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Offline mendeleyev

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Russian diplomatic relations
« on: November 09, 2013, 10:09:09 AM »
(The Mendeleyev Journal)

The reciprocal Russia-Netherlands Year is almost over and it has been quite a year. Events began with Russian President President Putin and Netherlands Beatrix Queen inaugurating the ceremonies in early 2013 at the Hermitage Amsterdam on Amstel, marking 400 years of diplomatic relations.

The Netherlands earmarked some €200 million (267 million in USD) for promoting cultural and economic projects between the two nations. About 200 events took place in Russia and another 200 in the Netherlands.

Netherlands King Willem-Alexander and (Queen consort) Maxima, Kremlin Grand Palace. height=331

It is such a cultural exchange that European countries observe and which frankly often is key to communication in times of trouble. Yes, they've had some trouble recently.

Troubling incidents included the crew of a Dutch-flagged Greenpeace ship attempting to board a Gazprom drilling rig in the North Sea, the Dutch police arrested Russian diplomat Dmitri Borodin (arrest of diplomats is forbidden under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations) for beating his children while drunk, and then a senior Dutch diplomat was beaten by unidentified assailants in Moscow just days after  Netherlands police had arrested Borodin, his Russian counterpart.

So on Friday it was with a sigh of relief that the two nations celebrated the end of the cultural exchange as new King Willem-Alexander and his wife Máxima (Queen consort) arrived in Moscow for the official visit to lay the cultural year to rest. The King and Queen consort were met by President Putin in the Aleksandr Hall of the Kremlin Grand Palace.

President Putin greets Netherlands King Willem-Alexander. height=331

Just hours prior to the Dutch Royals arrival the Russian foreign Ministry had strongly criticized the Dutch government by saying that the Greenpeace action was a gross violation of Russian law. However in remarks when greeting the King, President Putin said that, "Despite some rough spots in the diplomatic service, the King was able to visit. And I am sure that today we will have plenty to talk about, in the light of the close nature of our relations."

Lest we forget, Russia has threatened to block imports of Dutch tulips and dairy products due to sanitary and health concerns. Those dang tulips are always spreading something apparently. Russian heating oil however doesn't seem to cause those sort of issues for importing countries.
The Mendeleyev Journal. http://mendeleyevjournal.com Member: Congress of Russian Journalists; ЖУРНАЛИСТЫ.RU (Journalist-Russia); ЖУРНАЛИСТЫ.UA (Journalist-Ukraine); ЖУРНАЛИСТЫ.KZ (Journalist-Kazakhstan); ПОРТАЛ ЖУРНАЛИСТОВ (Portal of RU-UA Journalists); Просто Журналисты ("Just Journalists").

Offline mendeleyev

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #1 on: November 09, 2013, 10:14:27 AM »
November is shaping up to be a busy month for Russian diplomacy.

11 November: Mr. Putin will take part in the Russia-Kazakhstan Cooperation Forum in Yekaterinburg. Russia and Kazakhstan have just agreed on a common regional air defense system, led by Russia, as part of the Customs Union.

12 November: Mr. Putin will be in Vietnam for diplomatic talks.

13 November: Mr. Putin will arrive in South Korea on a state visit.

20 November: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Moscow for talks, mostly regarding Iran and Syria. Mr. Putin and Mr. Netanyahu conducted a lengthy telephone conversation on the subject this past Thursday.

The Mendeleyev Journal. http://mendeleyevjournal.com Member: Congress of Russian Journalists; ЖУРНАЛИСТЫ.RU (Journalist-Russia); ЖУРНАЛИСТЫ.UA (Journalist-Ukraine); ЖУРНАЛИСТЫ.KZ (Journalist-Kazakhstan); ПОРТАЛ ЖУРНАЛИСТОВ (Portal of RU-UA Journalists); Просто Журналисты ("Just Journalists").

Offline mendeleyev

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #2 on: November 10, 2013, 09:38:26 PM »
(The Mendeleyev Journal) Writing letters to the citizens of another country seems to be something President Putin finds as productive. As his staff prepares his Ilyushin Il-96 airplane for the Tuesday trip to Hanoi, the Vietnamese people are opening their newspapers to a letter from Russian President Putin.


(фото: Алексей Вахрушев) height=330

(фото: Алексей Вахрушев)

In the letter Mr. Putin spoke of the history between the two nations and the opportunity to broaden ties even further with the Vietnamese people:
Ahead of my third visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, I would like to take this opportunity to directly address Vietnamese public and share some thoughts on the future of our bilateral relations.

Russian-Vietnamese friendship has stood the test of time, having lived through the numerous tragic events of the 20th century, drastic changes in the world as well as in our countries. The main thing has always remained the same, however – respect towards each other, traditions of confidence and mutual assistance, ability to appreciate selfless support of the partners that will never betray.

In this context, let me quote famous words of President Ho Chi Minh: "When you drink water, think of its source." I consider that phrase to be a spiritual instruction to the present and future generations of citizens of our countries. One should always remember our common history and everything that unites us. This guarantees continuity and stability of future-oriented relations.

We are happy with major achievements reached by Vietnam on its path towards important economic and social reforms. Russia addresses complex national issues as well. We believe that active involvement in the integration processes, both at global and regional levels, is a powerful resource for development. We attach particular importance to cooperation with the Asia Pacific States among which Vietnam is one of the leading centers of growth.

The positions of our countries on issues relating to the global agenda are similar in many aspects. Together we seek answers to new challenges and threats. We uphold the rule of law in international relations and advocate that no alternative political or diplomatic tools should be used for resolving disputes and that every state has a right to choose it own path of development.

All these factors determine the intensity of Russian-Vietnamese strategic partnership which we can rightly call comprehensive. Last year, bilateral trade increased by 20 percent and amounted to $3.66 billion. We expect that it will reach $7 billion as early as 2015 and increase up to $10 billion in 2020.

The signing of a free trade area agreement (FTA) between the member states of the Customs Unions and Vietnam would contribute to achieving these objectives, which corresponds to the logic of political and economic integration in Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region. The negotiations on a FTA are under way, and we hope to successfully complete them.

Energy, oil and gas sectors have traditionally played a key role in the development of Russian-Vietnamese industrial and investment cooperation. For instance, our leading joint venture Vietsovpetro has accumulated a unique technological expertise of working on the continental shelf. Over the years, the company has produced 206 million tons of oil and its total profits account for tens of billions of dollars.

The companies Rosneft and Gazprom increase their presence in Vietnam. Their projects relate to the production of hydrocarbons, modernization of refining capacities and supply to Vietnam of the liquefied natural gas from the Russian Far East.

Let me emphasize that our oil and gas cooperation is two-way and reciprocal. Rusvietpetro is an example of a successful joint venture in the Yamalo-Nenets autonomous district. We also expect a lot of another joint company Gazpromviet which has started the development of oil and gas fields in the Orenburg region and other Russian territories.

