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☆ EU states to start debating Ukraine membership talks on Tuesday
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Gabriela Baczynska | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/2] European Union (EU) flags fly in front of the headquarters of the European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, Germany, July 8, 2020. The initial draft, dated Dec.4 and seen by Reuters on Monday, reads: "The European Council decides to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and with Moldova." For Bosnia, the initial draft stated the bloc was "ready to open EU accession negotiations... once the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria is achieved". All three decisions would require unanimous backing of the 27 EU countries. "In our perception, no conditions for Ukraine to start accession talks are met," Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs told journalists separately on Monday.

Persons: Ralph Orlowski, Zoltan Kovacs, Charles Michel, Kovacs, Viktor Orban, Michel, Gabriela Baczynska, Jan Strupczewski, Mark Heinrich Our Organizations: European Union, European Central Bank, REUTERS, Rights, European Commission, EU, Kyiv, Reuters, European Council, Commission, Ukraine, Thomson Locations: Frankfurt, Germany, Ukraine, Hungary, Moldova, Georgia, Bosnia, Soviet, Kyiv, EU, Caucasus, Tbilisi, Budapest, Hungarian, Brussels

☆ Moldova denounces new Russian ban on fruit imports
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCHISINAU, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Pro-European authorities in Moldova on Friday dismissed as groundless a ban imposed by Russia on imports of its fruit and vegetables, the latest display of deteriorating relations between Moscow and the ex-Soviet state. Russia's farm goods oversight agency, Rosselkhoznadzor, said on Thursday it was reinstating restrictions last imposed in 2022. It cited "continuous, systematic observation of elements subject to quarantine" and said Moldovan authorities had taken no action to right the situation. "The decision by the Russian authorities contradicts phytosanitary principles and is in no way grounded in real arguments," it said in a statement. We ship to 28 countries," Iurie Fala, Executive Director of the Moldovan Fruit Producers Association, told Reuters.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Maia Sandu, Charles Michel, Valentyn, ANSA, Sergei Lavrov, Lavrov, Fala, Alexander Tanas, Ronald Popeski, Sandra Maler Organizations: European, REUTERS, Rights, Moldovan, European Union, Moldovan Fruit Producers Association, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Kyiv, Rights CHISINAU, Moldova, Russia, Moscow, Soviet, Romania, Russian

☆ Moldova Denounces New Russian Ban on Fruit Imports
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Dec. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Alexander TanasCHISINAU (Reuters) - Pro-European authorities in Moldova on Friday dismissed as groundless a ban imposed by Russia on imports of its fruit and vegetables, the latest display of deteriorating relations between Moscow and the ex-Soviet state. Russia's farm goods oversight agency, Rosselkhoznadzor, said on Thursday it was reinstating restrictions last imposed in 2022. It cited "continuous, systematic observation of elements subject to quarantine" and said Moldovan authorities had taken no action to right the situation. "The decision by the Russian authorities contradicts phytosanitary principles and is in no way grounded in real arguments," it said in a statement. We ship to 28 countries," Iurie Fala, Executive Director of the Moldovan Fruit Producers Association, told Reuters.

Persons: Alexander Tanas CHISINAU, ANSA, Maia Sandu, Sergei Lavrov, Lavrov, Fala, Alexander Tanas, Ronald Popeski, Sandra Maler Organizations: Moldovan, European Union, Moldovan Fruit Producers Association, Reuters Locations: Moldova, Russia, Moscow, Soviet, Ukraine, Romania, Russian

[1/3] Polish trucks are parked as they block crossings at the Ukrainian border near the village of Hrebenne, Poland November 19, 2023. The Polish hauliers' central demand is to stop Ukrainian truckers having permit-free access to the EU, something that Kyiv and Brussels say is impossible. Jan Buczek, head of Poland's main trucker business association, said Kyiv was showing no readiness to compromise and was creating obstacles for EU truckers operating in Ukraine. POLISH POLITICAL TRANSITIONThe Polish truckers say they will continue protesting until their demands are met and want more engagement from politicians from Poland's main political parties. The Federation of Employers of Ukraine, an industry lobby group, has estimated direct losses to the economy at around 400 million euros ($437 million).

