Prime Minister Putin says the Russian Academy of Sciences Makes a Significant Contribution to Russia’s Development

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (1952- ), addressing the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAN)

In an address to the RAN general meeting, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said, “The Russian Academy of Sciences (RAN) establishes scientific guidelines, it is responsible before society, it is honest and frank, and it is successful and ready for constant innovation. It will move with the times in future by preserving its spirit and traditions and will make a significant contribution to Russia’s development”. The session started on Tuesday and will end on 2 June in Moscow. Its agenda includes the election of a new president and selecting the members of its presidium, new academicians, and corresponding members. In his speech, Mr Putin outlined the key tasks before the RAN and its priorities. He said that all sectors of the RAN should join energetically in encouraging innovation and solve whatever problems are found in society, the economy, and business. The Russian government has already allocated substantial resources for the development of such areas as nano- and biotechnology, nuclear energy, and the aerospace industry.

Mr Putin said that the government has annually increased its allocations for scientific research. This year’s federal budget spending on civilian scientific research will be about 125 billion roubles (3.391 billion euros. 2.66 billion UK pounds. 5.276 billion USD) directly, which increases to about 200 billion roubles (5.426 billion euros. 4.256 billion UK pounds. 8.442 billion USD) when extra-budgetary funding is taken into account. The prime minister noted that an incentive system will be worked out to attract young people to scientific careers under the federal programme for 2009-13. For one, young scientists will be provided with houses, and the number of presidential grants for young scientists will be increased. The government plans to allocate 80 billion roubles (2.17 billion euros. 1.703 billion UK pounds. 3.307 billion USD) for this purpose. Mr Putin hopes that the Academy will be a partner in the realisation of a key priority project, the creation of a network of federal universities. Federal Universities will be scientific and educational centres meeting world standards, and their students and teachers would have access to the laboratories of the best institutes and an opportunity to use other rational forms of integration of science and education, Mr Putin emphasised.

29 May 2008

Yelena Studneva

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=27715&cid=59&p=29.05.2008

Human Unity in the Culture of the Carnival

Residents of St Petersburg had a grand time last weekend, revelling in a traditional carnival that brought together guests from 12 countries, including Argentina, the United States, Britain, the Netherlands, and Australia. For a city that is located on the banks of the Neva River on the spot where it flows into the Gulf of Finland, one that is criss-crossed by 308 rivulets and canals, rightfully called the “Venice of the North”, the motto of the Festival, “Water, Water – All Around Us”, sounds rather fitting. For this very reason, jellyfish, dolphins, mermaids, and many other undersea characters marched through the streets and squares of St Petersburg. Even classical music was performed on wineglasses and glasses filled with water. For the eighth time, the chief organiser of the event was Igor Garvyushkin, who represents Russia in the European Association of Carnival Cities. Even in the most difficult of times, there was room for nationwide festivals where people expressed themselves, Mr Gavryushkin said. Now, it seems, festival culture is witnessing a resurgence as never witnessed before, as there is danger of our society degenerating into a consumer society. Carnivals are designed to thwart this dangerous process by recreating local cultural traditions and involving many people in a culture-friendly environment that largely determines the quality of life.

Scene from an older Soviet film set in a carnival during tsarist times

Carnivals are amongst the most loved pastimes, popular since ancient times. a carnival has its own face depending on the location, be it the Great Orange Battle in Ivrea, Italy, “A Tribute to the Cucumber” in the old Russian town of Suzdal, the Carnival of Cultures in Berlin, the Samba Carnival in Brazil, the New Year Parade in China, or the Goa Carnival in India. This year, the European Association of Carnival Cities placed the Petersburg Carnival in Category A, making it equal in rank with the Venetian one and acknowledging it as a specific cultural tradition. Other candidates seeking the European carnival status include a wide range of cultural centres in Siberia, the Urals, and the Volga.

29 May 2008

Olga Bugrova

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=27698&cid=62&p=29.05.2008

Moscow Architectural Biennale Opens

Architectural rendering of the Russia Tower, under construction in Moscow, due for completion in 2012. It shall be 612.2 metres (2,009 feet) in height, have 118 stories, accommodate 30,000 people, and have an underground parking area for 3,680 automobiles. It shall be the tallest building in Russia, and the second-tallest in the world.

A month-long biennial architectural fair opened last Tuesday in Moscow. It brings together architects of 18 nations. This way-of-life biennale comes on the crest of an unusually high wave of construction projects that are sweeping Russia, and, of course, the nationwide “Affordable Housing” programme. The man who runs the Russian section of this event, David Sarkisyan, put the limelight on architects and urban designers with new solutions to the problem of constructing inexpensive housing. He said, “The biennale does not focus on glamorous projects, but, on social projects of Russian origin. The whole world is curious about Soviet social projects of the 1970s. A wave of experimental construction swept the Soviet Union in that period. The Soviet Union was the first to launch a sweeping effort to provide people with affordable housing units and it blazed new trails in doing this”.

