Section: Voice of America (USA)
Report: Migrant Crisis, Authoritarianism Threaten Stability in Central Europe, Eurasia
The migrant crisis, serious economic problems, and Russia’s return to authoritarianism are threatening the stability of governments in Central Europe and Eurasia, and the existence of the European Union. That is the message of “Nations in Transit 2016,” the latest annual survey of democratic governance from Central Europe to...
What’s Hiding Behind Russia’s Calls for Peace in Nagorno-Karabakh
The presidents of Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan – Vladimir Putin, Hassan Rouhani and Ilham Aliyev, respectively — are planning to hold security talks in Baku soon. While no further details of the planned meeting have been announced, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said last week in a meeting in Baku that security cooperation in the...
Ukraine Looks Toward New Government Following PM’s Resignation
Ukraine is looking to create a new coalition government, following Sunday’s resignation of embattled Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk. Yatsenyuk announced his resignation saying he hoped it would give Ukraine a chance to adopt new electoral, constitutional and judicial reforms, as well as join the European Union and NATO. Ukraine President...
Ukraine ‘Very Volatile’ After PM Resignation, Says Council of Europe
Ukraine has become “very volatile” since Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk resigned, the head of the Council of Europe said on Monday, calling for the swift formation of a new government and speedier progress on reforms. Yatseniuk tendered his resignation on Sunday, opening the way to seeking a more stable government for Ukraine which...
G-7 Meeting in Hiroshima: 5 Things to Know
Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G-7) industrialized countries — Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.S. – are meeting in the western Japanese city of Hiroshima on Sunday and Monday. Why Hiroshima? Japan hopes to send a message of nonproliferation and peace. Once all but annihilated by a U.S. atomic bomb,...
Embattled Ukraine Prime Minister Yatsenyuk Resigning
Ukraine’s embattled prime minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, said Sunday he is resigning, opening the way for a new government to be formed in an effort to end Kyiv’s political crisis. Yatsenyuk said in a televised speech and Twitter comments that he hopes his resignation, to be formally submitted to parliament on Tuesday, would give...
NATO: No ‘Business as Usual’ Until Russia Respects International Law
Relations between the European Union and the NATO alliance have rarely been closer, a senior NATO official says, and never as important as they are now, as the West confronts complex challenges ranging from the Middle East and North Africa to Russia and the Kremlin’s aggressive foreign and defense policies. NATO’s deputy secretary...
Navalny: Hold Russians Named in ‘Panama Papers’ Accountable
Close associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin figure prominently in the Panama Papers, the leaked financial documents that shocked the world this week, but the revelations are drawing little more than a shrug in official Moscow. The Russian public appears to accept that those in power amass wealth. And moreover, Russian commentators say...
Analysts: Putin’s National Guard Meant to Put Down Public Unrest
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announced plans Tuesday to form a National Guard with the stated goal of fighting terrorism and organized crime. But analysts say the main aim is to put down public unrest as Russia’s economy worsens, and the country heads into elections. They see the move as a chance for Putin to consolidate power....
Dutch Voters Reject EU-Ukraine Deal
In a non-binding referendum, Dutch voters have signaled that they do not approve of an EU trade deal with Ukraine. With 99 percent of the votes counted after Wednesday’s ballot, 61 percent of voters rejected the deal, while 38 percent approved it. The vote sends a clear signal to the Dutch parliament, which had been expected to ratify the...
