BBC's Moscow correspondent visits Crimea

[msmob]

An interesting article :

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39329284

[Gator]

An interesting article :

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39329284

Yes, indeed.  One hour of questioning at the border!!!  Is that because the author is a reporter, albeit a reporter stationed in Moscow and thus well known to Russian government?   

Jamie Oliver "uses too much oil," coming from a man who probably eats salo.   


The signs are everywhere that with Putin as President, Russia will never give Crimea back to Ukraine.  The seizure prevented the US from building a military base in Crimea (a theory read somewhere by my stepson).  

I still contend that the only way to settle this matter is for Russia to pay Ukraine for Crimea.  Putin would reply that the US never paid Mexico for Texas.   

[Hammer2722]

I still contend that the only way to settle this matter is for Russia to pay Ukraine for Crimea.  Putin would reply that the US never paid Mexico for Texas.

That would be because the US never took Texas from Mexico. Texas won its own freedom and was its own nation for some years before joining the union.

[Wayne]

My wife tells me that it is against Ukrainian laws for a Ukrainian citizen to enter Crimea through Russia, because that would be admitting that Crimea is part of Russia. A Ukrainian citizen  could be fined a large amount or jailed.

Yes, there can be a very long wait at the Russian check station in Crimea. My wife had an eight hour wait.

Ukraine does not allow vehicles with Russian plates to enter Ukraine through Crimea. That would be another case of admitting that Crimea is part of Russia. Problem is, people in Crimea were forced to change to Russian plates. So that is why the correspondents needed to change cars at the crossing point.

These correspondents should also exit Crimea through Ukraine.

The bridge from Crimea to Russia is way behind schedule and has suffered damages.

[GQBlues]

My wife tells me that it is against Ukrainian laws for a Ukrainian citizen to enter Crimea through Russia, because that would be admitting that Crimea is part of Russia. A Ukrainian citizen  could be fined a large amount or jailed.

Yes, there can be a very long wait at the Russian check station in Crimea. My wife had an eight hour wait.

Ukraine does not allow vehicles with Russian plates to enter Ukraine through Crimea. That would be another case of admitting that Crimea is part of Russia. Problem is, people in Crimea were forced to change to Russian plates. So that is why the correspondents needed to change cars at the crossing point.

These correspondents should also exit Crimea through Ukraine.

The bridge from Crimea to Russia is way behind schedule and has suffered damages.

 

Wayne-

Whatever happened to that home you were building in Crimea not too long ago?

[Wayne]

The dacha by the Black Sea is complete. Now, we would like to sell it because our plans have changed.

[GQBlues]

Oh No! 

Good luck with the sale! I enjoyed you sharing pictures of it during its construction.

[msmob]

Dear Wayne,

What is the market like there, now.. I know property shot up in 2014 - but fell back ...? 

Can you SELL your home - have you got all the RU docs ?   I know that in Cyprus .. Sales / House deeds re not recognised and a Greek Cypriot used the European Court of Human rights to sue Turkey and won ...Russia is a member of the council of Europe.

I was going to sail from Sochi to Balaklava in Crimea last year - when it was possible for a non-Russian to enter via the port, again ..But there was a guy drowned in a previous race and  the RU authorities tightened up requirements for competitors - I'm still not sure if my European creds will be respected.

I didn't think that if I went - I might be banned from entering UA

Seeing the trouble the BBC went to to remain legal in respect of both nations... I will need to reconsider

I raced there, before - when it was Ukraine and no-one disputed the fact.

I was surprised by the BBC article that anyone even would dare wear a UA badge / flag on their clothing

[Bounder]

Sorry, if this has already been posted. I've been away lately. Anyway, another interesting recent article on the Crimea:

http://rbth.com/politics_and_society/2017/03/18/whats-life-really-like-in-crimea-3-years-after-reunion-with-russia_722136

[jone]

Sorry, if this has already been posted. I've been away lately. Anyway, another interesting recent article on the Crimea:

http://rbth.com/politics_and_society/2017/03/18/whats-life-really-like-in-crimea-3-years-after-reunion-with-russia_722136

Very interesting article, Bounder.  It is from a decidedly Russian point of view.  But, then again, we would hope that you are smart enough to engage things from such a perspective, considering your new home.

