Week Review (16 – 21 march 2009)

It was a week in that to review the economic indicators foreshadows the  spectrum of a recession without precedent in world history.

obama_jay-lenoForecasts increasingly bleak U.S. economy led by President Obama to come to the show “Jay Leno Show”. Obviously all about the crisis they spokes. Also about the scandal bonuses from AIG, about the people closest to the president. But also about how to “cool” is to fly Air Force One, even if it fails to impress on their daughters Obama family. In addition, the world has learned that even United States President cannot do he wants if the Security  Service says, “No, sir. No. Sorry”. Certainly PR president had reason for joy. And Americans have forgotten time of 30 minutes of the crisis. He was pleasant.

Surprise at the EU foreign ministers (CAGRE) in Brussels. At Chapter energy package, the final conclusions Nabucco project name has been replaced with the name “southern energy corridor”. Romania, Austria, Poland and Slovenia not wants to accept the new name entered. More, the discussions about this project seem to tense again relationships in the EU. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that “Nabucco should not be funded from public money”. Even if apparently surprising, I noted that the  Merkel’ statement come to the found of Gazprom’s refusal to participate in this project. Finally, European leaders reached an agreement, that Nabucco will appear on the list of joint projects on energy.

eu-council-march-2009

Romanian President Traian Basescu had a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yushchenko in Brussels in the margin the European People’s Party meeting, which preceded the spring European Council meeting, inform the agency Interfax-Ukraine, cited Kyiv Post newspaper. Remember that President Traian Basescu had to go to visit Ukraine at the end of February, but the visit was postponed at the last minute for reasons that have not been clearly explained by officials. Soon after, spoke of the scandal of spying on the recipient Ukraine – via KGB,  followed by expulsions of diplomats by both sides. (Although it were never made public details of the talks  between the two presidents, clearly Basescu assured  his  Ukrainian  counterpart on the Romanian’s support for accession to Euro-Atlantic structures.)

Returned from Brussels, where the prospect of financial collapse of Ukraine not too excited (deh, the crisis is everywhere!) Yushchenko gave interviews on tape stock: ARD German TV Channel, Ukrainean Channel 5, a clear sign that its popularity is the past. While premier Yulia Timosenko hopes to help from Moscow (obviously not devoid of cross), president Victor Yushchenko informed that next week he would hold a regular meeting with representatives of state authorities at which he expects them to complete work on anti-crisis package necessary for continuing cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF. He also repeated that resuming cooperation with the IMF is crucial for Ukraine in fighting economic crisis because it would give “green light for foreign investors”.

putin_kissingerAnd Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had a full week. Met with presidents, ministers, advisors, Prime Ministers. I noticed the discussion with 56th United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. The two leaders  discussed a whole number of urgent international problems in the framework of the long-standing confidential dialogue. Kissinger made a brief visit to the exhibition of water colors by Sergei Andriyaka in the Government House, too.

Also noticed meeting with Ramzan Kadyrov. Friends know why. During the meeting Putin and Kadyrov discussed the social and economic situation in the region, in part, the labour market (Chechnya have unemployment – between 50% and 60%) and the efforts to eliminate the consequences of the earthquake in the republic.

Vitas – “Voice of the century” between skill of authentic art and mistikitsch vocation

Chronic of spectator

untitled-24Concert supported by Vitas in Bucharest generated a real avalanche of comments for or against russian artist called the “Voice of the century”. How can I find in neither of the both and generally I refrain from issuing judgments under the sway of emotions, I preferred to wait to tell my opinion. Unfortunately, some, quite numerous, of those who have opted for the concert at the Palace’ Hall, have reconsidered the true value the old adage: “at the praised tree does not go with the bag”. The first concert of a World Tour “Sleepless Nights” in over 50 countries, proved to be below expectations romanian public, even so really confused and devoid of genuine landmarks how is he now. Or maybe just for that reason. Instead of a top concert (and the famous artist had such concerts in many time), a concert worth as a European capital, Bucharest has received a cockteil weird flavored mistikitsch and many failures of organization. Although we should have to feel proud its presence in the concert of maestro Gheorghe Zamfir, in fact things were exact conversely, when performance of the two artists did not exceed the state of improvisation. I will not dwell on the concept of this type of show. Although questionable, in civilized conditions and without inserts and mystical – spiritual call, can be an elegant variety show. In fact, it obsolete has its charm and in many cases the new trend in art was based on that. Fact confirmed by the success with which the producer Sergey Pudovkin has managed to impose a such concept in the show-biz industry, in Russia and Asia.And that could no doubt to take to the public in Europe or America. Obviously with the performance conditions: organizers and promoting top. I mean at those aspects that have really left to be desired in Bucharest. Pudovkin association with Imperial Moldrom (company that, beyond the intention – otherwise admirable – to show the romanians to “Voice of the century”, and obviously hoping to gain a degree, certainly demonstrated that it has nothing to do with industry show – non inspired location, decor – a improvisation of fair, terrible technic sound), and partnership with Channel TVR 2, whose ratings fall somewhere between the minimum and zero seem totally devoid of logic. But not  if Vitas is only a “machine to made of money”. It is right, an extremely effective. And which or is very obedient – unlikely, or has very strong nerves. That was seen in the unsuitable conditions in that he performanced at Bucharest concert. Only the artist, no matter how remarkable it was, could not replace the lack of public respect from the organizers. Vitas tried as he may be professional to give everything he can give at this time. Certainly he is talented, and I refer here not only to the five octave. Just he play, yet, immature (deliberately or not) with a precious and divine gift. And do it with a stoicism worthy of a more noble cause. However, in its part, either he will cease to be just a commercial product packaged brilliant, and then will be unique and resplendent in the lights of the Royal Opera House or at the Scala in Milan, or will be an exceptional vocation missed, unnecessarily sacrifice on the consumerism altar of pop culture. This can be only  his own, however much it is assumed that due to its producer.
Well, it is possible that the producer Pudovkin to prepare a change of concept with the anniversary of 10 years since the launch of the artist. We hope to be a good one.
In what it concerns the romanian organizers, no explanation can compensate for lack of professionalism that they demonstrated. To enjoy healthy and pick up the money, and if is possible, without new recurrent attempts in art.