Our cooperation in energy goes far beyond hydrocarbon production. Russia helps Vietnam to develop a nuclear industry which is a totally new sector for the country. Rosatom will be responsible for the construction of the first Vietnamese nuclear power plant in the province of Ninh Thuan. The first and second nuclear units are scheduled to be launched in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Plans are being discussed to jointly construct a Nuclear Science & Technology Center.

Peaceful use of outer space and Russia's GLONASS satellite navigation system, air and rail transportation development, engineering, mining, banking and public health seem to be very promising areas of cooperation. The goal of the above projects and initiatives is to improve our investment, technology and industrial collaboration.

Our military and technical cooperation has taken a totally new dimension. It is no longer limited to export supplies, steps are being taken to launch in Vietnam licensed production of advanced military equipment with the assistance of Russian companies.

We have always been proud of the traditions of humanitarian cooperation in the field of education, science and culture. It is meaningful that this year Vietnam has been allocated the highest quota (except for the CIS countries) for training specialists in Russian educational institutions. Today about 5,000 citizens of Vietnam receive education in Russia, about 2000 of them study under interstate agreements.

I should underline the joint activities of our scientists, including many years of work of the Russian-Vietnamese Tropical research and technological center. Specialists all over the world highly appreciate the results of its applied and fundamental research.

My visit takes place during the Days of Russian culture in Vietnam. We are pleased to see that our Vietnamese friends are truly interested in our art. On their turn Russian citizens are waiting for the Vietnamese cultural workers to come to visit Russia. I am sure that the Days of Hanoi in Moscow in late November this year will have great success. Such exchanges have already proved their importance. We intend to continue this practice.

The number of Russians visiting Vietnam shows the willingness to learn better rich history and culture of the Vietnamese people. Last year this number doubled and for nine months of this year it has grown up by 66 per cent having risen beyond 200,000 people. I think that this tendency will continue taking into account the successful development of tourist infrastructure in Vietnam.

It is difficult to enumerate the areas in which Russia and Vietnam do not develop fruitful cooperation. I expect that the future high-level negotiations in Hanoi will be constructive as usual and will give new momentum to the strategic partnership between our states and peoples.

Presidential travel trivia:
The USA and Russia are the only two nations of the world in which presidents travel with more than one presidential aircraft. It is routine for the USA and Russia uses two airplanes for extended trips and on long distances. Multiple aircraft allow for additional security and support staff and equipment.

« Last Edit: November 10, 2013, 09:42:51 PM by mendeleyev »
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lordtiberius

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #3 on: November 10, 2013, 11:11:47 PM »
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/07/us-pope-putin-idUSBRE9A60WC20131107

Pope meeting Putin, could help mend Catholic-Orthodox relations
Quote
Thu, Nov 7 2013

By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis will receive Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 25, an encounter that could help mend strained relations between the Vatican and the Russian Orthodox Church.

Russian-Vatican relations have been fraught since the 1991 breakup of the Soviet Union, with Moscow accusing the Roman Catholic Church of trying to poach believers from the Russian Orthodox Church, a charge the Vatican denies.

But Putin is the first Kremlin leader since the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution to publicly profess religious faith - to the Orthodox church - and has several times advocated ending the long feud between the two major Christian churches.

Putin and the pope will hold their first meeting on November 25, a Vatican spokesman said on Thursday.

Putin, who also met his two immediate predecessors, could invite the pope to visit Russia, diplomats said.

Popes Benedict and John Paul had standing invitations from the Russian government but could not go because they received no matching invitation from the Orthodox Church. Francis would need the same to go to Russia.

Another dispute between the churches concerns the fate of many church properties that Soviet leader Joseph Stalin ordered confiscated from Eastern Rite Catholics, who worship in an Orthodox liturgy but owe their allegiance to Rome.

Stalin gave the Catholic property to the Russian Orthodox Church, but after the fall of communism, the Eastern Rite Catholics took back many sites, leading to a rise in tensions.

The Russian Orthodox Church, which has resurged since the collapse of the Soviet Union, has some 165 million members in former Soviet republics including Russia and other states.

Francis is the first non-European pope in 1,300 years. His predecessors came from countries - Italy, Poland and Germany - that were caught up in the 20th century's two global conflicts as well as in the Cold War that followed World War Two.

Diplomats have said that Francis, an Argentine with no European political baggage, would have a far better chance of improving ties with the Russian Orthodox Church.

There have been signs of a general warming between the western and eastern branches of Christianity.

On March 20, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew became the first worldwide spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians to attend a papal inaugural Mass since the Great Schism split western and eastern Christianity in 1054.

(Editing by James Mackenzie and Mark Heinrich)



Look for agreement between the two powers on Syria (and Obama)

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #4 on: November 11, 2013, 02:32:22 AM »
The reciprocal Russia-Netherlands Year is almost over and it has been quite a year.


Such a nice looking couple.   :)

Offline mendeleyev

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #5 on: November 12, 2013, 07:25:47 PM »
(Mendeleyev Journal) In his 11 November 2013 visit to Hanoi, Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with the leadership including President of Vietnam Truong Tan Sang. As part of the official state trip the two sides met in consultation with Russian-Vietnamese delegations which included Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

Mr. Putin inspected the Vietnam honour guard along with President Truong Tan Sang. height=331
Mr. Putin (R) inspected the Vietnam honour guard along with President Truong Tan Sang (L).




Vietnam War Memorial. height=434

Vietnam War Memorial.

The two men laid wreathes at the Vietnam War Memorial and at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum:


Chi Minh Mausoleum, Vietnam. height=331
Chi Minh Mausoleum, Vietnam.

Talks between the two countries resulted in the adoption of a joint declaration on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Vietnam.


Russian and Vietnamese talk in Hanoi. height=331
Russian and Vietnamese talks in Hanoi.

As part of the agenda the heads of state signed agreements on joint military cooperation and training for Vietnamese citizens in Russian institutions of higher education, as well as agreements for Russian investment in developing Vietnam's geology and mineral resources  and prospecting and extracting hydrocarbons.


Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) and President Vladimir Putin (R). height=331
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) and President Vladimir Putin (R).

President Putin also spent time with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and then later met the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong.


Mr. Putin also met with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong. height=331
Mr. Putin also met with the General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

As part of the visit Russian news agency held a joint photo exhibit with the Vietnam News Agency. Mr. Putin also attended the opening ceremony of the Days of Russian Culture in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, a cultural exchange program between the two nations.
« Last Edit: November 12, 2013, 07:27:36 PM by mendeleyev »
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Offline mendeleyev

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #6 on: November 12, 2013, 08:26:05 PM »
(The Mendeleyev Journal: 12 November 2013)

First, he writes letters to the citizens of other countries and now he sends messages via television networks. In a power position of global diplomacy, Russian President Vladimir Putin is working to expand the influence of the Russian Federation including yesterday's trip to Vietnam and today in Seoul, South Korea.