[Bounder]

Very interesting article, Bounder.  It is from a decidedly Russian point of view.  But, then again, we would hope that you are smart enough to engage things from such a perspective, considering your new home.

I think multiple perspectives are always best. BBC typically offers up a decidedly British perspective. It's nice that a different perspective is also available around the same time.

[Wayne]

I think real estate prices are lower now. Russia is behind in setting up the new data base for Crimean property. Probably the only buyer would be from Russia anyway.

There were no property taxes under Ukraine, but now there are high taxes on land, buildings and vehicles. Utilities are much higher and going up.

[msmob]

I think multiple perspectives are always best. BBC typically offers up a decidedly British perspective. It's nice that a different perspective is also available around the same time.

Bounder - your source is totally funded and controlled by the Russian govt.. 

The BBC - despite the Man ies of this world suggesting otherwise are not run by / for the govt - they brought down Tony Blair ...after his WMD advisories to Parliament - which led to the UK joining in Bush II's Crusade in Iraq. Which I strongly backed - based on bollox 'evidence'.

Tonight, a consumer prog - Watchdog - had a number of complaints upheld against it by a wronged retailer - VERY publicly bollocked by the BBC trust http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2YxtXrh1w3Z7LC3F92pnRJR/bbc-trust-finding-into-pets-at-home-investigation


Next time you read of BBC 'bias' please bear in mind that is MAY be coming from someone getting PAID for their 'opinion' and suggesting I get paid for mine and ensuring it never sees the light of day

[Bounder]

Bounder - your source is totally funded and controlled by the Russian govt.. 

The BBC - despite the Man ies of this world suggesting otherwise are not run by / for the govt - they brought down Tony Blair ...after his WMD advisories to Parliament - which led to the UK joining in Bush II's Crusade in Iraq. Which I strongly backed - based on bollox 'evidence'.

Tonight, a consumer prog - Watchdog - had a number of complaints upheld against it by a wronged retailer - VERY publicly bollocked by the BBC trust http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2YxtXrh1w3Z7LC3F92pnRJR/bbc-trust-finding-into-pets-at-home-investigation


Next time you read of BBC 'bias' please bear in mind that is MAY be coming from someone getting PAID for their 'opinion' and suggesting I get paid for mine and ensuring it never sees the light of day

I know that the BBC and the Guardian sometimes do good stuff and buck the status quo. But what they did with Blair and other things isn't relevant to the treatment they give to Russia. If you spend time here, you know this. There is no understanding, nor attempt of Russia. It is extremely biased. I can't remember the last time I read a western news article about Russia that AT LEAST was tentative or offering the possibility of giving the benefit of doubt. I have only seen very bad news when Russia is treated in the Western media. I know it may come as a surprise to some readers, but Russia is a normal country with many good things going on. This is an objective fact.

[Gator]

I know that the BBC and the Guardian sometimes do good stuff and buck the status quo. But what they did with Blair and other things isn't relevant to the treatment they give to Russia. If you spend time here, you know this. There is no understanding, nor attempt of Russia. It is extremely biased. I can't remember the last time I read a western news article about Russia that AT LEAST was tentative or offering the possibility of giving the benefit of doubt. I have only seen very bad news when Russia is treated in the Western media. I know it may come as a surprise to some readers, but Russia is a normal country with many good things going on. This is an objective fact.

I rely on two channels for news about Russia.  To summarize:  all is good in Russia except the economy (Putin seems to be a fiscal conservative).  Those two channels:  my wife and my stepson.   

[Bounder]

I rely on two channels for news about Russia.  To summarize:  all is good in Russia except the economy (Putin seems to be a fiscal conservative).  Those two channels:  my wife and my stepson.   

  My perspective is limited and I have only been in Moscow about 5 weeks. It seems like people work like dogs here and manage to get a good living out of it. But as I said that is only my very limited observation to date, and only in Moscow.

I was first here in 1999 and the city has vastly changed on every level. Wherever I have been in Moscow, from the centre to the burbs, I am not seeing all the beggars and drunkards that were the norm here on my first visit.

I feel very comfortable here. I also feel very safe although not sure if that's naive. Could be. These are my very limited observations.

I don't see a suffering economy.

