign companies. Also, according to reports, Russian Finance Ministry plans to tighten control over foreign trade operations following the fear that there has been too much capital outflow.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Russia has joined the band of countries producing and testing HIV vaccines, the first examinations of three vaccines, being developed in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk, showed their safety after application.

The Russian Parliament has passed a law to restore to religious organizations property seized by the state in Soviet times. Meanwhile, preliminary results of last month census conducted in Russia puts the population around 143 million.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Russian government intends to halve the quota of imported poultry next year and wants farmers to sow 25 % more spring crops to meet the demand after a severe drought this past summer.

Geostrategic Issues

Russian pundits believe the change in Washington is ominous for Russia-US relations as republican congress is more likely to retract and hinder policy objectives intended by the Obama government. Such scenario can further create gulf between Moscow and Washington and deprive the latter of the former’s cooperation on global issues.

Russia, India and China, all BRIC members believe they are on same track and having common goals in international politics and economic development. Even though during the G20, where Russia and China criticized Washington, India took the side of the former.

The Russian-Czech joint modernization programme to upgrade Russian-made Mi helicopters is one good way of friendly and cooperative neighborhood between former Soviet blocs and readiness of EU countries to allow Russia technology in their premises.

US/CANADA

Economy

The report by the nonprofit Center for Automotive Research that that government aid to G.M. and Chrysler saved more than 1.1 million jobs in 2009 and 314,000 jobs in 2010 indicates the effectiveness of Obama’s bailout. Therefore the recent surge and sale of G.M’s stock gives tax payers certain degree of relief.

The breeze of financial problem is not exempting the state of California that of late rose from billion dollars budget shortfall but sunk back into yet another fiscal crisis which is calamitous for the departing governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger and fearful for the incoming governor Jerry Brown.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The health care law is beginning to see another phase of discussion as health officials and institutions are lobbying to persuade the Obama administration to relax or waive a body of older laws intended to thwart health care monopolies. The debate is revolving around how effective and reaching is private and government sponsored health service.

Workers at the 9/11 disaster have finally reached a consensus with the New York authority to be compensated for the various health problems and inconveniences they suffered during the emergence days of the event.

The trial of Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani charged with the 1998 U.S embassy bombings in Africa is becoming a test for President Obama, whether or not a civil court can do justice in the case of a terrorist suspect as compared to a military court. The federal court in Manhattan acquitted him of all charges save for conspiracy and that is raising dust from the Republicans and relatives of victims crying that justice has not been done.

Geostrategic Issues

In its latest edition of Inspire, Al Qaeda’s branch in Yemen was reported to have articulated how the supposedly foiled terror attack was a success in that it was a calculated strategic low-cost attack designed to inflict broad economic damage as it disarrayed western security and created fear.

What strategic peril should Washington await if the New Start arms control treaty fails? Republicans have been muscling to hinder the treaty on the premise of national security, but hindrance to the treaty will definitely further stain U.S-Russia relations and could be misinterpreted by Tehran.

LATIN AMERICA

Politics

Brazil adds to the number of countries where a woman is the leader of the country. According to Pew Global Research Center, 59 % of men and 52 % of women responded affirmatively that they are ready for a woman leader. Meanwhile the recent election displayed the role of the cyber world in politics as a sizeable number of Brazilians joined the band of internet users.

Colombian President Santos appears to be on the good books of the people as Ipsos Napoleon Franco’s poll puts his rating popularity as 73% which of course has do with his diplomatic success with Venezuela, Ecuador and other neighbors, though opposition parties are not sparing him of criticisms.

In Mexico, labour unions launched protest demanding the parliament to reduce the allocations for security forces and increase allocations for social development in next year's budget.

President Chavez said his government is providing more opportunities to small investors by cracking down on the banks and other private firms which exploit small investors. Meanwhile, thousands of Venezuelans protested in Caracas against the real state owners who are exploiting public rights by allotting property according to their merit.

Economy

Being the world’s second largest corn exporter after the United States, under a new agreement with China, Argentina will be exporting million tons of corn in 2011, 150 times more as compare to the present export.

Brazil’s President-elect, Ms. Dilma Rousseff joined the group of countries lambasting Washington for devaluation of dollar seen as a menace to global economy. The criticism came amid G20 summit in Korea which gave Brazil opportunity to sign military deal with Seoul.

Restricting Mexican trucks into the United States is one issue disturbing Mexico as a NAFTA member. Business establishments in both countries are however clamoring and asking Washington to lift the ban on Mexican trucks believed unhealthy for American roads.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Northern Brazil is often time represented with poverty and rising number of child labour, but Lula’s government is credited to have beaten down the tempo of poverty in the region.

The protracted Mexican War on Drugs has increased the number of inmates in prisons. Meanwhile, the country’s tourism is also suffering following the outbreak of H1N1 flu and increasing violence.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Brazil is extending energy investment in Africa particularly in Portuguese speaking country of the continent. Brazil is very much interested in extending its technology of ethanol and mining investment across the continent.

Despite the natural and manufactured risks the country recently faced, the government of Chile is not relenting effort to improve the development of the country. The government has embarked upon a $3.85 billion freshwater pipe to its arid north geared at stimulating social and economic development in the region. Chile is also eyeing the prospect of a nuclear plant and government has started sensitizing the public about it.

Colombia’s Ecopetrol intends to increase its oil production and exportation as the government of Santos has been able to maintain certain degree of security from the threat of FARC.

Mexico hopes to host the world around November 29 to December 10, 2010, for the second Climate Summit after Copenhagen.

Geostrategic Issues

The Chilean government continues to earn praise for rescuing trapped miners. The country has also strengthened its bilateral relations with Asian countries like Thailand and China. §

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Business and Politics in the Muslim World (BPM)refers to the project entitled, "Globalized Business and Politics: A View from the Muslim World.' The blog development project has been undertaken and jointly developed by the Gilani Research Foundation and BPM as a free resource and social discussion tool.

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 140

2010-11-07T23:38:00.000-08:00

WESTERN EUROPE

Political Issues

The appointment of officers for the European External Action Service (EEAS) has raised dust among EU MPs. The committee looking into the matter hopes to defuse the dispute with Catherine Ashton but unwilling to back down on the issue of public hearings for nominees.

The European Commission has been found guilty of ‘maladministration' by the EU ombudsman for failing to disclose full correspondence between the bloc and EU car manufacturers. The allegation evolves around the extent to which the EU is committed to reducing greenhouse emission from cars.

As the British Labour party elected Ed Miliband over his brother David Miliband, Britons, particularly labour members have been engaged in a big debate. Ed is expected to reposition the party and make the Conservative-led government a one term government.

Economic Issues

After long deliberation and resolving reservations of Italy, Spain and Portugal, EU commission finally consented to reduce import tariffs for Pakistani textiles into the EU. The concession is expected to strengthen EU-Pakistan trade ties; the recent natural disaster in the country played a role in the new agreement.

EU commission is on the verge of legislating financial transactions tax (FTT) and a financial activities tax (FAT) on financial institutions geared at stabilizing the bloc’s public finance. But European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet said such financial transaction tax could only work if implemented across the globe, marking a setback for others who have argued that Europe could do it alone.

China expects no dictation from any country and same was true when the Chinese prime minister rejected EU request of changing its currency policy. EU believes China’s devalued currency is affecting EU traders; meanwhile the EU is contemplating on China’s request to be added as part of IMF decision makers.

Economic affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn has said that Ireland’s record budget deficit suggests the country will not be able to keep its low taxes and will become a "normal tax country" in the European context. This will definitely be bad for the country and its foreign investors.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The EU members have agreed on pre-notification policy on terror alert, by informing each other rather than allowing media to do the job. The agreement followed a terror alert issued by the U.S, warning that certain European countries are on the radar of terrorists for attack. Although, justice and fundamental rights Commissioner Viviane Reding said the alert is nothing new rather the threats have been on the table for several years.

The EU entered an agreement with Libya with the aim of controlling illegal migration from the North African country to Europe and at the same for improving Libyan treatment of refugees. However human right activists find holes in the deal which failed to address the non recognition of asylum seeker by Tripoli.

The French Constitutional Council has finally stamped the law banning veil as not impinging on civil liberties. Meanwhile the expulsion of Roma from France has both positive and negative impacts. The saga is now making governments having Roma as ethnic minority to review policy of integrating the Roma.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Cleaning up the Baltic Sea is becoming a concern for the EU, the bloc is concerned that a year into its existence, EU's first 'macro-regional' policy around the Baltic Sea has few results to show, as it uses no fresh money and has no new institutions or legislation in place to implement it.

Seen as a defeat for the Greens, who failed to see their proposed resolution, calling a halt to all new oil drilling until uniform oil-rig safety standards and procedures were introduced accepted by EU commission. The call for the temporary ban explains the fear that follows the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Geostrategic Issues

Developing a NATO cyber-war capability and French opposition to joint nuclear planning are emerging as the main bones of contention in the debate on a new NATO "Strategic Concept”.

EAST EUROPE

Political Issues

Kosovo remains the only Western Balkan countries excluded from the EU visa liberalization scheme. The resolution of the commission excluded Pristina though recommended Albania and Bosnia for the scheme. Kosovo’s exclusion is somewhat linked to lack of singular policy on Kosovo within the bloc.

A poll conducted in Poland showed support for Prime Minister Donald Tusk's centre-right pro-business party had dropped to 37 % from 42, thus explains the gain for other opposition parties. Meanwhile, the Polish leader reiterates the view of certain EU members that Turkey should be brought closer to the EU.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych’s recent visit to France was a chance for both countries to renew their bilateral friendship and Ukraine’s commitment to the EU. Yanukovych said in France that “One for all, all for one” should not be confined to the EU instead should be a continental value.

Meanwhile the recent 2004 constitutional amendments in Ukraine have received attention from the EU and U.S.

In Slovakia, the Ruling Centre-Right Coalition government recently agreed on the draft 2011 budget which includes a 1% increase in the standard rate of value-added tax (VAT), from 19% to 20%

The ruling Hungarian FIDESZ party has once again shown its muscle in the just completed municipal elections, overshadowing other political parties as was the case during the April general elections. But the opposition snatches the seat of Budapest mayor, a potential threat for FIDESZ.

Run-up to the Belarusian presidential election is on and candidates have been reduced to 15, meanwhile incumbent President Alexander Lukashenka remains at the top, believe to be chanting anti-Russia slogans.

The Unity bloc of Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, Union of Greens and Farmers has formed the current minority coalition with a nationalist bloc with the hope to see the country develops.

Economic Issues

Poland’s government has decided to raise the minimum wage in Poland starting from January 2011 to 1,386 zloty (352 euro). The issue has been a bone of contention between the government and trade unions.

In a recent interview given to the US business news channel CNBC, Czech president Klaus said the condition of the Czech economy is improving and the country's gross domestic product should grow by around 2.5%,

Meanwhile Ukraine has proudly announced a successful return to the capital markets after raising $2bn.

The Hungarian government is bent at not exploring possibility of a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund, saving the country from further dependence.

Lithuania-India bilateral trade was reported to have dropped following the recession in 2009 by a decreasing value of $100 million.

In Estonia, inflation is on the rise and prices of consumer goods are rapidly hurting the people, while Latvia's prime minister reaffirmed his belief to keep the country on its IMF-led austerity path and eventually euro zone entry.

Geostrategic Issues

The process of European Union’s expansion and integration is not easy for all countries. Ukraine is one country being careful of EU integration as the recent DCFTA [Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement] agreement with the EU is believed to be a costly deal to implement

This might be the best way of taming Russia and making the old foe responsible on the continent. NATO chief is proposing to have Russia as part of the larger controversial missile defense shield initiated by Washington which has become a worrisome issue for Moscow.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Meanwhile, Ukraine will be taking steps similar to those in Russia by not exporting its grain unless harvests get well after the end of the year.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban rejected financial help to solve the recent environmental problem in the country but welcomes expertise to help contain the deadly toxic mud spill that has devastated villages and is threatening its waterways and the Danube.

Geostrategic Issues

Estonian President Mr. IIves's visit to Afghanistan was memorable because it marked the 80th friendship anniversary of the two countries.

Meanwhile amid the renewal of economic relations between Belarus and Armenia, Minsk nonetheless believes that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict should be resolved peacefully.

RUSSIA

Political Issues

In Russia the ousting of Yuri M. Luzhkov, longtime former mayor of Moscow by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is becoming a reminiscence of the Communist era when authorities in Russia cannot be challenged. Meanwhile, Yuri M. Luzhkov has vowed to remain in politics and constitute independent movement to champion the cause of democracy amid Russia’s preparation for the next general elections. All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) reveals that 66% of Russians agreed with Luzhkov’s dismissal.

Economic Issues

As Russia cracks down on corruption and pushes for good governance, Russian Audit Chamber said it has numerous documents showing that the Moscow city government has spent budget funds inefficiently. Russian’s Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin believes hiking the retirement age would help bring down the increasing budget deficit of Russia's Pension Fund.

Russian efforts to attain a GDP growth level of 7-8 % by 2014-2017 are underway; the nation hoped to reduce its budget deficit in order to reach zero deficit by 2015, provided that the price of oil is $78 per barrel.

`Lukoil, the Russian oil giant is mulling listing on Hong Kong or Singapore, London, New York, Frankfurt’s stock exchanges in 2011.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Two Russians Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, both of whom work for universities in Britain, won the Nobel Prize for Physics.

The Polish government is opening the case of alleged CIA torture of a Saudi national in Poland.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Ukraine got cheap price gas from Russia for normalizing ties with Moscow, this could be true for Belarus if Minsk will review it policy towards Moscow. Russia is an energy hub in the region and can always sway its energy clout. But the Belarus government believes Russia has violated the CIS Economic agreement obliging members not to charge export fees in their trade.

Meanwhile, France’s Air Liquide is expected to extend its investment in the Nizhny Novgorod region of Russia for the next five years. For Russia it is positive news that the country was rated as the 3^rd most transparent country in the areas of oil and mining sectors.

Russia-US non-proliferation talks are so far un-finalized, yet Russia's commercial reserves of natural uranium have doubled and production has increased 13% since the start of 2010.

The scramble over the Arctic and the Antarctic resources is a potential future brawl as many contenders are flexing muscle in these regions thought to be endowed with numerous resources.

Geostrategic Issues

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to Algeria saw the signing of bilateral cooperation in energy and transportation sector but the Russian leader failed to get the consent of the North African country on communication cooperation.

Abkhazia and South Ossetia are issues Georgia is ready to use against Russia-WTO integration. Russia too is becoming wary of its WTO membership as many hurdles waylay it. Meanwhile, Abkhazia rejected Clinton’s suggestion that Russian troop should be withdrawn from the region.

Trying to comply with new UNSC’s sanctions on Iran, Russia might have to refund Iran’s payment for the aborting the sale of S-300 military hardware. Meanwhile, Russian leadership is vulcanizing its military industry for greater productivity and is ready to sell hardware to India.

US/CANADA

Political Issues

Americans are looking forward to the midterm elections, but even if polls suggest Democrat vulnerability, the road still remains uncertain for the Republican Party having lesser chances of taking over the Senate, though more likely for the Congress.

Meanwhile, immigration issue is expected to affect the total turnout of the midterm elections particularly among the Latinos. Arizona law is said to be affecting the political participation of Latinos as depicted by lesser voters’ registration, yet political candidates with tough stance on immigration are getting public support.

Economic Issues

Bank of America, the largest bank in the U.S is expected to extend its moratoriums nationwide on lenders and thousands of borrowers in default.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Park51 architectural interior outlook has been opened to the public with the intention of telling opponents of the Islamic centre what the centre will eventually look like. Fund raising for the centre is said to have not begun.

Judge Lewis A. Kaplan of United States District Court in Manhattan has rejected using a crucial witness in the trial of a former Guantánamo detainee, adding to the fierce debate over whether the government can successfully prosecute terrorist detainees in civilian court.

The Arizona government has shown zero tolerance for illegal immigration but opens the door of the state for refugees. The recent Arizona immigration law could have a domino effect as other states like Nebraska are contemplating similar laws.

Geostrategic Issues

Tension between U.S and Pakistan is making the U.S military rethink its policy on energy. The huge dependence on fossil oil and recent blockage of energy supply to Afghanistan reiterates the high necessity for renewable resources. The blockage was effective and forced the U.S to apologize for the first time following the killing of Pakistanis.

LATIN AMERICA

Political Issues

A twist in Argentina-Chile relation surfaced last week when a suspected Chilean criminal was granted asylum by Argentina’s Supreme Court. Argentina is rejecting extradition on the premise of human rights. The former leftist guerrilla is charged of assassinating a senator and kidnapping a businessman in Chile in 1991.

The first round of votes in Brazil has somewhat belied pre-election polls suggesting free hand winning of presidential candidate Dilma Rousseff. The country will be going for a second round as Dilma Rousseff could only secure 46.9%, Jose Serra got 32.6% and Green’s Party got 20%.

Sharing similar ordeals with Colombia, the Mexican president is urging the country’s congress to legislate new law in the congress geared at training Mexican police forces to combat drug cartels.

Economic Issues

Argentina’s economy is expected to see a boost after the US $326 million loan given by a regional development bank CAF to upgrade its freight rail network useful for the movement of copper, corn, minerals, petroleum products, rice, soybeans and vegetable oil.

Despite being troubled by drug cartels, Mexican authority claims the economy is doing well and still remains the second largest economy after Brazil in the region.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The ordeal of the 33 trapped Chilean miners came to an end last week. A poll published by La Tercera newspaper said 84 % of Chileans approved of the handling of the mine crisis by President Sebastian Pinera, a billionaire businessman who took office in March.

Efforts by the Colombian government in emasculating the menace of drug cartels appears to be yielding as government officials apprehended and confiscated huge amounts of cash from the cartels.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Natural resources production will further see a rise following Brazil’s plans to more than double its copper production by 2014. The government envisages making Brazil a regular net exporter of the red metal.

Geostrategic Issues

Latin America wants to close its history of military and authoritarian rule and any attempt to undermine democratic process will not be condoned. This was reiterated by Brazilian president upon the mutiny against the government of President Rafael Correa in Ecuador.

A historic visit by Lebanese President Michael Suleiman to Mexico City, marked 65 years of similar visit by a Lebanese president to Mexico. The nation is home to more than half a million Lebanese and their descendants.

AUSTRALASIA

Political Issues

The new fragile Australian government led by the Labour party has dropped the idea of unpopular "citizens' assembly", letting 150 ordinary people seek ways of slashing gas emissions as alternative to parliament. The plan was dropped after the plan drew fierce criticism during the recent election campaign.

Economic Issues

The controversial merger of mining giant Rio Tinto with BHP Billiton remains elusive as the massive deal appeared on the brink of collapse.

Geostrategic Issues

Having a regional asylum processing centre is one issue the Australian government is struggling to iron out with regional governments. According to reports Australia is wary of immigrants coming to the Pacific country and disturbed by the unruly behaviour of asylum seekers. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 139

2010-11-07T23:01:00.000-08:00

WESTERN EUROPE

Political Issues

France remains under EU’s fire over the impasse of Roma expulsion. The EU plans to sue Paris for violating EU’s law on freedom of movement. Meanwhile, the European Commission (EC) is set to provide financial aid to Greece to reform its asylum system as Athens’ asylum infrastructures is believed to be lagging behind rules.

For EU opening the chapters of food safety and veterinary health with Ankara is significant and displays that Brussels is committed to Turkey-EU integration. EU in recent time faces criticism of alienating Turkey and pushing Ankara eastward. Similarly some EU members are worried about delaying Ankara-EU integration, thus supporters of Ankara urges EU to be futuristic about Turkey.

The logic behind EU renewal of travel ban for Belarusian leadership is to see political change in that country, even though President Aleksander Lukashenko said he wants to repair ties with Brussels.

The Dutch coalition government will have to prove itself as non anti-immigration and Islam. The coalition government is made up of Wilders’s party echoing high rhetoric of closing down on immigration and stopping The Netherlands of Islamization; a view the opposition does not share.

Economic Issues

The EU is heading for a new strategic partnership with Asian emerging economies; but that partnership could be create hurdles for the issues of WTO and IMF leadership. Asian economies are said to be wrangling for a change in the IMF leadership structure, which has been largely dominated by the EU and U.S, a representation of post 2^nd World war scenario.

The message of European protesters across Europe to their governments is to redress the austerity measures. The all around Europe protests were spearheaded by Unions against banks and aimed at pressuring government to change gear.

In an economy facing deficit crisis, the British government is grappling on how to keep welfare package to the public and simultaneously cut public spending.

The Irish prime minister once denounces the parallel of his country’s and Greek economy, but a recent report shows the extent to which the Irish financial system is affected. The question is whether or not the EU will be doing same bailing action for Ireland.

EU MEPs want the commission to investigate defense deal between Germany and two southern Europe countries. The deal is thought to be responsible for the economic crisis of these countries and believed to be hypocritical of the EU asking for austerity measures and at the same time encouraging huge defense transactions.

Amid cries over austerity measures which have produced series of strike actions, the Greek government reached an agreement with banks operating in Greece to inject 25 billion euros into the economy in the form of loans.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The European Commission plans to take the United Kingdom to court for not fully implementing data privacy rules for online users and allowing service providers to use "behavioral advertising" based on the websites visited by web surfers.

The European Commission is also making cyber defense a central issue and ready to intensify effort on Enisa and Europol to combating the cyber menace and at the same time enact law that will incriminate hackers and zombie computers.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The growing price of non-renewable energy is increasingly becoming unaffordable for both governments and the people; therefore the need for alternative renewable energy source has also grown. Italy is said to be one of the European countries benefiting from renewable energy plants, making life comfortable even to the ordinary masses.

Geostrategic Issues

Former Polish prime minister and leader of Poland's main opposition party, Jaroslaw Kaczynski is warning EU of Russia’s neo-imperial influence and cautioned that bilateral business interests with Russia should not be at the expense of EU’s values and standards.

Scott Stewart notes in his article Terror Threats and Alerts in France, published in Stratfor, that France unlike other big European nations is yet to experience any form of devastating terrorist attack. French intelligence though puts the country on a red alert. The bottom-line argument is that the scar of French colonial policies is still irritating and recent policies towards French Muslims aggravates the tension, thus makes France a potential victim of huge terror attack.

EAST EUROPE

Political Issues

Albania political stalemate is casting shadow of doubt on the country’s political maturity and ability to move ahead in its EU integration and its commitments to fulfill the Millennium Challenge Corporation Threshold Agreement Programme. The political impasses have become hurdles for legislation processes.

It was a political landslide as famous Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu resigned following accusations that he had violated the constitution for holding simultaneously two seats as leader of his party and president of the country. Meanwhile, all parties have agreed to have an early election although a date has not been chosen. NATO forces working in Kosovo are counting their successes yet wary of underestimating the tasks yet uncompleted.

Macedonian Lustration Commission has refuted and reconfirmed that Constitutional Court President Trendafil Ivanovski collaborated with the communist-era secret police and can no longer occupy his post.

In Serbia, the government has decided to end mandatory military service, effective January 1st 2011. As of then, military service will be only for those who volunteer to join the army.

Polish leaders are still deliberating on Pole-US military cooperation which could include the deployment of U.S forces in Poland. It is Poland’s sovereign right to enter pact with any country but the Russian factor is always there.

The Czech government is insisting not to discontinue with the plan to launch an e- Government projects despite the dramatic budget cuts. There has been opposition to the project as it will be adding to public spending.

As Hungary takes the EU rotational presidency by January 2011, it hopes to accelerate Western Balkan EU integration, push more for economic recovery and job creation and to focus on Roma integration.

Ukrainian Constitutional Court finally canceled 2004 constitutional reform and reestablishes the presidential-parliamentary Republic in accordance with the initial version of the Constitution adopted in 1996. The initial version of 1996 Constitution was approved after 5 years of a vibrant nation-wide discussion.

Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis' Vienotiba (Unity) bloc has won 30.34% defeating the opposition Saskanas Centrs (Harmony Center) party, which represents the Russian-speaking majority.

Economic Issues

The austerity measures across Europe are becoming a threat for governments wanting to cut public budgets. Romanian government felt the wind of protesters asking the government to retract plans to cut pension and civil services salaries.

The Polish government celebrates the nation’s economic growth and making serious plans to integrate the economy with the Eurozone. The new pro-business government hopes to accelerate the growth.

The Czech koruna is reported to have made remarkable gains in the last quarter, signaling the boost of the economy. Yet the European Commission is referring Czech to the European Court of Justice for failing to upgrade its dairy product legislation, believe e not meeting the requirements set out in EU legislation

Meanwhile, in Slovakia, ambitious fiscal consolidation plan, which includes hikes in value-added and excise taxes and cuts in government spending, continues to be pursued by the centre-right Slovak cabinet.

According to the central bank of Ukraine, the increase in government debt has contributed to the nation’s total foreign debt from $102.8 billion on April 1 to $104.5 billion as of July 1.

Lithuanians joined the tens of thousands of workers that marched through the streets of Europe, decrying the loss of jobs and benefits they fear will come with stinging austerity measures seeking to contain government debt.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The latest protest in Bulgaria was an indication of religiosity and religious accommodation of the people as clerics and members of the public together rallied demanding for mandatory study of Orthodox Christianity, Roman Catholicism or Islam.

An independent commission reviewing school textbooks concludes that Serb students in Kosovo learn only one side of history, which does not promote peace and tolerance. The commission observes that children of Serbs are misinformed through their various studies package.

The appointment of Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz as the new vice-chancellor of the University of Cambridge has been received well by the Poles.

Geostrategic Issues

Media reported that Montenegro and Serbia have agreed on the terms of an agreement to extradite people suspected of a handful of specific crimes.

In an attempt to strengthen its NATO credential, Slovak government wants its troop out of Kosovo but to be deployed to Afghanistan, even though the war in Afghanistan is increasingly becoming unpopular.

RUSSIA

Political Issues

Russia political parties have commenced campaigning for the next general election though according to reports certain political opposition is facing government repression. The recent defeat of a pro-Russian Latvian presidential candidate in recent elections has also been a blow.

Economic Issues

According to the survey of Cushman & Wakefield, nearly 10 % of the 500 European companies surveyed said they expect to bring their operations to Moscow soon, therefore bringing Moscow closer to London, Paris and Frankfurt as Europe business hubs. Meanwhile, foreign investors will now have to get government permission for a purchase of five or more percent in Russia’s financial infrastructure.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

President Dmitry Medvedev has set Russia's security agencies the task of creating a reliable modern system for confidential mobile communications and replacing outdated system with the digital technology.

A 20 years archaeological excavation has proved the existence of unknown settlements but believe to be originally built by Aryan race about 4,000 years ago in Russia.

Russia has been treading the path of reducing cigarette smoke in the public since 2007 when tobacco ads on outdoor billboards were banned; further ban is expected to take effect by 2012.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The ban on Russian grains could be lifted if harvest after next year is fine; this was the contention of the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, whose country plays a significant role in global grains production.

Due to its reserve, Ukraine will be slashing its gas purchase from Russia, while the latter plans to hike the price of gas for Belarus and has not been able to reach a conclusive gas with China, whose interest in Russia’s energy sector has increased.

Geostrategic Issues

Russia is showing commitment in maintaining stronger ties with neighbours as well as countries of the BRIC. The recent programme of cooperation for 2011-2016 between Russia and Ukraine insinuates years of mutual support to come.

The Central Asian Cooperation Organization (CACO) a grouping of Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will merge with the Eurasian Economic Community (EURASEC), a body seeking to establish a single economic zone.

On the occasion of Unity Day celebration commemorating the reunification of East and West Germany, Russian President Medvedev sent a felicity note to Chancellor Merkel.

The visit of Russian president to South Kuril Islands, a disputed island between Moscow and Tokyo might further exacerbate tension between the two countries. Meanwhile, despite Russia supporting another round of UNSC sanctions, Moscow still holds that diplomacy is wise in resolving Iran’s nuclear impasses.

US/CANADA

Political Issues

As the midterm elections draws closer in the United States, the democrat party has launched offensive ads, challenging the past of republicans in the Congress. Meanwhile, republicans’ spending has outmatched democrats amid democrats’ wealthy supporters cutting support.

As the election days move in, President Obama paid a visit to University of Wisconsin-Madison to rally liberal progressive for his party and demonizing republicans’ promise of deficit cut.

Canada’s minority government remains ahead of all opposition parties according to the latest poll by EKOs, the latter has been noticing an oscillation in public rating of the parties.

Economic Issues

Saving the Canadian economy is one serious objective Canadian Prime-Minister Stephen Harper is trying to achieve as his government works with French investigators to nail Canadian tax evaders having offshore assets in Switzerland and HSBC. In the same vein, Canadian government will be limiting the increases in employment insurance premiums to avoid derailing economic recovery.

Canadian National Railway managers reached a deal with Canadian railway workers, a deal which averted a possible labour showdown at Canada's largest rail carrier.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Drug related crime is expected to command lesser penalty in California through the legalization of drug like marijuana. The law is expected to change the racial discrimination of existing law and reduce government spending on prisoners and prisons.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The oil exploration is expected to begin in Cuba’s water but many fear that a repetition of oil spill in Cuba will be equally detrimental to the United States due to proximity.

Canadian Environment Minister Jim Prentice has constituted a panel that will investigate the environmental implications of the Alberta's oil sands projects exploration. The issue has been making headlines and environmentalists are concerned about pollution of Athabasca River

Geostrategic Issues

Stuxnet, the cyber virus worries many countries especially Iran in recent times, a reminder to the issue of cyber defense system few countries have been calling for. The virus is said to have attacked Iran’s nuclear computer even though Tehran is not consenting, yet the air is filled with the view that the West will be using everything possible to rollback Iran’s suspected nuclear programme.

LATIN AMERICA

Political Issues

Despite allegations of nepotism, Brazilian polls are not suggesting any change in the status of Ms Rousseff as the leading presidential candidate.

For Colombia, combating the danger of FARC is a strategic matter, the government of President Santos believes in negotiation with FARC if only the latter will renounce its rebellion, although the killing of a FARC leader recently raised public rating of Santos.

President Hugo Chavez employed the internet effectively before the recent election, which was praised as a peaceful election even by the EU. Chavez’s party though got majority votes but lacks the third majority needed in the elections of 2012 to run the government. Chavez’s United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) faced serious challenge from the oppositions.

Economic Issues

The heavyweight of the Brazilian economy both within and outside the region is beyond exaggeration; hence for Brazil cooperating with Cuba is expected to strengthen regional economy.

Having won the elections, Venezuelans will want Chavez to turn around the economy which has not been doing well in recent times.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The menace of Mexican drug lords and violence related to this cartel is not threatening ordinary Mexicans alone but equally affecting political leaders as many have been killed in recent times.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The Brazilian government is hopeful in increasing the country’s ethanol production from 26 billion liters of ethanol in 2010 to 64 billion ethanol by 2019. Brazil and the United States are the top countries producing this alternative energy. Meanwhile the country also intends to stabilize its oil production.

If President Hugo Chavez supports Iran for its nuclear programme, then it will be less a surprise to see Chavez announcing that Venezuela is also planning similar programme not for weapon but to generate energy for its economy.

Geostrategic Issues

For few in the region it is believed to be another form of European colonialism and should be resisted at all cost. The Argentine government is flexing all muscles to challenge Britain over the long disputed Falkland Island and regional leaders are throwing their support for Argentine president Cristina Kirchner.

Chilean President Pinera rebinds Chile-California ties as both signed agreements on education, environment and business cooperation. This part of the United States has enjoyed a long and sound relation with Chile.

Colombia-Venezuela relation is opening a new page, characterized by cooperation in different sectors and cordial neighborhood. Colombian President Santos confirmed this during a interview with Washington Post.

AUSTRALASIA

Political Issues

The fragile coalition government in Australia was finally sworn in after a tight struggle from a strong opposition. Meanwhile, Ed Husic sets a landmark as the first Muslim sworn in on the Quran in the newly constituted Australian parliament. His parliament role has given a boost to the 1.7% Muslim community of Australian 22 million populations.

Australia's former Prime Minister John Howard decries against Anglosphere acceptance of multiculturalism. Speaking before the Heritage Foundation, Howard urges the English speaking countries to champion deeply their values and achievements and shun diluting their cultural values.

Economic Issues

Although the effect of the global financial meltdown was not profound as in other rich economies, yet the Australian dollar is surging and causing huge cry among tourists visiting the country. The surge explains the expensive state of the economy. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 138

2010-10-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

WESTERN EUROPE

Political Issues

Selection of officers for the European External Action Service (EEAS) had a misgiving reaction from new EU members, thinking old EU members had shared the post among themselves through back room deal. But the statement by EEAS chief Catherine Ashton suggests that applicants from the new member states only concentrated on same jobs therefore reduced their opportunity to getting other portfolios.

The EU has tightened its anti-piracy law with new enforcement and diffuses the concern of civil liberties activists that such moves would undermine fundamental freedoms in the bloc. EU believes online piracy is detrimental to copyright and causes serious economic damage to artists, to creative industries and to all those, whose jobs depend on the use of internet.

Swedish parliamentary election has ended with no decisive winner, the center-right party led by Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt longs for left-wing opposition support instead of far-right Sweden Democrats, not generally favored for its anti-immigration policies.

After a long battle for the seat departed by ex-PM Gordon Brown, the labour party finally chooses Ed Miliband as its new leader, triumphing over his brother, Ex-foreign secretary David Miliband. But Prime Minister David Cameron challenges labour opposition of lacking alternative policy to bail out the economy from it present woes.

Economic Issues

One of the challenges to the EU has been the fear of losing state sovereignty and the anxiety of being overshadowed by powerful and old EU countries. One of the current most apprehensions was from UK fearing that the new established financial regulatory body of the EU will undermine its sovereignty, although the bloc has approved the financial watchdogs after address concerns. The financial watchdog is expected to reduce the repetition of the financial crisis within the Eurozone.

The European economic project is believed to be achievable if the bloc can re- launch a social market economy alongside its single market. The economic reality in the EU demands alternatives upon which EU citizens could be able to meet their economic needs.

German economy is taking the credit as a model for others; German economy continues to witness growth despite the troubling economic concerns within the EU. Such economic surge however might not be true for Ireland.

The economic reality facing governments across Europe could inform why the British government declined to acknowledge the financial request of the British Queen. For many Britons financially assisting the palace is unworthy, while others believe the monarch has it benefit to British economy.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

French labour leaders are chanting victory for the huge protest they were able to launch against the recent most upheaval, pension reforms.

Meanwhile, Roma expulsion is making headlines across Europe and debate among EU MEP. Although many have criticized France for its action but that does not suggest France is without supporters like Italy and Spain.

Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the leader of the world's Anglicans sees no issue in the appointment of a gay bishop, but the traditionally and historically standards that requires clergy to remain celibate could stop a gay becoming a bishop.

The Vatican will for a long time continue to see the harsh reactions of relatives and victims of sex scandal that rocked the Catholic Church. Protesters across Europe and United States are staging protest before the Vatican to express their grievance.

Normalization of ties could be best for the EU but not at the cost of Human right in terms of Cuba and China. The European Commission resolves to ban goods from China produced in forced labour camps and will want Havana to ensure more human rights protection.

Some in the EU wants a normalization of ties with Havana but such sentiment is not shared by all. Spain has been at the forefront of the normalization process, but if the EU accords one of Havana dissidents Human Right prize that could jeopardize the effort.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Despite their tough and committed ambition to nail Israel as Nuclear Capability State, the Arab sponsored resolution supported by Iran could not passed through IAEA approval. The resolution was defeated by 51 votes, against 46 votes in its support. Washington has attempted dissuading Arab members of IAEA from such a move because of sensitivity of the on-going Middle East Peace talks.

According to an analysis in the World Politics Review, the Nabucco natural gas pipeline remains a project victimize by geo-political and economic interest. All feeders for the pipeline are faced with many options and that is affecting Nabucco. On this backdrop the huge financial commitment of European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the International Financial Corporation (a branch of the World Bank Group) to see the Nabucco natural gas pipeline becomes operational by 2015 demand more political gimmick.

Geostrategic Issues

The new U.S Electronic Travel Authorisation System (Esta) requires EU citizens to pay $14 entry fee through credit card for which EU citizens’ data could be recorded. EU believes the system infringes on transatlantic cooperation and MEPs are thinking of retaliation.

The threat of militant groups in Africa gives French military legitimacy on the continent. Paris has been struggling with militants keeping French citizens as hostages and Paris believes military action can only be used to retract the action.

EAST EUROPE

Political Issues

Political tension remains a recounting issue in Albania as ruling and opposition parties are yet to find a solution to the disturbing issue of irregularities in June 2009 elections. The opposition is staging another protest meanwhile failed to participate in deciding the new chairman of the country's Constitutional Court.

Romania parliament formally displayed their resentment against Roma expulsion from France through a parliamentary consensus. Yet that does not hide the divide between the ruling and opposition parties over unpopular pension law.

Serbian political leadership will have to prove their political seriousness that will bridge the gulf between radical and liberal politic. The government has not agreed to the proposal of having an election as demanded by the opposition.

Economic Issues

The economic climate in the Romania has further push labour leader to stage protest against the government, accused of negligence toward the need of workers.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Albania government has given recognition to minority Serbs in the country by allowing the teaching of Serbian in school to children of Serb origin.

Ratko Mladic and Goran Hadzic, Brammertz are two fugitives denting Serbia before the UN war crimes tribunal. The latter is unhappy with Serbia lackadaisical attitude towards apprehending the two war crime accused.

Geostrategic Issues

The trouble between Serbia and Kosovo is not closer to resolution even after the ICJ’s ruling. Pristina is rejecting any chances of status talk with Serbia even if they will sit together under the auspices of the UN. Meanwhile the issue of Northern Kosovo continues to divide the two countries.

The expulsion of Roma from France is termed offensive to Bulgaria and Romania, yet both countries have agreed not to allow the issue to dissuade their bid for Schengen membership.

The new Macedonia-Serbia agreement allowing citizens of both countries to move across the borders without passport is another pointer that despite the unsettled political climate in the region there is still room for co-operation.

RUSSIA

Political Issues

Poland and Russia have been at loggerhead but a new understanding over gas pipeline and supply might reduce the tension between the two countries. Meanwhile, Poland continues to flex muscle within the EU by urging the bloc to speed up reforms conducive to the new and less powerful member countries.

Poland is supporting the UN Millennium Development Goals project, as Poland itself has been a recipient of humanitarian aid, hence Poland is ready to share experience of receiving and extending aid to underdeveloped countries.

The Slovak Centre-Right coalition government is still battling with how to resolve budget deficit and cut public spending for the next fiscal year. The cut is expected to affect Slovak’s defence ministry and its foreign military operations.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, has been in power since 1994 and will still be running for same office in the upcoming December 19 presidential elections.

Belarus would not be happy being the cause of Kyrgyzstan economic problem. The role of Belarus in Kyrgyzstan recent past trouble has been recounted as the former gave asylum to the former Kyrgyz president; therefore Kyrgyzstan refuses to join the trilateral union of Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus.

The Latvia's Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis will be happy for receiving the support of leaders of neighbouring countries. The prime ministers of neighbouring Estonia and Lithuania weighed in their support for Dombrovskis amid the Latvia's forthcoming general election.

Economic Issues

Vladimir Putin, Russia’s prime minister, trumpeted the prospect of strong economic growth and defended his accomplishments and hopes cutting Russia’s budget deficit. Meanwhile, Russia does not expect to join the WTO by 2011 as expected.

As Indonesia’s exports to Russia in the first half of this year reached US$242 million, while the value of imports was $540.3 million both see more prospective in their economic ties upon the agreement to be soon signed between leaders from both countries.

The centre-right Czech government has finally adopted a belt-tightening budget for next year limiting the public finance deficit to 4.6 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) set by the European Union for the country.

Meanwhile, the Polish government is facing its own share of protest over pay freezes proposed by the government in the 2011 budget.

Hungary and Germany are on the verge of strengthening their ties through co-operating on car production as Hungarian leader meets with German top car producer.

The seminar titled ‘Focus CIS Region' paved the way for diplomats from CIS countries to threw open opportunities for Indian exporters and business houses for export of various products and setting up joint venture in the region.

The Estonian Consumer Protection Board issued a warning on Sept. 17 that when consumers begin to make travel plans, they should take into account the problems encountered by some with the activities of the aviation firm Air Baltic

Klaipeda Free Economy Zone has signed an agreement with a new investor Heidelberg Klaipeda for allocation of more than ten million LITAS in development of logistics terminal.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Exiled Chechen separatist leader Akhmed Zakayev has returned to London after Poland declined a request from Russia to extradite him on charges of murder, kidnapping and terrorism.

The Czech President Václav Klaus believes in quality education for all and he demonstrated that by opening the new academic year at the Economics and Public Administration Faculty of Prague’s University of Economics.

The Czech Republic has refused to grant Google permission to expand its "Street View" because the mapping feature invades peoples' privacy.

Poland's Equality Minister is facing accusations of homophobia and there have been calls for her to quit after she said Catholic schools had the right to fire gay and lesbian teachers.

The issue of Roma remains in the headlines as Hungarian state television has rejected a political ad from a far-right party that talks about 'Gypsy criminals.'

Could this be another extension of Chinese Influence? Li Changchun, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), opened the first Confucius Institute in Estonia and first of its kind in the Baltic region.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The role of Russia in global food production cannot be veiled. The recent ban on grains by Russia as a result of its natural disaster is having ramification on global grains market and that explains why Russia will part of experts to deliberate on global worries on high food prices.

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin said after a meeting with Chinese officials that Chinese officials have not sought to revise an earlier agreement over the cost of oil delivered to China via a recently launched 67-km spur from the Eastern Siberia-Pacific Ocean (ESPO) pipeline

The Hungarian EU Presidency, to be held in the first half of 2011, wants to conclude EU legislation on regulating the disposal of nuclear waste and spent fuel.

Ukraine's coal industry ministry and China's state development bank reached an agreement on cooperation in the coal industry, a further boost to Ukraine’s energy benefit. Ukraine will also be joining the European Energy Community on 24 September, ahead of the Group's Eighth Ministerial Meeting in Skopje.

Geostrategic Issues

Israeli leaders have sharply criticized Bill Clinton over comments the former U.S. president made this week calling Russian immigrants in Israel an obstacle to peace.

Israeli and Polish diplomats met at a conference in Jerusalem marking the 20th anniversary of the renewal of bilateral relations after breaking off ties in 1967. Israel attention in the region will not forget Czech Republic as Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman visits Prague.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko hails Venezuela for saving his country from an economic crisis by sending oil to Minsk after Russia stopped subsidizing shipments of crude oil to Belarus.

US/CANADA

Political Issues

The sluggish American economy has compounded the frustration of many Americans for Obama-led democrat government. Recent AP-GfK Poll suggests that voters are disenchanted by both parties yet republican voters are more enthusiastic than democrat to cast their votes. Tax cut and extension is another election potential issue which both parties are yet to get a consensus opinion on. Democrat party hopes to further dig into the issue after the midterm election.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York is showcasing himself as a new breed politician having broad horizon of politics and who is more problem solving oriented. His recent interview challenges the Tea party as just a fad, lacking leadership skill to resolve Washington’s problem.

Young democrats and independents are believed to be disenchanted with Obama because his message of hope is bearing no reality; many of the campaign promises are fading into political wind and thus meant that the president would have to re-enchant his base with campaign-style rallies.

Canadian minority government narrowly lost a bid to relax gun registry in the country. The opposition wants to retain the registry as measure to curb crimes, but rejected by the Conservative government as a waste of money bill which penalizes law-abiding hunters and farmers.

Economic Issues

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is not happy with the less popularity of his government and the state of the economy, which informs the shuffle in his cabinet with more experienced person.

Canadian Department of Finance says fiscal policy is on track as budget deficit falls. The fall was from C$5.8 billion to C$473 million, followed by expenses declined and revenues increased.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Canadian engineering students assert that they have made Leonardo Da Vinci’s dream a reality by making the Snowbird fly. They claim to have flown an engineless aircraft that stays aloft by flapping its wings like a bird. It is left with International aviation officials to certify the success of the claim.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Albert has long been debating the environmental implications of oil sands exploration with no specific conclusion but the government is offering a third party independent panel to further probe the issue as to how the exploration contributes to water pollution.

LATIN AMERICA

Political Issues

Few South American leaders will be part of world leaders whose attendance at the UNGA session will be missing. These leaders are reported to be deeply concerned about domestic issues holding them back from the UN session.

Brazilians are closer to cast their votes for the next president of the country, yet poll remains same that Ms. Rousseff is leading with a large difference and hopeful willing the presidential election in the first round.

Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez is wooing voters for votes with the promise of nationalization and socialism, meanwhile the Catholic Church wants opposition’s votes to be respected and wants Venezuela to trail the part of Brazil in transferring power easily even to a woman.

Economic Issues

Argentina is pushing hard for a concerted trade partnership between the European Union Mercosur. The hope is that with strong bilateral agreements and free trade both blocs can trade better

NAFTA was a platform created to facilitate trade, but the tension between U.S and Mexico has become one of the shadows disturbing NAFTA. U.S meat industry wants the government to re-allow Mexican truckers into the U.S as a block on Mexican trunks has affected the meat industry.

