CERES News Digest Vol.6 Week 2; Jan. 19 - 23

8/9/2019 CERES News Digest Vol.6 Week 2; Jan. 19 - 23

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1/19/15 1/23/15


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Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu met with his Indiancounterpart Manohar Parrikar in India on Wednesday todiscuss fast-tracking joint military programs. In particular,the two agreed to speed up development of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft project, which had been stalledsince its initial inception in 2010. The two ministersadditionally discussed a separate plan to build 400 advancedhelicopters in India annually, based on a project announcedby Russian President Putin during his visit to India inDecember.

Economic TimesReuters

On Tuesday, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev,Energy Minister Alexander Novak, and Gazprom chairAlexei Miller met to discuss moving forward with plans tobuild an alternative gas pipeline to the EU via Turkey. Witha new pipeline, Turkey will have annual gas transit of 63billion cubic meters. Novak also said that Gazprom isworking closely with Turkey on the pipelines details. InDecember 2014, Russia dropped the South StreamTransport pipeline project due to EU opposition.

Oil & Gas TechNew York Times

On Thursday, Ukrainian officials acknowledged that rebelforces had taken control of the Donetsk airport terminal. Theairport had seen fierce fighting between pro-Russianseparatists from the self-declared Donetsk Peoples Republic(DPR) and the Ukrainian army in recent days, due to itsholding symbolic value as the governments last point ofcontrol in the city. Ukrainian military spokesman VladyslavSeleznyov announced that six Ukrainian soldiers had died inthe fighting, while 16 were captured by DPR forces.

The GuardianNew York Times

On Friday, the Minister of the Interior Affairs, AlexanderTchikaidze, submitted a letter of resignation to the PrimeMinister. Tchikaidze cited allegations against him ofprotecting the culprits involved in the death of ZurabVazagashvili in 2006 as a reason behind his decision to stepdown. The allegations were voiced by Vazagashvilis father,who died in an explosion on January 20. Georgianauthorities say the investigation into the explosion isongoing.

Democracy WatchCivil.ge

On Wednesday, thousands of Armenians publicly mourned thedeath of a six-month-old baby who died due to injuries relatedto Russian soldier Valery Permyakovs attack in Gyumri lastweek. The baby initially survived the unmotivated assault,which left his six family members dead. After a week ofdebate, plans between the Russian and Armenian authoritieshave now emerged to try Permyakov in Armenia underRussian law. Protesters continue to rally for a trial by anArmenian court to alleviate the potential for cover-ups.

Yahoo!Azatutyun

On Friday, two pro-European parties have agreed to form aminority government in Moldova after months ofnegotiations following the parliamentary elections of thelast year. The Liberal Democratic Party and DemocraticParty formed the Alliance for European Moldova. TheAlliance doesnt include Liberal Party, which holds similarpro-European stands yet abstained from joining thecoalition. The Communists and pro-Russian Socialist Partyreceived 38% of votes in the elections, falling short of themajority needed to form a government.

Ipn.mdRFE/RL

Charter 97RFE/RL

On Wednesday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev andGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel met for bilateral talks inBerlin. Chancellor Merkel noted that Germany is interested inexpanding cooperation with Azerbaijan and in helping thecountry diversify its economy. Ahead of the meeting, HumanRights Watch has been urging Merkel to pressure Aliyev tofree jailed journalists, human rights activists, and governmentcritics. In 2014, Azerbaijan jailed 34 people criticizing thegovernment and passed laws against independent groups andNGOs.

