Today news:

* Albanianews (Albania, Italy and Kosovo)

 Puglia e Albania in vasca, divise dall’Adriatico unite dal nuoto

Posted: 03 Dec 2009 07:59 AM PST

Divise dall’Adriatico, unite dalla passione per il nuoto: Albania e Puglia nuotano nella stessa vasca. A Bari si è conclusa un’inedita esperienza sportiva che, al di là dei risultati atletici, ha aperto la strada ad una più vasta cooperazione transfrontaliera.

> For further information: www.albanianews.it

* Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (Bosnia and Balkans)

 Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Balkan Insight Daily No. 418, December 4 2009:

HEADLINES:

* Montenegro Joins NATO’s MAP; Bosnia Must Wait

NATO has accepted Montenegro in its Membership Action Plan, MAP, an essential stepping stone towards full membership in the Alliance. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina failed to join the Plan because the country has not made enough progress in necessary reforms, foreign ministers said.

* Romania Votes in Bid to End Instability

Romanians head to the polls on Sunday in an attempt to end two months of intense political uncertainty that has postponed a multi-billion International Monetary Fund, IMF, led aid package.

* Brammertz: Serbia Made Constant Progress

Chief UN War Crimes Prosecutor Serge Brammertz said on Thursday that Serbia has made "constant progress" in efforts to finalise cooperation with The Hague-based Tribunal, but the arrest of war crimes fugitives Ratko Mladic and Goran Hadzic remains the key issue.

* EU Helps Romanian Companies in Crisis

The European Commission authorised on Friday an aid program proposed by Romania to support with up to 500,000 euro for companies hit by the economic crisis.

* Kosovo, Macedonia Police Sign Agreement

The policing agreement signed between Kosovo’s and Macedonia’s ministers of foreign affairs this week will lead to four further protocols designed to fight crime, terrorism and corruption.

 Balkan Insight n. 216

 Justice Report n. 195

> For further information: www.birn.eu.com

* Central Asian News Service (Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia)

Daily news report of 4 December

> For further information: www.ca-news.org

* Civil Georgia (Georgia)

Online news daily of 3 December 2009:

 December 4, 2009 | 03:30 CoE Human Rights Chief on Missing, Detained Persons

Hammarberg offered an internationally-supervised investigation into missing persons’ cases. http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=21746

 December 3, 2009 | 18:25 Ruling Party Tells Opposition to Agree on Public TV Board’s Vacant Seats

Parliamentary and non-parliamentary opposition seem to be at odds over the matter. http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=21745

 December 3, 2009 | 15:34 CoE Calls for Release of Two Remaining Minors

CoE leadership said it is “absolute necessity” to release minors “within the coming days as promised.” http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=21744

> For further information: www.civil.ge

* Ebrd (England, Eastern Europe, Russia, Caucasus and Central Asia)

a. Project summary documents - New PSD/s available on ebrd.com:

 Komercijalna Banka Convertible Preference Shares, Serbia

 Komercijalna banka SME Credit Line, Serbia

 Local And Regional Roads, Albania

b. Press releases - Press releases: week ending 4 December 2009:

 EBRD supports agriculture sector in Moldova

 EBRD boosts financing for businesses in Poland

 Last month to join the “Born in ‘89” essay competition

 EBRD supports construction of methanol plant in Azerbaijan

 FAO and EBRD assist Ukrainian grain operators

 EBRD boosts financing for real economy in Kazakhstan

 New EBRD financing for small businesses in Kyrgyz Republic

 Leading international financial institutions committed to fight against climate change and call for comprehensive Copenhagen agreement

 EBRD supports agriculture sector in Kazakhstan

 EBRD lends $150 million to Raiffeisen Bank Aval

> For further information: www.ebrd.com

* Eurasianet (Usa, Caucasus and Central Asia)

EurasiaNet Weekly Update of Thursday, December 3

 Central Asia

Kazakhstan: Has Astana Met its OSCE Pledges? BY JOANNA LILLIS

Kazakhstan will celebrate the New Year by fulfilling a cherished ambition: on January 1 it assumes the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe . But an OSCE Ministerial Council meeting, held in Athens December 1-2, offered a stark reminder that doubts remain over Kazakhstan ’s suitability for the job, due to its controversial record on political and democratic freedoms.

