Voices from Russia

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

20 November 2012. RIA-Novosti Infographics. Leading Oil-Exporting Countries in Africa and the Middle East

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On 14 November, Israel opened large-scale military operations against militants in the Gaza Strip. The subsequent worsening of the situation led to a rise in world oil prices. Which countries in the Middle East are the largest players in the market for “black gold?” In order to stabilise the price of oil, in 1960, major oil-exporting countries established an international intergovernmental organisation, OPEC (Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries). It has 12 members:

The purpose of OPEC is to coordinate and develop a common policy on oil production among its member-countries, maintaining stable oil prices, to ensure a stable supply of oil to consumers, and to control investment in the oil sector. The member-countries control about two-thirds of the world’s oil reserves. They control 40 percent of global oil production, which accounts for half of the world’s exports of the product.

20 November 2012

RIA-Novosti

http://en.rian.ru/infographics/20121120/176556281.html

Saturday, 15 September 2012

Muslim Rage Spreads Worldwide

Protestors outside the American Embassy in Cairo (Cairo GovernorateEGYPT

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Protests against the American film Innocence of Muslims has begun to spread all over the world. There’ve been attacks on American Embassies worldwide as Muslim anger against American policies and meddling continued. The protests involved hundreds of thousands; for the most part, they’re peaceful, with the largest part of the most serious violence directed at American Embassies and businesses, and in one case, protesters burned down an American school. Since the murders in Benghazi, there have been no reports of violence against Americans.

Mass protests by Muslims continue to spread to more and more countries as outrage in the Islamic world escalates due to the trailer of an American film ridiculing the Prophet Mohammed called Innocence of Muslims, which appeared on the internet. Although the film was the spark that lit the flames of the violence, massive longstanding grievances and anger against the USA and its attempts to force its policies on countries worldwide, as well as the constant meddling of the USA into affairs in Muslim world are now serving to feed the escalating violence. The deep socioeconomic problems in Arab Spring countries, something that hasn’t been addressed, is also playing into the hands of Islamists and adding more fuel to the crisis.

All over the world, governments are asking Muslims to show restraint and not to escalate the level of violence. On Friday, the protests spread from Egypt and Libya to other countries including Israel, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. There were also widespread protests in countries outside the Middle East, including but not limited to Bangladesh, Kashmir, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Qatar.

Israel

In Jerusalem, a protest near the Damascus Gate turned violent when protesters began throwing rocks at police. Apparently, the protesters began to head in the direction of the American Consulate, but the police stopped them by using concussion grenades. According to Ynetnews, there were protests in Akko, in the Wadi Ara region, and in the towns of Baqa al-Gharbiyye and Umm al-Fahm, which were for the most part peaceful.

Yemen

Yemen saw some of the most violent protests with reports saying that security forces killed four protesters who were rioting near the American Embassy.

Sudan

In Khartoum, hundreds of protesters stormed the German Embassy and set it on fire. Police used teargas to dispel the protesters, who then began protesting outside the British Embassy nearby.

Kashmir

In Kashmir, in some of the largest anti-American demonstrations so far, at least 15,000 people took part in dozens of protests, chanting “Down with America”, “Down with Israel”, and calling US President Barack Obama a “terrorist”. The country’s top cleric demanded that Americans leave the region immediately.

India

In Chennai, protesters threw stones at the American Consulate, shattering some windows and burned an effigy of Obama. Police arrested more than 100 protesters.

Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, about 5,000 people marched in Dhaka burning American and Israeli flags and calling for the death of the film-maker. Police stopped them from reaching the American Embassy.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, the most populous Muslim nation in the world, protests were extremely peaceful, as only about 200 protesters held a peaceful protest outside the heavily-guarded American Embassy in Jakarta.

Iran

There were more protests in Tehran, including demonstrations outside the Swiss Embassy (which represents American interests in Iran). Reports say Ayatollah Jannati, the head of the Guardian Council, denounced the anti-Muslim film during Friday prayers.

Tunisia

Three protesters were killed outside the American Embassy in Tunis, where demonstrators attempted to enter the compound. The demonstrators included ordinary Tunisians and Salafist activists. An American school was also set on fire.

Lebanon

Security forces in Tripoli killed one demonstrator as protesters attempted to storm a government building. In addition, protesters burned down an American Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant.

Syria

In Damascus, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the American Embassy holding a peaceful demonstration. Protesters carried images of President Bashar al-Assad and chanted anti-American slogans.

Pakistan

Hundreds of protesters attempted to march towards the American Embassy in Islamabad and were stopped by police far from the city’s diplomatic quarter where the embassy is located.

Qatar

Protesters filled the streets of Doha and lined the city’s main highway. No violence was reported.

In closing, I’d personally like to ask all Muslims to show restraint and demonstrate peacefully, as this was another provocation. Those who made the film want to see violence and want you to overreact. If you react violently, you’ll be playing into their hands.