Venezuela’s finance ministry reported that Venezuela’s steel production fell by 31 percent in 2009 and aluminum output decreased by 6 percent and alumina dropped 14 percent.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Thousands of Argentines students took to the street protested before national congress and presidential palace in Buenos Aires demanding quality education in their colleges and universities.

As part of its social welfare package, Brazil’s labour minister said that the government has created 1.95 million new jobs to wither the strength of joblessness.

It is a sign of diplomatic normalization as Colombian and Venezuelan officers are working together in combating drug traffickers and rebel groups.

Meanwhile, a newspaper in Mexico questions the authority of the government; believe to be a lame government that cannot protect its citizens from the harsh threats and killings by drug lords.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The government of Argentina said that in 2009/10 wheat production has increased as compare to the previous years and harvest should be between 10 million and 11.2 million tons.

Due to its emerging economy and demand for energy, the Brazilian government plans to set up 10 hydroelectric power plants this year with an aim to generate 4,000 MW of electricity.

Rescue operation continues in Chile for the 33 miners trapped under 2,300 feet beneath the earth. Chilean President Pinera is doing all best that the miners are rescued by November.

Geostrategic Issues

New York presented an avenue for the foreign ministers of BRIC to deliberate on matter of greater interest to them. The ministers discussed cooperation among emerging market countries, the reform of the international financial architecture and global economic governance as well as international development cooperation

It has become a perennial tension between the two countries; Argentine forces are seen gearing up for the Falkland Island to show their sovereignty, a situation not welcoming to the British government.

Venezuela-U.S diplomatic tension remains on the broad, Caracas is rejecting Palmer as U.S ambassador to Venezuela on the premise that he has been meddling in Venezuelan domestic affairs.

AUSTRALASIA

Political Issues

Managing a fragile coalition is the big challenge confronting the Australian government. The Green party, one of coalition partners is demanding tax increase for mining, an expensive policy for Labour, and the Opposition Liberal party is threatening to break down the delicate government. The question is whether Australians are ready to go to the polls again.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The increasing trouble caused by asylum seekers in Australia is becoming an issue for Australian immigration policy of mandatory detention for asylum-seekers while their claims are processed. Detecting genuine and fake asylum seeker is what the policy has not been able to achieve.

The late nun Mary MacKillop who soon will become Australia's first Catholic saint was briefly excommunicated by the church in part because she exposed a paedophile priest, a new documentary claims.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

New Zealand was gripped by another low intensity earthquake, which according to report has not caused damage or injuries. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 137

2010-10-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

WESTERN EUROPE

Political Issues

The Visegrad countries (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia) are one of the interest groupings within the EU who are urging the bloc to support their energy infrastructure projects for the next budget year.

France’s expulsion of Roma is creating a crack within the EU as members are widely unhappy with the expulsion. The saga also brought forward certain forgotten episodes of Nazi’s atrocity as regards the massacre of Roma, though only Jew persecutions have always been highlighted. The matter has escalated across the Atlantic, U.S American lawmakers also showing discontentment towards the French discriminatory policies.

Swedish elections last week ended in a hung parliament after the rise of a far-Right group narrowly prevented the conservative-liberal coalition government from winning an outright majority in Sweden’s parliament.

Economic Issues

The new EU findings which state that senior lobbyists profit from expanding EU’s projects and even earn much as more than EU senior officials will justify the clamour by certain angle of the EU that the bloc’s expenditures should be cut. This can also bring back home similar argument in Washington that role of lobbyists should be reduced in politics.

As Pakistan gets enlisted into EU new strategic partners, it makes the protracted issue of Generalized System of Preferences Plus scheme, which offers a reduced-tariff regime in return for democratic reform commitments in 2014 and accessibility of Pakistan into EU market much easier. Protectionism is one factor for which Pakistan’s name was previously objected.

The EU also reached a compromise on South Korea after overcoming reservations of EU car makers. The deal opens EU car market to Seoul, expected to enter into force on 1 July 2011.

The general cut on government spending across Europe is having a great impact on the entire economy. In the UK, defense spending is being critically examined amid fears that such a slash might endanger British military strength and influence.

Greek streets are witnessing another round of protests as government intensifies reform effort aim at stabilizing and opening up the receded economy. If Athens continues to play by IMF’s rules, the financial borrower will not hesitate to approve more loan as part of the bail out package.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Leaked report from the French Interior ministry is reported to have contradicted the position of government that expulsion of Roma was not premeditated and purposeful. Despite the international condemnation, French rightists are supporting Sarkozy on the issue.

French Senate passed the bill banning veil in public with a heavy fine for violators of the law. Before the law will go into force, the Constitutional Council will need to examine its legality.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The UN Food and Agricultural Organization’s report records a drop in the number of hungry people in the world. The development owes to the fall in food prices, though the organization does not fence the reality that an estimated 925 million people are undernourished worldwide.

Investing in renewable resources and reducing emission of greenhouse gas are important energy issues on EU table. The coal resource countries want subsides for their sector to be extended till 2018, a plea rejected by EU climate change countries.

Geostrategic Issues

Afghanistan elections this time around will be conducted with the aid of EU sponsored women security forces in order to ensure adequate women participation and general election good conduct. The effort was part of EU €35 million election-support budget for Afghanistan.

The designation of six new developing countries as 'strategic partners' of Europe is an indication that the bloc is waking up to the growing influence these countries irrespective of their location. Egypt, Israel, Indonesia, Pakistan, Ukraine and South Korea are the new ‘strategic partners' to join the EU's existing nine partners.

EAST EUROPE

Political Issues

The criminal and judiciary system of Bulgaria and Romania have again come under the EU radar. As EU members, their systems are still lagging behind and Brussels expects both countries to intensify reform effort in that regard.

The pressure of junior coalition partner has forced the major Albanian ruling party to agree to cabinet reshuffling and has been approved by the parliament. Meanwhile President Topi has urged the judiciary not to sit on the fence but to become active in resolving the conflict between ruling and opposition parties.

October 3^rd elections will be a decisive date for voters in Bosnia, but the apathy of youth and women is a big concern for political parties, taking advantage of the internet to woo voters’ participation.

The recent property law passed by Serb entity parliament will further make other ethnic Bosnians question the intentions of Republika Srpska's (RS). Republika Srpska's (RS) parliament adopted a Law on State Property, which stipulates that the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) entity will manage, secure and protect all forms of property within its territory; the law is rejected by Bosniaks as contradictory to the Dayton Peace Accords.

Nine years after the last census, Macedonia will have another population count by April next year, a process to be monitored by EUROSTAT.

Ethnic politics continues to polarize Macedonians, while majority of Macedonians want to join the EU and NATO but not at the cost of their identity, ethnic Macedonian Albanians want the government to sacrifice whatever it takes to secure their membership of EU. The name dispute between Macedonia and Greece has been one of the deadlocks for Macedonia-EU talks.

Serbian opposition parties are gearing up for a bigger alliance that could force the government into going for an election. Politics in Serbia has always been around Serb identity, issue of Kosovo and EU integration.

Economic Issues

Romanian civil servants have planned to launch a large strike action against massive unemployment in the country and pension cut.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

War criminals are facing justice across the region as governments are pulling all strings to ensure that ills of the past do not go unaddressed. Meanwhile Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov broke his silence as he referred to the expulsion of Roma from France as un-normal, violating European spirit.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Athens is taking seriously the murder of a Greek in Albania; Greece has warned Tirana to protect Greek minority otherwise its EU accession talks could see a roadblock as is the case with Macedonia. Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha urges Athens not to walk that path.

Prospective talks between Kosovo and Serbia has divided the country, although around 60% of a surveyed group wants the talk. Pristina believes it should be under the auspices of UN, U.S and EU and rejects discussing Kosovo’s independence. Meanwhile NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen urged Alliance members not to be too fast with scaling down troops in Kosovo, because Pristina’s ability to manage security is still in the making.

European Commission is preparing a report on Serbia’s readiness for the EU amid all diplomatic crises surrounding Belgrade. Meanwhile, Austrian parliament has signaled to ratify the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with Serbia by the end of the year.

RUSSIA

Political Issues

Moscow's Mayor Yuri Luzhkov finds himself at a new political threshold, as the air is replete with the sensation that he might be replaced soon. Nonetheless, preparations for 2011 Russian parliamentary elections are underway, opposition parties are taking no chance to be left out from the pubic office.

Economic Issues

Russian leadership is pushing for a balanced macroeconomic policy aimed at boosting Russian economy, simultaneously appears not to be inward looking as it opens opportunities for competitive investors across the globe. The recent Arab investment in Sochi project is a testimony and tallies with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s plan to make Russia a global financial hub.

As a growing industrial economy, the role of migrant workers cannot be understated, but Russia remains fearful of being overwhelmed by the debouching of the migrants

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Although it is a national interest matter for Georgia to adopt English as the language of development but in reality it is a blow to Russia because English will have to replace Russian and that could further exacerbate the tension between a pro-Western government and Moscow.

Yoga is increasingly becoming an acceptable pop culture for many Russians and that is also increasing Russian traveling to India to familiarize themselves with such an ancient tradition.

Communist Russia era was symbolic for its disrespect for religion, a trend that has somewhat changed after the collapse of that system and religion is increasingly taking a position in the public sphere. Thus, the permission to Russia's Orthodox Church priests serving as military chaplains and servicemen is part of that manifestation.

According to reports Russian women are occupying top jobs and have good public representation a trend is reported to have picked up since the fall of communism.

Could the life of centuries old bacteria helps to find a way for human to live longer than expected, this is an intriguing question yet unanswered but being pursued by Russian scientists at Tyumen State Oil and Gas University.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Russia and Norway ended decades of tussle over ownership of a part of the Artic. The settlement allows Russia to commence energy exploration with the aim of strengthening energy-economic ties with the Nordic country. But that will be untrue for Canada, urging Moscow to allow scientific evidence to determine the ownership of Lomonosov Ridge under the Arctic Ocean.

Balancing the global oil production could now rest on Russia, whose production level will have to reach a congruent position with OPEC production. Russia is set to cooperate with China and Croatia on constructing nuclear power plant in the two latter countries.

Geostrategic Issues

France's defense minister defended the possible sale of French Mistral helicopter carriers to Russia and dismissed concerns that it could undermine the security of Georgia.

Meanwhile despite all concerns by the Israeli authority, Russia is bent to honor its military deal with Syria which allows the latter to have Russian made P-800 Yakhont missiles having a range of 300 kilometers, making it difficult to detect and intercept them.

US/CANADA

Political Issues

In America the debate over tax extension has divided democrat Congressmen, White House is opposed to extending tax for rich Americans, doing that could be detrimental for most congressmen struggling to retain their seats in a hot congressional election. Senate republicans say they are prepared to give the White House all that it takes to keep the Bush era tax cut.

Meanwhile, report has it that republicans are leading democrats in election adverts and campaign spending is flooded by deep-pocketed donors. However polls suggest that Americans are not happy with Obama’s administration handling of the economy, but are comfortable with democrats as compared to republicans.

American presidential election is far from being around the corner but prospective G.O.P presidential candidates have started testing their clout across the country through republican organized summits. Sarah Palin, a leading figure in the revolutionary Tea Party groups is receiving considerable spotlight.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

A ruptured pipeline in California has spotlighted the security concern of energy pipeline across the nation. The rupture unveiled the need for proper mechanism for checking pipelines, with particular reference to private companies involved.

Final cementation of leak created by BP at the Gulf of Mexico is underway, the seal is expected to put an end to the spill that for months troubled the United States and raised eye brow between London and Washington.

Geostrategic Issues

According to reports Europeans’ judgment of Obama is much higher than Americans. President Obama has been able to receive considerable points for his handling of international affairs, though Europeans were not as optimistic as Americans on certain issues such as Afghanistan and Iran.

Obama administration wants a $60 billion military deal with Saudi Arabia to give more leverage to Riyadh in the region amid growing tension over Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons. But Congress is yet to decide if the deal will challenge Israeli military superiority.

Effort by the Obama administration to facilitate the Yemeni government in combating al-Qaeda’s threat is dividing military officers in Washington. The military aid is expected to roll-back insurgency in the desert country but opponents believe American weapons could end up with al-Qaeda.

LATIN AMERICA

Political Issues

Political polls in Brazil maintains similar pattern, with the delineation of Ms. Rousseff leading other president aspirants. Mr. Serra, the runner-up is accusing Worker’s Party of dirty trick as in character assassination.

Colombian President Santos has started challenging corruption, crimes and rebellion within and across Colombia’s border. The government is picking on corrupt government officials and FARC rebel group, though his administration wanted a negotiation with FARC.

Mexico like many in the region celebrates its 200 years independence anniversary, amid the celebration was the total rejection of drawing a parallel between Mexico and Colombia as two violent countries. Mexican drug cartels and Colombian’s FARC are two different entities, the latter is political and the former is business oriented, hence it is erroneous for Secretary of State Hilary Clinton referring to Mexico as new Colombia.

Amid a tight parliamentary election run-up, Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez is wooing voters to support his party for a majority in the parliament. Chavez might have to succumb to the Jewish community demand as part of election strategy, a community that complains of discrimination. Meanwhile, Chavez continues nationalization of foreign companies, also reducing the movement of FARC across the border in line with the understanding between Venezuela and Colombia.

Economic Issues

The Argentine government is taking no chance to increase economic and trade ties within and across the region. Indo-Argentine trade ties reached a new height with huge investment worth $billions between the two countries.

Inflation and weakness of Venezuelan economy is linked to low oil exploration, trade dispute with Colombia and attack on privatization, yet Venezuelan Central Bank is hopeful of having a stable economy in three years time.

ALBA countries are geared at creating a competitive aviation environment and increasing revenue through tourism, by having a common airline with cheaper rate than other commercial airline for ALBA countries.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Brazil’s labor ministry has started effort to breakdown feudalistic actions between farmers and their laborers. The inhumane actions are becoming more noticeable to the public and government’s duty is to redress the situation.

Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has been appointed as head of United Nations Women (UN Women). The post bears the responsibility of eradicating indifference and discrimination of women in the public sphere. Bachelet holds that discrimination of women is a global disease that requires global treatment.

There is a condemnation of U.S bases in Colombia and criticism of Colombian military’s human right violation under the premise of fight against crimes. Notwithstanding, another $30 million is issued by Washington for Colombia to fight drug and rebel groups.

It is a protracted fight that Mexican government must fight with prudence and tactics in order not to exacerbate the human right violation which the war on drug lords has caused the country. Amid kidnapping and killing of innocents and journalists, government agents are apprehending few of the drug barons.

Geostrategic Issues

Developing and strengthening their military arsenal is a shared concern for Argentina and Brazil. The latter will be helping the former to developing and upgrading its defense plane system planes.

The leading Brazilian presidential aspirant Ms. Rousseff re-outlined Brazil’s foreign policy aimed at global peace but never in consonance with global rogue actions. This stance was reiterated to explain Brazil’s policy towards Iran.

Colombian-Venezuelan leaders have intensified restoration of damaged ties, but havoc caused by ten years skirmishes will make trust deficit haunt both countries.

AUSTRALASIA

Political Issues

In Australia Labour party is not ready to lose the support of its coalition partners (green and independent parties) therefore increasing tax for the powerful mining sector is out of the question. Attempt to increase tax for the sector was instrumental for the fall of ex-PM Kevin Rudd. Meanwhile, opposition party has vowed to shatter the newly formed coalition government.

Economic Issues

A merger of Rio and BHP is a threat for Asian and European steelmakers. The two mining giants have been negotiating a joint venture; the possibility of such venture will be determined by The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) decision, which is still pending.

Australia’s third largest export country is India and as trade surplus between the two records around $14.5 billion US in 2009, the importance of New Delhi to Canberra cannot be downplayed. Reserve Bank of Australia notes that China’s economy should not be allowed to over cloud the importance of India.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Victorian Supreme Court in Melbourne hosted five Muslim men charged with attempt to commit acts of terror. Meanwhile, the presiding judge stated that the court is only to prosecute the men for the charges and nothing to do with Islam.

Professor Ray Norris is making an attempt to increase the status of Australian aborigine as world’s first astronomers through his profound study of the ancient recorded tradition of the neglected community of Australia. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 136

2010-10-08T22:34:00.000-07:00

WESTERN EUROPE

Political Issues

On 7^th September the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso called for a common European foreign and defence policy during his first ever State of the Union address.

Economic Issues

The EU has resolved to have an oversight of national budgets where every member state will report its budget to Brussels, with the exception of UK. Meanwhile the EU Visegrad countries are challenging rebatement policy in the EU as Britain believes scrapping such will be detrimental to its net contribution which obviously means that London will be paying more than the rest of EU power house. Ireland is arguing that its bank is though facing serious debt problems but not on same track as Greece.

Saving the Eurozone from another financial woe was the underlying philosophy for the establishment of a financial regulation bodies by the EU. However the European Commission failed to have a consensus on resolution funds, a fund to be generated by the levy on banks in each member states. UK, France and the Netherlands stand against the funds, but it was welcomed by Germany and Sweden, while others are still undecided. The fund is expected to be a bailout measure for banks than making taxpayers pay for banks’ mistakes in the period of financial crisis.

Germany along with few EU members rejected American policy of huge stimulus to stir up global economic recovery but rather held on to austerity measure which is now paying the German economy. The German government is asking other EU members to act on its model of strict and principled financial practices if Europe must survive and finally walk through its financial crisis.

EU Free Trade Agreement with South Korea is handicapped by MEPs reservation particularly from Italy. The reservation is sensitive because such agreement might affect the domestic industry of car producing EU members.

British government is stepping up effort to cut state spending and creating an autonomous enterprise as measures to balance the downing economy. Meanwhile according to reports prices in Britain rose by 0.2 % in August after a gain of 0.6 % in July.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Italy is tailing behind France on expelling and dismantling Roma camps and has thus made the issue more momentous within the European parliament, it is clear that many MEPs are not comfortable with the manner in which the Roma expulsion is being handled as it divides the parliament and has caused an accusing finger to be pointed at the European commissioner for justice.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The effort of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), meant the Europe is deeply craving to see the Nabucco pipeline project operational. The pipeline is projected to bring gas from the Caspian to central Europe and is way of reducing energy dependence on Russia.

EAST EUROPE

Political Issues

Investigation into the plane crash that killed former Polish president and many Polish leaders has reawakened as a political issue the opposition, led by Jaroslaw Kaczynski, is using as challenge against the government.

Meanwhile the Indo-Polish relation is witnessing a good season as investments exchange between the countries is rising. The tie was further cemented by the visit of Indian PM to Poland during the last week.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych wants a political calmness among regional parties but the oppositions in the parliament are challenging government economic and energy policies. The opposition lawmakers launched protest against a hike in gas and utilities prices and other government policies.

Hungarian ruling FIDESZ party is putting all political cards on table to ensure a success at the forthcoming municipal elections, victory in the election is expected to enable the centre-right party muster more muscle to revive the weak economy through a formidable 2011 budget. Amid the election passion, there is insinuation that the ruling party plans to use the State Audit Office to discredit rival political grouping.

In Belarus, run up for presidential elections in underway but the election governing body is not set to announce date of the elections. Such atmosphere will further create misgiving for opposition seeing the present system as authoritarian.

Latvia will join the host of countries facing ageing population and emigration problem, therefore the growing advice to the government in order to save the weak economy is reversing the situation.

Economic Issues

According to the results of a survey conducted in June the opposition to Poland’s possible adoption of the euro is growing in the country in reaction to the Greek public finance crisis, with 47% of Poles against the plan, compared to 38% in December 2009.

Meanwhile, the latest Global Competitiveness Report by World Economic Forum (WEF) puts Poland among the leaders in central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in terms of competitive economy. Poland rose to 39th from 46th most competitive economy worldwide last year.

For the countries in the region, 'Europe 2020' strategy has become a target upon which economies are expected to become stable, crisis free and having low level unemployment. Czech new government is taking this target seriously.

Slovakia’s centre-right coalition government has united on plans to temporarily increase the rate of value-added tax (VAT) from 19% to 20% from January 1, 2011, in a bid to reduce the country’s public deficit. Doing for its own economy, ECB is irked at Slovakia’s rejection to participate in the Greek loan bailout

For an economy still struggling to maintain its stamina, borrowing from international financial houses will be the best option; Hungarian government is considering this as it sells bonds to international and domestic investors in order to get loans.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko is craving for good and cordial relation with neighbors in order to increase export of Belarusian products to its neighbors. Meanwhile, the dragging energy rift between Russia and Belarus has been asked by the Economic Court of the CIS to be given an out-of-court settlement.

Late Maharaja of Jamnagar of Gujarat who gave asylum to many displaced Polish citizens of Ashkhabad and Samarkand has been asked to be posthumously honored by the Indian government. If that is granted, it will further attest to the new level of Indo-Polish ties.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych hopes to borrow the Chinese model of which the organization of international events like (Beijing Olympics and Shanghai World Expo) could help showcase a country to the world.

According to the ‘Progress in International Reading Literacy Study,’ reports by Nozare.lv the Latvian schoolchildren read very little outside of school and have a bad attitude towards reading.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

In Latvia, German Chancellor Angela Merkel defended her government's decision to extend the lifetime of the country's nuclear plants against criticism that the deal guarantees huge windfall profits to utility companies.

Meanwhile the Lithuanian government is showing a transparent attitude to all international investors biding to participate in the country’s nuclear power plant construction. Ministry of Energy hopes to release name of successful investor by end of 2010.

Geostrategic Issues

Turkey position in the region should not be down played and Europe must recognize Ankara’s importance to the EU. This was the message reiterated by the Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg asking EU to keep to its promise.

Hungary-Slovak impasse does not need a third party and can better be resolved between the two countries. Hungarian Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi made this known in Austria as a way of dampening tension with Slovakia after the Hungarian controversial dual citizenship legislation.

RUSSIA

Political Issues

In Russia the political atmosphere remains tense due to the repression of opposition, clamouring for a change in political participation. Opposition media, activities have been subjected to different form of attacks and such could better explain the reason for coalition of oppositions, forming a platform for the 2011 parliamentary elections and having a single nominee for 2012 presidential elections and.

Economic Issues

Russia financial sectors like their counterpart in other BRIC countries are showing good signs of financial stamina. The economy is showing resilience despite the looming economic troubles facing the country.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The United Russia party leader Boris Gryzlov has said that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has approved a plan that seeks an overhaul of the country's police system in order to curb corruption and usurpation of power.

North Caucasus remains the trouble spot for Russia and quenching the trauma is similar to what the Mexican government is passing through.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Sino-Russia energy deal reaches a new level as China agreed to lend Russia about $6 billion in exchange of increasing coal supplies over the next quarter century. Such deal is part of the ties knobbed by the BRIC countries.

Geostrategic Issues

An international tribunal is set to decide whether or not Russia was responsible for ethnically cleansing Georgian over the last two decades.

Russia-U.S Non proliferation pact is yet to have a certain approval by the U.S Senate due to republicans’ skepticism of the pact that such pact could undermine U.S ability to build arsenal against its enemies. However, the uncertainty in nuclear pact is not obstructing Russia-US and Russia-France military cooperation.

NATO has reacted to the new Russia-Armenia strategic alliance, NATO sees no offense if Russian base sits in Armenia as the latter is a member of CSTO [Collective Security Treaty Organization] therefore no cause for alarm.

From the Indian standpoint, the just concluded quadripartite summit of Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan hosted by President Dmitry Medvedev was that Moscow decisively moved to de-hyphenate its relations with Islamabad and New Delhi.

US/CANADA

Political Issues

The US midterm election is around the corner and it is a big fight between the republican and democrat, the latter is on the defensive fight to retain House majority, while the former is embarking on an offensive campaigning to outmatch the democrats.

According to reports despite lingering effects of the recession, financial reports indicate that billions are being expended for capturing and retaining majority in the House.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The plan to burn the Qur’an by Rev. Terry Jones in the US has been widely condemned even by the Obama administration. As an issue potent enough to brew a new surge of enmity towards the US, the Reverand was forced to cancel the controversial burning.

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf has publicly disclosed that regardless of the indignation surrounding the Ground Zone mosque in the US, plan to construct the mosque will continue on site. Rauf believes the whole plan has to be made transparent to the public as a way to soften the ire of the antagonists.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Most Americans wait to read BP’s investigation of oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the report is expected to unravel what went wrong but analysts believe BP is less likely to shoulder much blame on itself in the report.

LATIN AMERICA

Political Issues

In Brazil, Ms. Rousseff, the hand picked candidate of President Lula maintains her lead over all opposition. Lula’s one sided support for Rousseff has been a source of resentment in the political arena.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’ 21^st Socialism has been under attack by opposition. Meanwhile Venezuelan Jew community believes the media is targeting Jews as un-loyal citizens, whose actions are damaging to country’s economy. In this regard a Jewish leader is lobbying Chavez for a political post in order to combat these anti-Jew sentiments.

Economic Issues

Venezuela might have lost Colombia as a trade partner due to their border brawl but Argentina is now filling that gap. This will be true for energy ties between Argentina and Chile as well, as the latter is expected to start exporting liquefied natural gas to Argentina.

Brazil-China-India economic relations are increasingly becoming stronger characterized by the huge investment exchange among these BRIC nations. Such atmosphere evidently adds to Brazil’s bubbling economy with a remarkable GDP growth.

Venezuelan economy is not showing any signs of quick change, growth rate is little or nothing and oil revenue has equally dropped owing to less oil exploration in its Orinoco belt. Nonetheless, Venezuelan government earmarked million of dollars to be used in constructing and refurbishing social infrastructures in a state bordering Colombia.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Credit goes to President Lula as the enrolment of Latin American students at the Federal University for Latin American Integration (Unila) in Brazil, is progressing swiftly, yet another snowballing pace of regional integration among the Latinos.

Rescue effort to bring Chilean miners trapped in underground mine remains a serious concern for the Chilean government, seeking all possible ways to rescue the miners. The recent case might have to force the government to reform mining laws.

Ending the menace of Colombian FARC rebel and Mexican drug lords would be two most worrisome issues in the region. Drug, weapon and violence are threatening lives and government and there is little doubt that it is not a protracted war to fight. Due to the escalation of the violence in Mexico, U.S Congress is slashing the Merida Initiative Plan fund.

Geostrategic Issues

Brazil-China relations is not limited to trade but transcends into the realm of strategic cooperation, the recent visit of Chinese officers to Brazil was geared at deepening relations promoting armed forces cooperation of the two countries. The Chinese defense minister also paid Colombia a visit.

As Latin American and Chinese leaders are increasingly developing interest in Africa, inducting South Africa into BRIC will be a less far fetched reality. South Africa is said to be a potential candidate for the group.

AUSTRALASIA

Political Issues

The new Australian coalition government is compromising the policy of increasing tax on the mining sector. It is true that the power sector was responsible for the decline of ex-PM Rudd when he attempted to implement tax policy on the powerful sector.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

According to reports in the Australian criminal system the court is ready to reduce 40% of punishment if a criminal would plead guilty within six weeks of arrest.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The southeastern state of Victoria, Australia experienced its own share of the growing effect of global warming and climate change as rising flood waters threatened hundreds of Australian homes. Meanwhile New Zealand was also gripped by a recent earthquake. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 135

2010-09-20T23:51:00.000-07:00

WESTERN EUROPE

Political Issues

European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso has thrown the blame of low confidence in EU on member states, he alleged that member states are yet to personalize EU projects as theirs and are simply trailing for the benefit of their own state. He further holds that Euro is a success story and member states would not be able to manage global financial crisis independently.

The consensus by EU members to have a pan-European financial supervisor was referred to as a crucial political landmark. The European Commission, the European Parliament and the EU member states reached a political deal to set up a European Systemic Risk Board and three separate agencies to monitor securities, banks and insurance companies as measures to guard against the repetition of another financial crisis.

The European External Action Service (EEAS) is expected to nominate competent diplomats for its missions abroad, but Catherine Ashton is still vetting diplomats to be chosen and also waiting for parliament approval.

EU-Russia visa regime is now shouldered on the proposal of Poland, although Warsaw agreed to Russia being incorporated into the visa-free travel scheme but only if the EU at the same time promises in future to lift visas for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine as well.

The European Union has dropped plans to offer Israel data sharing access after pressure from the Irish government. The reservation by the latter owes to the complicity of the Israeli government in eight forged Irish passports alongside a number of falsified passports of other EU states.

In a new book by former UK PM Tony Blair, he refuses to regret his Iraq policy but is remorseful for the death count the war produced. The book shows Blair also insinuated military action on Iran over its nuclear issue. He also accuses ex-PM Brown of terminating Labour rule because of zero ‘emotional intelligence’. Meanwhile in Dublin thousands staged protest against Blair, accusing him of war crime.

The new leadership of the British Labour party is yet to be determined, but the Miliband brothers along with other candidates are struggling to hold the seat left by former PM Gordon Brown. There has been much speculation that David Miliband is more likely to be chosen.

Economic Issues

Production level in Eurozone during the month of August went down in comparison to the industries in China, India and Russia. Although there was little push in retail sales in the Eurozone, nonetheless, retail sales fell by 3.0 % in Spain and 0.3 % in Germany.

Meanwhile the EU is venting its concern over China’s protectionist policy and the inability of China to keep to open market promises as EU companies are denied access to the airline reservation, automotive, construction, insurance, oil refinery, research and innovation and telecommunications sectors in China.

British oil giant BP revealed that the devastating Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster has cost it eight billion dollars so far. Meanwhile, BP is complaining against the intended suspension on offshore drilling, a move that will further affect BP’s finance.

The French government is either recruiting enemies or shutting door on friends, the streets of France is expected to see another wave of protest against government plan to increase the retirement age from 60 to 62. This will add to the already present frenzy over Roma expulsion.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Immigration remains a debatable issue in Europe, the Council of Europe recently slammed Greece for its immigration practices. Asylum seekers in Greece face enormous difficulties trying to gain access to the asylum procedure and not being granted basic safeguards.

The European Commission is investigating the legality of forceful expulsion of Roma by the French government. The EU is concern about the implication of such development which could add to the increasing trend of xenophobia and racism in Europe.

Amid the huge criticism surrounding the Roma expulsion, French far-right politicians as well as their counterpart across Europe believed the expulsion was right in order to create social order.

Geostrategic Issues

EU's trade chief has apologized for his comment about the Jewish lobby stating he believed them to be very powerful and road blocking the Middle East peace process. The comment irked Jewish organizations in Europe terming it is another form of anti-Semitism.

The European Union is expected to examine the proposal of Libya and the whole of North African seeking handsome EU funds in order to help reduce the tendency of using North Africa as transit route into Europe.

The arrest of two Yemenis accused of conspiring to commit terrorist acts has further raised security concern between Washington and Amsterdam.

The British government has debunked the press rumor that London and Paris are about to end their centuries rivalry and pool together resources in the area of military vessels. The authenticity of the rumor remains unclear till both parties meet in an October summit.

International Atomic Energy Agency has repeated request to Israel to join the nuclear regime (NPT) but Israel believes the new plea is tailing the desire of Arab states and particularly Iran and Syria to distract attention from their nuclear issue.

EAST EUROPE

Political Issues

Albania will have to prove to the rest of the region and to EU in particular that it is politically mature. The ruling and opposition parties have been in a year old deadlocked over election irregularities and the move to reform electoral rules is yet accomplished. Despite its political problem, Albania is still struggling to fulfill certain EU requirements before it could be incorporated into EU visa liberalization scheme.

If the political and economic uncertainty in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) remains same, the ethnically divided country might continue to lose its human resources in the form of its youth’s exodus from the country. BiH like Albania is still waiting for EU approval on its request to join the visa liberalization scheme.

Romanian government has received the appreciation of the EU for its judicial reform geared at combating organized crime and structural corruption in the country. Meanwhile, ethnic Roma in Romania are prepared to boycott French products in response to the expulsion of Roma from France.

Poland and the league of ex-communist EU members Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic called on the EU not to slash European Union funds for poorer member states.

Meanwhile Ukraine's parliament has approved amendments to the Law on Local Elections proposed by President Viktor Yanukovych to allow all political parties to participate in local elections set for Oct. 31.

Economic Issues

Robert Zoellick, president of the World Bank, has praised the Bulgarian government's efforts to fight corruption and organized crime, and to fully integrate the country into the EU. Such praise will also be true for Serbia from IMF that has appreciated the pace of Serbian economic reform.

Although Poland’s gross domestic product rose at an annual rate of 3.5% in the second quarter, yet the government is proposing levying banks in order to reduce the burden of deficit on state. Indo-Polish economic ties have grown beyond $1 billion, since the opening up of Indian economy in 2001. Both countries further cemented bilateral ties during Polish-Indian Investment Forum jointly organized in Bangalore by Confederation of Indian Industry.

It is a political action but with economic undertone. The Czech government has decided to close its embassies in Congo, Venezuela, Kenya, Yemen and Costa Rica and consulate in Mumbai will also be affected as part of the Foreign Ministry's budget saving plan. Meanwhile, the government is pursuing a plan to attract Czech researchers living abroad back to their home country and to stop migration of Czech labour forces.

The prime minister of Slovakia said overly indebted countries should be forced into bankruptcy, not bailed out, in a sign of the tensions roiling the European currency bloc in the wake of the Greek crisis. He said the so-called stability fund set up this year in case other European countries need financial rescue, is likely to cause more problems than it will solve. Meanwhile, Slovakia's economy expanded by 4.7 % year-on-year in the second quarter of 2010 and the government is working towards extinguishing the menace of unemployment.

Recent Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych’s visit to Berlin depicts that Ukraine is not solely dependent on Russia but equally open to the west. Yanukovych urged Germany to increase investments in his country, although Germany is currently a leading investor to Ukraine. Meanwhile if the national parliament approves the new tax code, it is likely that Ukrainians will have the lowest taxes in Europe.

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban believes it was in the country’s interest to sign loan agreements with the IMF if necessary but it was not in the country's interest to have economic policy agreements with the Fund. Unemployment in Hungary is a concern and the government has pledged to create one million jobs over the next ten years, an ambitious plan that would help bring the country’s employment rate up to 70% by the year 2020.

Investments in Belarusian food and drink sectors are showing sign of growth as the economy shows signs of recovery.

Estonia hosted the world through its Estonia's Friends International Meeting. The initiative was an avenue for world dignitaries in all fields of life to discuss how Estonia could survive in the increasingly expanding global economy and to improve its chances for success in the global marketplace.

Lithuanian central bank said in a recent report that rising food prices and a recovery in consumption is likely to push-up Lithuanian inflation rate this year and the figure would surpass the previously estimated mark.

Latvian economy has received a new rating from the financial rating agency Fitch, according to the latter, Latvian economy now stand at stable away from it previous negative status. This is a boost for Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis ahead of October 2 general election. Yet, data from Latvia’s State Employment Agency (SEA) last week showed that registered unemployment rate in the country stood at 15%.

Recent remark by Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov that Russia’s gas prices to Ukraine are too high and unfair has been met with astonishment.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Giving the social implications of alcohol on the society, Russian authority has been on a debate whether to ban the sales of alcohol beverages, including beer, at night time. If such ban becomes a reality, Russia will be reversing to Gorbachev's Dry Law. However, Russia's Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin has offered rather unconventional advice saying citizens should smoke and drink a greater deal, as higher consumption would help lift tax revenues for spending on social services.

Unabated violence in Chechnya and other Caucasus regions of Russia and redhead hooliganism are terrorizing moments for the people.

The small Baltic state of Estonia is not holding back from participating in humanitarian effort in the flood affected areas of Pakistan; two Estonian experts have been sent by the foreign ministry on a rescue mission to this effect.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

In the Balkans cases of ethnic cleansing continue to be revisited and last week prosecutors at The Hague Yugoslav war crimes tribunal concluded that Croatian forces intentionally killed and expelled Serb civilians during the 1995 campaign.

The Serbian government is assuring Austria for an investigation over the activities of Austrian Hypo Alpe Adria Bank which is suspected of laundering money for an alleged drug boss.

Geostrategic Issues

Already 69 countries have recognized Kosovo’s independence but that is not enough for Pristina waiting for the CARICOM, an organization of 15 Caribbean nations. Kosovo’s independence remains a matter of contest with Serbia.

Serbia is expected to open NATO’s mission in Brussels, however Serbia’s membership of NATO is still in the pipeline

The new Polish leadership is geared at reviving the Weimar Triangle (Poland, Germany and France), where Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski has made it one of his top foreign policy goals.

The Czech Foreign Affairs Minister Karel Schwarzenberg was among those whose attention was captured by the repatriation of Roma from France. As a member of EU, the foreign minister has voiced his concern against Paris’s tough policy

RUSSIA

Political Issues

According to reports public harassment of political demonstrators in Russia indicates that Russian authority is not ready to accept the freedom of expression of political opposition. Prime Minister Putin holds a clear view, no permission no demonstration

Economic Issues

It was a good week for the Russian stock market seeing a gain in the oil sector. Oil, Russia's main export earner advanced as much as 1.7 % to $73.76 a barrel in New York. Same good news will be true for Gazprom with a net income reaching 325 billion rubles ($10.6 billion) from 103.7 billion rubles a year earlier. Gazprom also plans to continue lowering its debt burden.

Comparably, the gap between the rich and poor is said to be closing up in Russia when measures with other BRIC countries. The trend is associated with the growth in Russian economy in the last decade which is more pronounced by Russia energy predominance.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The aftermath of wildfire in Russia forced the government to propose a ban on wheat export, but according to PM Putin that could be changed and lifted if the 2011 harvest is forthcoming. President Medvedev is worried that current hike in food price could affect public participation in 2012 presidential election.

It is a fulfillment of promise and a contract accomplished as Russian engineers have started fueling Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant for the next 10 years.

The expansion of crude oil pipeline from Siberia to China by Russia greases the relations between the two BRIC members. Russia is the world's biggest energy producer and China is the world's largest energy consumer, both statues show they have to be energy responsible countries. Similarly Azerbaijani has agreed to increase its gas supply to Russia for the next two years after a meeting in Baku of the leaders of both countries.

Geostrategic Issues

Armenian government has approved the elongation of Russian military base in the country till 2044. It is also good news for Russia as Turkey’s new foreign policy of “zero problems with neighbors” drops Moscow from Turkey’s threat list.

US/CANADA

Political Issues

Once again poll conducted by Associated Press-GfK shows the strong disapproval for the way President Obama is handling issues that matter most to Americans. The state of the economy is the heart of the issues, even though nine of 15 issues examined show that the November election will be difficult for Democrats. Among potential issues for the November midterm elections is income tax, the president intends not to extend tax cut but to increase it for wealthy Americans, while at the same time reducing tax for the middle class.

The commanding tune of the tea party amid midterm election is driving the view that the tea party is the new Grand Old Party. They are simply against the establishment, wanting a change, unhappy with huge federal spending and above all against tax on the rich. The rhythm of the tea party is forcing the republican establishment to change their policy in order to suit the mantra of the moment. .

Despite the usual fluctuation in rating, none of the Canadian political party leaders are ready for parliamentary elections. The minority conservative government has frequently seen agitations from the liberal opposition and had a popularity drop over vital issues.

Economic Issues

Preceding the midterm elections Obama recently announced that his administration will bolster the economy with new initiatives. Meanwhile the general economic statistics could be troubling but New York is proving to be different with substantive sign of recovery. Joblessness, housing and business as usual are picking up, though the scar of the recession is not totally out of the picture.

Full Canadian economy recovery is still underway if the latest report of the country’s GDP is true. Canada recorded a gross domestic product grew 2.0 % at annual rates, sharply down from 5.8 %, coupled by weaker consumer spending and trade performance and a fear of interest rate hikes by the Bank of Canada.

Meanwhile the take over of a Canadian company by a Chinese company is foaming a great concern in Canada even though the deal is favorable. The concern evolves around customers’ jobs and government revenue.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Tolerance, independence and leniency are the traits that strike the difference among Canadian, Italian and French parents. The assertiveness of the two latter makes them distinctive from the tolerant and individualistic oriented Canadian parents as suggested by a receive study.

According to an analysis of 2009 census data by the Pew Hispanic Center, illegal immigration into the United States has dropped in two decades. The report indicated that illegal immigration from Caribbean, Central America and South America declined due to the souring American economy, violence across the border and tougher enforcement of immigration rules.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

BP is warning Congress that if lawmakers pass legislation that bars the company from getting new offshore drilling permits, it may not have the money to pay for all the damages caused by its oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Geostrategic Issues

As the White House restarts peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian, President Obama believes the atmosphere should be filled with cautious hope, owing to the sensitivity of the protracted conflict. But more importantly Washington will be a participant than just a facilitator in the talks so as to ensure constructive talks.

LATIN AMERICA

Political Issues

In Brazil it is increasingly evident that Ms. Dilma could replace President Lula when he leaves office in January. Available polls suggest that Lula’s candidate has outmatched other aspirants in popularity for the forthcoming Brazilian election.

The importance of Brazil in regional politics was highlighted by the visit of the Colombian President Santos, his first after having been sworn in as president, to Brazil.

Political unrest in Mexico is increasingly turning out of balance. The cycle of violence is severely hampering socio-economic and political life of the country.

Venezuelans are preparing for parliamentary election and the election results will determine if Chavez’s socialism still carries weight among the people.

Economic Issues

Planning ministry of Brazil has displayed figures which further points to the bubbling trend in the Brazilian economy. 2011 is expected to witness greater economic growth around 5.5%.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Argentine’s JBS, one of the largest beef exporters in the country is concerned about the new government policy to increase tax on cattle and beef export. JBS believes the new tax could affect the beef export if the government is bent on pursing the policy.

President Lula has finally approved the controversial $11 billion Belo Monte Mega Dam at Xingu River in Amazonian state of Para. This is probably the largest project of Lula’s administration and has raised the eye brow of Amazon’s environmental, religious and Indian peoples’ organizations over the environmental implication of the dam.

The reconstruction of Chile after the devastating earthquake remains a worry for the government; the latter is struggling to rebuild houses and other social infrastructures.

Geostrategic Issues

The Argentine government is strengthening ties with Armenia, as the new Latin America country opens it embassy in Armenia.

Brazil and New Zealand have inked agreement on visa free regimes that permits citizens of both countries to travel, do business and stay for duration of one year.

BRIC members are beginning to vet the possibility of South Africa’s membership after President Zuma requested to join the group. Johannesburg is believed to be a potential candidate as well as Mexico and South Korea.

Cuban leadership while lauding President Chavez’s effort of repairing ties with Colombia and Havana has voiced its hope that Chavez will continue to rule the country owing to the benefit his socialism has brought about.

AUSTRALASIA

Political Issues

Latest Australian survey suggests that most Australians want the country to be a republic but that number has slumped to a record low in 16 years. The survey suggests that Australians will want their country free from the British monarch after the reign of Queen Elizabeth II

Meanwhile the Australian political deadlock moved into another week, without the two bigger parties forming the government. However, now the labour party has gained the support of two smaller parties, giving Australia a coalition government.

Economic Issues

Despite the cloudy political weather, Australian economy clocked a remarkable growth as consumer spending and mining exports soared. The latest economic status gives room for a better forecast in months to come.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The Australian government will have to take cautious and quick decisions in resolving its present immigration processes for asylum seekers due to the frequent outbreak of disturbance at Australian’s refugee camp on Christmas Island. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 134

2010-09-20T23:38:00.000-07:00

WESTERN EUROPE

Political Issues

According to the latest Euro barometer survey, almost half of EU citizens believe their countries membership of the EU has yield little as unemployment and a troubled economy grips the bloc. The survey showed that the dissatisfaction for EU is issue centered; disappointment was astonishingly less salient among countries relatively hit by the economic crisis. Nonetheless, the EU still sees its confidence level much higher than national governments and parliaments.

The extent to which EU should meddle in national affairs of its members is one of the troubling debates within the bloc. EU integration though success has not be immune from contentious issue of red line between the EU and member state. In a recent ruling by the German constitutional court, the court ruled that EU decisions may only be checked if European institutions seriously overstep their powers.

Roberto Maroni, Italy's interior minister projected the anti-immigration policy of his government as he wanted the EU to grant Italy permission to deprive Roma from free movement in Italy. His argument revolves around the economic burden posed by the illegal immigrants, yet it is unlikely the EU would consent to such a demand.

Meanwhile the EU is concerned over recent expulsion of Roma by the French government. Viviane Reding, the European commissioner for justice is set to investigate whether France has violated EU law. This same concern is shared by UN anti-racism panel asking Paris to avoid collective and mandatory repatriation, discriminatory statements and should rather address the Roma issue on individual circumstances. The Roma issue did not fail to capture the attention of the Vatican, asking France to be modest in its action, Paris however reminds the Vatican of separation between religion and the state.

Iran is not just under the UN or western radars for its nuclear activity but it is once again criticized for ill treatment of minority ethnic groups. According to the U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, minorities in the Islamic republic are not on same page with ethnic Iranian in term of freedom of expression and access to social services.