As part of his visit with South Korean visit Mr. Putin was keen to move forward on a new "silk road" in establishing a major trading link by rail via the Trans-Siberian Railway. The project would link European Russia with new markets in Asia and open North Korea in the process.

This September Russia completed a significant step with a 54-kilometre (33-mile) stretch of track from Khasan (southeast Russia) to the North Korean port of Rajin. Rajin is a warm-water port near the borders of Russia, China and North Korea.

In preparation for the trip Mr. Putin taped an interview on Korean television network KBS on 7 November to be played the day before his arrival. Host Yusun Yeon asked President Putin about the possibility of South Korean business investors who seem intrigued with helping Russia develop the Far East and Siberia.

 Host Yeon interviewed Mr. Putin on the Korean Broadcast System. height=331
Host Yusun Yeon interviewed Mr. Putin on the Korean Broadcast System.

Y
USUN YEON: In your opinion, what is the possibility for the development of these regions?

VLADIMIR PUTIN: I have already said that we have prospects for cooperation in various fields. These are engineering, space, transport machinery and transport infrastructure. The Russian Federation sets an objective to ensure accelerated and priority development of Siberian regions, especially the Eastern Siberia and the Far East. We are neighbours exactly in this region of the world, almost neighbours with the Republic of Korea through the territory of North Korea, at sea we are practically very close.

We want to revive the shipbuilding cluster in the Far East, we have been negotiating this for a long time with our South Korean partners.

Unfortunately, various reasons have still prevented us from establishing practical work even though it seemed to be about to start. We value the high expertise of our South Korean friends in the area of shipbuilding and I would like a lot to see these projects implemented, including those involving South Korean companies. We talked a lot and now are hatching plans for the development of transport systems in the Far East, namely, we plan to expand the Trans-Siberian Railway's capacities, the Baikal-Amur Mainline, we even plan to allocate money from our reserves in the National Welfare Fund.


In this regard we should support the contacts that have been established between our Development Bank and the relevant financial institution of the Republic of Korea, between our Investment Fund and the respective Fund of the Republic of Korea. Of course, we could work very close and effectively with each other in this respect.

I have spoken about other areas, such as space exploration, and you know that now we are building a new launch site in the east of the country just for the purposes of the national economy, for civil purposes. It seems to me that the Republic of Korea could take part in this work as well.

Cooperation in the fields of science, education and health care are beyond discussion. As you know, last year we hosted the APEC summit and gave all the facilities that we have prepared for this event to our Far Eastern Federal University, which I hope will become a very good place for training personnel not only for Russia, but also for the entire region.

« Last Edit: November 12, 2013, 08:27:58 PM by mendeleyev »
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lordtiberius

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #7 on: November 13, 2013, 09:14:23 AM »
Russia's (Putin's) engagement in Asia represents a considerable shift in policy especially when it comes to North Korea.  Thoughts?

Offline mendeleyev

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #8 on: November 13, 2013, 08:16:13 PM »

Mr. Putin is proposing a path that if accepted by North Korea, could someday, eventually over time, lead to the change (a welcome one) of that nation's government. The best thing that could happen to NK is an eventual reunification to the South. Were that to happen today it would rock the Peninsula politically and financially. Billions would have to be poured into the north in order to rebuild it into a normal part of the more modern and democratic south.

Mr. Putin understands that China needs to be considered in any change for North Korea and that cooperation will not be a quick fix either, though doable. If you've ever traveled from China to North Korea via train over the Yalu River, you know that there is a stark difference between the runaway capitalism of China and the strict isolationism of North Korea. In the few short minutes it takes to cross the river, you've gone from one century to another in philosophy and lifestyle. At night it is literally the difference between light and almost total darkness.

Mr. Putin's project is centered along the border area over the Tumen River at Rajin. The natural resources along this stretch of river include significant oil reserves, timber, coal, minerals, and farmland with fresh water supplies. At first North Korea had agreed to be a part of the UNDP, the Greater Tumen Initiative, but they pulled out and the initiative is now a project of Russia, China, South Korea, and Mongolia. This area includes the Rajin-Sonbong region of North Korea and President Putin is hoping that Russia and China can convince Pyongyang to rejoin.

It is not an exaggeration to say that all of humanity would be for the better if Mr. Putin and the Chinese could bring a willing Pyongyang back into this project. There are some signs of thawing and Pyongyang has agreed to allow China to lease two island areas of significance to the project. But leasing land is one thing, while the involvement of North Korea would help speed the project's progress. Both Mr. Putin and the Chinese are hoping that the increased economic benefits to Pyongyang will help begin to open NK to the outside world.

It is no accident that the NK government keeps the population isolated because should openness happen, the NK people would then have great opportunities to see for themselves other kinds of governments available and perhaps be more inclined to change. However, NK needs cash and is desperate for investment and this project might be one more step toward the beginning of the end. We can hope.


This is the incredible story of Hyeonseo Lee who spoke of her ordeal at a TED Talks Conference:
http://www.ted.com/talks/hyeonseo_lee_my_escape_from_north_korea.html
« Last Edit: November 13, 2013, 09:34:04 PM by mendeleyev »
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Offline mendeleyev

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #9 on: November 13, 2013, 09:31:15 PM »
The Mendeleyev Journal:

Korea-Russia Forum, Seoul, Korea. height=331
Russian President Putin and Korean President Geun-hye; Korea-Russia Dialogue, Seoul, Korea.

It was the third annual meeting of the Korea-Russian Dialogue and both President Putin and South Korean President Park Geun-hye proclaimed that each meeting so far has been a success and assisted in building of ties between the two countries.

After a day of meeting with government officials and Korean business leaders, Mr. Putin said that he considered it important that official contacts between Russia and the Republic of Korea continues to be supported by the business community in South Korea.


Korea Russia Dialogue, Seoul, Korea. height=331

Mr. Putin also announced the agreement of visa-free travel between the two nations. The agreement signed at today’s summit on simplifying visa rules – essentially introducing visa-free travel for short-term visits of up to 60 days – and the agreement on establishment and operation of cultural centres will likewise help to intensify our cooperation.

President Putin was accompanied by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Nikolai Kropachev, Rector of the St. Petersburg State University (shown above). height=331
President Putin and Nikolai Kropachev, Rector of St. Petersburg State University (shown above).

At the end of the day Mr. Putin, Foreign Minister Lavrov and the Russian delegation concluded the trip to the Republic of Korea by visiting the city of Incheon, where he laid flowers at the monument to the fallen sailors of the cruiser Varyag and the gunboat Koreyets.

Memorial to the Russian cruiser Varyag and the gunboat Koreyets. height=331

Memorial to the Russian cruiser Varyag and the gunboat Koreyets.

In one of the first battles of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, the Varyag cruiser faced an unequal fight with a Japanese squadron of 14 warships in the Korean port of Jemulpo (now Incheon).


Incheon, South Korea: Russian cruiser Varyag and the gunboat Koreyets. height=331
Incheon, South Korea: Russian cruiser Varyag and the gunboat Koreyets.