Persons: Yan, hauliers, Taras Kachka, Kachka, it's, Vitaliy Vavryshchuk, Taras Vysotskiy, Serhiy Derkach, Derkach, Jan Buczek, Donald Tusk, Kromberg, Schubert, Olena Makarchuk, Karol Badohal, Alan Charlish, Mike Collett Organizations: REUTERS, Union, Reuters, EU, Justice, Federation, Employers of, Thomson Locations: Ukrainian, Hrebenne, Poland, Ukraine, KYIV, Kyiv, Brussels, Goods, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine's Zhytomyr, Employers of Ukraine, Warsaw

☆ Winter storm causes power outages, road closures in Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Emergency workers release a van which is stuck in snow during a heavy snow storm in Odesa region, Ukraine in this handout picture released November 27, 2023. The extreme weather comes as tens of thousands of troops man front-line positions in the 21-month-old war with Russia and amid fears Moscow could target the power grid with air strikes this winter. Ukraine's largest private energy provider, DTEK, said early on Monday that it had been able to restore power to nearly 250 settlements. Ukraine's border service also said on Sunday that Moldova had temporarily suspended vehicle access to its territory from two crossing points in the Odesa region. Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; editing by Tom Balmforth and Bernadette BaumOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Ihor Klymenko, Dan Peleschuk, Tom Balmforth, Bernadette Baum Organizations: Press, State Emergency Service of Ukraine, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Telegram, Thomson Locations: Odesa region, Ukraine, Odesa, Russia, Moscow, Ukraine's, Moldova, Kyiv

☆ Snowstorm kills eight in Ukraine and Moldova, hundreds of towns lose power
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, speaking in his nightly video address, said five people had died in southern Odesa region and suggested there might be others elsewhere. Schools were closed in both southern Ukraine and in Moldova. [1/5]Emergency workers release a van which is stuck in snow during a heavy snow storm in Odesa region, Ukraine in this handout picture released November 27, 2023. Central Kyiv and southern Odesa and Mykolaiv regions were the hardest hit by the power cuts, with 40,000 homes initially affected in Kyiv region, authorities said. Eight people suffered hypothermia and five were injured by falling trees in Odesa region, the emergency service said.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ihor Klymenko, Dan Peleschuk, Dysa, Alexander Tanas, Tom Balmforth, Bernadette Baum, William Maclean, Tomasz Janowski, Ron Popeski Organizations: Schools, Press, State Emergency Service of Ukraine, REUTERS Acquire, Sunday, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Moldova, Russia, Moscow, Odesa, Odesa region, Central Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Kyiv, Ukraine's, Odessa, Chisinau

☆ Zelenskiy praises Ukrainians for battles with Russia and the weather
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Ukrainian servicemen move past a burning car hit by a kamikaze drone outside the front line town of Avdiivka, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine November 8, 2023. In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy said relentless, intense battles were ongoing in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Kharkiv, while "extremely challenging weather" was affecting areas from Kyiv region in the north to Odesa in the south. In Russian-controlled territory, Oleg Kryuchkov, a senior Moscow-installed official, said nearly half a million people were without power in Crimea, the peninsula Russia annexed in 2014. Ukraine's border service said Moldova had temporarily suspended vehicle access to its territory from two crossing points in Odesa region. Moldovan authorities also asked local schools to consider closing due to snowfall and high winds.

Persons: Nuzhnenko, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine's, Zelenskiy, Oleg Kryuchkov, Henadii Trukhanov, Oleksandr Kozhukhar, Alexander Tanas, Elaine Monaghan, Alexander Smith, David Gregorio Our Organizations: servicemen, Radio Free, Radio Liberty, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Odesa, Thomson Locations: Avdiivka, Ukraine, Donetsk region, Radio Free Europe, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Odesa, Moscow, Crimea, Russia, Sevastopol, Kherson, Moldova, Odesa region, Chisinau, Washington

☆ Russia vows retaliation over Moldova decision to join EU sanctions
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] The state flag of Moldova (L) flies outside the country's embassy in central Moscow, Russia December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsMOSCOW, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Russia views Moldova's decision to join EU sanctions against it as a hostile step aimed at destroying ties with Moscow and will retaliate, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday. Among its provisions are regulations concerning action to be taken against individuals and institutions subject to sanctions imposed on Russia in connection with the Kremlin's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Sandu has denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine and accused Moscow of trying to oust her in a coup. Moscow denies the allegations and says Sandu is infusing anti-Russian sentiment in the country lying between Ukraine and Romania.