14 September 2012

John Robles

Voice of Russia World Service

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_09_14/Muslim-rage-spreads-worldwide/

Sunday, 2 September 2012

2 September 2012. Our Russian Homies are Raking in the Victories at the Paralympics. URA!

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Honoured Master of Sport Aleksei Ashapatov, winner of the gold in the men’s discus throw… bannerbearer of Team Russia in the opening parade (click here for a page with a video… click on the top image for the vid… it doesn’t have an arrow on it)

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Margarita Goncharova, winner of the gold in the women’s long jump (click here for a Pervy Kanal video)

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Vladimir Krivulya, winner of the bronze in men’s powerlifting

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Roman Kapranov, winner of the gold in the 200-metres track event

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Honoured Master of Sport Olesya Vladykina, winner of the gold in women’s swimming

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Yelena Ivanova, winner of gold in the women’s 200-metre race

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On Thursday, Russian judoka Alesya Stepanyuk made it to the semifinals of the 2012 Paralympic Games in London after getting the better of Michele Ferreira of Brazil in the women’s 52-kilos (115-pounds) category. Later this week, Stepanyuk will face German rival Ramona Brussig.

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Russian powerlifter Vladimir Balunets took Paralympic silver in the under 48 kilos (106 pounds) event. This is Russia’s first Paralympic medal in London. The gold went to Nigeria’s Yakub Adesokan, whilst Egypt’s Tags Adbel Majid took the bronze.

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Russian swimmer Oksana Savchenko won the gold medal at the Paralympics in London in the 400-metre freestyle event. The silver went to Britain‘s Hannah Russell, with the bronze won by Spaniard Deborah Font. Earlier, in the same discipline in the men’s competition, Russia’s Sergei Punko won the gold.

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Margarita Goncharova won Russia’s third gold at the London Paralympics. She was the best in the women’s F37/38 long jump at 4.84 metres. The Silver went to Inna Strizhak of the Ukraine (4.79 metres) and the bronze went to China’s Cao Yuanhang (4.40 metres).

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Russia’s Marina Klimchenko won silver in the women’s air pistol 10-metre event at the London Paralympics. Macedonia’s Olivera Nakovska-Bikova snatched the gold and Iranian Sareh Javanmardidodmanis took the bronze.

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Russian powerlifter Vladimir Krivulya took bronze at the London Paralympics. He lifted 175 kilos (386 pounds) in the men’s 52 kilos (115 pounds) event. Nigeria’s Ikechukwu Obichukwu showed the same result, but won silver, as he was lighter. Gold went to China’s Qi Feng (176 kilos).

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Russian athlete Roman Kapranov won a gold medal at the 2012 London Paralympics in the men’s 200-metres track event, repeating a world record. The 29-year athlete clocked 23.10 seconds. The silver went to China’s Shang Guangxu (23.15), and the bronze to Colombian Omar Monterola (23.34). Russian Gocha Khugaev, who also took part in the final race, finished seventh (24.13). Kapranov’s gold medal was Russia’s fourth successive one at the London Paralympics.

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Russian Aleksei Ashapatov won a gold medal in the discus throw in the men’s wheelchair category at the Paralympic Games in London, in his best attempt, setting a new world record. Ashapatov threw the discus 60.72 metres. The silver went to Czech athlete Rostislav Pohlmann. Egyptian Metava Abouelkhir claimed the bronze.

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Russian footballists scored a crushing 8:0 victory over their Argentine rivals in the opening game of the Paralympic football tournament now under way in London. In the next few qualifiers, Team Russia, silver medallists in the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, will take on the Dutch on 3 September and Iran on 5 September.

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Russian powerlifter Olesya Lafina took silver in the women’s 48 kilos (106 pounds) event at the London Paralympics. She lifted 120 kilos (265 pounds). Gold went to Nigeria’s Esther Oyema (153 kilos (337 pounds)) and Shi Shanshan of China (114 kilos (251 pounds)) snatched the bronze. Now, Team Russia’s total is 5 golds, 4 silvers sand 3 bronzes.

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Russian Tamara Podpalnaya took silver in the women’s powerlifting event at the Paralympic Games in London. She lifted 119 kilos (262 pounds) in the 52 kilos (115 pounds) class. Joy Onaolapo of Nigeria took gold, setting a new record of 131 kilos (289 pounds). Bronze went to China’s Xiao Cuijuan.

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Russian Olesya Vladykina breast-stroked her way to Paralympic gold in the women’s swimming event in a record 1: 17.17. Vladykina won gold in the same event in Beijing four years ago. Fellow Russian swimmer Dmitri Grigoryev grabbed silver in the 100-metres butterfly event with a European record time of 56.89 seconds.

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Russian runner Yelena Ivanova won gold in the 200-metres race at the London Paralympics on Saturday, clocking 30.25 seconds. South Korea’s Min Je Jong finished second, ahead of the third-placed Janina Andrea Martínez of Argentina. Ivanova’s medal was the seventh Paralympic gold won by Team Russia in London. In the judo, Tatyana Savostyanova won the top award in the under 70-kilos (154 pounds) category.