The Russian section of the architectural biennale features blueprints for construction projects in the suburbs of Moscow and other sprawling urban areas. There are quite a few suggestions for the renovation of old neighbourhoods and the redevelopment of former industrial zones. One has to admit that Russian architects refuse to shy away from efforts to plan sizable developments. They take all things into consideration, environmental protection and creature comforts included. Vasili Bychkov, the Biennale Director, said that the better part of the exhibited blueprints have little to do with day-dreams; some of them are commissioned projects. Mr Bychkov said, “The steering committee tried to add a touch of versatility to the Moscow biennale so as to make this architectural forum comprehensive. A traditional Arch-Moscow exhibit is a component part of this event. It presents quite a few architectural studios and design centres of foreign nations in the mainstream of the Moscow biennale”.

Dutch architect Bart Goldhoorn feels Russia can cash in on the European experience in large-scale construction ventures. The biggest construction project in Germany was launched in a suburb of Frankfurt. Blueprints for it can be seen in the international section of the Moscow biennale. Plans for the extension of old Poundberry were put on display by Britain. They and blueprints for construction ventures in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Utrecht, and Helsinki can also be seen in the international section. A modern view of urban development is supplemented by a bit of history. An exhibit of communal housing units of the 1930’s highlights masterpieces of Russian constructivism. It shows how people’s vision of an ideal way of life has changed in less than a hundred years.

30 May 2008

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=27735&cid=62&p=30.05.2008

European Union Tries to Legalise its Presence in Kosovo

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (1948- ), NATO Secretary General

The Kosovo problem remains a sore point in relations between the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union. It was a central topic at a meeting of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer in New York on Wednesday. The key issue is who should take responsibility for the situation in the region where Albanian separatists unilaterally proclaimed independence. Under UN Security Council Resolution 1244, a UN mission in Kosovo governs that Serbian region. Nonetheless, with the support of the USA, the EU claims the right to send its own mission there.

In the opinion of Pavel Kandel, an expert at the Institute of Europe, “According to the EU, its mission should take over the functions of the UN mission. In such a way, supervision over the region will be transferred from the UN to the EU. As this decision was taken in circumvention of the UN, it cannot be seen as legal”.

A 2,000-member mission from the EU, however, is being deployed in Kosovo, comprising policemen, lawyers, and officials. The deployment is expected to be completed by 15 June, the deadline for adopting the Kosovo Constitution. Some 300 members of the EU mission have already arrived in Kosovo. Yet, they did not get down to work, since they lack both infrastructure and clearly defined duties. Serbia and many other countries not recognising the UDI of Kosovo regard the deployment of the EU mission in Kosovo as violation of international law.

Under the circumstances, EU leaders are searching for a pretext to legalise the presence of the EU mission in Kosovo. Recently, there was talk that the EU mission can act under UN aegis. Notably, the head of the UN mission, Joachim Rücker, came up with the proposal. What is required, however, is the consent of the UN Security Council. So far, it has not been given.

29 May 2008

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=27683&cid=67&p=29.05.2008

Recognition of the UDI of Kosovo is not within the Competence of the EU

Dmitri Rogozin (1963- ), Russian Representative to NATO

Does a European Union mission being deployed currently in Kosovo comply with international law? Vladimir Chuzhov, the Russian Representative to the European Communities in Brussels expressed his viewpoint on the issue in an interview for the Moscow-based newspaper Vremya Novostey (Current News). He said that Russia has nothing against the EU playing a restricted role in the Kosovo settlement and sending a mission to Kosovo on a legitimate basis. But, this requires a special resolution of the UN Security Council.

Meanwhile, the European Union is seeking a unilateral deal with the UN to hand over the mandate of the UN Transitional Authority in Kosovo to EU representatives. But, this cannot happen unless it is approved by the UN Security Council and Serbia. The unilateral declaration of independence by Albanian separatists in Kosovo changes nothing. The functions of the EU mission are unclear. If it focuses on maintaining law and order in Kosovo… that’s one thing. But, if it’s used as a tool to prop up Kosovo’s independence… that’s quite a different thing. Considering that leading EU countries have already recognised Kosovo, the latter option seems more likely. But, this clashes with the aims and tasks of the international presence in the region, let alone the fact that issues pertaining to the recognition of Kosovo are within the competence of the Untied Nations and not within that of the European Union.