Persons: Maxim, Maia Sandu's, Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Maxim Rodionov, Andrew Osborn, Marguerita Choy Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, EU, European Union, Moldovan, Maia Sandu's Party of Action, Solidarity, Socialist Party, of Europe, European Commission, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Moldova, Moscow, Russia, Russian, Moldovan, Chisinau, Ukraine, Venice, Romania

[1/6] Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy meets with President of the European Council Charles Michel, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine November 21, 2023. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsKYIV, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European Council chief Charles Michel warned on Tuesday that a European Union meeting next month to decide whether to begin formal accession talks for Kyiv would be difficult. I think this is the decision which will help Ukraine to believe that there is justice...," Zelenskiy told reporters. "All these are big challenges for everyone and already not only for Ukraine, but a challenge for preserving the unity of the European Union," he said. "It will be a difficult meeting but I do not intend to give up," Michel said, adding that the world needed a strong European Union to ensure stability and prosperity.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Charles Michel, Michel, Maia Sandu, Zelenskiy, Michel's, Sandu, Boris Pistorius, Tom Balmforth, Yuliia Dysa, Dan Peleschuk, Alexandra Hudson, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: European, Presidential Press Service, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Union, Zelenskiy, Moldovan, European Union, Kyiv, ACT AS ONE, EU, German, IRIS, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Kyiv, Moldova, Russia, Moscow, Soviet Moldova, Brussels, Soviet Moscow, Crimea

☆ Czech coach Silhavy quits due to barrage of criticism
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Silhavy took charge of the national team in 2018 after they failed to qualify for the World Cup. "Sometimes I don't understand why, the anger and aggression (is directed towards me)," Silhavy was quoted as saying by news website iDnes.cz on Tuesday. His departure follows the team's 3-0 win over 10-man Moldova on Monday, which secured them a place in Euro 2024. Silhavy said the actions of the players -- who all featured in Friday's 1-1 draw with Poland -- disappointed him and helped confirm his decision to quit. "I don't think the guys did it for me to quit," Silhavy said.

Persons: Jaroslav Silhavy, Silhavy, iDnes.cz, Vladimir Coufal, Jakub Brabec, Jan Kuchta, Michael Kahn Organizations: FA, Slovan Liberec, Slavia Prague, West Ham, Thomson Locations: PRAGUE, Czech Republic, Moldova, Poland

☆ Hundreds of Portuguese police raid farms in human trafficking crackdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Portuguese maritime police at one of two sites where hundreds of human trafficking victims, mostly migrants from Southeast Asia, were found near Portugal's capital Lisbon, in Samouco, Portugal, June 21, 2023. REUTERS/Miguel Pereira/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsLISBON, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Hundreds of police raided farms in Portugal's southern Alentejo region on Tuesday, arresting 28 people suspected of human trafficking and labour exploitation, police said. Those detained, both Portuguese and foreign nationals, are suspected of human trafficking, criminal association, aiding illegal immigration, illegal labour recruitment, extortion, money laundering and exerting physical harm, among other crimes. Cases of labour exploitation, when poor migrants are trapped in unpaid work, and human trafficking have been growing in Portugal, particularly in the agricultural sector. The Council of Europe has reported that Portuguese authorities identified 1,152 suspected victims of trafficking in 2016-2020, but the number of investigations, prosecutions and convictions was low for such a large number.