 Caucasus

Georgia: Former TV Tycoon Plans New Channel to Challenge Government BY GIORGI LOMSADZE

 Moscow

Russia: Moscow Embraces New Initiative to Forge Post-Soviet Trade Bloc BY SERGEI BLAGOV

 Central Asia

Kazakhstan: Watchdog Group Calls on Astana to Enhance the Rights of Migrant Workers BY JOANNA LILLIS

 Caucasus

Azerbaijan: Baku Mum on Washington’s Proposal for Turkmen Gas Deal BY MINA MURADOVA

 Central Asia

Afghanistan: Are US Troops Coming or Going? BY AUNOHITA MOJUMDAR

 Caucasus

Armenia: Controversy Surrounds Uranium Mine BY MARIANNA GRIGORYAN

 Central Asia

Tajikistan: Dushanbe May Stop Water Flow as Uzbekistan Pulls Plug on Power BY KONSTANTIN PARSHIN

> For further information: www.eurasianet.org

* Icps (Ukraine)

 Шановні партнери!

Надсилаємо Вам третє число публікації МЦПД “Європейські акценти”.

„Україна незабаром матиме поглиблену зону вільної торгівлі з ЄС” - чуємо ми від українських політиків. – Це позитивно вплине на нашу економіку та бізнес”. Але про що насправді йде мова? Що є предметом переговорів між Україною та ЄС? Чи зможе ЗВТ+ дійсно відкрити двері Європейського Внутрішнього ринку? Чи принесе ЗВТ+ європейські правила гри та європейську якість життя до України?

Асоційований експерт МЦПД, докторант European University Institute (Флоренція), Джулія Ланґбейн дізнавалася відповіді на ці питання в українських та європейських чиновників, бізнесменів та представників міжнародних організацій. Сьогодні експерт відриває завісу ЗВТ+ для вас.

Читайте із задоволенням!

 Dear partners!

Please find attached third issue of the ICPS publication ”European Focus”.

We hear from our politicians that Ukraine will soon have a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU. They claim that it will be good for the economy and beneficial for our business. But in reality what this FTA+ is about? What is being negotiated? Will this open the door to European markets? Will FTA+ affect the rules of the game in Ukraine? How can it bring European quality of life to Ukrainians?

Julia Langbein, a PhD Candidate at the European University Institute in Florence and ICPS associated expert, who spent a few months in Kyiv and Brussels, talking to various Ukraine and EU officials, business and international organizations’ experts, uncovers the FTA+ for you.

Have a nice reading!

> For further information: www.icps.com.ua

* Interfax (Russia and Cis)

 Interfax Russia & CIS Diplomatic Panorama, December 4:

* PREPARATION OF NEW START TREATY NEARING COMPLETION – MINISTRY

* U.S.-RUSSIAN TALKS ON START COULD CONTINUE AFTER DEC 5 – SOURCE

* RUSSIA, U.S. TO ACT IN SPIRIT OF START AFTER ITS EXPIRATION – MEDVEDEV-OBAMA STATEMENT

* U.S. EXPERTS LEAVING VOTKINSK PLANT AFTER 20 YEARS OF INSPECTIONS

* WE HAVE NO INFORMATION ABOUT IRAN WORKING TO CREATE NUCLEAR WEAPON - PUTIN

* ISRAEL SAYS KEEPING ITS OPTIONS OPEN AFTER RECENT IRAN MOVES

* IRAN "TERRIBLY OFFENDED" BY RUSSIA OVER IAEA RESOLUTION BACKING - EXPERT

* PUTIN ACCEPTS INVITATION TO VISIT ISRAEL IN 2010

* TURKMEN-CHINESE PIPELINE WON’T EFFECT RUSSIA-CHINA COOPERATION - PUTIN

* JACKSON-VANIK AMENDMENT OBVIOUS ANACHRONISM USED BY LOBBYISTS - PUTIN

* RUSSIA CHALLENGES UN COURT’S JURISDICTION OVER GEORGIA’S SUIT RELATED TO AUG 2008 EVENTS

* PALESTINIAN MINISTER TO DISCUSS MIDDLE EAST PROCESS IN MOSCOW

* NATO, RUSSIA RESUME MINISTERIAL CONTACTS SEVERED AFTER GEORGIA WAR

* GEORGIA TO HAVE OVER 1,000 TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN - MINISTER

* ABKHAZIA PLANS TO PROMOTE TIES WITH STATES INDEPENDENT OF U.S. AND NATO

* COE URGES GEORGIA, S.OSSETIA TO FREE ALL DETAINEES

 Russia & CIS Banking and Finance Weekly of December 4

 Russia & CIS Business and Investment Weekly of December 4

> For further information: www.interfax.com

* Interfax - announcements (Russia and Cis)

Dear Interfax Friends!

We are pleased to announce the next conference organised by Adam Smith Conferences:

4 days until to go until the:

1st International Azerbaijan Investment Summit 8-9 December 2009, Mariott Hotel Grosvenor Square, London, UK

Hurry up and REGISTER HERE!