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On Saturday, Russian runner Margarita Goncharova won Russia’s eighth Paralympic gold, covering 100 metres in 13.45 seconds… a personal record. China’s Jeng Yungfei finished second and the bronze award went to Ukrainian runner Inna Strizhak.

30-31 August/1 September 2012

Voice of Russia World Service

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_08_30/Russian-female-judoka-in-Paralympic-semifinals/

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_08_30/Russia-s-powerlifter-snatches-Paralympic-silver/

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_08_31/Russia-wins-second-400-meter-gold/

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_08_31/Russia-wins-another-gold-at-Paralympics/

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_08_31/Russian-shooter-takes-Paralympic-silver/

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_08_31/Russian-powerlifter-third-in-London/

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_09_01/Russias-team-wins-4th-gold-at-Paralympics/

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_09_01/Ashapatov-brings-Russia-fifth-Paralympic-gold/

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_09_01/Russian-footballers-score-first-Paralympic-win/

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_09_01/One-more-Russian-medal-in-powerlifting/

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_09_01/Russia-grabs-another-medal-in-Paralympic-powerlifting/

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_09_02/Russian-swimmers-win-Paralympic-gold-silver-in-London/

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_09_02/Team-Russia-bags-seventh-Paralympic-gold/

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_09_02/Russia-bags-8th-Paralympic-gold/

Thursday, 3 May 2012

A Subjective Assessment

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Recently, the American NGO Freedom House {it’s a pro-US government lickspittle front: editor} published a list of countries rating their stance on “freedom of speech”. Compared with a previous similar list by Freedom House, Russia’s rating rose one point higher… mainly because of an increased number of Internet and satellite television users. Freedom House makes similar reports every year. This year’s report brought no sensations. The main conclusion that one can draw from it is that the situation with freedom of speech in the world didn’t worsen very much within the last 8 years. Well, no news is good news, as the proverb says.

There are 197 countries in the rating list, divided into three categories… countries with free media, countries with partially-free media, and countries with no free media. This year, the numbers of countries in all three categories are approximately the same. European countries head the list. Finland, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Andorra, and Iceland occupy the first ten places, respectively. Germany is only in the 16th place. However, the US’s rating fell from its previous 17th place to 22nd place. Experts connect this with the current economic crisis in the US, which affects the financial welfare of independent media companies. Moreover, some experts say that the current US Congress won’t provide full security to media sources.

It surprised many Russians (and, probably, not only Russians) to find that Russia was only in 172nd place on the list, next to Zimbabwe and other African countries. This raised many questions among Russian experts. Elena Zelinskaya, the Vice President of the Russian journalist union MediaSoyuz, said, “I’ve commented on reports by Freedom House for many years, and I always wonder what methods they use whilst determining the amount of media freedom in a country. We’ve asked them this question several times, but never got any answer. Thus, I’ve no other option but to conclude that they don’t base their rating of Russia on any serious research, it’s only their opinion. Moreover, I believe that their opinion has nothing to do with reality. Since the Russian parliamentary elections in December, and the presidential elections in March, Russians have become much more politically active… the political competition was and still is very lively. Since December, Russian TV channels started to devote much more attention to politics. There are many more political discussions on the web as well… everyone who can log onto the web can attest to this statement”.

Of course, it’d be wrong to say that the relations between mass media and the authorities are always smooth in Russia. However, it’d also hardly be right to say that there’s less freedom of speech in Russia than, let’s say, in Sudan or Nigeria, currently gripped by civil wars. Nonetheless, Freedom House placed these two countries higher on their list than Russia. Namely, they placed Sudan in 170th place and Nigeria in 104th. Freedom House put Libya in 132nd place, even though the new government’s very intolerant of critics, where they can execute a journalist merely for having worked for the Gaddafi régime.

Vsevolod Bogdanov, the head of the Russian Union of Journalists, also disagreed with such a low assessment of freedom of speech in Russia, saying, “I believe that Russia has enough freedom of speech. After all, it’s very hard for a public figure to hide some secret from the public today in Russia. Sooner or later, this-or-that media source will reveal their secret. True, not everything’s always perfect in the relations between the authorities and the media in Russia, and we still have room for improvement in these affairs. But, all in all, there aren’t any grounds to call contemporary Russia a country without freedom of speech”.

Mikhail Fedotov, the head of the Russian Presidential Council for Human Rights called Freedom House’s assessment “ungrounded”. Mr Fedotov pointed up that, recently, on the initiative of his council, the Russian government decided to create a public TV channel. Besides, the RF Gosduma adopted laws to ease responsibility for slander and to toughen penalties for hindering journalists in carrying out their professional duties.

2 May 2012

Roman Mamonov

Voice of Russia World Service

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_05_02/73587370/

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