Section: US & Canada
Ukraine jumps big hurdle in fight for its economy
Ukraine agreed to restructure its debt——a key requirement for the country to continue receiving support from the IMF. …read more Source:...
Ukraine reaches debt relief deal with creditors
MOSCOW (AP) — The Ukrainian government said Thursday it has reached a deal with its international bondholders to lighten its public debt burden, a crucial move that will help the country avoid default as it tries to cope with the devastating costs of war. Earlier this month, the IMF gave Ukraine a passing grade on its efforts to reform its...
Estonia To Build Fence Along Russian Border
Estonia says it plans to build a fence along part of its eastern border with Russia to safeguard its security and protect the EU’s passport-free Schengen Area. …read more Source: Radio Free Europe / Radio...
Ukraine’s Debt Deal Is a Draw
Creditors lost practically nothing, and major problems are unsolved. …read more Source:...
NATO: Training Center in Georgia Step to Membership
NATO said a new training center opened in Georgia on Thursday would help the former Soviet republic to move closer to membership in the military alliance, a prospect sharply opposed by neighboring Russia. Georgia’s government has long hoped to join the alliance. But Russia, which fought a 2008 war with Georgia over two Moscow-backed...
‘Most efficient option’: Canada paid $1.6 million to ship $5 million worth of military goods to Ukraine
The Canadian government spent $1.6 million to ship $5 million worth of surplus tents, sleeping bags and other military goods last August to Ukraine, according to figures obtained by the Ottawa Citizen. The equipment, sent by Canadian Forces aircraft, included sleeping bags the military estimates are worth $437 each and four-man tents worth $420....
Ukraine Gets Its Debt Deal
The rumors yesterday were true: Ukraine has signed a deal with its creditors that includes a 20 percent haircut on the face value of a debt that totaled almost $18 billion. In addition, the deal will extend the maturity of the debt by four years, with interest rates set at 7.75 percent. The deal was signed after weeks of tense negotiations...
As Western Sanctions Cripple Russia, Egypt’s Sisi Considers Using Ruble For Tourism
Egypt is considering using the ruble in settlements in tourism in an effort to avoid using U.S. dollars, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said, Russian state news agency TASS reported Thursday. The suggestion comes amid part of a broader Egyptian effort to entice Russian tourists to visit, while Russia’s economy reels from sanctions...
Report: Poland to Store US Military Equipment From Mid-2016
The United States will store heavy military equipment at two sites in Poland from mid-2016, Poland’s defense minister said, a part of Washington’s efforts to reassure allies made uneasy by Russian actions in Ukraine. The move will mark the first time Washington has stored heavy military equipment in the newer NATO member states in...
Ukraine Military Conscription Goal Of 25,000 Soldiers Not Met, More Waves Of Army Draft Expected
Ukraine’s sixth wave of military conscription was meant to be its last for 2015, but after only recruiting half of the needed 25,000 men, the country is facing several additional waves of conscription, or a mandatory military draft. …read more Source: International Business...