Dmitri Rogozin, the Russian Representative to NATO, warns that developments in Kosovo may provoke a chain reaction in other regions of Europe. What will the consequences of Kosovo’s independence be? But, it’s already clear to everyone. We will witness a spontaneous recognition of all sorts of independent republics. If Kosovo can become independent, then, why can’t the Basque provinces, Corsica, or Abkhazia follow suit? At present, there are about 200 similar “hot spots” throughout the world where ethnic conflicts are simmering. For many of them, the events in Kosovo may become a signal for action.

29 May 2008

Yevgeny Kryshkin

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=27766&cid=67&p=30.05.2008

Editor’s Note:

I had a pro-Bush commenter remark recently that most of the world had recognised Kosovo. Not so. In fact, with Russian and Chinese vetoes certain in the UN Security Council, the recognition of the legitimacy of the UDI of Kosovo is a non-starter under both the letter and the spirit of international law. George W Bush and his running-dog-lackey Condoleezza Rice have failed. Kosovo cannot become a member of the UN or any body affiliated with it. It cannot become a member of the EU, for Spain would veto it, at the least (the recognition of the illegal UDI of Kosovo would be a green-light to Basque terrorists and Catalan separatists).

In short, Kosovo is an American-created puppet-state, propped up solely by neocon rhetoric (pure wind). In fact, the Americans are paying for their stupidity. A patriotic coalition led by Vojislav Kostunica and Tomislav Ilic has come to power in Belgrade, mainly due to (rightful) Serbian ire at unwarranted American interference in the region. Bush slit the throats of his Serbian allies. Congratulations, GWB!

Prime Minister Putin and President Medvedev have made it clear that no independent Kosovo shall be tolerated under any circumstance. In any case, the US army is so war-weary and over-stretched, it is unable to intervene and prop up this fictive entity.

BMD

Archbishop Demetrios of the GOA (EP) Concludes His Visit to Moscow

Archbishop Demetrios Trakatellis (1928- ), First Hierarch of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (EP)

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On Wednesday, 28 May, Archbishop Demetrios Trakatellis of America (EP) and his official delegation concluded their official visit to the Moscow Patriarchate (MP) by visiting two of the most famous monasteries in Moscow. The evening before their departure, the archbishop and his staff were received by Mayor Yuri Luzhkov of Moscow, who has served in the post since his appointment in June 1992. The state reception was at the mayor’s official residence, a 200-year-old building located just a short walk from the Kremlin. Vice Mayor Valery Vinogradov welcomed Archbishop Demetrios and introduced him and his entourage to the mayor. Then, Mayor Luzhkov, accompanied by his staff and journalists, led his guests to the ceremonial hall for the formal welcome, refreshments, and a discussion. It is worth noting that the hall is dominated by a huge icon of St George the all-Victorious (the patron saint of Moscow) and examples of Classical Greek sculpture. In the dialogue that followed, both the mayor and the archbishop commented on the importance of the reconstruction of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, a project in which the mayor was deeply involved. Mayor Luzhkov gave Archbishop Demetrios the gift of a commemorative crystal bowl with the likeness of the Cathedral, and the archbishop reciprocated with a gift of a commemorative sliver plate from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese (EP).

The following day, before they departed Moscow, the archbishop and his assistants were received at the Danilovsky and Donskoy Monasteries, two of the most important in Moscow. The Danilovsky Monastir, or St Daniel Monastery, is the oldest monastic house in Moscow. The archbishop was met there by its superior, Archimandrite Aleksei, and he was given a tour of the monastery complex (the headquarters of the MP: editor’s note). After the visit, the delegation went to the Donskoy Monastery, which houses the relics of Patriarch St Tikhon of Moscow the New Martyr, who was the Orthodox primate of North America in the early 1900s. The archbishop, and those with him, accompanied by clergy of the MP, was greeted by Bishop Aleksandr of Mitrof (?) and the Abbot of the monastery, and members of the brotherhood. Archbishop Demetrios was given a gift of flowers. The archbishop was escorted into the main church, where a molieben of thanksgiving was served before the relics of St Tikhon of Moscow. Following the service, the archbishop was given a tour of the famous Donskoy Monastery Cemetery, which includes the tombs of 19th century Pontian Greeks. He was also shown the surviving marble high reliefs from the original Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, which was dynamited by the communists under the orders of Kaganovich in 1931. After the tour of the monastery was over, the archbishop was accompanied to the airport by Bishop Aleksandr and representatives of the MP.

29 May 2008

Worldwide Faith News

http://www.wfn.org/2008/05/msg00282.html

Editor’s Note:

I shall content myself with saying that the upcoming Archpastoral Council of the MP, to be held in June, has the keynote theme of “unity”. Hmm…

BMD