Persons: Miguel Pereira, Patrícia Vicente Rua, Andrei Khalip, Nick Macfie Organizations: Portuguese, REUTERS, Rights, Police, of, Thomson Locations: Southeast Asia, Portugal's, Lisbon, Samouco, Portugal, Rights LISBON, Alentejo, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, India, Senegal, Pakistan, of Europe

☆ Russia Bars Moldovan Nationals, Summoning Ambassador
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

(Reuters) - Russia barred entry to a number of officials from Moldova on Monday and complained about moves by its pro-European government to block Russian media outlets ahead of local elections earlier this month. A Russian foreign ministry statement said Moldovan Ambassador Lilian Darie was summoned to be told of the decision. Moldovan foreign ministry spokesperson Igor Zaharov told Moldova-1 television that the government stood by protecting its media from interference regardless of Moscow's moves. Moldovan news outlet newsmaker.md said the Russian list barred 11 parliamentarians -- all members of Sandu's pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity. Ahead of the election, Moldova suspended licences and barred access to 30 media sites - some based in Russia, others in Moldova - on grounds of spreading disinformation.

Persons: Maia Sandu's, Lilian Darie, Igor Zaharov, Zaharov, newsmaker.md, Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Sandra Maler Organizations: Reuters, European Union, Moldovan, European Party of Action Locations: Russia, Moldova, Soviet, Russian, Moscow, Moldovan, Ukraine, Chisinau

☆ Moldovan president's allies score well in local polls
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Sandu warned before the election that pro-Russian forces in the country, particularly fugitive business magnate Ilan Shor, had funnelled money into Moldova to "buy" voters. Shor's allies were barred from running two days before the first round and he complained from exile in Israel that the ruling had cost him electoral success. An independent won in Comrat, a town in the south where one of Shor's allies had won a regional vote earlier this year. Ion Ceban, running under a party he founded, was re-elected mayor of the capital Chisinau in the first round, though the president's supporters suggest he may hold pro-Russian sympathies. Reporting by Alexander Tanas; Editing by Ron Popeski and Will DunhamOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Maia Sandu, ZAK BENNETT, Maia Sandu's, Sandu, Ilan Shor, Shor's, Ion Ceban, Igor Grosu, Shor, Arina Korsicova, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Will Dunham Organizations: USAID, Democracy, Ford Foundation Center, Social Justice, 78th United Nations General, Rights, Sunday, European Union, Sandu's Party of Action, Solidarity, Socialist Party, PAS, Constitutional, The Organization, Security, Cooperation, Thomson Locations: New York City, U.S, Rights CHISINAU, Moldova, Russian, Ukraine, Romania, Israel, Moldova's, Balti, Russia, Comrat, Calaras, Chisinau, Europe

☆ UN shares its world’s ‘best tourism villages’
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( Lilit Marcus | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

For travelers who want to visit a smaller, more authentic local destination, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has released this year’s list of the best tourism villages. For 2023, 55 villages were recognized by the international organization, which focuses on sustainable tourism, up from 32 last year. The list includes small towns and villages from places as diverse as Mexico, China, Ethiopia, and Italy. There’s no ranking of the villages, and they are all listed in alphabetical order in English. Highlights in EuropeEurope’s selections to the UNWTO list represent a mix of cultural and environmental differences.

Persons: Dhordo, Les Falles, Sant, Al Sela, Jordan • Barrancas, Spain •, Peru •, Egypt •, India •, Korea •, Portugal •, Colombia •, Japan •, Italy • Manteigas, Ecuador •, Pisco, Austria •, Uzbekistan •, • Siwa, Portugal • Anton, Arlberg, Tân, Viet Nam, Hungary •, Moldova • Vila, China • Organizations: CNN, United Nations World Tourism Organization, Asia Dongbaek, UNWTO, UNESCO, Reserve, Spain • Ordino, Andorra • Oyacachi, Schladming, Moldova • Locations: Tokyo, London, Mexico, China, Ethiopia, Italy, Asia, South, Jeju, Shirakawa, Japan, Gifu prefecture, Nagoya, Zhejiang, Dhordo, Rann, Kutch, India, Europe, Spain, Sigüenza, Madrid, Slunj, Croatia, Andorra, Ordino, Sant Pere, Peru, Machu Picchu, Lima, Peruvian, Chacas, Chile, La Carolina, Argentina, Biei, Tortel, Cantavieja, Spain • Chacas, Huantar, Peru • Dahshour, Egypt, Egypt • Dhordo, Republic, Korea, Korea • Douma, Lebanon, Ericeira, Portugal, Portugal • Filandia, Colombia, Huangling, Cánovas, Kandovan, Iran, Lerici, Switzerland, Mosan, Juárez, Oñati, Ecuador, Ecuador • Paucartambo, Peru • Penglipuran, Indonesia, Pisco Elqui, Pozuzo, Saint, Saty, Kazakhstan, Austria, Austria • Sehwa, Korea • Sentob, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan • Shirakawa, Egypt • Slunj, Sortelha, Viet, Peru • Tokaj, Hungary, Hungary • Văleni, Moldova, Madalena, Portugal • Xiajiang, China • Zapatoca, Colombia • Zhagana