RFE/RL AzerNews

Political activist Yury Rubtsou declared an indefinite hungerstrike on Thursday to protest salary levels in Belarus.Rubtsou, currently serving 18 months in an open-typecorrectional facility for allegedly assaulting a judge, has beenprotesting a statement made recently by the government thatthe average monthly salary in Belarus is $600 per month.Rubtsou supposedly demanded a job with such a salary in aneffort to prove that the actual average salary is much lower.He is also calling for a release of all political prisoners.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-russia-to-fast-track-joint-military-programmes/articleshow/45975916.cmshttp://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-russia-to-fast-track-joint-military-programmes/articleshow/45975916.cmshttp://in.reuters.com/article/2015/01/22/india-russia-idINKBN0KV11X20150122http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/01/22/india-russia-idINKBN0KV11X20150122http://www.oilandgastechnology.net/pipeline-news/gazprom-pushes-ahead-turkey-eu-pipeline-planhttp://www.oilandgastechnology.net/pipeline-news/gazprom-pushes-ahead-turkey-eu-pipeline-planhttp://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/22/business/international/russia-presses-ahead-with-plan-for-gas-pipeline-to-turkey.htmlhttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/21/russia-ukraine-war-fighting-easthttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/21/russia-ukraine-war-fighting-easthttp://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/23/world/europe/ukraine-cedes-donetsk-airport-to-rebels-as-fighting-continues.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/23/world/europe/ukraine-cedes-donetsk-airport-to-rebels-as-fighting-continues.htmlhttp://dfwatch.net/georgias-interior-minister-resigns-53456http://dfwatch.net/georgias-interior-minister-resigns-53456http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27993http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27993http://news.yahoo.com/russia-says-soldier-face-trial-armenia-152910164.htmlhttp://news.yahoo.com/russia-says-soldier-face-trial-armenia-152910164.htmlhttp://www.armenialiberty.org/content/article/26806241.htmlhttp://www.armenialiberty.org/content/article/26806241.htmlhttp://www.rferl.org/content/moldova/26809974.htmlhttp://www.ipn.md/en/politica/67135http://www.ipn.md/en/politica/67135http://www.ipn.md/en/politica/67135http://www.rferl.org/content/moldova/26809974.htmlhttp://www.rferl.org/content/moldova/26809974.htmlhttp://charter97.org/en/news/2015/1/22/136400/http://www.rferl.org/content/rubtsou-belarus-homel-hunger-strike-opposition/26807484.htmlhttp://www.rferl.org/content/germany-azerbaijan-meeting/26805192.htmlhttp://www.rferl.org/content/germany-azerbaijan-meeting/26805192.htmlhttp://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/76402.htmlhttp://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/76402.htmlhttp://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/76402.htmlhttp://www.rferl.org/content/germany-azerbaijan-meeting/26805192.htmlhttp://www.rferl.org/content/rubtsou-belarus-homel-hunger-strike-opposition/26807484.htmlhttp://charter97.org/en/news/2015/1/22/136400/http://www.rferl.org/content/moldova/26809974.htmlhttp://www.ipn.md/en/politica/67135http://www.armenialiberty.org/content/article/26806241.htmlhttp://news.yahoo.com/russia-says-soldier-face-trial-armenia-152910164.htmlhttp://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27993http://dfwatch.net/georgias-interior-minister-resigns-53456http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/23/world/europe/ukraine-cedes-donetsk-airport-to-rebels-as-fighting-continues.htmlhttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/21/russia-ukraine-war-fighting-easthttp://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/22/business/international/russia-presses-ahead-with-plan-for-gas-pipeline-to-turkey.htmlhttp://www.oilandgastechnology.net/pipeline-news/gazprom-pushes-ahead-turkey-eu-pipeline-planhttp://in.reuters.com/article/2015/01/22/india-russia-idINKBN0KV11X20150122http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-russia-to-fast-track-joint-military-programmes/articleshow/45975916.cms


3/6

On Monday, the Iranian government confirmed the death ofBrigadier General Mohammad Ali Allahdadi in Syria onSunday. Allahdadi was reportedly in Syria advising theSyrian government and was killed in a suspected Israeli airraid that also killed several Hezbollah fighters. The Israeligovernment has not formally commented on the attack.While addressing reporters on Wednesday, Iranian DefenseMinister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan denounced theIsraeli attack and threatened a "crushing response."