The Varyag was badly damaged, and its commander Vsevolod Rudnev gave order to sink the cruiser to prevent it from being captured by the enemy. In 1905, the Japanese lifted the cruiser from the seabed. Later the Varyag relics were displayed in a museum in Korea.

Three years ago Incheon city authorities delivered the Varyag’s flag to Russia where it is now displayed at the Naval Museum in St Petersburg.
« Last Edit: November 13, 2013, 09:33:23 PM by mendeleyev »
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lordtiberius

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #10 on: November 13, 2013, 10:49:00 PM »
I think these trips are great, but I don't think that Russia can sustain this level of engagement.  Its economy is not very diversified.   Most people want to do business with Americans not the Chinese and not the Russians.  Russian business practices are primative.  Also Putin's base of support is not secure at home.

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #11 on: November 13, 2013, 11:57:56 PM »
I believe that these trips are good for global stability.

The American foreign policy is about to have another large piece of feces hit the rotating oscillator as a letter has surfaced that SOS John Kerry wrote on behalf of a group of anti-Israel activists from his home state of Massachusetts in 2009 when he was a senator. The letter outlined his support for the anti-Israel Gaza flotilla.

Somehow his letter has surfaced just in time for critical negotiations with Israel, the PLA and Iran. The Mossad is good, very good. Meanwhile Kerry is just one joke of a diplomat and has little respect on the world stage. He could get work in just about any country as a clown.

If Obama could be any more helpless as a leader, he'd have to hire those fired health care navigators.

Meanwhile Mr. Putin is stepping into a world leadership role that frankly Mr. Obama has neither the qualifications nor moxy to handle.

Mr. Putin's biggest areas of weakness are these:
- Lack of diversification in the Russian economy.
- The opposition (and Navalny) is beginning to find its voice and instead of parading on the streets they're going to the voting booth.
- He has convinced himself that the Russian Emergency Fund is available with some of the Far East investment projects and that Fund is what kept Russia afloat while the rest of the world drowned in 2008.


Putin's greatest strengths at this time are:
- Barrack Obama is president of the USA, John Kerry is SOS and Hillary will win the Dem nomination. Putin is enjoying the political orgasm of his life.
- He has credibility on the world stage at a time when other nation's are sick and tired of Washington.
- Judo: “Judo teaches self-control, the ability to feel the moment, to see the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, to strive for the best results. I am sure you will agree that these are essential abilities and skills for any politician.”  (V. Putin)
- He has given ordinary Russians a sense of pride again to see Russia take a position of world leadership.
- He has managed the process of reuniting several of the Soviet republics in the Customs Union and while this will need time to mature, it will eventually become a more perfect form of the EU, but without the "Europeans" and their bitching to mess it up.
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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #12 on: November 14, 2013, 01:50:56 AM »
Wouldn't it be nice to invest the money spent on that hoopla to fix pot holes on the streets, for a example? 

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #13 on: November 14, 2013, 08:16:34 AM »
You have a valid point and given the size of Russia, 1/6 of the earth's surface, a national network of modern highways would be extremely expensive and thus one reason Russia continues to rely so heavily on train travel. Russians like that form of travel with someone else doing the long distance driving so there is very little pent up demand for an autobahn or interstate system.

In the far East were these projects are planned there will be many local improvements to infrastructure and improving the lives of local folk far away from Moscow is a stated intent of the government. The improvements will not only bring modern development to local populations but benefit Russians across the country as the economy is strengthened.

There is also the issue of territorial integrity. Russia must develop these outlying areas or lose them sometime in the future. These improvements will allow Russia to strengthen border security and if an invasion ever happen, more rapidly move in defense forces from other areas.
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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #14 on: November 14, 2013, 08:43:16 AM »
mendeleyev, agree with all your points. 

The problem that Russia will face when it asserts itself economically is the same as China is facing now.  Economic prosperity require economic liberality and that will translate into political liberality.  Russia to my knowledge enjoys the social liberality as Westerners - which is NOT TRUE in China.  This social liberality at least from a moral perspective more qualifies it for world leadership than their frenemy to the South by Southeast. 

Peter the Great had to put down a coup upon his return from his European tour.  Then again inside every heart of every Russian is the heart of a patriot.  Putin has the vitality and vision of a great Russian leader.  It would be easier to support him at least as an outsider if he released his political prisoners and stop using the law as a weapon of persecution.  No one likes to be criticized but if the Lord can set a table before His Enemies, why can't Vlad?

If constitutionally possible and medically possible for Reagan, yet Reagan and Clinton could have been elected to 4th and 5th terms.  Putin can win without cheating and I think Putin would be more popular if he would tolerate some criticism and forever divorce himself from Soviet legalisms.

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #15 on: November 14, 2013, 11:15:39 AM »
Wouldn't it be nice to invest the money spent on that hoopla to fix pot holes on the streets, for a example?

Have you tried the roads in Transnistria!!! They are not pot holes, but craters!! (((

lordtiberius

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #16 on: November 14, 2013, 11:29:01 AM »
 :offtopic:

Mendy, do you know the name of the comedian that the Cheka killed after the Revolution?

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #17 on: November 14, 2013, 06:04:20 PM »
Quote
The problem that Russia will face when it asserts itself economically is the same as China is facing now.  Economic prosperity require economic liberality and that will translate into political liberality.  Russia to my knowledge enjoys the social liberality as Westerners - which is NOT TRUE in China.  This social liberality at least from a moral perspective more qualifies it for world leadership than their frenemy to the South by Southeast. 

Very astute.

I think that Mr. Putin would be wise to:

- Tell the Russian people that he has a platform for improving their lives and then to lay out that plan in detail. Five hour rambling talk shows that really don't way anything aren't helpful.

- Declare that he will not run for another term and challenge the country's civic, business, and political leaders to begin developing leaders who can someday govern, and then facilitate training and development of local leadership so that experience can be gained on the local and regional levels.

- Release political prisoners who do not pose a terror threat to society.


Were he to do those things his opposition would be turned into allies and perhaps he would go down in history as one of Russian's greatest leaders since Peter the Great.

Will he do all this to the extent needed for the good of the country? Halfway measures and baby steps, while better than noyhing, aren't what is needed so at this juncture in time I'm a doubter.
The Mendeleyev Journal. http://mendeleyevjournal.com Member: Congress of Russian Journalists; ЖУРНАЛИСТЫ.RU (Journalist-Russia); ЖУРНАЛИСТЫ.UA (Journalist-Ukraine); ЖУРНАЛИСТЫ.KZ (Journalist-Kazakhstan); ПОРТАЛ ЖУРНАЛИСТОВ (Portal of RU-UA Journalists); Просто Журналисты ("Just Journalists").

lordtiberius

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #18 on: November 14, 2013, 06:17:03 PM »
Russia is also a Christian nation.  For all my poo poo the Third Rome, looks like the poo poo is on me.  Russia is the only nation save the Vatican that standing in front of the guns held by these beasts in the Middle East.  This uniquely places Russia as a world leader.  Russia should acknowledge Mr. Putin's achievement.