☆ Smugglers are helping Ukrainians pretend they have injuries or kids to get out of going to war
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( Thibault Spirlet | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Smugglers are using Telegram groups to sell their services to Ukrainian draft dodgers, per the BBC. AdvertisementSmugglers are using Telegram to sell their services to Ukrainian men trying to flee the army's compulsory military conscription, according to a BBC investigation . The reporter, named Andrey by the outlet, spent a month corresponding with smugglers as a prospective Ukrainian draft dodger. Services being offered included creating fake medical exemptions, adding pretend children to families, and organizing illegal border crossings, Andrey told the outlet. Smugglers told Andrey that the price included a bribe for the official making them, he said — a sign of the persisting corruption among Ukrainian officials.

Persons: —, Andrey, Ukraine's Ministry of Defence didn't, Venislavskyi Organizations: dodgers, BBC . Services, Service, BBC, dodger, Services, Ukraine's Ministry of Defence, National Security Locations: Ukrainian, Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia

☆ Ukraine seizes initiative from Russia in the Black Sea - Zelenskiy
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"For the first time in the world, it was in the Black Sea that a fleet of naval drones began to operate - a Ukrainian fleet," Zelenskiy wrote on the Telegram messaging app. "We managed to seize the initiative from Russia in the Black Sea..." he said. "We were able to show that cooperation between the countries of the Black Sea region, with partners' support, can return stability to the world food market," Zelenskiy said at a meeting of representatives of the Black Sea countries. After Moscow quit the U.N. brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative which allowed for the safe passage of grains out of Ukraine, a leading global grain exporter and grower, Kyiv set up an alternative corridor in August. Russia has intensified its drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian sea ports and grain infrastructure but Ukraine launched sea-drone attacks on Russian ships.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Zelenskiy, Moscow, Olena, Alexandra Hudson Organizations: Alexandra Hudson Our, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Ukrainian, Moscow, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Kyiv

☆ Moldova's Largest Orthodox Church Keeps Link to Russia
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Alexander TanasCHISINAU (Reuters) - Moldova's largest Orthodox church reaffirmed its link to its Russian parent church on Thursday despite dissent from priests who have denounced the association with Moscow over the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine. But parishioners are divided between two churches -- the Moldova Metropolis, subordinate to the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Metropolis of Bessarabia, which reports to the Romanian church. "The clergy and the people remain faithful to the Orthodox Church of Moldova and Metropolitan Vladimir," Bishop Ioan of theRussia-linked church said in a statement. "There will be no discussion of linking the Molodvan Orthodox Church to the Romanian Patriarchate." A group of priests in the majority Russian-linked church had asked Vladimir this week to switch allegiance to the Romanian church.

Persons: Alexander Tanas CHISINAU, Metropolitan Vladimir, Kirill, Bishop Ioan, Vladimir, Pavel Borsevschi, Maia Sandu, Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Sandra Maler Organizations: Orthodox Church, Metropolitan, Orthodox, of, European Union Locations: Moscow, Ukraine, Moldova Metropolis, Metropolis, Bessarabia, Romanian, Russia, Russian, of Moldova, Romanian Patriarchate, Romania, Soviet Union

Chhetri is one of Israel’s approximately 110,000 registered migrant workers; tens of thousands of other foreign workers lack a permit, often having entered as tourists or overstayed their visas, according to workers’ rights organization Kav LaOved. Pranita Chhetri, who moved from India seven months ago and is a caretaker in northern Israel, considers Israel a safe country for foreign workers despite the Israel-Hamas war. (Michele Chabin)When Hamas terrorists massacred 1,200 people and took more than 200 others hostage last month, they didn’t spare migrant workers. With so many Israeli farmers killed or kidnapped, the workers didn’t know where to turn for help, she says. While it may sound counterintuitive right now, Chhetri insists that Israel “is a safe country for foreign workers.