[LAman]

I rely on two channels for news about Russia.  To summarize:  all is good in Russia except the economy (Putin seems to be a fiscal conservative).  Those two channels:  my wife and my stepson.   

Maybe you need a new remote???

[JayH]

 A link for you all

Two ladies talking in Ukrainian. "Girls, you're from the Ukraine?". Replied: "Yes, of Yalta! '" - Krymska banderіvets

18. Simferopol. Filling. Two ladies talking in Ukrainian. They ask: "Girls, you're from the Ukraine?". They replied: "Yes, of Yalta!".

Источник: http://www.amn.com.ua/blogy/symferopol-zapravka-dve-damy-razgovaryvayut-na-ukraynskom-devchonky-vy-s-ukrayny-otvetyly-da-yz-yalty-krymskyj-banderivets/

[msmob]

I know that the BBC and the Guardian sometimes do good stuff and buck the status quo. But what they did with Blair and other things isn't relevant to the treatment they give to Russia. If you spend time here, you know this.

FAR more time - than you - and I base MY stance on that:)

There is no understanding, nor attempt of Russia. It is extremely biased. I can't remember the last time I read a western news article about Russia that AT LEAST was tentative or offering the possibility of giving the benefit of doubt.

Then you simply cannot have read this article ... 

Does the BBC imply Crimea is likely  to be returned ? NO....  Did it deal with the negatives.. YES ....   RT has a base in the UK and has weekly, local dissections of UK Politics...  IF the BBC did this, in Russia, ..the likes of Zhironovsky would be screaming for it to be shut down

When the BBC show something on Russia that is biased, skewed ...I comment on that,  too. 

 I'm now a 'rusiophobe'    - because I have never trusted how VVP achieved power / wealth and his role in Chenchn'ya and long worried about leaders changing the rules to remain in office  - as only they can 'put things right' ..

This 'russiophobe' likes the life in one RU city and despite my opinions of those who sit in the Kremlin - making foreign policy decisions that have HURT the chance for that city to profit from all the investment thrown at it - I don't voice my opinions there.

Not because I'm afraid ... but because, I'm a guest and I like going there and it's none of my business;)

That doesn't stop me wondering on here why it is 'OK' to stir up separatism or secession within neighbours considered within the 'sphere of influence' - but make it a criminal offence - even increasing the penalties - to promote same within ?

I don't like watching the Kremlin owned / controlled news channels about Ukraine  - as it portrays their elected Politicians as idiots and many / most UA channels do the same - about  RU one's , now ..   

You speak of 'objectivity'.. I often see JUST the opposite. Moscow just can't let Kyiv go and historically has always come back to 'look after her - as she is a naughty, unruly child, ' !

One of my best friends is a former Red Army officer - he has lived over half his life in Soviet times and doesn't like Putin the man - but adores what he has done for Russian pride...   He has taught me much about Russians and most Russian traditions / customs I know. 

Nearly 15 years of friendship and he would tell you 'I know nothing of the Russian people' - waving his hand dismissively and with a face that looked like he just ate something unpleasant, but he'd laugh in the face of someone that called me a 'rusiophobe' - telling THEM - I know more about Russians than most westerners .... and there you have an enigma that is most Russians

I really believe I can and do see both perspectives - but one side's media is MUCH more heavily controlled and has more money thrown at it - to influence opinion..

[JayH]

Yeah-Russia is wonderful ( not) !
For those looking at Russia through the pink glasses -- get a clear set for a dose of reality.
Such blinded stupidity is quite incredible.
The BBC article goes very soft on real issues  -- but for journalists who want to continue writing out of Russia that is a prerequisite ---- so read with caution.

Menacing FSB interrogations of Ukrainian Cultural Centre activists in Crimea

Four members of the Ukrainian Cultural Centre have been subjected to FSB interrogation in a move that seems clearly aimed at intimidation and at labelling any pro-Ukrainian activities, however unpolitical, as ‘extremist’. One of the original founders of the Centre has been driven out of Crimea and is now facing charges effectively for opposing annexation, while another activist is threatened with possible criminal charges for a photo on her social network page with a Ukrainian flag.


http://www.kyivpost.com/article/opinion/op-ed/halya-coynash-menacing-fsb-interrogations-ukrainian-cultural-centre-activists-crimea.html?utm_content=buffer29e4f&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

[msmob]

Yeah-Russia is wonderful ( not) !
For those looking at Russia through the pink glasses -- get a clear set for a dose of reality.
Such blinded stupidity is quite incredible.
The BBC article goes very soft on real issues  -- but for journalists who want to continue writing out of Russia that is a prerequisite ---- so read with caution.