Steveboy talks about Russians not needing or want to go West.  That the MOB biz is dead.  Is it true?  Is there an economic renaissance in Russia?

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #19 on: November 14, 2013, 08:31:01 PM »
Quote
Steveboy talks about Russians not needing or want to go West.  That the MOB biz is dead.  Is it true?

The days of a desperate FSU woman needing to get out are gone, for quite some time. I don't know how to make predictions about the MOB industry. It is not a logical pursuit although I support those with good intentions and respect for the opposite sex and other cultures.

I find few logical aspects in the general MOB concept. For example: China has for decades had a one child law and philosophy, thus mass numbers of females were aborted so that families could have sons. Today there are some 200 million Chinese singles according to a show I watched recently and yet it appears to be a robust MOB industry from China. Go figure, you'd think that every single Chinese gal would have a long line of suitors from which to choose.


Quote
Is there an economic renaissance in Russia?

Russia benefits from great natural resources (which are also a curse if the government continues to over-rely on them). There is a very low tax base, a flat tax of 13% (plus health and welfare deductions) for individuals and maximum of 22% for businesses. There is very little national debt and the Russians have a large "Welfare Fund" that is flush with cash in case of a repeat of 2008.

The government has very shrewdly built an impressive network of oil and gas pipelines and negotiated distribution rights to transport and sell natural resources from neighboring states such as the "Stans."

However the economy is still lagging behind in small business growth. In the USA, although a dumbed down voting public is woefully ignorant of how an economy works, small business is responsible for the creation of most fortunes. More American millionaires have come from small business than any other source.

Russia is just the opposite as small businesspersons have little chance of amassing long term wealth while those with connections to the government tend to become very wealthy in a very short amount of time.

For 2013, the World Bank projects the Russian economy to expand by 1.8%, down from 3.4% in 2012. The Kremlin economic management is still ahead of the clueless idiots/traitors on the banks of the Potomac, but it is a real slowdown and borne on the backs of those who can afford it the least.

As for long term growth projections, this is an interesting article:
http://rbth.ru/business/2013/11/14/russian_economic_growth_will_be_leaner_than_predicted_31719.html

(Disclaimer: As with Russia Today television, Russia Beyond the Headlines is connected to the Kremlin.)

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #20 on: November 14, 2013, 08:36:38 PM »
Russia is also a Christian nation. 


There are quite a few other religions within Russia borders, in case if you didn't know.  Catholic, Muslim, Judaism, Buddhism and even Shamanism. 

lordtiberius

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #21 on: November 14, 2013, 11:14:35 PM »

There are quite a few other religions within Russia borders, in case if you didn't know.  Catholic, Muslim, Judaism, Buddhism and even Shamanism.

 The Soviets were atheists.  The Czars were Christians.  The current majority is Christian.   

lordtiberius

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #22 on: November 14, 2013, 11:20:32 PM »
The days of a desperate FSU woman needing to get out are gone, for quite some time. I don't know how to make predictions about the MOB industry. It is not a logical pursuit although I support those with good intentions and respect for the opposite sex and other cultures.

I find few logical aspects in the general MOB concept. For example: China has for decades had a one child law and philosophy, thus mass numbers of females were aborted so that families could have sons. Today there are some 200 million Chinese singles according to a show I watched recently and yet it appears to be a robust MOB industry from China. Go figure, you'd think that every single Chinese gal would have a long line of suitors from which to choose.


Russia benefits from great natural resources (which are also a curse if the government continues to over-rely on them). There is a very low tax base, a flat tax of 13% (plus health and welfare deductions) for individuals and maximum of 22% for businesses. There is very little national debt and the Russians have a large "Welfare Fund" that is flush with cash in case of a repeat of 2008.

The government has very shrewdly built an impressive network of oil and gas pipelines and negotiated distribution rights to transport and sell natural resources from neighboring states such as the "Stans."

However the economy is still lagging behind in small business growth. In the USA, although a dumbed down voting public is woefully ignorant of how an economy works, small business is responsible for the creation of most fortunes. More American millionaires have come from small business than any other source.

Russia is just the opposite as small businesspersons have little chance of amassing long term wealth while those with connections to the government tend to become very wealthy in a very short amount of time.

For 2013, the World Bank projects the Russian economy to expand by 1.8%, down from 3.4% in 2012. The Kremlin economic management is still ahead of the clueless idiots/traitors on the banks of the Potomac, but it is a real slowdown and borne on the backs of those who can afford it the least.

As for long term growth projections, this is an interesting article:
http://rbth.ru/business/2013/11/14/russian_economic_growth_will_be_leaner_than_predicted_31719.html

(Disclaimer: As with Russia Today television, Russia Beyond the Headlines is connected to the Kremlin.)

If I were advising the Russian people, I would tell them to pay off their debt, reform their banking laws along the Cayman Islands where there has never been a recession and bank their currency with gold.  Then people would speaking Russian and trade in Rubles.  Of course, you don't have to be a genius to know the golden rule.  Yet a year ago, 64 million Americans (allegedly) don't know that rule.  They think the golden rule is if you have gold, then they should take from you by schemes and transfers - all legal of course.

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #23 on: November 14, 2013, 11:38:37 PM »

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #24 on: November 15, 2013, 12:26:26 AM »
Mendy, I have to agree with you on our current government 'leaders'.  It is embarrassing to be an American for the first time in my lifetime.   I never thought we could see anyone more inept and outright stupid as Jimmy Carter.  Our voters have proven me wrong!  If they wanted a black for president, at least they could have chosen someone with a more robust past than a community organizer (and not afraid to show his birth certificate).   ;D

The Democrat bumper stickers seem to be disappearing rapidly in California, yet I suppose the electorate will return Feinstein, Pelosi, and Boxer to office next go around.  I hope the Democrats got the 'change' they wanted.  It will make it much easier for middle America to make a more intelligent choice for the next president (as well as House and Senate seats).   Hopefully,  I am not being too optimistic!
Doug (Calmissile)

lordtiberius

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #25 on: November 15, 2013, 09:42:35 AM »

41% hardly makes it a majority. 



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Russia

And which religion outnumbers the Christians?   :welcome: 


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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #26 on: November 15, 2013, 09:49:27 AM »
Five hour rambling talk shows that really don't way anything aren't helpful.
Russian rambling must be contagious ;D.
Milan's "Duomo"

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #27 on: November 15, 2013, 09:57:50 AM »
Russia is also a Christian nation.  For all my poo poo the Third Rome, looks like the poo poo is on me.  Russia is the only nation save the Vatican that standing in front of the guns held by these beasts in the Middle East.  This uniquely places Russia as a world leader.  Russia should acknowledge Mr. Putin's achievement.

Steveboy talks about Russians not needing or want to go West.  That the MOB biz is dead.  Is it true?  Is there an economic renaissance in Russia?