Persons: JERUSALEM, Pranita Chhetri, Chhetri, ”, Esther, Yad Sarah, Kav, Michele Chabin, Shira Abbo, Eldose, Yahel Kurlander, ” Kurlander, “, Abbo, Assia Ladizhinskaya, Kav LaOved, “ Israel, ” Abbo, ” Umkudiyil, “ don’t, Israel “ Organizations: Hamas, Hotline, Refugees and Migrants, Hai, ” Locations: Gaza, Israel, India, Kiryat Shmona, Lebanon, Jerusalem, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Tel Aviv, Thailand, Nepal, China, Moldova, Tel, Bangkok, Ashkelon

☆ Fugitive Moldovan businessmen returns to Israeli base, Interpol says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CHISINAU, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Fugitive pro-Russian Moldovan businessman Ilan Shor, accused of "buying" voters to sway an election in the ex-Soviet state, has returned to his exile base in Israel, an Interpol official said on Sunday. Tentiu had earlier said that Shor left Israel on Nov. 6. Moldovan officials accused Shor of channelling the equivalent of 50 million euros ($53.5 million) into Moldova for "buying" voters. Tentiu said all Interpol member-states had been asked to report if he was on their territory. Russia dismisses Sandu's allegations and accuses her of waging an anti-Russian campaign and infusing an anti-Russian atmosphere in Moldova.

Persons: Ilan Shor, Viorel Tentiu, Shor, Tentiu, Maia Sandu's, Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Grant McCool Organizations: Interpol, Moldovan, Constitutional Court, European Union, Moldova, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Russian Moldovan, Soviet, Israel, Moldova, Ben Gurion, Ukraine, Moscow, Romania, Russia

☆ Fugitive Moldovan Businessmen Returns to Israeli Base, Interpol Says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

CHISINAU (Reuters) - Fugitive pro-Russian Moldovan businessman Ilan Shor, accused of "buying" voters to sway an election in the ex-Soviet state, has returned to his exile base in Israel, an Interpol official said on Sunday. Tentiu had earlier said that Shor left Israel on Nov. 6. Moldovan officials accused Shor of channelling the equivalent of 50 million euros ($53.5 million) into Moldova for "buying" voters. Tentiu said all Interpol member-states had been asked to report if he was on their territory. Russia dismisses Sandu's allegations and accuses her of waging an anti-Russian campaign and infusing an anti-Russian atmosphere in Moldova.

Persons: Ilan Shor, Viorel Tentiu, Shor, Tentiu, Maia Sandu's, Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Grant McCool Organizations: Interpol, Moldovan, Constitutional Court, European Union, Moldova Locations: CHISINAU, Russian Moldovan, Soviet, Israel, Moldova, Ben Gurion, Ukraine, Moscow, Romania, Russia

☆ Germany's Scholz looking 'closely' at Italy's migrant deal with Albania
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz looks on next to the President of the Party of European Socialists (PES) Stefan Lofven during the meeting of the Party of European Socialists in Malaga, Spain, November 11, 2023. REUTERS/Jon Nazca Acquire Licensing RightsFRANKFURT, Nov 11 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday signalled an openness to study Italy's deal to hold migrants in Albania as the European Union tries to stem illegal immigration. Scholz's briefing, of which Reuters obtained an audio file, was held on the sidelines of a congress of the Party of European Socialists (PES). Scholz had on Tuesday agreed on a tougher migration policy and new funding for refugees with the heads of Germany's 16 states. Scholz also said six western Balkan states that had been promised EU membership 20 years ago should "soon" be integrated.