New York TimesFars News

The Permanent Council of the Collective Security TreatyOrganization (CSTO) held its first meeting of the year inMoscow on Thursday. Tajikistan has taken over presidencyof the CSTO for 2015, with Tajikistans representative atthe CSTO, Badriddin Mirzoyev, elected Chairman of the

CSTO Permanent Council during Thursdays meeting.

TASS BelTA

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov metwith his Afghan counterpart President Ashraf Ghani inAshgabat on Wednesday to discuss increased cooperationbetween the two countries. In particular, Berdymukhamedovand Ghani emphasized the importance of bilateral economicties and cooperation in the energy and transportation sectors.President Ghani was in Ashgabat for a two-day state visit,

accompanied by other Afghan government officials.

Vestnik Kavkaza AzerNews

Turquoise Hill Resources, the majority owner of the OyuTolgoi mine, announced on Monday that production at themine had returned to full capacity following a fire inDecember. The company said the mine had produced 148,400tons of copper and 589,000 ounces of gold in concentrates in2014. These figures were in line with previous forecasts.Forecasts for 2015 predict production in the range of 175,000to 195,000 tons of copper and 600,000 to 700,000 ounces ofgold in concentrates. Repairs to the mine were completed onJanuary 2, 2015.

Reuters Mining.com

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central Asia DanielRosenblum announced that the United States is givingUzbekistan hundreds of military vehicles, including 308Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs) and20 Armored Recovery Vehicles. The deal would mark thelargest U.S. transfer of MRAPs under the Excess DefenseArticles program. Rosenblum also says that the U.S. hasmade similar offers to other Central Asian countries, withTajikistan and Kazakhstan expressing interest.

Prosecutor General Aida Salyanova resigned from her post,announced the Kyrgyz government on Tuesday. NationalSecurity Committee spokesman Rakhat Sulaimanovconfirmed that Salyanovas husband and aide to the JusticeMinister, Bakyt Abdykaparov, is suspected of involvement incorruption. Salyanova was herself considered by many to bea symbol of the governments anti-corruption drive, as sheoversaw high-profile cases against corrupt ministers in the

government.

Times of Central Asia RFE/RL

VoA EurasiaNet

On Tuesday, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani formallypresented his list of nominees for cabinet positions to thelower house of Parliament to begin confirmation proceedings.On Wednesday, the lower house sent a letter to PresidentGhani challenging the eligibility of seven candidates whohave dual nationalities, requesting that the candidates droptheir second nationality or be replaced by new nominees. Thenominee to head the finance ministry, Jilani Popal, haswithdrawn his name from the list to retain his dual nationality.

ReutersVoice of America

A light passenger plane crashed over the southern Zhambylregion on Tuesday, killing all but one of the seven people onboard. The plane, owned by the Kazakhmys copper mine,had set off from the northern region of Karaganda en routeto a remote mine when it crashed for unknown reasons. Thegovernment of Kazakhstan has created a commission todetermine the cause of the crash.