They days of picking up a washer up and house cleaner from Russia are well and truly numbered! :'(

lordtiberius

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #28 on: November 15, 2013, 10:07:28 AM »
Mendeleyev, you were right and I was wrong.  Russia has been on the right side of this issue.  And I don't believe that Assad gassed his own people.  Excepting his support for Iran, Putin has lead the way on what a rational foreign policy in the Middle East should be - protecting our Christian brothers who have no defense against barbarism.  As I have said before Putin alone deserves credit for that.

As for the United States, I like at our current office holder as tyrant.  He will be deposed or sidelined from now on.  He wanted this job.  (I believe he cheated.)  Now, he will get it.  I think he will get an override Congress.  The House may get 61 Dems to defect, and conversely the House can increase its majority by that same number.  The GOP will need to win every single Dem seat to get 67 Senators.  Not likely, but 15 of those races are competitive.  If all things break for the Repubs, not because they are so brilliant but because the mad king is so bad - that would increase our gains to 60.  All we would need is bend 7 defectors.  2016 the Repubs have to defend more seats and the Dems are on more solid ground.  Watch the noncompetitive Senate races - New Jersey, Virginia, Durbin's seat in Illinois and Hawaii, if they become competitive, we could be living in interesting times.

I am predicting it here - Holder is gone by Valentines Day.


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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #29 on: November 15, 2013, 08:51:30 PM »
Thank you and I'll add the caution however that Putin is certainly no saint, sometimes he scares me. Other times I am compelled to be grateful for some of his work on foreign policy.

A great focus this next year for me personally will be North Korea and it looks as if I'll be traveling there again. Russia's development efforts along the border will hopefully help and especially as China joins in these economic projects, I'm praying that openness will have the same impact as it did for the Soviets. China has made great strides but much more can be done.

I sincerely hope that persecuted people all over the globe will find champions who will stand up for those who have no voice.
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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #30 on: November 15, 2013, 10:20:25 PM »
A great focus this next year for me personally will be North Korea and it looks as if I'll be traveling there again. Russia's development efforts along the border will hopefully help and especially as China joins in these economic projects, I'm praying that openness will have the same impact as it did for the Soviets. China has made great strides but much more can be done.

Seriously?  North Korea?  I WILL PRAY FOR YOU - ONE DECADE OF THE ROSARY EVERY DAY YOU ARE OVER THERE.

Watch this video.  It is very funny and very weird and from what I can tell a TRUE STORY
http://www.vice.com/the-vice-guide-to-travel/vice-guide-to-north-korea-1-of-3

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #31 on: November 15, 2013, 10:54:41 PM »


I sincerely hope that persecuted people all over the globe will find champions who will stand up for those who have no voice.
Amen :)
SLAVA UKRAYINI  ! HEROYAM SLAVA!!!!
Слава Украине! Слава героям слава!Слава Україні! Слава героям!
 translated as: Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!!!  is a Ukrainian greeting slogan being used now all over Ukraine to signify support for a free independent Ukraine

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #32 on: November 15, 2013, 11:19:03 PM »
Regarding North Korea, the train for military action in North Korea has left the station and probably left the station a long time ago.  The policy of the United States in North Korea is still officially regime change though we have been in a de facto containment posture since '53.  Perhaps Mr. Putin's initiative may yield some fruit.  I just do not know what.  Other than photo ops, what really does NK have to trade Russia?  What does Russia have to trade with North Korea that Russia wants and that North Korea can afford?

A third force in on the Peninsula leaves Foggy Bottom flat footed (no surprise).  The State Department for all its lofty presumptions has not seen John Quincy Adams, Benjamin Franklin or even a William Seward.  The State Department with its rather large budget is shockingly short on accomplishments.  Those secretaries that have served our country well Dulles, Kissinger, Schultz and Baker have always been our man in State rather than the State's man for us.  There is a reason why there no American Hammarskjölds, Tallyrands or  Richilieu. 

The status quo isn't getting us anywhere in Korea.  The North and South are no closer to being together and perhaps farther apart.  Fatty Kim is not liked in China.  Vlad is filling the vacuum we left behind when we elected this thin-skinned skinny state senator with a thin resume.   We cannot contain Fatty Kim forever.  And there are really only two people that know anything about North Korea - Franklin Graham and Dennis Rodman.  I doubt that our President will invite either men for a chat or a friendly game of B-ball.  Both men are straight.

Lastly, Putin maybe a stabilizing force in the world contrary to what we Westerners thought of revitalized Russia.  But Putin will have Gorbachev kinds of problems if he doesn't heed the cries of the poor - those poor in opportunity, poor in spirit and poor in justice.  Solzenitsyn demanded the country de-Stalinize.  He would be President for life if he would, will he?  Is there any journalistic or political opposition inside Russia?  Will the Czar return?

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #33 on: November 16, 2013, 12:00:00 AM »
What NK possesses first are people who are deserving of a better life. Equal to that are the other natural resources which of course interests both Russia and China.
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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #34 on: November 16, 2013, 12:03:30 AM »
What NK possesses first are people who are deserving of a better life. Equal to that are the other natural resources which of course interests both Russia and China.

De oppresso liber?

So now we are neocons?

Why do they deserve a better life?  To enjoy freedom, you have to earn it, fight for it.  A realist would say that the slaves of Fatty Kim like to eat bark.  Am I wrong?  Or should I give Sharansky and PJ O'Rourke another read?

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #35 on: November 16, 2013, 12:44:14 AM »
Everyone who lives in slavery deserves a better life but that doesn't mean it is America's job to spill blood to make it happen. Freedom begins at home and the USA has deep and serious problems.

As for fighting for freedom, those who are starving to death have no strength or will to fight. These are people who farm with their bare hands, without even oxen. How can they stand up to a regime that possesses a large army and nukes? It is humanitarian to offer aid in the form of food and medicine but the big problem is ensuring that such aid goes to the real hungry, not to feed the army and supplement the more well off families in and around the capital district.

I have seen situations where bark was stripped from trees and boiled to eat because there was nothing else to eat. I don't think that they liked it but today some 28% of all North Korean babies under the age of 6 are either starving or seriously malnourished.

I admire the humanitarian efforts such as Franklin Graham and others who attempt to bring hope by delivering aid. The NK policy is that those who can work deserve to be fed although you won't find any overweight people anywhere in the country. Those who can't work are allotted one cup of rice per day but often they don't even get that. This includes children of non-working families.

I believe that regime change will happen but not by an invasion. Although illegal, things like mobile phones, DVDs and even wifi notebooks are making it across the border, as contraband of course, from China. China has a very big issue with social media now and they can't censure it fast enough. That issue will come to North Korea eventually but now even the capital is under rolling electric blackouts at night and the Metro often only runs when tourists or journalists are in the capital.

About three years ago the ban on photography was officially lifted although journalists are simply stopped whenever a professional camera comes out of the its case. The advent of cell phones with cameras however has begun to open the world to NK, and open NK to the world. A brisk clothing trade where NK women sew clothing for sale in China is now is being conducted, in the shadows, but the government turns a blind as it helps feed hungry mouths.