The death of three Spaniard troops in Afghanistan has reawakened the public resentment towards the Afghan war. The public wants Spaniard troops out of Afghanistan, even though the Socialist government has not yet revealed any timetable for such public bidding.

Economic Issues

Last week recorded a strong European market after months of market drops. The rebound could be linked to the soaring German economy and at the same time due to the recovering trend of equities in Asia and on Wall Street.

In an economy just rolling out of recession and still relying on foreign financial assistance, payment of pensions has been largely paid to ghost pensioners. Greece’s Deputy Labour Minister George Koutroumanis disclosed that hundreds of wrongful pension are paid to dead names still on pension list..

The new levy about to be introduced by the German government is a clear message to financial institutions that they can always help themselves in times of crisis if they had prepared for the unexpected. The German government wants to start levying banks and to use the proceeds of the levy in bailing out banks during crisis instead of leeching taxpayers.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Humanitarian efforts by the EU for the flooded people of Pakistan remains ringing news, as EU fears that its huge effort is being undermined by threat of Taliban and inaccessibility of the most needed to its aid. EU’s effort has once been challenged as meager. The EU has donated more than half of the benchmark stated by the UNO.

There might be certain concern from Washington on the need for transparency in the funds for flood crisis in Pakistan, but exigent approach to the crisis in more a concern for U.N.'s International Telecommunication Union asking donors to wire money to the National Bank of Pakistan or Switzerland's UBS AG to "assist the flood-affected victims" and rebuild telephone networks.

The British government is pondering on how to resolve the increasing number of prison inmates in the country. Some policymakers hold the view of short time prison sentence while other believe community sentences will better reduce the tendency for re-offending. Meanwhile, Royal United Services Institute is also alerting the British government of how British jails are potential breeding ground for terrorists.

Net migration to the UK rose by more than 20 percent last year to 196,000 from 163,000 in 2008. The figures from the Office for National Statistics showed the number of immigrants arriving in the UK in 2009 fell by 4 percent to 567,000, from 590,000 in 2008. However, the number of people leaving the country last year dropped further by 13 percent to 371,000, from 427,000 in 2008.

Geostrategic Issues

German foreign minister Guido Westerwelle visited Serbia and restated EU stance that Kosovo’s independence is a dawn reality, asking Serbia to see that the map of southeast Europe is completed. EU wants Serbia to mellow down her rhetoric after the ICJ’s ruling though Belgrade still wants UNO to debate on the contentious issue.

The imprisonment of a non violent Palestinian activist by the Israeli government has raised the eye brow of the EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton. Her critical assessment of the judgment was resented by Israel as unusual and unworthy of a foreign dignitary to interfere in domestic affair of a foreign country.

EAST EUROPE

Political Issues

The Dutch government rejects any complicity in the Srebrenica massacre, on the pretext that during the war Dutch troops were only acting under the banner of the UN; however a new investigation sponsored by the relatives of Srebrenica massacre victims is about to begin in the Dutch city of Arnhem to investigate the role of UN-Dutch troops in the massacre.

The US officials in the region are not desisting from dissuading Bosnian Serb authority not to make a parallel between Kosovo and Republika Srpska (RS). Washington insists that as an entity of BiH, it has no right to secede.

Romanian government has thrown its support behind the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Moldova, against the secessionist Transdniestr. Transdniestr is a breakaway territory between the Dniester River and the eastern Moldovan border with Ukraine. Transdniestr is trying to use Kosovo as a case precedent to secede from Moldova.

The European Commission shows its appreciation at the pace of Croatia-EU accession. Zagreb has managed to close 22 out of 33 chapters and there is a forecast of Croatia being the next EU member.

In the wake of the ICJ ruling in favor of Kosovo there has been huge condemnation for the independence rumors aired within Serb dominated north of Kosovo. The Kosovar government has pledged to extend 13m euros to the municipalities run by Kosovo Serbs, an effort expected to bait the north from the unruly conduct.

The fight against corruption and organized crime has become a joint effort across the region; it has led to different extradition agreements. Serbia and Montenegro inked similar agreement and hope solving cross border crime through it. Meanwhile, Montenegrin NGOs are resenting the new drafted anti-corruption strategy and action plan by the government on the ground that they were not consulted in making it and the draft does not really address ground reality.

Similar action was seen in Romania, as the Romanian parliament passed the state anti-corruption bill, which was adopted in the 137-seat senate by a vote of 78-0, with one abstention.

Economic Issues

IMF mission head Albert Jaeger praised Serbia’s government prudent fiscal policy and stressed the importance of adopting a law on fiscal responsibility. However, Jaeger rejected Economy Minister Mladjan Dinkic's proposal to raise public wages and pensions as early as next month due to the lower than expected government deficit.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

People across the religion commemorated the 100 years birthday of Mother Teresa, acknowledging her dedication to humanity. In Kosovo, authorities released a postage stamp in her honour.

According to reports an Albanian song praising Osama bin Laden in Macedonia resonates the view that there is a soft corner for extremism in the region.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Albania is facing its share of the global climate change as wildfire grips the country. The fire is reported to have engulfed hectares of vineyards and olive groves.

Geostrategic Issues

Bulgarian and Romanian government do not find the forceful expulsion of ethnic Romas from France satisfactory. Both countries have shown their resentment and the European Commission is urging Bucharest and Sofia not to allow the incident to influence their ambitions to join Schengen.

RUSSIA

Political Issues

President Dmitry Medvedev has rejected the proposal by Chechnya president, who wanted the title of president to be limited only to Moscow rather than being a common title for all regional heads. Medvedev holds that such an issue would be better decided by the federation themselves.

Economic Issues

As part of the general economic policy, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin intends to raise import duties on foreign cars to encourage international car producers to build new plants in Russia and to boost the local market. Meanwhile, The Russian presidential council for financial market development believes that making Moscow an international financial hub is only possible through federal, state and private support. The council rejected an initiative put forward by the Moscow Mayor to spend some 4 trillion rubles ($130 billion) over the next 10 years to be shouldered alone by the federal.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Russian authorities are still struggling with piracy which has turned itself to threat for the economy and at the same time denting the country’s image.

As people around the world celebrate the 100 years birthday of Mother Teresa, Russian authority has planned to erect her monument as recognition for her dedication to life and the helpless.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Russia-Iran relations have been a bit sour recently but putting a finishing touch to Bushehr nuclear plant by Russia has reduced that sour rapport. As Russia fuels the plant there has been angry resentment from western and Israeli observers which Russia is trying to water down.

Russia is expected to further extend its gas tentacles to Asia as Moscow and Beijing enter into a multidimensional pipeline project, while Novatek also finding direct route to export its liquefied natural gas to Asia.

The summer heat wave might be subsiding, but the havoc created by the natural disaster is something that Russians will have to over come in due course of time.

Geostrategic Issues

Washington has again lauded the support given by Russia for the new UNSC sanctions on Iran. According to a report both capitals believe they share similar concerns over Iran and the latter having nuclear bomb is more dangerous for Russia as a neighbor. Meanwhile Israel is also not comfortable with sale of Russian weapons to Syria.

Russia and Armenia in recent times are ganging up in finding solutions to the protracted border issue in the region and more importantly to increase bilateral ties. Leaders of both countries met during the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) informal summit held in the Armenian capital on August 20-21. meanwhile according to reports the French President Nicolas Sarkozy is proposing a new cooperation that will include Russia, EU, NATO and the Organization for Security and Cooperation.

Despite its two years support for South Ossetia and Abkhazia’s independence, the secessionist state has not been able to sustain peace. Georgia remains irked at Russia’s 2008 attack and its support for South Ossetia’s independence, which Georgia still counts as its part.

US/CANADA

Economic Issues

American public and political opponents are asking President Obama about the extent to which his stimulus package has brought a change to the economy. Americans bearing low purchasing power and facing housing crisis as well as irked wealthy equally complaining of tax hike have voiced issues that are expected to be flared up by republicans as the midterm elections draw in.

American National Center for Health Statistics declares a striking figure pointing at the declining rate of birth rate in the country. According to the centre, birth rate dropped for the second year in a row since the recession began in 2007. Births fell 2.6 percent last year even as the population grew. Interestingly, the uncertainty economic is said to be accountable for the drop.

Canadian banks recorded a profit fall more than expected due to weak trading income, a signal that recovery is still underway.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The proposed mosque near Ground Zone in the US is expected to be listed as part of a tax-free financing institution, if the mosque could demonstrate an ability to pay off borrowed bonds and comply with the laws concerning tax-exempt financing, which requires that such institution will benefit the general public and their religious activities are funded separately.

The American mosque debate has raised questions across the globe. For some the debate further reiterates America’s hatred for Islam, while some in Europe believe America is now waking up to its own debate of Muslim visibility in public sphere. But Americans are still confident that their society gives room for debate in comparison to other societies.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico has brought gain and loss simultaneously. For some the cleanup processes increased their sale tax revenue and boosted their businesses, while other remained shattered by the growing fear that the areas around the Gulf is un-conducive for business as usual. But the greatest concern for both parties is the uncertain moratorium on oil drill; if it becomes effective, it will further exacerbate the level of unemployment and hikes energy price for the areas and country at large.

Meanwhile the inquiry panel asked to investigate the spill on the Gulf of Mexico was not satisfied with BP’s response. The company is not ready to single out anyone as responsible for the accident instead stood by a company-wide safety culture that ensured every employee is responsible.

LATIN AMERICA

Political Issues

The Internet has taken Brazilians to another level of electioneering process as presidential candidates avail Internet social networking sites for campaigning. The new avenue is adding to the print and electronic platform for political participation as more youth are indulged. Meanwhile, Ms. Dilma Rousseff is still riding on President Lula’s popularity though Lula himself is criticized for one sided support of a particular candidate.

For newly elected Colombian President Santos many issues would need streamlining in order to place the country on a right track. After Colombian constitutional court ruled against having US military base in the country, the president has started contemplating reviewing the military agreement and at the same time trying to find a soft negotiation platform between the state and the troublesome FARC rebel group.

If the survey result that only 36 percent people of Venezuela wants Chavez once again in power should be trusted then that is an indicator of fall in Chavez’s popularity. Chavez’s policies have been widely criticized as undemocratic and tramping on private ownership.

Economic Issues

Being the largest Soy oil exporter, and 75% of its Soy oil worth $1.4 billion remained un-purchased by China, this will be devastating to the Argentine economy. Both countries have been at trade loggerhead, Argentina has been blocking China from dumping its textile and edible into local market, leading China to stop the import of Soy oil.

Brazilian finance minister envisages an economic growth up to 7%, but not without a controllable inflation. Meanwhile a bi-partisan speculative report by the US Congress supports the plea of South Africa asking for the membership of BRIC.

Venezuela’s central bank reported that the economy of Venezuela shrunk 3.5 percent in this year as compare to the previous year and its oil sector and private sector is further speculated to have decline.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The Brazilian government has extended its humanitarian hand to Pakistan’s flood affected victims; a total of $1.2 million in aid has been donated through UNHCR to Pakistan.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Argentine President Fernandez Kirchner is tussling with Royal Dutch Shell PLC. The company is challenging the government for trying to take its prerogative right of oil price increase, as reported agreement between Shell and the government only grants such right to Shell.

In Brazil, Petrobras is set to commence a deepwater oil exploration with 5 billion barrels of oil shares which is opened to investors. Meanwhile, Brasilia is intensifying effort to make its environment cleaner, sustainable and manageable through a climate fund, which enjoins all stakeholders benefiting from environmental resources to pay into the fund.

The Chilean government is seeking NASA’s help to authenticate the fate of trapped Chilean mine workers.

Despite Mexico being in the spotlight for drug related crimes, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemalan have been singled out by a UN report as countries having top murder cases.

Cancun state of Mexico is expected to host the world for another round of talks on climate change, where Mexico is wooing neighbors to take active role in the conference.

A report by the UN and a New York Times’ article alleges that Chavez’s government is clamping down on opposition and there is little or no freedom of expression in Venezuela.

Geostrategic Issues

Brazilian President Lula is increasingly expanding his diplomatic clout in global affairs. Yet again Tehran is asking him to mediate with Council of Vienna over its nuclear impasses. This could be another chance for Lula to further engrave his statesmanship status.

Colombian President Santos will be credited for friendly policy towards neighbors. The new administration is geared at resolving Colombia’s long brawl with Venezuela as both countries have entered different levels of agreement under the auspices of UNASUR and active role of Argentina and Brazil

The tempo of drug war is increasingly becoming a regional menace and Mexico is at the top of the issue. The recent rampage in Mexico intensified this concern and Mexico is calling on regional governments for consolidated effort at rooting the menace out of the region. Meanwhile Mexicans are still grappling with the debate of drug legalization.

AUSTRALASIA

Political Issues

It has been 70 years since Australia has had a hung parliament, as major political parties have failed to secure 76 majority votes needed to form a government. Both labour and liberal parties are now wooing minority parties to form a government. Nonetheless the inconclusive elections saw the election of the first Aboriginal and Muslim lawmakers in the lower house, as well as its youngest (20 years) with university student.

Economic Issues

Amid an uncertain elections outcome, Australian financial system was gripped with fear with a drop in Australian dollar and bond. Investors were reported to be cautious of how to invest as the country faces a hung parliament in 70 years.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

A part of Western Australia was irked by a terrorist assignment students were expected to do. The school board has withdrawn the assignment owing to the sensitivity of the matter, but the teacher argues that the task wanted to help the student better understand the trend and manner terrorism affects the live of people. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 133

2010-09-20T21:34:00.000-07:00

WESTERN EUROPE

Political Issues

Elections are over but mutual understanding of creating a government is yet to happen in Belgium. The struggle evolves around the lack of compromises between the two ends of the country. For the Flemish parties, who are keen to see more powers devolved to the regions, are pushing for more conditions to be included such as a reward and punishment system for entities depending on whether they manage to achieve certain pre-defined objectives. French-speaking parties, for their part, are demanding that the state reform, which would be the sixth in the country's history, does not touch the subsidies that flow into their poorer region from richer Flanders and that no part of the population is left less well off by the reforms.

Throw in your support or face the judgment of voters was the strong signal sent by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to the members of his coalition that recently slipped away. Italian ruling coalition government has been at chaos as coalition partner failed to support certain legislation.

The Greek government has reassured Arab friends that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visit only aimed at improving Greek-Israeli relations for the good of Greece and all countries in the Middle East and does not exclude our close co-operation with the Arab world.

Whether or not French President Sarkozy wants to use his new campaign on Roma as political stunt should be judged by the people. The campaign though geared at sanitising the street of France from delinquency will fall short of target because expelled Roma can with ease and legally return to France. EU said the expulsion case is under its radar and watching closely if France is violating EU law of free movement of citizens.

Economic Issues

Europe is facing a general austerity syndrome, characterized by budget and deficit cut, the syndrome was triggered by the Greek financial crisis. If EU countries must reduce budget, Brussels should be no exemption. There has been call for reducing EU mushrooming institutions because that in itself increases spending.

According to the German central bank, Germany's economy is on course to grow by about 3 percent this year after a spectacular second-quarter growth spurt. The growth has been spurred by strong export, prudent financial policies and better way of handling economic crisis as compared to other giant economies.

According to the new British government, saving the economy from a wrong direction should be the responsibility of all Britons. Thus, according to suggestion posted on the Treasury ministry website, abolishing the monarchy, opening Parliament for just four days a month, adjusting legislators' pay accordingly and to have prisoners generate cheap electricity by hooking up gym equipment to the power grid are ways of solving the problem.

Called the generous state where the unemployed can still survive, Denmark is taking a new turn by slashing unemployment benefits from four to two years. The new rule requires people to stick to job at their disposal than being laid off with the hope of getting government’s benefit.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The humanitarian crisis in Pakistan is brewing accusation of negligence among developed nations expected to be more benevolent amid the critical situations. The EU is rejecting the misinformation about its humanitarian aid, rather defended itself as the first on spot and has expended than any on ground. An unnamed Taliban group is reported to have donated more than what Germany the EU largest economy donated.

The concern of EU over the wildfire accidents across Russia is an indication that in a Globalized world, calamities are mutually attended to. The European Commission has granted €89,589 to help Russia as part of its humanitarian aid. Russia however is not dependent on EU mechanism but relied on bilateral help from EU friendly states.

German court has charged a former Rwandan mayor living in Germany for massacre and inciting killings the country's 1994 genocide. It more likely the first of it kind for Germany to exercise universal jurisdiction on crime committed elsewhere.

The British government warns Libyan authority to respect the feeling of relative of victims of 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 above Lockerbie, Scotland. It is believe that Libya is set to celebrate one year to the release of Abdel Baset Al-Megrahi. His release continues to fan diplomatic rattle within London, Dublin and Washington.

A study says female managers in Britain earn 10,000 pounds ($15,600) a year less than their male counterparts, and at current rates will wait 57 years to achieve parity.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The European General Court has ordered a suspension of the EU's seal product ban just as the regulation was due to enter into force. Canadian Inuit sent a petition to the court against the EU ban, arguing that the ban will affect their economy. For the EU the ban is more to protect wildlife and preservation of animals affected.

Geostrategic Issues

The EU has again reminded its member of Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) less expensive and more timely than allowing cross border dispute to always end in the court, which is not only costly and time-consuming, but potentially equipped to destroy profitable business relationships.

The EU an integral of Quartet is geared up to bring Palestinians and Israelis back to the negotiation table. Although there is skepticism for the new talks as conditions from both sides are still unsettled.

The office of the EU foreign policy headed by Chief Catherine Ashton is yet to gained full status as EU representation in international organization like the UN. Chief Catherine Ashton could not speak at the UN on EU-Pakistan humanitarian effort because her office is yet to have full speaking rights at the international forum.

SOUTHEAST EUROPE

Political Issues

If Albania must overcome its political stalemate then there is no option than electoral reforms. This is the suggestion from the opposition parties to the ruling party. Albania parliament has long been unsettled due to the political doubt between opposition and ruling parties. The political standoff is not just affecting the domestic politics but also endangering Albania-EU integration.

Meanwhile, Albanian President Topi has returned property law to parliament for review, a development welcomed by the opposition. While on a separate development, the government decided to increase incomes for the unemployed by 3.5%, to about 60 euros a month.

The international community is demanding Bosnia to create a common and concerted police force that will be forceful enough to combat corruption and crime. This demand came amid the report of the US State Department's annual report jettisoning the current structure in the country as not worthwhile to meet the challenges, especially of a global threat, such as terrorism and drug trafficking. Such a common police force is rejected by Republika Srpska Prime Minister Milorad Dodik.

ICJ’s ruling over Kosovo is becoming a precedent for other seeking independence. Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH) Prime Minister Nikola Spiric said now that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled in favour of Kosovo's independence, this would open the path for RS's independence.

Croatian President Josipovic announced he would strip Glavas's rank of major-general. The move came after the Supreme Court upheld his conviction for war crimes committed against Serbian civilians during the 1991-1995 conflict.

Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci has made a strong statement that for no reason will Serb-dominated northern Kosovo becomes autonomous and claim of independence is simply a hoax. The region has been problematic and backed by Serbia, a situation often irritating Pristina. Nevertheless, tussle continues between Serbia and Kosovo even after the ICJ’s rulings that cleared Kosovo from violation of international law.

Economic Issues

In Bulgaria, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov announced that the country will absorb at least 50% of the EU funds set aside in the 2007-2013 budget frameworks.

Geostrategic Issues

Becoming an integral of the EU visa liberalization scheme is not far fetch, but only attainable if Bosnia must institute a viable structure to prevent corruption and co-ordinate to fight against corruption.

Russia is gotten itself another spy roll with Romania, at first Russia expelled Romanian first secretary in Russia before Bucharest did same to Russia first secretary in Romania. Time will tell if the diplomatic clash will not exacerbate.

Hastily written resolution by Serbia sent to UN could be diplomatically catastrophic for Belgrade as the resolution has fell short to garner support of UN members and even offended the EU. On this backdrop comes the debate in Serbia over the slow pace of the country’s EU accession. The fact is that Serbia has been jumping from one trouble to another and Kosovo has been a major determinant issue associated with Serbia-EU accession.

RUSSIA & ITS NEIGHBORS

Political Issues

Russians should be having just one president instead of presidents across the country. President Ramzan Kadyrov of Chechnya is asking for an approval from lower house of the Russian parliament, the State Duma to change the status of president to head of region, doing this will give prestige to the president sitting in Moscow.

Poland and Hungary lead other nine EU members challenging the way their public debt is calculated and demanding for a reform. The countries want that the bloc’s members be allowed to account for the cost of overhauling their pension systems.

The Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is rolling out a reform package covering amendments to anti-corruption, lobbing legislation and rules on responsibility for public finance discipline. Meanwhile, Warsaw is firm at protecting EU’s Cohesion Policy that helps countries like Poland to revive their economies.

Even though 70% of Czechs have rejected the idea of placing another U.S. early-warning system component in the country, the government is defying the public say. The rejection idea is supposedly spearheaded by the Communist Youth Union (KSM)

On a separate development, Czech new Prime Minister, Petr Necas is set to normalize relations with Brussels and more importantly with neighbors like Germany

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban whose centre-right party, Fidesz won the last elections and now forms the government is under watchful eye of Transparency International. The organization is voicing numerous concerns over the cabinet’s legislative practice and staffing policies.

Economic Issues

Russian energy giant, Gazprom recorded 42 percent profit hike, estimated around $1.501 billion as compared to U.S. GAAP. The record slightly exceeded analysts' expectations.

In comparison to other BRIC members, according to Russia's statistical agency Rosstat, Russian economy recorded the lowest GDP rise. Brazil's GDP rose by 11.3 percent, China's by 10.3 percent, India's by 8.9 percent and Russia’s GDP stood at 5.2 percent.

Polish economy continues to experience a soar as GDP rises by 3%. Poland is credited at the sole EU nation to have avoided the recent recession. On top of that, Poland hopes to benefit from hosting the next Euro 2012 soccer championship expected to generate some 28 billion zlotys ($9.1 billion) for Poland’s economy.

Economic growth will also be true for Ukraine with a GDP boost of 3.9%.

The Czech government’s borrowing costs dropped to an all-time low at a sale of 15-year bonds as the country’s pledge to halve the size of its budget deficit and a plan to sell bonds in Euros boosted demand for its koruna debt. Meanwhile the new centre-right government is moving at fulfilling its election promises of fiscal responsibility and rooting out corruption in state administration and in the awarding of public contracts.

Slovak government has reiterated and defended its position for not supporting the EU’s €110 billion in bilateral loans over the next three years for Euro zone countries.

Latvia’s economy is enjoying a good financial incentive atmosphere as World Bank and EU rebound the economy with another loan tranche of 105.8 million euros (135.6 million US dollars). The fund is geared at walking the small Baltic state out of recession, while its GDP rise of 13.4 per cent, suggesting recession is subsiding.

Despite the political hubbub, Belarusian and the Russian railway enterprises are coordinating east-west-east freight traffic, including trans-shipment in Belarus, with the participation of privately-licensed Polish carriers.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Russian securities hopes to start an operation in southern Russia after massive bomb wound security agents. Fighting extremism has become a serious concern for the Russian government.

The extent and impact of Russian mafia became more highlighted by a report that shows how jobs in police department and judiciary are bought by Russian mafia for more than £30,000. Thus, this could buttress the view that Russian system is enveloped in corruption.

UN’s report has it that Russia is already the third largest country in the world in terms of the number of drug addicts among citizens, but a recent poll conducted by Public Opinion Research centre suggests that almost three quarters of respondents said they know no-one around them on drug.

Authorities in Moscow have shortened the period during which shops may sell hard alcohol in line with the Kremlin-led campaign to crack down on alcohol abuse.

The Slovak government under the banner of NATO is expected to send relief goods to Pakistan flood areas.

Belarusian media houses still face government censorship and interference and such is becoming more elaborate as the nation prepares for next presidential election.

In Hungary, government is also defending the new media overhaul as non-infringement on the freedom of the press. The state wants all media body responsible for frequency tenders under one umbrella.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Russia’s recent natural disaster received international attention with different form of humanitarian assistance. But as the wildfire get subverted foreign volunteers as fire-fighters have started leaving Russia, their effort was gratified by Moscow authority. Meanwhile, Russia's liberal opposition is shouldering the blame of the outbreak of the fire on Prime Minister Putin.

Russia at last will be fulfilling its responsibility and thus regain its good image before the Iranian authorities if the Bushehr nuclear plant gets fuelled. The plant is expected to become operative soon and it has become another avenue of debate in the west over Iranian nuclear dilemma.

Ukraine, the world’s sixth largest exporter of wheat and barley is set to join its Russia neighbor by limiting wheat and barley exports to 3.5 million tons till end of the year. Like Russia, Kiev’s farmlands were hit by a severe drought.

Geostrategic Issues

The summit held at the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi gave ample opportunity to Russia to discuss issues of mutual concern. The countries at the summit agreed on co-operation in trade, fighting terrorism, drug trafficking and international crimes. Similarly, Moscow hope to revive its Soviet-era projects in the region as in the provision of energy such as electricity which is crucial to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Recognition of Abkhazia is becoming important for Russia and Moscow worries over Belarus nonchalant attitude to this issue. Moscow is set to publish Belarusian President Lukashenko's promise on Abkhazia during the last Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit. Lukashenko ties his reluctance to Russia’s disturbing pressure. There has been an up and down in Russia-Belarus relations recently and diplomatic calmness is necessary for the two members of a trilateral Custom Union.

Russia is expected to get its military presence in Armenia extended for another twenty four (24) years. Armenia tends to strengthen its ties with Russia and such prolong presence of Russia might be far-reaching for (Azerbaijan and Turkey) in the neighborhood.

Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic is reassuring the Israel's new Ambassador Alexander Ben-Zvi of good relations based on international policy and the Mideast peace process amid international condemnation of Israel over its assault on Turkish flotilla

US/CANADA

Political Issues

Obama’s rating could be plummeting and Congress not on public good book, yet the democrat party believes there are chances for them to perform better than expected in the midterm election contrary to the projected rightist views of the republican tea party conservatives. Democrat claims Americans are moderate and not necessarily ready for fringe politics.

Before going for his personal recess, Obama lashed out at republican for baiting voters with untrue promises, which according to him will further ditch the economy.

The political jiggles being played by republicans along side the tea party suggests that race is not an oblivious issue on American political landscape. The recent Ethics troubles facing Democrats Congressmen is believed to have been accentuated because of the race of the culprits and more deeply to demonise democrat party and Obama’s government as a failed administration.

Young Senators or new elected members of the Senate are demanding for change against the establishment. They project the view that the establishment is out of touch from the reality and their retrogressive ideas should be buried for new initiatives. Another issue of concern is earmark for Senators believe to be a waste and should be banned.

Obama administration wants a thorough review of offshore water drilling, as a measure to caution against the repetition of Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Even though sizeable number of Americans will want drilling to continue despite huge criticism of BP, yet the industry experts fear a moratorium would be worrisome for the economy.

It is increasingly becoming evident that the construction of a mosque at Ground Zero is taking a political posture, drawing American president into a local issue. Despite the huge criticism by the right and republican, President Obama stood his ground that construction of the mosque is legal and he holds no apology to his critics. The mosque debate has however divided democrats, and muddy particularly for Senators seeking re-election.

The fluctuation in Canadian party rating has become a persistence phenomenon guarded by issue and circumstance. The latest poll by EKO shows that conservatives have clawed back lead after drop in approval over census issue.

Economic Issues

Economic uncertainty is brewing Americans’ ire against the government, characterised by lower approval for Obama’s handling of the economy. Americans are disillusioned that Obama could not fulfil his promise of revitalising the economy. The disenchantment could be hideous during the midterm election.

Canadian economy like other giant economies is facing daunting situation as wholesale and housing sector gets affected, generally the economy is experiencing a slow motion growth.

Amid a final stage of inking over 8 billion euros free trade agreement between Canada and EU, Ottawa has petitioned EU before WTO for its new law banning seal. Canada says it is defending Atlantic communities that rely on the seal trade for survival, while the European Parliament has sided with radical animal rights lobbyists.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The fact that Obama approved the construction of mosque at Ground Zero has further awakened the erroneous view that the president is a Muslim and hiding his identity as a Christian. According to PEW survey, the view is largely due to media misinformation.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

President Obama might be having a bad rating for his handling of the economy, but not for the oil spill at the Gulf of Mexico. Sizeable number of Americans believe the spill was a national problem and approved of the president handling. Meanwhile, confidence in BP is recovering slowing after the seal, though scepticism over safety of seafood remains. Meanwhile the number of people petitioning BP and other major defendants involved with the spill, for compensation has increased for contributing to joblessness and environmental degradation.

For many it is no more sensational that global warming and climate change are responsible for the world unfolding natural disasters. This however does not bury sceptics from arguing that massive emission of carbon dioxide is in no way accountable for the woes the world now faces.

Canadian opposition party accuses the ruling minority government of defying environmental warning about the oil sand exploration. The opposition reports that the exploration is sensitive to fresh water and could be hazardous to health.

Geostrategic Issues

The flood in Pakistan is giving a new direction to US-Pakistan relations. Washington is forced by the natural disaster to be more focused on humanitarian assistance than being concern on security issue. It is true that circumstance can also change strategic alliance and policy at any given time. American top civilian officer in the region hopes that the humanitarian assistance will help re-brand U.S image among disenchanted Pakistanis

The exit of US from Iraq is expected to create a void, which the Obama administration would rather fill with private civilian officers instead of military. The administration believes Iraqi government can now shoulder security responsibility though with helping hand from the United States which will be done by the private civilian officers.

Pentagon is raising caution flag over the increasingly military expansion of China in the pacific, increase military budget and development of advance military hardware. The concern is not just an issue for Washington but equally worrisome for Washington’s allies in the region.

LATIN AMERICA

Political Issues

Although it is suitable for the economy at the moment, yet Argentine’s lower house has passed an opposition backed bill to increase pensions till 82 percent, expected to be on same page as the country’s minimum wage.

Brazilians are expected to have a new president by October after a tight election between President Lula’s candidate Ms. Rousseff and a veteran politician Mr. Serra. Several polls suggest different rating, but the bottom-line is that Ms. Rousseff is expected to replace Lula, on whose popularity she is garnering support.

Observers of the country might see the latest development in Colombia as a wrong start, while President Santos welcomes dialogue with FARC upon renunciation of violence, Colombian defense minister rejected negotiation as tantamount to approving the rebel’s atrocity. Meanwhile, a Colombian court has rejected having US military base in Colombia on the ground that it lacks parliament’s approval.

Legalization of drug is the on-going debate in Mexico after ex-President Fox suggested legalizing drug in bid to destabilize the drug economy. President Calderon however holds that such permission will further induct youth to drug addiction and he has also requested the help of the 31 Mexican governors for combating the menace of drug cartel.

Venezuela’s international standing could make it difficult for Caracas to seek the repatriation of a Venezuelan serving jail sentence in France for terrorism. Venezuelans share dissimilar views on what Chavez’s 21^st century socialism is. Most argue it is geared at bettering their lives, while others believe it is a confused and vague concept invented by Chavez.

Economic Issues

Argentine economy is recorded doing well than expected and according to polls, President Fernandez Kirchner is regaining favorite rating due to her reformed economic policies, thus distinct herself from unwise polices that ditched her husband, the former president.

Further growth of Mexican economy will depend on foreign investment but translating that into reality could be impaired by Mexico’s political trouble. The government expects a 5% economic growth next year and GDP increase by 4.1% this year. Meanwhile, Mexico and Turkey enters a new phase of bilateral relations after both countries ink agreement on several sectors.

Is free trade zone a workable arrangement, as NAFTA members often move from one problem to another. Mexico a NAFTA member will be taxing U.S goods as retaliation for the rejection of Mexican trucks into the U.S.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

In order to keep abreast with the increasingly science and technology growth, Brazilian government is set to invest $23.4 billion US dollars in technological fields to boost this sector.

Chile-China relation is open for progress, trade ties has increased by 31% from $17.42 billion in 2009. Upon expending around $1 billion in rebuilding Chile’s earthquake affected areas, Chinese businessmen have been invited to be integral of the hefty reconstruction.

Despite the Colombian court’s ruling, Obama government has announced that it will continue its assistance to the Colombian government to combat drug trafficking and fighting rebel groups.

Mexican conservative and ruling National Action Party and the Catholic Church community were thrown into a tight corner after a majority Supreme Court ruling legalized same-sex marriage and adoption of children. Mexico will be second in the neighborhood upholding such law which to the Church undermines the fabric of the society.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

They are both members of BRIC and growing economies; this is an open truth for Brazil and China. Brazil being China’s tenth largest trading partner is more interested to increase agricultural exports to China in due course. Brazil exchanges pork for Chinese fish.

Geostrategic Issues

Argentina got the kudos of Washington for her effort over regional co-operation and attempt for resolving Colombia-Venezuela brawl.

In an effort to forge a new beginning between Colombia and Venezuela, both countries are at verge of inking trade and defense agreements as Colombian defense and trade ministers pay visit to Caracas

US-Mexico troublesome border might have to face a new reality as the US Congress increases the budget for militarization of the border, with the intention of replicating the drone offensive as being used in Pakistan-Afghan border.

Venezuela remains obstinate against U.S ambassador-nominee to Venezuela, Mr. Palmer is accused of unnecessarily interference in Venezuela’s affair and thus he is non grata.

AUSTRALASIA

Political Issues

The battle for the seat of premier in on-going in Australia and elections outcome will determine if Aussies are ready to continue with a female prime minister or a male politician from a conservative Liberal party.

Whether to retain or drop monarchical heritage for a republic has been a long discourse for the Australian government and public. As elections roll to a close, the Labour party that has long wanted Australia to cease being under the British monarch, wants monarchy retained till the death of the current Queen of England. This view is not shared by monarchist conservative Liberal party having no qualms with the monarch.

Economic Issues

merger between Australian major iron ore company BHP Billiton and mining giant Rio Tinto has been reported abortive. The merger will have been a great financial success for Australia though a big concern for EU and China. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 132

2010-08-30T22:16:00.000-07:00

WESTERN EUROPE

Political Issues

It appears the European Socialist Party is losing grip of popular support as demonstrated by the last EU election. In a bid to reorganize itself, the party is proposing to adopt U.S-style primaries for electing EU commission president.

Economic Issues

The austerity measures unfolding in the UK is a clear indication that the British government is not undertaking anything novel from the trend across Europe. The new British government has planned cutting public spending and closing up certain sections of the economic sectors. Like elsewhere in Europe, Britons are not that comfortable with the austerity plans.

Solidarity is yet to gain full ground within the European Union, the Greek financial crisis gives a testimony to that fact and the recent retraction by the Slovak government not to contribute in the whole €110 billion EU-IMF package for weak economies like Greek further enunciate the situation. Meanwhile, Brussels is geared at cutting of its bureaucratic finances, a demand by member states, asking Brussels to undertake austerity measures as seen across Europe.

Despite enjoying the financial bailout of EU-IMF and keeping austerity measures, the Greek economy is reported to be shrinking and faces 12% of unemployment

Meanwhile the German economy was reported with a surge, a record high since the reunification of the Germany. The growth of the German industrial sectors and competitiveness within the Eurozone contribute to soar. Economy growth is also true for Spain but punctuated by pessimism due to fluctuation in the economy. European market however recorded a drop in shares.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Britain’s advertising watchdog has banned the anti-terrorism advert asking neighbors to be vigilant and to report people acting inwardly in the neighborhood to police. The ban is intended to curb erroneous reporting and unnecessary harassment of good citizens.

Still in Britain, the immunity granted to security officers to treat suspected terrorist wickedly will no more be condone. The British Crown Prosecution Service has ordered the trial of Scotland Yard policemen who criminally maltreated Babar Ahmad, suspected for terrorism.

Hamburg authorities finally shut down Masjid Taiba in Hamburg, known previously as Al Quds mosque, purportedly used by 9/11 attackers. Hamburg intelligence suggests it is grooming Germans for violence.

Tariq Ramadan could not prove himself right before the court, as an Amsterdam court threw out his wrongful dismissal lawsuit. The court observed that Ramadan does not recognize the gravity of his programme aired by an Iranian channel on the public.

The trouble of Google, the Internet giant is yet to be over in Europe over its Street view programme. Germans are opting out from Google’s programme on the ground their privacy is not protected by the programme.

The expulsion and destruction of Roma’s houses from France further rings the bell that troubles for Roma are unfinished. The extent to the expulsion plan will favor French President Nicolas Sarkozy politically is an unanswered question.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The Portuguese government is diverting attention more closely to renewable resources as a way of reducing dependence on fossil fuel and creating a cleaner environment. The oil spill at the Gulf of Mexico is making governments to having a rethink over fossil fuel and at the same time facilitating a diversified energy source.

Geostrategic Issues

The European Union is on the verge of reconsidering its relations with Pakistan. The bloc is expected to boost economic ties with Pakistan by adding Islamabad into its Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) scheme but quality production will determine Pakistan’s eligibility to the scheme. Meanwhile the bloc has not closed its eye towards humanitarian aid for flood victims.

An international peace mediation workshop was recently organized by the European Commission (EC) and the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) in Jakarta to promote cooperation between ASEAN and the European Union (EU) on conflict mediation and prevention in the region.

The plan by the British government to cut military budget cannot be disconnected from the wave of economic situation and budget cut across Europe. The proposal comes amid the announcement of U.S Defense Secretary planning to reduce Pentagon’s spending.

As EU-Russia relation moves around mutual understanding, it was a surprise for the bloc to know that Russia has stationed S-300 ground-to-air missiles in Georgia's disputed Abkhazia region. Both parties are not in mood of brawl but Russia’s action suggest Moscow still want its hegemony recognize in the neighborhood

RUSSIA & ITS NEIGHBORS

Political Issues

Dagestan-Russian back government has planed to initiate militia within the region to combat Mujahideen with the aim of reducing cost of using either Dagestan’s police or Russia forces. The militias are to be inducted on contract basis among youth wanting better life option.

Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski has been sworn in, in an inaugural punctuated with pledge of promoting sound economy and boosting solidarity among various political parties and the most important institutions of the state such as the government, the parliament.

It is the first step of success for the Czech Republic's centre-right government led by Prime Minister Petr Necas, to have won a confidence vote in parliament and a parliamentary approval to cut budget and reform pensions and health care.

With the increasingly Belarus-Russia misgiving, Moscow is being tempted to meddle in Belarus’ forthcoming election by supporting a candidate against incumbent Aleksander Lukashenko. Political meddling could also be true for Moldova, where the joint action of Russia and Ukraine aimed to bring breakaway province of Transdniestria under control along with the rest of Moldova.

Economic Issues

According to the Federal Statistics Service in Moscow, Russian gross domestic product grew 5.2 percent from a year earlier, compared with 2.9 percent growth in the January-March period.

Russia's battered auto industry could have a cause to thank the government due to the additional funds infused into the sector to supporting traders trading in domestically made cars aged 10 years or older. The cash for clunkers programme is expected to balloon the car industry to 15% growth during this year.

EU and Ukraine are expecting to start the next round of negotiations on creating a free trade zone in early October. The two sides will discuss issues related to access of goods, particularly agricultural products, customs tariffs, domestic support of agriculture, sanitary and protection of intellectual property rights.

Despite the need of IMF, the Ukrainian Communist party is questioning government further relation with IMF on the ground that existing IMF conditions are affecting the people.

The Robin Hood tax championed by the Hungarian government has been set rolling. Huge tax is demanded from the rich industrial sectors, so as to pay the taxes of the poor, a measure for closing the deficit gap of the economy. Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose party won recent election called on the country to ride itself from the claws of IMF and has planned not to further cut budget has demanded by the financial institution. Doing this will be following Malaysia and Turkey’s way when both countries rejected IMF in order to stabilize their economies.

Polish commissioner in charge of the EU budget, Janusz Lewandowski, has said new proposal regarding extending the EU Tax structure by levying new taxes on the financial sector will definitely boast the EU revenue sources about €30 billion to €40 billion a year. France, UK and Germany have been opposing the plans for creating an EU tax.

Czech economy got a positive rating from S&P, as an economy having a stable debt with a sixth-highest investment grade. Meanwhile, Czech Republic has rejected North Korea’s mode for debt payment. The Communist state wants Czech to write off lion share of its debt and ready to pay $10 million in debt in form of ginseng.

The visit of International Monetary Fund (IMF) to Latvia is productive for the latter as IMF announced to provide Latvia with another loan tranche of 105.8 million Euros (135.6 million US dollars).

According to Statistics Estonia, gross domestic product (GDP) grew 3.5 per cent from April to June compared to the same period last year, putting Estonia behind only Sweden among European Union members in its growth rate.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

There has been an increasingly demand for a change in Russia with particular reference to its political and social structure. During the last week Russian Human Rights activists were apprehended by security agents for staging anti-government protest. Will the arrest further spell out the view that government does not entertain alternative view?

Russian marks ten years since the Kursk submarine disaster, analyses are pouring in on the eventual cause of the disaster with a more striking account that the accident could not be disconnected from the Cold War arms struggle between US and Russia.

Russia is unhappy with the U. S. Department of State's Country Report on Terrorism 2009 covering Georgia, the report was rejected by Russia as biased accusing Russia of exporting terrorism while fell short to mention Tbilisi’s dealing with terrorist groups in the North Caucasus region.

The Hungarian oppositions have rejected government’s huge influence on country’s media, calling for a democratic media institution in a new Globalized world.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

After a protracted construction of the first light water nuclear plant by Russia for Iran, the former said the plant is completed and ready to be loaded with nuclear fuel. The announcement has garnered another wave of hostility and suspicion from the West.

Russian wildfire accidents have caused the economy $15 Billion, hugely affected its grain production and made the government prohibits export of the cash crop. The prohibition is causing food prices hysteria across Europe and among Russia neighbors. But the authority cautioned that export is possible only if the grain harvest reaches 65 million tons.

The Russian government understands the extent to which the wildfire has havocked the economy; therefore promised to grant $1.15 billion in state support, coupled with that is the $4.5 million donation from the United States and 100,000 Euros of assistance delivered by Estonia.

. Russia-Belarus argument is resurfacing yet on Belarus nuclear plant. Minsk wants transparency from Russia to build the plant on its soil; otherwise Belarus will be considering other investor as China has shown interest.

Geostrategic Issues

Unhappy with its moribund defense hardware and system, Russian government is increasing its military spending and that is manifesting in the latest military crafts and hardware ready to be showcase by the Russian defense ministry.

Reciprocity is demanded by Belarus before it could recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Lukashenko believes Russia is not ready to help out on the eventual consequences of such recognition as relations with U.S, EU and CIS could be strained.

Georgia is yet to consider Abkhazia as an independent state, thus Abkhazia and its waters are considered as part of Georgian territory. Therefore the plan by Russia to help Abkhazia build up sea border patrols around the Black Sea will be nothing less than an affront to Georgia sovereignty.

US/CANADA

Political Issues

The on-going election primaries in the U.S are portrayed as a challenge between the establishment and change vanguard. The two larger political parties have been politicizing everything possible in a bid to woo as many voters, come midterm elections.

As Defence Secretary Robert Gates pushes for a cut in Pentagon spending, he is more likely to meet the irritation of the Congress and the Department bureaucracy. Obama’s administration welcomes the proposal as an alternative for funding the two exhausted wars. The cut will affect many sections and functions will be eliminated or reassigned.

George Friedman argues in his article “Arizona, Borderlands and U.S.-Mexican Relations” published in Stratfor that U.S-Mexican relation comes a long way. The U.S might have militarily defeated Mexico, but the trend of both legal and illegal immigration across the border from Mexico into United States is a cultural reconquest by the Mexican of the American society.

Political fluctuation in Canada puts both ruling conservative and liberal opposition at a weak end. Having a majority vote is the benchmark of ruling the parliament solely, which both parties do not have. The conservative is reviewing its plan of converting Canadian mandatory census for to voluntary form. The proposed change has been a setback and brought the government under fire. The government believes the change will protect privacy, but rejected by the people.

Economic Issues

The slow pace of economic recovery recorded by the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee could be dangerous for the Obama’s administration and democrat party come midterm elections. Americans are not satisfied with their level of joblessness and low level spending.

The interconnectedness of global economy remains undisputed as global market saw a drop due to slow pace of the American economy and the cooling of Chinese economy. The economic concern accentuates the fear of how long global recovery will take before stabilization.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

As tension mounts across American states over intended public visibility of Muslim, the trend appears to be a crossover syndrome from Europe where similar tension particularly on veiled women has increased more recently. Americans are divided on this debate and the question of singling out a particular faith is surfacing.

A Canadian judge rejected Taser International Inc's bid to quash the findings of a government inquiry that said stun guns could be lethal and which urged police to restrict their use.

The recent action by the Canadian government on immigrant ship destined for Canada is said to be hyper as the government failed to ascertain the authenticity and exigent need of the boaters before rejecting them.

Geostrategic Issues

Some members of the U.S Congress are against the decision of sending military assistance to the Lebanese army on ground that it might end up with Hezbollah. This heightens Lebanese’s grievance that Washington is playing an unfair game simply because of Israeli involvement.