JayH

 May be you never watch / read the reports of Steve Joshua Rosenburg / Sara Rainsford from Russia / Ukraine?  From MH17, Litvinenko to the disputed circumstances of  deaths journos / lawyers of folks who suggest corruption - they are hardly muted or careful

[Belvis]

I still contend that the only way to settle this matter is for Russia to pay Ukraine for Crimea.  Putin would reply that the US never paid Mexico for Texas.

No, the russian mentality implies that what was taken with blood, will be given back with blood. Russia had payed for Crimea with hundreds of thousands of soldiers over XVIII-XX centuries. Will anybody raise the stake  to pay similar price for Crimea?
By the way, my grandfather, commander of the mortar battery, had been wounded in Crimea in 1944. So I feel personal satisfaction from returning Crimea back to Russia.

As for BBC reporter: he serves Britain's interests which don't coincide with creating the unbiased picture in international affairs. Information technology is simple. While you have, let's say, 80% of supporting Russia, the reporter will talk mainly with 20% of opposite views, and mention about the prevailing majority by the way. The same was with Crimean Tatars, the reporter will talk only with pro-Ukrainian men ignoring the others (Tatars are divided roughly 50 by 50, but nobody knows the accurate numbers).
Rules of game are well known and not going to be changed soon. It's OK when you realize the game 

[ML]

By the way, my grandfather, commander of the mortar battery, had been wounded in Crimea in 1944. So I feel personal satisfaction from returning Crimea back to Russia.

I thought it was the Soviet Union Army that fought the Germans in Crimea in 1944.

[msmob]

No, the russian mentality implies that what was taken with blood, will be given back with blood. Russia had payed for Crimea with hundreds of thousands of soldiers over XVIII-XX centuries. Will anybody raise the stake  to pay similar price for Crimea?
By the way, my grandfather, commander of the mortar battery, had been wounded in Crimea in 1944. So I feel personal satisfaction from returning Crimea back to Russia.

Let me correct your history .. Russia took Crimea by force from The Ottomans  - made a deal and broke it [ Katherine the Great 1738 -screwing over the Tatars for the first time  ]... A bit like the Budapest Memorandum  of 1991 when Russia agreed Crimea was a part of Ukraine and promised to protect the integrity of said country

As for BBC reporter: he serves Britain's interests

Your second mistake... You may be confusing how a journo works for Kremlin controlled / owned media...  A BBC journo is employed to portray the facts. - with balance .

Unlike RT which has had two jounalist resign because of the editorial constraints to portray Russia in a good light - I don't know of a BBC journo that has resigned citing editorial constraints preventing them reporting fact...


As I have pointed out the BBC has even investigated the evidence that caused us to go into Iraq with the Americans and caused a leader to resign ... I can just visualise Vesti or RBK investigating Putin's business offshore companies - which 'of course ' aren't his ... It just so happens that his family are millionaires with millionaire husbands and the HUGE white motor-yacht in Sochi harbour that everyone knows is his - only used BY him / his family and registered to a British offshore territory - isn't his and Peskov's 600,000 USD watch was a gift from his wife.... but hang on a mo.. he had it before he was with her..and he only earns 22K USD / year ..so he asks pesky journos 'to take him to Court' - like a Russian Court will find a Crony of VVP guilty ..   Now in the UK .... the BBC and others would pursue such a story .... as it is in the PEOPLE's interest they report for ... NOT govt members or businessmen ... 

After the Sex scandals which proved celebrities at the Beeb - 20, 30 and 40 years ago were perverts .... NOTHING is off limit for investigating - save 'National Security'

[msmob]

I thought it was the Soviet Union Army that fought the Germans in Crimea in 1944.

..and the Soviet Union made it part of Ukraine SSR AND the new RF agreed it was to remain there ....