Don’t delay - visit the conference home page HERE

today to ensure that you don’t miss this unique opportunity to arm yourself with all the first hand knowledge and expertise and contacts you will need!

For full programme, list of speakers and to register, please, visit the event website

Adam Smith Conferences staff will be happy to help you with any queries. Please, call on +44 20 7017 7426 or e-mail to janeg@adamsmithconferences.com

* Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Tirana (Albania/Italy)

Sarà inaugurata, domenica 6 dicembre 2009, alle ore 18, presso il Museo Storico Nazionale di Tirana, la mostra ACT EXPO 2009 – TIRANA, organizzata in collaborazione dall’Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Tirana, da ACT Responsible – Advertising Community Together e da Maniacard.

La mostra, dal titolo “I cambiamenti climatici, l’impatto dell’uomo, la sfida della creatività”, presenterà le migliori campagne pubblicitarie ambientali e sociali e sarà aperta dal 6 al 20 dicembre 2009.

ACT Responsible – Advertising Community Together, di cui Maniacard è delegato come ACT Ambassador in Albania, è una organizzazione no-profit con la missione di promuovere e ispirare una comunicazione generale per una società responsabile.

I progetti grafici che saranno esposti al Museo Storico Nazionale sono il risultato del lavoro di artisti e professionisti del settore di tutto il mondo, che si sono impegnati con il massimo sforzo a favore di un tema che ci riguarda tutti da vicino: riscaldamento globale e cambiamenti climatici.

L’oggetto principale della mostra sarà la dimostrazione del potere della pubblicità, che non si limita a scopi commerciali ed economici, ma vuole anche trasmettere un forte messaggio alla società.

Farà parte di questa esposizione anche un altro progetto, dal titolo “Carta Bianca”, nato con lo scopo di promuovere e condividere questa esperienza unica in Albania invitando agenzie pubblicitarie, studi grafici, professionisti della comunicazione e artisti a dare il loro contributo, tramite messaggi e idee, nel formato “cartolina”, per la sensibilizzazione del pubblico ai temi:

 Tutela della natura

 Riscaldamento globale e cambiamenti climatici

 Valori e virtù umane

L’invito ha ricevuto una straordinaria risposta e le migliori creazioni, scelte da una giuria di specialisti, saranno presentate ad ACT EXPO 2009 e, nel corso del 2010, saranno stampate ed esposte in tutti i “punti” Maniacard.

ACT EXPO 2009 è un’ esposizione creata in maniera interattiva: il pubblico avrà la possibilità di firmare online tramite web cam una petizione sul tema “Time for climate justice”.

> For further information: eventi.iic.tirana@esteri.it

* Latvian Centre for Human Rights (Latvia)

Newsletter of 4 December 2009

> For further information: www.humanrights.org.lv

* Osservatorio sui Balcani e Caucaso (Italy, Balkans and Caucasus)

 Le confessioni di un assassino

Nazim Bllaca, ex membro dei servizi d’intelligence dell’UCK, ambienti ritenuti vicini al PDK, partito del primo ministro Hashim Thaçi, ha ammesso il suo coinvolgimento in numerosi assassinii politici, principalmente di militanti dell’LDK. Thaçi smentisce le accuse contro il suo partito ma promette che la giustizia sarà imparziale

Read

 1989, anzi 1992

Dalla seconda metà degli anni ’80 all’indipendenza. L’inizio della crisi jugoslava, l’emergere del nazionalismo e il definitivo distacco di Lubiana da Belgrado. Un contributo per il dossier Il lungo ’89

Read

 Newsletter n. 48 del 2009 dell’Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso

> For further information: www.osservatoriobalcani.org

* Presidency of Russian Federation (Russia and Cis)

Daily news report of 4 December 2009:

 Russian-Italian interstate consultations took place in Rome.

The sixth round of Russian-Italian interstate consultations was held under the chairmanship of Dmitry Medvedev and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Before the consultations, the President of Russia and Prime Minister of Italy held a bilateral meeting, at which they discussed the Iranian nuclear programme and the situation in Afghanistan. Silvio Berlusconi also spoke to Dmitry Medvedev about his recent visit to Minsk, his talks with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and his meeting with President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev.

The sixth round of Russian-Italian interstate consultations covered, among other things, Russia’s relations with the European Union and NATO, the President of Russia’s initiative to develop a new European Security Treaty and Russian-Italian cooperation in the G8 and G20.