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lordtiberius

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #36 on: November 16, 2013, 01:46:52 AM »
Everyone who lives in slavery deserves a better life but that doesn't mean it is America's job to spill blood to make it happen.

Why North Korea?  Why not Somalia?  Or Zimbabwe?


Freedom begins at home and the USA has deep and serious problems.

Maybe Russia will do better.


As for fighting for freedom, those who are starving to death have no strength or will to fight. These are people who farm with their bare hands, without even oxen. How can they stand up to a regime that possesses a large army and nukes? It is humanitarian to offer aid in the form of food and medicine but the big problem is ensuring that such aid goes to the real hungry, not to feed the army and supplement the more well off families in and around the capital district.

No it is not humanitarian to offer aid in the form of food and medicine to an enemy.  You know that.

I have seen situations where bark was stripped from trees and boiled to eat because there was nothing else to eat. I don't think that they liked it but today some 28% of all North Korean babies under the age of 6 are either starving or seriously malnourished.

Those who can't work are allotted one cup of rice per day but often they don't even get that. This includes children of non-working families.


One less soldier, one less slave that Fatty Kim will use to threaten our coasts.

I admire the humanitarian efforts such as Franklin Graham and others who attempt to bring hope by delivering aid.

The NK policy is that those who can work deserve to be fed although you won't find any overweight people anywhere in the country.

Fatty Kim could miss a few meals.

I believe that regime change will happen but not by an invasion. Although illegal, things like mobile phones, DVDs and even wifi notebooks are making it across the border, as contraband of course, from China.

How many divisions does the Pope have?

China has a very big issue with social media now and they can't censure it fast enough.

And yet China endures, growing stronger everyday.

That issue will come to North Korea eventually but now even the capital is under rolling electric blackouts at night and the Metro often only runs when tourists or journalists are in the capital.

The same situation is true in Venezuela, Iran and Cuba and most places where socialism is tried. At least the Venezuelans are resisting.  Why should we help these obedient brain washed slaves?

About three years ago the ban on photography was officially lifted although journalists are simply stopped whenever a professional camera comes out of the its case. The advent of cell phones with cameras however has begun to open the world to NK, and open NK to the world.

bread and circus

A brisk clothing trade where NK women sew clothing for sale in China is now is being conducted, in the shadows, but the government turns a blind as it helps feed hungry mouths.

Stalin loved criminals too.  Soviet Russia had the NEP too.  Liberalization doesn't always work. 

But you have been there, I haven't.

Offline Ooooops

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #37 on: November 18, 2013, 12:39:50 AM »
And which religion outnumbers the Christians?   :welcome:


Combination of all other ones!    :clapping:

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #38 on: January 15, 2014, 01:27:37 PM »
This Christmas was peaceful in Egypt, the first peaceful holiday in several years although violence has been renewed with the January 14 vote on a new constitution.

Coptic Pope Tawadros II celebrated the first Christmas liturgy since he was selected as Patriarch at Saint Mark's Cathedral in Alexandria, the historic seat of Egypt's once-majority but now minority Christian population. For the first time in modern history, an Egyptian president, interim President Adly Mansour, paid a visit to the home of the Patriarch/Pope on Christmas Eve.

Also in attendance at the nativity liturgy was an official delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church, sent by Russian Patriarch Kirill as a sign of pan-Orthodox unity.

Meanwhile in Istanbul, signs protesting the new Egyptian government were spray painted on the walls of the Egyptian Consulate.

Complete coverage including photos are at the Mendeleyev Journal: http://russianreport.wordpress.com/2014/01/15/peace-in-egypt-not-yet/




« Last Edit: January 15, 2014, 01:29:19 PM by mendeleyev »
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lordtiberius

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #39 on: February 04, 2014, 12:35:27 PM »
http://news.yahoo.com/us-ambassador-russia-stepping-down-124620397.html

Quote
But he said Tuesday that his biggest frustration after two years as ambassador is "our inability to dispel this myth that America and the Obama administration and me personally are seeking to foment revolution in Russia."

Putin has accused the U.S. State Department of instigating the protests and more generally seeking to weaken Russia. His anti-American rhetoric plays well among most Russians, who still harbor deep suspicions of U.S. intentions two decades after the end of the Cold War.

"I have tried so many different ways to battle this," McFaul said. "I see opinion poll data. I'm an academic — I take a particular interest in measuring results of our public diplomacy, and that piece is frustrating to me because it's just not our policy, it's not what we're trying to do here. So that's a failure I would say."

The Obama administration expressed its gratitude to McFaul for his five years of service.

"Moreover, Mike has been tireless in advocating for the universal values that America stands for around the world, reaching out to civil society, and recognizing the right of every voice to be heard," Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said in a statement.

The administration has not yet nominated his replacement.

Offline mendeleyev

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #40 on: February 12, 2014, 03:27:11 PM »
From today's Mendeleyev Journal:

US Ambassador Michael McFaul stpping down:

It was a good decision. However given recent Ambassadorial nominees for foreign posts, one cannot help but be concerned by what kind of buffoon the hapless US administration will nominate to replace him.

Having previously forced Russia to accept the replacement of an American Ambassador who was well-liked and respected even in the midst of disagreements, Mr. Obama disregarded Moscow's protests and sent McFaul anyway, despite his record of working to encourage regime change in the former Soviet sphere and regardless of his total lack of diplomatic training or experience.

Michael McFaul started his diplomatic infancy on the wrong foot literally from the moment he touched down in Moscow. Instead of a warming up period to meet with Russian leaders and lawmakers, he dove right in by scheduling meetings with opposition leaders.

McFaul's tactis were supposedly done to send a message to Russian leader Vladimir Putin that the Obama administration has chosen sides and wanted him gone. The message backfired and the already souring relations began to tank even faster as Mr. Putin announced that he planned to return for a third term and run for re-election.


The Spasso House has been home to US Ambassadors since 1933, the name "Saviour on the Sands", referring to the sandy soil of the neighborhood.
The Spasso House has been home to US Ambassadors since 1933, the name meaning "Saviour on the Sands", a reference to the sandy soil of that Moscow neighborhood.

In the early days of his tenure McFaul was met almost daily met by Russian press who were there to document his meetings with protest leaders. Puzzled by how they knew when and where he would be, McFaul accused the Russians of planting bugs in his office and hacking his mobile phone.

Secretary of State Clinton mounted her office telephone and chewed out her counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, for the alleged abuses.
During that conversation Lavrov listened patiently and at last when Mrs. Clinton's insane rant was over he calmly informed her that McFaul daily tweeted his every move and the Russian press didn't need bugs and planted microphones when the Ambassador was openly sending not only his daily schedule out to followers but also his up to the moment travels on the way to those meetings. Hell, even us common folk can follow the Ambassador: http://twitter.com/mcfaul

Things quickly got so bad that Mr. Obama had to call long-retired former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger out of hibernation to smooth things over in Moscow. Mr. Kissinger got on a plane to sit down with McFaul for a diplomatic spanking of sorts, then paid a visit to Vladimir Putin. Mr. Kissinger and Mr. Putin have history, they understand and respect each other, and so Kissinger made the case for allowing McFaul to grow into the position and reasoned with the Russians that expelling McFaul would only further harm US-Russian relations.