Trend.azReuters
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/21/world/middleeast/iranian-commander-threatens-thunderbolt-against-israel-after-generals-death-in-airstrike.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/21/world/middleeast/iranian-commander-threatens-thunderbolt-against-israel-after-generals-death-in-airstrike.htmlhttp://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13931101001288http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13931101001288http://itar-tass.com/en/world/772784http://itar-tass.com/en/world/772784http://eng.belta.by/all_news/society/CSTO-plans-institute-of-partnership-in-military-and-economic-cooperation_i_78896.htmlhttp://eng.belta.by/all_news/society/CSTO-plans-institute-of-partnership-in-military-and-economic-cooperation_i_78896.htmlhttp://vestnikkavkaza.net/analysis/politics/65066.htmlhttp://vestnikkavkaza.net/analysis/politics/65066.htmlhttp://www.azernews.az/region/76405.htmlhttp://www.azernews.az/region/76405.htmlhttp://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/19/turquoise-hill-production-idUSL1N0UY0PJ20150119http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/19/turquoise-hill-production-idUSL1N0UY0PJ20150119http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/19/turquoise-hill-production-idUSL1N0UY0PJ20150119http://www.mining.com/turquoise-hill-output-at-higher-end-of-target-42174/http://www.mining.com/turquoise-hill-output-at-higher-end-of-target-42174/http://www.timesca.com/news/14888-prosecutor-general-of-kyrgyzstan-resignshttp://www.timesca.com/news/14888-prosecutor-general-of-kyrgyzstan-resignshttp://www.rferl.org/content/salyanova-resignation-kyrgyz-scandal-corruption/26803960.htmlhttp://www.rferl.org/content/salyanova-resignation-kyrgyz-scandal-corruption/26803960.htmlhttp://www.voanews.com/content/exclusive-us-gives-uzbekistan-military-equipment-boost/2609433.htmlhttp://www.voanews.com/content/exclusive-us-gives-uzbekistan-military-equipment-boost/2609433.htmlhttp://www.eurasianet.org/node/71746http://www.eurasianet.org/node/71746http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/21/us-afghanistan-cabinet-idUSKBN0KU1WH20150121http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/21/us-afghanistan-cabinet-idUSKBN0KU1WH20150121http://www.voanews.com/content/afghan-cabinet-introduced-to-parliament-for-approval/2605632.htmlhttp://www.voanews.com/content/afghan-cabinet-introduced-to-parliament-for-approval/2605632.htmlhttp://en.trend.az/casia/kazakhstan/2355489.htmlhttp://en.trend.az/casia/kazakhstan/2355489.htmlhttp://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/20/us-kazakhstan-aircrash-idUSKBN0KT1N520150120http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/20/us-kazakhstan-aircrash-idUSKBN0KT1N520150120http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/20/us-kazakhstan-aircrash-idUSKBN0KT1N520150120http://en.trend.az/casia/kazakhstan/2355489.htmlhttp://www.voanews.com/content/afghan-cabinet-introduced-to-parliament-for-approval/2605632.htmlhttp://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/21/us-afghanistan-cabinet-idUSKBN0KU1WH20150121http://www.eurasianet.org/node/71746http://www.voanews.com/content/exclusive-us-gives-uzbekistan-military-equipment-boost/2609433.htmlhttp://www.rferl.org/content/salyanova-resignation-kyrgyz-scandal-corruption/26803960.htmlhttp://www.timesca.com/news/14888-prosecutor-general-of-kyrgyzstan-resignshttp://www.mining.com/turquoise-hill-output-at-higher-end-of-target-42174/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/19/turquoise-hill-production-idUSL1N0UY0PJ20150119http://www.azernews.az/region/76405.htmlhttp://vestnikkavkaza.net/analysis/politics/65066.htmlhttp://eng.belta.by/all_news/society/CSTO-plans-institute-of-partnership-in-military-and-economic-cooperation_i_78896.htmlhttp://itar-tass.com/en/world/772784http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13931101001288http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/21/world/middleeast/iranian-commander-threatens-thunderbolt-against-israel-after-generals-death-in-airstrike.html


4/6

of-cease-fire-deal?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=world

Poland has been one of the countries most affected by thesurging value of the franc resulting from the Swiss NationalBanks decision last week to end a three-year cap on the valueof the currency. Over half a million Poles have taken out franc-denominated mortgages, totaling approximately $35 billion.Polish Finance Minister Mateusz Szczurek has encouragedPolish banks to abide by a pain-sharing agreement and pass onthe negative interest rates in Switzerland to mortgage holders.The cut in Swiss borrowing costs may lower interest income forPolish banks by up to $195 million.

Financial Times Yahoo!

The United States has offered to sell Slovakia Sikorsky UH-60Black Hawk military helicopters under the Foreign MilitarySales (FMS) fund of the U.S. Department of Defense.Slovakian defense minister said that he plans to brief thegovernment, Security Council and Parliamentary DefenseCommittee about the offer. The deal is estimated to be worth of300 million euros (US $348 million). The helicopters will besupplied over the course of next six years.

