Section: Voice of America (USA)
In Balkans, threat of Islamic Radicalization, Russian Influence Converge
The White House says violent extremism and Russian aggression in Ukraine are two of the greatest challenges to U.S. national security. And one place those threats converge is the Balkan region, where political instability, outstanding ethnic tensions and economic fragility make the countries of the area particularly vulnerable. Large Muslim...
EU Leaders Vow Support for Stability in Tunisia, Libya
European leaders said they would work to enforce stability just across the Mediterranean in Tunisia and Libya, even as they moved on to other problems, pushing debt-burdened Greece on reforms and agreeing to keep sanctions against Russia. They announced the initiatives at the conclusion of a two-day summit in Brussels. With Tunisia still reeling...
Threat of Islamic Radicalization, Russian Influence Converge in the Balkans
The White House says violent extremism and Russian aggression in Ukraine are two of the greatest challenges to U.S. national security. And one place those threats converge is the Balkan region, where political instability, outstanding ethnic tensions and economic fragility make the countries of the area particularly vulnerable. …read more...
Russia Vows Response to EU Sanctions Extension
Russia has denounced the European Union’s move to maintain sanctions against Moscow over its role in the Ukraine conflict, calling Thursday’s decision to extend the measures “destructive.” Speaking to reporters Friday in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to specify how Russia would respond, but said it would...
In Crimea, Adjusting to New Citizenship, New Political Realities
A year after Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula, its people are adjusting to new citizenship, new political conditions, and new economic realities. Russian navy and special forces blockaded and stormed Crimea’s Ukrainian bases a year ago, giving the troops inside a choice: join us or leave. With a powerless government in Kyiv,...
US Urges New Natural Gas Links for Southeastern Europe
U.S. energy envoy Amos Hochstein urged southeast European states to build new gas links and focus on smaller projects to curb reliance on supplies from Russia, rather than blockbuster pipeline deals. Countries in the region such as Hungary, Serbia and Croatia are looking to boost energy security following the collapse of the Kremlin-backed South...
Report: Fragment From MH17 Crash Site Supports Missile Theory
A metal fragment from the crash site of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 matches a surface-to-air BUK rocket, a Dutch broadcaster said on Thursday, supporting a theory that the plane was downed by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. The fragment was recovered by a Dutch journalist from the village of Hrabove several months ago near to where...
EU Likely to Keep Russia Sanctions After Merkel Weighs In
European Union leaders look likely to keep economic sanctions on Russia in place until a Ukraine cease-fire deal is fully working, after German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday it would be wrong to ease pressure on Moscow prematurely. EU governments have until now been divided on whether to act now to renew those sanctions, which expire...
Putin: No Reason Yet for Confidence in Russia’s Economy
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday it was still too soon to feel confident about the country’s economy, although his ministers said the worst is over. Speaking to a conference of Russian businessmen, Putin said the central bank’s main interest rate, now at 14 percent, remains high but that the level was warranted by the...
Rights Group Criticizes Use of Cluster Bombs in Ukraine
A U.S.-based rights group says both government and rebel forces used cluster bombs in eastern Ukraine in January and February, killing at least 13 civilians including two children. Human Rights Watch said Thursday that neither side in the conflict should be using such weapons and warned that their use could constitute a war crime. A spokesman for...