It was seen as a fulfillment of campaign promise, but the policy of Iraq withdrawal is expected to affect the war torn country. Iraq is believed not to be ripe enough for withdrawal owing to the numerous issues contending the country and as a former Iraqi leader observed, American withdrawal will amount to leaving the country to wolves. Similarly, American military officers in Afghanistan are worried for any troop withdrawal because situation in the country does not warrant such troop reduction.

LATIN AMERICA

Political Issues

Brazilian presidential aspirant, Mr. Serra is taking a strong stance against current policy adopted by Lula’s government. Serra from the PSDB party wants Brazil to keep off from meddling in Venezuela-Colombia imbroglio and in U.S-Iran political standoff. This statement came amid the intention of President Lula to visit Bogota and Caracas in a bid to foster multilateral cooperation, although Lula believes FARC issue is Colombia’s internal matter and neighbors should not be thrown blames, Brazil though said it will help combat FARC if requested.

Newly elected president of Colombia Mr. Santos is calling for a peaceful neighborhood and co-existence with Venezuela despite their current tension and also ready for negotiation with FARC rebel if the latter will renounce violence. Santos’ inauguration was an avenue to resolve many pending issues within the region. It was an occasion graced by regional leaders and China was also represented.

Mexican President Calderon plans to intensify effort on money laundering along fighting drug cartel whose sphere of influence is also visible in other illicit businesses. Meanwhile as violence exacerbates and most Mexicans get more tensed, sizeable no. of Mexicans according to PEW survey support military action against drug cartels. Meanwhile former President Fox insinuated that Mexico’s drug problem can be solved if the drug is legalized.

Retired Venezuelan military generals are to face conspiracy trial soon because they questioned the uncautioned presence of Cuban military in Venezuelan strategic military institutions, a view rejected by the government as baseless.

President Chavez continues to make headway in his twitter account, garnering followers daily. Chavez believes that with the social network his message can travel wide.

Economic Issues

Brazil’s finance ministry is forecasting a growth of the economy around 5.7%, the economy has experience an rapid growth more recently and drew world attention.

Colombian President Santos has alot on his shoulder to accomplished, especially lifting the economy from its current stage. Crisis with Venezuela and internal skirmishes are factors hampering Colombian economy, all of which Santos must face.

Venezuela claims its economy is slowly walking out from recession as unemployment rate declines and the economy is rebounding.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Chile's copper reserve is over 200 million tons, almost one third of the world's reserve. But the recent accident at one of its mines killing 22 persons made Chile’s president shorten her Colombia visit for inauguration of the Colombian presidential.

Opening a new dimension to the tension between both countries, an attorney from Bogota is reported to have filed a case on behalf of victims of FARC against President Hugo Chavez at International Court of Justice for abetting FARC, accused of killing many Colombians.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Argentine government plans to increase its level of soy production, being the crop largest exporter, Argentina will also be increasing its wheat production due to wheat scarcity in global market.

Argentina and Bolivia have entered into an energy agreement allowing the latter to supply 27 million cubic natural gas daily to northern Argentina province of Salta.

As the world faces the menace of global warming and climate change, every government hopes to make policy that will reduce the threat. Hence, the Brazilian government announces a 49% reduction in deforestation, an achievement tied to better environmental policies.

Mexican government is increasing its effort to combat health problems menacing the country with a support from China. At the same time, Mexico wants the world to pay serious attention to environment related issue as global warming and climate worries the globe.

Geostrategic Issues

There is an increasingly scope for growth and cooperation between South America and Africa. Both continents are re-channeling their resource towards the progress of global south and the recent bi-continental summit held in Venezuela heightened that prospect.

Venezuela’s bid for MERCOSUR membership is yet unfulfilled due to the rejection by the Paraguayan parliament arguing against Chavez’s aggressive policy in the region. Venezuela wants the U.S ambassador to Caracas be changed due to his interference in domestic issue.

AUSTRALASIA

Political Issues

As the Australian nation prepares for knife-edge elections, the ruling labour and liberal opposition parties wrestle over the best domestic and foreign policies for Australia. According to polls, the outcome of the election could result to the first hung parliament in 70 years.

The ruling party sees China and Asia-Pacific region as focal point, while the opposition believes Canberra should reduce reliance on Beijing and plans to sell uranium to India if elected even though it is against Australia’s policy to sell its substance to country outside the NPT.

China is calling for a new level of military relations with Australia with the aim of fortifying the pacific and Asia in general; although such level of military ties might not go down well with the U.S.

Economic Issues

Australia economy was one of the least affected by the recent past global financial crisis. The economy was fortified and quickly recovered along with other larger Asian economies. Nonetheless, Qantas, Australia’s largest airliner reported a profit drop, but is still optimistic owing to its financial backup.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Australian Labour government under ex-PM Rudd Kevin made a landmark apology to the aborigine community for ills done against them, despite the apology according to Amnesty International the aborigine communities are still lagging behind. The plight of this community is said to be missing in the election talk as parties woo voters. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 131

2010-08-23T02:20:00.000-07:00

Week # 131 – Dated 1^st- 7^th August, 2010

WESTERN EUROPE

Political Issues

In Italy the inability of the opposition to get through a vote of no-confidence against the ruling government indicates that despite the recent infighting Silvio Berlusconi's government can still move on irrespective of the political storm.

The libertarian Pirate Party in Sweden wants the country to revert its child pornography laws back to the form that existed before 1999, meant to disallow abuse of the law by law enforcement.

In the cyber world UAE government has banned the Blackberry on security grounds, but the European Commission is far from doing the same with iPhone, believed to be security fortified, even after a German security office alerted on its vulnerability.

As the United States government battles with Wikileaks, a Swedish website says it is ready to champion the cause of freedom of speech by helping to launch Wikileaks accused by the American government of declassifying sensitive information to the public.

A recently published report by Eurostat on the EU graphically explains the expenditures of the bloc on technical issues. According to the publication, the EU expended more than €601m on "external advice" between 2005 and 2008, €84,000 used as payment for those drawing up questionnaire asking EU officials about their career plans, while the European Commission spent €150m a year on consultants.

Economic Issues

Eurozone financial crisis did not exempt the big European markets like France from its impact. The French economy was recorded to have suffered huge deficit, but that trend is beginning to change as the economy picked pace due to exportation of transportation equipment which was instrumental for deficit reduction.

EU and IMF are standing by the Greek government on its economic reforms aimed at bailing the recessed economy and as measure to getting more funds from the two institutions. The Greek government economic reforms have not been receptive to the people, protesting the reforms with national strike actions.

European Central Bank chief sent a strong note of caution to the members of Eurozone about being complacent with the economy rather should expect a slow growth in the second half of the year. The message is a pointer that Eurozone recession will take more time to stabilize.

As Liberia leaves its past for a democratic reconstruction, western countries have not shunned their look from this West African country. The European Commission recently allocated an extra €10 million in humanitarian aid for Liberia.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Despite its border tight policy the EU is recording an increase in asylum seekers and irregular and illegal border-crossers. The fact indicates that the United States will not be alone in the fight against illegal immigration, similarly the rise further prove the increasing population of Europe characterize by immigrants.

Google has announced that starting September 14th, it will allow European markets to bid on brand names as keywords, something it already allows North America, Ireland, and the UK to do. This will allow advertisers to have their ads show up when users search

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Nuclear talk between the EU and Iran remains unsettled over the allegation that Tehran is not ready for a compromise with the western world. Despite the impasses which culminated in the recent EU sanctions, the EU foreign office still wants a dialogue with Tehran, but once again could the stick and carrot policy works for Iran?

The British Prime Minister has once again made a confrontational foreign policy statement. David Cameron slipped by saying that Iran has nuclear bomb, a fact unacceptable to Labour opposition.

The EU is speaking out against countries that have not been able to live to expectation after the Copenhagen climate summit. The EU urges countries to do a "fair share" of gas cuts, as the menace of global warming and climate change intensifies.

The Family Farmers Association in Britain has called on the European Commission to provide ongoing financial support for working livestock producers and growers who are unable to make a living from agriculture.

Geo-strategic Issues

The European Commission believes the newly imposed $14 fee by the US government on travelers under the visa waivers system is unattainable as it hurt the agreement between EU and US. The Commission is reviewing the fee and could do the same for US travelers coming to EU.

The appointment of Rosalind Marsden, a British career diplomat by Catherine Ashton, the EU's foreign policy chief, to help in preparations for a referendum on independence for South Sudan and in peace efforts in Darfur, shows the extent to which Sudan remains under EU’s radar.

Yet the EU is exiting her security adviser from Guinea Bissau on the ground of political unrest. The EU accuses the West African country of lacking political instability and respect for rule of law.

The EU has offered Rwanda informal support in its forthcoming elections. Unlike EU usual practice of sending monitoring group, the bloc only sent four experts to do an internal analysis, a report meant to be internally used by the EU.

Despite what opposition called inexperience in foreign affairs matter, Prime Minister David Cameron appears to be committed along with other world leader to putting life back in the Middle East peace talk. While on a separate note, the British premier welcomed the Pakistani President Asif Zardari in London.

CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE

Political Issues

As part of its longing for the EU visa liberalization scheme, Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha has called on local institutions to complete the questionnaire sent by the European Commission. Albania hopes to join others that are now part of the scheme. Albania has also increased its presence in Afghanistan, showing its commitment as a NATO member.

Political division in Bosnian parliament could further isolate the country from the EU. The parliament has not been able to resolve and adopt a law on holding a national population census.

Sentencing former parliament member Vladimir Glavas of Croatian Democratic Party of Slavonia and Baranja (HDSSB) to ten year prison terms for war crimes against Serbian civilians during the 1991-1995 war has caused uproar between the judiciary and the political party. HDSSB claims Glavas is punished for shifting political party.

Kosovo Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni has clearly said during his visit to the UN that Kosovo’s independence is not precedent for any country, while at the same time urging the UN to change its Resolution 1244 upon the recent ICJ rulings. Hyseni nevertheless ruled out any dream of partitioning Kosovo as suggested by Serbia that northern Kosovo should be autonomous.

Extradition rejection of former Bosnia and Herzegovina presidency member Ejup Ganic by a British court wanted by Serbia in connection with a May 1992 attack in Sarajevo against a Yugoslav National Army convoy was another diplomatic setback for Belgrade. Despite the rattling, Belgrade has decided not to appeal the case.

Meanwhile, as Serbia commemorated the 15 years anniversary of Operation Storm, when Croatian military launched offensive on Serbs living in Croatia, refugees of the war are asking Serbia and Croatia to resolve their difference so as to facilitate the return of the refugees.

Economic Issues

Romanian economy will see a boost as the European Commission (EC) releases the third 1.15 billion-euro tranche of the 20 billion-euro loan. The fund became due after all criteria and conditions in the agreement were accomplished.

Geo-strategic Issues

Unlike Albania’s input to NATO, Montenegro is collaborating with EU ATALANTA naval operation, which combats piracy off the Somali coast. Sea piracy is increasingly becoming a global menace and nations are working jointly to put it out.

Italy has joined countries that ratified the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with Serbia, becoming the fourth EU member state to do so.

RUSSIA & ITS NEIGHBORS

Political Issues

Komorowski, the new Polish president had been sworn in, vowing to build the nation and setting it on the track of economic development. Mr. Kaczynski, the brother of the late president who now leads the opposition boycotted the inauguration.

The funeral of controversial Milan Paumer rekindled the debate over the Czech leader, whom some see as anti-communist hero and others believes to be a murderer. His funeral was however graced by top Czech politicians.

The four party centre-right coalition led by Slovak Prime Minister Iveta Radicova is still struggling to streamline issues troubling the country. The government is challenged by domestic economic, inter-ethnic, political issues and at the same time trying to straighten relations with Hungary.

In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz is bent at redirecting the bearing of the country as he vows to keep his country from foreign aid in order to avoid bankruptcy and an ability to make independent economic policies. His foreign policy is also making headline, he irked Slovakia when he extended the right to citizenship to all ethnic Magyars living beyond the country’s borders. Meanwhile, newly elected Hungarian President Pal Schmitt has been officially inaugurated.

Supreme Council of Ukraine’s parliament with a majority votes agreed that local parliamentary elections should be held in autonomous Crimea concurrently with local legislatures throughout Ukraine.

Economic Issues

The increasingly growth of the Russian economy has been added a flavour by IMF, predicting a further growth owing to increase of household incomes and decrease in unemployment. Meanwhile, Russia is interested in Russia-Kuwait economic partnership believes to be vital for both economies.

As Russia faces drought and wildfire affecting its grains and has forced the government to stop export of grains; Asian importers of Russian’s wheat are turning towards United States as an alternative.

Reducing public spending and deficit are part of the plans of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, whose country enjoys a better economic in the neighborhood. Although latest report shows a jump in borrowing cost on Polish bonds and that might fuel inflation and influence central bank to raise interest rates.

A comparison of unemployment level across Europe by Eurostat, indicates that the Poles are the least unemployed, further explaining the healthy Polish economy.

The Czech koruna dropped from its strongest level in 21 months against the euro on speculation the Czech central bank will try to talk down the currency to protect economic growth and prevent disinflation. The world’s best-performing currency in July weakened 0.4 %.

Czech’s koruna is acclaimed to be the world’s best-performing currency in July, but the currency saw a drop against the Euro. Similarly, the Slovak economy experienced a boost even without International Monetary Fund backing. Slovakia meat and poultry sector is currently enjoying the patronage of Hong Kong and Vietnam as export of frozen foods shoot up.

As it prepares to be the next Eurozone member, Estonia economy is still daunted by economic fluctuation, although Standard & Poor rated the economy as viable for having moved out from a severe recession.

Similarly, Latvia’s economy is reported regaining strength from last year’s 18 % slump as manufacturing and exports advance.

The European Union's executive has given the green light to a Lithuanian scheme for supporting troubled banks, saying that it was necessary to overcome the financial crisis.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

In Slovakia, the far-right ‘Our Slovakia People's Party’ (LSNS) staged a nationalist protest in front of a castle in Bratislava, demanding the government to make Slovakia only for Slovaks. LSNS displayed their anti homosexuality, liberalism and Zionism during the protest.

Could there ever be world peace and harmony, this is the aspiration of Hungary’s Two-Tailed Dog Party allying with other likeminded across central Europe. The party promises voters world peace, prosperity and free beer and creating a two-tailed dog with the aid of biotech.

European Humanities University is now known as University in Exile, banned from Belarus by the Lukashenko’s government but accepted in Lithuania. The university since being in exile has continued to enroll many Belarusians.

Ukraine's interior ministry is reported to have busted and apprehended a ring of human organ traffickers headed by an Israeli. The ring recruits organs donors from former Soviet countries and the organs end in the hands of wealthy foreigners.

The Lithuanian Court of Appeals has set free on bail Egle Kusaite, a 21-year-old Muslim Lithuanian convert, accused of plotting to carry out a terrorist attack in Russia as vengeance for the death of her Chechen friend.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Ghanaians would soon start feeling the influence of global oil companies on its soil as soon as exploration arrangement is finalized. Meanwhile Russia and Belarus have expressed their commitment to invest $1 billion in the Ghanaian’s emerging oil and gas industry. Belarus is alternatively looking at Venezuela for oil that could be reached through Lithuania.

The Estonian government is geared at dislodging Gazprom grip and monopoly from Estonian energy sector. The little Baltic state holds 37% while Russia carries the lion share.

Facing the worst heat wave in its history, Russia is urging Kazakh and Belarusian governments to halt grain exports because of drought conditions in the region. Meanwhile, Ukraine and Estonia unilaterally offered Russia humanitarian help for its wildfires

Geo-strategic Issues

Russia’s Foreign Ministry released a report accusing the United States of violating dozens of provisions of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons treaties, apparently in a reply to American critics, who have been accusing Russia of violating past agreements.

Although Canada recently insinuate Russia as a threat, yet Russia, Canada and the United States will all be taking part in a historic military exercise tailored at battling airborne terrorism.

Czech Republic is ready to host the US missile defence but under the umbrella of NATO, the system will be jointly manned by personnel of both countries.

The new UN-EU sanctions on Iran deprive countries to trade with Tehran in many sectors, as measure to incapacitate and force Tehran to change its perceived obstinate behavior. On this backdrop, Belarus has denied having arrangement of S-300 rocket missiles to Iran.

It might appear that the latest announcement of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko explains the unpredictability of this man. Lukashenko and his Georgian counterpart have been critical of Russia in recent times, yet for him to have promised to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia during the summit of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) leaders is worth noting.

US/CANADA

Political Issues

US President Obama is hoping to take advantage of his achievement on the BP oil spill during the midterm elections, though his acclaimed achievement is being punctured by republican critiques.

The puzzling question is the extent to which Pentagon can influence Wikileaks to withdraw all classified published and unpublished information from its website. Implicitly the leak has done unlimited damaged to American war strategy in Afghanistan and offended many working covertly and otherwise with Washington to see that Afghan war reaches a conclusive end.

The US Senate confirmed Elena Kagan to a seat on the Supreme Court replacing Justice John Paul Stevens after a protracted evaluation. Elena, a liberal will have to wrestle with the conservatives in the apex court.

If the Canadian government would continue with infuriating policies across political and business broad, the possibility of maintaining its lead over liberal opposition party will be less likely. In view of the recent crisis over census administration, Canadian Ekos survey puts the Conservatives at 29.7 % in popular support, down from 32.2 % in the previous reading. Whatever the poll is saying does not reckon with government position, bent not to compromise with the plan of changing the compulsory for voluntary census forms. The new plan is what many Canadians are uncomfortable about and believe it will skew the data and make it less reliable for planning purposes.

In spite of the declining support for the Conservative minority government, the political state of affairs suggest that neither the ruling nor the opposition wants an early election, rather amid political scrambling both will want to re-stabilize the economy.

Economic Issues

For many Americans unemployment remains worrisome and there is little or no indication that the joblessness gap will close sooner even as private businesses fill their vacant positions. The increasingly concern of joblessness makes it a potential political issue for the midterm elections.

Loss of jobs is also true for the Canadian economy, as permanent jobs saw a loss while part-time gained certain degree of progress. The fluctuation in the Canadian economy could implicitly suggest that most industrial economies are yet to fully regain their grip.

The leak at the Gulf of Mexico oil was not just detrimental to the environment but was equally damaging to jobs amid the problem of unemployment facing many Americans. Immigrant workers have joined the band of those seeking compensation from BP seen responsible for their layoff at workplaces along the Gulf.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The battle over the construction of a 13-story complex by Muslims within the neighborhood of Ground Zone is an unfinished brawl even after the New York authorities have given their green light. Objection to the mosque according to authority is a betrayal of U.S value of freedom for all, while antagonists see it as respecting lives of the victims.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

As BP engages in static kill, an effort to permanently seal the leak at the Gulf of Mexico that nevertheless does not displace the environmental fallout of the leak which has become a menace for animals and human inhabitants of the Gulf.

Geo-strategic Issues

It was a war tagged as illegal and as created dented image for Americans, but President Obama is about fulfilling one of his campaign promises by closing the chapter of Iraq war and hopes to accord him domestic praise. Ending the Iraq war is of course not the end of many miseries Iraqis are still undergoing, as former Saddam’s lieutenant Tariq Aziz said departure of the United States from Iraq will be tantamount to leaving the country to the wolves.

LATIN AMERICA

Political Issues

As Brazilians prepare for the next presidential elections, the two outstanding aspirants continue wooing voters. Latest Ibope’s poll suggest a lead for president Lula’s candidate, yet elections outcome will judge whether Lula’s popularity can see Ms. Dilma Rousseff through as the next president.

Colombian new President Santos is geared not to discontinue with the policies of his predecessor yet he has also determined to reduce the tempo of confrontation between his government and FARC rebel group if only the latter will recognize Colombian sovereignty.

Economic Issues

Argentines and Mexicans will be better placed to substantiate their government’s assertion of a reduction in joblessness. Both governments claim unemployment is decreasing due to better economic policies.

Argentina will have to convince China not to further boycott its soy oil as the latter plays a great role in Argentina’s agricultural sector. Despite the boycott, during a visit of the Argentine president to China, both countries signed agreement to boost mining and railroad infrastructure in Argentina. Meanwhile, the Argentine ambassador to Pakistan sees a prospect in Argentine-Pakistan relations in many fields.

Mexico like every other country in the region hopes to make China a good trade partner, as China’s economic influence in the region widens.

According to Brazil’s Development Industry and Foreign Trade Ministry, trade surplus in the first seven months of 2010 was down at 45.1 % year-on-year. The ministry also said the surplus reached 9.237 billion U.S. dollars.

Brazilian government under the umbrella of Mercosur will be inking a free trade agreement with Egypt. Both countries have been sound trade partner owing to $87.7 million of trade in 2009 and $1.53 billion in 2010.

Colombia hopes to benefit from the India’s investments; the latter has alot to offer to the Latin American country. India is expected export motorcycles, organic chemicals and technology related fields.

Venezuelan government is expected to get $4 billion loan from China, the Asian economic giant. China will be issuing the amount as first installment of $20 billion.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Mexican security agents reported killed the most wanted drug lord with the help of the FBI. The drug related violence in Mexico is taunting the country’s image and has been the reason why US consulate was shut down.

Venezuelan government is making a distinction between the people of Colombia and the government. The head of Venezuelan National Commission of Refugees holds that clash between Colombia and Venezuela will not force the latter to send Colombian refugees back home.

Geo-strategic Issues

The just concluded Mercosur summit held in Argentina was referred to by Brazilian President Lula da Silva as a success as the summit agreed on a common custom code aimed at reducing the cost of commerce within the region. Venezuela meanwhile wants the group to recognize its presence as a permanent member.

Argentina-Britain conflict is yet to be over and both countries have not consented to UN suggestion over disputed regions.

Ex-Colombian President Uribe is challenging President Lula for choosing the word negotiation as a way of resolving the brawl between Venezuela and Colombia. The latter accuses Venezuela of supporting FARC rebel group; therefore asking for negotiation will be tantamount to undermining the proof Colombia has against Venezuela.

Ecuador has called the meeting of UNASUR countries to resolve the dispute between Colombia and Venezuela.

Upon meeting the requirement of stepping up human rights protection and democratization of its society as laid down by Organization of America States, countries in the region are ready to reopen diplomatic relation with Honduras after the coup that ousted an elected democratic president.

AUSTRALASIA

Political Issues

Election is around the corner and Australian political parties have been sensitizing the public with political gimmicks in an attempt to woo voters. The Labour party has no option than to settle its internal fracas if it must retain the premier’s seat as there has been a political roar between ousted PM Kevin Rudd and PM Julia Gillard.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Australian scientists reported to have found in sea sponges sharing genes similar to human. The discovery is hoped to revolutionize medical outlook of human history and how diseases could be reduce through the exploitation of the sea sponges. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 130

2010-08-23T00:10:00.000-07:00

Week # 130 – Dated 25^th- 30^th July, 2010

WESTERN EUROPE

The EU will be making lives tougher for Iran as the bloc rolled out stricter sanctions on Tehran’s oil industry. Russia’s reaction to the sanctions was not welcoming, arguing that such sanctions could further irritate Iran from negotiation. Meanwhile, India hopes to cement its ties with the EU through the Indo-EU FTA, a trade pact at it completion stage.

Owing to recent financial trauma, Eurozone is yet to confidently regain its stamina as unemployment and inflation remain in the zone.

Ethnic Roma are widely discriminated across Europe and recent expulsion order by the French president to get Roma out of France was highly criticized by Human Right groups. The unanswered question is where does the acceptance of this group lie, they are neither treated well at home nor in diaspora.

Political Issues

Immaturity, lack of political insightfulness, straight talker and a different prime minister having the will to act independent from external influence are all features attached to UK Prime Minister David Cameron, whose recent statements raised political and diplomatic eyebrows from U.S, Israel, and Pakistan, but remarked pleasantly to Turkey. It is highly imperative to understand and continuously watch if such independent assertion is a possibility for shift in British foreign policy.

Giving the political tension in Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s coalition government, ranging from infighting and resignation of top officials, the prospect of an early election will not be implausible. The socialist opposition party is closely watching the problems in the centre-right party and could be advantageous for the opposition in case of an early election.

In the Netherlands, VVD- Pro-Free market party, CDA-the right-leaning Christian Democrats and anti-Islam Geert Wilders' Freedom Party-PVV, are yet to agree on a minority coalition government, a situation attached to policy disagreement.

Economic Issues

EADS NV, Paris-based European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co that produces Airbus is geared at increasing it production with the aim of accruing more profits.

Celebrating an un-forecasted profit behooves Total SA, the French oil company The company records euro3.1 billion as compared to previous euro2.17 billion, the profit delineates that Total has recovered from global recession and untouched by the fallout of oil spill at the Gulf of Mexico.

If Total celebrates profits, British Airways would have no cause doing same as the company has been severely hit by industrial strikes and ash cloud that hampered aviation across Europe. BA is expected to merge with Spain's Iberia following financial problems.

It will be a business success if ownership of the French electricity giant EDF, the largest electricity supplier in Britain falls into the hand of a Hong Kong consortium. British energy firm and Canadian-Australian-Abu Dhabi consortium all tails behind the Hong Kong consortium in securing the ownership EDF, that is on sale due to debt.

German inflation rose to 1.1 % this month, higher than the June figure of 0.9 % but slightly below analyst forecasts. The expected forecast had been expected at 1.2 %.

Greek economy remains under the watchful eye of the EU and IMF, both monitors how Athens is progressing with bailout package and its anti-crisis measures. Good performance will definitely aid Athens to receiving more funds for its wounded economy. Meanwhile, the Greek government is decided to close down many of its consulates abroad in bid to cut cost, an indication that the economy is still wanting.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The coalition British government recently announced freeing public sector from tight government grip, a measure tailored at cutting spending. The government has added decentralization to its policies in the pipeline. Decentralization is aimed at reducing the huge bureaucracy of NHS, granting local health practitioner autonomy and expediting medical service.

Internet giant, Google has been under investigation for violation of privacy law during its Street View data collection but the new British Information Commissioner's Office’s report says Google has not captured "significant" private details, hence that could evade Google from facing further litigation.

Correcting human right violation both at home and aboard has been one serious concern of the British government in recent times. Despite the support by Human Right groups, there is yet a complain that the head of an inquiry into allegations the U.K. colluded in the torture of terrorism suspects overseas will be partial because of his association with the British Intelligence Services.

British Court of Appeal has also ordered the government to compensate all those put under house arrest without trial as no evidence stands against them and their detention violate European human rights laws.

Hans Blix, former chief U.N. weapons inspector reiterates and shares the view held of Eliza Manningham-Buller, ex-director of Britain's domestic spy agency MI5, that the British and American government under Blair and Bush were simply bent at going to war and unseating Saddam without concrete proof. Hans holds that UK and US simply clinched to flawed intelligence and showed dubious judgment in the buildup to war.

The Eurostat statistics reports that European Union's population has crossed the half-billion mark and the growth has come mostly from immigration. The report is a clear indication of the socio-economic implications of immigration on continental Europe.

The US will not be alone grappling with issue of immigration; French President Nicolas Sarkozy has ordered the expulsion of Roma Gypsy believed to be illegal immigrants for their contribution to proscribed public behaviors. Similarly, President Sarkozy said France could soon have a law to renounce the citizenship of immigrants involving in delinquency, following a brawl between French police and residents of a French neighborhood,

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Despite the tougher sanctions EU has initiated against Iran’s economy, European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton still believes talks with Tehran is important at the earliest. Could winning the heart of Iran come through carrot and strike, will be a question the EU has to answer.

Geo-strategic Issues

Is Afghan war winnable, are things going the right direction and should British troops still remain in the war torn country are questions the new British government hopes to find answers to as it opens an inquiry into the Afghan war. Public opinion has not been well with the war indicating why the British government is tailing a new foreign policy.

In a bid to create the way for a Palestinian state, France is setting the pace in Europe to upgrading the status of Palestinian diplomatic presence in Europe from delegation to mission headed, by an ambassador. The move is welcomed by the Palestinian authority and could have neighborhood effect among EU members.

The French government said a war on al-Qaeda has started but fighting such war in far away Africa could only be feasible if Paris allied with her former colonies, wherein al-Qaeda is believed to be networking. The declaration of war follows the killing of an abducted old humanitarian French worker in Africa.

Fighting terrorism, maritime piracy and the Afghanistan crisis are common ground upon which NATO and Russia military are co-operating and relations is expected to further deepens.

CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE

Political Issues

If the proposal by the Albanian government to introduce electronic voting system in local election works out that could eventually ease the tension between the ruling and opposition party over election irregularities.

The rejection by a British court to extradite former Bosnian Vice President Ejup Ganic to Serbia for prosecution over war crime could be another political and diplomatic setback for Belgrade after losing a fight on the legality of Kosovo at the ICJ last week.

Meanwhile, Serbian parliament passed a resolution that rejects the sovereignty of Kosovo and further seeking UN support for renew talks with Kosovo.

EU though reiterates that Serbia’s road to EU lies in the bloc's fundamental principles of good neighborly relations, regional co-operation and dialogue. Serbia hopes to stop countries that have not recognized Kosovo from doing so, a task that is more likely uneasy.

Croatia continues to make headway towards completing its EU required chapters. 22 out of 33 chapters are completed, signaling the progress of Croatia-EU accession.

EU hopes to facilitate talks between Serbia and Kosovo following the ICJ ruling that exonerated Kosovo from violation of international law. Hence, Kosovo is urging the five EU member states yet to recognize Pristina to join the 69 countries that have recognized its sovereignty. With the ICJ’s ruling, Prime Minister Hashim Thaci holds that Kosovo's supervised independence is about to end and urged the international community to now shift from move supervising to supporting his country.

Reform process in Macedonia has been lauded by the EU, but the bloc urges the country to address some shortcomings in order to accelerate the integration process. Macedonia like others in the neighborhood faces political crisis polarizing the country.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Serbia Constitutional court has smacked down the parliamentary laws that violated freedom of speech and media freedom, that could be good news for media practitioners but the fear remains as general environment for media is not expected to turn good. Similarly, OSCE’s report of the region (Balkan) shows that media is under the siege of government, upon which media freedom gets hindered.

Bosnian authorities are worried over the increasing strength of radical Muslim group in the country. The worry is attached to the country’s EU integration, meanwhile economic problems, ethno-religious division in the country is believed to be aiding radicalization of the Bosniak youth.

Belgium is expected to extradite Albanian prisoners to Albania as part of the agreement reached between the two countries. Accepting the prisoners will further enhance Albania’s visa liberalization prospect.

It was another sad story for Roma as Roma living in France were expelled by President Sarkozy on the ground that they are part of anti-social behaviors. Bulgarian and Romanian governments are geared at resettling them respectively.

As part of the process of cleansing Kosovo from ill-administration and creating viable institutions for the new country, EULEX has been investigating organized crimes and other related issues involving top Kosovo officials.

Accusation of mass grave was debunked by the Montenegrin government following a no evidence report by forensic experts at the identified sites.

A 23-year old Slovenian known by his hacker handle Iserdo was reported apprehended by the police, Iserdo is suspected of creating a virus that has infected more than 12 million computers around the world.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

As energy concern heightens among countries, Bulgaria and Greece are on the verge of reaching agreement over Burgas-Alexandroupolis gas pipeline project, which will connect the Black Sea with the Aegean, avoiding expensive transit fees through the Bosporus.

Geo-strategic Issues

Albania has sent 44 troops to Kabul, its first fighting mission in Afghanistan. Albanian commandos will be deployed alongside US and British troops

RUSSIA & ITS NEIGHBORS

Economic Issues

Facing the wrath of drought and heat, Russian farmers are daunted by low productivity especially in grains production. An economic emergency is declared by the Russian government to address the weather and food problem.

The influence of globalization has not exempted Russia, and the move by Moscow to open its ambitious privatization programme since the 1990s to foreign investors is not only an indication for economic growth but also to further push Russia closer to the global business.

The Russian Gold Producers Union recorded a decline in gold output including by-product. The fall was 3.5 % to 74.66 metric tons. Meanwhile, Severstal, Russia’s largest steelmaker recorded a rise in output by 11%.

According to the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the new bank tax approved by the parliament is fair and necessary as it will exhibit the contribution of banks in overcoming the nation’s economic crisis. The new banks tax is however not getting the approval of International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union (EU), the law is seen as a breach of agreement and thus they will not be releasing part of an emergency finance package totaling €20 billion agreed two years ago. This means that Hungary is deprived access to approximately €5.5 billion.

Like every other government, the Polish government unveiled the plans to raise the value-added tax by one %age point to 23 % as part of efforts to tackle the country's budget deficit. Meanwhile, it is also expected to be part of Eurozone by 2015 upon satisfying Maastricht Criteria.

Setting a target for Eurozone membership will not be true for the Czech prime minister, whose government is also embarked on cutting budget deficit to 5.3 % of gross domestic product in 2010

Ukraine’s credit ratings were raised by Standard & Poor’s after International Monetary Fund approved a new $15.2 billion loan programme for Kiev.

Ukraine's trade unions have warned that an abrupt price hike for natural gas will stoke social unrest and uncontrolled inflation. Increasing gas prices was a key demand of the International Monetary Fund in exchange for this week's approval of a US$15 billion loan over 2 1/2 years to help Ukraine with economic reforms.

Similarly, Slovakia’s government has opened the way for the European safety net for governments that end up trapped by debt. It was a tough decision that came after pressure from European partners to put aside its opposition to the plan.

In Belarus, the finance ministry is proposing profit tax, value-added tax (VAT) and social security charges should be reduced in stages up to 2015.

Estonian economy was upgraded last week by the international ratings agency. Fitch raised the Estonia's long-term currency rating to A from the previous BBB+, on the backdrop of European Union's green light for the Baltic state to adopt the Euro in 2011

Both the EU and IMF are geared at enhancing Latvian economy with loan worth of billion of dollars as measure for economic recovery after its worst recession.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

Russian government is promising swapped agents good lives in Russia, an indication that Russia is not ready to pretend over their identity or forsake them. Meanwhile, Russia could found itself in another spy soup, as issue of Russian spy resonates in Czech Republic.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev might be positioning himself as reformer but such progressive direction is not welcomed by all and not measured enough by few. Ella Pamfilova, Medvedev’s chief human rights advisor has resigned claiming Russia is not changing from its undemocratic direction and lacking engagement with civil society.

Polish government plans to begin a tradition by placing the picture of President Bronislaw Komorowski in all Polish embassies abroad.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

Accessibility to cheap, environmental friendly energy is making debate in Poland, where the powerful coal industry will be facing a competition from nuclear energy advocates. Nuclear energy has been a forgotten project, but the new Polish leadership, the public and support of the United States is reshaping the demand for a nuclear Poland.

As Ukraine-Russia relations get tight, Kiev aims to raise more than $6 billion to help modernize a Soviet-era natural gas pipeline for Europe, aimed at facilitating its status as energy transit route to Europe.

Geo-strategic Issues

Despite Russia’s objection of recent EU’s sanctions on Iran, relation between the two friends is not as smooth as expected. Iranian president accuses Russia of dancing to western tune against Tehran, a statement rejected by Moscow as loudmouthed. The open question is whether both countries could risk maintaining a strained relation. In the same way, cordial relation between Russia and Europe is undoubtedly imperative owing to the need for Russia’s further modernization, which on it own cannot be achieved.

Giving the new diplomatic clout Russia wants to maintain in its neighborhood, it is yet unknown how well Russia would be able to stomach the joint animosity of Georgia and Belarus. Both countries have repeatedly urge Moscow to desist from hegemonic muscle flexing in the region and particularly in their domestic affairs. Russia and Belarus are part of same Custom Union, but media tension between the two countries is turning hyper.

The Russian government has approved a 65 % increase in the country's defence budget over the next three years as it rushes to upgrade its ageing Soviet-era military machine.

Having a missile defense system in Czech is an unclosed discussion. Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas restates that he is ready to accept a joint missile defense centre on Czech soil next year.

Despite the new decree that drops Ukraine’s bid for NATO, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen nonetheless has accepted the invitation to pay an official visit to Ukraine in the near future.

US/CANADA

Political Issues

The U.S midterm election is around the corner and parties are politicizing issues as much as they could as tool to woo voters during the election. Recent stake for the democrat party evolves around several ethics charges against democrat House members, which according to President Obama is troubling.

Economic Issues

The U.S economic landscape is punctuated by many issues and tax cut takes hold as one of the issues that will be placed before electorates in the midterm elections. The tussle between the republicans and democrats is whether to discontinue with the tax cuts for the wealthy and continue with the low incomer, tagged by the democrats as middle class. Meanwhile Obama administration is counting on the recovery of the automobile industry projecting the success of his bailout to the industry.

Growth in Canada's economy edged up in May after stalling unexpectedly in April, helped by strength in the goods-producing sectors led by oil and gas extraction, while the service sector faltered for a second straight month.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

It is true that many Americans will not condone the violation of their privacy whatever the security law attached to it. American intelligence agency (FBI) is accused of accessing Internet and phone data of American discriminatorily, causing offence to the public.

The battle is definitely not over even as Judge Susan Bolton of Federal District Court ruled against Arizona police officers to harass immigrants with the suspicion of being illegal. Although the court demands of state to cooperate with federal immigration agents, Arizona government is bent at appealing the ruling as debate rises over the issue of immigration across the country.

The debate over the construction of a mosque new Ground Zero, New York took a new dimension as the Anti-Defamation League rejected the plan. Opinion polls show the dissatisfaction of Americans for the mosques construction, even though New York officials have consented to the edifice. The point is that people are saying built the mosque a distance away from Ground Zero, doing that will be respecting the emotions of relatives of victims.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

The leak at the Gulf of Mexico is reported to have been stopped but the environmental hazard the leak has caused the gulf and eco-system remains a troubling issue, which BP would have to solve in order to regain the confidence of the people.

Geo-strategic Issues

Finding possible ways of solving and shouldering the burden of the war on the Afghan government has been the preoccupation of the Obama administration but the new intelligence and war leak by Wikileaks is more likely to cause havoc than “harm minimization” process the leak is expected to achieve. US strategy and partnership with Pakistan and Afghan informants comes under jeopardy. The case for the nine year wars became tenser as U.S House got divided on revamp the war fund or address the weak economy at home. The host of Wikileaks is bent at publishing more documents regardless of the havoc it will cause.

LATIN AMERICA

Political Issues

In an election run-up, Brazil’s political landscape remains heated with debate on how best to govern the country in post-Lula. Social welfare, tax, environment and foreign relations are top issues of debate.

Economic Issues

Brazil’s economic viability is one among other reasons why nations are affectionate with it. It has been drawing countries, upon which MoU and trade partnership were signed. Brazil in recent times is signing agreements with Middle East countries of which Syria and Kuwait are the latest.

In the same way, Argentina intends to strengthen ties with Kuwait and Pakistan in areas of interest. This will also be true for Chile-Kuwait relation.

The level of Brazil-China trade relations turns China into Brazil’s number one business partner as investment between them has cross into $20 billion in 2010. While for Mexico, China is a big trade partner and the second exporter of goods to Mexico

Looking at the trade imbalance between Mercosur and Central American Integration System (SICA), President Lula urges his Nicaragua counterpart to increase trade as measure to stabilize the Central American economy.

Political stability is said to be instrumental for economic stability, as Mexico faces political problems, hence the accuracy of 4% economic growth announced by the Mexico’s economy minister needed to be watched.

Social/Humanitarian Issue

The increasingly globalization of the world necessitate the imperative that people of the world needed awareness of other’s culture. November will be the month of Chinese culture in Brazil as both countries hope to foster better understand of cultures.

The plea of the Chilean Roman Catholic Church to pardon military officers during the country’s dictatorial rule was rejected by the victims’ families. Although Chileans are predominantly Catholic, the case shows the extent church can spur feelings.

Battle between Mexican government and drug lord remains unabated as killing continues across the country. Random killing has undoubtedly threatened existence of many Mexicans.

Food, Environment and Energy Issue

As Colombia and Venezuela severe diplomatic ties, Venezuela continues to drag Washington into the conflict accusing it of supporting Colombia and using it for proxy war against Venezuela. President Chavez has threatened to cut oil if its Colombia attacks Venezuela.

Geo-strategic Issues

Argentine, Brazil and Peru Presidents are hopeful and ready to mediate over the differences between Colombia and Venezuela during the next Unasur meeting in Buenos Aires. Diplomatic relation between Bogotá and Caracas is tensed; the latter is accused of offering sanctuary to FARC rebel. Meanwhile, Lula of Brazil sent a strong signal to the U.S not to unnecessary meddles in the affairs of the two bordering states.

Latin America would no more condone military coup, hence for Honduras to regain its OAS’s membership, the June 28^th military coup must be condemned and ex-President president Manuel Zelaya favored in the country.

Mexico’s former president Vicente Fox has joined the band of those labeling the Arizona’s immigration law as illegal. Ejecting immigrants or Mexicans from the U.S according to Fox will be detrimental to the U.S economy.

Venezuelan and Ugandan governments executed two cooperation agreements during the 15th Summit of the African Union held in Kampala. Venezuela also hosted leaders of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, during the visit Venezuela reiterates its recognition of the two separatist republics of Georgia.

AUSTRALASIA

Political Issues

Should opinion polls be relied upon then the fate of Australian labour party under its new female prime minister in forthcoming general election is on the hang, and could once again pave way for another conservative government. Prime Minister Julia Gillard is losing her political honeymoon days after ousting ex-PM Kevin Rudd. Gillard policies are said to be responsible for the setback in opinion poll though she appears to be a fighter. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 129

2010-08-08T23:42:00.000-07:00

Week # 129 – Dated 17^th- 24^th July, 2010

WESTERN EUROPE

Iceland is set to start accession negotiations with the European Union.

UNSC members along with other UNGA members are geared at working out a global “norms of accepted behavior in cyberspace, under the auspices of the United Nations.

At the financial front The British Prime Minister David Cameron’s policy has shown that despite being a Euro-skeptic, British attitude to financial management will not be different from the trend across Europe. Cameron is geared at cutting deficit and reducing the hand of government in the overall running of things, a stark differential position from Obama’s big government policy.

Lord Eliza Manningham-Buller, former director of the MI5 agency between 2002 and 2007 revealed to the Iraq Inquiry team that Saddam Hussein had no connection with 9/11 and all intelligence shows Iraq was neither a medium or short term threat, instead implicitly she argues American leadership should be blamed for the havoc in Iraq and how Iraq war diverted attention away from fighting terrorism. Her view tallies with scholarly view that Iraq war boosted terrorism and anti-western sentiments across Europe.

British Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke said the ministry of justice is prepared to tighten up the universal jurisdiction rules acknowledged by Britain, but foreigner will ceased to be prosecuted under the rule saved with substantive evidence, so as not to jeopardize Britain’s image.

The Spanish parliament rejected a ban on the burqa or niqab in the public sphere though prefer not to be worn in government building. Spanish Muslim organization believes the veil issue in Spain has no ground but only for political goal scoring.

IMF’s recent assessment report shows considerable progress in Greece’s public finances although clear risks are still visible in the healthcare and social security system.

Substantive global representation and greater role in world system can make Africa lead global recovery. This was the position aired by the former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown for African leaders’ summit in Kampala, Brown’s submission centers around the more untapped potential and unrealized talents in Africa.

Israel has investigated the Gaza flotilla crisis but the result believe to lack transparency. An independent inquiry is set to begin under the U.N. Human Rights Council for the same purpose.

Criticism of BP is yet to be over even after the block of the spill at the Gulf of Mexico. The oil company is being accused of attempting to hide information from the public and trying to safe its face from further public outcry, therefore asking scientist not to disclose their research until the government gives final approval for the company's restoration plan for the whole of the Gulf.

Ivorians would definitely laud the ruling of an Amsterdam district court that fined Trafigura a Swiss-based company one million euros for dumping health hazard substance on Abidjan city. The ruling also received praises from the Greens but Trafigura sees it unworthy and plans to appeal.

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Report has it that Albanian ruling Democratic Party (DP) is ready to compromise with Socialist Party's (SP) on certain issues and only if the latter will not boycott the parliament. Hence possibility of having a joint committee to investigate the June 2009 general elections which is the main cause of the political stalemate will be possible.

Meanwhile, members of Albanian parliament approved of budget change hoping to spur development but rejected by the opposition as reform that will deepen, rather than end the economic crisis.

On July 22, 2010, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations seated in The Hague (The Netherlands), ruled that Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence and secession from the Republic of Serbia over the latter's objection did not violate international law. The ICJ ruling, adopted by 10 votes to four, was issued in the form of a non-binding Advisory Opinion following a request from the UN General Assembly initiated by Serbia in late 2008. Upon the ICJ’s declaration that Kosovo’s independence does not violate international law, the streets of Kosovo became replete with celebrations and hope of strong statehood hangs in the air. Meanwhile, the ruling is expected to pave way for more recognition of Kosovo even though Serbia and Russia retain their non-recognition stances. Oppositions in Serbia have asked the prime minister to resign due to the ICJ ruling. Meanwhile, both EU and the UN have agreed to co-ordinate future talks between Kosovo and Serbia,

Albanian judiciary system is tagged by European Commission (EC) expert as one-sided, concerned about lower level corruption while higher up corruption gets little or no attention. Albanian authorities welcomed the ICJ rulings on the legitimacy of Kosovo’s independence.