Spectator Defense News

Canadian mining company Gabriel Resources threatened onTuesday to bring a dispute with the Romanian government tointernational arbitration over derailed plans for the RosiaMontana gold mine. Plans for the mine have been in the worksfor over 15 years. While developers say the mine would createhundreds of local jobs and boost Romanias economy, expertshave also warned about extensive pollution risks and damage toRomanian mountain chains. The plan has been gridlocked since2013, when the Romanian Parliament vetoed a bill to beginconstruction on the mine.

Global Times Prague PostEstonian Public BroadcastingITAR-TASS

The first Latvian militant who joined pro-Russian separatistsin the eastern Ukraine has been killed in action, according toan online outlet covering the Ukrainian conflict. Theseparatist and Latvian citizen was identified as KushnirRodion, who also called himself Deniss Morozovs on socialmedia. Rodion claimed to be a volunteer from Latvia andwas part of the ''Vostok'' battalion. He supposedly died onJanuary 21stby a bullet wound.

BNN Leta

Reuters Bloomberg

Bloomberg

Wall Street Journal ABC

Xartiya

Czech Armed Forces spokeswoman Jana Rikovannounced on Monday that the Czech army will participatein several large NATO military training exercises in 2015. InAugust, around 1,400 Czech troops will take part in a NATOoperation in Hohenfels, Germany, with Czech heavy armor,artillery, paratroopers, and L-159 fighters. Czech helicopterpilots will train in France and Austria in June to prepare foran upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

In Davos, Switzerland, Lithuanian President DaliaGrybauskaite met with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenkoon Thursday to discuss the security situation in the country.The President said that its not possible for the EuropeanUnion to consider lifting sanctions against Russia, whichcontinues an open terrorism and an open military

offensive against its neighbor Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov confirmed that a treaty on theEstonian-Russian border will be ratified soon. I am certainthat the treaty will be ratified. In Estonia this process has notbeen completed yet, either, Lavrov noted. The state bordersbetween Russia and Estonia were agreed upon in 2005 afternearly 11 years of talks. However, the treaty that was signedshortly afterwards has not been yet ratified. Talks between thetwo countries resumed in 2012.