Following the consultations 18 bilateral agreements were signed, including a programme for cooperation in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, a memorandum on cooperation in transport infrastructure development, an agreement between Russia’s Gazprom and Italy’s ENI for the South Stream pipeline project, an agreement on reciprocal recognition of education certification, and a protocol between the respective cultural ministries to hold the Year of Russian Language and Culture in Italy and the Year of Italian Language and Culture in Russia in 2011. There were also agreements related to cooperation in space, agriculture, tourism, small and medium businesses.

Read

 Dmitry Medvedev signed executive order On Establishing Diplomatic Relations with the Vatican.

In his order, President Medvedev instructed the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to hold talks with the Vatican on establishing diplomatic relations at the level of a Russian Federation Embassy in the Vatican and Apostolic Nunciature in Russia, transforming the Russian Consulate in the Vatican into an Embassy, and formalising the agreements reached in relevant documents.

Read

> For further information: http://president.kremlin.ru/eng

* Rai - trasmissione Levante (Italy)

Nuovo appuntamento con "Levante", la rubrica nazionale della TGR realizzata dalla redazione Rai di Bari a cura di Giancarlo Spadoni e Pino Bruno, in onda sabato 5 dicembre alle 11.30 su Raitre. In questa puntata:

ROMANIA AL VOTO di Pino Bruno

domenica la Romania vota per eleggere il presidente della Repubblica. Al ballottaggio l’uscente Traian Bãsescu e il competitore Mircea Geoana. Intanto l’80 per cento dei romeni ha già deciso, con un referendum, di passare al sistema unicamerale e di ridurre del trenta per cento il numero dei parlamentari.

LA CITTA’ DEI SETTE COLLI di Costantino Foschini

alla scoperta delle città europee al di fuori dei circuiti turistici. Plovid, in Bulgaria, merita una tappa approfondita. Dal mito di Orfeo al grande anfiteatro romano, alle moschee, al barocco della rinascenza, ai proficui rapporti economici e culturali con l’Italia.

SULLE ONDE DELL’ADRIATICO di Enzo Del Vecchio

il 30 agosto del 1904 Guglielmo Marconi inaugurò il collegamento radiotelegrafico tra l’Italia e il Montenegro. Un evento storico e tecnologico, rievocato dalla figlia dello scienziato, Elettra Marconi.

I LABIRINTI DI ATENE di Annarosa Macrì

Petros Markaris è il cantore della Grecia moderna. Il protagonista dei suoi romanzi, il commissario Charìtos, ricorda il Montalbano di Camilleri. La sua Atene è la negazione di ogni stereotipo sulla città che visitiamo da turisti.

"Levante" va in onda anche sul canale satellitare Rai Med, ogni giovedi’ alle 21.22 e alle 23.17. Rai Med e’ trasmesso in chiaro anche dalla piattaforma SKY, sul canale 804. L’intera puntata si può vedere sul sito Internet www.levante.rai.it

> For further information: www.levante.rai.it

* Sarke (Georgia)

News in brief of 3 December 2009

> For further information: www.sarke.com

* Seenews (Bulgaria & Balkans)

 Daily news report of Albania (4 December 2009)

Read and click ALBANIA on menu bar

 Daily news report of Bosnia-Herzegovina (4 December 2009)

Read and click BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA on menu bar

 Daily news report of Bulgaria (4 December 2009)

Read and click BULGARIA on menu bar

 Daily news report of Croatia (4 December 2009)

Read and click CROATIA on menu bar

 Daily news report of Macedonia (4 December 2009)

Read and click MACEDONIA on menu bar

 Daily news report of Moldova (4 December 2009)

Read and click MOLDOVA on menu bar

 Daily news report of Montenegro (4 December 2009)

Read and click MONTENEGRO on menu bar

 Daily news report of Romania (4 December 2009)

Read and click ROMANIA on menu bar

 Daily news report of Serbia (4 December 2009)

Read and click SERBIA on menu bar

 Daily news report of Slovenia (4 December 2009)

Read and click SLOVENIA on menu bar

> For further information: www.seenews.com

* Transitions Online (Czech Republic/Eastern Europe, Russia, Caucasus and Central Asia)

New at Transitions Online - 4 December 2009

 Top Stories:

1: Balkan Eye: Science is Golden

2: Society: Kosovo Serbs: Either Way, A Protest

3: Justice: Russia: The Final Solution to Rising Crime

4: Energy: Tajikistan: Alternating Currents

5: Conflict & Diplomacy: Facing Our Fears

6: Education: School for Scandal

 From the Archive:

Five years ago: Fire in the \’Holes\’

Ten years ago: The Russian Army\’s About-Face

> For further information: www.tol.cz