After months of heated debate, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) parliament has approved a law on determining the salaries of public servants and a law on the salaries of police officers. The law is expected to expedite new IMF loan for the country.

Elections in Kosovo newly created Serb-dominated municipality of Partesh/Partes was a success as political power gets down on Serbs in the region to govern themselves.

Political misunderstanding between ruling and opposition is prevalent across the region and Macedonia is no exemption where there is political tension. Macedonian opposition accuses that on behest of the ruling party; police spied and tried to record their conversation with a group of disgruntled workers. Representatives of both parties however have agreed to set an inquiry into the matter.

Opposition and public in Serbia are irked by the new telecommunications law which requires telephone and internet operators to monitor communications and maintain records, which can be accessed at any time by police and security services, without a court order. Many sees it as unconstitutional, though opposition wants police to request court permission before such law could be used.

At the Economic front EU economic and finance ministers approved a proposal by the European Commission (EC) to launch an excessive deficit procedure for Bulgaria. The country must bring its deficit to below the bloc's 3% of GDP limit by 2011.

Report from Croatia will be instrumental to clarify and ascertain former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic’s view that in addition to humanitarian aid, Islamic countries provided Bosnia and Herzegovina with weapons, some of which were smuggled via Croatia.

Despite the favorable ICJ’s ruling for Kosovo, the court nevertheless instructed a re-arrest of former Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, as his 2008 release was unworthy after further investigation shows intimidation of witness.

EULEX’s corruption investigation in Kosovo is unabated as organized criminals are thrown into the judiciary net. Kosovo Central Bank Governor Hashim Rexhepi was also arrested as part of a corruption investigation.

According Reporters without Borders (RWB) Kosovo journalists are a target of threats from nationalist militants and extremists of all kinds if they try working more professionally.

The European Commission (EC) believes Montenegrin’ strategy to fight corruption and organized crime is weak because it lacks main goals, deadlines and monitoring mechanisms.

The Bulgarian government has finally approved an agreement in support of the Nabucco gas pipeline, an EU-backed project aims to transport up to 31 billion cubic metres of natural gas from the Caspian region to Europe.

Bulgaria and Italy becomes the 3^rd and 4^th EU members after Spain and Malta to ratify the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with Serbia. Other EU countries are expected to ratify the agreement that will move Serbia closer to the EU.

As Croatia makes rapid inroad on its EU membership, Zagreb is expected to complete a total of 21 conditions in the judiciary chapter of its accession talks with the EU. News has been in the air that Croatia-EU membership could be realized by 2011.

The European Commission (EC) published progress reports on Bulgaria and Romania, praises Bulgaria but criticizes Romania for not curbing the powers of its anti-corruption body. The report was not receptive to the Romanian Constitutional Court that holds the report falls short of the ground reality.

The visit of Croatian President Ivo Josipovic to Belgrade was to boost bilateral co-operation and resolve pending issues, such as the return of refugees in Croatia, the border issue, missing persons, and minority rights.

He lost the last general election and became the head of opposition. Jaroslaw Kaczynski, brother of the former Polish prime minister believes the Polish government is not handling well the inquiry into the death of his brother. Jaroslaw Kaczynski‘s criticism of the government is also criticized as ploy ahead of 2011 parliamentary elections.

The wind was finally cleared as soon as Slovak new Prime Minister Iveta Radičová, agreed to accept the European safety net for indebted economy. Slovakia before then was hesitant joining the 750-billion euro European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) an issue that became a campaign issue in last Slovakia's June election.

There is a growing change in female electoral participation in east and central Europe particularly in Czech Republic. According to reports female politicians are drawing support and are becoming noticeable like their western counterparts.

At the economic front IMF was instrumental in bailing Hungary out of its financial recession, but Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is affirmative to discussing his country budget with EU while IMF gets sidelined. Orban rejects austerity measures in favour of a pro-growth policy to woo voters. Separately, Hungarian Parliament passed a controversial tax on banks defying warnings from the country’s international creditors that the levy would hamper growth.

Polish economy continues to show a growing strength as retail sale rose than expected. Meanwhile, the Polish government does not intend to trim spending and the Central bank hopes to increase rate as balancing force for the growing economy.

The new Czech government is championing a tough budget deficit cut, raising credit rating and to implement the severest austerity package in the history of the republic. The measure will not be new but an integral element of austerity measures unfolding across Europe after the Greek financial crisis.

Ukraine’s economy is expected to experience substantive growth as its trade transaction with Russia reaches 50 billion U.S. dollars and an increased export, although Moody's forecast does not expect Ukraine to escape budget deficit likely to stand at 6 percent of GDP in 2010.

Latvian government was gladdened by the recent IMF’s resolve to commence 7.5-billion-euro (9.5-billion-dollar) international loan installment to Latvia. The latter smile was broadened by EU decision to open the door for Latvia to receive a 200-million-euro (260 million dollars) aid.

Although a strongly Catholic country, in Poland gambling is rampant; and gays, lesbians, bisexuals are demanding equal right for sexual minority. The European Commission is concerned about Poland’s gambling law and sexual minorities are doubtful if they can get equal right.

All former communist countries have always tried to end their communist-Russia history by either putting out of sight communist legacy or rejecting certain communist history of their country. Lithuania like other Baltic states is being urged by Russia to discontinue with falsification policy geared at deleting certain aspects of historical events of the 20th century.

Moldova will be receiving humanitarian help in form of technical aid and two crisis experts from Estonia. The aid follows the flood that recently hit Moldova.

Lithuania's government has approved the construction of a floating liquefied natural gas plant in the Baltic Sea, an effort to decrease its dependence on Russian energy supplies. Lithuania gets all its natural gas from Russia and has faced the unexpectedly supply cut during the last few months due to rows between Russia and Belarus.

RUSSIA

The good performance of the Russian economy is eye catching but nonetheless, IMF Board of Governors has offered a note of caution to Moscow to cut its budget deficit.

Investors are urged not to be dissuaded by negative media portrayal of Russia but should rather fathom that since 2000 and the end of 2009, Russia’s stock market and economy comparatively has been doing well than western market. This will be true for the new level of relation between Germany and Russia, as companies from the former are set to contribute to Russia development in non-strategic sectors.

Although they have formally signed a Custom Union, but that has not erase the price tussle between Belarus and Russia. The former has no readiness to accept Russia gas rate beyond $150 1,000 cubic meters. Meanwhile, Russian Finance Ministry has hinted tax hike on gas with the aim of bringing in an extra 180 billion rubles over three years.

The recent bombing of the Baksan Hydropower Plant in Kabardino-Balkaria will make Russian law enforcement agencies take serious measures on security at strategic sites, including hydropower plants and other power facilities.

Belarus and Russia are not just members of a common Custom Union but trade partners unsettled on gas price. Tension between the countries is further ignited as media from the two countries portrays each other to be authoritarian.

Heat waves is threatens lives in Russia and not sparing agricultural production. The heat is a record high stealing almost three hundred lives and contributed to the worst drought in 130 years.

Swapped Russian spies are still under state security radar before their fate to live as ordinary citizen will be determineed.

Russian Orthodox Church is saddened by the low level of youth in church activities and their perverse social behaviors hence the church is bent on missionary effort to guarding youth towards faith.

Russian Energy Ministry plans to develop Trebs and Titov oil fields with ($2 billion) with an extraction possibility of 70 million tons of reserves.

The rising heat in Russia and its effect on agricultural production has forced the government to reverse its grains intervention strategy.

Russia is taking a bold step to cement its foreign relation particularly in the north of Europe where Russia has energy and economic interest. Meanwhile, Russia is urging foreign countries not to grant citizenship to persons having criminal record. On a different note, trouble between the US and Russia is yet over as another Russian faces trial in USA for international drug trafficking Russia accuses the USA of violating numerous international rules upon his arrest.

Russian Foreign Ministry is throwing its weight in US neighborhood urging Colombia and Venezuela to restore a dialogue based on mutual trust with an aim to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Russia’s military industry will hit export of $9 billion by end of the year. India and Venezuela are among top nations finding the Russia military market comfortable. Russian armament department will be boosted by trillion of rubles in order to complement the task of strategic nuclear forces and ground forces.

Russia is bidding for French military hardware is now a concern for NATO allies seeing it as transferring of technology to former foe.

START ratification could be delayed by republicans of US Senate on the ground that Russia has been granted too many concessions.

US/CANADA

2 1/2 million jobless Americans will soon get about $300 for being laid off and unable to find work in the aftermath of the recession. The checks became ripe after Congress approved the measure.

With calls to wind up the war the White House and the Congress might be thinking of a budget trim, a proposal unwelcoming to Pentagon bureaucracy. Meanwhile, White House is still trying to reach an understanding with Senate Republicans to approve its new arms control treaty with Russia by committing to modernizing the nuclear arsenal and making additional guarantees about missile defense.

The Arizona immigration law has caused an uproar and divided the American public. Trying to establish the legality of the law, U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton is expected to judge the legitimacy of the law, but she has raised another serious question on the porosity of U.S border, which in fact needed adequate attention.

The accusation of a white blogger in the US led to the firing of Shirley Sherrod, an African American and Georgia State Director of Rural Development for the United States Department of Agriculture. The core member of NAACP, was accused of having for racial discriminatory remarks as posted extracts of Sherrod's address at a March 2010 NAACP event. The decision to fire her was reversed when the full video revealed a different interpretation of her remarks.

British Prime Minister Cameron’s recent visit to the White House was capped by the reiteration of the special areas in US-British relation, whatever the differences both countries are still trustable allies. Relations of both countries got chilled in the wake of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and Americans were still troubled by the release of Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi, the Libyan intelligence agent who had served eight years of a life sentence for his role in the December 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.

It remains an open question whether U.S and EU will change their policy towards Cuba, as the communist island released around 52 political prisoners. Both the US and EU have conditioned good ties with Cuba only when political and social reforms take place on the island.

LATIN AMERICA

Brazil could be influenced by neighborhood effect in the region wherein women get certain quota in politics. Brazil’s political landscape is characterized by gender imbalance and the Lula’s government now plans to change the trend by adopting quota system adopted by others in the region.

Mr. Serra, presidential candidate for the Brazilian opposition party’s (PSDB) links the ruling (PT or Workers’ Party) with the Marxist rebel group (FARC) of Colombia, however Serra notes that it does not suggest Workers’ Party is involve in human and drug trafficking. The essence of the allegation is suspicious amid an election run-up, wherein Serra hopes to defeat the Workers’ party.

For Chileans going to monitor Venezuelan elections is a political regional responsibility but Caracas sees it as meddling in domestic political affairs.

Argentina’s economy minister is very hopeful of 6 % economic growth this year. Meanwhile, Argentine president’s visit to China appears to have diffused the recent row between the two countries. The visit spurred China agreeing to extend its transportation technology to Argentina.

The Brazilian economy hangs in competing views. According to Reuter’s poll the forthcoming election would affect the economy, a view unacceptable to the government who sees Brazil’s economy growing by 7% even after the election.

IMF predicts a boosted economy for Colombia if Colombia and Venezuela could shove aside their differences, but economy minister of Colombia believes that a trade obstruction by Venezuela will make no difference because already their level of trade had plunged.

Mexican government predicts a growing economy but unforeseen by the Mexican business community, whose businesses have been hampered by the violence associated with drug cartels.

Not all Venezuelans subscribe to President Chavez’s nationalization project, for some Venezuelan economy is better on private business as it pays 70 % of country’s total tax.

Equal right law for sexual minorities was passed by Argentine Senate pushing the Catholic populated country as the first Latin America to adopt such kind of law. The approval of the law could not be obstructed by the opposition and Catholic Church.

Lula’s governmnet is committed at making the dream of hosting the 2014 FIFA world cup a reality as the government revamps the funds for the project. Brazil has been under attack of lacking the will to host the global sporting event.

Mexican drug violence remains a serious concern for both the governmnet and the public as random killings increases across the country.

Brazil will not be left out from the forthcoming energy summit in Washington, where Sao Paulo will be showcasing its energy clout and technology. Environmentalists argue against Brazil’s plan to constructing giant hydroelectric dams in the Amazon, seen as detrimental to the lives of the natives.

Brazilian oil company Petrobras will be buying 18,000 tones steel from China due to high prices in the domestic markets. The steel is to be utilized in the making of transport vessels in Brazil. Such transaction will further boost their BRIC fraternity.

President Hugo Chavez urges that social networking sites and other hi-tech products are instrumental for good governance, while he favors using these avenues to know public views of his government, technology in his view should not be seen as property of capitalism.

The direction of Brazil’s foreign policy and economy growth is commanding respect for the Latin America giant. President Lula is also lauded for his diplomatic clout hence foreign leaders are making a right choice to strengthening their relations with Sao Paulo.

Tension between Colombia and Venezuela is once again rising over the allegation that the latter is support FARC rebel group, upon which Caracas has called her ambassador from Colombia. The United States seems to be at the centre of contention; Colombia is alleged by Venezuela of dancing to the tune of Washington to wage proxy war on Venezuela. Meanwhile, Ecuador is moving towards an understanding with Colombia after the election of President Santos.

The ALBA summit reiterated is pledge to stand with Iran nuclear programme and condemns the attack on an Iranian mosque as cowardice. Meanwhile, Venezuela is planning to mend difference with the Vatican upon the criticism of Catholic Church community and Vatican on his 21^st century socialism. Netherlands and Venezuela are prepared to respect each other sovereignty after Venezuela accused the Dutch of air space violation.

AUSTRALASIA

Australia’s future lies in Asia hence to downgrade the essence of the region will be fruitless. This is the new message coming from Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who weeks back cast doubt on the feasibility of a new "Asia Pacific community" forum suggested by ex-PM Rudd. Her new view cannot be disconnected from an attempt to make the region accept her new immigration policy aims at having regional refugee centre in East Timor, a policy objected by few in the region.

Ex PM Rudd could still have more on his plate even after being ousted as prime minister. The UN is thinking of inducting him as part of a panel for development assignment, a position that necessarily will not make Rudd leave his parliamentary seat.

David Warren, an Australian scientist who invented the "black box" flight data recorder has expired. His remarkable invention has contributed hugely to flight accident investigation as whatever transpired before flight accident is known through the black box.

The new plan by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard to have Citizen Assembly across the country that will decide on global warming and environmental law is being criticized. Critics believe she is succumbing to the demand of the powerful mining industry in the wake of election she hopes to win. Ex-PM Rudd was ousted for policy offensive to the mining sector. §

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Business and Politics in the Muslim World (BPM)refers to the project entitled, "Globalized Business and Politics: A View from the Muslim World.' The blog development project has been undertaken and jointly developed by the Gilani Research Foundation and BPM as a free resource and social discussion tool.
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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 128

2010-07-30T21:44:00.000-07:00

Week # 128 – Dated 10^th – 16^th July, 2010

WESTERN EUROPE

EU foreign policy Chief Catherine Ashton along with other top western officials hopes to return Israel and Palestine to the negotiation table. Similarly, the bloc has extended handsome aid package to Africa to combat social problems of the continent. Meanwhile, EU was resentful of the expulsion of two top aid officials in Darfur and urged Sudan to protect humanitarian groups in the strife-torn region.

The EU is once again sending message to Iran that door of negotiation remains open and EU foreign policy Chief Catherine Ashton, whose country Britain supports Turkey-EU membership, has asked Ankara not to surrender its bid.

A British High Court judge has given a go ahead to former British Guantanamo detainees to proceed with lawsuits against Britain. The detainees claim British agents were complicit in their overseas torture.

Misuse of office and dishonest financial doing is yet again featuring in the British parliament but this time around it’s coming from the House of Lords. Lord John Taylor has been accused of dishonestly claiming more than 11,000 pounds ($17,000) for accommodation and mileage in 2006 and 2007.

Eurogroup Chairman Jean-Claude Juncker and EU Monetary and Economic Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn have expressed satisfaction with Greece's budget stabilization process, amid national wide austerity protests.

Despite its economic problem, the Euro saw a rise above the British Pound, while within the Eurozone and EU, Malta is taking a lead in export, followed by Romania and Estonia (non-Eurozone members) Luxembourg and Finland headed other EU members the previous year.

Meanwhile EU plans to tighten its grip on accident prevention and liability for offshore oil drilling in response to BP's Gulf of Mexico spill and at the same ready to punish states that does not stop illegal importation of timber into the bloc. EU commercial ties in Latin America saw a drop as a result of the brawl between economic giants (Brazil and Argentina) of the region and the EU.

In Germany Ole von Beust, the popular mayor of Hamburg is tipped as the next top official to resign from the coalition government of Chancellor Angela Merkel. According to reports the government is politically falling apart and could be exploited by the opposition.

Sino-German economic relations attained a new height as both countries signed deal worth billions of dollars in making trucks and power equipment. It was an achievement for German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s turbulent government and was success for China reaching such a deal with Europe largest market.

The German government has banned the Turkish humanitarian organization Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (IHH) from activities in Germany on the ground that it is financing the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas, which the EU regards as a terrorist organization. IHH lead the Gaza flotilla attacked by Israeli commandos

The resignation of Italian economy ministry Nicola Cosentino marked the third resignation that has rocked Premier Silvio Berlusconi's government in months. Cosentino is being implicated in an alleged influence-peddling investigation.

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Albanian long political impasses cold reach its end if the plan by the opposition party to return to negotiation table works out. The opposition resolved to negotiate based on implementing proposals of European Parliament (EP) resolution on Albania's EU progress, adopted earlier this month.

Croatian opposition parties are calling for snap elections believe to be the solution to the problems facing the country claiming to be equipped with alternatives, which the ruling government lacks. The ruling party has ruled out any sort of early elections.

Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu reiterated that Pristina and Belgrade could hold talks with Serbia on any issue except Kosovo's status. He further dissuades Belgrade not to be part of the problems in the northern region of Kosovo.

Macedonia will have to manage its political landscape well if it must get the approval of the EU. Opposition Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA) has been boycotting the parliament and is not ready to return not until the ruling party redresses what the DPA calls self-centered policies of the ruling party and failure to recognize Albanian as second official language in Macedonia.

Meanwhile, a vote of no confidence filed by the Macedonian main opposition party SDSM against the Parliament Speaker Trajko Veljanoski did not yield. The vote was initiated by SDSM accusing the police of spying on their activities after a police agent tried to record their conversation with a group of disgruntled worker.

Montenegrin lawmakers have approved a bill to hold a population census from April 1st-15th 2011.

A mouth drop incident by Romanian Finance Minister Sebastian Vladescu has forced the Prime Minister Emil Boc to ban all ministers from speaking publicly about issues that have not been discussed and approved by the government

As Serbia enhances good relations with its neighbors and co-operating with the ICJ tribunal on war crime, it has started receiving praises from the EU. Most recently, European Commission (EC) director for the Western Balkans Pierre Mirel praised Serbia's progress in implementing reforms, fighting organized crime and boosting regional co-operation. He also urged Belgrade to take a constructive approach to the customs issue in Kosovo.

Slovenian parliament approved a declaration on Western Balkans, describing the region as a key priority and establishing guidelines for future actions aimed at strengthening co-operation.

Many Bosniaks celebrated the 15^th annivesary of Srebrenica massacre. The families of the victims are prone to be more sensitized as massive graves are being exhumed.

Such empathetic celebration was also seen among the Bosnian Serbs at the Bratunac Military Cemetery honoring Serbs killed during the 1992-1995 conflict in BiH.

UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing Rachel Rolnik urged Croatia and Serbia to co-operate in resolving housing problems of refugees.

The plan by Kosovo authority to send special police to the Serb dominated northern part of the country has irked Serbia President Tadic, instead wants EULEX to oversee the investigation. It remains clear that Serbia wants the northern region as a parallel structure and out of the authority of Pristina. Such partition option according to Vincent Degert, the head of the European Commission (EC) delegation to Serbia, will be consequential and could have domino effect in the region.

The wife of fugitive former Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladic has repeatedly requested the government to declare his husband dead so as to be relived from the stress of being perturbed. But she will have to plead for herself as illegal arms were reported uncovered in her possession.

Albania’s longing for the EU visa liberalization regime will be assessed by EU experts, as to the extent to which local authorities are exerting enough effort in the areas of law enforcement, fighting crime and corruption and confiscating criminal assets. Nevertheless, the Belgian presidency of the EU has set November as the month to discuss whether to lift the bloc's visa regime for Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

The right to recognize Kosovo as a sovereign state will be due only after the ICJ’s ruling on the legality of Kosovo’s independence. This remains the position of Romanian government, rejecting the plea of other EU members that have recognised Pristina as a sovereign state. Meanwhile the region awaits the ICJ’s ruling on Kosovo unilateral independence declaration for next week.

The series of summits conducted in the region are all characterised by the intention of the Western Balkan countries to expedite their EU integration process. The last of such summits held in Croatia was no exemption.

Ethnic politics has been the stumbling stone for Bosnia-EU integration, yet Bosnian Foreign Minister Sven Alkalaj said that Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) will delay its EU membership application until it receives more positive signals from Brussels.

Political uncertainty characterised by ethnic politics has contribute to the delay of Bosnia-EU talk, which is also responsible for the delay in Bosnia-NATO integration. NATO expects Bosnian leaders to resolve the defence property issue before further talks could begin.

Serbia-Turkey relations will be further strengthened by the new visa regime initiated by Serbia which will allow Turks’ entrance into Serbia without visa.

At the economic front in a bid to reduce the tension associated with recent government economic policies, Romanian President Traian Basescu said that the VAT rate should be reduced to its previous level and pensions should be taxed instead. In response, Prime Minister Emil Boc said the VAT rate would only be reduced if the government finds alternative revenue-makers.

Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovich has finally made the bold decision by signing a decree that cancels the country’s previous plans to join the North Atlantic alliance. It was a big strategic u-turn, though the decree emphases on cooperation and collective security system.

The strength of Warsaw’s economy is being reiterated by the market value of domestic companies. Warsaw market value is estimated around €113 billion as compared to Vienna with €73 billion.

The Czech economy will grow faster this year than previously expected, driven mainly by an increase in exports to the country's main trading partners in Western Europe. Czech Republic hopes to accelerate and benefit from is automobile industry.

Deficit cut has been the trend across Europe after the Greek financial crisis. For Ukraine hiking the price of natural gas was the best option and to put the public aboard as measure to stabilizing the economy and complying with IMF conditions. Ukraine has been shuttling between Russia and IMF to balance its economy.

According to the World Bank, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries have the prospect of moving out of the 2010 recession in due course, as economies in the region pick pace. This assertion tallies with Hungary's Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi view that Hungary will pose positive economic growth in 2010 and could finally ink a new agreement with IMF.

Estonian government remains hopeful of making it into the Euro zone by January 2011 thus making Estonia the 17^th Eurozone member. Membership of the zone is expected to further foster strong economy, which according to Danske Bank has the lowest government sector debt in the EU.

Unlike its neighbor, Lithuanian economy is experiencing an accelerated inflation creating concern for the transport and alcohol sector.

For outstanding contribution in strengthening Pakistan-Polish relations, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Republic of Poland Ms. Seema Illahi Baloch was awarded Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland during a ceremony.

The Latvian parliament reiterates its nationalism by voting for a bill demanding media houses to air programmes largely in Latvian language, even though 30% of Latvians speaks Russia.

Drought has not spare Russia in recent time, affecting agricultural production and farmers performances with an expected cost of $1 billion Eleven regions in Russia now wrestles with drought and the government is extending fuel discount to farmers even though there is a fresh tax increase on industry.

Being an EU member, Poland cannot escape being scrutinized by the European Commission, measuring its compliance with European Union flood-control legislation, tailored at managing flood risk which could pose risk to human health, environment, cultural heritage and economic activity.

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill appears to be creating fear syndrome around the world. A Poland-based company, Geophysica Torun (GT), working on behalf of Gujarat State Petronet Limited (GSPL) was harassed by local Poles for fear inseparable from environmental issue.

Strengthening its relations with the Central Europe country, Washington is expected to assist Poland in building its first nuclear power station.

Polish Foreign Minister welcomed the participation of Armenia and other neighboring states in the Eastern Partnership and re-affirmed Poland’s support to induct them into the visa liberalization regime.

Slovakia is set not to decrease the number of soldiers deployed in foreign missions, particularly in Afghanistan, doing this will further elevate Slovakia status as a NATO member.

The meeting between the Austria and Hungary foreign minister raised the level of cooperation between the countries, being neighbors Austria has showed full support for Hungary to take over the EU presidency in 2011. Meanwhile, Hungarian President-elect Pal Schmitt believes Croatia-EU membership should be due during Hungary EU presidency

Georgia eyes are on Belarus with a great caution that the former Soviet stronghold will finally not approve the independence and sovereignty of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Meanwhile, Belarus-Kyrgyzstan diplomatic relations remain sour upon Belarus refusal to extradite former Kyrgyz’s president to Kyrgyzstan where he has been charged for misuse of power.

Despite its refusal to join NATO, Ukrainian naval force went into days of naval exercise with NATO tagged as Sea Breeze 2010. The exercise was geared at meeting the challenges of pirates and was done on the north-west of the Black Sea.

RUSSIA

Despite Russia’s political and economic outreach in recent times, foreign countries did not fall short to ask Russian authority to do more in strengthening its political structure, curbing corruption, and resolving strained ties with neighbors like Georgia. Meanwhile, President Dmitry Medvedev has rejected the meddling of foreign countries in its new bill that expands the powers of the Federal Security Service.

In its economic boom Russia’s special economic zones hit 144.9 billion rubles ($4.7 billion) in investment, while German conglomerate Siemens entered a deal worth of billions of dollars, and that does not stop Naspers Ltd the Africa Internet company from planning to buy a 28.7 percent stake in Russia’s Digital Sky Technologies. The rebounding of Russia’s Eurobonds since 1998 from the worst loss among developing government securities and the growth in its industrial production, coupled with a 3% GDP expansion attest to Russian economy upturn.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is providing investor opportunity for TNK-BP, as the London-based oil company faces a huge financial trauma due to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Russia hosted the 34^th World Diamond Congress, therein Moscow announced to buy $1 billion worth of diamonds from the country's Alrosa, a monopoly firm that was plagued with global economic crisis.

Controversial self-styled Russian scientist Viktor Petrik faces criticism from the Russian Academy of Sciences and Consumer Rights Society for his water purification programme, deemed as useless water filters. Meanwhile hundreds of people got drowned in bathing accidents caused by alcohol as the Russian temperature rose to 33 degrees Celsius.

Despite its objection to an Iranian nuclear bomb, Russian leadership believes the world should have an open talk with Tehran. Yet Moscow said it is ready to enter into oil, natural gas and petrochemical cooperation with Tehran in order to soften American sanction on Tehran’s economy. Meanwhile, Russia will be taking part in an international conference in Kabul, aimed at discussing the transfer of power and responsibility to Afghan security.

US/CANADA

Obama administration scored a political goal as the Congress approved a sweeping expansion of federal financial regulation on financial institutions after the Wall Street inspired financial crisis. In the US the bill subjects more financial companies to federal oversight, regulates many derivatives contracts, and creates a panel to detect risks to the financial system along with a consumer protection regulator. The bailout issue is expected to be politicized during the midterm election and the president hopes to take advantage of the new financial legislation.

Meanwhile despite the sign of hiring taking place in the Wall Street, Warren Buffett’s caution note to the US president emphases the need for more effort to rejuvenate the economy in view of the profound effect of the recession.

BP oil company wrestling with oil spil in the Gulf of Mexico said it has been able to cap the leak, though a sign of relief, but the Obama administration is demanding caution as to asceratin its surety.

Pakistan Taliban is a significant non-state actor in the region and is on the verge of being blacklisted by the United States as a terrorist organization. Gen. David H. Petraeus added force to the sleeping debate that Taliban and similar groups should be included on the U.S blacklist. Some fear that doing so is likely to distabilise the process of making peace with the Taliban.

Equipping its arsenal with latest weaponry worth of $9bn Canadian dollars has caused Canadian Conservative government another criticism from the Liberal opposition party. Liberal opposition claim the bidding for the 65 new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets from the U.S was done without a competitive bidding process.

The minority government has also been criticized for cutting the work being done by the country's central statistics agency. Statistics Canada would scrap its mandatory detailed long-form census, making this happen will affect the overall data analysis of all citizens needed for a comprehensive public policy. The development has irked virtually all sectors of the society.

LATIN AMERICA

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s visit to Latin America ended with high praise for the Brazilian president. Bashar lauded Lula as a world peace maker who has been able to do what great power like Washington could not achieve.

Gubernatorial elections are completed in 12 Mexican states but debate is incomplete about the reason for the defeat of PAN and the success of PRI. The fact however remains that public appears to be fed up with random killings and manner with which the ruling PAN government handles the drug cartels.

The resignation of the Mexican interior minister and the chief security advisor is added blow to President Caldron, whose party got defeated during governorship elections. The resignation could be taken as victory for the Mexican drug lords

Venezuela’s President Chavez has not discontinued his 21^st socialism geared at nationalizing companies tailing capitalist exploitation. His recent nationalization attack was the food department. Opposition in Venezuela remains charged, criticizing Chavez for clamping down on political opponents and violating human rights.

In recent times, Argentine-China relations hit the rock over sale of farm product, even though trade between the two countries has crossed $14 billion, hence leaders from the two nations plan to resolve their difference as Argentina Fernandez Kirchner visits China.

Mexican farmers have hinted that the combination of huge flood in the country and certain governmental hurdles will be responsible for a decrease in productivity of farm products.

Mercosur and EU are two potential trade blocs but certain degree of inflexibility is hampering the growth of their economic ties. President Lula of Brazil hopes to act more elastically when the presidency of Mercosur falls on Brazil later this year.

Hosting the forthcoming Olympic Games 2016 will be praiseworthy for President Lula, who believes that all pessimistic views about Brazil hosting the world sport events are just side talk.

The Argentine Congress has approved , but is awaiting the approval of the Senate amid a growing dissatisfaction by the Argentine Catholic Churhc over legalisation of same sex marriage.

Violence related to drug is one of the characteristics and troubling concern of the region, but Chilean government singled out Chile as the safest country in the region due to low crime rate and drug violence. Keeping that unbroken, President Pinera has launched an anti drug campaign and has heightened police vigilance.

Prominent Colombian journalist and critic of ex-President Uribe’s policy towards drug cartel was refused U.S visa by US embassy in Colombia, indicating Washington is not comfortable with criticism of its ally. In a bid not to de-track from the policy of fighting FARC as championed by then Uribe’s administration, Colombian forces ambushed FARC rebels and also killed 14 innocents, an incident that has grabbed the criticism of UN Human Rights Council.

Venezuela and the United States have not always been good bed fellows, but the extradition of wanted criminals from Venezuela to U.S is worth mentioning, even though Caracas still accuses Washington of using Colombia as proxy channel to attack Venezuela.

Manipulating state information is an offence in Venezuela, and a court has sentenced two men to eleven years jail term for hacking official blog and disseminating misleading information.

With the discovery of oil in the extreme south of Chile, the government hopes that it will contribute to the weak economy, which was devastated by earthquake couple of months back.

Colombia's President-elect Juan Manuel Santos has named a US-educated oil engineer as his energy minister, with the expectation to strengthen a major revenue sector.

President Lula of Brazil left a strong message for the South African president by urging him to follow the path of Brazil in increasing trade cooperation with developing countries than the developed nations. Lula completed his Africa visit and encouraged African leaders to enter into strong cooperation with Brazil in all sectors as Brazilian economy is experiencing an undisputable growth.

Sidelining one of the global systems appears to be the aim of ALBA, a group of Socialist countries in Latin America and Caribbean. The group is expected to start using ‘Sucre’ as a common currency for their commercial relations.

Venezuela is irked about the meddling of Spain in its domestic affairs and equally dissatisfied with the violation of airspace by Dutch aircraft.

AUSTRALASIA

Enjoying a robust relation with the public, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard of Labor party has called election, opening an electioneering process for August 21 general. She has been retracting from policy of ex-PM Kevin Rudd which she felt were not forthcoming.

The increasingly uncertainty and volatility of global economic has forced Australia to slash its annual growth from 3.25 to 3.0. Despite the growing tension, the government still sees a positive outlook for domestic economy.

Neighboring countries are still unsettled for the new Australian immigration policy that intends to settle asylum seekers in East Timor instead on an Australian territory. The plan is believe to be a measure to safe Australia from the troubles of immigration. Both Indonesia and East Timor have shown great resentment for the proposed regional processing immigration unit. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 127

2010-07-24T00:19:00.000-07:00

Week # 127 – Dated 3^rd-9^th July, 2010

WESTERN EUROPE

French prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into allegations that the country's richest woman secretly funded President Nicolas Sarkozy's election campaign, an allegation Sarkozy has rejected as libel aimed only to smear, without the slightest basis in reality.

European Central Bank head Jean-Claude Trichet has welcomed European leaders' pledge to publish the results of "stress tests" on banks and indicated that the need to calm markets by buying troubled government bonds appears to be diminishing.

The Bank of England kept its key interest rate at a record-low level of 0.50%, where it has stood for 17 months, as it remained on wait-and-see mode over the fragile economic recovery. The BoE added that it will not change its so-called quantitative easing policy, under which it had already pumped 200 billion pounds of new money into the economy.

The Greek government claims it has outmatched 40% deficit cut by cutting upto 42% since the beginning of the year. Thus, according the Greek Central Bank, the deficit is now 4.9% of GDP, or 11.45 billion euros, compared to 19.685 billion euros a year ago.

As the Greek government pushes on with austerity measures so does the discontentment of many Greeks remains, showcased by nationwide strikes.

French justice minister Michele Alliot-Marie is championing the cause to see that the French parliament enacts the law to forbid covering one's face in public. She believes the law has nothing to do with stigmatization, religion or security, rather argued that life in the French Republic "is carried out with a bare face." "It is a question of dignity, equality and transparency," If the law is enacted violators of the law will be fined euro150, but the question remains where lies religious freedom.

Meanwhile, according to recent Pew survey (Pew Global Attitudes Project) an overwhelming 82 % of French respondents support a ban. The poll found 71 % support in Germany, 62 % in Britain and 59 % in Spain. The poll shows that Americans are against the ban and European supportive of a ban.

Londoners celebrated the fifth anniversary of the July 7, 2005 terrorist attack last week, an event that rekindled the scar of the dastard events. The anniversary was however celebrated with praise of gradual defeat of terrorism, since 2005 many terror plans have been ruptured.

Meanwhile according to reports terrorist suspects apprehended and arranged before the court, by the Norwegian authority might most likely be set free. The Norwegian judiciary system prioritizes action more than intention. Hence, mere accusation or evidence placed against suspects might fail to get them sentenced.

The European highest court has asked a British court to get the assurance of the United States that four suspected terrorists will not end up in maximum security prisons for the rest of their lives without parole. The European Court of Human Rights wants to ascertain the cruelty and violation of human rights before sending the suspect to the US. Europeans disagree with the U.S over the merit of life sentence in maximum security prisons and dealt penalty.

Prime Minister David Cameron has set up an Inquiry Committee headed by a British judge that will investigate the complicity of British spy agency in the maltreatment of British citizens in the U.S. Cameron hopes to use the investigation to compensate the affected and cleanse the dented image of M15.

Turkey remains adamant that relations with Tel Avil will remain sever until an apology and responsibility for a deadly raid on a Gaza aid flotilla is made. Meanwhile, the British government holds that its support for Turkey-EU membership remains unwaived and for EU turning down Ankara’s membership will be strategic mistake.

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Fugitive Bosnian Serb general Ratko Mladic’s diaries seized during a raid of his wife's Belgrade home in February unveiled details of the secret deals between Serbs and Croats to wipe out Muslims (militarily and by expulsion) from Bosnia in order to create a larger Croatian and Serbian nations. The diaries have become useful in understanding and dealing with other criminal cases with the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal in The Hague.

The level of progress in Albania and Kosovo came under the radar of the European Parliament (EP). The parliament urged both Tirana and Pristina to intensify effort on curbing corruption and organized crimes. EP although recognizes Tirana’s progress yet wants solution to the Albanian political stalemate and as well moved the motion to include Kosovo in the EU visa liberalization scheme.

Meanwhile with the intention of protecting the national, cultural and religious identity of Serbs around the world, Serbian President Boris Tadic convened a Diaspora Assembly in the parliament, which includes 45 delegates from around the globe. Around 3-4 million Serbs are estimated living outside their homeland.

Recently a total of 84 experts comprising 60 journalists and 24 NGO representatives specializing in justice and anti-corruption participated in a survey, outlining that none of the four main objectives assumed by Romania through an EU supervisory mechanism, the Co-operation and Verification Mechanism (MCV) for justice and internal affairs has been accomplished so far. However according to IMF, Romanian government is making significant steps to recover the country's macroeconomic stability and is taking ambitious measures to lay the groundwork for improvement of state finances. Hence IMF has agreed to extend a 913.2m-euro tranche of Romania's 13.6 billion-euro anti-crisis loan

the European Commission has set an end of 2011 deadline for Bulgaria to bring its budget deficit below 3% of GDP, in line with the EU's Stability and Growth Pact. Subsequently, Romanian government announced its plans to cut the number of state secretaries within the various ministries as part of the effort to reduce budget deficit.

Former Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) presidency member Ejup Ganic is wanted by Serbia in connection with a May 1992 attack in Sarajevo against a Yugoslav National Army convoy, which left more than 40 soldiers dead. Ganic is stranded in London and Serbia is demanding his extradition, which is pending a decision by a London court. Ganic denies the charges and has challenged the extradition request.

Serbian investigators have started work at a possible mass grave in Raska, southern Serbia. An investigative judge and EULEX representatives visited the site and started analyzing the ground. Serbia's war crimes prosecution office ordered an investigation into the possible mass grave in mid-May.

Croatia has almost completed its required EU chapters and that could not be disconnected from Vesna Pusic’s view, the president of parliament's national committee for monitoring EU accession negotiations, predicting that the negotiation process should be completed by February 2011, which would allow the country to sign the accession treaty during the EU summit in March.

Meanwhile Malta has seconded Spain in ratifying Serbia's Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU. The ratification process started with Spain holding the rotational EU presidency. It is expected that other EU members will follow the step of Spain and Malta.

Bulgarian defence minister Anyu Angelov has said that it is important for Bulgaria to be part of the US anti-missile defence shield in Europe. Bulgaria will not only benefit but will contribute to the shield.

The Polish general election ended with a victory of Bronislaw Komorowski, officially declared the winner of the presidential election. Komorowski defeated rival Jaroslaw Kaczynski by 53.01% to 46.99% votes. Polish electoral laws approve 50% vote before a winner can be declared. Komorowski’s election victory was followed by congratulatory greetings from world leaders.

Hungarian government will seek a two-year precautionary deal with IMF and EU for 2011-2012 in the range of 10-20 billion Euro, and hopes to agree with lenders on a higher budget gap than 3 % of GDP for next year. Meanwhile, the government remains economically cautious upon the hard times facing the Eurozone.

According to central bank Governor Marek Belka, Polish economy may grow by 3 % this year and possibly accelerate to 3.5 % or more in 2010. The government also plans to tighten its public spending in the next budget and certain workers would have to face salary freeze.

Czech central bank board agreed last month that risks to its macroeconomic forecast were broadly balanced although uncertainties were relatively high. The board unanimously agreed to leave rates unchanged at record low.

Ukraine like others in the neighbourhood is adopting a budget cut, geared at bringing deficit down to the requirement of IMF. Thus, helps to understand why Kiev was able to reach agreement with the International Monetary Fund for a new $14.9 billion loan.

In Slovakia even though the designated Prime Minister Iveta Radicova has said that her centre-right party did not want to block the EU/IMF deal, it is still unclear when her incoming government would sign the plan. The Slovakia new government has also announced a savage austerity programme, like neighbouring Hungary and the Czech Republic, Slovakia would makes its population share in the burden of the economy.

Belarusian central bank said it will cut the refinancing rate by 50 basis points to 11.50 %, extending an easing cycle aimed at boosting the economy and stimulating loan growth as inflation falls.

Currency devaluation in the Baltic States will hamper the region’s economies and delay Eurozone membership. Devaluation could also be responsible for a jump in debt service, causing even more defaults and negative equity in real estate.

Lithuania's minority government has given up the plan to hike the retirement age after some of its own members voted against the reform in parliament. Under the pension reform package the retirement age would have been gradually lifted over 15 years commencing from 2012.

A Polish court has ordered the extradition of a suspected Israeli secret agent to Germany to face charges of forging a German passport used in the January assassination of a Hamas commander in Dubai.

Hungary's parliament is due to vote in less than a week on proposed media reform which opposition parties and journalists have warned constitutes a throwback to the dark days of free media repression in the former Soviet satellite state.

The tension between Slovakia and Hungary could be enhance if EU's top court in Luxembourg ruled against Slovakia for depriving Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom from attending a ceremonial function in Slovakia, a development Hungary believes violated the EU law for freedom of movement.

Five representatives of Turkmenistan's Interior Ministry and Police Academy exchanged information and best practices in police education and curriculum development during a three-day study visit to Lithuania that concluded last week.

Accessibility to affordable energy is the growing interest of many states and Ukraine is not an exemption. Kiev hopes to formalise a proposal that will create a new gas pipeline venture jointly managed by Russia and Ukraine, geared to transport gas Europe.

The disputed unilateral maritime border created by Ukraine in the 1990s is now on the verge of mutual agreement between Moscow and Kiev. The border has been one of the political tensions between the two countries in recent past.

Belarus’s obstinacy not to extradite former Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev troubles the interim Kyrgyz’s government. The latter is reiterating its demand for an extradition of Bakiyev taking refuge in Belarus, who is charged with misuse of office and murder in Kyrgyzstan.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is urging the EU to expedite the EU-Ukraine association agreement and to begin a visa-free regime for Ukrainians.

Strengthening their traditional friendship and economic cooperation, Estonian President Thomas Hendrik paid Israeli President Shimon Peres a visit at Beit Hanassi. Hendrik hopes the visit will enhance the existing relations.

Israel’s Foreign Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman lauded in Riga the balance position of the Baltic state towards his country. Lieberman said Israel was glad at the resolve of the Lithuania's efforts to return Jewish property.

RUSSIA

The Russian Central Bank saw an improvement in the economy as total lending rose 2 % on the month after a 2.6 % gain in May, with retail loans increasing 1.2 % from 1 % a month earlier.

Reiterating the exigency for economic development in the Caucasus, Prime Minister Putin announced that government has invested $27 billion into developing the North Caucasus in the past decade and 400,000 jobs should be created in the region over the next 10 years.

President Dmitry Medvedev confirmed in Astana at a summit of the Eurasian Economic Community that Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus have signed a declaration enforcing the Customs Code for the three countries. Medvedev expressed confidence that with the Customs Union "an advantageous and interesting enterprise" will be shared among the signatories. Nonetheless, debris of disagreement over gas payment between Russia and Belarus still hangs on.

Japan and Russia have agreed to jointly build a liquefied natural gas plant in Vladivostok, with five million tones of output to be shipped to Japan annually.

Chevron and Rosneft signed an agreement to jointly explore and develop the Val Shatsky field on the Black Sea shelf. The agreement offers Chevron 33% share, allowing it to jointly explore the deep-water region that analysts say presents major geological difficulties.

Russian Gazprom gas giant said it has no plans to raise its stake in the Latvian gas monopoly. Gazprom already holds a 34-% stake in Latvijas Gaze, which is the only natural gas transmission, storage, distribution, and sales operator in the Baltic republic.

U.N. Security Council chairman refers to Russia’s effort as constructive and responsible. The statement was the upshot of Russia’s stance on the sinking of South Korea’s Cheonan corvette in the Yellow Sea on March by North Korea.

US/CANADA

Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis has been picked to take over U.S. Central Command. His appointment replaces Gen. David Petraeus, who now serves in Afghanistan as the U.S. and NATO's top military officer.

The Obama admnistration is adopting auditing strategy to purge illegal immigrants from work place, a different strategy from that adopted by the Bush administration that scout out for illegal immigrants and then deported. The new approach keeps a check on employers, even though critiqued by some as too lax. Meanwhile employers comaplain the new appraoch deprives them of workers for low paid jobs that could not be replaced by legal workers.

At the economic front, during his speech at the University of Nevada, President Obama fired back at republicans, who he believed had driven the economy into a ‘ditch’ and are now asking for a ‘rapid recovery’. According to him his administration has saved the economy from freefall and his policies are positioning things where they belong.

LATIN AMERICA

Argentine opposition party in the congress has repeatedly request the government to run a trial against the ex president of Argentina and the current deputy of Buenos Iris province in the court. The ex president and the husband of the current president of Argentina are accused of taking bribe from Argentine exporters.

Results of gubernatorial elections held in 12 Mexico states showed the victory of PRI in 9 states and success of PAN in 3 states. The defeat of PAN is associated to the war launched by the PAN government against drug lords. The result could be bad omen for PAN in 2012 elections.