In a speech made on Sunday, Prime Minister Orban urged theEU to tighten immigration laws to discourage abuse of the rulesfor asylum-seekers. Orban stated that many people applying forpolitical asylum are actually economic migrants, and he warnedthat Hungary should not become a destination for immigrantsseeking a new livelihood. Political analysts have said that thisanti-immigration rhetoric is being used to divert attention awayfrom more unpopular local measures, like an expanded toll roadsystem.
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/81da52ae-a094-11e4-8ad8-00144feab7de.html#axzz3PZAFWVxhhttps://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/romania-holding-giant-gold-mine-project-hostage-214818650--sector.htmlhttps://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/romania-holding-giant-gold-mine-project-hostage-214818650--sector.htmlhttp://spectator.sme.sk/articles/view/56489/2/slovakia_may_buy_black_hawk_helicopters.htmlhttp://spectator.sme.sk/articles/view/56489/2/slovakia_may_buy_black_hawk_helicopters.htmlhttp://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/2015/01/15/slovakia-black-hawk-mi17-glvac/21833835/http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/2015/01/15/slovakia-black-hawk-mi17-glvac/21833835/http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/903368.shtmlhttp://www.globaltimes.cn/content/903368.shtmlhttp://www.praguepost.com/czech-news/43935-czech-army-to-takes-part-in-big-allied-exerciseshttp://www.praguepost.com/czech-news/43935-czech-army-to-takes-part-in-big-allied-exerciseshttp://news.err.ee/v/politics/71f612ac-dca4-41bd-950f-898a060ec8b6http://news.err.ee/v/politics/71f612ac-dca4-41bd-950f-898a060ec8b6http://itar-tass.com/en/russia/772417http://itar-tass.com/en/russia/772417http://bnn-news.com/militant-ties-latvia-killed-ukraine-124564http://bnn-news.com/militant-ties-latvia-killed-ukraine-124564http://www.leta.lv/eng/home/important/DD769780-D138-464D-827D-BCBEC00DA39D/http://www.leta.lv/eng/home/important/DD769780-D138-464D-827D-BCBEC00DA39D/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/21/swiss-snb-mortgages-idUSL6N0V026F20150121http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/21/swiss-snb-mortgages-idUSL6N0V026F20150121http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-22/polish-banks-warned-of-backlash-by-szczurek-if-franc-plan-defied.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-22/polish-banks-warned-of-backlash-by-szczurek-if-franc-plan-defied.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-22/russia-fighting-open-war-against-ukraine-lithuanian-leader-says.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-22/russia-fighting-open-war-against-ukraine-lithuanian-leader-says.htmlhttp://www.wsj.com/articles/hungarys-pm-urges-eu-to-limit-immigration-1421613471http://www.wsj.com/articles/hungarys-pm-urges-eu-to-limit-immigration-1421613471http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/hungary-strict-eu-policy-immigration-28348741http://charter97.org/en/news/2015/1/22/136421/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-14/hungary-mulls-shielding-religious-symbols-to-prevent-terrorism.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-14/hungary-mulls-shielding-religious-symbols-to-prevent-terrorism.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-14/hungary-mulls-shielding-religious-symbols-to-prevent-terrorism.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-14/hungary-mulls-shielding-religious-symbols-to-prevent-terrorism.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-14/hungary-mulls-shielding-religious-symbols-to-prevent-terrorism.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-14/hungary-mulls-shielding-religious-symbols-to-prevent-terrorism.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-14/hungary-mulls-shielding-religious-symbols-to-prevent-terrorism.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-14/hungary-mulls-shielding-religious-symbols-to-prevent-terrorism.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-14/hungary-mulls-shielding-religious-symbols-to-prevent-terrorism.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-14/hungary-mulls-shielding-religious-symbols-to-prevent-terrorism.htmlhttp://charter97.org/en/news/2015/1/22/136421/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/hungary-strict-eu-policy-immigration-28348741http://www.wsj.com/articles/hungarys-pm-urges-eu-to-limit-immigration-1421613471http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-22/russia-fighting-open-war-against-ukraine-lithuanian-leader-says.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-22/polish-banks-warned-of-backlash-by-szczurek-if-franc-plan-defied.htmlhttp://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/21/swiss-snb-mortgages-idUSL6N0V026F20150121http://www.leta.lv/eng/home/important/DD769780-D138-464D-827D-BCBEC00DA39D/http://bnn-news.com/militant-ties-latvia-killed-ukraine-124564http://itar-tass.com/en/russia/772417http://news.err.ee/v/politics/71f612ac-dca4-41bd-950f-898a060ec8b6http://www.praguepost.com/czech-news/43935-czech-army-to-takes-part-in-big-allied-exerciseshttp://www.globaltimes.cn/content/903368.shtmlhttp://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/2015/01/15/slovakia-black-hawk-mi17-glvac/21833835/http://spectator.sme.sk/articles/view/56489/2/slovakia_may_buy_black_hawk_helicopters.htmlhttps://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/romania-holding-giant-gold-mine-project-hostage-214818650--sector.htmlhttp://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/81da52ae-a094-11e4-8ad8-00144feab7de.html#axzz3PZAFWVxh


5/6

Last Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry pledged tosupport Bulgaria in its efforts to grow less dependent onRussian energy. At the launch of an annual strategic dialoguebetween the two NATO members, Kerry also announced thatthe U.S. will send an energy envoy to Sofia to work out large-scale energy projects, including on a deal to build a newnuclear reactor on the Danube. Bulgaria reluctantly haltedwork on Russias South Stream pipeline due to EU and U.S.pressure, while it continues to be 90% dependent on Russiangas.