Persons: Olaf Scholz, Stefan Lofven, Jon Nazca, Scholz, Andreas Rinke, Vera Eckert, Dditing, David Holmes Organizations: Party of European Socialists, REUTERS, Rights, European Union, Monday Rome, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Malaga, Spain, Albania, Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, Israel, Gaza

☆ As the West courts Russia's neighbors, Putin shows he won't give up its backyard without a fight
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( Holly Ellyatt | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Eurasian Economic Summit on Nov. 9, 2022, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at a joint news conference at the Kremlin in Moscow, on Feb. 10, 2022. "Central Asia obviously has to keep a fine balance and tread that line," Hess said. Analysts note that while an economically isolated Russia wants and needs to keep Central Asia on side, it is gradually losing its grip on the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrive for a working breakfast of the leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2023.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Keen, Emmanuel Macron, Putin, Ilham Aliyev, Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Emomali Rahmon, Alexander Lukashenko, Sergei Lavrov, —, it's, Max Hess, Hess, Kassym, Mikhail Klimentyev, Xi Jinping, Florence Lo, they've, Temur Umarov, Tokayev, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Vladimir Smirnov Organizations: Economic, Getty, Russia, Commonwealth of Independent States, Russian, Central Asia —, Central Asian, Kazakh, CIS, West, Georgia, Foreign Policy Research Institute, CNBC, Kremlin, Reuters Central, Central, Central Asia Summit, Afp, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, Commonwealth of Independent, Sputnik Locations: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, Moscow, Russian, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakh, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, China, Soviet, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Baltic States, Soviet Union, Moldova, Ukraine, U.S, Afghanistan, Asia, Xian, Shaanxi

☆ EU report says Ukraine is ready to start process of joining
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Manav Tanneeru | Luke Mcgee | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

The same report suggests that accession talks with Moldova should also begin. Ukraine has held ambitions to join the EU for more than a decade. The aim of joining the bloc – along with NATO - has formally been part of Ukraine’s constitution since 2019. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky applied for EU membership in February 2022, shortly before Russia invaded his country. With Ukraine currently at war, it is unclear and unlikely that those conditions will be met any time soon.

Persons: Ursula von der Leyen, ” Von der Leyen, Viktor Yanukovych’s, Volodymyr Zelensky Organizations: CNN, EU, European Union, NATO, Ukraine Locations: Ukraine, Moldova, Russia, Crimea

If accepted, EU officials expect formal accession talks with Kyiv to start next year. A top aide to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Budapest would not support Ukraine's EU integration unless Kyiv changes its laws on minorities, in particular as regards education. "Moldova is firmly on the path for EU membership and we will continue working relentlessly towards this goal," the country's president, Maia Sandu, said in welcoming the move. The Commission said the EU should also begin membership talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina once a long list of extensive conditions are met. In 2020, Britain was the first country to ever leave the EU, a major setback for European integration following World War Two.

Persons: Yves Herman, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Zelenskiy, Ursula von der Leyen, Von der Leyen, Viktor Orban, Maia Sandu, von der Leyen, enlargements, Andrew Gray, Yuliia, Olena, Alexander Tanas, Gabriela Baczynska, Nick Macfie, Sharon Singleton Organizations: REUTERS, European Union, European Commission, EU, Kyiv, Ukraine, Russia, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Brussels, Belgium, Moldova, Bosnia, Georgia, BRUSSELS, KYIV, Hungary, Kyiv, Hungarian, Budapest, EU, Moscow, Tbilisi, Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Netherlands, Britain

In a series of reports on countries wanting to join the bloc's ranks, the EU’s executive branch recommended that war-ravaged Ukraine should be permitted to open membership talks, once it’s addressed some shortfalls. “Moldova is the subject of constant destabilization efforts against its democracy,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. For 20 years, the prospect of EU membership has been a powerful driver of pro-democratic reform in aspiring countries. The commission said that it should only start membership talks after more progress is made. The country started its EU membership talks in 2005, but they have ground to a halt in recent years.

Persons: it’s, “, Ursula von der Leyen, ”, von der Leyen, Turkey's, backsliding Organizations: —, European Union, European Commission, Georgia, EU, Kosovo –, Kyiv “ Locations: BRUSSELS, — Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine, Brussels, Hungary, Slovakia, Balkans, Albania, Bosnia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnian, Turkey, Europe

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