As a starting point for good relations, recently elected president of Colombia, Juan Santos has sent invitations to both President Hugo Chavez and President Rafael Correa of Ecuador. Venezuela and Ecuador have had cold relations with Colombia under former President Uribe.

Recent food products tension between Argentina and the EU could be potential factor to exacerbate EU and Mercosur rancour. Argentina banned food products unofficially from EU last month and thus created controversy between the two blocs. The food product tension was not the first of its kind; Brazil had once refused to import food stuff from the EU. Hence, EU’s trade minister plans to take this case to WTO.

Mexican government said the trade between Mexico and China is very low but it is expected to grow. Also Mexico’s export of pork meats and poultry to China and other Asian countries is expected to pick pace.

After seven years of debate, the Brazilian congress approved the Statute of Racial Equality last month. The Guardian reports that the measure promotes equal opportunities for black Brazilians and guarantees equal access to health, education, and employment. However, critics say the statute fell short of mandating quotas for admission to higher education institutions or political parties. The black community constitute 45% of the whole population with 80% low wage workers.

As part of the august visit of President Lula to Africa and renewal of ties with African regional blocs, Brazil is set to provide Kenya with biodiesel technology to make the environment clean.

AUSTRALASIA

The resignation of the Defence Minister John Faulkner was a new development for the Australian labour government. Faulkner quitting the cabinet is believed to be another blow to new Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Faulkner’s resignation came after popular Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner tendered his resignation. It is unclear whether the labour party will suffer from such resignation as election draws in.

Australian new political leadership is bent at reverting back to the previous immigration practices that camps immigrants seeking asylum in Australian territory of Christmas Island. The new practice hopes to send the asylum seeker to the neighboring East Timor. The new proposal is facing huge criticism both within Australia and among neighboring states. New PM Julia Gillard wants a sustainable not an over blown population, a view challenging previous Kevin Rudd’s futurist view of Australia.

The Internet giant, Google has been in the news for privacy breach in Australia and a few European countries. After much pressure on the Internet giant’s Street View that allegedly violated privacy right, Google agreed and has published apology to that effect. §

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 126

2010-07-23T21:22:00.000-07:00

Week # 126 – Dated 26^h June – 2^nd July, 2010

WESTERN EUROPE

Britons are expected later next year to vote through referendum to change the present British voting system. The reform could further point out the differences in the conservative-liberal coalition government. The reform is expected to touch on current British system of first-past-the-post system, under which a candidate needs the highest number of votes, not an absolute majority, to win a House of Commons seats. That system has favoured the biggest parties, the Conservatives and Labour. It will also consider whether or not to continue with current voting age of 21 for 18.

Political miscalculation has caused the coalition-led German government unexpected loss. Polls continue to show the falling approval of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition government and if Germans are to go for elections, it is more likely to be a problematic election for the CDU-led government. The elections will be disastrous upon the fall-apart trend in the coalition.

The EU Commission has warned that if the Eurozone must be saved from the kind of Greek financial crisis, then country at the verge of such financial troubles should cut their spending. Caution was particularly sent to Club Med (Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal), thus explains the reason why the Portuguese government plans to bring down its public deficit to three % of GDP by 2012, bringing it into line with EU rules on budgetary discipline

Suffering a long-term fall in sales and a collapse in advertising revenue as the world goes online, some newspapers in London and elsewhere want to start charging readers for online access to their journalism.

Sweden has abolished a 100-year tradition of compulsory military service for men during peacetime, replacing it with a voluntary system with rigorous requirements to join. The new policy means that required military service will be applied only if the neutral Nordic nation of 9 million feels threatened. Lawmakers approved the change in a 2009 vote.

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Brussels is urging Serbia and Kosovo to start practical talk, regardless of whether Pristina’s legality is confirmed or not. For Serbia it will be a further step on its EU accession and for Kosovo it will be a measurement of its sense of neighbourhoodness.

A mini summit hosted by Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu stressed the importance of regional co-operation, free movement of people, the rule of law and the fight against organized crime. The summit conveyed Kosovo, Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro, while Serbia was uninvited.

Meanwhile, the latest Freedom House's report shows an improvement in democratic practices in the Balkan, though all of the countries are still facing certain domestic problems.

Albania political landscape remains traumatic in view of the political impasses between ruling and opposition parties over the transparency of last June election. On a separate note, the Socialist Movement for Integration (SMI) leader Ilir Meta is urging the political leaders to facilitate electoral legislation that will give reasonable representation to smaller parties.

Croatia-EU accession got a boost from the EU Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER) as the committee agreed to the three remaining chapters (judiciary, competition and foreign, security and defence policy) upon which its EU membership will be finally decided.

On the economic front: Despite the strong support for Kosovo government by his country, US Ambassador to Kosovo Christopher Dell criticized Pristina for failing to allow serious privatization. Dell believes Kosovo's economy is heavily and needlessly dominated by the government such trend was inherited from UNMIK and certainly from ex-Yugoslavia times

Croatian law requires 450,000 signatures for Labour unions to call referendum, but the union said they have gotten (813,016) more than enough. With this union can seek public view on whether collective or individual bargaining should ensue between employee and employer.

Serbs from Kosovo and Serbia celebrated Vidovdan (St Vitus Day) at the Gracanica monastery on Monday (June 28th), commemorating the anniversary of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo when the Ottoman Empire defeated the Serbian kingdom.

Macedonian government is getting the heat from the opposition, asking the ruling government to call an early election which Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski has rejected. Meanwhile thousand Macedonians are protesting against government domestic and foreign policy. The protest is reported directed by the main opposition party SDSM.

In the same fashion, the Serbian Progressive Party, the Democratic Party of Serbia and New Serbia have launched general demonstrations throughout Serbia demanding early election from the government.

Montenegro and Croatia will sign an agreement on the extradition of people suspected of organised crime and corruption, Croatia had earlier signed a similar document with Serbia.

Although the austerity measures are resented by the opposition and general public and after scaling through a vote of no confidence, Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc announced his government has decided to raise the VAT from 19% to 24% as of July 1st, in order to narrow the budget deficit, which will be in accordance with IMF requirement.

In order to get on well with its EU accession, the UN has signed a new five-year partnership strategy worth of $250m with Serbia.

RUSSIA

A recent Freedom House’s report delineated that 2009 was the gloomiest year for the Russian democracy in recent decade.

Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus all planned to have a common Custom union, a union expected to give them common representation in the WTO. Belarus has formally ratified the union code after a long hesitation even though the Custom union came into existence on January 1, 2010. Membership of WTO for Russia will not be easy without Moscow addressing problems with the protection of intellectual property rights, a major requirement to WTO accession. Meanwhile, Belarus has raised the transit fees for Russian oil products through its territory, both Russia and Belarus have been in energy price tussle.

The growth in Russian economy is indicated by recent borrowing of two Russian financial firms. Sberbank and Vneshekonombank are borrowing as much as $2.5 billion in the international bond market for the first time in two years.

The World Bank’s report released in March, has warned Russia of a shrinking population more likely to affect the nation. The working population is predicted to shrink between 800,000 and 1.1 million people a year until 2013, and will need around 12 million immigrants to fill the gap. The report tallies with the fear of population decrease in the Far East Federal District.

Foreigners and Diasporas wanting permanent settlement in Moscow will have to live by certain code refer to as Muscovite’s Code. The latter will require them to avoid slaughtering sheep in the backyard, not grilling shashliks on the balcony, not walking around the city in national attire, and speaking in Russian.

The growing Russia-Ukraine friendship is unravelling in different dimensions. The new Ukrianian government is critiqued for too much dependence on Russia. The government is now proposing that Russia and the European Union build a new gas pipeline across its territory to increase Russian gas transit to Europe.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has not reached a consensus on the Russian-Georgian dossier. PACE has repeatedly asked Russia to reverse its recognition of the former Georgian republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, after the five-day war in August 2008.

Both Russia and the United States have played a mature game in the recent espionage debacle ending with spies’ exchange. It was a remarkable step from the Cold War era and a display that both countries are not interested to see their rebuilding relations sour.

The Russians are hesitant finalizing weapon transaction with Iran after the new UNSC sanction which punishes any country having related deal with Iran. The latter claims the weapon (S-300) deal was completed before the sanction and if Russia must refuse fulfilling the transaction, Moscow stands to lose.

US/CANADA

In the US the unstable American economy appears responsible for the divide between the House and Senate over war spending. Both Houses are divided on the amount to be added to the existing fund, which further tipped the question of why domestic spending should not be accorded serious attention as war fund.

Ten Russian agents who infiltrated suburban America and acted as spies for Moscow headed back to Russian last week, just hours after a US judge ordered their deportation as part of a swap between the United States and Russia. The talks that led to exchange of spies in Vienna began, an official said, shortly after the FBI arrested the Russian agents, because both sides wanted a speedy resolution of the case to avoid casting a shadow over improving US-Russian relations

Elena Kagan, the new Supreme Court nominee is faceing the Senate Judiciary Committee for her confirmation. The committee examined her based on her past statements and rulings on critical social issues in the U.S.

In the aftermath of removal of Gen. Stanley McChrystal new rules from the pentagon require top military officials to get Pentagon clearance before taking interviews or having contact with reporters.

Meanwhile the Gulf of Mexico oil spill is becoming a mess and embarrassment for both BP and Obama administration. Complaints continue to mount on BP and Obama of not doing much to accelarate the cleanup. Willingness to help from at least 44 nations with technical advice to skimmer boats and booms are all reported to have been taken with levity, thus irking concerned Americans. Meanwhile, the administration insists that cleanup work is unabated on the coast and the view that they rejected help is a myth.

Low confidence in economic recovery was depicted by the report of the Conference Board of Canada and a poll done by Angus Reid, but that sentiment was challenged by survey released by Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) showing that Canadians hold positive view about the economy. Although the RBC’s report delineated certain degree of worries about personal savings and rising interest rates among the public

LATIN AMERICA

The Argentine government appointed Hector Timerman as its new foreign minister. Hector is a Jew and the President Kirchner said the appointment of the Jew as foreign minister displays Argentine non anti-Semitic society. The former foreign minister resigned due to clash with President Kirchner.

Mayor and gubernatorial elections have started in Mexico, but the atmosphere is replete with violence, as upshot of drug lord involvement in politics. There has been a correlation between politics and drug in Mexico and a big concern for neighboring states like the United States that has sent more than 500 security forces to the southern border for securing the US-Mexican border

Meanwhile the target killing of a popular gubernatorial candidate in the northern Mexican state of Tamaulipas was disheartening but the Mexican economy minister has diffused the fear that the death might affect foreign investment

At the economic front: Argentine-China relations were strained over Chinese refusal to buy Argentine’s Soy oil, even though it is one of the cheapest in the market. Buenos Aires retaliated by taking a strict position on Chinese dumping in Argentine. Both countries hope to resolve their difference as President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner pays her first visit to China this week.

The Brazilian economy is witnessing an unexpected growth according to the chief economist of Brazil. The government estimated growth falls around 5.2 % but experienced figure runs up to 5.7 %.

Colombian economy is expected to retain its pace even as Juan Manual Santos is elected as president. Meanwhile, IMF hoped that mutual relation between Colombia and Venezuela will further strengthened Colombian economy.

Mexican auto industry is lucrative and forthcoming, providing 20 % of total GDP of Mexico and 11 % of total industrial jobs for Mexicans. With this background the government plans to make the auto industry pay the taxes of the poor families.

A heavy flood in the northeastern part of Brazil, where President Lula de Silva hails from prevented him from attending the G 20 summit in Toronto, Canada.

The new British coalition government does not intend to de-track from the legacy of previous British governments on Falkland Island. Argentina received that strong signal as the new government of Downing Street will not deny British sovereignty over the island.

Argentina-Syria relations attained a new level as President Bashar al-Assad of Syria visited Argentina and signed several agreements with the government ranging from the field of technology, transportation and culture.

Departing from Argentina, his next stop was in Brazil where he met with President da Silva and lauded his leadership skill within the region and the world at large, particularly in the Middle East conflict and Brazil’s role in UNSC.

Assad also visited Venezuela for the first time where he received a warm reception from President Hugo Chavez.

Similarly, Brazil-Italy tie was consolidated by the visit of Prime Minister Berlusconi to Brasilia. During the august visit Berlusconi praised President da Silva’s good leadership and inked several agreements of mutual interests with the largest nation in Latin America.

Mr. Jose Serra, one of the fore runners in the upcoming Brazilian election is not satisfied with Brazil’s relations with certain countries like Venezuela and Cuba, if elected president, he will reverse the direction of the relation. Meanwhile, Brazil and Venezuela have inked agreement to increase cooperation in trade, electricity, cars and agricultural goods.

On the other hand, Brazilian government also signed agreement with Argentina by which Brazil’s central bank will provide US $100 million to Argentina’s trading companies in Brazil and in response Argentina will also provide financial advantages to the Brazilian trading commercial companies in the country.

Colombian President Juan Manual Santos will want to continue with the legacy of fighting drug lords and revolutionary groups championed by the former President Uribe. Santos has requested the French president to scout out foreign minister of FARC rebel group allegedly present in France.

Colombia has a good economic standing within the region and plans to extend its economic tentacles beyond the region. Colombian Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism Luis Guillermo Plata said Colombia will sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Korea. With the agreement Korean companies will provide auto vehicles plants of KIA, Daewoo and Hyundai in Colombia.

ALBA countries (Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines) had their 10^th summit in Ecuadorian city of Otavalo. The summit reiterated the concern for trade and environmental issues.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s President Chavez has invited Ecuadorian president to Caracas. The visit is expected to see both countries sign several agreements on social sovereignty, scientific knowledge, security and defense, energy and trade issues.

AUSTRALASIA

The new Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is determined to retract the tax policy on mining industry. The tax policy among others damaged the reputation of ex-PM Kevin Rudd, whose two years government ended dozen years of conservative rule. Meanwhile, the new government has brokered a deal with the industry limiting the heavy tax the previous Rudd’s government demanded. Both the government and the industry want a solution to the issue although elements in the industry are sceptical of the whole plan. Election is expected and Gillard hopes to take advantage of the respect she now commands for an election victory. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 125

2010-07-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

Week # 124 – Dated 20-26^h June, 2010

WESTERN EUROPE

Italians under the auspices of trade union staged a general protest against Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right measures geared at cutting funds for local government and freezing of public sector pay.

BP shares fell sharply in London last week following the company's announcement that the cost of responding to the Gulf of Mexico oil leak has risen to $2.35 billion. The share price dipped as low as 303.6 pence ($4.52) during morning trading, a 6.3 % drop. That took the shares well below half of the 655 pence price on April 20, the day an explosion killed 11 workers on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig.

Meanwhile the coalition British government released its budget tagged as the most severe budget that cuts spending and increases tax since the early days of Margaret Thatcher’s era. The budget is expected to irk the British public, particularly the powerful public-sector unions and their allies in the Labour Party.

British Minister of State for Europe David Lidington said last week that the United Kingdom supports the independence and territorial integrity of Kosovo and opposes its partition.

The Spanish parliament has approved the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with Serbia and next will inform Brussels that the ratification procedure is completed. Spain will be the first EU member to complete the ratification. Italy will likely be next, while Austria, Denmark, Finland and Poland will kick off the procedure this fall.

German politicians are calling for the reintroduction of border controls in the areas adjacent to Poland and the Czech Republic due to a growing number of car thefts.

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Albanian junior ruling coalition partner, Socialist Movement for Integration (SMI) has reiterated its calls for a solution to the longstanding political crisis in the country. A protracted crisis that the European parliament was disappointed about after several steps towards reconciliation failed.

Kosovo Serb-dominated municipality of Partesh/Partes went to the polls last week to elect local leaders. Although turnout topped 65% but none of the contestants were able to secure 50% vote therefore a mayoral run-off will be required.

Meanwhile the UNDP "Early Warning Report" outlined serious worry and dissatisfaction among Kosovars for the growing failure of government institutions. Government work, unemployment, poverty and the judiciary are all worrisome issues, while KFOR and the Kosovo Police and EULEX received public appreciations. The report came amid the resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) urging Pristina authorities, EULEX and UNMIK to demonstrate more commitment to strengthening the rule of law, required for Kosovo to meet EU standards.

Montenegrin state-level coalition partners, the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) reached an agreement to form a coalition within Podgorica's local government.

Having failed to win a vote of no confidence, Romania’s two largest opposition parties, the Social Democratic Party and the National Liberal Party have decided to postpone a new motion of no confidence against the government until the autumn. The last vote though failed was tailored to challenge government for its austerity measures. Opposition opted for court and the court ruled that the government's decision to cut pensions by 15% as of mid-year is unconstitutional, as is the decision to end the practice of offering higher pensions for certain professions, including law enforcement and judicial posts. However, the court allowed the 25% cut in salaries of civil servants.

Croat labour unions have garnered enough signatures for referendum that will decide whether the country should continue with collective union bargaining or start an individual system where every employee will have to bargain with employer one on one.

Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov after a meeting with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev, on the sidelines of the International Economic Forum said that energy giant Gazprom has agreed to include Macedonia in the South Stream gas pipeline project.

Macedonian Police detained 48 people last week suspected of illegal trade in archaeological artifacts.

European Integration Minister Gordana Djurovic has said that Montenegro will be prepared to join the EU by 2014.

A court in Bucharest has sentenced a Romanian and a Bulgarian to 12.5 years in prison each for passing classified information to Ukraine. Floricel Achim and Petar Marinov Zikolov were arrested in March 2009 in Bucharest on charges of having delivered confidential Romanian military files to a country that is not a member of NATO.

Serbian war crimes prosecutors have pressed charges against four former members of a paramilitary group for war crimes against civilians committed in Croatia. The four allegedly took part in the 1991 killings of six non-Serbs in the Beli Manastir municipality.

Slovenia’s Foreign Minister Samuel Zbogar said last week that Croatia will not be able to wrap up its EU accession talks unless it opens its financial market to Slovenia's biggest bank, Nova Ljubljanska Banka (NLB). The central bank in Zagreb blocked access until the former Ljubljanska Banka (LB) was to settle its debts to Croatian citizens. Meanwhile Slovenian Parliament's foreign policy committee last week okayed opening the judiciary negotiation chapter of EU accession talks with Croatia at the next inter-governmental conference.

In Poland initial exit polls indicated Bronislaw Komorowski, the candidate of Civic Platform having won 40.7% of the vote. In a presidential runoff on July 4, Komorowski garnered 52.6 % of the votes, bagging the presidency.

The outcome of the Slovak election failed to favour the Socialist ruling party and its coalition partners, bringing forth Iveta Radicova as the first Slovakian female prime minister. Radicova has formed a parliamentary majority through a coalition of four small center-right parties: her SKDU-DS, Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) and Most-Hid.

Meanwhile in Hungary the political system permits selection of president by the parliament with at least 50 MPs approval. Andras Balogh, Hungarian ambassador to Thailand has been picked as the next president with 50 MPs approval

According to a latest report good financial discipline saved the Polish economy from the 2009 financial recession. The economy stood out among EU and OECD countries. It kept its inflation rate and its debt levels low, limited its borrowing in foreign currencies, and accumulated a large amount of foreign reserves. It did not overact to the financial crisis and hence prevented the panic.

Meanwhile, the European Commission wants Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland and Austria to change certain aspects of their legislation which are not in compliance with EU rules on value-added tax (VAT).

Due to recent financial problem encountered in the Eurozone, Czech President Vaclav Klaus, a pronounced Euro-sceptic has reiterated his view that the zone has no future.

Ukrainian government reported a GDP growth and sees a full-year GDP growth at around 3.7 and 4.5%. According to a separate report, the growth accelerated to 6.1% in the first five months of 2010 from 4.8 % in the first quarter.

The new Hungarian government will not be distancing itself from the prevailing austerity measures elsewhere in Europe. The government plans to cut budget deficit, raise taxes but there are no plans to introduce new taxes and it might be borrowing from IMF/EU to keep the economy stable.

Despite the energy face-off, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has urged Russia to make both countries keep security and strategic relations prioritized.

The Czech President Vaclav Klaus is making an attempt to mediate between Athens and Skopje over the name dispute. During Czech presidency of the EU, an abortive effort was made to resolve the dispute.

Belarusian authority takes an adamant stance not to extradite former Kyrgyz president Kurmanbek Bakiyev taking refuge in Belarus. Bakiyev has been in Belarus under President Alexander Lukashenko’s personal protection since April this year. Kyrgyz’s interim government wants Bakiyev for charges of corruption and misuse of office.

NATO has planned using Lithuania Embassy in Georgia as the channel of communication with Georgian authority. This decision was made by member-countries of the alliance.

RUSSIA

Controversial Russian political figures are in coalition for a single party. Meanwhile the Other Russia coalition, the National Bolshevik Party, People's Democratic Union and United Civil Front are joining hands to contest the next parliamentary election.

According to recent Freedom House survey, Russia retains the status of controlling the Internet and limiting political competition among dissidents, and the government is also accused of failing to fight corruption and exercising pressure on businesses.

On March 25, the Belarusian Ministry of Justice filed a claim to the CIS Economic Court, over export customs duties on Russian oil products and petrochemical raw materials. The CIS Economic Court (EC) has dismissed Belarus’ motion to suspend duties on oil products from Russia.

The Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said last week that his country will be ready for "extensive" dialogue with Russia. The remark came barely days after the Russian president ruled out any progress in Russian-Georgian relations under Saakashvili.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and U.S President Barack Obama have agreed to restart exports of poultry by US companies to Russia as the two leaders found common ground on trade and investment. Washington is also backing Russia's entry into the World Trade Organisation, saying that it would deepen Moscow's integration into the global economy. However Russia-US relation was yet again strained as U.S officials apprehended and charged ten persons for conspiring to spy for Russia. The Russian foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, questions the timing of the decision by the United States to break up the spy allegation. The espionage allegation nonetheless did not stop the U.S State Department to paint the Caucasian insurgent leader Doku Umarov a terrorist, a step announced on the eve of President Dmitri A. Medvedev’s visit to the White House.

According to RBC’s report Russia's foreign trade surplus from January to May 2010 was 72 billion U.S. dollars, indicating growth in export and import of the country.

Russia and the United States will collaborate on humanitarian effort for the affected people in recent Kyrgyz’s violence. The violence erupted after the president was ousted, leaving about 2,000 people dead and 400,000 ethnic Uzbeks homeless.

Russian and Canadian authorities are now in partnership of satellite monitoring project. The satellite system will monitor climatic changes and survey energy resources in the Arctic region. It will monitor the weather and environment of the North Pole, pinpoint hydrocarbon deposits on the Arctic shelf, provide telecommunications over the hard-to-access areas and ensure safe air traffic and commercial shipping in the region.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov once again diffused the view that a merger between Russian energy giant Gazprom and Ukraine's state gas firm Naftogaz is far from being real. Critics have criticized the government of over depending on Russia, even though the merger is hoped by Russia to be an avenue of alleviating Ukraine from energy problem.

Russia is avoiding being left behind, as most major economies spend money on the development of new arms, hence Russia must not be an exemption. Increasing military development will benefit Russian economy as it is a major arms exporter. Moscow is planning to increase its hardware sale by 12% before the end of the year.

Russia’s ire was raised due to UN’s failure to consult the UNSC over the appointment of UN panel of Experts to investigate war crime in Sri Lanka. Russia holds that such investigation should be the principal task of Sri Lankan government. Similarly, Moscow resented Council of Europe’s invitation of Chechen separatist leader Akhmed Zakayev, to attend a CE meeting. Zakayev has been on Russia’s wanted list.

Polish-US missile system partnership has kicked off and training of the Poles for the system is started in Germany. Yet the grievance of Russia over the installation of U.S. Patriot missiles just 100 kilometres from the Russian Kaliningrad remains a concern.

US/CANADA

Gen. Stanley McChrystal’s comment during an interview in Rolling Stone magazine has cost him his job. McChrystal’s comments sounded insulting to President Barack Obama and key administrative officials, who according to McChrystal are less informed of the reality in Afghanistan and lacking serious plans to see Americans through the war. McChrystal though later apologized for the inconvenience his comment had caused.

The US Senate and House of Representatives has agreed unanimously to emasculate Iran through a new round of sanctions that will punish severely any company, either within the US or overseas, trading with Iran.

American economy grew slowly in first 3months of 2010 than previously projected. The economy was expected to grow by 3% but statistic shows a growth of 2.7%.

Meanwhile in the wake of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill President Obama ordered six month suspension of oil drill, but a federal judge in New Orleans unblocked the moratorium on economic and businesses grounds. The White House swiftly vowed to appeal the ruling.

Faisal Shahzad pleaded guilty last week to a 10-count indictment charging him with attempting to set off a car bomb in Times Square on May 1 in a conspiracy with Pakistan’s Taliban.

Massive protests by anti-globalization activists during the last weekend of the G8/G20 summits in the Canadian cities of Muskoka and Toronto led to arrests of more than 900 people and widespread damage to the financial sector when the crowd smashed the windows of stores and banks.

LATIN AMERICA

In Argentina Ex Foreign minister Taiana’s resignation has reportedly resulted from a clash between him and President Fernandez de Kirchner. Taiana will be succeeded by Timerman, a staunch supporter of Kirchner family and the Argentinean ambassador to US.

Presidential aspirants for the forthcoming Brazilian elections have started campaigning and introducing themselves to foreign leader. In a detailed report published by the Economist magazine, formidable economic policies of Brazil are said to be responsible for Brazil’s independent global policy. Traditionally, Brazil is a supporter of United States, but its growing economic clout can not be disconnected from its recent policy on Iranian nuclear issue.

Brazilian Foreign Minister visited Bulgaria to boost economic relations with the latter, in a first of its kind visit by a high official.

In recent Colombian elections were won by Juan Manuel Santos, an ex defense minister, who defeated Bogota’s Mayor Antanas Mockus with 69%. President-elect Juan Manuel has planned not to discontinue with Uribe’s policy of combating terrorist, drug production and trafficking. Despite the mistrust with Uribe’s government, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa and Venezuelan Hugo Chavez have welcomed the newly elected Colombian president. Meanwhile, United States too has congratulated Santos for his election victory.

Mexicans are due to go to the poll to elect new governors, but drug cartels and drug-related violence in the country is daunting the political landscape. The influence of drug lords on politics is no news, as 12 governors are reportedly receiving the support of the lords. Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic Church of Mexico is requesting tougher government involvement in the forthcoming election in order to safeguard against drug lord election intimidations.

Meanwhile an official of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has praised the Colombian government’s role in reducing drug related activities and coca production in Colombia.

Venezuela’s President Chavez has reshuffled his cabinets as a way of preparing for upcoming September elections. The reshuffling has been criticized as a usual Chavez tactic, who reshuffles yearly.

At the economic front in Brazil President Lula da Silva defended his policy of 7.7% increase in pension. According to him, the policy should neither affect public account nor burden the government; rather it would be a mechanism for supporting eight million retired Brazilians. Similarly, the president kick started the Family Farming Harvest Plan 2010/2011 expected to create opportunity and livelihood for many families. The plan should cut interest rates on the family farming from 5.5 % to 4.5 % annually.

International Labour Organization has urged the Venezuelan government to retract from anti privatization policies that target private businesses and disturb the growth of the economy.

Meanwhile President Chavez has requested Interpol to arrest the owner of private television Globovision for criticizing the government outside the country. The United States condemned the Venezuelan move deeming it a violation of human rights.

AUSTRALASIA

In a brutally efficient move driven by bad opinion polls and the approach of a general election, Australia’s Labor party has dumped Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for his 48-year-old deputy. At a news conference that capped one of the most abrupt transitions in Australia's political history, Gillard said she accepted the job "with the greatest humility, resolve and enthusiasm."

Meanwhile Australia's new prime minister said she used her first telephone conversation with President Barack Obama last week to assure him the country's military commitment to Afghanistan would not change under her leadership. Some observers have speculated Prime Minister Julia Gillard may push for an early withdrawal of Australia's 1,550 troops from Afghanistan as the war loses popularity among Australians and elections loom. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 124

2010-07-02T21:39:00.000-07:00

Week # 124 – Dated 13^th- 19^th June, 2010

WESTERN EUROPE

In Germany coalition partners are divided, resignation of top officers, the loss of a crucial regional election and the lack of foresight on how to react to recent financial crisis that gripped Europe. There is speculation that Germans are likely to go for another election less than a year after Merkel won re-election. According to a German ARD television poll a record low 86 % of Germans are dissatisfied.

During the last week, a group of experts from the IMF, the European Commission (EC) and the European Central Bank (ECB) were in Athens to assess the recent bailout package. The review went well with satisfactory remark on Greece’s economic progress.

In France, police banned a party organised by a group who intended to serve pork and alcohol on the street where Muslims offer their Friday prayer. The police said it was tailored to offend and cause trouble, though a counterparty organised by Muslim groups was also banned.

Meanwhile Ireland has followed the track of Britain and Australia, by expelling the Israeli diplomat accused of complicty in the passport forgery used in the assasination of Hamas leader in Dubai.

The EU has added more heat to the recent sanctions placed on Iran by the UNSC. The unilateral sanction includes the prohibition of new investment, trade insurance, financial transactions, technical assistance and transfers of technologies. The sanction also affects Iran's shipping and air cargo companies, new visa bans and asset freezes imposed on Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

The Council of Europe has urged the Albanian opposition to take its case of election irregularities to court. Meanwhile as part of the prerequisites for induction in the Schengen visa liberalization scheme Albania has to ensure the repatriation of its citizens from Europe. This condition has forced Tirana to establish a special structure to deal with repatriated citizens.

Regardless of the awaited ICJ ruling on the legality of Kosovo independence, the International Steering Group (ISG) under the International Civilian Office head Pieter Feith has opined that Kosovo independence is irrevocable.

European parliament members are urging the EU to start accession talks with Skopje, due to the improvement in its reforms, though Macedonia remains entangled in the name dispute with Greece.

Effort by the Romanian government to regulate the economy by reducing deficit, slashing salaries, pensions and hiking taxes has thrown the government into hot water. Many Romanians are against the austerity measures and the cabinet now faces vote of no confidence from the opposition Social Democratic Party (PSD which it survived. Meanwhile the opposition has shown its readiness to further pursue the case in court.

According to reports Romanian deputy Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu has announced that Bucharest and Washington have begun talks on deploying elements of the proposed US missile shield in Romania.

The Macedonian government too is geared at cutting salaries of some government officials, including Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.

Croatian labour unions are gathering signatures for a referendum for amending labour law. Laborers are wrestling with government over whether or not the union should continue with collective bargaining or individual agreement with employers.

Similarly in Serbia, Alliance of Independent Unions of Serbia President Ljubisav Orbovic has warned that the workforce situation has become critical where at least 1 million citizens are subsisting below the poverty line.

Albanian government has declared two groups, Islamic Jihad and al-Qaeda, illegal in Albania. During a meeting, the cabinet also announced a list of 62 businessmen and nine commercial companies believed to be connected with al-Qaeda and the Taleban, groups that the UN considers sponsors of terrorism.

High Representative Valentin Inzko has urged Bosnian lawmakers to adopt a law on population census, calling for a compromise so that the headcount could be conducted next year.

EULEX officials want Belgrade to take the next step in collecting information regarding the Raska mass grave, believed to contain the bodies of 250 Albanians.

The family of the fugitive Serb commander Ratko Mladic wants the government to declare Mladic dead since Mladic’s whereabouts have been unknow. The Serbian government however insists on continuing with the search.

Meanwhile Serbia has strengthens its ties with rich European countries by opening its border to citizens of EU countries and Switzerland, Norway and Iceland. Also the bloc’s foreign ministers have kicked off ratifying the bloc's Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with Serbia, two years after it was signed. Meanwhile the Kosovar government has planned not to invite Serbian president to a regional mini-summit to be held in Kosovo.

Regional and foreign observers have been closely monitoring the stance of the Bulgarian government, whether the latter will maintain undivided ties with U.S or seek an economic and energy friendship with Russia. The proposed Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline has been the cause of the unclear stance. For clarity Prime Minister Boyko Borisov holds that the government will wait for an environmental impact assessment before making a final decision on its participation in the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline.

Polls for the upcoming Polish election suggest a tight outcome between the late president's identical twin brother, Jaroslaw Kaczynski (skeptical of the benefits of adopting the Euro) and Bronislaw Komorowski, the pro-business parliament speaker with a market-friendly policy.

Poland's finance minister has made a request to International Monetary Fund for a renewal of flexible credit line of $20 billion dollars for his country. Meanwhile the UAE has becomes Poland's largest trading partner in the Arab world. A few years back Saudi Arabia occupied that position.

The outcome of the recent Slovakia election shows that despite the success of the ruling centre-left SMER-SD party, the current coalition parties will not likely be part of the team as they failed to garner sufficient votes. Hence, a centre-right government is more likely expected.

EU has approved Estonia-Eurozone membership as the 17^th member, following consent among EU leaders that Estonia had met the conditions to join the Euro area.

Ukraine borrowed $2bn from Russia last week to bridge its budget deficit since talks for IMF loan are dragging. Meanwhile dependency on IMF’s loans has been articulated by Latvian President Valdis Zatlers who cautioned against excessive optimism and holds that despite the signs of recovering from deep recession; his country is still in need of international financial assistance.

Hungarian government has thrown its support for a possible change in European Union regulations on private pension fund systems. The change will help the newly formed government to significantly narrow budget deficit and lower public debt. The government is also geared at central price regulation, a reminiscent system of communist-era price controls.

The Czech Republic's nascent three-party centre-right government has agreed to expand the controversial Temelin nuclear power plant and upgrade the atomic plant in Dukovany.

Belarusian government has refused the request of Kyrgyz government to extradite deposed President Kurmanbek Bakiyev who is wanted over the charges of murder and abuse of power.

RUSSIA

Amendments to Russia’s 2010 budget have triggered concern for The International Monetary Fund (IMF). The concern could also be linked to the Russians’ plan to borrow less from foreign market in 2011.

Meanwhile joint WTO membership of Russia-Khazakistan-Belarus (RKB) may put additional obstacles for these countries, but the membership is expected to force Russia to readjust its protectionist policy.

The European Parliament has welcomed the "constructive" nature of the first EU-Russia summit since the Lisbon Treaty was approved held earlier this month.

A few weeks back, Belarus expressed its willingness to offer Russia gas pipeline passage in exchange for cheap gas. However according to recent reports Russia has given an ultimatum to Belarus to pay off its $200m gas debt.

Russian state-owned hi-tech corporation Rostekhnologii (Russian Technology) is organizing Eurosatory 2010, wherein over 30 Russian defense industry setups will be exhibiting.

A recent visit of Russian leader to Paris has spotlighted the economic concern between the the two countries. meanwhile France has signed to be part of the South Stream gas pipeline project, that will transport Russian gas to the rest of Europe.

Russian parliament has welcomed the signing of an agreement that will establish an early-warning mechanism on energy security between the EU and Russia. EU-Russia energy co-operation must be based on the principles of the Energy Charter.

The French are handing over night vision technology to Russia; as the city of Vologda in central Russia will start assembling the Thales-developed thermal imaging cameras. The local production of the camera will reduce production cost and is hoped to be affordable for civilian purposes in the future.

Russian parliament endorsed the visa-free travel regime between the EU and Russia and believes the negotiation should be based on a step-by-step approach.

Meanwhile Russia and China will be relieved from the British yearly £2.9bn bilateral aid. Britain is reviewing its policy and believes the aid should go to most needy countries.

As ethnic tension mounts in Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyz public has requested external intervention particularly from Russia, although the government is not totally consenting to such a proposal. Yet the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO…Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan) are contemplating offering emergency aid. Meanwhile, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warns that ethnic clashes in Kyrgyzstan could lead to Taliban-style forces taking advantage of the unrest to seize power.

The signing of 'wide range' of nuke documents between Russia and Kazakhstan is expected to move the two countries to a new level of relations and cement the new custom agreement between them.

Meanwhile Statement of Russian president that U.S should quit its Kyrgyzstan’s base once NATO-led operations end in nearby Afghanistan indicates a futurist thinking. It also shows the concern of Moscow about U.S presence in what is traditionally seen as Russia’s sphere.

While Russia might be supporting the new UNSC round of sanctions on Iran, seen as diplomatic success by the Western powers, President Medvedev has cautioned against unilateral sanctions by the United States and the EU, which according him will worsen the situation.

US/CANADA

US President Obama’s repeated visit to the Gulf of Mexico has been a show of commitment towards finding a solution. His latest visit was stepped up to reassure American consumers that seafood from the Gulf of Mexico is safe and promoting tourism in the region; meanwhile his administration is accelerating efforts for cleanup. The president has also reteirated his plea for alternative energy and less dependence on oil.

In a show of being in-charge, President Obama was able to broker an understanding with BP executive following which BP compensates all those affected by the oil spill. The oil giant is expected to create a $20 billion fund to pay damage claims to thousands of fishermen and others along the Gulf Coast. The fund will be administered by Kenneth R. Feinberg, the lawyer and mediator who ran the fund for victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.

LATIN AMERICA

In Brazil PSDB party candidate Mr. Serra and Ms. Rousseff of the Workers’ Party (PT).have been nominated formally to run for the forthcoming election.

Chavez believes Venezuela is democratic while no country is more democratic than his nation. Rejecting criticism against his government, Chavez holds that foreign support and meddling are behind the political condemnation he faces.

Argentine economy is picking up better than expected. Previous forcast of the economy puts growth at around 4.1%, but the economy is witnessing a 5.2 % growth.

Brazil’s economic clout in the region and across the globe is also on rise, yet the central bank of Brazil warns that Brazil must equip itself with improved economic institutions in order to avoid the kind of financial crisis seen in Europe. President Lula believes the forthcoming election result will not halt the country’s economy path as predicted. Meanwhile the U.S Congress is debating whether or not to continue with ethanol trade with Brazil, if the latter insist on trading its ethanol with Iran regardless of the UNSC’s sanctions.

Brazil and Peru have reached agreement which will allow Peru to provide hydroelectric power to Brazil.

As drug related money and other source of laundering get heightened, Mexican government has launched a new policy regarding money transactions through banks and limiting the amount of transaction in dollars. Meanwhile 15 federal security officers were recently ambushed at two different places, the largest attack on federal security officers since president Calderon took office. Also President Calderon has accused US government of not making enough effort to control its drug addicts who fuel the Drug supply.

Venezuelan economy remains at a stooping direction due to nationalization and lack of good performance by the major (oil) sector of the economy. Even though Caracas is now ranked as the 2^nd largest reservoir of oil after Saudi Arabia, yet the nation’s oil company is reported to have shown low performance this year as compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) reports that human rights record in Venezuela is worsening due to the high rate of political crackdown on opposition candidates and ban on opposition media. President Hugo Chavez has injected a new rule into his 21^st century socialism that deems alcohol consumption as anti socialist, hence Venezuelans have been told to abstain from it. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 123

2010-06-25T22:40:00.000-07:00

Week # 123 – Dated 6^th-12^th June, 2010

WESTERN EUROPE

The United Nations Security Council passed its fourth and toughest sanctions on Iran last week but was rejected by Brazil and Turkey while Lebanon abstained, all are non-permanent UNSC members. Iran rejected the sanctions and it is yet unknown if what the previous three sanctions could not achieve, the new sanctions will.

The draft proposal of the recent Bonn Climate summit in Germany is being criticized to have mentioned all issues relevant to climate change but having left all the major sticking points unresolved and believed to be developed world oriented.

Bart De Wever of the centrist New Flemish Alliance expected to garnered enough votes to make his party the largest in the parliament, is attempting to actualize a separation between the Flanders (Dutch speaking) and Wallonia (French speaking) region. Such separation could create a domino effect within the neighborhood for other separatist movements and could be hideous for Belgium’s EU status.

In the recent Dutch election the pro-business VVD Party got (31) Labour (30), anti Islam Freedom party (24) and the incumbent (21). VVD is expected to form a coalition government very soon.

Immigration issue resonates across Europe as governments want strict immigration laws that will keep at bay unwanted immigrants. Learning local European languages is becoming an integral part of the immigration requirements. In Britain the new government believes being able to speak English should be a prerequisite for anyone who wants to settle in the country.

Meanwhile the British government last week acknowledged historical administrative errors, and misuse of counterterrorism powers by law enforcement officers (police) across UK. Power was granted for such activity under Britain's 2000 Terrorism Act, which allows police to “stop and search" people at sensitive areas.

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Republika Srpska (RS) Prime Minister Milorad Dodik rejected a statement by Kosovo Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni, who said BiH will soon recognize Kosovo's independence.

Meanwhile Kosovo will have to intensify its reform to accelerate its EU integration. Pristina needs to speed up its judiciary reform. EULEX overseeing the country’s institutional development has extended it Kosovo’s mandate, thus having the prerogative to investigate corrupt practices in Kosovo educational system as was done in the other sectors.

There was consensus in the Croat’s parliament over constitutional amendment towards reforming the country’s labour law. Croatian government has offered labour union leaders negotiating hand in the negotiations; the labour leaders are interested in retaining collective bargaining as opposed to government favored ‘one on one’ bargaining between employer and employee.

The Democratic Union of Integration (DUI), a partner in Macedonia's ruling coalition, marked the eighth anniversary of its establishment with a ceremony in the town of Gostivar. DUI has reiterated its pledge to work towards resolving name dispute and facilitating Macedonia-EU integration.

Romanian government still faces opposition from the people for its austerity plans tailored according to IMF likings. Last week the cabinet submitted two bills to the parliament to this effect. Meanwhile, Romanian Constitutional Court rejected the newly passed lustration law as unconstitutional. Lustration law bans senior officials during the communist-era regime from holding ranking public posts.

Since its establishment in 1993, the U.N. war crimes tribunals on the Balkan wars made its toughest and landmark ruling as two Bosnia Serbs were given life sentences and few other longer jail terms for genocide and war crimes respectively. In the same vein, Croatian authorities extradited Slovenian national Franc Kos to Bosnia and Herzegovina for suspected genocide committed in Srebrenica in 1995. Meanwhile Montenegrin law enforcement also apprehended Marin Krivosic, 45, Serb wanted by Croatia for war crimes committed in 1991.

At the environmental front Croatian government is expected to expend more than 100m Euro for reconstruction process after the country was hit by flood from overflowing river.

According to the criteria of NATO’s membership Albania is expected to invest about 3 billion euros in its defence sector by 2020. Tirana had to double defence spending from about 9m euros in 2005 to about 19m euros in 2009.

Serbia’s participation in the on-going South Africa World Cup tournament is expected to bring ethnic enmity to a pause in the deeply divided nation.

With a fairly good turnout in the last Slovenian referendum, the country has agreed to have international arbitration over the border dispute between Slovenia and Croatia.

Hungary's Presidential election is expected by June 29 and parties have agreed to present their nominations by noon on June 25.

The United States has extended sanctions against Belarus aimed at pressuring democratic reform. The White House said the sanctions target specific officials and citizens who have undermined democratic institutions, committed human rights abuses or benefited from corruption.

The meeting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Martynov showed the determination of the two countries to exchange mutual cooperation in industry, trade and education.

Estonia's and Latvia's Prime Ministers Andrus Ansip and Valdis Dombrovskis respectively have met to assess report that detailed 65 possible areas for future economic, political and cultural collaboration.

The Polish economy is showing some glimpse of growth as joblessness continues to drop, according to latest report, unemployment declines by 12 %.

Polish energy giant hopes to sell as much as 3 billion zloty ($879 million) of bonds as the company begins raising funds for exploration and production, and to expand into electricity. Subsequently, a South Korean electronics components manufacturer is investing nearly €10m to build a new plant in Poland to turn out semi-finished products for multinational groups.

Meanwhile, exports and a slight pickup in domestic demand fueled growth in Hungary and the Czech Republic in the first quarter, though analysts said fiscal tightening in the euro zone will slow the pace of recovery later this year.

As Ukraine awaits $19 billion loan from IMF, Kiev received a loan of $2 billion from its new bed fellow Russia. Ukraine may seek more bilateral loans from Russia and other countries if the International Monetary Fund turns down its request. Kiev is eyeing an extended economic relation with Turkey and Greece.

In the same vein, Slovakia is geared at improving bilateral trade relations with Indonesia to increasing rubber imports and to offer advanced machinery for rubber-based products.

The European Commission has authorized, under EU State aid rules, a measure adopted by Latvia to limit the adverse impact of the current financial crisis on exporting firms. International Monetary Fund on the other hand had reached an agreement with Latvia that could free more of its international rescue fund.

Meanwhile Lithuania's economic recovery is said to remain fragile, though the Baltic state has managed to withstand the threat of financial collapse.

Despite its small size, Estonia is not hesitant to contest with France in becoming the new EU IT agency host state. IT-savvy Estonia, which already hosts NATO's cyber-defence centre, is also keen to become the European Union's future IT agency.

President of the Czech Republic Václav Klaus committed his country's support for India’s bid for United Nations Security Council membership during his meeting with the Indian Vice-President, Hamid Ansari.