Reuters New York Times

Hundreds of miners at the Trepa mine in Kosovo went onstrike on Tuesday, refusing to resurface after their shift anddemanding that the Kosovo government nationalize themine. Last week, the Kosovo government announced that itwould nationalize the mine to protect it fromdismemberment by creditors, but reversed the decision aftera furious response from Serbia, which claims ownership of75% of Trepa. The strike ended on Thursday after theKosovo government promised to reconsider its position.

Voice of America Reuters

At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos,Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vuimet with SberbankCEO German Gref, where Vuiemphasized the importanceof Russian-Serbian economic cooperation and Sberbankscritical role in the relationship. Sberbank was sanctioned in2014 by the European Union and United States for its ties tothe Russian government over the crisis in Ukraine.

InSerbia Blic

The International Court of Justice in The Hague has reacheda decision on the competing Croatian and Serbian genocidecases and is expected to announce the ruling on February 3.In 1999, the Republic of Croatia filed a lawsuit against theFederal Republic of Yugoslavia on the bases of theConvention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crimeof Genocide. With the transformation of the FRY into Serbiaand Montenegro in 2006, Serbia is considered its legalsuccessor. The Republic of Serbia counter-filed a suit in 2010accusing Croats of World War II persecution of Serbs.

InSerbia B92

Albania signed an open skies agreement with Singapore onMonday to allow designated airlines to fly between the twocountries. Albanian Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati signed theagreement with his Singaporean counterpart K Shanmugamafter a meeting between the two ministers to discuss increasingbilateral cooperation. Bushati was in Singapore on a three-day

official visit, accompanied by senior officials.

On Wednesday, Slovenian Finance Minister Dusan Mramorannounced that Slovenias foreign debt is expected to rise to83% of economic output by the end of 2015, before falling in2016. Mramor emphasized the governments commitment toprivatization to reduce the debt. The Slovenian governmentearmarked 15 companies for privatization in 2013 but onlythree have been sold so far. State-owned Telekom Slovenije,which is worth about $1 billion, and Slovenias second-largestbank, Nova KBM, are up for privatization by the end of nextmonth.

Developing Telecoms Reuters

Balkans.comStraits Times AnsaTurkish Weekly

JuristAmnesty International

On Tuesday, the Macedonian Parliament approved a ban onsame-sex marriage with a 72-4 vote. The constitutionalamendment, which still requires presidential approval, definesmarriage as "a life union solely of one woman and one man"and mandates a two-thirds majority to approve any futurechanges to the definition. An earlier version of theamendment included a ban on same-sex civil unions andpartnerships, but that clause was removed after objectionsfrom the Council of Europe that such a ban was incompatiblewith the Euro ean Convention on Human Ri hts.