January 20, 2012: Kissinger pleads the case for retaining new Ambassador McFaul.
January 20, 2012: Kissinger pleads the case for retaining new Ambassador McFaul.

Our purpose is not to vilify Michael McFaul but you can be damned sure that we lay this colossal ambassadorial failure, or FAIL as the younger generation says, squarely at the feet of a naive and inept American president who baffles us with a level of recklessness not seen in recent administrations. On a personal level we find McFaul engaging and sincere and it is to his credit that he has grown in the job.

When Ambassador McFaul announced that he was stepping down for "personal" reasons one can only conclude that the projected crackdown on personal freedoms once the glow of the Olympics has faded signaled to those in charge that a new face will be needed for the challenges that lie ahead.

The Ambassador does have some accomplishments under his belt including talks on arms-control, his vocal opposition to the so-called Dima Yakovlev law restricting adoption of Russian children, and his efforts in negotiating for the NATO base in Ulyanovsk (southern Russia) to assist in winding down American operations in Afghanistan.

Ambassador McFaul and Moscow's English language radio host Pete Cato.
Ambassador McFaul (r) interviewed by Moscow's English language radio host Pete Cato (l).

Our hope is that Washington will at this stage get serious about naming an experienced diplomat with Russian experience and not another political fundraising hack. We don't expect much however if the current Obama nominee as Ambassador to Norway is any example.

Mr. Obama's nominee for the Norway post promised the Senate during confirmation hearings that he looked forward to working with Norway's president. Ooops, Norway is a constitutional monarchy and the Norwegian King and Prime Minister will most certainly be surprised to learn that their country has a president. It is pretty bad when even CNN's Anderson Cooper makes fun of the Obama nominees.





Russians do have a good sense of humour, even in the midst of bungling stupidity from the aliens who dwell along the Potomac and in that spirit the Moscow Times newspaper has a spoof on Ambassador replacement suggestions for the Americans to consider. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/10-unlikely-candidates-to-replace-michael-mcfaul-photo-essay/494297.html

One can only hope that the aliens dwelling along the Potomac doesn't take the list too seriously.
« Last Edit: February 12, 2014, 03:29:30 PM by mendeleyev »
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Offline Anotherkiwi

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #41 on: February 12, 2014, 04:43:18 PM »
I'm guessing that it would be too much to hope for that McFaul is replaced by his predecessor?  Russia is definitely NOT a place to send your political cronies.

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #42 on: February 14, 2014, 02:08:02 AM »
 
Quote
I'm guessing that it would be too much to hope for that McFaul is replaced by his predecessor?

Former Ambassador Beyrle would be well received by the Russians and he is one of the most "apolitical" persons you'd meet. He serves his country, not just a party. However he was posted in Russia by a man with a 4-letter name that begins with B and continues with u-s-h. So, we must assume that he is bad and evil and the cause of all that is wrong and pass him up for someone much less qualified. This Washington administration is devoid of any logic or intelligent reasoning so I'm too afraid to even guess. 


Quote
Russia is definitely NOT a place to send your political cronies.

You are far too wise to ever contemplate a run for political office in the USA, Kiwi!
   
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Offline Anotherkiwi

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #43 on: February 14, 2014, 02:41:22 AM »

Former Ambassador Beyrle would be well received by the Russians...However he was posted in Russia by a man with a 4-letter name that begins with B and continues with u-s-h. So, we must assume that he is bad and evil and the cause of all that is wrong and pass him up for someone much less qualified.

Of course he is!  Heck, a Republican sent him there!

You are far too wise far away to ever contemplate a run for political office in the USA, Kiwi!

Thanks, but that's more like it!  I can easily be as dumb as the next guy if I try hard enough...

lordtiberius

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #44 on: February 27, 2014, 12:32:05 AM »
Running for elected office is a difficult endeavor and until anyone tries it or has serious experience at it, they should not disparage it.

Russian diplomatic relations are what they are because Russia is a mafia state.  Everyone knows that.

Offline mendeleyev

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Re: Russian diplomatic relations
« Reply #45 on: July 12, 2014, 09:49:33 PM »
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s senior foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushakov, has signaled to Washington that Moscow will agree to the appointment of John Tefft as the next Ambassador to Russia. Although cautious, Ushakov in an interview with the Russian news agency ITAR-TASS called Tefft a “professional diplomat” with previous experience in Moscow.

New Ambassador to Russia will be John Tefft height=213

Still ahead are the US Senate hearings once the Obama administration makes the formal nomination. Confirmation shouldn’t be a problem as Tefft is no stranger on Capitol Hill, with foreign service experience dating back to 1972. Most recently Mr. Tefft was the US Ambassador to Ukraine from 2009 to 2013 and he has served previously in the Moscow Embassy under deputy roles. From 2000 to 2003 he was the US Ambassador to Lithuania and the US Ambassador to Georgia during 2005 to 2009.

The nomination of Tefft , who speaks Russian and Ukrainian, is likely to be well received in the Senate after the debacle with the inexperienced Michael McFaul in the position. The Russians say that the Obama administration made the initial request regarding Tefft in June and their announcement of acceptance came while Russian President Putin was in Cuba as part of his diplomatic tour to Latin America.

The annexation of Crimea and the continued fighting in Eastern Ukraine have left relations in tatters between Russia and the United States, some going so far to call the chill a new “Cold War.” Adding to the tension is the suspicion that Tefft’s appointment is due to his experience with so-called “color revolutions.” He served in Ukraine at a time of regime change and he was the US Ambassador to Georgia during the Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008.

Pravda wrote this week that Russia could not afford to trust Tefft regardless of his prior experience in Russia. Andrei Kortunov, of the Moscow based New Eurasia Foundation, was quoted in Pravda saying that the Tefft appointment would not automatically signal a renewal of open dialogue with Russia. Kortunov pointed to the failures of the McFaul ambassadorship and current tensions regarding Crimea and the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.

Both countries must approve Ambassadorial appointments and foreign diplomats are received when the incoming Ambassador formally presents diplomatic credentials to the host nation. Traditionally foreign ambassadors present their credentials to Russia’s president and foreign minister during ceremonies held in the Grand Kremlin Palace’s the Alexander Hall.

June 2014 reception of new Ambassadors in the Grand Kremlin Palace. height=364
June 2014 reception of new Ambassadors in the Grand Kremlin Palace.

Of interest to some is that Tefft’s wife will join him in Moscow. Many Russians didn’t understand why previous Ambassador Michael McFaul chose to leave his family in California while trying to make the 9,000 kilometer weekly commute fit his Embassy schedule.
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