RUSSIA

Russia and Germany have enjoyed sound trade ties but the global financial crisis led to a sharp fall of trade last year, German imports from Russia fell by 30%, to €20.4 billion, or $25 billion; German exports to Russia fell by 36%, to €25.8 billion.

Russian economic growth continues to show great prospect as companies continued hiring and domestic demand accelerated. Meanwhile, Moscow is struggling to gain a footing as one of the world largest wheat exporters, especially to Egypt, a major importer of U.S wheat. Meanwhile Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus inked agreement on custom union which will make them joint partners for the membership of WTO.

Hundreds of ethnic Circassians gathered last week to call on federal authorities to allow their ethnic group to split off from the Karachayevo-Cherkessia republic to form their own autonomous region within the Russian Federation.

Following its endorsement of the new sanctions against Iran, Russia is now to take the decision whether or not to proceed in selling missile defense systems to Iran a deal that was halted in 2007.

Russia-Iran impasse is further complicated by the recent remark of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at SCO summit saying that Iran having an observer status cannot join SCO because of the new round of UN Security Council sanctions over its nuclear programme.

US/CANADA

President Obama lashed out at the Congress for the supposedly biased and disproportionate assessment of his management of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Obama said Congress and few unmentioned politicians were same people accusing his government of big-government and now they are expecting him to do more, which if attempted few months back it would be seen as overreach of federal government.

Meanwhile the British Petroleum Company (BP) is under a lot of pressure that is not faring well for its stockholders, particularly British shareholders angry over what they perceive as an unsatisfactory and over politicized manner of dealing with the issue.

On the other end world markets are reported to have picked up after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the U.S. recovery is on track and the European debt crisis would not prove too damaging to the world's largest economy.

Meanwhile Obama’s government is trying to persuade Congress to extend emergency health care assistance for unemployed workers that expired May 31^st. The unwilling Congress believes the nation is still unsettled after the passage of $1 trillion insurance overhaul and adding billions more to the deficit in a treacherous election year is unwelcoming.

Ms. Helen Thomas, a revered and longtime White House correspondent has resigned from the media house she worked with and more likely could be refused reception at White House press briefings. After the flotilla incident, she was reported to have said Jews should “get the hell out of Palestine” and go home “to Poland, Germany and America.” The statement irked many American Jews and politicians.

U.S Defense Secretary Robert Gate has criticized the EU for its policy towards Ankara, which according to Gate is shifting Turkey from pro-West to pro-East and Arab centered. According to Gate Ankara's foreign policy, particularly its increasingly strained ties with Israel are a "matter of concern" for the United States.

The Canadian opposition last week disapproved the proposed $1billion expenditure for hosting G8 and G20. It also scorned the proposal to spend $2 million to build a media centre that includes an artificial lake with canoes, trees, deck chairs and a fake dock, saying it would belittle Canada’s natural scenery.

LATIN AMERICA

According to polls, support for the Argentine President Fernandez surged due to a modified economic policy. This can pave the way for a return of her husband, Nestor Kirchner in the next election.

Brazilian election polling forecast puts support for Lula’s favorite (Mrs. Rousseff) and top contestant Mr. Serra on the same note, they both command 37 points. The election is expected to be tight, and run up to the election is punctuated with accusations.

Brazilian president during his weekly radio show announced the introduction of Bolsa Familia plan which will provide job opportunities for the masses. The plan is expected to provide about 13 million families 200 reais or $108 U.S. monthly aid.

Also in Brazil, the Catholic majority country accounts for almost 200,000 women seeking unsafe abortions. The figure provided by a survey conducted by Times is worrisome for the present government.

The plan by the Brazilian government to build a new dam that will cater for the country’s energy need has been met with resistance from native inhabitants around the river who believe it to be an affront to their existence and environment.

China’s Sinopec has lent 20 billion dollars to Brazil’s Petroboras and in exchange it will explore oil in the country. Both countries are exploring all avenues to boost their economic ties.

Chilean finance minister has said more economic growth is expected in this year which will help the reconstruction of infrastructure which was damaged by the earthquake.

Illegal killing continues at the Mexican-U.S border where last week, a 14 years old boy was killed at the Mexican border side with accusing figure being raised towards U.S custom officers. Mexico has urged US authorities for free and fair investigation into the matter.

Argentine and Uruguayan government have reached agreement to strengthen their strategic ties through cooperation on nuclear technology and defence related issues.

AUSTRALASIA

Australian voters served PM Kevin Rudd a political threat last week for his troubling policies which more likely could give conservative opposition leader Tony Abbott edge in the forthcoming election. Voters are disenchanted with Rudd because he shelved a carbon trading scheme and a programme to provide free home insulation, and unveiled a 40 % tax on the mining industry which is heavily invested by shareholders and pension funds.

Although Internet giant Google acknowledged it erred, but the Australian government is undone with it over privacy breach. Google has been accused of collecting private wireless data while taking pictures for its 'Street View' mapping service, for which it will be facing litigation. Google faces similar plight in Europe where, the German and British government accused it of a similar breach. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 122

2010-06-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

Week # 122 – Dated 30 May-5 June, 2010

WESTERN EUROPE

France's former top anti-terrorism judge said last week that the Turkish Islamic charity behind a flotilla of aid ships that was raided by Israeli forces on its way to Gaza had ties to terrorism networks, including a 1999 al-Qaida plot to bomb Los Angeles International Airport.

Meanwhile France's official Muslim council has warned the government not to expect it to impose a planned ban on full face veils for women that legal experts argue will be unconstitutional and police predict will be unenforceable.

Europe and the United States last week agreed on a common strategy in the fight against terror, presented as a message to Islamabad on the eve of an EU-Pakistan summit. "This declaration is a message to the Muslim world," said Spanish Interior Minister Alfredo Rubalcaba, whose country’s chairmanship of the European Union ended last month.

A senior Iranian envoy has accused the International Atomic Energy Agency last week of false reporting in saying that agency inspectors probing a laboratory for suspected undeclared nuclear experiments found some equipment removed.

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Poland last week marked 21^st anniversary of parliamentary elections (1989) which brought a new political dawn to the country. The election success ended decades of communism in Poland.

Last week’s Czech election was distinctive owing to the high turnout of youth, owing to the lure of free beer, facebook campaigns, and greater electorate seats for women. All the wining parties in the election unanimously agreed on a centre-right coalition and resolved to reform the economy through austerity measure.

Hungary’s parliament despite opposition from neighboring nations passed an amendment to its controversial new dual citizenship Act on May 26 granting an easier route to citizenship for over two million ethnic Hungarians living in the region. Also June 4 has been designated the National Unity Day to commemorate the anniversary of a traumatic treaty that left much of the Hungarian nation outside the country’s borders.

At the economic front EU and IMF warnings which demand budgetary consolidation and tight deficit management are expected to impair the new Hungarian government from carrying on with its tax cut and economic stimulus package. Hungary is still on the bailout package of EU and IMF as a result of its last financial crisis

Poland and the Baltic states are geared at joining the Eurozone but with greater consideration after the Greece financial crisis. Yet Polish government is still determined to integrate its economy with the Eurozone as highlighted during the three days European Economic Congress held in Katowice, Silesia.

The Polish Central Statistical Office reveals that Poland's economy grew by 0.5 per cent in the first quarter, expanding at a slower pace than in the previous quarter but still on track for a strong full-year performance, meanwhile unemployment rate fell to 12.3 % in April.

The massive flood in Poland as a result of torrid rain has affected many neighborhoods in the country; meanwhile the EU and Russia are extending humanitarian assistance to the affected region.

A Bahrain delegation is in Prague to showcase the Kingdom's logistics credentials at the annual European Supply Chain & Logistics Summit this week and will attend the event in the Czech Republic capital from 7-9 June.

The small Baltic state of Estonia is reported to have signed an accession treaty with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to become the first former Soviet republic to join the exclusive club. Israel was the last country integrated into the Paris based organization.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych marked his 100 days in office amidst blames from the opposition accusing him of limiting civil liberties and surrendering national sovereignty to Russia.

EU-Russia visa regime might soon become a reality as leaders from the EU along with the Russian president extensively discuss the scheme that will facilitate movement of people between Russia and EU countries without visa hurdles. Meanwhile, Bulgarian government has relaxed visa rules for Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusian and Moldavians to visit the country.

The European Parliament took an uncomfortable stance against Tirana last week; refusing to have a resolution vote on Albania's EU integration. This follows the political impasse in the country following last June’s disputed elections.

The unresolved vote is also implicative for Albania-EU visa liberalization scheme. Meanwhile, the parliament supported Bosnia-EU visa liberalization scheme but added that ethnic tensions and slow pace of political development in the country needed to be rectified.

UN war crimes tribunal has demanded more of Croatia’s support in its investigation of war crimes associated with Zagreb where its cooperation is essentially attached to its political criteria for EU accession. Meanwhile as a sign of reconciliation and readiness for peaceful co-existence, Croatian President Ivo Josipovic made the first ever visit by to a Croatian head of state to Republika Srpska (BiH), visiting three major sites of massive killing of ethnic Croats, Serbs and Bosniaks.

Croat Labour union leaders are geared at gathering signatures required to call a referendum on recently proposed amendments to the labour law.

Local elections were held at the Serb populated northern Kosovo, organized by Serbia in bid to create a parallel structure in Kosovo. The election has been rejected by EULEX, International Civilian Representative and EU Special Representative Pieter Feith and the Kosovo authority as unauthorized and unrecognizable.

Meanwhile Serbia is maintaining good military standing aboard. Belgrade currently has peacekeepers with UN missions in the Ivory Coast, Liberia, Congo and Chad but plans to send missions to Lebanon and Cyprus, possibly this year.

The European commission has warned Kosovo authority from issuing biometric passports considered dangerous at this moment. Violation of the recommendation might hurt and delay Pristina-EU visa liberalization scheme.

Romanian labour unions are on the streets protesting against government’s austerity measures that will cut salaries and pension. The plan by the Romanian government is expected to help in managing deficit and meeting IMF requisite.

A 2 days NATO summit held in Bitola, Macedonia has reiterated the need to accelerate and integrate Western Balkans into the military bloc; where a failure to do so will make Balkans remain a bastion of potential tension.

RUSSIA

The Russian economic ministry sees growth accelerating to 3.5 % in 2012 and 4.2 % in 2013, perhaps augmented by the president’s proposal to establish a global financial centre in Moscow. This could be another indication that Russia is on the verge of showcasing its economic stamina. Meanwhile Russia and New Zealand are set to start Free-trade talks.

A latest report of experts of the international monitoring of economic conditions in Russia (RLMS) supports Russian claims of economic strength. The report holds that the number of households with the income level below the poverty line in Russia has dropped from 38 to 3 percent in 1998-2009.

Russia and Japan are soon to ink agreement upon which both countries will work together in car production. Chelyabinsk is a Russian area having high concentration of metallurgy and thus hopes to be viable car producing plants.

Russia is spearheading an anti-terrorism summit that will host top security and law enforcement officials from 63 countries and the UN counter-terrorism bodies.

Meanwhile the old trust deficit between Russia and Poland is resurfacing after the twin brother of the late Polish president Lech Kaczynski, Jaroslaw, said that he does not completely trust the Russian authorities to be included in the investigation into his brother's death.

Ruling Armenian Republican Party and the Russian Institute of Strategic Studies (RISS) are set to have a roundtable meeting in order to foster Russian and Armenian political and economic cooperation, interaction in the sphere of security, the settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh issue and perspectives for normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey.

US/CANADA

The chief U.S. negotiator of the new U.S.-Russia nuclear arms treaty Rose Gottemoeller has said that she hopes the "New START" signed by Presidents Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama in April will spur the 65-nation Conference on Disarmament to begin talks this summer on banning the production of plutonium and highly enriched uranium needed for atomic bombs.

Following mounting criticism regarding the oil spill off the Gulf of Mexico Obama has sent a legal threat to BP the oil company involved threatening litigation for the spill. The spill crisis has forced the president to cancel his foreign trips.

Obama’s White House is trying to diffuse the allegation that his government has been involved in political maneuvering and deal making geared at favoring particular candidate for Senate primaries and State governorship. The allegation is a dent on Obama’s pledge of playing a clear politics devoid of interest. Meanwhile the Republicans have tagged the alleged deal making as Chicago-style politics.

At the international front U.S-Israel relation has been strained recently and both parties are finding ways to patch their differences. Unlike the rest of the world condemning Israel for attacking the flotilla, U.S vice president Joe Biden has voiced his opinion that Israel has the right to protect itself.

The slipping support for the conservative minority government in Canada does not suggest the support has shifted to the opposition. According to the weekly Ekos survey, support for the Conservatives is at 31.7 %, down from 33.9 % last week. Support for the Liberals, the biggest opposition party, dropped to 26.2 % from 27.1 %.

The Canadian authority is preparing a high security arrangement for the forthcoming G 8 and G20 summits scheduled for Toronto. The arrangement is estimated around one billion-dollar, a bill challenged by the opposition parties as wasteful expenditure.

The Canadian government and the Central Bank are not expected to change present policy until the economy regains its stamina. The government hopes to see the currency stable, more employments and entire health economy. The economy saw an improvement last week with an increase of 24,700 jobs.

LATIN AMERICA

The Brazilian economy is expected to grow by 6-7% this year and the country is witnessing a fall in unemployment.

In Venezuela Political tussle between President Hugo Chavez and opposition politicians continues as accusation and counter accusation are made. Chavez is accused of undermining freedom of speech and privatization, an accusation taken by the president as baseless and contravening his style of socialism.

Saifur Rehman Khan, the Pakistani arrested for the presence of traces of explosives on himself at the US embassy in Santiago, Chile has been released but remains under investigation and has been asked not to leave the country.

The MoU signed between Argentina and Bolivia has opened the way for gas sharing ties till 2026. According to the agreement Bolivia will supply natural gas to Argentina’s Northeastern side at a fairer price.

Mexican health authority is launching a campaign against obesity, especially targeting over weight school children. The campaign will require school canteens and vendors to adhere to the permitted products and laid down rules of the health ministry. The Mexican government is also eyeing the possibility of reducing consumption of fossil oil because of its environmental implications. Such reduction will then pave the way for increasing Mexico’s dependence and capacity on cheap nuclear energy.

Meanwhile the increasing threat caused by the oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico is now creating concern for the Mexican government that shares part of the sea with the United States.

Brazil and Argentina are both seeking greater linkages and cooperation with Angola. Meanwhile Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s recent visit to Brazil marked the first visit of Turkish premier to the largest Latin American country, where both seek greater cooperation. Erdogan also extended his reach to neighboring Chile with the aim of increasing trade relations; however the visit to Chile was shortened due to the attack by Israeli commandos on the Turkish flotilla. Brazil and Venezuela too have joined the world in condemning the Israeli assault on the vessel carrying humanitarian aid for Palestinians.

The Mexican government is seeking cordial relations with neighbors and trade partners; this was on the agenda last week when President Calderon was in Washington and Ottawa to streamline ties with other members of NAFTA. Increasing border troops to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking were highlighted in Washington and relaxation of visa rule for Mexicans was another important discussion Calderon had with PM Stephen Harper.

Mexico is expected to open its embassy in Nigeria which will be serving the rest of ECOWAS countries. The diplomatic presence in the region will facilitate multilateral relations in field of agro-industry and telecommunication.

Venezuela hopes to accelerate ties with Cuba through police training. Previously Cuba has been also responsible for the training of Venezuelan doctors and nurses. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 121

2010-06-11T22:54:00.001-07:00

Week # 121 – Dated 23-30 May, 2010

WESTERN EUROPE

The run up to the forthcoming Dutch election is showing a slide from anti-Muslim and im

migration sentiment to economic concern. Wilder the conservative anti-Muslim and Islam politician is facing a challenge from other contestants taking up economic agenda, a popular priority issue to rally around.

The newly formed British coalition government is struggling with the carryover issue of illegal public spending that characterized the Brown’s government. PM Cameron has vowed to purge out irresponsible conduct of cabinet members.

The International Criminal Court is geared at taking the challenge of criminalizing state aggression on other states, a move that has received mixed reactions. Critics say it will portray the court as political.

The Spanish parliament has approved austerity measures similar to those introduced by Greece. The move is likely to be met with resentment as has been the case across Europe.

The Spanish city of Lleida that has a 3 % Muslim population out of which only a handful of Muslim women wear face-covering niqab garments, the city hall recently baned the veil within its premises. The ban is historic, the first of its kind in Spain and a reminder that the veil issue is snowballing across Europe.

A German High Court has dismissed allowing a separate room to a Muslim student for worship. The court overturned the ruling of a lower court granting a private room as guarantee for religious freedom. The high court holds that a single student’s right should not override public good.

Meanwhile more reports are unfolding on scandalous practices in Catholic Church’s schools across Europe. The latest development unveiled that about 205 former students claim to have been sexually or otherwise abused in Jesuit schools in Germany.

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Political impasse lingers on between the Albanian ruling and opposition parties. The latter accuses the former of electoral irregularities in June 2009 election. The opposition insists that the June ballot boxes be reopened, an option unaccepted to the government. Meanwhile U.S Ambassador to Tirana John Withers said the problem in the country is not political but governmental.

After a long parliamentary debate, Croatian ruling and opposition parties have reached compromise to allow Croats in diaspora (particularly in Bosnia) to cast their votes only at diplomatic and consular missions, and the diaspora will be entitled to three representatives in the Croatian parliament. Meanwhile Croats parties in Bosnia regret the compromise as discriminatory.

EULEX, UNMIK and the Kosovo authority have all rejected election planed to be held in the north of Kosovo. Serbian leaders have been campaigning in the Serb populated north with the hope of strengthening Serbia rule there. The act irked Kosovo authority and has requested EULEX to stop Serbian leaders and their political campaign in this supposedly parallel structure. Serbia is also threatening to slash its cooperation with EULEX on the premise that the latter is taking side with Kosovo.

Meanwhile, both Belgrade and Pristina expect to hear the ICJ nonbinding ruling on the legality of Kosovo’s independence by end of July.

Montenegrins went to the polls for municipal elections that came out favorable for the ruling coalition government. Meanwhile, the country celebrated its fourth year independence after a referendum that separated Montenegro from the state union with Serbia.

Romanian government risks a no vote of confidence in the parliament on the 15^th of June amid a protest by the public against government’s plan to implement tough austerity measures, which the government thinks will expedite the economy.

Kosovo has reached an agreement of 110m-euro loan from the IMF. Similarly, the financial institution has given conditional consent to disbursing the next 380m-euro tranche of its 2.9 billion-euro standby loan to Serbia as well.

The Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG) has observed that Kosovo enjoys one of the best legislations for minorities, but the implementation of these documents remains a challenge. The group has urged that the non-Serb minority should also be given equal representation.

Meanwhile people generally in the region and Serbia in particular celebrated the birthday of Josip Broz Tito, the Yugoslavian communist leader; who despite his communist ideas and stronghold on power, is still remembered for the level of freedom he permitted as compared to other communist dictators.

Serbs are reacting with mixed feelings over a new legislative declaration by the Serbian parliament which condemned crime committed against Serbs during the 1990s war. Some Serbs hold that separating crime against Bosniak and Muslim from that of Serbs is inappropriate and shows disparity of concern. However, others agree on the distinction. The parliament wants the governments in the region to acknowledge the crime against Serbs as the basis for final reconciliation in the Balkans.

Bosnia and Albania are closing up their bid for the EU visa liberalization scheme upon the approval of the European Council recommendations. The recommendation, though positive, is conditional, and requires both countries to address a number of unresolved issues. BiH will have to boost efforts against corruption and crime, create an electronic police database and harmonize domestic criminal codes with those in the region. The EC is requiring Albania to spell out a reintegration strategy for returning refugees, ensure effective application of the 2009 law on confiscating criminal assets, and boost efforts against organized crime and corruption.

Croatia is expected to open more EU chapters that will drive the long standing country to the door of EU. The judiciary chapter is expected to be open amid the cooperation between Croatia and the UN war crimes tribunal.

Serbia is also optimistic of EU enlargement process in the Balkan and hopes the Sarajevo submit will give a new momentum on EU-Balkan integration.

Serbia and Bosnia have called on Ankara to help in softening their separate stiff stances. Serbia does not want the cancellation of the historic visit of Bosnian Presidency Chairman Haris Silajdzic to Belgrade, on the other end, Silajdzic insists on seeing wartime criminal Ilija Jurisic in prison, a plea not satisfactory to Serbia.

NATO has downsized its troops in Kosovo from about 14,000 to 10,000 in January and hopes to reduce it to just 2000, a move that might indicate the recognition of Pristina’s independence.

Macedonia government reiterates its intention to continue talks with Greece on settling name dispute, but recent poll in the country suggests that 60% of Macedonians believe that their country could join the EU and NATO without changing its name and should abandon the talk. Although 79% Albanian Macedonian believes talks should continue.

It is yet unknown whether Montenegrin authorities will release former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra holding a Montenegrin passport to Thailand. Shinawatra is charged with terrorism and suspected of involvement in recent violent anti-government street protests that left more than 80 people dead.

A widely respected former Polish prime minister, Marek Belka, has been nominated to head the country's central bank — six weeks after its former chief was killed in a plane crash along with the nation's president.

Also in Poland bridges across the Vistula River, which runs through the heart of Warsaw, were packed last week with sightseers coming to get a look at the most serious flood in more than a century, part of a widespread natural disaster that has inundated parts of the south of Poland and is now moving north.

Meanwhile the Home Office figures show that more European migrants, from countries including Poland and the Czech Republic, are leaving the UK than arriving. It marks a reversal in movement for the first time since large-scale immigration in Europe began.

A group of politicians and experts from Poland were in Tbilisi as observers of local elections in Georgia last week, the first local election since the end of the Russian-Georgian conflict over Southern Ossetia. Meanwhile Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili celebrated his country’s independence day last week with the first military parade since Russia routed Georgia in a brief 2008 war and a new round of verbal cannonade against Moscow.

The Czechs elected a new parliament on May 28-29.

Slovakia passed a law May 26 that will revoke the Slovak citizenship of anyone who is granted citizenship by another country. The law comes on the heels of a Hungarian law which eases citizenship requirements for ethnic Hungarians living abroad wherein applicants for Hungarian citizenship will not need to have permanent residency in Hungary and will only be asked to demonstrate proficiency in the Hungarian language and evidence of Hungarian ancestry. The citizenship dispute is at the center of rising tensions in Central Europe. EU members Slovakia and Romania, as well as non-EU member Serbia, have significant Hungarian minority populations and are wary that the new citizenship law could lead to increased influence from Budapest on their domestic affairs.” While Slovakia’s new law could endanger the citizenship of its roughly 520,000 Hungarians.

Meanwhile 6 EU states have offered assistance to flood-hit Hungary. Germany has offered 1,270,010 sand bags to increase its flood containment capacity of the country. The Czech Republic has offered 100,000 additional sand bags, the same amount offered by the Netherlands and Croatia; Austria has offered 250,000 and Denmark too offered 300,000 additional bags.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and his Kazakh colleague agreed last week to launch a customs union as their Belarusian counterpart failed to show up at a trilateral summit. Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan were in talks to create a customs union that collapsed last week when the prime ministers said they could not resolve sticking points like car duties.

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko says his country is willing to give Russia full control over Belarusian pipelines in exchange for cheap gas and oil.

Ukraine shelved its bid for NATO membership last week. Since taking power three months ago, Mr Yanukovich and his allies have conducted intense negotiations with Moscow on a wide range of issues, signaling the new president’s determination to reverse his predecessor’s policy of aligning Ukraine with the European Union and United States. However Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich has said that European integration remains among priority directions in the country’s foreign policy.

Estonia's unemployment rate leapt to an all-time high of 19.8 % in the first quarter from 15.5 % in the previous quarter.

RUSSIA

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said that Russian support for new UN sanctions against Iran is unacceptable and called on President Dmitry Medvedev to rethink his support for Washington’s stance. Iran was snubbed by Russia and China last week when, just hours after it offered to ship some of its enriched uranium abroad, Washington announced that all five members of the UN Security Council backed a new sanctions draft. Meanwhile the US administration has dropped sanctions against the Russian state arms export agency and three other Russian entities previously found to have transferred sensitive technology or weapons to Iran.

According to reports the Russian government has studied the new strategic arms reduction treaty (START) and proposed Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to submit the document to parliament for ratification.

Meanwhile the Foreign Ministry broke its silence last week about the United States' deployment of Patriot missiles in Poland, criticizing the move as not helping security or trust. Russia is wary about the deployment of U.S. troops and military hardware near its borders, though its Defense Ministry in January denied suggestions that it might boost its Baltic Fleet in response to the Patriot deployment in Poland.

A US federal court has ordered the Pentagon to set free from Guantánamo a former Russian Army ballet dancer turned devout Muslim, Ravil Mingazov, 42, an ethnic Tartar, captured in Pakistan in 2002 and turned over to U.S. forces.

Amnesty International unveiled its annual global report on rights abuses last week, which states that President Dmitry Medvedev has failed to deliver on his promise to uphold civil society and protect human rights activists.

The government forecast of Russia's GDP predicts a growth of 3-6% annually from 2011.

The Shuttle Atlantis has completed its mission and delivered the Russian Rassvet (MIM-1) research module and spare parts to the International Space Station (ISS).

Russia is sending warships for drills in Far East, during which warships of the three Russian fleets will conduct live firing at naval and aerial drones and practice combat interoperability and repelling simulated attacks by hostile submarines and aircraft. Meanwhile President Dmitry Medvedev is to send a group of Russian experts to South Korea to examine the results of a probe into the sinking of a South Korean warship.

An ammunition plant being built by Russia in Venezuela will have the capacity to produce over 50 million rounds for Kalashnikov assault rifles per year. Under the contract, Russia is building an assembly line for AK-103 assault rifles and an ammunition plant to produce 7.62-mm ammunition for the rifle.

Russia has inked a deal to extend waterway lease for Finland, under which Russia will continue leasing its stretch of the 43-kilometer Saimaa Canal that connects Finnish lakes to the Gulf of Finland after the current 50-year contract expires in 2013.

US/CANADA

Few jobless American could still avail jobless benefits as the U.S House extends the expiring date, though leaving millions losing out from the benefit. The final say is though expected from the Senate which it is on recess.

On the defensive more than five weeks into Americas worst-ever oil spill, President Barack Obama insisted last week that his administration, not oil giant BP, was calling the shots in the still-unsuccessful response. "I take responsibility. It is my job to make sure that everything is done to shut this down," Obama declared at a news conference.

A leaked letter which shows the understanding reached between Obama, da Silva and the Turkish leader over Iran’s nuclear swap has been in the news lately. The Obama administration has dismissed the issue, which some believe to be a face saving tactic. The letter showed a different White House that has persistently called for a tougher sanction on Iran. Also the letter was reportedly released in Brazil, because the Brazilian leader was angered that his diplomatic effort on the Iran issue was snubbed by the White House.

In its summer reliability assessment, North American Electric Reliability Corp has said the weak economy would result in reductions of 2.2 % in peak demand this summer from last year in the USA and Canada.

Canadian leaders are jammed in debate over the security arrangement and spending for the forthcoming G20/G8 summit. The ruling party deems it necessary to provide adequate security for both Canadians and visitors, contrary to the liberal opposition stance that Canada cannot afford to spend $1 billion in 72 hours for the summits.

Recent polls have been showing the fluctuation in Canadians’ view for the ruling and opposition parties. The minority ruling government is facing opposition yet opposition parties have not been able to outpace it in public support.

Canadian government is moving towards having a single national securities regulator that will oversee stock and bond markets, replacing the existing agencies overseeing the 13 provinces. Canada currently is the only industrialized country that does not have a single regulator. According to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty it would cut costs and make it easier to crack down on white-collar crime.

LATIN AMERICA

Argentina has celebrated the 200th anniversary of its revolution, which brought independence from Spain, with lavish parades in Buenos Aires and a phalanx of visiting heads of state and dignitaries.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has launched TV Brasil, a new Portuguese-language network based in Mozambique's capital Maputo and tasked with "saying good things" about Brazil. The channel will be broadcast to more than 40 countries, mostly in Africa and Latin America.

Meanwhile Brazil's ruling party presidential candidate Dilma Rousseff rose to a dead heat with opposition hopeful Jose Serra in the latest Datafolha poll released last week. Rousseff, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's former chief of staff, climbed 7 points from Datafolha's April voter survey, to win 37 % of the 2,660 voters' questioned across the country

A Chilean court has again sent the Pakistani Mr. Saifur Rahman to jail, labeling him a danger for the society. Mr. Saif was released after the US embassy’s investigation did not found any links between his case and the Time Square’s incident; however later a local court of Chile reversed the ruling.

Mexican police has arrested the mayor of Cancun state on the charge of supporting drug cartels and money laundering. The mayor belongs to the leftist Party of the Democratic Revolution and was set to contest the election for the governorship from a Caribbean state. Meanwhile president Obama is spending US $500 million on US-Mexico border for its security along with deploying 1,200 National Guards troops on the border. Also US government has pledged to give $1.4 million to Mexico which will be spent on new equipments and to train Mexican forces to counter drug related cartels.

Mexican government has asked Canadian diplomats to get visa permission before coming to Canada, in retaliation to a similar move on part of the Canadian authorities. Officials have called it a temporary change. The immigration issues are to be discussed in the next NAFTA meeting in August in Mexico.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chaves has threatened to nationalize a private food company Polar if it continues the practice of hoarding food. Meanwhile Venezuelan government has started crackdown against illegal currency traders who are accused of causing inflation in the country.

Industrial production plunged 9.9 % in Venezuela amid power shortages and inflation raised much as compare to the last 7 years.

AUSTRALASIA

Australian Archbishop Mark Coleridge believes the recent scandal in the Catholic Church was engineered by multiply reasons. He linked the cause of the crisis to the Catholic culture of prioritizing sin and forgiveness rather than crime and punishment.

Australian minister of information has taken on Google for its breach of customer’s privacy. The search engine giant was accused of storing private data through its Street View campaign. Google is pitted in similar case in Europe, where German and British governments challenged Google for privacy violation.

Australian government has expelled an Israeli diplomat from the country linked with the passport forgery used in the killing of Hamas leader in Dubai. The action was similarly to what the British did, and the expulsion remains indefinite and damages Australia-Israel relations. .§

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 120

2010-06-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

Week # 120 – Dated May 16-22, 2010

WESTERN EUROPE

Nick Clegg, British new deputy prime minister is geared at reforming the country’s law that would better accord freedom to the citizens than limit it, vowing to deliver the most significant changes to British democracy since the Great Reform Act of 1832.

The German government is out calling for a tough regulation of international market. Chancellor Angela Merkel hopes to create a European benchmark that will help monitor and regulate budget indiscipline. Meanwhile most Greeks are still unsettled with the austerity plan of their government and are ready to puncture the economy much further with industrial strikes

Unconfirmed reports have been aired that Vakili Rad, an Iranian accused and charged for killing Shahpour Bakhtiar, who served as prime minister under Iran's shah before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, was released and swapped for Clotile Reiss, 24, a French citizen arrested in Iran during the post-election unrest. Authorities on both sides have rejected the reports of prisoner swap.

The British government is planning to make the largest digitalized newspaper archive that will preserve past events for research. The plan is to digitize up to 40 million pages of newspapers, including fragile dailies dating back three and a half centuries.

Google, the US internet giant is pitted in debate with European capitals over privacy rights. Europeans are alleging Google of storing fragment of their personal activities online which is a breach of privacy right. German authority is spearheading the prosecution with the support of UK asking for the data to be destroyed.

Portugal a predominantly Catholic country becomes the sixth European country allowing same-sex marriage. The Portuguese conservative government reluctantly approved the legislation last week.

Having experienced an unprecedented air travel derailment caused by natural phenomenon, the EU aviation safety body has drafted rule that will give more flexibility to national air traffic controllers and will involve the creation of a European crisis coordination center to ensure a smoother response to emergencies like the ash scare which grounded flights in April.

Greece-Turkey relation saw a new look with the visit of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Athens. It was a historic development as both countries have been at loggerhead on the Cyrus conflict. With the visit both countries signed numerous bilateral agreements and hope to further normalize ties.

Political impasses between ruling and opposition parties in Albania persist. The latter wants the ruling party to reopen the ballot boxes of the June election 2009 under a third party (EC) investigation.

Political consensus transpired at the Croatian parliament as parliamentary committee on the constitution agreed on almost all proposed amendments, the sole exception being the controversial issue of the expatriate voting from Bosnia.

As part of the EULEX criminal investigation ongoing in Kosovo to purge the country from corruption, two government officials were investigated last week. The investigation has raised the profile of the institution in the EU.

The ethnic Albanian Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) Macedonia, leader Ali Ahmeti has rejected reports about quitting the coalition government. His party hopes to work for Macedonia-EU integration and finding solution to the name dispute between Skopje and Athens.

Romanian parliament has adopted a law on lustration that limits the involvement of former communist officials in politics. The bill was supported by 203 of the 343 members of the Chamber of Deputies.

Montenegrin Foreign Minister Milan Rocen visited Ljubljana last week and said that ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has a Montenegrin passport, must not use the country as a base for sending political messages to his homeland.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in its annual report states that economies in the Balkan region will register growth of 3.7% this year, instead of the 3.3% forecast in January. At the same time, the Bank warned recovery remains fragile, "with increasing differences in the pace of growth across countries and new risks arising from fiscal pressures and financial volatility in Western Europe.

The IMF has reportedly agreed with Serbian government for a possible hike in the public sector wages and pensions. Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic noted that Serbia has emerged from economic crisis, and returned to an annual GDP growth of 1% in the first quarter of this year.

Romanians in hundreds staged a massive protest against government austerity plan by which salaries and pensions will be slashed. Joining the demonstration were public officers, police officers, teachers, health and public administration staff, who called on the government to resign.

The diaries found in Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladic’s wife apartment has been turned over to the UN war crimes tribunal and the court will be using the document for prosecuting Serbs under prosecution at The Hague. Meanwhile, court still has an axe to grind with Serbia over mass grave found near Raska, in southern Serbia.

The European Parliament showed the sense of commitment by approving allocating an additional 300m-euros in compensation to Bulgaria by 2013, for dismantling the four oldest units at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant.

Somalia has become the 69^th country to recognize Kosovo’s independence.

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

An unclear film clip that was taken on a mobile phone, showing Russian-speaking men shooting survivors has been examined by Polish and Russian experts and declared digitally manipulated, intended to embarrass Moscow.

Polish Finance Minister, Rostowski has said that the Greek crisis should not adversely affect the Polish schedule for the adoption of the Euro by 2015.

Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer's visit to Mongolia this week is the first at head of government level since 1993.

Hungarian Prime Minister-elect Viktor Orban rejected last week a Slovak call for a summit over plans to offer dual citizenship to ethnic kin in neighboring countries. Slovak premier Robert Fico had called earlier in the day for an urgent meeting with Orban over an issue he has described as a threat to Slovakia's security.

Hungary, the largest investor in Montenegro, is supporting the country's accession to the European Union. Meanwhile the Hungarian parliament approved changes to the constitution last week that would halve the number of MPs (200 from the current 386), in a bid to cut bureaucracy and streamline decision-making in parliament.

European Union officials have expressed serious concern at reports of an ongoing crackdown against the opposition in Belarus, where President Aleksandr Lukashenko has ruled with an iron fist since 1995. Scores of activists, including opposition writer Vladimir Nekliaev, a proclaimed opponent in the upcoming presidential election, have been arrested as a result of nationwide police raids.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich signed a range of bilateral documents. The two heads of state signed joint statements on European security, on settling the conflict around Moldova's much-troubled Dniester region, and on security measures in the Black Sea littoral area. Medvedev has also invited Ukraine to join a security bloc of former Soviet republics. Meanwhile Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych met Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi last week to discuss bilateral ties.

The European Commission concluded last week that Estonia has fulfilled the so-called Maastricht criteria and is ready to adopt the euro next year. However challenges facing the tiny Baltic economy are still unchecked, where a dramatic decline has pushed unemployment to a record high.

At the economic front the zloty extended its decline as Polish officials indicated they are comfortable with its depreciation and the benchmark stock index dropped to a three- month low. Meanwhile the World Bank signed an agreement with Poland concerning economic reforms.

According to new edition 2010 of Research and Markets survey regarding Czech economy, following the global downturn the fiscal position of the nation was hit hard, prompting a rapid shift in policy from stimulus to consolidation.

According to the data released by Bloomberg, Slovakia’s GDP not only returned to growth but also blessed the market with better-than-expected numbers and now export-oriented economy is set to grow for the rest of the year and even beyond. However, economists also suggest that economic performance in the second half of the year might be affected by austerity measures if the government formed after the June 12 general election opts for belt-tightening policies.

A report published by the Hungarian ministry of environment and water reveals that Germany's Deutsche Bank has recommended that the Hungarian government sell recycled certified emission reduction (CER) credits. Hungary's decision to sell CERs that it had received from its installations to meet their compliance obligations under the EU emissions trading scheme (ETS) has already caused chaos in the carbon market earlier this year.

Ukraine’s credit ratings were raised at Standard & Poor’s to ‘B/B’, from ‘B-/C’,on improvements in the country’s policy coordination and after a Russian gas subsidy agreement helped boost the government’s debt outlook. Meanwhile the European Parliament approved a 500-million-euro (616-million-dollar) European Union loan to help Ukraine out of its financial crisis.

According to the statistics office Estonia's unemployment rate leapt to an all-time high of 19.8 % in the first quarter from 15.5 % in the previous quarter.

Flash floods triggered by days of heavy rain have killed at least four people, forced mass evacuations and cut off power to thousands in Poland Czech Republic, Slovakia & Hungary (Central Europe). Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said that if the losses caused by the flood amount to over two billion Euros than Poland would become eligible for up to 100 million Euros in European Union aid funds. He ruled out any possibility to call a state of emergency because it would delay presidential elections scheduled for June 20.

Organizations representing Hungary's gypsies, or Roma, have expressed concerns about a new wave of violence against the minority in the country after the entry of a far right party in parliament. Hundreds of people in a heavy rain gathered in a rally, which was aimed at easing tensions between the two communities.

For the sixth time the EU celebrated 17 May as International Day against Homophobia (IDAHO), an annual event.

On May 16 this year, Memorial Day was observed in Ukraine, Bykivnia Forest, the place where hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, Poles, Russians, Jews, people of other ethnic groups were massacre by the tyrannical Stalinist government.

Latvia's relations with neighboring Russia came under strain after the Latvian government accused Russia of attempting to influence the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), following a decision on a controversial war crimes trial of Kononov versus Latvia. Vasiliy Kononov, an 87-year-old former took part in the killing of nine villagers near the Latvian-Belarusian border in 1944 and Latvia later convicted of war crimes.

RUSSIA

The leaders of Russia and Turkey have said that the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas should not be excluded from peace efforts in the Middle East.

For the first time since the Bolshevik Revolution, Russia’s president visited Syria. The two premiers announced at a press conference that they had talked about nuclear cooperation, including the potential construction of a nuclear power plant in Syria. Meanwhile Israel has criticizes Russia's plans to supply arms to Syria

Four young men were seized in Moscow for trying to hold an unauthorized rally near the Iranian embassy. The police did not identify the political belonging of the young men but some media outlets reported that members of the outlawed National Bolshevik Party tried to hold the rally.

Russia's biggest business lobby has asked Prime Minister Vladimir Putin for a moratorium on tax hikes and called for a mass privatization program to plug the budget deficit.

President Dmitry Medvedev has ordered tighter security at the 2014 Winter Olympics, which will be staged in the same mountain range that is home to Islamist insurgents in the region.

In Russia’s Dagestan region at least 8 people have been reported dead as a bomb blast hit a police-escorted vehicle carrying workers sent to fix a communications tower that had been damaged in a sabotage attack overnight.

Russian border guards seize large batch of illegal Chinese imports comprised of men's, women's and children's clothes. The clothes were transported by three Kamaz trucks.

Meanwhile Russia’s economy expanded for the first time since 2008 in the three months through March as the world’s biggest energy producer rebounds on an oil-funded stimulus program and record-low borrowing costs. According to Bloomberg news, Russia’s Gross Domestic Product rose an annual 2.9% in the first quarter after contracting 3.8 % in the last three months of 2009.

Jailed former Russian oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky ended a two-day hunger strike last week after the Kremlin confirmed complaints about his detention had been passed on to President Dmitry Medvedev. Khodorkovsky, once Russia's richest man, was arrested in 2003 after falling foul of then-president Vladimir Putin and is serving an eight-year sentence for tax dodging.

A 9-month-old girl from Tajikistan has been hospitalized in Moscow with polio as a Tajik outbreak reached the Russian capital.

Some 84 people injured in the methane blasts at the Raspadskaya coalmine remain at the hospitals, 46 people passed outpatient treatment and 3 people were discharged from hospitals. Igor Volkov, the head of the Raspadskaya coal mine resigned earlier last week, a day after he was severely criticized by Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin regarding safety violations.

A Moscow court has ruled that Russian air traffic controllers cannot go on strike. The national union of air traffic controllers is in dispute over a new contract and is demanding the resignation of Valery Gorbenko, who heads Russia's state air traffic corporation. The protest started in April and by the end of the month staff at 55 air traffic management centers were involved. Rather than stopping work, the controllers are on a hunger strike, reportedly consuming less food when not on the job.

Russia’s new research module has been successfully latched on ISS, brought to orbit by the U.S. Atlantis space shuttle at the cost of about $200 million.

Rumors regarding the development of a new strategic bomber for the Russian Air Force, the so-called perspective long-range aviation complex have been confirmed by Russia’s Vice Prime Minister Sergey Ivanov during a meeting with Russian reporters in Washington.

US/CANADA

According to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton the United States and other major powers have agreed on a draft resolution for new U.N. sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program. The announcement came a day after Iran accepted a Brazilian and Turkish-mediated deal to export some of its enriched-uranium stockpile. Iran's acceptance of the uranium deal mediated by Brazil and Turkey had been widely viewed by analysts as an effort to blunt the U.S.-led drive in the U.N. Security Council for new sanctions.

Meanwhile Senatorial party primaries are on in the U.S but characterized by discontentment for the establishment. The primaries are showing the deep rooted feelings of Americans, how they would want change to be effected in Washington through new elected public officers. It was a test for both democrat and republican parties as their supports were shaken, and also accentuated the weakness of Obama’s endorsement on fellow party members.

Support for political parties in Canada continues to fluctuate; recent poll by Ekos suggests that the minority conservative government is heading all opposition parties. The Liberal opposition party is 10% behind the conservative party.

United States financial regulators are geared at stepping up rules that will further guide financial conduct as preventive measure to guide against the repetition of stock market's epic dive. The measure is termed as circuit breaker which will give investors a break during extreme market dips; they'll be less likely to set off a chain reaction of human and computerized selling. Similarly, the Senate passed a far-reaching financial regulatory bill that broadens government influence on the banking system and financial markets; with the measure any eventual reoccurrence of 2008 financial crisis could be abated.

Congressional investigators into the alleged attempt by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner has come up with 14 points kicking at the intelligence agencies for failing to monitor him closely and linked such failure to the intelligence lapse leading to 9/11.

Western Powers along with China and Russia agreed on new sanctions on Iran. The new sanctions were against Iranian financial institutions, including those that supported the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps responsible for overseeing the military aspects of the nuclear program. They have also assumed commanding roles in the broader Iranian economy. However, the Chinese blocked any measure that would stop the flow of oil from Iranian ports or gasoline into the country. The new sanctions come amid Iran’s negotiation with Brazil and Turkey over nuclear swap. Brazil and Turkey, non-permanent UNSC members rejected the sanctions and called for acknowledging the diplomatic break through as Iran has agreed on nuclear swap.

The United States has notified HCOC, an organization overseeing efforts to curb the spread of such weapons that pre-notification regarding the launch of ballistic missile tests or satellites will always be issued. Although the document is said to have exempted certain weapons, yet it was reported as an attempt by the United States to consolidate the new START treaty reached with Russia.

The Vatican responded to the technological breakthrough in the United States by which synthetic cell from man’s DNA was created. The church though acknowledges the scientific development but warns against the misuse of the invention if standing contradictory to the view that life only comes from God.

Britain's Iraq war inquiry panel headed by former civil servant John Chilcot was in the U.S last week continuing their inquiry though not publicizing those to be interviewed. The essence of the panel however is questioned as it has no power to apportion blame or establish criminal or civil liability.

LATIN AMERICA

Argentine President Cristina Kirchner has called on Britain's new Prime Minister David Cameron to halt all oil exploration in the "disputed" waters around the Falkland Islands. Kirchner also used an EU-Latin America summit last week to call for a resumption of talks between Buenos Aires and London over the disputed Islands.

According to authorities Argentina and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have agreed to set up an office in Buenos Aires to coordinate anti-drug and anti-crime efforts in the region.

According to reports the European Union (EU) and Mercosur (Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay) renewed their talks last week in Madrid to reach a free trade agreement that would open up a potential market of 270 million people to the EU.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made an official visit to the Middle East and Europe last week in his latest foray into bilateral and international affairs. The tour spanned Russia, Qatar, Iran, Portugal and Spain, and was aimed to show Brazil's determination to act as a mediator in the Mideast conflicts and strengthen its growing role on the international stage.