Published in Top Business Weeklypaper, nr. 757/19-25 march 2009

International solidarity with our cause is a key factor, that united with dissidence both inside and outside Cuba will give us victory – consider ex-ally Fidel Castro, prof. Pedro Fuentes Cid, spokeman of Politico Presidio Cubano

coperta-redimensionata.qxdPedro Fuentes Cid had fought for the liberation of Cuba to free its people from under the corrupted hands of the dictator Batista. Soon he had realized that Castro had betrayed the revolution and was a tyrant. One day while he getting from a friends house the army fired over a hundred shoots into his car as he returned fire. In the end he said he could not believe he lived because there were over 140 bullet holes in the car. He said he is convinced he survived because of his faith in God. Now, Pedro Fuentes-Cid live in Miami (USA) and is one of the key-people in the negotiation for future of Cube.

Mr. Fuentes, tell us, Fidel Castro and Raul Castro – convinced the Communists, or the proclamation of a communist ideology for them is a necessary measure, as a way to preserve their own influence in the country by means of a strong Soviet Union?

Fidel Castro used the communist ideology as a way to remain in power and also for protection against the USA due to his anti-american feelings. His favorite book was Mein Kamp by Adolf Hitler, but he could not steer the revolution in the Nazi direction, so resorting to a strong Soviet Union gave him also financial support.

Recently, Raoul Castro was in visit to Moscow and singned a treat with president Medvedev, but without reveals about. What do you thing ?

I think the main reason for Raul to visit Moscow was the same that drove him to Brazil and Venezuela, to ask for food. The Cuban government at that time did not have food to offer the population for the following week, and now after all his visits is still short.

What kind of goals had been pursue the struggle against Batista originally?

The main goal was to overthrow the dictatorship in order to bring Democracy back to Cuba. There were not many premises set by the majority of the groups involved in the struggle. The constitutional government of an elected President had been violated and most of us just wanted to make the Constitution of 1940 prevail.

[more...]

interview conducted by Gabriela Ionita, with contribution Mr.  Ingvar Miller (Russia)

Published in Cadran Politic Review, no. 64/march 2009

US – Russia meeting of Foreign Minister met with cautions optimism

Russia – USA friends again ? Hard to says…

US-EuropeFirst full meeting of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Secretary State of  USA, Hillary Clinton was placed in Geneva (Switzerland), following a gathering of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels. Nuclear non-proliferation, US missile defence in Europe,  Iranian issue, and the fight against terrorism were some of the topics of discussions between the two parties. Also, minister Lavrov said at the end of discussions that: “we prepared ground for meeting of ours presidents, Medvedev and Obama, at G 20 Summit”.

Many political analysts consider that efforts to reset US – Russia ties kick off with first official talks. But surely it can be noticed a clear intention of the two countries do not rate this opportunity. In friendly register, notices Secretary State Hillary Clinton statement that ” U.S. appreciates the help given by Russia on Afghanistan”. Clinton also noted many areas of common ground between the United States and NATO and Russia, including  not only cooperation on Afghanistan, but also working together to combat terrorism, narcotics trafficking and piracy. But Georgia an issue is a point where parts had different views; the missile defense or the independence of Kosovo, too…Minister Lavrov said in common press conferance that “Russia not recognized the independence of Kosovo, because it understood how dangerous is such decision”.  His counterpart, Hillary Clinton statement that “The United States will not recognize any nation having a sphere of influence over any other nation”. Also, Clinton said: “I reiterated again in our meetings with Ukraine and Georgia, the United States’ firm commitment to each of those nations moving toward NATO membership and our equally strong commitment to work with them along with NATO that they should not be the subject of Russian intimidation or aggression”. But existing NATO – Russia differeces are not more important than other issues like non-proliferation, Afghanistan, and fighting terrorism which are a challenge for both.

Remember that NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer announced at a media conference, yesterday:“The ministers reached an agreement to formally resume the NATO Russia Council, including at ministerial level, as soon as possible after the summit in Strasbourg and Kehl. There is strong agreement that the Russia-NATO Council is certainly not a fair weather body and that the weather is not yet fair,“ he noted.“Russia is an important player, Russia is a global player and that means that not talking to them is not an option,” Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said. NATO officials said the differences with Moscow are many, but should be discussed openly.