On Thursday, the construction of a long-awaited underwaterelectrical cable that will connect Italy and Montenegro waslaunched. According to the agreement that was signed in 2010between the two countries, the 775-million-euros worth cablewill run 390km under the Adriatic sea, enabling Montenegroto export energy from renewable sources to Italy. Theconstruction is planned to be concluded by 2017.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/15/us-bulgaria-usa-idUSKBN0KO0W620150115http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/15/us-bulgaria-usa-idUSKBN0KO0W620150115http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/16/world/europe/us-vows-to-help-bulgaria-reduce-energy-dependency-on-russia.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/16/world/europe/us-vows-to-help-bulgaria-reduce-energy-dependency-on-russia.htmlhttp://www.voanews.com/content/reu-kosovo-miners-stay-underground-trepca-serbia/2606931.htmlhttp://www.voanews.com/content/reu-kosovo-miners-stay-underground-trepca-serbia/2606931.htmlhttp://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/22/kosovo-mine-strike-idUSL6N0V14VD20150122http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/22/kosovo-mine-strike-idUSL6N0V14VD20150122http://inserbia.info/today/2015/01/davos-vucic-confers-with-timmermans-gref-and-ammann/http://inserbia.info/today/2015/01/davos-vucic-confers-with-timmermans-gref-and-ammann/http://www.blic.rs/Vesti/Ekonomija/528589/Vucic-razgovarao-s-celnikom-ruske-Zberbankehttp://inserbia.info/today/2015/01/icj-to-announce-ruling-on-croatian-and-serbian-case-on-february-3/http://inserbia.info/today/2015/01/icj-to-announce-ruling-on-croatian-and-serbian-case-on-february-3/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2015&mm=01&dd=22&nav_id=92943http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2015&mm=01&dd=22&nav_id=92943http://www.developingtelecoms.com/business/deals/operators/5665-telekom-slovenije-privatisation-to-start-next-month.htmlhttp://www.developingtelecoms.com/business/deals/operators/5665-telekom-slovenije-privatisation-to-start-next-month.htmlhttp://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/21/slovenia-debt-idUSL6N0V03LA20150121http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/21/slovenia-debt-idUSL6N0V03LA20150121http://www.balkans.com/open-news.php?uniquenumber=200515http://www.balkans.com/open-news.php?uniquenumber=200515http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/singapore-and-albania-sign-open-skies-agreement-airlineshttp://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/singapore-and-albania-sign-open-skies-agreement-airlineshttp://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/energy/2013/12/18/Italy-Montenegro-undersea-cable-project-start-January_9796898.htmlhttp://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/energy/2013/12/18/Italy-Montenegro-undersea-cable-project-start-January_9796898.htmlhttp://www.turkishweekly.net/news/179053/work-starts-on-montenegro-italy-undersea-cable.htmlhttp://www.turkishweekly.net/news/179053/work-starts-on-montenegro-italy-undersea-cable.htmlhttp://jurist.org/paperchase/2015/01/macedonia-parliament-defines-marriage-as-between-a-man-and-a-woman.phphttp://jurist.org/paperchase/2015/01/macedonia-parliament-defines-marriage-as-between-a-man-and-a-woman.phphttp://www.amnesty.org/en/news/macedonia-same-sex-marriage-ban-will-entrench-discrimination-2015-01-20http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/macedonia-same-sex-marriage-ban-will-entrench-discrimination-2015-01-20http://jurist.org/paperchase/2015/01/macedonia-parliament-defines-marriage-as-between-a-man-and-a-woman.phphttp://www.turkishweekly.net/news/179053/work-starts-on-montenegro-italy-undersea-cable.htmlhttp://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/energy/2013/12/18/Italy-Montenegro-undersea-cable-project-start-January_9796898.htmlhttp://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/singapore-and-albania-sign-open-skies-agreement-airlineshttp://www.balkans.com/open-news.php?uniquenumber=200515http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/21/slovenia-debt-idUSL6N0V03LA20150121http://www.developingtelecoms.com/business/deals/operators/5665-telekom-slovenije-privatisation-to-start-next-month.htmlhttp://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2015&mm=01&dd=22&nav_id=92943http://inserbia.info/today/2015/01/icj-to-announce-ruling-on-croatian-and-serbian-case-on-february-3/http://www.blic.rs/Vesti/Ekonomija/528589/Vucic-razgovarao-s-celnikom-ruske-Zberbankehttp://inserbia.info/today/2015/01/davos-vucic-confers-with-timmermans-gref-and-ammann/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/22/kosovo-mine-strike-idUSL6N0V14VD20150122http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-kosovo-miners-stay-underground-trepca-serbia/2606931.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/16/world/europe/us-vows-to-help-bulgaria-reduce-energy-dependency-on-russia.htmlhttp://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/15/us-bulgaria-usa-idUSKBN0KO0W620150115


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On Thursday, Bosnian Foreign Trade Minister Boris Tucicresigned amid government plans to sell military arms toUkraine. The pro-Russian Bosnian Serb nationalist PresidentMilorad Dodik said that Tucic, also Bosnian Serb andmember of Dodiks party, had resigned due to pressure overthe sale. Dodik also said that Tucic was guided by his partysprinciple of not selling arms to a country at war withRussia. Bosnias three-way government has been split overthe crisis in Ukraine.

B92 Global Post
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CERES News Digest Vol.6 Week 2; Jan. 19 - 23