Earlier this month, Iran, Turkey and Brazil signed a joint declaration in Tehran to endorse a fuel swap according to which Iran will ship most of its low-enriched uranium to Turkey in exchange for the 20 % uranium fuel needed for its reactor. Meanwhile the Brazilian government rejected Israeli criticism of the deal following statements by a senior Israeli official accusing Iran of having 'manipulated' Ankara and Brasilia. The central concern in Israel is that the deal will delay the onset of harsh United Nations sanctions over Iran's contentious nuclear program.

According to a statement by Da Silva Brazil will finance €1bn of food exports to Iran over the next five years to make trade between the two countries less dependent on foreign banks.

The Foreign Ministry reported that an agreement between the governments of Russia and Brazil on visa-free short-term trips will come into effect on June 7.

According to the U.N.'s highest court Honduras has dropped a case accusing Brazil of meddling in its internal affairs by allowing ousted President Manuel Zelaya to stay at one of its embassies in 2009. Zelaya now lives in the Dominican Republic and is trying to negotiate a reconciliation that recognizes current Honduran President Porfirio Lobo.

According to a US State Department official the Pakistani man arrested by Chilean police after traces of explosive material were detected on his belongings during a check at the United States Embassy in Santiago is not believed to be connected to the attempted bombing in Times Square earlier this month. The accused was charged with illegal possession of explosives, but was freed pending a probe.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said last week that he plans sweeping electoral reforms that could help him woo opposition support for capital market reforms and an $8.4 billion financing package after a massive earthquake.

Peruvian President Alan Garcia and his Chilean counterpart Sebastian Pinera agreed in a meeting last week to make efforts to bring about a thaw in bilateral relations. Diplomatic ties between the two nations have been frozen since January 2008, when Peru filed a suit against Chile at the International Court of Justice in The Hague over a marmite border dispute between them.

According to a report released recently by a coalition of civic groups killings of gays and lesbians have risen in Mexico despite a government tolerance campaign and a law legalizing same-sex marriage in the capital.

In Mexico gunmen killed a candidate for mayor from President Felipe Calderon's conservative National Action Party last week. The party's leader said that the victim and other candidates had been receiving threats.

Meanwhile the Mexican federal Attorney General's Office has reported that a former Mexican presidential candidate Fernandez de Cevallos who has remained a power broker in the ruling party is missing amid signs of violence.

A band of armed men shot and killed eight people in a bar in northern Mexico and wounded 18 others in the latest outbreak of violence in the country. Meanwhile a recent report discloses that since December 2006, the Mexican federal government charged more than 400 government officials at all levels with accepting bribes from drug cartels. The chart shows how the cartels differed in what kind of officials they targeted.

AUSTRALASIA

Anti-Muslim politicians in Australia's most populous state, New South Wales failed in their move to see the ban of veil in the state. The parliament rejected the proposal by 26 to 3 votes. Debate for the veil ban was triggered by national Senator Cory Bernardi arguing that veil could be used for robbery.

Aborigines in central Australia have recorded the highest pneumonia in the world after Gambia.§

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 119

2010-05-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

Week # 119 – Dated May 07-14, 2010

WESTERN EUROPE

Britain's humbled Labour Party has begun a potentially bitter race for Gordon Brown's successor following its ouster after 13 years in office. Ex-foreign secretary David Miliband leads the field to become the opposition leader who'll take on Britain's new coalition chiefs David Cameron and Nick Clegg —meanwhile his younger sibling Ed Miliband has emerge as his closest challenger.

Meanwhile Britain's new Prime Minister David Cameron has banned the use of mobile phones at cabinet meetings in a bid to ensure his top team stay focused on the challenges facing them.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has abandoned hopes of pushing through tax cuts for Europe's biggest economy after what she called a "bitter defeat" in an election overshadowed by the Greek debt crisis. Merkel's center-right coalition lost control of Germany's most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, in an election last week that also erased its majority in the upper house of parliament — making the country harder to run.

Spain's leading labor union has called a civil servants strike next month to protest government plans to cut salaries as part of a plan to reduce the deficit. Meanwhile Portugal ordered deep wage and spending cuts along with higher taxes to slash the public deficit by more than half. As governments stepped up their war on debt, German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that the whole European Union would be under threat if the euro was allowed to fail in the debt crisis. The European single currency slumped to a new 14-month low at 1.2517 dollars on Thursday amid persistent concerns over the debt crisis.

Pope Benedict has said that the greatest threat to Catholicism came from "sin within the Church," one of his most forthright comments so far on a sexual abuse scandal that has created turmoil in the church. Meanwhile an Austrian bishop who has pushed the Vatican for reforms said in an interview last week that the Catholic Church should drop its celibacy requirement for priests.

Iran is willing to hold talks with the European Union's foreign policy chief over its disputed nuclear activities, a senior official said last week, after the bloc's top diplomat spoke of new sanctions against Tehran.

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

President Bamir Topi began talks with Albanian leaders and international representatives on (May 7th), in another bid to end the political stalemate that is threatening the EU integration process. Meanwhile local media reported that Albania may be included in a list of countries where NATO's missile defence shield will be deployed.

The European Commission (EC) is pressing Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to approve a law on holding a population census across both entities.

Hundreds of students and professors in Bulgaria staged a protest last week (May 11^th) outside the country's biggest university over cuts in education subsidies.

Bulgarian Environment Minister Nona Karadzhova announced last week that companies are being denied the right to participate in revenue-raising carbon emissions trading, while blaming a lack of appropriate action by the previous government and its disregard for specific recommendations made to Bulgaria regarding the issue.

Political and economic criteria that Kosovo is required to meet are the main priorities of the integrations ministry, Minister Besim Beqaj said last week on May 9^th, Europe Day, a state holiday in Kosovo.

European Parliament (EP) official Hannes Swoboda said on Thursday (May 13th) that one solution for Serbs in northern Kosovo would be broad autonomy, similar to that offered Serbs in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), based on the Dayton Peace Accord.

Meanwhile Kosovo’s Opposition parties say that early elections would be a better option than maintaining the current government coalition. They blame strained relations between the government and international personnel, such as EULEX and the International Civilian Office. EULEX personnel recently raided Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications offices as part of an anti-corruption investigation.

Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni has asked Belgrade to provide facts about mass graves dating from the 1998-1999 conflict. Meanwhile Serb Authorities have found a new mass grave believed to contain the remains of about 250 ethnic Albanians killed during the 1998-1999 Kosovo conflict.

Djibouti has formally recognized the Republic of Kosovo, the 68th country to do so since Pristina declared independence from Serbia in February 2008.

The second world conference on inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue closed in the town of Ohrid Macedonia last week The two-day forum brought together 500 representatives of religious communities, experts and politicians from 30 countries. Meanwhile several thousand Albanians rallied in downtown Skopje on May 10th to protest what they describe as discriminatory policies against them. They called for halting legal proceedings against ethnic Albanians involved in the 2001 conflict and insisted Albanian be recognized as an official language. The peaceful march ended without incident amid heavy police presence.

Macedonia has also takes over the six-month chairmanship of the Council of Europe's (CoE) Committee of Ministers from Switzerland earlier this month.

Thousands of farmers blocked the area around the government building in Bucharest Romania earlier this month, demanding the resignation of all officials at the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry, due to alleged incompetence. The protestors demanded government subsidies for fuel and irrigation water that they say are late.

According to local media Serbia will have to pay 36m euros in damages to an Israeli company for violating a contract to rent a spy satellite. Belgrade also reportedly must pay about 13,800 euros in legal fees.

Speaking at a conference on Polish EU presidency organized by Warsaw University, Deputy Polish Prime Minister said last week that Eastern Partnership, energy security, commerce and competitiveness will be among priorities of the0020Polish Presidency of the EU due to start on July 1, 2011. Meanwhile while affirming that there is no reason to believe that Poland is threatened in connection with the Greek crisis. PM Tusk admitted that the nation’s zloty has come under pressure against major currencies that has delayed entry to the ERM-2 mechanism, a pre-requisite for adopting the European single currency.

Hungary's new parliament plans to take up the bill, under which the nation would offer citizenship to Hungarian minorities living abroad. Responding to this proposal Slovakia has recalled its ambassador to Hungary.

Meanwhile a Hungarian government spokesperson has said that the incoming government's plans to annul retroactively the outgoing government's Jan. 1 personal income tax measures would widen the 2010 budget deficit to a level the IMF and EU would disprove of. The center-right opposition Fidesz party recorded a landslide victory at April's parliamentary elections and is in the process of forming the next government.

Regarding the Greek aid package hammered out in crisis this past weekend, while Slovakia has not formally rejected the package, the Slovak Prime Minister has said he cannot grant Greece a loan before it fulfils its commitments. The Austrians have also chimed in with words of doubt.

Belarus has recalled its ambassador from Kyrgyzstan for consultations. The Foreign Office said that it has taken this step for security reasons because extremists have threatened its personnel.

Ukraine’s foreign minister Kostyantyn Hryshchenko said last week that the country is unlikely to join a customs union involving Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan because it is already a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Meanwhile the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) had accepted Israel, Slovenia and Estonia as members, bringing the organization's membership total to 34.

Latvia's prime minister said last week that the fragile economy was recovering faster than expected leading to a quicker exit from price deflation. Latvia has promised gradually to reduce its budget deficit as one of the conditions of winning funding from a 7.5 billion euro bailout agreed at the end of 2008 with IMF and the EU.

At the economic front the Polish government asked the reluctant central bank to support its request to extend the $20.5 billion (13.8 billion pound) credit line, which expired last week. Poland and several other countries received it to help weather the financial crisis a year ago.

The Czech government needs to find about 40 billion to 45 billion crowns ($2.12 billion to $2.39 billion) in tax hikes and savings to achieve next year's deficit target of 4.8 % of gross domestic product. Meanwhile the country's caretaker cabinet is set to quit after the May 28-29 election.

The European Commission has recommended that Estonia be allowed to adopt the common euro currency next year, as it meets all the economic criteria.

Most Hungarian workers with children will pay less tax under a family tax system to be launched next January. The measure is part of the incoming centre-right Fidesz government's efforts to stimulate Hungary's economy, which suffered its worst downturn in nearly two decades last year, and is expected to lag its European peers on the path to recovery.

The Latvian hacker, a "virtual Robin Hood", who stole millions of classified tax documents from government computers and leaked the information via Twitter, has been caught by police. Meanwhile economic data released in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia last week suggested the worst of the Baltic States' deep recessions may be over.

The Lithuanian president during a visit to Dublin last week talked about ‘Brain Drain’ suffered by the nation. The impact of the global economic crisis on Lithuania has made the flow of migration from the country “more aggressive” and almost 90,000 Lithuanians currently live in Ireland.

Poland’s Catholic Bishops Conference announced that Papal diplomat Jozef Kowalczyk has been appointed new Catholic Chief Clergy of the nation.

Last week marked the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Most countries from the former communist bloc mark the defeat of Nazi Germany on May 9^th every year.

RUSSIA

Somalia’s transitional government has called on Russia to explain about why Russian forces after arresting pirates set them free aboard their small vessel. A military official admitted that they were stripped of their weapons and navigation equipment. A Russian media later quoted a military source saying the pirates were now likely dead.

The Moscow department of the Russian Prosecutor’s Investigative Committee (SKP) has opened a criminal case against vice mayor of Moscow Alexander Ryabinin accused taking commercial property from a company as a bribe for agreeing in December to a development project in a Moscow district.

Regarding the recent visit of the Russian Premier to Syria, Syrian media has welcomed the visit, with government newspaper Tishrin hailing Russia's "growing role" in the Middle East, especially in the context of Washington's "failure to protect stability and world peace, because of its flagrant bias" towards Israel.

Turkey agreed last week to let Russia build and own a $20 billion nuclear power plant in a deal that opens a new page in Russia's global expansion in the industry. Rosatom, the state nuclear corporation, signed the agreement to build four reactors on Turkey's southern Mediterranean coast during a visit by President Dmitry Medvedev to the country.

Meanwhile a Moscow court sentenced a map enthusiast to four years in prison last week for passing classified information to the United States that one report said could help the U.S. military in a missile strike against Russia.

A Major agricultural group Rusagro became the latest Russian company to postpone plans for initial public offering amid uncertainty on international markets. Meanwhile Swedish retailer IKEA, the biggest owner of commercial real estate in Russia, has been beset by accusations of corruption.

An explosion in the Raspadskaya coal mine of the West Siberian town of Mezhudechensk has left at least 12 dead, 59 injured and over 80 trapped. Also reports from southern Russia say a car bomb exploded near a military base in the Daghestan region today, killing at least one person.

The reception at the Russian Victory Day parade on Red Square, that marked the final defeat of Nazi Germany by the Soviet Union in World War II., was attended by 21 foreign leaders, including Chinese President Hu Jintao, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the heads of state of almost all the ex-Soviet nations.

Russia and Ukraine are release unified history textbook by end of 2010. The two nations differ in their interpretation of the 1930s famine in Ukraine. Ukrainian nationalists say Russia, as the legal successor of the Soviet Union, should bear responsibility for the famine in which more than 3 million people perished.

A Russian helicopter company is planning to develop the world's first fifth-generation combat helicopter, which according to experts would be able to attack fighter jets and be invisible for radars.

According to reports Imams in Russia will be able to access the country's prison system and work with Muslim prisoners according to a new agreement signed between the federal prison authority (FSIN) and the Russian Council of Muftis.

Everyone entering Russia from Tajikistan is to be vaccinated against polio, the Foreign Ministry said last week after two babies became ill with the disease after arriving from the Central Asian state. Some 300 cases of polio were registered in Tajikistan recently with 13 deaths. Around 90% of those infected are children under five years old.

US/CANADA

US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke described the Greek debt crisis as a European problem but one that could affect U.S. banks if not dealt with.

Several lawmakers are urging the Obama administration to put the Pakistani Taliban on a State Department terrorism blacklist that would impose sanctions on the group, which officials say is linked to the failed Times Square car bombing. The move would freeze the group's U.S. assets and make it a crime for Americans to offer it material support.

According to a new Associated Press-GfK Poll the Gulf of Mexico oil spill hasn't stained President Barack Obama nor dimmed the public's desire for offshore energy drilling.

With public anxiety over the fragile economy threatening Obama's Democrats in November's congressional elections, he tried last week to turn the tables on Republican critics, accusing them of sitting on the sidelines last year when he was tackling the financial crisis. Meanwhile President Obama's nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court seat is elevating touchy social issues in an election year.

President Obama sent a landmark arms-reduction treaty with Russia to the Senate last week for ratification and called for $80 billion in nuclear funding, which could help win opposition support.

Meanwhile Secretary of State Hillary Clinton launched fence-mending talks with Afghan government leaders last week by assuring President Hamid Karzai that the U.S. will help rebuild and defend Afghanistan long after the last U.S. combat troops have left.

Six U.N. human rights experts said last week that Arizona's new law on illegal immigration could violate international standards that are binding in the United States.

Canadian legislators grilled the head of BP Plc Canadian unit last week, concerned about the risks of the company's plans to drill in Arctic waters after the catastrophic Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

LATIN AMERICA

According to an Argentine court official, former economy minister Jose Martinez de Hoz, the economic brains behind the 1976-1983 military dictatorship, was arrested last week following the lifting of an amnesty law.

According to reports Brazil is to build a US$483 million (S$671 million) nuclear reactor to produce radioactive material for medical use as well as industrial-grade enriched uranium. Meanwhile Brazil's government is starting a program to replant deforested areas of the Amazon with palm trees and harvest their oil for bio-diesel.

Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega announced last week that his country will lend 286 million U.S. dollars to Greece through the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The money will come from the country’s foreign exchange reserves, which currently amount to 245 billion dollars.

According to the Brazilian Health Minister Jose Gomes Temporao a total of 50 Brazilians have died and 361 others have been hospitalized due to the A/H1N1 flu in the country since April 3.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera met last week with 53 provincial governors to unveil his work plan highlighting goals and commitments of the government. He specifically stressed the challenges in reconstructing the earthquake-devastated areas and the need to create a new financial plan that underlines the reallocation of resources.

A Pakistani man has been charged with violating gun control laws in Chile after traces of explosives were detected on his body and belongings during a visit to the US embassy in Chile.

Mexico's President Felipe Calderon last week defended the army's record in fighting organized crime, saying that the soldiers and sailors are fighting for freedom and justice in the country. Meanwhile Mexico has extradited a former state governor to the United States to face charges of helping smuggle cocaine through Cancun to the U.S., in a high-profile demonstration of the nation's increased willingness to extradite suspects as it battles surging drug violence.

Hugo Chavez, the President of Venezuela, has called for the institutionalization of the Latin American Common Market, UNASUR and has warned that its twelve member states should remember the commitments they made to Haiti. Meanwhile a former Venezuelan defense minister and critic of President Hugo Chavez was sentenced to more than 7 years in prison last week after being convicted of embezzlement and abuse of power.

Chavez, who only recently signed up to Twitter, has rapidly risen up the ranks to become the top tweeter in the country despite having previously described the service as a “tool of terror.” The leader has also hired hundreds of staffers to reply to tweets.

Meanwhile Business leaders have accused President Hugo Chavez of attempting to strangle Venezuelan businesses that rely on imports by making them pay more for foreign-made products. They said Chavez is irresponsibly allowing the black-market rate for U.S. dollars to spiral upward, which increases costs for close to half of the country's importers. §

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Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 118

2010-05-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

Week # 118 – Dated Apr.30-May 07, 2010

WESTERN EUROPE

The European Commission has referred four Member States, Estonia, Italy, Luxembourg and Portugal, .to the EU's Court of Justice for failing to communicate their national measures for transposing legislation on working conditions in the international rail sector.

Euro zone members and the IMF announced last week that they have agreed on a 110 billion-euro aid package for Greece over the next three years. The EU will provide 80 billion euros of it, while the rest will come from the IMF. Meanwhile Greek Public employees kicked off a 48-hour strike against the government's austerity measures that include wage cuts.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele said in an interview last week that the fact that Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country should not be an obstacle to EU membership.

According to documents shared with The Associated Press last week Israel's secretive nuclear activities may undergo unprecedented scrutiny next month, with a key meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency tentatively set to focus on the topic for the first time.

France's opposition Socialists presented a bill last week that would ban Islamic face veils in places such as hospitals and banks.

A British court has said that the government will not be allowed to keep evidence secret from former Guantanamo prisoners who are suing the U.K. over its alleged complicity in their detention.

Outgoing U.N. climate chief Yvo de Boer shot down expectations of a climate treaty this year, saying last week that a major U.N. conference in December would yield only a "first answer" on curbing greenhouse gases.

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Tens of thousands of people hit the streets of Tirana Albania last week in a protest organized by the opposition, insisting authorities open the ballot boxes from the June 2009 general elections, which they say were marred by violations. The government, however, says the demands are illegal. Amidst ongoing protests Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta has asked members of the opposition Socialist Party (SP) to end their hunger strike and start a fresh dialogue. Meanwhile the European Parliament (EP) has failed so far to bring Albania's political parties together for dialogue aimed at ending the country's political crisis.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) announced last week that parliamentary and presidential elections will be held on October 3rd.Meawhile in Croatia May 1^st marked the 15th anniversary of Operation Bljesak (Flash), in which Croatian forces removed Serb forces from the self-proclaimed Republic of Serbian Krajina.

Montenegro officially became an associate member of the EU last week when the country's Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with the bloc took effect.

Crin Antonescu, Romanian leader of the opposition National Liberal Party, has called for the government of Prime Minister Emil Boc to resign, while saying that the premier should either step down or find an actual solution to the economic crisis. Also the two largest opposition parties, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Liberal Party, have drafted a no-confidence motion against the government of Prime Minister. Meanwhile Washington and Bucharest signed an agreement that will eventually lead to visa-free travel for Romanian citizens visiting the United States.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has handed over score of volumes from an investigation into the World War II Katyn massacre of some 20,000 Polish officers and other prominent citizens, to his Polish counterpart as a move to repair long-troubled relations with Warsaw.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the twin brother of Poland's late president told reporters in first political speech since his brother's death that he has gathered some 1,650,000 signatures of support for his campaign in the presidential elections.

The Czech Republic will hold a general election on May 28-29 that looks likely to bring back the centre-left Social Democrats to power. The election could break a deadlock that has crippled policymaking in the central European country since an election produced a hung parliament in 2006. But polls show that no strong government is likely to emerge, owing to the fine balance between left and right-leaning voters, and a minority government is a possibility.

President Shimon Peres told Czech Foreign Minister Jan Kohut who was on Israel’s tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Czechoslovakia and Israel. He also urged the later to follow the example set by the Czech Republic, i.e. the amicable division of the former Czechoslovakia, in the process of seeking a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said last week that he would not hand over Kyrgyzstan's ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiyev to face charges of violence in Kyrgyzstan. He has also criticized both Moscow and the West for supporting Kyrgyzstan’s new government.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has signed a decree that resets the export duty on Russian natural gas for Ukraine to zero for volumes of 1.1 trillion cubic feet in 2010. The premier has also proposed merging Gazprom with Ukraine's much smaller National Energy Company, Naftogaz Ukrainy. The proposal came after the new Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's agreement last month to extend the lease of a Russian naval base in exchange for cheaper gas imports.

On the financial front the Polish finance ministry has asked the central bank (NBP) to back its request to prolong a credit line of more than 20 billion dollars granted to Poland by the IMF last year.

The Ministry of Defense of the Slovak Republic (MoSR) unveiled its first Iveco M65E 4x4 Light Multirole Vehicle (LMV) at the International Defence Exhibition Bratislava (IDEB) last week. The vehicle is the first of ten LMVs that were delivered to the MoSR last week following an ‘integration’ program bringing the systems up to date with current Slovakian standard operating procedures.

Hungary's incoming government says the budget deficit this year could come in at 7-8 % of GDP, based on its current estimate, but it will seek to get it down to 5-6%, economy. Hungary targets a deficit of 3.8 %of GDP this year under a key financing deal with the IMF and the EU.

European Commission forecasts have showed that Estonia looks set to meet on a sustainable basis the criteria it needs to adopt the euro, with inflation and deficits staying within EU limits in 2010 and 2011. Estonia says it already met the criteria for 2009, the year on which its 2011 entry bid will be judged. But to convince European authorities of its fitness to adopt the single currency it will have to show those goals.

The Lithuanian government has approved an amendment to the country's electricity law to implement the EU's third energy package of legislative reforms, which provides a new framework for competition in the energy sector.

The European Commission last week referred Poland to the EU Court of Justice for incorrectly implementing EU rules prohibiting discrimination based on race or ethnic origin. The move comes after Poland failed to adequately transpose the legislation agreed at EU level in its national law.

The far-right Slovak National Party (SNS) has outraged Roma with election posters suggesting they abuse the welfare state, straining ethnic relations in the run-up to a general election. Posters for the SNS show a dark-skinned man with tattoos and a golden necklace, accompanied by the slogan "Do not feed those who do not want to work.

According to the report of a joint United Nations-European Union mission of experts, the Mining in the Kalush area of Ukraine has left the ground unstable and flat to subsidence, endangering the security dams at risk of bursting as a result of snowmelt and spring floods. Ground and surface water has become highly contaminated.

RUSSIA

A Russian warship opened fire on a hijacked oil tanker last week, freeing the crew and arresting the Somali pirates, who a day earlier had raced across the Indian Ocean to seize a cargo valued at more than $50 million.

Russia and Turkey have agreed on all the details and commercial terms for the construction of Turkey's first nuclear power plant.

According to reports Cold War allies, Russia and Cuba have recently moved to restore their ties which declined after the breakup of the U.S.S.R.

Meanwhile US and Russia are also to propose ban on WMD in Middle East. The proposal – involving the appointment of a special coordinator to conduct exploratory talks with Israel, Iran and the Arab states, followed by a regional conference –was a central issue at last week’s New York conference aimed at preventing further spread of nuclear weapons around the world.

A 'National Nanotechnology Network' has been announced by the Russian Government in which the largest state universities and research centers will be integrated into a countrywide network, whose members will receive access to information about one another's research developments and facilities. Meanwhile Iran and Russia have reached an agreement on launching two satellites into orbit in order to study distance communication. The agreement was reached during Iran's Communications and IT Minister's last visit to Russia.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov acknowledged last week that his newly elected pro-Russian government was seriously considering Moscow’s proposal to merge its state-run behemoth Gazprom with Ukraine’s national energy company Naftogaz.

Dmitry Medvedev has launched a wide-ranging attack on the Soviet Union as a totalitarian state that crushed individual liberties in the most outspoken comments on the USSR by a Russian leader in recent years. According to some Mr Medvedev's comments, which also included stinging criticism on the historical role of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, will be interpreted by many as an attempt to distance himself from Vladimir Putin, the prime minister, who has adopted a more ambiguous stance on Russia's often tragic history.

Residential areas were flooded in Russia’s district of Dagestan, due to heavy rains and an emergency water discharge from the local Gedzhukh Lake. Some 210 private houses, where about 1,000 people live, were flooded.

The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church has called upon the faithful to have more children in order to repopulate their vast nation.

At least 13 injured in hippodrome explosion in Russia's North Caucasus. The bomb exploded near a VIP box during a horse race in the city of Nalchik, according to the report. No one was reported killed in the blast.

Last week on 9^th May troops from the United States, Britain and France marched in Russia’s annual Victory Day parade through Red Square for the first time, a step Russia's president called a nod toward their "common victory" in World War II. The annual parade celebrates the defeat of Nazi Germany by the former Soviet Union and its Western allies and serves as a demonstration of Russian military might.

According to a recent poll conducted by Nextep Pakistan, Croatia and Russia have topped a list of countries where people sitting behind shop and office counters have a surly attitude and find it difficult to smile.

US/CANADA

The Flagstaff City Council in America voted unanimously last week to sue over the new Arizona state immigration law. The council's vote directs the city attorney to retain legal counsel. It is an unfunded mandate to carry out the responsibilities of the federal government.

On the international front Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned that a new round of UN sanctions against Tehran would close the door on diplomatic engagement with the United States.

Meanwhile a record number of Canadians returned to work in April, stunning markets and adding pressure on the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates in June, ahead of other major industrialized countries.

The Canadian Supreme Court said in a landmark ruling last week that reporters in the country have no constitutional right to offer their sources blanket confidentiality. In the first pronouncement of its kind, the court ruled by an 8-1 majority that journalists could offer sources protection. But if prosecutors subsequently demanded to know who those sources were, courts would decide the merits of confidentiality promises on a case-by-case basis.

A Canadian military board of inquiry reported last week that the soldier who embarrassed Ottawa by alleging troops knew Afghan authorities were abusing prisoners handed over by Canada's forces was mistaken. A note by the soldier, written after an incident on June 14, 2006, became public last December and seemed to contradict official assurances that Canadian troops had no credible evidence that prisoners might be harmed.

LATIN AMERICA

Argentine Ambassador in Peru Darío Alessandro was summoned by an Argentine court last week in connection with the probe into the alleged bribes to export goods to Venezuela.

The European Union and the South American trade group Mercosur are to relaunch stalled negotiations on a trade liberalization pact. Leaders will formalize the move at an EU-Mercosur summit in two weeks in Madrid.

South American leaders at the 12-nation UNASUR summit last week slammed a controversial new immigration law in the US state of Arizona, but stressed they did not hold US President Barack Obama responsible.

Meanwhile the group named former Argentine President Nestor Kirchner as their secretary-general, setting aside their differences in hopes that the 12-nation UNASUR group can consolidate into a regional force.

Argentina has finally signed up for a significant increase in natural-gas imports from Bolivia, ending years of short-term solutions to its gas-supply deficit.

Last week Argentina's lower house passed a gay marriage bill that, if also approved by senators, will put the country among a handful in the world that allow homosexual couples to marry.

Brazil’s president Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva has been named the most influential leader in the world by Time magazine – ahead of Barack Obama, who came fourth, Nancy Pelosi (8th) and Sarah Palin (9th), while neither Gordon Brown nor any other European leader made it to the top 25.

According to the country's labor minister Brazil will be able to create up to 2.5 million new jobs in 2010, higher than a previous estimate of 2 million.

On the security front Turkey and Brazil are trying to revive a stalled atomic fuel deal with Iran in an attempt to help the Islamic Republic avoid new UN sanctions over its nuclear program. However Brazil's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said Brasilia had not made an official offer to mediate over a UN-backed nuclear fuel swap between Iran and the West.

According to the Agriculture Ministry Sugar output in Brazil, the world’s biggest producer, will rise 17 % this year as drier weather will favor harvesting and after cane growers increased planting.

In the after math of the controversial immigration law, Mexico’s Congress has urged President Felipe Calderon to consider breaking commercial ties with Arizona and called on government officials to refrain from traveling to the U.S. state.

Senior Mexican and Chinese lawmakers have voiced their intention to work for more exchanges at the congressional level to help bring ties between the two countries to a new level.

Meanwhile the Mexican government has said that drug violence that has killed some 23,000 people could rage until 2014.

Venezuelan police has arrested a man on suspicion of trying to ‘incite’ the assassination of President Hugo Chavez. The accused allegedly has links with Columbia where according to the police messages were found on his computers alluding to a plot to kill Chavez involving Colombia's outlawed right-wing paramilitary groups.

The US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Arturo Valenzuela criticized Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez’s meddling in the Colombian presidential elections. Chávez has repeatedly said that it would be "very difficult" to mend relations with Colombia if the candidate of the ruling Social National Unity Party, Juan Manuel Santos, is elected. He has also questioned leftwing candidate Gustavo Petro, for his views on the Bolivarian Revolution.

According to a recent report by international firm FTI Consulting, Venezuela, along with Haiti, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico, tops the list of countries with the largest amount of public security problems.

President Hugo Chavez's ruling party rallied hundreds of thousands of members to a congressional election primary vote last week— a key step in preventing infighting as they battle a resurgent and united opposition.

On the energy front, Venezuela state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, has agreed to buy a 49% stake in the Dominican Republic's Refidomsa refinery, which can process 34,000 barrels of oil a day.

China has signed an in-principal agreement with political ally Venezuela for the sale of 33 civil aircrafts, including the Harbin Y12E. Reportedly Venezuela plans to use the aircraft to develop regional passenger and cargo services in rural areas. Meanwhile it is expected that in 2010 the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) may shrink for the second consecutive year, which economists and business associations term inevitable.

AUSTRALASIA

Just months ahead of an expected general election Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's government has taken a beating in an opinion poll after ditching its climate change plan, with the opposition taking the lead for the first time in years. §

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary Week # 117

2010-05-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

Week # 117 – Dated 24-30 April 2010

WESTERN EUROPE

Hundreds of thousands of people joined May Day rallies across Europe last week, many protesting against government austerity policies in the wake of the global financial crisis. In Greece, where the debt-stricken government has pledged budget cuts to secure a European Union and IMF rescue, protesters burned garbage cans and set a TV van on fire.

In France, an estimated 300,000 people took to the streets in various cities as part of the traditional May Day demonstrations held by trade unions amid President Nicolas Sarkozy's plans to reform the country's costly pension system, as well as general fears over job security due to the financial crisis.

In Sofia, Bulgaria more than 5,000 Bulgarians protested against high unemployment and what they called an inadequate response to the economic crisis of the center-right government.

A fierce global equities sell-off was sparked last week after ratings agency Standard & Poor's cut Greek debt to junk status, while a downgrade to Portugal also stoked concerns about a widening Euro zone crisis.

Shares of BP - a leading energy provider, continued falling last week as the company felt the impact of the massive oil spill from an exploratory well in the Gulf of Mexico.

Belgium’s Premier Yves Leterme, whose government collapsed last week, has stepped aside, paving the way for Marianne Thyssen, 53, the first woman who could become Belgium's next prime minister. Early elections are likely in June. Until then Leterme's five-party alliance of Christian Democrats, Liberals and Socialists from both sides of Belgium's linguistic divide stays on a caretaker role.

Meanwhile Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi insisted last week that his government would serve out the remaining three years of its term, despite mounting infighting and trouble within his coalition.

Belgium's lower house of parliament has banned burqa-type Islamic dress in public, but the measure faces a challenge in the Senate which will delay early enactment of the law. The law holds that no one can appear in public "with the face fully or partly covered so as to render them no longer recognizable."

A study by the US-based watchdog Freedom House, released last week has revealed a decline in press freedom for the eighth year in a row.

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Syrian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov announced last week that Syria will repay $17m of its debt to Bulgaria within 30 days.

Last week Croatia’s government approved amendments to the constitution and forwarded them to the parliament for passage. The amendments involve issues related to minorities, fighting crime and completing Croatia's EU accession negotiations.

Kosovo Border Police officially took over control of the country's border with Albania from KFOR last week (April 28th).

Meanwhile Prime Minister Hashim Thaci confirmed in a cabinet meeting last week that the Montenegrin community will be added to the list of minority communities in Kosovo and will be legally recognized and equal to other minorities there.

The United States and Poland plan to resume a strategic dialogue designed to address issues mutually shared by both countries, the nations' top diplomats announced last week.

The Polish opposition Law and Justice (PiS) has appointed Jaroslaw Kaczynskithe, twin brother of Poland's late president Lech Kaczynski, as the party's presidential candidate.

The Czech Republic is scheduled to hold a general election on May 28-29 that looks likely to bring the centre-left Social Democrats to power after a four-year hiatus, handing them the task of slashing a crisis-inflated budget gap.

According to the Czech Republic's vice premier the government has approved an agreement with the United States on scientific cooperation in defense research.

Greenpeace denounced the Czech Environment Ministry’s decision last week to accept a seriously flawed environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the expansion of the Czech Republic’s largest coal-fired power plant as a shamefully manipulated political decision, which does not respect expert analysis.

The Slovak parliament last week buried a controversial patriotism act, which had sparked public outrage in Slovakia months before the June general election. Under the failed law, state-run schools would have been forced to play the national anthem before class each Monday and fit classrooms with an array of state symbols.

On the economic front data released by the Slovak Statistics Office shows that Slovakia's budget deficit swelled to 6.77 % of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2009.

Hungary’s centre-right party Fidesz secured the unprecedented two-thirds majority that it had hoped for on April 25, when it secured 263 of 386 seats in the country’s next parliament with 98 % of second round votes counted. The centre-right party won the elections by a landslide, which will enable it to pass deep state reforms. Meanwhile Gypsies in the nation fear that big gains made by an extreme-right party in national elections could further feed the climate of hatred that spawned an unprecedented string of serial killings of gypsies last year.

Iran will inaugurate copper wire factory in Belarus in the presence of Iranian Minister of Industries and Mines Ali-Akbar Mehrabian this week. Iranian private sector has invested eight million U.S. dollars on the project. Meanwhile the first tanker carrying Belarus-bound Venezuelan oil arrived at Ukraine's Odessa seaport last week.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko warned citizens last week to be on guard against Kyrgyz-style turmoil, suggesting that outside forces were bent on pushing him from power as a 2011 presidential election approaches. Meanwhile voters began going to the polls in communal elections in Belarus last week in the first voting under new election laws adopted under pressure from the European Union.

Members of the National Congress of Armenians of Ukraine and Analitika.at.ua information and analytical center called on the Ukrainian President and Supreme Rada last week to recognize the Armenian Genocide. Ukrainian public figures, politicians and representatives of national communities have put signatures to the statement.

Eggs were hurled during a rowdy Ukrainian parliamentary debate during the ratification of the controversial Russian-Ukrainian naval base deal that extends the lease by another 25 years. Meanwhile last week Ukraine's state prosecutor opened a criminal case relating to what it said was misuse by the government of Yulia Tymoshenko of about $290 million cash received for selling carbon quotas.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius expressed concern last week over plans by Russia and Belarus to build nuclear power plants close to his country's borders, while insisting that Lithuania's own plans for a nuclear facility will go ahead. '

Lithuania's economy shrank in the first quarter, after growing for the last two quarters of 2009, but the fall on an annual basis was less than expected.

RUSSIA

Kyrgyzstan’s provisional government revealed last week that Russian Special Forces had seized and extradited Kyrgyzstan’s former interior minister, who had been convalescing in Moscow after being severely beaten during bloody antigovernment riots last month. The move further signals Moscow’s support for the new Kyrgyz government.

NATO secretary general Anders Rasmussen has opined that bringing Russia into the plans will help to allay its concerns about the project and contribute to further arms control measures. Meanwhile according to Russia's envoy to NATO Russia will seek direct opportunities to sell weapons to NATO member states In return, it is hoped, the Alliance might lift all barriers for free military trade between Moscow and NATO member states.

On the geo strategic front there seems to be some hope regarding Poland and Russia taking a step toward possible reconciliation, drawn together by the death of Poland's President Lech Kaczynski, who was killed last month in a plane crash in Russia along with 95 other high-level Poles. In this stead Russia has published documents related to the 1940 massacre of thousands of Polish officers in Katyń, in a gesture of solidarity with Warsaw after the recent tragic incident. Also a decision has been taken by Moscow’s local government to remove posters of Stalin is a gesture heralding the recent thaw in Russian-Polish relations.

The 15th assembly of governors from Russia and Japan met in Moscow on May 3 to discuss developing relations at a regional level. Observers hope that such contacts may contribute to the development of political, cultural and economic ties, still marred by the territorial dispute over the South Kuril Islands.

On the economic front Russia's economy grew 0.6 % in the first quarter this year, extending the recovery to three consecutive quarters. Meanwhile the administration of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has been powerless to stem gains in the ruble, which has surged 15 % against the dollar in the past 12 months, tracking a 75 % rise in Urals crude in the same period.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov has said that Russia’s proposal to merge OAO Gazprom and Ukraine’s national energy company NAK Naftogaz Ukrainy won’t affect plans to build the South Stream gas pipeline to Europe, bypassing the neighboring country.

On the social front Moscow saw a traditional May Day gathering by the Communist Party, Russia's second biggest -- as well as a rare, officially-sanctioned opposition demonstration.

Russian women's gymnastics team has won gold in the team competition of the European Gymnastics Championships this year.

The bombing in the Russian North Caucasus republic of Kabardino-Balkaria on May Day has claimed one life while the number of injured has been reported at 30.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has signed a law ratifying an agreement that extends Russia's lease on naval bases in Ukraine for 25 years after the previous lease agreement's expiration date in 2017.

According to the Russian Interior Ministry a $9 billion money-laundering operation partly run by several Russian bank employees has been broken up by police.

US/CANADA

US Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has opened an inquiry into whether a top Defense Department official violated Pentagon rules by setting up a network of private contractors to gather intelligence in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

President Barack Obama said last week that there "may not be an appetite" in Congress to deal with immigration immediately after going through a tough legislative year. Meanwhile Former Alaska GOP Gov. Sarah Palin has criticized Obama’s reservations regarding a new Arizona immigration law perpetuating racial tensions.

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has said that any attempt by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to undermine what the U.S. sees as the central purpose of next month's nuclear conference at the United Nations will meet with failure. Meanwhile the Obama administration has warned Iran and Syria that America's commitment to Israel's security is unshakable and that they should understand the consequences of threats to the Jewish state. In a speech, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that Syrian transfers of increasingly sophisticated weaponry including rockets to militants in southern Lebanon and Gaza could spark new conflict in the Middle East.

A recent Harris-Decima survey for the Canadian Press has put the Conservatives at 29 % popular support -- down three points from earlier this month -- while the Liberals were at 27 %, down two points. The New Democrats were up three points at 20%.

Meanwhile the Canadian speaker of the House of Commons, charged with settling a power struggle between opposition legislators and the Conservative government, has given both sides two weeks to sort out their differences.

LATIN AMERICA

In a recent scandal a complaint has been made by ex Argentinean Ambassador to Venezuela Eduardo Sadous, who stated that during his tenure as ambassador a number of Argentine businessmen told him that they were asked to pay bribes to do business with Caracas, under former President Néstor Kirchner (2003-2007).

A World Court's ruling on April 20 faulted Uruguay for failing to consult with Argentina before building a eucalyptus pulp mill with Finnish help, but rejected Buenos Aires' demand for relocating the plant away from the river on the Uruguay-Argentina border. However, protesting pickets blockading a bridge that links the countries refused to accept a summary end to their cause and are carrying on with their protests.

Meanwhile Dozens of Argentine anarchists attacked Greece's embassy with sticks, Molotov cocktails and paint bombs to demand the freedom of an imprisoned activist. The anarchists were answering calls on the Internet for demonstrations against Greek embassies worldwide ahead of last week’s appellate court hearing in the case of Yiannis Dimitrakis, an anarchist convicted of participating in a bank robbery in Athens.

Indigenous activists threatened a clash with Brazil's government last week as they dispatched boats carrying 150 men to occupy the planned site of a controversial hydro-electric dam in the Amazon, after environmentalists, indigenous groups and local residents lost a protracted court battle to halt the bidding process for the giant Belo Monte dam, projected to be the world's third-largest. Meanwhile Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has thrown his weight behind the controversial project deeming it a necessity for the nations Energy needs.

The Brazilian President Lula da Silva is scheduled to visit Iran this month (May 2010) during the course of which he hopes to encourage an agreement on the nuclear dispute between Teheran and the international community.

At the environmental front Environment ministers of the BASIC bloc -- Brazil, South Africa, India and China -- have voiced the need for a legally binding global agreement to limit climate change by 2011, noting that the world could not wait indefinitely for the US to finalize its legislation on the issue.

Meanwhile heads of state and government, of Brazil and 14 Caribbean countries signed the Brasilia Declaration last week at the end of the first Brazil-CARICOM Summit, expressing their mutual desire for further integration and cooperation.

Also Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez arrived in Brazil for a new quarterly meeting with his Brazilian counterpart Lula da Silva.

Last week, amid a growing sex abuse scandal the church in Chile formally apologized to abuse victims, saying nothing could justify it.

Visiting Chilean Foreign Minister in Japan has said that his quake-hit nation intends to make technological exchange with Japan a high priority and establish an effective early quake warning system.

The Canadian government has warned its citizens against traveling to Mexico, especially to Ciudad Juarez where three people linked to the U.S. consulate were killed over the weekend. Meanwhile gunmen armed with high-caliber weapons ambushed the top security official in Mexican President Felipe Calderon's home state last week, wounding her and killing at least four other people.

According to the Mexican government, a strict new anti-immigration law enacted by the US state of Arizona is 'an obstacle to the solution of common problems' in North America. In reciprocation Mexico's Foreign Ministry issued a travel alert for Arizona after the law was signed, warning that its passage shows "an adverse political atmosphere for migrant communities and for all Mexican visitors."

Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe rejected last week the installation of a bust of Manuel Marulanda, the late founder of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), in a Venezuelan border town and asked people "to defeat terrorists wherever they are."

Meanwhile Venezuela’s Chavez dismissed a retired general's warnings about a growing Cuban presence in Venezuela's military, accusing the officer of helping opponents portray his government a pawn of Fidel Castro.

Venezuela's energy minister said last week that the government of plans to pay off a $20 billion loan from China with daily shipments of 100,000 barrels of oil over a 10-year period. Also Brazil’s Lula has commented that the upcoming purchase of oil from Venezuela will balance the trade between the two countries.

Meanwhile the interior minister has said that Venezuelan authorities raided eight drug laboratories near the Colombian border this past week, seizing 4.5 tons of cocaine in one of the largest hauls in recent times.

President Chavez said last week that he wants to repair strained relations with Colombia, saying he hopes a breakthrough is possible regardless of which candidate wins the neighboring nation's presidential ballot next month. However in a contradictory statement he warned of worse ties, and even possible military hostilities, if Bogota’s ex-defense chief Juan Manuel Santos wins the presidency. Meanwhile President Alvaro Uribe accused his Venezuelan counterpart, Hugo Chavez, of meddling in Colombia's presidential election campaign by trying to influence the outcome of the vote.

Minister of State for the Red Crescent Affairs Bashar al-Sha'ar conveyed a verbal message from President Bashar al-Assad last week for President Chavez seeking to enhance Syrian-Venezuelan relations in all fields.

Chavez last week termed the US report regarding Iranian Special Forces having an increasing presence in the country as “absolutely false”. He warned that the USA could be looking for an excuse to attack Venezuela.

Russian Ambassador to Venezuela Vladimir Zaemsky has denied claims that both countries signed an agreement under which Caracas would purchase weapons from Moscow, as reported following Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's visit to Venezuela.

Chavez threatened to nationalize gold mining concessions, adding them to the oil, utility and metal assets he’s taken control of in the country. The president said on state television last week that the government may end the grants because of “capitalist mafias” comprising national and multinational companies that destroy the environment and exploit workers.

Meanwhile Chavez, who already writes a weekly newspaper column, created a radio program and speaks for as many as seven hours every Sunday, has now added a Twitter Inc. account to his media arsenal. Chavez, who has been in power since 1998, said last week that he did not know when he would hand power, adding that no successor was in sight for now.

AUSTRALASIA

Last week Australia shelved plans for a carbon trading scheme to cut greenhouse gas emissions until at least 2013, blaming the slow pace of global action and an obstructive opposition for the delay. §

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